Council Meeting Reports October 2025
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday 8th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance. Mayor Evans in the chair.
ANNOUNCMENTS
Township of Tiny Citizen Awards nominations are open until January 5, 2026.
New Administration Centre Tim Leitch, Director of Public Works gave an update on progress of the new Administration Centre.
Councillor Brunelle inquired about the Class C estimates referenced in the August 25, 2025 TTAC Minutes, and whether they are public in nature. Director Leitch confirmed that the Class C estimates will be published once finalized and approved by the Committee.
Class “C” Estimates according to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. “Based on schematic/conceptual design and/or comprehensive list of project requirements, this estimate shall be adequately detailed and shall be sufficient for making the correct investment decision. The level of accuracy of a Class C cost estimate shall be such that no more than a 15% design allowance is required.”
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Dyslexia Awareness Month Council approved designating October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in the Township of Tiny and directed staff to make the necessary arrangements for a proclamation and flag raising ceremony.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday October 8th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance. Councillor Brunelle in the chair.
REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS OR THIRD PARTIES
Pahapill and Associates Chartered Accountants: Rebecca MacDonald, Associate Partner, presented the Draft 2024 Audited Financial Statements. The statements were received and approved by council.
STAFF REPORTS
Considerations for a Lobbyist Registry
Councillor Walma made a motion that this item be deferred to the November CoW meeting to give more time to review the recommendations. Councillor Brunelle suggested that the current policies are sufficient and to follow staff recommendation that a Registry is not necessary. Councillor Helowka noted that it would be costly to create such a registry. Council approved the motion to defer with only Councillor Brunelle opposed.
COMMITTEES
Heritage Advisory Committee Resolution – Tribute to Major Brent Handy
After much discussion council agreed that the Heritage Advisory Committee recommendation dated September 15, 2025 regarding a tribute in honour of Major Brent Handy of Wyevale for his accomplishments as leader of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbird Aerobatic team, be received. Council direct staff to include the following in the 2026 budget deliberations for further consideration: • That the Wyevale town sign be redesigned to include the following statement: “The home of Major Brent Handy of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbird Aerobatic team”.
A second motion was passed directing staff to request that the Huronia Airport Commission consider the installation of a plaque on the grounds of the Huronia Airport, or similar recognition, honouring Major Brent Handy with the costs to be borne by the Township of Tiny.
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Working Committee Resolution:
Deputy Mayor Miskimins advised that the 2026 Mayors Golf Tournament will be held at the Orr Lake Golf Club on Thursday June 11th.
DISCUSSION OF MOTIONS OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GIVEN
Tiny Community Engagement Project 2050
Mayor Evans advised that based on his interaction with the community he feels there is a lack of direction as to the strategic direction (Vision) of Tiny and requires resident input. Councillor Brunelle questioned the rationale of a 25-year vision and suggested a 10-year strategic plan would be more practicable.
A motion was put forward and passed proposing a community engagement process be implemented to develop a long-term vision through to 2050 and that council direct staff to implement a Tiny 2050 Community Engagement Process, including the launch of the proposed survey and related outreach activities in
December with a staff report back to Council in March 2026 with a summary of engagement results and recommendations.
TC Energy Storage Project
WHEREAS the Township of Tiny recognizes the importance of developing reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure for the Province of Ontario and acknowledges that energy projects of this scale may have significant environmental, economic, and social implications for our region, particularly for Georgian Bay and surrounding ecosystems;
AND WHEREAS the proposed TC Energy Ontario Pumped Storage Project is located within the Municipality of Meaford, the Township of Tiny is committed to ensuring that the interests of our residents and the health of Georgian Bay are fully considered;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Tiny Council emphasizes the following principles:
1. Environmental Stewardship: The Township of Tiny is deeply concerned about potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and species at risk in Georgian Bay. Any project of this magnitude must meet the highest standards of environmental assessment and protection.
2. Transparent Governance and Consultation: We call for full transparency in the project approval process, including open communication with neighboring municipalities and local stakeholders.
3. Regional Collaboration: The Township of Tiny encourages collaboration between municipalities, provincial authorities, and Indigenous partners to ensure that any energy project reflects regional priorities, including environmental protection, economic sustainability, and community well-being.
4. Precautionary Approach: Given the uncertainties and potential ecological risks, the Township of Tiny advocates for a precautionary approach. We support comprehensive independent studies and a thorough review process before any approvals or construction activities proceed.
AND THAT Council reaffirms its commitment to representing the interests of our residents and protecting the natural heritage of Georgian Bay and stands ready to engage constructively with TC Energy, the Municipality of Meaford, and provincial authorities to ensure that energy development in our region proceeds responsibly and sustainably;
AND THAT that this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities in the Georgian Bay Basin, the IESO, DND, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Fisheries and
Oceans, Simcoe North Member of Parliament, Simcoe North Member of Provincial Parliament, Canadian Coast Guard, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to request their co-operation in preventing this project from proceeding, and that the correspondence from the SSEA dated September 9, 2025 regarding The TC Energy Pumped Storage Proposal be included in the submission.
Council approved unanimously.
Enbridge Gas Inc. – Consultation on the Future of Natural Gas Expansion in Ontario Councillor Brunelle suggested that the municipality be on record as supporting this initiative.
After discussion it was agreed that council supports the Ministry’s consultation on the Future of Community Natural Gas Expansion (NGEP Phase 3) and endorses access to natural gas as an option to other energy solutions to advance the Township of Tiny’s housing, employment lands, and economic development objectives. Staff to forward the resolution to the Local MP and MPP, the Minister of Energy
COMMUNICATIONS
Ministry of the Solicitor General – Ontario Provincial Police Cost Recovery Model: Councillor Helowka questioned the rationale of establishing an 11% cap on policing costs for 2026. CAO Lamb explained the two-part process of billing to municipalities. Calls for service are variable plus a fixed cost per household.
