Council Meeting Highlights - January 15

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.

County of Simcoe Municipal Insurance Pool

During a Special Council Meeting, Springwater Council voted in favor of joining the County of Simcoe’s Municipal Insurance Pool. This pool aims to stabilize and reduce insurance costs, emulating successful models from other Ontario municipalities. A detailed feasibility study highlighted potential savings of 13-27% compared to traditional insurance methods, with the Township expecting $1.0 million in potential savings over five years. 

Ontario Provincial Police Lease Agreement

Council authorized a lease extension agreement for a satellite office for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at Fire Station #3, located at 2303 Ronald Road in Minesing. The OPP has utilized a satellite office at Fire Station #3 since 2006 and the lease extension agreement extends to March 31, 2020.

Emergency Management Program By-law Update

Council has approved an update to the Emergency Management Program By-law. Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), municipalities in Ontario are required to develop, implement and maintain an Emergency Management Program. The update to the by-law addresses legislative changes, incorporates best practice and consolidates the Emergency Management Program into the Emergency Management By-law.

Fire Protection Grant

Springwater Fire & Emergency Services were successful in their application to the Ontario Fire Grant and received funding in the amount of $32,185.50 for the supply and installation of two AirMation Vehicle Exhaust Extractors, along with electrical updates to support the upgrades. The installation of the Vehicle Exhaust Extractors will ensure the women and men of Springwater Fire & Emergency Services will have enhanced protection from vehicle exhaust as well as providing for a cleaner environment within the fire station from harmful off-gassing of equipment after a structure fire.

Memorandum of Understanding - Hazardous Response Team

Council has supported the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazardous Response Team. The MOU establishes a trained Multi-Disciplinary Hazmat Incident Response Team which is available to respond to large-scale, complex, life threatening or environmental, natural or human-caused hazardous materials emergencies in participating municipalities. 

Ministers Zoning Order Request Information – 731 Sunnidale Road

Council received information regarding an application under the Township’s Ministers Zoning Order (MZO) Request Protocol for the property located at 731 Sunnidale Road. The proposal includes a total of 509 residential units across three townhome types. In order for Council to consider a request for MZO support, the Township’s MZO Protocol requires the applicant to notify the public and hold a Public Information Centre Meeting to obtain public comments. A Public Information Centre has been scheduled for the proposal and will be held virtually via Zoom on January 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.