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.

Planning Public Meeting Regarding 5 Train Avenue West (Pine Valley Elmvale Inc.)

A Public Meeting of Council was held to receive the application for Draft Plan of Subdivision, and Zoning By-law Amendment by Jones Consulting on behalf of Pine Valley Elmvale Inc. The application was received by Council and referred to staff.

Resolution re: Stop Gap Accessible Ramp Elmvale Business Improvement Area

The correspondence from the Elmvale BIA regarding the StopGap Accessible Ramp Project was received. The letter outlines the BIAs support for the project’s goals, which are to improve access to local businesses and public spaces by reducing barriers. It also requests that Township staff review the program, including potential partnerships, funding opportunities, and program requirements, and report back with recommendations.

Deputation to Council from Midhurst Landowners Group regarding Block 5 Cross-Border Servicing Arrangement with City of Barrie

The deputation from the Midhurst Landowners Group addressed the Block 5 cross-border servicing arrangement with the City of Barrie and its role in supporting future growth in the area. 

2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan

The Township of Springwater’s Municipal Election Accessibility Plan explains how the Township will make the municipal election more accessible for voters. It outlines the steps, tools, and supports that will be used to reduce barriers and help all eligible voters take part in the election as independently as possible. The Plan was endorsed by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Springwater Council. 

Waiving of Fees & Charges – Cody’s House

Council approved the request from Cody’s House Youth Centre to waive rental fees for use of the Hillsdale Community Hall twice a month from September 2026 to June 2027 for youth programming. The program will provide supervised activities that support mental health, skill-building, and social connection.

Vespra Hills Development 2636, 2694 & 2842 Wilson Drive and 1643 Snow Valley Road Legacy Golf Properties Inc.

Council reviewed the application to establish the land use permissions to permit a mixed-use subdivision development within the Snow Valley Settlement Area. Council received the planning report on the Vespra Hills Development and approved the proposed Official Plan Amendment, finding it aligns with provincial, County, and Township planning policies. The amendment will be sent to the County of Simcoe for approval, and the related zoning by-law will come back to Council once that approval is in place.

Snow Valley and Centre Vespra Municipal Drinking Water License Update

The Township worked with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and developers to update the Snow Valley Municipal Drinking Water License, helping support future water servicing needs. Water conservation remains a key priority, supported through public education, outreach initiatives, and promotion of efficient water use practices to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply.

School Bursary Program Update 2025/2026

The Township’s School Bursary Program is now in its third year and continues to support local publicly funded schools. This year, all eligible schools applied and a total of $1,000 was awarded, including $500 to Elmvale District High School and $100 each to five local elementary schools for their graduation ceremonies. Funds for the School Bursary Program are included in the Township’s annual operating budget.

Springwater – Barrie Cross-Border Servicing Agreement

Following the passage of Bill 76, Barrie, Springwater, and the Ontario Provincial Land and Development Facilitator prepared a compensation agreement that Springwater Council approved on February 4, 2026. The agreement provides Springwater with $22.93 million over five years and requires Barrie and Springwater to finalize a cross-border servicing agreement by July 1, 2026. The agreement will allow for the servicing of eligible properties in the Bayfield Street corridor in the City of Barrie. 

Elmvale Groundwater Project Grant Application to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Council discussed the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) funding for the Elmvale Groundwater Project, which was not approved. Through the Notice of Motion, Council requested that the project partners support a joint letter to the federal government calling for stronger recognition and support for community-based groundwater research and that letter will be sent to the Prime Minister, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, MP Doug Shipley, and all project partners.

Traffic Calming Measures

Council requested staff to explore traffic calming options to improve safety on Township roads, including speed humps, crosswalks, and digital speed signs. Staff will also review whether Yonge Street South, from Train Avenue to Houden Street, can be designated as a school zone, and examine how traffic calming measures could work on unassumed roads, with a report back to Council by July 8, 2026.

Request for Traffic Bollards

Council directed staff to install additional traffic calming bollards on several local roads in response to ongoing speeding and safety concerns. The new locations include William Street, Graham Street, Allenwood Drive, Nash Avenue, Centennial Avenue near Homer Barrett Park, Greenpine Avenue, and Frid Boulevard between Midves Court and Silverwood Crescent.

Annual Conference and Training Allowance for Councillors

Council approved a change to its remuneration and expense policy to allow one Council member to transfer their training budget to another member. Staff will also bring forward a report in early 2027 on possible future changes to how these budget amounts are allocated.