Council Highlights - July 5

Hillsdale Batting Tunnel Delegation

Following a delegation from the Hillsdale Athletic Association, staff have been directed to investigate the costs, including maintenance and insurance, for the installation of a batting tunnel at the Hillsdale Ball Diamond. The report will be provided to Council in advance of the 2024 budget deliberations.

Elmvale Fall Fair Parade Busing Costs Delegation

Springwater Council has approved a $5000 donation to provide transportation for students to participate in the 2023 Elmvale Fall Fair parade. The parade, a time-honoured tradition in Springwater, is one of the largest school parades in Ontario, with students from across the municipality. The donation will be funded from proceeds of the Springwater Swing golf tournament.

Shipping Container Policy

Staff have been directed to draft a new Zoning By-law Amendment to modify the Township’s current shipping container policies. The Township’s Zoning By-law currently prohibits shipping containers in all zones, with the exception of the General Industrial/Outside Storage Zone. As part of the Zoning By-law Amendment Process, appropriate rules and regulations will be reviewed and a public meeting to gather public input will be held.

Elmvale Outdoor Digital Sign Policy

A number of community organizations have been granted access to the Outdoor Digital Sign located in Elmvale following a revision to the draft policy. The revision came at the request of the Elmvale & District Lion’s Club who provided a $20,000 donation towards the sign. Any community groups who are not listed in the policy may apply to use the digital sign and a committee made up of Council members will review the request and determine eligibility.

Great Canadian Outdoor Tradeshow

The Great Canadian Outdoor Tradeshow will take place on October 21 & 22 at Bradford Greenhouses. Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to attend the event.

Temporary Outdoor Patio Program

Council has approved a draft Temporary Outdoor Patio Program for 2023 which allows for outdoor patios on the sidewalk while conforming to necessary Building Code Act, Zoning By-law and Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulations and addresses public works concerns.

Council has directed staff to continue working on a permanent policy to allow for a more robust program in the future.

Subdivision Agreement – Stage 1 – Thompson Lands

Council has granted approval to execute a Stage 1 subdivision agreement which permits site alteration, earthworks and grading of the Thompson Lands located in Neighbourhood 1 of the Midhurst Secondary Plan Area. The neighbourhood consists of one hundred and sixty-seven (167) residential units.

Library Unaudited Year End Results

The Springwater Public Library 2022 unaudited year-end results show an operating surplus of $40,484. Council has allocated $10,421 to the Library Capital Discretionary Reserve Fund, and $15,031.50 to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve and Recreation Facility reserve respectively.

Subdivision Agreement – Stage 2 - Midhurst Heights

Council has granted approval to execute a Stage 2 subdivision agreement for the Midhurst Heights development. The agreement will authorize the installation of internal infrastructure including the construction of roads/curbs/sidewalks; installation of storm sewers, water main and utilities; and the construction of a stormwater management facility.

Traffic Calming – Sant Road

On June 21, Council directed staff to report back on traffic calming options on Sant Road. At their July 5 meeting, Council directed staff to begin a public consultation process regarding the installation of speed humps on Sant Road.

Outdoor Rink Tarps

Council has agreed to donate $2,300 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to fund tarps for the outdoor rinks located at Snow Valley Highland Park. The funds will be combined with $1,800 which was fundraised by local volunteers.

Official Plan Adoption

Following considerable work related to the Official Plan Update, the Township’s new Official Plan was officially adopted through by-law 2023-075. The new Official Plan modernizes land-use planning policies that will guide the community’s growth and development throughout the next twenty-five (25) years. Final approval from the County of Simcoe is required in order for the document to come into full-force and effect.

This summary is not a full representation of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council Agenda. Past Council Meetings are available for viewing on the Township’s YouTube channel.