REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday April 1, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Helowka and Walma were in attendance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Administration Centre Update:Tim Leitch, Director of Public Works, updated Council on construction progress. Foundation pouring is 98% complete; hydro corridor clearing almost complete, structural framing to begin early May.
Summer Day Camp Registration opens April 7
Summer Program Registration opens April 13
Ducks in a Row May 6,13,20 registration opens April 13
Senior Symposium June 17, 2026 at the Community Centre Conc 8
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Annual Review of Health and Safety Policies: As required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Township reviews the following four health and safety policies annually:
- Health and Safety Policy
- Workplace Harassment Policy
- Workplace Violence Policy
- Psychological Health and Well-Being Policy
Utility Tractor Purchase: Staff recommendthe purchase of a Kubota MD4-071 utility tractor for $105,104.80 + HST. The existing tractor RT22, would be posted for sale
2026 Road Sweeping: Staff recommendawarding the contract to A&G The Road Cleaners for $91,901.60 + HST. In past years, contractors would dispose of the swept sand in the Township’s material storage facility on the 9th Concession. Staff have been informed by the MNR that such disposals would no longer be allowed as part of that site is a licensed aggregate pit. This was budgeted for $45,000 and the $46,901.60 extra cost of removing the sand would be taken from Operating reserves.
NEW BUSINESS
TC Energy Project: The public comment period for the TC Energy Project remains open until April 6. Council directed staff to respond emphasizing the following principles: Environmental Stewardship, Transparent Governance and Consultation, Regional Collaboration, Precautionary Approach. Council also requested a full Environmental Assessment and Coastal Engineering study, and that copies be sent to all involved municipalities, government agencies and interest groups requesting their cooperation in preventing this project from moving forward.
BY-LAWS
By-law 26-015 to Regulate the Provision of Municipal Water in the Township of Tiny: Any new Service Connection will have a Water Meter Package installed. The Township will install a water meter at the property owner’s cost should they refuse this for four years.
By-law 26-016 to set Remuneration of Council: outlines base salary plus per diem for special Meetings of Council and for certain committee roles; pension contributions; mileage, internet and cell phone expenses.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday April 1, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors Brunelle, Walma and Helowka were in attendance.
REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS OR THIRD PARTIES
Township of Tiny Water Supply Study – Firefighting: Nick Larson and Jody Lee from Agile Infrastructure presented the study whichaimed at improving the Township’s
firefighting water supply service levels and building on the existing Water Master Plan. The presentation provided an overview of current fire coverage areas and the existing water system. Recommendations were presented to address gaps and improve coverage, along with a proposed implementation approach to enhance firefighting water supply reliability.
STAFF REPORTS
Full reports on the items below can be found in the April 1 CoW agenda.
Restricted Acts After Nomination Day (“Lame Duck”) From Nomination Day August 21 until the end of term November 14 there are restrictions involving appointment or removal from office of any officer of the municipality, dismissal and hiring of employees, expenditures over $50,000 and disposal of municipal property over $50,000.
Proposed Remuneration Framework for Elected Officials for the 2026-2030Term of Council: Members of the Ad Hoc Citizen’s Committee on Council Remuneration (HCCCR) have conducted a comprehensive review in relation to total council remuneration and their observations and recommendations have been summarized in a lengthy report.
Participation in the Joint Compliance Audit Committee: This Committee (facilitated and administered by the County of Simcoe) is an investigative/adjudicative body created to enforce provincially enacted laws related to municipal election campaign funding.
Proposed Amendments to the Fees Schedule By-law – Nuisance Fire Alarms: Several proposals were presented ranging from status quo to dependence on occupancy status to fee graduated with frequency of occurrence .. all in an attempt to encourage greater responsibility of property owners and help ensure emergency services remain available for emergencies.
2026 Fee Schedule By-law Review: a proposed By-law was introduced that includesvarious fee updates to ensure cost recovery.
Tiny 2050 Community Engagement Results: Survey received 678 responses. Strongest responses concerned environment and climate change, aging infrastructure, enjoyment of living in Tiny.
Proposed Election Sign by-law: the key points causingnegative community reaction werelimiting posting on public property, maximum number of signs allowed (300), sign posting restricted to 45 days before the October 26 election. Issue to be discussed at next Council meeting.
DISCUSSION OF MOTION OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GIVEN
Potential for Bringing New South Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Centre to Tiny – Revised: Councillor Brunelle requested council approve the submission of 130 Balm Beach Road West, 35 County Road 6 South, 43 County Road 6 South, 340 Concession 9 East and 91 Concession 8 East for assessment by the OPP as potential locations for a new Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Centre Facility. Further discussion deferred.
Parking Program: Councillor Walma requested that Parking Restriction Guidelines west of County Rd 6 be formalized including a potential change from April 15 until October 15 to May 16 until Labour Day.
