Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Haldimand County Administration Building - Council Chambers
Council Present
  • S. Bentley, Mayor
  • D. McKeen, Councillor
  • J. Metcalfe, Councillor
  • D. Lawrence, Councillor
  • B. Adams, Councillor
  • R. Shirton, Councillor
  • P. O'Neill, Councillor
Staff Present
  • C. Case, Chief Administrative Officer
  • M. Evers, General Manager, Community & Development Services
  • T. Haedrich, General Manager, Engineering & Capital Works
  • M. Jamieson, General Manager, Corporate & Social Services
  • D. McKinnon, General Manager, Public Works Operations
  • M. Merritt, General Manager, Financial & Data Services
  • M. Andrews, Senior Planner
  • M. Brousseau, Chief Information Officer/Manager, Innovation & Technology Services
  • K. Franklin, Manager, Engineering Services
  • J. Gallagher, Manager, Emergency Services/Fire Chief
  • M. Lloyd, Property Coordinator
  • S. VanDalen, Manager, Planning & Development
  • C. Curtis, Municipal Clerk
Others Present
  • W. McKaig, Sullivan Mahoney


Mayor Bentley called the Council in Committee meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Councillor Lawrence read the Land Acknowledgement statement.

The Mayor and all Members of Council were in attendance.

Councillor McKeen, Chair of Public Meeting for Planning Applications, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Prior to commencing the public meeting, the Chair explained the meeting, delegation and appeal process. She noted that decisions made by Committee at this meeting would be given final consideration at the May 26, 2025 Council meeting.

M. Andrews, Senior Planner, presented the report.

L. Vacondio, Senior Planner, MHBC Planning was present on behalf of the proponent. L. Vacondio spoke to timelines, the approval process, location plan, and revised concept plan.

H. Fontaine, adjacent property owner, spoke in opposition to the proposed development, noting concerns related to traffic and bedrock.

R. Winger, adjacent property owner, spoke in opposition to the proposed development, noting concerns related to noise, zoning, privacy, impact on property value, traffic, and light.

S. Meyer, developer, spoke to the revised concept plan and timeline for submitting comments.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • The number of proposed and available parking spaces, including on-street parking options;
  • Timeline for large scale zoning amendment applications;
  • The intensification area and number of proposed townhouses;
  • Lot grading and drainage plans;
  • Projected construction timelines;
  • Capacity of existing Hagersville Wastewater Treatment Plant;
  • Rationale for reduction in the number of proposed units;
  • Intent and previous developments from the proponent;
  • Provincial legislation driving the increase in housing developments;
  • Planning application process;
  • Revised concept plan;
  • Zoning of subject property; and
  • Discussions scheduled with stakeholders.

There being no one else present to speak either for or against this application, deliberations concluded with the introduction of the following recommendation.

  • Recommendation1
    Moved By:Councillor Metcalfe
    Seconded By:Mayor Bentley

    THAT Report PDD-03-2025 Information Report – Zoning By-law Amendment Application to Facilitate a 115-Unit Townhouse Development, 139-143 King Street West, Hagersville be received.

    CARRIED

S. VanDalen, Manager, Planning & Development presented the report.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Enforcement of noise concerns;
  • Intention and timing of temporary use by-law;
  • Application and extension process; and
  • Restrictions on maximum number of permitted campers.

There being no one else present to speak either for or against this application, deliberations concluded with the introduction of the following recommendation.

  • Recommendation2
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor Lawrence
    1. THAT Report PDD-11-2025 2025 Temporary Use Application to Permit Accessory Camping and Over-Night Accommodation, Dunn be received;
    2. AND THAT application PLRU-2025-052 to pass a Temporary Use By-law for a period of one (1) year to May 26, 2026 to permit accessory and over-night accommodation associated with a special event music festival on the subject lands be approved for the reasons outlined in Report PDD-11-2025;
    3. AND THAT the proposal is deemed to be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024) and conforms to the Haldimand County Official Plan;
    4. AND THAT the Temporary Use By-law attached to Report PDD-11-2025 be approved at a future Council meeting.
    CARRIED
  • Amendment:
    Recommendation3
    Moved By:Councillor Metcalfe
    Seconded By:Councillor Lawrence

    THAT consideration of Report PDD-11-2025 be deferred until after the Delegation portion of the meeting. 

    CARRIED

M. Andrews, Senior Planner, presented the report.

W. Devries, proponent, spoke to the interaction with and notification of surrounding neighbours, traffic mitigation, and speed limits. 

