SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday April 2nd, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, councillors Brunelle and Helowka met virtually, councillor Walma absent. Mayor Evans in the chair.
This meeting was held to address a time sensitive issue of a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment application for formal approval to permit a ‘Group Home A’ as an additional use on the property municipally addressed as 7959 Highway 93.
A ‘Group Home’ and specifically a ‘Group Home A’ are defined in the Zoning By-law as a dwelling unit designed or used for the accommodation of 3 to 10 persons, exclusive of staff, living under supervision in a dwelling unit and whom by reason of their emotional, mental, social, or physical condition or legal status, require a group living arrangement for their well being. Typically residents have been referred by a hospital, recognized social services agency or health professional.
Council approved the application.
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Thursday April 10th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillor Brunelle were in attendance at the meeting; councillors Walma and Helowka by video. Mayor Evans in the chair.
Confidential/Closed Session – 1:30 p.m.
- Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality / Matthew Hodgson, Barriston Law
- A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality/ Proposed Acquisition of Property (Councillor Walma)
ANNOUNCMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
Ice Storm – Mayor Evans acknowledged the efforts of staff in addressing the issues raised during the power outages. A significant weather event was posted on Friday March 28th. On Monday March 31st a warming centre was set up for that day at the Municipal office until closing time at 4:30 pm.
Autism Ontario – Request for Proclamation and Flag Raising for World Autism Day – Erika Luoma, Fund and Volunteer Coordinator of Autism Ontario, provided an overview of the organization’s services and local impact including one-time and continuous programming, workshops, events, specialized outreach, and French language services. Autism Ontario’s Celebrate the Spectrum campaign encourages municipalities to proclaim World Autism Day and fly a flag to promote inclusion and support for autistic individuals. Ms. Luoma was thanked for her presentation and council approved the request.
New Administration Centre Update – Tim Leitch, Director of Public Works,advised that the tree clearing has been completed and that lumber will be stored at the pit once half loads are removed. Some of the lumber will be used for non structural elements on site.
He also mentioned Tiny would again be hosting the seedling program in conjunction with the SSEA at the Public Works facility.
Simcoe County, Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund – The Township has been awarded $6,400 to engage local artists and elementary school students in a beautification project that will highlight the Township’s significant culture by painting a portion of our garbage receptacles throughout the beach parks and green spaces
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament and Dinner – June 5, 2025, Orr Lake Golf Club
Senior Symposium, Thursday, June 12, 2025, Township of Tiny Community Centre
DEPUTATIONS – SCHEDULED
Flooding and Erosion along Concession 11 East and Tiny Beaches Road North – Anne Sanguins raised concerns about flooding and erosion at her property on Tiny Beaches Road North, which began after the Township installed a culvert near Concession 11 in 2018. She stated the culvert redirects runoff into a creek on her property, affecting nearby landowners and infrastructure. She requested clarity on whether the Township or the Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible and invited Council to visit the site during peak flooding.
Ms. Sanguins was thanked for her deputation and advised that the matter would be discussed further at the April 23, 2024 Committee of the Whole.
Culvert Removal and Associated Charges – Arthur Reis, on behalf of his son Shawn Reis, requested that Council reconsider charges related to the removal of a pre-existing culvert on Concession 13. He stated the culvert was in place when the property was purchased in 2021, and that all notifications about permit issues and resulting fees were sent to an outdated address. Mr. Reis asked that the $1,700 in charges and approximately $900 in penalties be credited due to lack of proper notice and the culvert’s prior existence.
Mr. Reis was thanked for his deputation and advised that the matter would be discussed further at the April 23, 2024 Committee of the Whole.
DEPUTATIONS – OPEN
Limitation on Election Signage – Drew Ironstone questioned the intent behind a proposed motion to limit election signage, noting weak environmental reasoning and the potential impact on new candidates’ visibility. He argued it may discourage fair competition, as current Council members are already well known. He urged Council to vote against the motion if not withdrawn, citing fairness and potential reputational risk to Council.
Alternate Voting Methods/Remuneration – Karen Zulynik provided support for the vote-by-mail option for future elections. Regarding Council remuneration, she urged members to consider the financial challenges many residents are facing. She noted there are currently over $2 million in tax arrears, representing approximately 6% of the tax base, and asked Council to take this into account when voting on remuneration.
