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, Chief Building Official-Emily McDougall, Fire Chief-Jack Burt, Parks and Facilities Manager-Mark Coleman, Committee/Planning Coordinator-Bob Stewart
Others Present: Signature Contractors Inc.- Don Bastien, Signature Contractors Inc.- Rui Matos
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
#08-01-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Closed Session
a. Closed Session
#08-02-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council move into a closed meeting at 1:01 p.m. with the CAO, Clerk and Municipal Solicitor in attendance pursuant to Section 239 (2)(b)(e) and (f) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons:
1. Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, specifically related to municipal land matters; and
2. Litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and
3. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
Carried
b. Reporting Out
Mayor McIver reported out that Council met in closed session with the CAO, Clerk and Municipal Solicitor in attendance to discuss advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, specifically related to municipal land matters, litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; and personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. Council accepted the Closed Session minutes from February 23, 2026.
4. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No.26-07, March 9, 2026
#08-03-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Council Meeting No.26-07, March 9, 2026, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
5. Public Meeting – a. Nil.
6. Delegation
a. Signature Contractors Inc. – Don Bastien and Rui Matos
Re: Tobermory Sidewalk Project
Mayor, Milt McIver welcomed the representatives from Signature Contractors Inc. to the Council Meeting.
Rui Matos provided an overview of the processes completed by Signature Contractors Inc., regarding the Tobermory Sidewalk Project, including the site and architectural plans, and noted current deficiencies related to accessibility features, crosswalks, and pedestrian guidance.
Council asked about the proposed plans for reusing the interlocking bricks currently used in the Tobermory sidewalks.
Mr. Matos noted that the bricks would not be reused, as the pathways would be expected to require replacement in approximately five years due to the natural shifting of the bricks.
Council asked about the timeline associated with the project and the potential impact on tourism.
Mr. Matos described timelines for the project and identified Harbour Drive as a potential location for a sidewalk and curb, which would create a designated parking lane and improve pedestrian safety.
Council asked whether the creation of a parking lane would provide additional parking spaces, asked if the sidewalks adjacent to Highway 6 are under municipal jurisdiction, and asked about the ability to expand the Tobermory Sidewalk Project if traffic lights were installed at the intersection of Hay Bay Road and Highway 6.
Mr. Matos noted that the proposed plan from Signature Contractors Inc. brings the sidewalk system up to code by creating the necessary infrastructure base and also allows for easy future expansion to accommodate additional parking areas.
Council asked if the new concrete sidewalks could be made to look like paving stones to maintain the charm of the existing interlocking brick sidewalks.
Mr. Bastien explained that their team can use several techniques to improve the look of sidewalks, including stamping, colored concrete, and different finishing options.
Council thanked Mr. Bastien and Mr. Matos for their presentation.
7. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Clerk Report No. C 26-09
Re: Shore Road and Road Allowances
Clerk, Alexandra Croce, provided an overview of the report, highlighting the inclusion of procedures for the sale of Shore Road Allowances and Unopened Road Allowances, as well as the associated application forms. Ms. Croce noted the legislated requirement for municipalities to maintain policies regarding municipal land,explained that the Comprehensive Land Policy establishes a framework for staff to process requests, and outlines a procedure for Council to review applications.
Council asked about the fees associated with the Comprehensive Land Policy.
Ms. Croce outlined the pre-consultation process and provided an overview of the associated application fee and required deposit.
Council asked about the reasons why an abutting land owner may want to purchase a portion of shore road allowance.
Planning and Committee Coordinator, Bob Stewart, noted that the purchase of an abutting shore road allowance may help address ownership issues, resolve encroachments, and ensure that appropriate setbacks are maintained.
#08-04-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives staff report C26-09 Shore Road and Road Allowances for information; and
That Council directs staff to:
1. Bring forward a by-law to establish a Comprehensive Land Policy for the Municipality; and
2. Proceed with the project plan as outlined in Appendix D in order to process the pending requests regarding municipal land matters.
Carried
b. Clerk Report No. C 26-10
Re: Election Report
#08-05-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives report C26-10 Election Report for information.
Carried
c. Treasurer Report TR 26-06
Re: 2026 Budget – Response to Public Meeting Comments
Council discussed the responses outlined in the report regarding public comments received at the March 9, 2026 Public Meeting Re: 2026 Budget.
#08-06-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives report TR26-06, regarding staff response to the comments received at the public meeting on March 9, 2026; and
That By-law 2026-30, being a by-law to Adopt the Estimates of All Sums Required During the Year and Set the 2026 Tax Rates, be presented and considered for passage at today’s meeting.
Carried
d. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 26-08
Re: Tender PW 2026-01 – Supply and Application of 58” Granular “A”
#08-07-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives report PW 26-08 titled Tender PW 2026-01 – Supply and Application of 5/8” Granular “A” for information; and
That Council awards the 5/8” Granular “A” Tender to Walker Aggregates Inc. for the amount of $345,000.00, excluding HST.
Carried
e. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 26-09
Re: Tender PW 2026-03 – Micro Surfacing
#08-08-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 26-09 titled Tender PW 2026-03 – Micro Surfacing for information; and
That Council awards the Micro Surfacing Tender to Duncor Enterprises Inc. for the amount of $487,320.00, excluding HST.
Carried
f. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 26-10
Re: Tender PW 2026-02 – Surface Treatment
Council asked about the number of quotations received for Tender PW 2026-02.
#08-09-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 26-10 titled Tender PW 2026-02 – Surface Treatment for information; and
That Council awards the Surface Treatment Tender to Walker Construction Ltd. for the amount of $639,985.00, excluding HST.