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding the feasibility of expanding the notification area to surrounding property owners.

There being no one else present to speak either for or against this application, deliberations concluded with the introduction of the following recommendation.

  • Recommendation4
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe
    1. THAT Report PDD-13-2025 Zoning By-law Amendment Application to Add a Place of Worship to the Subject Lands – 1899 Lakeshore Road, Selkirk be received;
    2. AND THAT application PLZ-HA-2025-027 to amend the Haldimand County Zoning By-law HC 1-2020 by rezoning 1899 Lakeshore Road from ‘Open Space “(OS)”’ Zone to ‘Open Space “(OS.8)”’ Zone with special exceptions to permit the use of a place of worship, be approved for the reasons outlined in Report PDD-13-2025;
    3. AND THAT the application is deemed to be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, conforms to the Haldimand County Official Plan and has sufficient regard to matters of Provincial interest under the Planning Act;
    4. AND THAT the by-law attached to Report PDD-13-2025 be approved at a future Council meeting.
    CARRIED

Mayor Bentley resumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Mayor Bentley called a recess at 11:11 a.m. Committee resumed at 11:16 a.m.

E. Karvinen, Manager, Watson & Associates was present virtually and provided an overview of Haldimand's Housing Needs Assessment.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Percentage of population growth;
  • Housing needs of the community;
  • Demographics;
  • Projections for housing affordability threshold;
  • Rate of development;
  • Municipal housing targets; and
  • Terminology used in provincial regulation.
  • Recommendation5
    Moved By:Councillor Adams
    Seconded By:Councillor Shirton
    1. THAT Report CDS-06-2025 Haldimand County Housing Needs Assessment be received;
    2. AND THAT the Housing Needs Assessment Report, included as Attachment 1 to Report CDS-06-2025, be approved for use in the development of future strategies, programs and planning;
    3. AND THAT the Housing Assessment Template, included as Attachment 2 to Report CDS-06-2025, be approved for submission to meet Haldimand County’s federal program requirements under the Canada Community-Building Fund.
    CARRIED

K. Franklin, Manager, Engineering Services introduced the report.

A.L. Almuina, Vice President, Transportation Planning, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd. provided an overview of the Traffic Management Strategy.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Options for obtaining O.P.P. input related to traffic and enforcement; and
  • Capital budget goals and framework.

Mayor Bentley called a recess at 12:47 p.m. Committee resumed at 1:15 p.m.

  • Recommendation6
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor Adams
    1. THAT Report ENG-12-2025 Traffic Management Strategy Final Report be received;
    2. AND THAT Council endorses the sixteen recommendations outlined in the “Traffic Management Strategy Final Report“ by RJ Burnside and Associates;
    3. AND THAT staff be directed to begin implementation of the Traffic Management Strategy Final Report recommendations as outlined in Report ENG-12-2025.
    CARRIED
  • Recommendation7
    Moved By:Councillor McKeen
    Seconded By:Councillor O'Neill
    1. THAT Report CEC-03-2025 Public Entertainment Licence and Designation of Municipally Significant Event for Rhune Mountain Music Festival be received;
    2. AND THAT in accordance with By-law 1915/18, a Public Entertainment Event Licence be issued to Black Throne Productions, 242 Troy Street, Mississauga, ON L5G 1S7 to hold Rhune Mountain Music Festival at 536 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, from June 26 to June 28, 2025, subject to the following conditions:
      1. A Temporary Use By-law be passed, as recommended in Report PDD-11-2025, permitting camping as an accessory use to the Rhune Mountain Music Festival;
      2. A building permit be procured for erecting any stage or tent structure that exceeds 60 square metres;
      3. Final approvals from Grand Erie Public Health related to food premises and portable toilets are obtained;
      4. Confirmation that security staff will be on location for the duration of the event from when gates open until all participants have left the property;
      5. Provision of a Commercial General Liability Policy including liquor liability and coverage in the amount of $5,000,000 per occurrence, as well as all other insurance requirements outlined in By-law 1915/18;
      6. An onsite meeting be held with the Manager, Emergency Services/Fire Chief, and Manager, Building & Municipal Enforcement Services, the day prior to the event to confirm all requirements are being met;
      7. A refundable damage deposit in the amount of $5,000 be provided to the municipality for costs of damages to municipal property or cleaning of municipal property;
      8. The maximum allowable sound level from amplified music or musical performances be limited to 85 dBA at 30m distance from the opening of the hangar;
      9. No amplified music or musical performances be permitted prior to 9:00am or after 11:00pm as per Haldimand County Noise By-law 1098/10;
      10. Amplified music or musical performances are restricted to the hangar and amplified music or musical performances shall not occur anywhere else on the property;
      11. The services of an independent, licensed acoustics engineer specializing in acoustics must be procured by the applicant to:
        1. monitor sound levels to ensure that conditions a. and b. above are adhered to;
        2. collect sound level data from specific reception points on and off the event site as determined by the Manager, Building & Municipal Enforcement Services in consultation with the acoustics engineer hired by the Rhune Mountain Music Festival for establishing sound level criteria for future events;
        3. provide the sound level data collected during the licensed event to the Manager, Building & Municipal Enforcement Services within 60 days following the event;
        4. ensure the rear or east doors of the hangar remain closed during all amplified music or musical performances or practices;
    3. AND THAT the Rhune Mountain Music Festival be deemed as an event of municipal significance for its perceived community benefit and to fulfill requirements for liquor sales at events as prescribed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
    CARRIED

