Members Present: Mayor-Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor-Rod Anderson, Councillor-Todd Dowd, Councillor-Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor-Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer-Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Clerk-Alexandra Croce, Deputy Clerk-Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer-Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager-Troy Cameron, Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer-Carol Hopkins, Fire Chief-Jack Burt, Committee/Planning Coordinator-Bob Stewart
Others Present: FoodCycle Science – Farah Sheriffdeen (Via Zoom)
Tobermory Chamber of Commerce – Kent Wilkens, Darci Lombard, and Brian Woelfle
Welcome Platform – Liwordson Vijayabalan (Via Zoom)
1. Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
a. Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
2. Approval of the Agenda
a. Approval of the Agenda
#28-01-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No. 25-27,October 27, 2025
#28-02-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-27,October 27, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
4. Public Meeting
a. Public Meeting
Re: Deputy Clerk Report No. DC 25-07
– Bed and Breakfast Licensing Policy Survey Data Review
Mayor McIver opened the Public Meeting at 1:02 p.m.
Members of the public attending the meeting in person and online were asked if they had comments or questions regarding Deputy Clerk Report No. DC 25-07 – Bed and Breakfast Licensing Policy Survey Data Review.
No public comments were received.
Mayor McIver closed the Public Meeting at 1:05p.m.
#28-03-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Report No. DC 25-07 Re: Bed and Breakfast Licensing Program Survey Data Review; and
That Council directs staff to proceed with the development, implementation, and promotion of a Bed and Breakfast Licensing Program.
Carried
5. Delegation
a. FoodCycle Science – Farah Sheriffdeen (Via Zoom)
Re: Framework for Sustainable Food Waste Management
Mayor McIver welcomed Farah Sheriffdeen to the Council meeting.
Ms. Sheriffdeen gave a presentation from FoodCycle Science regarding a Framework for Sustainable Food Waste Management, education opportunities, a proposed expansion of program services, and the results of the FoodCycler Pilot Project within the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula in 2023 and 2024.
Council engaged in discussion regarding the proposed expansion of program services, including the cost of each unit, cycle speed, energy utilization, and grant opportunities.
Council requested a cost comparison between the proposed FoodCycler program and a Municipal Green Bin program.
Council noted that they will consider the proposal and follow up with Ms. Sheriffdeen at a later date.
Council thanked Ms. Sheriffdeen for her presentation.
b. Tobermory Chamber of Commerce – Kent Wilkens, Darci Lombard, and Brian Woelfle
Re: Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Strategic Plan
Mayor McIver welcomed Kent Wilkens, Darci Lombard and Brian Woelfle to the Council Meeting.
Kent Wilkens provided an overview of the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce Municipal Accommodation Tax Strategic Plan including information on visitor statistics, regional tourism strategies, promotional material, programming, website expansion, establishing partnerships, and next steps.
Council engaged in discussion surrounding the schedule for the transfer of the Municipal Accommodation Tax to the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce as per the terms of the agreement.
Darci Lombard provided Council with a summary of issues observed in Tobermory during the 2025 tourism season, including matters related to the paid parking program. Ms. Lombard included a request to amend the parking program dates to June 15 – September 15, for a review of enforcement provisions and practices, and an assessment of parking machine functionality.
Council thanked Kent Wilkens, Darci Lombard, and Brian Woelfle for their presentation.
c. Tobermory Chamber of Commerce – Liwordson Vijayabalan (Via Zoom), Kent Wilkens, Darci Lombard, Brian Woelfle
Re: Tobermory App
Mayor McIver welcomed Liwordson Vijayabalan to the Council Meeting.
Council received a presentation from Mr. Vijayabalan regarding the potential development of an app using the Welcome Platform to enhance visitor experiences in Northern Bruce Peninsula. The presentation provided an overview of the app’s capabilities, including personalized experiences, data insights and analytics, accessibility features, user engagement, interactive elements, and support for entrepreneurship and workforce development.
Mr. Vijayabalan mentioned that Council could refer to the recently launched City of London app, which was developed using the Welcome Platform.
Council discussed the benefits of the information repository, the associated costs, and requested clarification on content management and update processes.
Darci Lombard noted that the app is anticipated to cost $20,000.00 annually, and requested that the cost be split equally between the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality.
Mr. Vijayabalan noted that content is populated in partnership with the Welcome Platform and is managed and updated pursuant to the terms of the app agreement.
Council thanked Mr. Vijayabalan for his presentation.
6. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 25-19
Re: Cabot Head Road
Council engaged in discussion surrounding the information contained within the report, including the historical, educational, and tourism value of the site, a potential combination of the proposed options for the project, communication with stakeholders, and the importance of public consultation.
Council requested a report outlining a combination of Options 2 and 3, from Report No. CAO 25-19, be presented at the November 24, 2025, Council Meeting.
#28-04-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receive Report CAO 25-19 Cabot Head Road; and
That staff bring forward a report outlining next steps to proceed with Options 2 and 3.
Carried
b. Clerk Report No. C 25-25
Re: 2026 Fees and Charges By-law
Council inquired about waiving rental fees for youth programming at the Lion’s Head Arena during non-prime times, and any implications.
#28-05-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the draft 2026 Fees and Charges By-law be brought forward to a Public Meeting on Monday November 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with respect to the proposed amendments; and
That Council enacts the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law at its regular meeting on Monday December 8, 2025.
