REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday February 18th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Helowka and Walma were in attendance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Half load Restrictions: will be in place from March 1 to April 30 (later changed to March 9).
New Administration Centre Update:Tim Leitch, Director of Public Works, reported that foundation pouring continues with 65 – 70% complete. The Hydro corridor feed from Con.8 will require trees to be cut down and stored on site for future use. Grubbing of hydro corridor and mass timber erection will take place after half loads are lifted.
DEPUTATIONS
Joel Rubinovich outlined his concerns with the winter fog and snow conditions making it totally unsafe to drive at night and requested that signage, lighting, sanding, blowing snow barriers and better guidance during road closures be looked into.
NOTICE OF MOTION: Councillor Brunelle provided notice of motion related to the potential for bringing a new Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Centre to Tiny
Township.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday February 18th, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance.
STAFF REPORTS
Matters for Consideration
Dust Suppressant Tender Results: Council approveda three-year contract awarded to Da-Lee Dust Control for $180,625 + tax in 2026, $189,725 + tax in 2027, and $199,230 + tax in 2028.
Microsurfacing Tender: Council approvedawardinga contract for micro surfacing Balm Beach Rd. West from Perkinsfield to Balm Beach to Duncor Enterprises in the amount of $119,106.00 +HST.
Water Metering Program: Council awarded a contract to Neptune Technology Group at a proposed cost of $144,520 + HST and the purchase of the meters from Evans Utility and Municipal Supply for $270,437.86 + HST to complete Phase 2 pf the Lafontaine and Vanier Woods systems.
Proposed Canada Day event: Options proposed were 1) Canada Day Event at Balm Beach 2) the status quo Community BBQ event or 3) an enhanced version of the BBQ event. Councillor Brunelle raised concerns about the Balm Beach event including parking, conflict with neighbouring municipality activities, limited space, beer gardens competing with licenced establishments at Balm Beach, liability insurance and no rain alternative. He suggested a fourth option of a Canadian multiculturism, enhanced BBQ event at Perkinsfield on June 27th which was rejected by Council (4-1).
Council supported moving forward with the Canada Day at Balm Beach option allocating $40K from operating reserves in addition to the $24K. designated for the BBQ. Should the Federal grant of $81K come through, operating reserves will be replenished. Council also directed staff to develop a traffic management plan and report back.
Discussion of Motion of which Notice has been Previously Given
Advocacy for Additional Funding for Local Schools: Councillor Walma moved that council support and advocate Provincially and Federally for additional funding for schools to better cover classroom supplies, sports and playground equipment as well as a tax credit for donations. Council supported the motion.