Carried
g. Public Works Manager Report No. PW-11
Re: 2025-2026 Lion’s Head Drinking Water System Inspection Report
#08-10-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 26-11 titled 2025-2026 Lion’s Head Drinking Water Inspection Report; for information; and
That Council directs staff to advise the system users through the Municipal Ad in The Bruce Peninsula Press that the Inspection Report is available for viewing on the Municipal Website.
Carried
h. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 26-05
Re: Exemption from Tent and Trailer By-law
#08-11-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives report BD26-05 Exemption from Tent and Trailer By-law for information; and
That Council approves the application for exemption from the Tent and Trailer By-law for a special event at the subject property.
Carried
i. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 26-03
Re: Imperial Falconry Services Agreement
Council asked about the overgrown areas of the Lion’s Head Beach that were identified within the report, and about the long-term plan regarding the use of the services.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, provided an overview of the Lion’s Head Beach, highlighting that certain sections were naturalized a few years ago to assist with deterring geese from the shore., and that after the service is used for approximately three years, staff will have a clearer understanding of future needs.
Council discussed the success of the program in 2025.
#08-12-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives report PF 26-03 Imperial Falconry Services Agreement as information; and
That Council authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a service agreement with Imperial Falconry Services Inc for Falconry-based Abatement Techniques for Nuisance Bird Mitigation within Lion’s Head Harbour for the period April 1 to December 31, 2026.
Carried
j. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 26-04
Re: Draft Parks and Facilities By-law
Council asked about the location of barbeques within the Municipality.
Mr. Coleman noted that barbeques are available at the Lion’s Head Harbour, Lion’s Head Beach and the Tobermory Community Centre.
Council asked about the definitions section of the by-law and the inclusion of the Chief By-law Officer under “Managers.”
#08-13-2026
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives report PF 26-04 Draft Parks and Facilities By-law for information; and
That Council directs staff to bring forward a by-law to adopt the Draft Parks and Facilities By-law for final passage at a subsequent meeting.
Carried
k. Fire Chief Report No. FD 26-02
Re: Purchase of a New Fire Department Tanker
Council asked about additional equipment for the new tanker, and whether Parks Canada had been consulted in assisting with the costs of fire protection services and resources.
Fire Chief, Jack Burt, noted that the only additional purchase required will be new hose for the truck and that a meeting with Parks Canada had been scheduled.
#08-14-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives report FD 26-02 Purchase of a New Fire Department Tanker for information; and
That Council authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with Battleshield Industries Limited for the purchase of a fire department tanker for the purchase price of $768,000.00, plus $99,905.00 in applicable taxes.
Carried
l. Fire Chief Report No. FD 26-04
Re: Sole Source Purchase of Firefighter Bunker Gear
Council asked about cost comparisons for firefighter bunker gear among alternative suppliers, and about the status of the Firefighter Bunker Gear replacement plan.
Mr. Burt advised that pricing is generally consistent across suppliers, noted that the Department is satisfied with the gear previously purchased from PPE Solutions, and that efforts are ongoing to replace gear that is out of service.
#08-15-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives report FD 26-04 Sole Source Purchase of Firefighter Bunker Gear for information; and
That Council waives Section 5.2 Informal Quotation Purchases $30,000 to $60,000 of Bylaw 2023-38 Purchasing Policy, and;
That Council authorizes the Fire Chief to enter into an agreement with PPE Solutions for the purchase of ten (10) sets of Bunker Gear for $38,430.00 plus $4,995.90 HST through the Canoe procurement process.
Carried
m. Accounts Payable Voucher
Re: February 2026
#08-16-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives approved Accounts Payable Voucher for February 2026, in the amount of $1,482,228.68.
Carried
8. Other Business
a. Councillor Dowd informed Council that the Municipality’s individual contribution to the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board has increased from $10,800.00 to $15,000.00, due to a recent reallocation of costs.
9. Correspondence – Requiring Council Direction
a. Tobermory Meeting Place
Re: Request for Letter of Support – Bruce County Spruce the Bruce Grant Application
#08-17-2026
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council supports The Meeting Place in their application to Bruce County’s Spruce the Bruce – Product and Experience Development Grant.
Carried
10. Correspondence – for Information
a. John Currie
Re: Request to reduce speed limits on Myles Drive, Ray Drive, Rita Crescent, and Zorra Drive
Council referred Correspondence Item a. to staff for review.
b. Sue Lessard
Re: Comprehensive Land Policy Inquiries
Council referred Correspondence Item b. to staff for review.
c. Debbie Myles
Re: Comprehensive Land Policy Inquiries
Council referred Correspondence Item c. to staff for review.
d. Grey Bruce Ontario Health Team
Re: Grey-Bruce Primary Care Patient Attachment Update
Council referred Correspondence Item d. to staff for review.
e. MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound – Paul Vickers
Re: Ontario Investing $5 Million in Reconstruction of Toronto Street in Markdale
f. MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound – Paul Vickers
Re: Ontario supporting 2025 Ice Storm Recovery in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
g. Clean Energy Frontier
Re: 2026 Conference – Save the Date
h. County of Bruce
Re: Letter of Support – Goderich Harbour Development
#08-18-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council supports Bruce County in its endorsement for the proposed Goderich Harbour Developments.
Carried
11. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2026-25
Being A By-Law to Establish a Comprehensive Land Policy for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
b. By-law 2026-30
Being a By-Law to Adopt the Estimates of All Sums Required During the Year and Set The 2026 Tax Rates
c. By-law 2026-31
Being A By-Law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on Monday March 23, 2026
#08-19-2026
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
12. Adjournment
a. Motion to Adjourn
#08-20-2026
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the meeting adjourns at 2:58 p.m.
Carried
