REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday January 7th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Helowka and Walma were in attendance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SSEA Seedling Distribution: deadline to order January 21, 2026.
Recycling changes January 1, 2026: A private company,Emterra, will now be responsible for the collection of residential blue recycling boxes.
Provincial assistance related to March 2025 ice storm: Minister of Municipal Affairs has advised that Tiny is eligible.
New Administration Centre Update:Tim Leitch, Director of Public Works, updated Council on construction progress. Foundation started pouring this week, 20% complete; various tenders going out.
Seniors Program – Ducks in a Row: dates May 6, 13, 20; Lawyers, bank representatives and funeral directors will be available to help seniors plan for the challenges of aging.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Church in the Pines Restoration Bridge Repairs: Council approved using surplus funds ($16,500 including HST) from the Balm Beach Walkway capital budget to repair the pedestrian bridge at Church in the Pines, Cawaja Beach.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Evans reported success in scheduling a deputation with the Minister of Health at the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference regarding rural municipalities’ access to health care.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday January 7th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance.
STAFF REPORTS
Consent Items
Selection of an Internet and Telephone Voting System Provider: Intelivote Systems Inc. has been selected to provide internet and voting services for the October municipal election for $56,753.10 (plus HST).
Matters for Consideration
Proposed Remuneration Framework for Elected Officials’ 2026 to 2030 Term of Council: full report here. A lengthy discussion between Council and the committee members can be found at approximately minute 12 of the CoW minutes. Council did not support several aspects of the report, thanked the committee, and moved further discussion to Q2.
COMMUNICATIONS
Consent Items
Septage Treatment: FoTTSA argued thatthe final deal between Midland andTiny must include a provision to ensure that ALL of Tiny’s septage waste will be treated by therefurbished plant, not just waste collected in the winter, to drastically improve the water quality in the creeks that empty into Georgian Bay and other water bodies in Tiny.
Mayor Evans’ Response re Septage Treatment: Mayor Evans commented on the strict criteria MECP uses to approve septage field sites and noted that this option will remain as long as allowed by MECP. He also noted the Township’s environmentally responsible
approach and the arrangements made with the Midland Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Petition Regarding Safety Concerns at Woodland Beach: the 13-page petition requested Township’s approval of safety improvements at three locations.
Matters for Consideration
AMO – OMERS Governance Changes: the changes in Bill 68 could allow pension decisions affecting municipal employers and employees to be made without meaningful municipal oversight, increasing financial risk for municipalities and local taxpayers. Council movedto oppose thelegislative changes to the OMERS Act contained in Bill 68.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Jessie Garland supported the removal of the OMERS pension (Defined Benefit) for members of council as outlined in the Council Remuneration Report noting that many Canadians have defined contribution plans and she feels that members of council should follow what the majority of Canadians have.
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday January 28th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors Brunelle and Walma in attendance. Councillor Helowka participating via Zoom.
Council held a Confidential/Closed Session to address matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, as well as receive advice on the Goessman Reserves by Jim McIntosh, Barriston Law LLP, that is considered subject to solicitor-client privilege.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MHIP’s Health and Safety Water Stream Grant ($4.6 million) for the Replacement of a Watermain in the Lafontaine Drinking Water System: Director Tim Leitch advised that this $5.7M project will complete the upgrades to the water system in the lower Lafontaine area. It will include Tall Pines, Forest Circle and Wolfe Trail, increasing lines from 2″ to 6″ plus hydrants. Design to be finalized this summer with construction in the summer of 2027. Anticipated to be completed no later than 2029.
ROMA Delegation regarding a Request for Updated Requirements of Family Health Organizations to Reflect the Challenges of Primary Care in Rural Communities:
Mayor Evans outlined the results of a delegation to the Ministry of Health on physician recruitment. Tiny has no medical practices although we have 21,000 voters. There was no positive outcome but discussions will continue regarding different levels of support by the municipality. However, as of April 1st residents will be able to apply for a local primary physician without giving up their current doctor.
