Council Highlights

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

Prior to the regular meeting of Council, a special meeting was held in accordance with the Township of Springwater’s Procedural By-law 2017-007.

Planning Public Meeting Regarding Finlay Mill Road, 1153, 1159 & 1167 Bayfield Street North (Chattha Group Bayfield Ltd.)

A Public Meeting was held to receive the application for Zoning By-law Amendment by Innovative Planning Solutions on behalf of Chatta Group Bayfield Ltd., with the application being referred back to staff.

Planning Public Meeting Regarding George Johnston Road (Tiny Hoppers)

The second portion of the Planning Meeting was held to receive the application for Zoning By-law Amendment by MHBC Planning on behalf of Tiny Hoppers, with the application being referred back to staff. 

Presentation from the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) to Provide an Update on Water Quality Monitoring in the Township of Springwater

The SSEA provided an update on the water quality monitoring in the Township of Springwater. The presentation provided an overview of current water quality conditions, recent monitoring results, emerging concerns, and ongoing SSEA initiatives, including the citizen science and water quality reporting programs.  

Resolutions re: Bill 97, the Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026 The County of Prince Edward, Townships of Machar and Southgate, and Municipalities of Chatham-Kent and Grey Highlands.

The correspondence and information items regarding Bill 97, the Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026, were received as information. Staff will be bringing an information report forward to a future meeting of Council to review the legislative changes. 

Draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law

The Draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law was presented to Council, which proposes to set clear rules regarding fencing and create a variance process for site-specific issues and disputes. The Draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law was referred back to staff for further review and additional information before it is brought to a future Council meeting.

Special Events By-law Update

The updated Special Events By-law was presented to Council for consideration, along with proposed fines that would also need provincial approval if the by-law is adopted.

Grenfel Community Park Outdoor Rink Board Replacement

Council awarded the Grenfel Community Park outdoor rink board replacement project to Athletica Sports Systems for $168,000, plus HST ($170,956.80 including recoverable HST). The project includes new dasher boards, a protective netting system, and painting four pickleball court lines on the rink floor, which will be funded through the Mick’s Subdivision contribution held in the Land Acquisition Reserve.

Request for Addendum to Swoop Fiber Public Wifi

The request to expand the Township’s agreement with SwoopFiber to provide free public Wi‑Fi at the Elmvale Community Hall and parking area, including support for the Farmers’ Market and community events was supported by Council. Staff will work with Swoop on technical, privacy, safety, and accessibility requirements before any Wi‑Fi is introduced in Homer Barrett Park, Bishop Park, or Heritage Park.

Award of 2026-32-PW – Professional Engineering Consulting Services for Roads Needs Study

The Professional Engineering Consulting Services for Roads Needs Study was awarded to R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited for professional engineering consulting services for the Roads Needs Study, in in the amount of $64,805.90, excluding HST, with an additional $42,505.90, excluding HST, to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve. The Township completes a Roads Needs Study every three years to assess road conditions, identify future repair needs, and help plan long-term funding. The 2026 study will review approximately 338 kilometres of paved roads and provide updated information to support asset management and future road improvement planning.

Development Charges Reduction Program

Council approved moving forward with an application to the Development Charge Reduction Program, which could provide funding to help accelerate housing development through a reduction in residential development charges by 30% for a period of three years. A further staff report will be provided outlining financial implications of such a program should the Township be successful in its application. 

Utility Billing Frequency, Costs & Paperless Savings

Staff were directed to report back for Council’s consideration of a detailed cost estimate and implementation timeline for transitioning to a bi-monthly or monthly utility billing cycle, including resident inquiry data. 

Water Leak Adjustment Policy & Municipal Benchmarking

Council adopted the Water Leak Adjustment Policy, amended to apply to both residential, commercial and industrial properties and to take effect retroactively to January 1, 2026. Those seeking to apply for an adjustment through the policy are encouraged to contact the Township Finance Department.

Notice of Motion Regarding Parking on Train Avenue East

Due to safety concerns about parking and traffic on Train Avenue East, staff have been directed to prepare a by-law amendment to restrict parking on the south side of Train Avenue East from Yonge Street South to Simcoe Street. The proposed by-law will come back to Council for consideration at a future meeting.

Notice of Motion Regarding Request for Hydroseeding

After recent ditching work in northeast Elmvale, residents raised concerns that regular grass seed may not grow well because of the soil conditions. Council has directed staff to use hydroseeding to restore the affected areas.

Notice of Motion Regarding Support for Recommendation #1 of the Renfrew County Inquest Regarding Intimate Partner Violence

Council is supporting a call for the Province of Ontario to formally declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. Council is also expressing support for victims, survivors, and the organizations that provide prevention, shelter, counselling, and other support services, and will share this resolution with the Province, AMO, the County of Simcoe, and all Simcoe County municipalities.