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, GIS/IT Manager-Kara Smith, Fire Chief-Jack Burt, Parks and Facilities Manager-Mark Coleman
Others Present: Senior Operations Manager – Grey Bruce Hub, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Léo-Paul Frigault (Left the meeting at 9:32 a.m.)
1. Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
a. Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.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
#02-01-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes – Nil.
4. Public Meeting – Nil.
5. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Treasurer Report No. TR 26-02
Re: 2026 Draft Budget – Draft 1
With the arrival of Léo-Paul Frigault, Senior Operations Manager – Grey Bruce Hub, Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), the OCWA recommendations were the first items reviewed within the 2026 Capital Budget presentation.
Léo-Paul Frigault provided an overview of the OCWA portion of the budget, providing insight on the requirements for water and wastewater systems in Lion’s Head and Tobermory for 2026.
Council asked about the cell capacity within the Tobermory Waste Water System.
Mr. Frigault noted that when sludge reaches 30% of a cell’s capacity, sludge management measures are required, with implementation anticipated in 2026.
Council asked for clarification surrounding sludge management.
Mr. Frigault provided an overview of a common sludge management practice, including pumping sludge from the cells, followed by dewatering, screening, and application to agricultural land.
Council asked about the tendering process associated with sludge management and alternative sludge management practices.
Mr. Frigault noted that companies submitting tenders for the project must hold the necessary approvals for the application of sludge to agricultural land, and provided an overview of a practice in which sludge is dewatered on-site prior to disposal at a solid waste facility.
Council asked whether the solid waste could be used as landfill cover to support the upcoming closure of the St. Edmunds Landfill.
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, stated that once dewatered, the sludge could potentially be used as landfill cover.
Mr. Frigault commented on the efficiencies of applying dewatered sludge.
Council asked about the anticipated frequency of aeration equipment upgrades and sludge management activities.
Mr. Frigault stated that sludge management is anticipated to be required again in approximately 20 years, with aeration upgrades expected in about 25 years.
Council thanked Mr. Frigault for his presentation.
Mr. Frigault left the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, provided an overview of the proposed Municipal Tax Levy for 2026, noting an anticipated increase of 4.53% in the tax rate.
Deputy Mayor Anderson left the meeting at 9:34 a.m. and returned at 9:36 a.m.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, provided an overview of the proposed Front Office and Kitchen Modernization and Council Chamber Modernization projects for the Municipal Office, noting an anticipated cost of approximately $30,000 per project.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, provided an overview of capital projects, as follows:
· Computer Hardware: $27,000
· Facility Booking Software: $10,000 – approved in 2025, carried forward
· Asset Management Software: $40,000 – approved in 2025, carried forward
· Internet Connectivity Improvements in Lion’s Head and Tobermory: $30,000
· IT Roadmap: $61,100
· IT Site Review and Reconfiguration: $65,000
Council asked about the Municipality’s cybersecurity status.
Ms. Smith stated that, following the completion of several tests, the Municipality is classified as very low risk, with staff education and ongoing monitoring contributing to this status.
Council asked about the status of risk assessments.
Ms. Smith stated that risk assessments are completed monthly by the Municipality’s IT provider.
Fire Chief, Jack Burt, provided an overview of capital projects, as follows:
· Bunker Gear Replacement: $30,000
Council asked if the replacement of bunker gear is anticipated to happen annually.
Mr. Burt noted that some firefighters currently have expired gear and that replacement is necessary as the typical lifespan for this gear is ten years.
Mr. Burt continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Personal Protective Equipment: $40,000
· Tanker Replacement: $800,000
Council asked about the anticipated delivery date for the replacement tanker.
Mr. Burt stated that due to vehicle supply, the replacement tanker could be delivered quickly.
Council inquired about the replacement plan for the truck.
Mr. Burt stated that several manufacturers have offered trade-in options for the vehicle.
Council asked about the anticipated lifespan of the new tanker.
Mr. Burt stated that the lifespan is approximately twenty years.
Council asked about the anticipated replacement dates for the remaining pumpers.
Mr. Burt stated that the anticipated replacement dates for the two pumpers at 2032 and 2036.
Clerk, Alexandra Croce, left the meeting at 9:53 a.m. and returned at 9:55 a.m.