Carried
c. Clerk Report No. C 25-26
Re: Application for an Encroachment Agreement for Lot 53 Eagle Road
#28-06-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council approve the encroachment application submitted by Josh Lyons and Jada Mielhausen to permit the construction of a gravel driveway within the unopened road allowance between Lots 35 and 36, Concession 4 West of the Bury Road, former Township of St. Edmunds, between Eagle Road and Lake Huron; and
That the applicants shall be responsible for all costs associated with the preparation and registration of the encroachment agreement; and
That the 1986 encroachment agreement be updated accordingly and presented at a subsequent meeting for adoption by by-law.
Carried
d. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 25-10
Re: Year-End Parking Report 2025
#28-07-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
THAT Council receives MLEO report No. 2025-10 Parking Report for 2025, as information, and
THAT the report be uploaded to Let’s Talk NBP for a period of thirty (30) days for public comment.
Carried
e. Treasurer Report No. TR 25-17
Re: Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
#28-08-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
Whereas the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula had eligible costs directly linked to the ice storm that began on March 28, 2025; and
Whereas the Ontario government is offering one-time financial support through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) Program to help municipalities recover from the event; now therefore
The Council of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula hereby requests assistance under the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program; and
Further that the Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, is given delegated authority to verify and attest to the accuracy of the attached application package.
Carried
f. Building Department Report No. BD 25-16
Re: No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement
Owners: Kenneth Roy Easton, Kelly Anne Gregory, Christopher
Robert Easton, Nicole Anne-Marie Wells
Plan 633 Lot 1, 80 Parker Island Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109 620 003 08600 0000
Property Identifier Number (PIN): 33444-0112 (LT)
#28-09-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That, the negotiation, and registration of a No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement requested by Mr. Kenneth Roy Easton, Ms. Kelly Anne Gregory, Mr. Christopher Robert Easton, Ms. Nicole Anne-Marie Wells, owners of the property legally described as Plan 633 Lot 1 and located at 80 Parker Island Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved.
Carried
g. Building Department Report No. BD 25-17
Re: Lift Holding (H) Zone
Owners: Kenneth Roy Easton, Kelly Anne Gregory, Christopher
Robert Easton, Nicole Anne-Marie Wells
Plan 633 Lot 1, 80 Parker Island Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109 620 003 08600 0000
Property Identifier Number (PIN): 33444-0112 (LT)
#28-10-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the removal of the Holding “H” zone requested by Kenneth Roy Easton, Kelly Anne Gregory, Christopher Robert Easton and Nicole Anne-Marie Wells of the properties legally described as TP Bury Pt Farm Lot 6 WBR RP R173 Part 6, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved, and;
The passage of By-law No. 2025-74 being a by-law to lift the Holding “H” zone, at its Council meeting on Monday November 10, 2025.
Carried
h. Building Department Report No. BD 25-18
Re: Lift Holding (H) Zone
Owners: Mr. John Roggemann
Plan 777 Lot 65 Pt Lot 69, 808 Pike Bay Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109 620 002 06600 0000
#28-11-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the removal of the Holding “H” zone requested by Mr. John Roggemann of the property legally described as Plan 777 Lot 65 Pt Lot 69, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved, and;
The passage of By-law No. 2025-75 being a by-law to lift the Holding “H” zone, at its Council meeting on Monday December 8, 2025, to allow for the required advertising.
Carried
i. Drainage Committee
Re: August 5, 2025, Meeting Minutes
#28-12-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Drainage Committee Meeting No. 25-05, August 5, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
7. Other Business
a. Mayor McIver expressed appreciation for the Certificate of Appreciation presented by the Ontario Command, recognizing the Municipality’s support of the Military Service Recognition Book.
8. Correspondence
a. Bruce County – Age Friendly Communities (Information)
Re: Q3 Update
b. CUPW.STTP (Information)
Re: Upcoming mandate review of Canada Post could affect jobs and services in your community
c. Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board (Information)
Re: 2026 Board Approved Budget
Councillor Dowd noted that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula’s 2026 contribution is $10,800.00, and that the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board is donating $5,000.00 to Crime Stoppers of Grey and Bruce.
d. Ministry of Infrastructure (Information)
Re: A message from the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure
e. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Information)
Re: Amendment to the Development Charges Act, 1997
f. MPP- Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Paul Vickers (Information)
Re: Ontario investing over $20 million in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Municipalities
g. St. Edmunds Property Owners Inc. (Information)
Re: Community Wildland Fire Protection Plans (CWPPs).
Council asked about a Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan.
Fire Chief, Jack Burt, advised that the Bruce Peninsula National Park is currently updating their Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan.
Council requested participation in the upcoming staff Emergency Management Training Exercise.
#28-13-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That correspondence items a-g be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
9. Closed Session
a. Closed Session
#28-14-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council move into a closed meeting at 3:13 p.m. with the CAO and Clerk in attendance pursuant to Section 239 (2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: c) A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (Arena Property Update).
Carried
b. Reporting Out
Mayor McIver reported out that Council met in closed session with the CAO and Clerk in attendance to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (Arena Property Update). Council approved the closed session minutes from October 27, 2025 and direction was given to the CAO.
10. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2025-74
Being a By-law to Amend By-law No. 2002-54, as Amended, Being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula As it relates to the Removal of the Holding (H) Zone Provision – Plan 633 Lot 1; 80 Parker Island Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
b. By-Law No. 2025-76
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, November 10, 2025
#28-15-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
11. Adjournment
a. Motion to Adjourn
#28-16-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the meeting adjourns at 3:32 p.m.
Carried