R. Babic provided an overview of the event.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Targeted demographic and genre of music;
  • Emergency Services requirements;
  • Restriction on the maximum number of campers;
  • Future plans;
  • Event and camping layout; and
  • Admission requirements.
  • Recommendation8
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor O'Neill
    1. THAT Report LSS-03-2025 Request for New Lease – Dunnville Boat Club – 102 Hydro Street, Dunnville be received;
    2. AND THAT a lease be entered into with the Dunnville Boat Club for property legally described as PIN 38124-0057 (LT) Part Lot 7-8 Plan 13558 Parts 3 and 4, 18R2350; Haldimand County, and municipally known as 102 Hydro Street, Dunnville for an initial 10-year term, with a 10-year renewal and a subsequent 5-year renewal, for a potential total of 25 years;
    3. AND THAT that staff be authorized to reflect the starting lease rate included within Option 3, including annual CPI adjustments if Haldimand County opts to purchase new day-use docks and the Dunnville Boat Club agrees to assume responsibility for their maintenance;
    4. AND THAT if the Dunnville Boat Club does not agree to assume responsibility for the maintenance of new day-use docks as noted above and as outlined in the report, staff be authorized to reflect the starting lease rate included within Option 2, including annual CPI adjustments;
    5. AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary documents.
    CARRIED

A. Hunter provided an overview of the club, highlighting their activities, events, and charitable contributions.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding whether the club is responsible for the maintenance of the boat ramp.

C. Curtis, Municipal Clerk, provided an overview of the report.

W. McKaig, Sullivan Mahoney, was present to respond to questions.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Timelines for accepting Strong Mayor Powers;
  • Ability to lobby the province to revoke Strong Mayor Powers;
  • Development charges;
  • Public transit;
  • Clarification on the delegation of powers; and
  • Revised budget timeframes.

At the May 26, 2025 Council meeting Councillor Shirton introduced an amending motion to Recommendation 9.

  • Recommendation9
    Moved By:Councillor McKeen
    Seconded By:Councillor O'Neill

    THAT Report CLE-07-2025 Strong Mayor Powers and Duties be received.

    CARRIED
  • Recommendation28
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe

    WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has opened up the opportunity for Municipalities to seek “Strong Mayor’s Powers” giving heads of Councils the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development;

    AND WHEREAS the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, stated that the purpose for extending these “Strong Mayor’s Powers was to allow Mayor’s who know their municipalities best, and we support them in a shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing;

    AND WHEREAS the new Mayor powers and duties include choosing to appoint chief administrative officer (CAO), along with hiring certain municipal department heads, proposing the municipal budgets as well as veto powers on such documents; proposing certain by-laws if the the Mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-laws could advance provincial priorities consistent with building more homes;

    AND WHEREAS the council in the past discussed and voted on the idea of adopting the “Strong Mayor’s Powers” and that vote was unanimously voted down not once but twice, including the public statements made in the past by Mayor Bentley against the idea of these powers;

    AND WHEREAS Mayor Bentley has advised the Province of her changed desire to adopt the “Strong Mayor’s Powers” without any public discussion with council and/or a vote against or in support of;

    THEREFORE, we are requesting the opportunity to have a fulsome discussion regarding the ‘Strong Mayor’s Powers' allowing for clarity to the real intentions behind the Mayor’s decision;

    AND THEREFORE, we ask

    1. THAT given the information outlined above, any decisions regarding staffing be delegated  to Council and these decisions to be voted on separately;
    2. AND THAT the Mayor gives that power back to the duly elected individuals around the table.
    CARRIED
  • RecommendationClean Version
    1. THAT Report CLE-07-2025 Strong Mayor Powers and Duties be received.