COMMUNICATIONS
MS Canada – Request for May MS Awareness Month: Council approved the request.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Drew Ironstone, Rob Panasiuk and Stephen MacNamara all spoke against the proposed Sign By-law citing concern for limiting the timeframe for signage and prohibiting placement on public property as this reduces candidates’ ability to reach seasonal property owners. Election signs are a form of political expression protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Ensuring fair and equitable access to voters is essential,
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL Wednesday April 22, 2026
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors Brunelle, Helowka and Walma were in attendance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SSEA Environmental Award nominations are open until April 17
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Residents Jesse Garland, Bob Ord, Karen Zulynik, Stephanie DiFrancesca and Rob Panasiuk spoke in opposition to proposed election sign by-law.
DEPUTATIONS TO COUNCIL
Mark Burke requested Speed Calming Measures on TBRN – Particularly Between Concessions 10 and 11
Don Stubbs update on planning for 2026 Georgian Bay Festival June 13.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Year End Variance Report: The township’s total 2025 surplus is estimated at $2.028 million. Of this amount, $1.137m was alreadyallocated in the 2026 budget. A further $861k relates to 2025 projects carried over into 2026 and funded bysurplus taxation dollars, along with $102k in additional adjustments and staff recommendations to be addedinto the 2026 budget. As a result, the township is projecting a 2025 deficit of $73k. Staff recommend usingreserve adjustments to address the deficit and to maintain the proposed tax rate increase of 5.80% (blendedrate of 3.99%).
Lake Huron Grasshopper – Species at Risk Act (SARA): Public Works will work with Awenda Park on the Recovery Strategy by identifying areas of concern (fore dunes and back dunes of dynamic beaches), education and awareness, providing contact information and continuing liaison with ECCC.
BY-LAWS
By-law 26-019 to regulate Election Signs within the Township of Tiny: positivechanges to the original draft included limiting 300 signs only on road allowances or public property, signage period to commence on Nomination Day August 21.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday April 22, 2026
REPORTS OF CONSULTANTS OR THIRD PARTIES
Sewage System Reinspection Program 2025: Bill Goodale, Tatham Engineering reported that 1433 re-inspections were carried out in the north east corner of the Township including Toanche, Champlain Rd and Farlain Lake. 160 lots were found to be deficient and 353 had failed to provide pump-out reports. The north west corner of Tiny will be reinspected in 2026.
STAFF REPORTS
Full reports on the items below can be found in the April 22 CoW agenda.
2025 Building Department Year End Report: was presented by the planning Department along with Building permit comparation reports for 2025Q4, 2026Q1 and Year-to-date.
Municipal Heritage Register Review: Properties that are currently listed on heritage registers must advance to designation through the Ontario Housing Act legislated process by January 2027 or they must be removed from the heritage register. Staff is recommending 16 properties be issued Notice of Intent to Designate (NOID)
Market by the Bay event: Proposed to be held in Perkinsfield Park on August 15, 2026 with expansion to 4 dates in 2027 and including other activities such as buskers, face painting, classic cars etc.
Community Calendar Creation and Distribution: presents a strategic opportunity to enhance communication between the Township and its residents while supporting local businesses and community organizations by combining municipal information, community programming, and local business promotion. Financed through the Economic Development Reserve and advertising. Staff recommend awarding the project to Midland Printers with the cost for design and printing $6,780.00 including HST. Council approved moving forward.
COMMITTEES
Toanche Dog Park Opening Event: presented to Council as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Committee together with the Larry Patenaude Arena dedication.
COMMUNICATION
Remuneration Response to Council Direction; Ray Millar, Chair of the now disbanded Ad Hoc Citizen’s Committee on Council Remuneration expressed disappointment in Council’s preference for comparative benchmarking (imitation rather than analysis) and their expectation of results clearly outside of the committee mandate.
Comments on TC Energy project: Pamela Fulford, a retired MNR biologistexpressed concerns over the location of the proposed facility citing potential contamination of the Bay and the groundwater, harm to fish and species at risk, incomplete project scope, lack of accountability, no analysis of alternative.
SSEA Invasive Species report 2025: presents a list of invasive species found in Tiny. SSEA will continue to work with Tiny and citizen scientists to educate, monitor and manage.
ATV Routes between Tiny and Tay: Deb Tanner, a Director of the Central ATV board is requesting two addition roads be added to the permission list to enhance connection between Tay and Tiny Townships.
Request for proclamation Children’s Mental Health Week: May 4-10, 2026 was approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Jessie Garland voiced her concerns with the use of ATV/ORV on Concession 4 given the traffic volumes. Deb Tanner, commented on operation and regulations of ATV/ORV on municipal roads.