MINUTES of PREVIOUS MEETINGS
02 24 2025 Township of Tiny Administrative Centre Committee Meeting – Minutes
Councillor Brunelle inquired whether the TTAC Ad Hoc Committee meetings will be public in nature. CAO Lamb confirmed that they would. He also questioned the costs and long-term value of a construction manager trailer versus developing a multi-use on-site storage facility. Director Leitch commented that in lieu of bringing a construction trailer on site that would be removed on completion of the project, they are looking at constructing a building that would remain on site and used for cold storage. The cost of a construction trailer was unknown.
By-laws
BY-LAWS 25-011, to set Remuneration of Council, 25-013 to establish a Fee Schedule, and 25-021 to regulate the provision of municipal water were passed and enacted.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Thursday April 10th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Helowka, Brunelle and Walma in attendance. Councillor Walma in the chair.
REPORTS of CONSULTANTS or THIRD PARTIES
Forbes Bros. Ltd. – Telecommunications Tower (1369 Chemin du Loup) – Jay Lewis of Forbes Bros. Ltd., on behalf of Rogers Communications, presented a proposal for a 60m lattice tri-pole telecommunication tower to improve wireless coverage and capacity in the Thunder Beach and Cedar Point areas. The site was selected due to existing coverage gaps, and the project follows all federal and municipal consultation requirements. Environmental and health standards, including Safety Code 6, have been met. The tower will also allow for co-location by other providers and services. Public feedback was limited and addressed during consultation.
Director of Planning and Development Maryann Hunt confirmed that the proposal is compliant with the Township’s Telecommunications Tower Policy.
The presentation was received as information.
STAFF REPORTS
Matters for Consideration
2024 Year-end Variance Report – Councillor Brunelle questioned using operating surplus funds to fund capital program deficits. Deputy Treasurer Ashley Brodeur clarified that while the Township initially reported a large 2024 capital surplus, the amount is significantly reduced after accounting for carried-forward projects and allocations to the 2025 budget. The Committee supported Option 3 in the staff report, with the remaining surplus applied to the 2025 tax rate resulting in a 6.532% municipal tax rate increase. Councillor Walma voted against the motion and vehemently opposed the reduction. stating the youth who are our future taxpayers will be burdened with these liabilities.
Review of Open and Scheduled Deputation Processes – The Committee considered the options presented and alternative proposals for a revised Open Deputation process and discussed the proposed changes to the existing Scheduled Deputation process. Council amended the current open deputation process to permit for a public comment period to be received at the beginning of the Regular Meeting of Council on items pertaining to its agenda, and also at the conclusion of the Committee of the Whole Meeting on items pertaining to its agenda. Also, each public comment period will be limited to 15 minutes in length with each speaker allotted up to 3 minutes each.
Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay Dissolution – The Committee considered the report in conjunction with the Township of Tay correspondence regarding the dissolution of the Culture Alliance. Upon discussion, it was recommended that the Clerk’s Report regarding the dissolution of the Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay be received as information and that staff report back with further information in regard to the correspondence from the Township of Tay regarding the Culture Alliance Dissolution.
Request for Letter of Concurrence for Proposed Telecommunication Tower at 1369 Chemin du Loup Road – Staff were directed to provide FB Connect with a letter of concurrence confirming the completion of the local consultation.
Zoning By-law Amendment (Temporary Use By-law), North Part of Lot 24, Concession 2, 4230 Crossland Road E. – Council approved that proposed By-law 25-019 be considered for formal approval at the April 23, 2025 Council Meeting to permit a temporary agricultural fair event on the land municipally known as 4230 Crossland Road for a maximum of one event each year for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 and limited to occurring once during the timeframe of June 1 to August 31 for each respective year.
COMMITTEES
Consent Items
Resignation of Andrew Chomentowski from Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament – The resignation of Andrew Chomentowski from the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Working Committee was received and staff were directed to send the appropriate letter of appreciation to Mr. Chomentowski.
Mayor Evans took this opportunity to admonish FoTTSA for withdrawing its $5K founding sponsorship and read off part of the withdrawal letter submitted. Councillors Helowka and Walma supported Mayor Evans by suggesting FoTTSA was ignoring the true goal of the event and letting unrelated disagreements colour their decision.
Notice of Motion – Limit Number of Election Signs – Councillor Walma spoke in support of limiting election signage to reduce financial barriers for younger candidates and address plastic waste. Councillor Brunelle opposed restrictions, citing private property rights and low past spending.