    AND WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has opened up the opportunity for Municipalities to seek “Strong Mayor’s Powers” giving heads of Councils the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development;

    AND WHEREAS the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, stated that the purpose for extending these “Strong Mayor’s Powers was to allow Mayor’s who know their municipalities best, and we support them in a shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing;

    AND WHEREAS the new Mayor powers and duties include choosing to appoint chief administrative officer (CAO), along with hiring certain municipal department heads, proposing the municipal budgets as well as veto powers on such documents; proposing certain by-laws if the the Mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-laws could advance provincial priorities consistent with building more homes;

    AND WHEREAS the council in the past discussed and voted on the idea of adopting the “Strong Mayor’s Powers” and that vote was unanimously voted down not once but twice, including the public statements made in the past by Mayor Bentley against the idea of these powers;

    AND WHEREAS Mayor Bentley has advised the Province of her changed desire to adopt the “Strong Mayor’s Powers” without any public discussion with council and/or a vote against or in support of;

    THEREFORE, we are requesting the opportunity to have a fulsome discussion regarding the ‘Strong Mayor’s Powers' allowing for clarity to the real intentions behind the Mayor’s decision;

    AND THEREFORE, we ask

    2.    THAT given the information outlined above, any decisions regarding staffing be delegated  to Council and these decisions to be voted on separately;
    3.    AND THAT the Mayor gives that power back to the duly elected individuals around the table.

J. Edelman spoke in opposition to Strong Mayor Powers and discussed the importance of democracy in local government.

Mayor Bentley remained the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding credit ratings and financial risk.

  • Recommendation10
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Adams

    THAT the consent motions 1 through 2 be approved:

    CARRIED
    1. THAT Report FIN-09-2025 Development Charges Reserve Funds Treasurer’s Annual Statement for 2024 be received;
    2. AND THAT the Treasurer’s Annual Statement of Development Charges Reserve Funds for 2024 be made publicly available on the Haldimand County website;
    3. AND THAT the by-law attached to Report FIN-09-2025 be approved at a future Council meeting.

Councillor Lawrence, Chair of Community and Development Services, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Councillor Adams, Chair of Public Works Operations, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Councillor Metcalfe, Chair of Engineering and Capital Works, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • The specific location of the intersection receiving the signal light upgrade;
  • An overview of the Connecting Links Program; and
  • Traffic patterns and detection.
  • Recommendation11
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Mayor Bentley
    1. THAT Report ENG-09-2025 MTO Connecting Links Program 2025-2026 Funding Award – Highway 3 (Broad Street at Taylor Road), Dunnville be received;
    2. AND THAT the revised budgets outlined in Report ENG-09-2025 be approved;
    3. AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk and/or designate be authorized to execute the Ministry of Transportation 2025-26 Connecting Links Program Contribution Agreement - Highway 3 (Broad Street at Taylor Road) Dunnville.
    CARRIED

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Details and timelines for the capital replacement of the traffic signals; and
  • Funding for the left-hand turning lanes.
  • Recommendation12
    Moved By:Councillor Adams
    Seconded By:Councillor McKeen
    1. THAT Report ENG-10-2025 MTO Connecting Links Program 2025-2026 Funding Award – Highway 6 (Main Street and King Street), Hagersville be received;
    2. AND THAT the revised budgets outlined in Report ENG-10-2025 be approved;
    3. AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk and/or designate be authorized to execute the Ministry of Transportation 2025-26 Connecting Links Program Contribution Agreement - Highway 6 (Main Street and King Street) Hagersville.
    CARRIED

K. Franklin, Manager, Engineering Services provided an overview of the report.

  • Recommendation13
    Moved By:Councillor Lawrence
    Seconded By:Councillor McKeen
    1. THAT Report ENG-11-2025 Emergency Purchase - Rotary Trail Bridge Replacement, Caledonia be received;
    2. AND THAT the revised budget, as outlined in Report ENG-11-2025, be approved.
    CARRIED
  • Recommendation14
    Moved By:Councillor Adams
    Seconded By:Mayor Bentley
    1. THAT Report FCA-02-2025 Emergency Purchase - Hagersville Arena Roof Repairs be received;
    2. AND THAT the revised budget, as outlined in Report FCA-02-2025, be approved.
    CARRIED

An update was provided on the following projects:

  • Haldimand Highway 54 Bridge Removal and Phase 2 of the Grand Vista Trail;
  • Caledonia Road Reconstruction; and
  • Caledonia Fire and EMS Station.

