Council Meeting Highlights - March 19

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.

Minister’s Zoning Order Request for 731 Sunnidale Road

The delegation from MHBC Planning regarding a Minister's Zoning Order Request for 731 Sunnidale Road was presented to Council. The plan submitted in support of the zoning request proposes townhouses fronting onto private streets in a condominium, including 20 units specifically designated for affordable housing. Council received the report on the development proposal for 731 Sunnidale Road and expressed support for Sunnidale OP Inc.'s request to utilize a Provincial process to approve a mixed-use residential project on the proposed site.

Correspondence and Resolution from the Township of Oro-Medonte regarding the Barrie Boundary Adjustment Provincial Facilitation Process

The resolution passed by the Township of Oro-Medonte was recirculated to the Township of Springwater for potential support. Springwater Council received the correspondence from the Township of Oro-Medonte for information. The correspondence and resolution from the Township of Oro-Medonte pertains to the Barrie Boundary Adjustment Provincial Facilitation Process. The Township of Oro-Medonte expresses agreement with the province's housing objectives and demonstrates an openness to discussions that aim to rapidly build more homes and create jobs. The Oro-Medonte resolution emphasizes that these discussions be held in an open and transparent format, should include all parties, be conducted in a manner that everyone agrees upon, and be completed within six months or less. Additionally, they call for regular updates to be shared with key stakeholders throughout the process.

Renewal of Municipal Insurance Program for 2025/2026

Council has authorized the renewal of the Municipal Insurance Program for 2025/2026, approving all necessary contracts, agreements, forms, and other documents related to the insurance renewal effective April 1, 2025.

Tandem Truck Tender

The Tandem Truck Tender was awarded to Lewis Motors Sales Inc. for a 2026 International Model HV 615 tandem axle truck at a total cost of $416,518, which includes $2,000 for provisional equipment, plus HST ($423,848.72 after HST recoveries). An additional $3,848.72, including HST, will be funded from the Public Works Reserve.

14 Finlay Mill Road – Reduction of Securities

Council approved the reduction of securities for 14 Findlay Mill Road in the amount of $76,500.75 to be released to MacIntyre Family Holdings.

Elmvale Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

Council received the report on the Elmvale Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades and has awarded the contract to Baseline Constructors Inc. for $3,325,000, excluding HST ($3,383,250 with HST recoveries). Additionally, a 10% contingency of $332,500, excluding HST ($338,352 including HST recoveries) will be set aside for any unforeseen costs.

Ward Boundary Review – Additional Options

Council received the new options for the Ward Boundary Review and authorized an additional $5,000 plus HST for the consultant to investigate additional possibilities: 6 ward composition, without increasing the composition of Council, a 5-ward setup with a population trigger to add a 6th ward in Midhurst and using extra funding from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve. Council also instructed that further public consultations be conducted in a public meeting format.

Special Events By-Law Update

The Special Events By-Law Update was reviewed and referred to staff for further review to allow for Council to provide comments before any formal considerations or approvals.

International Competition Grant Program

Council received the International Competition Grant Program and instructed staff to develop a policy outlining the original eligibility criteria, application process, and evaluation methods for the program. The policy will also introduce a cap of two grants awarded annually. Starting in 2026, $2,000 from the Springwater Swing Fund will be allocated each year to support the International Competition Grant Program.