Council asked about the availability of provincial funding at assist with the purchase of the new tanker.
Mr. Burt stated that there are currently no provincial funding opportunities available.
Council discussed issuing an invoice to the Bruce Peninsula National Park to contribute toward the purchase of the vehicle.
Mr. Burt continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Communication Equipment: $20,000
Council asked whether the Fire Department currently has satellite phones.
Mr. Burt stated that the Department has been exploring this option.
Mr. Burt continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Diesel Exhaust Extraction: $120,000
· Lion’s Head Fire Hall Generator: $50,000 – approved in 2025,carried forward
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, provided an overview of capital projects, as follows:
· Tar and Chip Resurfacing: $500,000
· Double Surface Treatment: $110,000
Council asked about the difference between the Tar and Chip Resurfacing and Double Surface Treatment.
Mr. Cameron provided an overview of the two maintenance treatments, commenting on aggregate size, application process and cost.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Asphalt: $80,000
· Micro Surfacing: $500,000
· Tammy’s Cove Road Project: $800,000
· North Shore Road Construction: $50,000
Council inquired about the potential to obtain easements to complete the project.
Mr. Cameron noted that one easement negotiation is currently in progress.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Cabot Head Road: $50,000
Discussion ensued surrounding the Cabot Head Road Construction project.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that letters have been sent to the applicable landowners along Cabot Head Road, with the next steps being a public survey, followed by a report to Council for direction.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Stokes Bay Road Construction: $150,000
Discussion ensued regarding the potential opportunity to upload maintenance of Stokes Bay Road to Bruce County, with regard to the upcoming completion of the Bruce County Road Assessment Plan.
Council asked about the length of Stokes Bay Road.
Mr. Cameron stated that the road is approximately five and a half kilometres long.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Cape Chin North Road Construction: $25,000
Council asked about the project investigation and the length of the road.
Mr. Cameron stated that this road has the highest grading request rate in the Municipality and is approximately five kilometres long.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Hidden Valley Road Bank Stabilization: $260,000
Council asked about maintenance plans and the long-term objectives associated with the road, and about the possibility of using the road as an emergency route.
GIS/IT Manager, Kara Smith, left at 10:32 a.m. and returned at 10:34 a.m.
Council discussed issuing an invoice to the Bruce Peninsula National Park to contribute toward road maintenance, as the road is regularly utilized to access their property.
Council asked about the current condition of the wheel track right-of-way from Hidden Valley Road to Shouldice Lake Road and the potential to allocate funding for its improvement from an emergency management perspective.
Mr. Cameron stated that the route currently requires maintenance such as tree trimming and gravel placement.
Discussion ensued about the level of work that can be completed on a wheel-track right of way.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Sidewalks and Curbs: $550,000
Council asked about the installation of sidewalks throughout the downtown cores and along Big Tub Road to improve continuity of the existing sidewalk routes.
Discussion ensued regarding the installation of sidewalks and crosswalks within the downtown cores, associated accessibility requirements, and the need to consider the overall traffic systems in these areas before proceeding with new sidewalks and crosswalks.
Mr. Cameron noted that a presentation on the Sidewalks and Curbs project will be provided to Council at an upcoming meeting.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Heron Point Bridge: $500,000
Clerk, Alexandra Croce left the meeting at 10:56 a.m. and returned at 10:58 a.m.
Council inquired about the project, including anticipated timelines, weight capacity, and work in water.
Mr. Cameron stated that the Request for Proposal is expected to be released shortly, that the bridge is anticipated to support vehicles weighing approximately 20–25 tons, and that the majority of the work will take place in the water due to the nature of the repairs.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Copper Kettle Bridge: $80,000
· Asphalt Paving Equipment: $60,000
· Sidewalk Machine: $220,000
· Roll-off Truck: $550,000
Council asked about the number of roll-off trucks required for the Public Works Department.
Mr. Cameron stated that with the anticipated closure of the St. Edmunds Landfill, a total of three trucks would be sufficient.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Emergency Road Closed Trailers: $15,000
· Weed Spraying Equipment: $20,000
Council asked about the previous cost associated with outsourcing to the Saugeen Shores Weed Spraying Program.