Municipal Building Update: Director Leitch advised that structural work will begin after May 1st when half load restrictions are removed. Foundation 50% complete.
DEPUTATIONS TO COUNCIL
A resident’s questions regarding winter driving conditions and mitigation strategies prompted Councillor Walma to inquire about the snow fence initiative. Conc 6 and Baseline Rd, Conc 11 E have been successful. More fences and taller fences are being considered going forward. Plow drivers’ feedback is important. Planting trees along roadsides reduces farmers’ available agricultural land.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday January 28th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors Brunelle and Walma in attendance. Councillor Helowka participating via Zoom.
STAFF REPORTS
Matters for Consideration
Snow plow Replacement: Director Leitch advised that due to the custom fabrication that goes into plow trucks, the lead time for purchasing these vehicles has been a year and a half on average. Staff recommend ordering replacements for R104 and R105 in 2026 in order to receive these vehicles in 2027 and 2028. Council instructed staff to start the procurement process. By the time replacements arrive, the existing plows will be in the “replace as soon as possible” category. The Township is not obliged to commit to the purchase until later in the process.
Pickleball Strategy Updates based on Community Feedback: Council approvedStaff’s request that Council endorse and direct staff to:
- continue implementing the township pickleball strategy as refined through community feedback and the recommended updates provided in the Council report;
- incorporate the recommended strategy updates identified in this report to strengthen inclusivity, transparency, and phased implementation, including explicit protections for open play and seasonal access
- prioritize exploring options for additional facilities in underserved areas, including Lafontaine, Woodland Beach and Wyevale, with consideration given to purpose-built pickleball courts and the preservation of existing tennis courts
- treat indoor and winter pickleball opportunities as a near-term priority by exploring partnerships, shared-use agreements, and short-term facility solutions
- maintain a phased, fiscally responsible approach to pickleball growth by prioritizing maintenance of existing facilities, leveraging user fees, grants, and partnerships, and enhancing transparency in reporting community engagement data and financial impacts.
Pickleball Working Group: Staff recommended establishing a voluntary, advisory pickleball working group as a strategic, low-risk, and cost-effective step toward implementing the pickleball strategy. Its role is to support staff by providing community insight, assisting with
communication and volunteer coordination, and helping identify emerging needs and opportunities related to pickleball programming. Terms of reference for the working group have been completed. Council approved proceeding.
Care Partner Respite Program – Funding Opportunity: The North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) is offering one-time seed funding to pilot innovative programs that would reduce caregiver stress, promote social engagement, and provide safe, therapeutic activities to older adults living with frailty.
The Township’s proposed program, therapeutic gardening at Perkinsfield Park Community Garden, aligns with the 2025 Age-Friendly Community Plan. Staff have applied for $7,000 in seed funding from NSM SGS to cover program start-up costs. No additional municipal funding is required at this time. Council approved moving forward.
COMMITTEES
Matters for Consideration
Canada Day Celebration at Balm Beach: The Township of Tiny Events and Charities Committee (TTECC) recommends that staff look into having the Township host a first annual Township of Tiny Canada Day Celebration at Balm Beach on Wednesday July 1, 2026. This would replace the community barbeque event previously held at Perkinsfield Park, and reallocate the associated $24,000 budget to the Canada Day Celebration.
Staff discussed having a drone light show as opposed to fireworks and have applied for a Heritage Canada grant to offset some of the costs. Local MP Adam Chambers supports the grant application and the Balm Beach Business Association supports this all-day, family-friendly event. Council approved staff preparing a feasibility report.
NEW BUSINESS
Volunteer involvement regarding rink operations: Different standards and public liability requirements now apply to rink operations. The plan is to involve volunteers next year with proper training. A discussion took place re: installing temporary roofing. Concern was expressed that the Wyevale rink has not opened yet this year.