Councillor O'Neill, Chair of Financial and Data Services, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

M. Merritt, General Manager, Financial & Data Services provided an overview of the report.

  • Recommendation15
    Moved By:Councillor Lawrence
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe
    1. THAT Report FIN-12-2025 Capital Project Update as at December 31, 2024, be received;
    2. AND THAT the recommendations for individual capital projects, as outlined in Attachment 3 to Report FIN-12-2025, be approved.
    CARRIED

M. Brousseau, Chief Information Officer/Manager, Innovation & Technology Services provided an overview of the report.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding the potential negative impact on the use of Artificial Intelligence.

  • Recommendation16
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe
    1. THAT Report ITS-02-2025 Corporate Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy be received;
    2. AND THAT the Corporate Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy, as attached to Report ITS-02-2025, be approved;
    3. AND THAT Council delegate responsibility to the Innovation & Technology Governance Committee (IT Governance Committee) to make changes to Appendix A – Artificial Intelligence Systems – Unacceptable Uses.
    CARRIED

Councillor Shirton, Chair of Corporate and Social Services, assumed the Chair for this portion of the meeting.

M. Lloyd, Property Coordinator, provided an overview of the report.

  • Recommendation17
    Moved By:Councillor Metcalfe
    Seconded By:Councillor Lawrence
    1. THAT Report LSS-08-2025 Unsolicited offer to purchase part of Snow Street and Obadiah Street, Cayuga, be received;
    2. AND THAT the surplus property formally known as part of Obadiah Street, Cayuga, which was previously stopped up and closed by By-law 242, reconfirmed through By-law 1305/12, shown in yellow (Parcel A) on Attachment 1, and legally described as part of PIN 38232-0215 (LT) Obadiah Street Village of Cayuga East of Grand River between Fishcarrier Street and HC167899; Haldimand County, be sold to Daniel Kubas and Ricki Kubas, for the purchase price of $3,000, plus HST plus costs of conveyance inclusive of Haldimand County’s legal fees;
    3. AND THAT the surplus property formally known as part of Snow Street, Cayuga, which was previously stopped up and closed by By-law 242, reconfirmed through By-law 1305/12, shown in yellow (Parcel B) on Attachment 1, and legally described as PIN 38232-0182 (LT) Snow Street Village of Cayuga East of Grand River Between Obadiah Street and Echo Street; Haldimand County, be sold to Daniel Kubas and Ricki Kubas, for the purchase price of $4,000, plus HST plus costs of conveyance inclusive of Haldimand County’s legal fees;
    4. AND THAT the surplus property formally known as part of Snow Street, Cayuga, which was previously stopped up and closed by By-law 242, reconfirmed through By-law 1305/12, shown in pink (Parcel C) on Attachment 1, as legally described above, be sold to Ruth Visser and Matthew John Visser, for the purchase price of $4,000 plus HST plus costs of conveyance inclusive of Haldimand County’s legal fees;
    5. AND THAT the surplus property formally known as part of Obadiah Street, Cayuga, which was previously stopped up and closed by By-law 242, shown in green (Parcel D) on Attachment 1, as legally described above, be sold to Joshua Pustai, for the purchase price of $3,000, plus HST plus costs of conveyance inclusive of Haldimand County’s legal fees;
    6. AND THAT public notice of the proposed conveyance be given;
    7. AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary documents;
    8. AND THAT a by-law be presented for enactment to authorize the conveyance at a future Council meeting.
    CARRIED

Mayor Bentley, Chair of Corporate Affairs, resumed the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