CAO Robert Lamb confirmed the province leaves signage regulation to municipalities, and Tiny currently lacks a by-law.
After discussion it was recommended that the notice of motion from Councillor Walma regarding election sign limitations be deferred to the May 14, 2025, Committee of the Whole Meeting allowing staff to research and report back with a summary of neighbouring municipality’s election sign by-laws.
COMMUNICATIONS
Consent Items
Tiny Township Association of Responsible STR Owners v Township of Tiny – Short Term Rental Licensing – Mayor Evans advised that the decision regarding the Short-Term Licencing By-law reflected a strong decision in favour of the Township.
Town of Penetanguishene – Withdrawal from EDCNS – Mayor Evans advised that a letter from the Township of Tiny will be issued to the EDCNS that the Township will not provide funding to the EDCNS for 2025 but will consider funding again in 2026.
Matters for Consideration
Community Living Huronia – Shine a Light on Community Living (Proclamation and Flag Raising Request) – The correspondence from Community Living Huronia regarding a request to light the exterior of a municipal landmark in blue and green on May 1, 2025, in recognition of Community Living Month was received and staff be directed to make arrangements for other suitable means of recognition.
NEW BUSINESS
ATVs on Municipal Roads – Director of Public Works Tim Leitch provided an update on ATV access, noting minimal concerns to date with the existing by-law, and outlining differences in permissions across neighbouring municipalities. While Tiny’s existing by-law is comprehensive, staff will report back on potential amendments to include additional roads for permitted ATV use.
Permissibility of Alcohol in Municipal Parks – This matter was deferred to the April 23, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
REGULAR MEETING of COUNCIL
Wednesday April 23rd, 2025
The Mayor, councillors Helowka, Walma and Brunelle were in attendance at the meeting. Deputy Mayor Miskimins on vacation. Mayor Evans in the chair.
Confidential/Closed Session – 1:00 p.m.
- Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose/ Matthew Hodgson, Barriston Law – Citizen Code of Conduct – Draft 3 / Legal Opinion
- Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees/ Confidential Recreation Report REC-004-25 – 2024 Robert Robitaille Memorial
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Administration Centre Update – Manager Robitaille reported that theCMAR is in place, Phase 2 of the archeological investigation has begun and to expect the Class B estimate soon.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Township of Tiny Administrative Centre Committee – March 10, 2025:
Councillor Brunelle questioned the rationale regarding the following in the minutes:
The committee identified that as part of the analysis of the project, the Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) will need to determine what the potential difference in projected costs might be between a net zero build versus a traditional build that does not meet net zero criteria.
Chair Walma commented that this was to get a comparison to see if the cost of going net zero was not going to offset the potential savings; this analysis would be brought back to council for a decision moving forward. Manager Robitaille commented that the Green Municipal Fund grant funding was conditional on adopting the net zero approach.
Note: A net-zero building is capable of producing enough energy to meet or exceed the energy it consumes.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Committee – Council approved the recommendation from the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Committee regarding the charity selection for the 2025 tournament proceeds as follows:
• Angels with Backpacks
• Askennonia Seniors Centre
• Georgian Bay Food Network
• Scientists in Schools
• We are the Villagers
• Friends of Awenda
• Midland Music Academy
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe
• BGC North Simcoe
• CLH Foundation
• Gateway Centre for Learning
• Midland Small Set Co-operative Nursery School
Funds will be distributed to the organizations on a prorated basis, should there be a surplus or deficit from the fundraising goal.
By-laws
- By-law 25-019 – Being a Temporary Use By-law to authorize the Temporary Use of an Agricultural Fair Event on the North Part of Lot 24, Concession 2 West (4230 Crossland Road)
- By-law 25-022 – Being a By-law to deem certain plans of subdivision or their parts not to be a registered plan of subdivision, being Lots 65 and 66, Registered Plan M21, Township of Tiny (18 Rue Camille)
- By-law 25-026 – Being a By-law to Appoint a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer for The Corporation of the Township of Tiny
- By-law 25-027 – Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers For The Corporation of the Township of Tiny and to Repeal By-law 24-026 and By-law 24-033
- By-law 25-028 – Being a By-law to provide for the adoption of estimates of all sums required during the year, to strike tax rate for the year 2025 and to provide for the collection of taxes
Councillor Walma reiterated his strong opposition to the reduction in the tax rate.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Wednesday April 23rd, 2025
The Mayor, and councillors Helowka, Brunelle and Walma in attendance, Deputy Mayor Miskimins on vacation. Mayor Evans in the chair.
REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS OR THIRD PARTIES
Tatham Engineering – 2024 Sewage System Reinspection Program – BillGoodale presented highlights of the program which focuses on identifying deficiencies in septic systems to support environmental protection and public health, with properties inspected on a six-year rotation. The full report is available on the Township Website. Reinspection Report
STAFF REPORTS
Matters for Consideration:
Discussion/Scheduled Deputation by Anne Sanguins – Flooding and Erosion along Concession 11 East and Tiny Beaches Road North – Manager J.F. Robitaille noted that the area is a natural watercourse, specifically a creek that runs through the property. He clarified that the Township did not redirect water to the creek and further advised that while there are plans to replace the nearby culvert due to flooding concerns, this work will not result in an increase in water flow
Discussion/Scheduled Deputation by Arthur Reis – Culvert Removal and Associated Charges – J.F. Robitaille provided details regarding the warnings issued, the removal of the culvert, the placement of barricades, and the notices sent to the address on file. It was further advised that there is no record of the driveway ever having been approved. He noted that multiple attempts were made to resolve the issue regarding the culvert installation and illegal second driveway. Council did not approve any further relief.
Verbal Update on Permissibility of Alcohol in Public Parks (Steve Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer) – This item deferred to May 14th CoW meeting.
Election Voting Method Costing – The estimated cost of using the Internet/Telephone Voting Method is approximately $65,000 to $80,000. One supplier of the Internet/Telephone Voting Method offers incentive for all municipalities in a particular county to aggregate their elector count under their system to realize discounts on election costs. This method has increased in popularity due to the convenience that it provides to electors and is recommended by the Clerk’s Department for the following reasons:
- it accommodates changing lifestyles and demanding work schedules.
- it accommodates the permanent and seasonal nature of the Township’s population.
- it enhances accessibility.
- the North Simcoe Clerks have traditionally supported each other during the election process and through joint initiatives can realize economies of scale
- the voter assistant centre(s) will accommodate eligible voters who wish to vote in person. Trained staff will be available to address voter inquiries, resolve technical issues, and guide residents through the authentication process while ensuring privacy.
- an aggressive communications plan will assist in supporting electors with the changes associated with this method of alternate voting.
Council approved moving forward with this process.
Public Works Report PWR-012-25 – Soben Subdivision Security Reduction Request – Council approved the release of the security requested.
The breakdown is as follows: Securities provided – $1,320,002.85; Requested Security Release – $600,264.56; Securities Retained by Tiny – $719,738.29
2025 Snow Plow Procurement – Three Tandem Axle Plow Trucks $1,293,873.98; Extended Warranties $44,598; Payable HST $23,557.11; Total $1,362,029.09
The 2025 budget documents indicated that $637,500 x 2 = $1,275,000 be allocated over two years for these purchases. The 2026 budget would need to include $724,529.09 for the remainder of this purchase. Additional fees are possible due to tariff uncertainty and the delayed delivery of the third vehicle. Council approved moving forward with the purchase by AMO’s Canoe Group with the addition of the HST and optional extended warranties for the motor and transmission.
COMMITTEES
Heritage Advisory Committee – Resignation of Randy Hargrave – Council accepted the resignation and directed staff to write a letter of appreciation to Mr. Hargrave and arrange to advertise for a committee replacement
Heritage Advisory Committee Resolution – Property Removal from Municipal Heritage Register (275 Concession Road 5 West) – The Heritage Advisory Committee has deemed that due to the poor condition of the barn, a significant portion of the heritage value of this property has been lost. Council approved the recommendation that the Notice of Intent to Demolish or Remove be received and that the property be delisted from the Municipal Heritage Register.
COMMUNICATIONS
Consent Items
Severn Sound Environmental Association – 2024 Fourth Quarter Report – Council received the report as information.
NEW BUSINESS
Toanche Pavillion Update – Manager Robitaille advised that the building permit has been received. Tenders recently received reflect pricing well above budget and discussions on options to reduce costs are underway with the low bidder. As such the numbers have not been made public. A separate cash allowance has been made for artificial ice but there are some issues with single phase power supply to the area with three phase power required.