Mr. Cameron stated that the cost is approximately $5,000, plus the cost of the chemicals per visit.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Lion’s Head Shop Roof Replacement: $20,000
· Streetlights: $25,000
· Tobermory Sewer Main Servicing: $850,000, approved in 2025, carried over
· Tobermory Sewer Rate Study: $25,000
· Tobermory Sewer Servicing Master Plan: $50,000
· Lion’s Head Water- Bulk Water Station: $40,000
· Lion’s Head Water Servicing Master Plan: $128,400
· Waste Management Study: $20,000
Council asked about the impact on neighbouring municipalities regarding the anticipated changes to recycling collection.
Mr. Cameron stated that Waste Management subcontracts their routes for the majority of municipalities within Bruce County and noted that the proposed plan will help identify a course of action for the Municipality.
Council asked about the anticipated transition of waste collection following the closure of the St. Edmunds Landfill.
Mr. Cameron stated that information sessions will be scheduled closer to the transition period, and that the St. Edmunds Landfill will continue to serve as a transfer station for residents.
Mr. Cameron continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· St. Edmunds Landfill Site Closure: $35,000
Treasurer Teresa Shearer provided an overview of the Dunks Bay Archaeological Assessment capital project.
Council asked about the number of burials the budgeted amount of $10,000 would accommodate.
Clerk Alexandra Croce noted that the budgeted figure represents an estimate based on the number of archaeological screenings completed in 2025.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, provided an overview of capital projects, as follows:
· Lion’s Head Doctor’s Clinic: $10,000
· Tobermory Harbour Water Bottle Refill Station: $7,500
· Lion’s Head Marina “F” Dock Replacement: $261,000
· Tobermory Meeting Place: $5000
· 3 Centennial Drive: $280,000
Council asked about the water issues associated with the property.
Mr. Coleman stated that the slope and grading of the parking lot will address the water issues.
Mr. Coleman continued with his presentation of capital projects as follows:
· Lion’s Head Fire Hall and Library Heat Pumps: $40,000
· Parks Dump Trailer: $13,000
· Parks Pickup Truck: $75,000
· Campground Electric Mower: $8,000
· Arena Ice Resurfacer and Edger: $149,875 – approved in 2025, carried over
· Arena Scoreboard and Game clock: $20,000
· Arena Dehumidifier Replacement: $45,000
· Arena Ice Plant Control System: $60,000
· Arena Brine Pump Replacement: $45,000
· Arena Compressor Colling Pump Replacement: $8,000
· Arena Studies, Design, Site Preparation: $300,000
· Tobermory Library Concrete Stairs: $55,000 – approved in 2025, carried over
· Ferndale Information Centre Heat Pump: $25,000
· Rotary Hall Building Renovations: $155,000
· Accessibility Designs – Facilities: $14,000
· Accessible Pathways – Playgrounds: $7,000
· Mobi-Mats for Lion’s Head and Sandy Beaches: $14,000
· Steel Vented Storage Cabinets: $20,000
· EV Charging Station – Municipal Office: $5,000
Council asked about the status of the EV Charging Stations located at the Tobermory Community Centre.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that an agreement with the new owner is currently being finalized and that repairs to the units are underway.
Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, provided a brief overview of the Drain Clean Out for Judges Creek, noting that the Tender was awarded at the January 12, 2026, Council Meeting.
Following the completion of the 2026 Capital Budget Presentation, Council requested the inclusion of $20,000.00 in the 2026 Capital Budget for Audio-Visual Technology upgrades for the Council Chambers.
#02-02-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Draft #1 of the 2026 Capital Budget as information; and
That Council directs staff to proceed with the following capital projects prior to passing the 2026 Budget:
· IT Site Review and Reconfiguration Project
· Fire Department Tanker
· Dock “F” – Lion’s Head Marina; and
That upon consideration of any comments or input received from the review, Council directs staff to make the necessary revisions for review of Draft #1 of department budgets to be presented on February 9, 2026.
Carried
6. Other Business – Nil.
7. Closed Session – Nil.
8. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2026-05
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Special Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, January 26, 2026
#02-03-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
9. Adjournment
a. Motion to Adjourn
#02-04-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the meeting adjourns at 12:12 p.m.
Carried