  • Recommendation18
    Moved By:Councillor Lawrence
    Seconded By:Councillor Adams
    1. THAT Report CAO-03-2025 Requested Delegations at the 2025 AMO Conference be received;
    2. AND THAT the following AMO delegation requests be approved for submission:
      1. Delegation to the Ministry of Transportation Re: Highway 6 Bypass through Hagersville due to current and future growth projections;
      2. Delegation to the Ministry of Transportation Re: Argyle Street Bridge Replacement & Haldibrook Road and Highway 6 intersection;
      3. Delegation to the Ministry of Infrastructure Re: Argyle Street Bridge Replacement; 
      4. Delegation to the Ministry of Energy and Mines Re: Nuclear Energy Plant in Haldimand;
      5. Delegation to the Ministry of the Solicitor General Re: Haldimand County OPP Detachment;
      6. Delegation to the Ministry of Health Re: Urgent need for increased funding to support seniors aging safely at home in rural communities;
      7. Delegation to the Ministry of Long Term Care Re: Expansion of Edgewater Gardens long term care facility;
      8. Delegation to the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Re: Employment Lands;
      9. Delegation to the Ministry of Children Community & Social Services Re: Advocating for funding for Victim Services Haldimand, Norfolk and Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation;
      10. Delegation to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Re: Duty to consult, indigenous relationships with Haldimand County and the Province;
      11. Delegation to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Re: To celebrate rich history in our area with trails and indigenous historical markers, displays and art work throughout the community.
    CARRIED

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Metrics related to internet versus in-person voting;
  • Internet connectivity in rural areas; and
  • Accessibility of voting locations.
  • Recommendation19
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor Lawrence
    1. THAT Report CLE-06-2025 Municipal Election 2026 – Alternate Voting Options be received;
    2. AND THAT the by-laws attached to Report CLE-06-2025 be approved at a future Council meeting.
    CARRIED

The following item was highlighted:

  • Inquiry regarding internet service in rural areas.
  • Recommendation20
    Moved By:Councillor McKeen
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe

    THAT pursuant to Section 239 (2)(c) and (f) of the Municipal Act, as amended, Council convene in a meeting at 4:04 p.m. closed to the public, to discuss:

    CARRIED
  • Recommendation21
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor Adams

    THAT this closed meeting now adjourn at 4:59 p.m. and reconvene in open session.

    CARRIED

1.
CDS-05-2025 Property Purchase for Recreational Purposes

 

2.
LSS-13-2025 Encroachment of House – Retaining Wall Replacement

 

3.
Report from External Legal Counsel on Confidentiality Matter

 
  • Recommendation22
    Moved By:Councillor McKeen
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe
    1. THAT Report CDS-05-2025 Property Purchase for Recreational Purposes be received and remain confidential;
    2. AND THAT the confidential direction given to staff be confirmed.
    CARRIED
  • Recommendation23
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Lawrence
    1. THAT Report LSS-13-2025 Encroachment of House – Retaining Wall Replacement be received and remain confidential;
    2. AND THAT the confidential direction given to staff be confirmed.
    CARRIED

W. McKaig, Sullivan Mahoney, provided an overview of the report and options available to Council.

Committee asked questions and received answers regarding:

  • Clarification on when the documents were printed and by whom;
  • How the confidential information was breached;
  • Impartiality of the investigator;
  • Timeline as to when Council was notified;
  • Cost of the investigation;
  • Sequence of events that occurred since the breach was identified;
  • Supported evidence; and
  • Role of the Integrity Commissioner.
  • Recommendation24
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor McKeen
    1. THAT the Report from External Legal Counsel on Confidentiality Matter received and remain confidential;
    2. AND THAT the redacted GLACIS Report be moved to open session for consideration and discussion;
    3. AND THAT solicitor-client privilege be waived for this consideration and discussion.
    CARRIED
  • Amendment:
    Recommendation25
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor Adams

    THAT Recommendation 24 be amended to include an additional clause:

    "4. AND THAT Council put forward a Council Code of Conduct Complaint with the Haldimand County Integrity Commissioner, David Boghosian regarding findings of the GLACIS Confidential Report."

    CARRIED
    1. THAT the Report from External Legal Counsel on Confidentiality Matter received and remain confidential;
    2. AND THAT the redacted GLACIS Report be moved to open session for consideration and discussion;
    3. AND THAT solicitor-client privilege be waived for this consideration and discussion;
    4. AND THAT Council put forward a Council Code of Conduct Complaint with the Haldimand County Integrity Commissioner, David Boghosian regarding findings of the GLACIS Confidential Report.
  • Recommendation26
    Moved By:Councillor O'Neill
    Seconded By:Councillor Metcalfe

    THAT the following items be received:

    • Delegation from Randylin Babic, Rhune Mountain Entertainment/Black Throne Productions;
    • Delegation from Angelene Hunter, Dunnville Boat Club; and
    • Delegation from John Edelman.
    CARRIED
  • Recommendation27
    Moved By:Councillor Shirton
    Seconded By:Councillor O'Neill

    THAT this meeting is now adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

    CARRIED
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