Springwater Council Meeting Highlights - February 5

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.

Elmvale Ball Park Lights

Springwater Council approved a financial assistance request from the Elmvale Ball Park Committee to assist with the replacement of outdoor lights at the Elmvale baseball diamond, located behind the Elmvale Arena on the Flos Agriculture Lands. The total project cost to replace the lights is estimated at $70,000 and Springwater Council agreed to a $35,000 donation from the Springwater Hydro Reserve Fund.

Additionally, the Mayor and Councillor Garwood have each donated $1,000 from their discretionary funds. The remaining funds required for the project will be fundraised through the Elmvale Ball Park Committee.

Georgian Bay General Hospital Update

Council received an update from the Georgian Bay General Hospital, which covered current patient numbers and key operational statistics. The hospital revealed future plans to implement MRI services, launch new mammography services, and expand with a 50,000 square foot addition to bolster their mental health services.

Ward Boundary Review

Council has directed staff to work with Watson & Associates Limited to determine costs and timelines to develop further options for the Ward Boundary Review.

Dust Suppressant -Extension of Term

Council has extended the contract with Da-Lee Dust Control Limited through 2025 for the supply and application of dust suppressant at a cost of $186,093.60 including HST recoveries.

Supply and Delivery of Bulk Highway Salt – Extension of Term

Council has extended the contract with Compass Minerals Canada Corporation through 2025 for the supply and delivery of Bulk Highway Salt at a cost of $78,785.17 including HST.

New Planning Department Software

The Planning Department will roll out the CityView Planning Software this year, building on its successful use by the Building and By-law Enforcement Departments. The Planning Module aims to modernize application tracking and will feature tools to:

• Accurately track application volumes, status and fees.
• Manage application timelines and scheduling of statutory public meetings to ensure compliance with the Planning Act.
• Streamline reporting of Planning Department activity to Council.
• Provide calendar reminders for time-limited agreements (i.e. temporary use agreements).
• Integrate with existing software currently used by Building and By-law Departments.

The cost for the CityView Planning Module is $91,910.00 exclusive of HST.

International Competition Grant Applications/Program

Two local residents will receive funding through the Township’s International Competition Grant Program. The International Competition Grant Program was inspired by local residents competing at the Sochi Olympics in 2014 and provides financial support to young athletes in Springwater competing at an international level.

The first resident will receive $1000 to assist with costs related to competing in Spain’s Dance World Cup. The second residents will receive $1000 to assist with costs related to competing in Quebec’s International Peewee Tournament.

With these two donations, the funding for the program has been exhausted and as such, staff have been directed to report back on the continuation of International Competition Grant Program.

2025 Asset Management Plan

The Township will continue working with PSD Citywide Inc. to meet the July 1, 2025 deadline for a comprehensive Asset Management Plan as required by O. Reg 588/17. The plan will include lifecycle costing, proposed levels of service, state of infrastructure, growth impacts and a financial strategy. The cost of the Asset Management Plan is $65,800 plus HST.

Notice of Motion – Renaming Midhurst Community Park

Council has approved renaming Midhurst Community Park back to its former name, Midhurst Lion’s Park, following a Notice of Motion by Councillor Fisher. The decision acknowledges the contributions of the Springwater-Vespra Lion’s Club. Additionally, Council has directed staff to replace the park signage with a budget of up to $3,500 from the 2025 Operating Budget.

Notice of Motion – Future Residential/Community Uses and Employment Lands

Following a Notice of Motion by Councillor Moore and Councillor Fisher, Council has directed staff to examine the necessary planning processes to consider an expansion of the Midhurst Secondary Plan area eastwards towards the Highway 400 Corridor. Staff will also investigate the availability of the Provincially Significant Employment Zone successor program, if any and evaluate the Midhurst Ultimate Wastewater Treatment Plant's capacity to independently service the study area and potential settlement area expansion. 

Additionally, Council has directed staff to report back with an update on the current status of the Growth Management Study currently being undertaken by the Municipality and direct the consultant to prioritize and expedite the initial focus of the study to include the Midhurst Settlement Area expansion, with an update provided to Council no later than June 2025.