Council Highlights

Award of Tender for Wide Area Mower

The tender for a wide area mower was awarded to McLaren Equipment for $107,790.56 including HST recoveries.

Changes to Elmvale Community Garden

Council approved the relocation of the Elmvale community garden from Bishop Park to Robinson Park as Staff deemed it to be more suitable for its intended use. Additionally, the Community Garden Policy, made to be a clear, consistent, and risk-managed framework to support community gardening initiatives, was adopted.

Public Engagement on Natural Ice Rink Policy and Procedure

Council directed Staff to move forward with a public engagement process to develop a formal policy and procedure framework for natural ice rinks on Township owned property. Following public engagement, Staff have been directed to report back to Council outlining a recommended policy, procedure, and any associated resource or budget implications.

Stonemanor Woods Park Naming

Council approved naming Stonemanor Woods Park One as Oliver’s Mill Park and Stonemanor Woods Park Two as Victoria Wood Park. New signage will be installed at both locations.

Request for Extension of Draft Plan Approval - PGC Industrial Subdivision

Council approved the one-year extension of the Draft Plan Approval for the PGC Industrial Subdivision.

Authorization to Execute Pre-Servicing Agreement - Cameron Estates Phase 3

Council approved the Pre-Servicing Agreement for Cameron Estates Phase 3.

Authorization to Execute Stage 1 Subdivision Agreement - Ballymore Subdivision

Council approved the Stage 1 Subdivision Agreement for the Ballymore Subdivision.

Deeming By-law Request (Snow Valley Highlands Phase 5)

Council approved the Deeming By-law request for Snow Valley Highlands Phase 5.

Amendments to Fire Service Agreements

Council approved an amendment to the Establish & Regulating By-law 2018-041, which will provide delegated authority to the Director of Fire & Emergency Services to execute and revise fire service agreements as deemed necessary.

Endowment Fund Policy and Investment Policy Amendments

Council approved the proposed Springwater Endowment Fund Policy and the amendments to the Township Investment Policy.

Feasibility of Establishing Dog Parks in the Township of Springwater

Council directed Staff to investigate the feasibility of establishing dog parks within the Township, including potential locations, costs, operational requirements and implementation, then report back to Council.

Inter-Municipal Recreational Access and Subsidy Program Review

Since 2001, the City of Barrie has offered Springwater residents the same opportunities for recreational programs as residents of Barrie receive. The agreement was cancelled by the City of Barrie in 2025 during boundary adjustment discussions. Staff were directed to report back to Council with options, analysis and recommendations for providing residents support in accessing recreational programs in adjacent municipalities that are unavailable in Springwater.

Provincial Bill 100 – Better Regional Governance Act, 2026

The Township of Springwater is opposing Bill 100 in its current form and does not support the Province appointing the Warden of the County of Simcoe, extending “Strong Chair” powers to the Warden, or introducing weighted voting without a clear and fair system for all municipalities. The Township is asking that the Government of Ontario revise the bill and consult local municipalities before making changes to municipal governance. The resolution is to be circulated to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Members of Provincial Parliament, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the County of Simcoe, and all Ontario municipalities, for their consideration. Additionally, it will be shared with local media outlets to reflect community concerns and communicate the Township’s position to residents.

Springwater-Vespra Lions Club Memorial Bench

Council approved the installation of a cement pad for a memorial bench in collaboration with the Springwater-Vespra Lions Club and Midhurst Recreation Association. The memorial bench will recognize the late Ron Coutts for his volunteerism and contributions to the community.

Aggregate Resources Act License - Lewis Pit Expansion

The Township of Springwater urges the Minister of Natural Resources to expedite issuing the ARA License for the Lewis Pit and requests that all existing and new conditions within the ARA License for the Lewis Pit be strictly enforced. A copy of this resolution is to be circulated to the Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario Association.

Communication Strategy - Orr Lake Health Updates

Council directed Staff to collaborate with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) to implement a coordinated communications strategy regarding the water quality in Orr Lake and report back to Council. Orr Lake is home to both seasonal and permanent residents. The intent of the communications strategy is to reach and educate all residents on the water quality of Orr Lake.

Ditching on Holloway Lane

Council directed Staff to investigate and conduct required ditching on Holloway Lane from municipal address 16 to 34, on the north side of the roadway, following reported damage to homes and properties and the inability to obtain insurance because of it.

Installation of an Automatic Gate at the Wiidookdaadiwin Lookout

Council directed Staff to initiate discussions with the County of Simcoe regarding the installation of automatic gates at the Wiidookdaadiwin Lookout and report back to Council. Currently, the gate is manually opened and closed daily by volunteers.