Blue Box Recycling changes January 2026: Mayor Evans noted that effective January 1st, blue box recycling for 6,000 ICI facilities in Simcoe will not be handled by the County. This includes churches, municipal buildings, small commercial/industrial.
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday 29th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance. Mayor Evans in the chair.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Administrative Building Update Public Works Director, T. Leitch, provided an update. The site has a new access road with crusher stone which has been compacted. Pouring of the concrete pad foundation is scheduled for the beginning of December once permits are in place.
Looking at finishes for the interior as well as parking. The next Ad Hoc Committee meeting will take place on November 20th.
PUBLIC COMMENT
TC Energy Project Mr. Pasquale Zita outlined several factors that make the implementation of the TC Energy Project totally unacceptable and requested council to oppose its implementation. Mr. Zita was thanked for his input.
New Administrative Building Mr. Brandon Fronson raised concern with the sheer size of the proposed administrative building and the waste of space.
TC Energy Project
Councillor Brunelle requested amendments to the previously approved motion to better reflect the Townships opposition to the project. After lengthy discussion the motion was amended accordingly.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Short Term Rental Application Fees
As part of 2026 budget deliberations, it was acknowledged that the current fee structure short-term rental accommodation does not reflect the true cost of service delivery. Operating reserves have been used to make up the difference. A new fee structure is proposed effective January 1, 2026.
A New Application Fee of $2,000 for new or expired applications, and a Renewal Application Fee of $1,750 for applications submitted prior to December 31 of any current year. The difference is intended to incentivize timely renewals, thereby reducing the administrative costs associated with processing expired applications, including inspections and reinitiating the application process.
CAO Lamb confirmed that two positions have been removed and court awarded fines will be applied to reducing the deficit. Director Leblond advised that the current deficit is $130,000.
Council approved the rate changes with Councillors Helowka and Brunelle opposed.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday October 29th, 2025
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance. Councillor Helowka in the chair.
Blue Box Program
Deputy Mayor noted that effective January 1st residential blue bins will be emptied by Enterra on behalf of the Province not the County.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Working Committee Terms of Reference Amendments and Name Change The working committee recommendation is that it be renamed ‘Township of Tiny Events and Charities Committee’
The Committee shall serve as an advisory and coordinating body that provides strategic guidance and recommendations to Council on charitable initiatives and community events throughout the year. The Committee’s expanded role will include exploring and supporting new fundraising opportunities, cultivating partnerships with volunteers, residents, community groups, and businesses, and enhancing the Township’s community engagement through inclusive, high- impact events. The Committee will ensure transparency and accountability in all initiatives through regular reporting to Council. The Committee shall focus on strategic planning, fundraising alignment, and partnership development while Township staff retain responsibility for day-to-day event logistics and administration. The Committee may recommend the allocation of funds raised to eligible charities and community programs, support the strategic use of Township facilities for events, and provide an annual or as-needed report to Council outlining priorities, partnerships, and recommendations for the Township’s charitable and community engagement activities.
Amendments to the current by-law were approved to be presented to the November 19th Regular Meeting of Council.
Zoning By-law Amendment Application – Robitaille Farms. – 113 Concession 17 West
Conditional approval was granted by the Committee of Adjustment for a severance of a surplus farm dwelling (creation of a lot). The purpose of the application is to seek approval of the Committee of Adjustment that the severed and retained parcels of land be re-zoned. The application proposes to re-zone the approved lot severed having a frontage of 86.9 metres on Concession 17 West from the Agricultural (A) Zone to the Rural Residential (RR) Zone in order to recognize the residential use of the property and prohibit agricultural uses on those lands. The retained land, having a fragmented lot frontage of 156.5 metres is proposed to be rezoned from Agricultural (A) Zone to Agricultural One (A1) Zone in order to recognize the agricultural use of the property and prohibit residential uses on those lands.
Council approved the application to be presented at the November 19th meeting of Council
Development Charges Background Study and Township Development Charges By-law
Council approved the DC Report and DC By-law to be presented at the November 19th regular meeting of council.
COMMITTEES
Accessibility Advisory Committee Resolution Regarding Seating on the Boardwalk at Bluewater Beach: Staff recommend installing a commemorative bench with plaque acknowledging the efforts of the Accessibility Committee on the viewing platform at Bluewater Beach. Council approved recommendation.
COMMUNICATION
AMO Healthy Democratic Leaders Series (for new candidates or candidates seeking re-election): new free online workshop
Balanced Reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act and Landlord Tenant Board Process: Mr. Jason Garon outlined in detail the issues they face with tenants in their rental home who have not paid rent since April of this year and the expenses incurred in attempting to have them removed. Over $25,000.00 lost due to the lack of protections offered tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act and LTB processes. Council empathized with Mr. Garon and directed the letter be forwarded to the Province and the County of Simcoe.
Request for Removal of Dangerous Dead Tree: While constructing his home on the shoreline in 2023, Mr. Richard Grieves requested approval to remove three trees in the beach area. He was advised by Township staff that only two of the three trees could be removed. Had removal of all three been permitted at that time, the cost would have been covered as part of the lot clearing and home-building process.
On Sunday October 5th a bylaw officer in the area determined the tree that could not be removed in 2023 was dead and should be removed at the owner’s cost. The owner feels the Township’s sudden change in position now imposes an unfair financial and logistical burden on him. He believes that the Township should now assume responsibility for the removal of this tree at its own cost,
Director Leitch advised that the interim control bylaw was in place at the time of the request to remove the tree. None of the council members were in agreement with request. Public Works to advise Mr. Grieves to have the tree removed at his own expense leaving the roots in place.