Regular Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the minutes of the Special Public and Regular meeting of Council held Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Special meeting of Council held Wednesday, January 22, and the Special meeting of Council held Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as circulated.

WHEREAS an Application for Consent File No. 2025-C-01 has been received proposing to sever a 47.6 acre parcel of land from the subject property legally described as Plan 1M559 Lot 13; civic address of 44 Emily Court in the Municipality of Huron Shores; AND WHEREAS Planning Consultant Peter Tonazzo, by Planning Report dated February 9, 2025 recommends approval of the application subject to conditions; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, under the provisions of Section 53 of the Planning Act, Council grants provisional consent to File No. 2025-C-01, subject to the following conditions: That the applicant formalizes the existing driveway to provide access to the proposed severed and retained parcels by way of a registered easement. That the applicant registers a general easement on the proposed severed parcel to recognize the existence of the powerline and permit any required maintenance activities going forward. Draft Transfer Application Form; Draft Schedule to the Transfer Application Form On which is set out the entire legal description of the parcels subject to this consent. This Schedule must also contain the names of the party(ies) indicated on Page 1 of the Transfer Deed of Land Form or Transfer Application form; Plan of Survey A Reference Plan of Survey which bears the Land Registry Office registration number and signature as evidence of its deposit therein, illustrating the parcel to which the consent approval relates. Provide one paper copy and one digital copy of said

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-07, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Enter into an Agreement with Algoma Manor to provide a Physical Facility for Temporary Shelter at the Thessalon Township Community Centre and Station 1 Fire Hall was passed in open Council this 12th day of February, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-08 being a By-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to appoint signing authorities was passed in open Council this 12th day of February, 2025; AND THAT By-law #24-51 be hereby repealed.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-09, being a By-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to adopt the 2024 Asset Management Plan (AMP) which supersedes and replaces the 2022 Asset Management Plan , was passed in open Council this 12 th day of February, 2025; AND THAT a copy of said Plan be uploaded to the Municipal Website .

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores receives the report titled “2026 Municipal and School Board Election – Voting Method” dated February 12, 2025; AND THAT Council approves Internet Voting as the alternative voting method for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election; AND THAT staff be directed to bring forward a by-law to establish the voting method and permit advance voting, as per the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, following the selection of an election vendor.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoints Lucy Cullen to the Ward 4 Recreation Committee, effective January 13, 2025.

WHEREAS the resignation of Roger Mulligan has resulted in a vacancy for a Council representative on the Thessalon Town and Township Cemetery Board; AND WHEREAS Councillor MacKinnon has expressed interest in serving as Council's representative; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoints Councillor MacKinnon as the Council representative on the Thessalon Town and Township Cemetery Board.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoints Casey Grexton to the Huron Shores Fire Fighter Cadet Program, Station 1, effective January 30, 2025. AND THAT Council appoint Gerry Daub to the Huron Shores Fire Department, Station 2, effective February 12, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges the retirement of Kevin Ravnaas from the position of Public Works Superintendent, with his last working day to be February 28th, 2025; AND THAT Council thanks him for his combined 39 years of dedicated public service to both the Corporation of the Township of Thompson and the Municipality of Huron Shores, and wishes him all the best in his retirement.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts the following procedure for resolving tie votes when appointing a candidate to fill a vacant Council seat on March 5, 2025: In the event of a tie vote, Council will conduct one additional round of voting, limited to the tied candidates. If the tie persists, the Clerk shall conduct a random draw to determine the successful candidate.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council approves suspending the purchase of a backhoe for another year in order to review the condition of all equipment; AND THAT an increase to the maintenance budget for the current backhoes be considered during budget deliberations.

WHEREAS the Community Voices Committee (CVC) has submitted a comprehensive list of questions regarding the Dean Lake Bridge closure, seeking clarity on various aspects including safety, funding, planning, engineering, and decision timelines; AND WHEREAS it is in the best interest of transparency and open communication to provide the CVC with responses to their inquiries; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as recommended by the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council approves the compiled list of questions from the CVC along with the corresponding responses and directs that this approved list be provided to the CVC to clarify the status of their inquiries.

WHEREAS Public Works has identified areas of immediate concern on Chevis Road, including ditch rock areas and the steep hill coming off the river, which require attention prior to Spring to prevent road shoulder and lane washouts; AND WHEREAS Public Works’ proposed short-term approach, including ditch rock removal, stockpiling of blasted rock for future use, and having Type II B granular material available for addressing soft spots, has been supported by Tulloch Engineering; AND WHEREAS obtaining quotes rather than proceeding through a formal tender process will expedite the required work to be completed before Spring; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council authorizes an upset limit of $160,000 for the immediate repairs to Chevis Road; AND THAT the procurement process for this work be conducted through a request for quote rather than a formal tender, in accordance with the Municipality’s procurement policy, to facilitate timely completion of the work; AND THAT staff be directed to proceed with securing the necessary services to complete the work as soon as possible.

WHEREAS the Infrastructure Services Committee has reviewed the Municipality of Huron Shores' Dedicated – Unassumed – Seasonal Public Highways – Status Change Requirements Policy in response to a request from Mr. Puddister regarding municipal maintenance of Partridge Trail; AND WHEREAS the Committee has determined that the policy remains relevant and appropriate for addressing requests of this nature and recommended Council complete a secondary review to ensure that the existing policy remains relevant; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores hereby reaffirms the Dedicated – Unassumed – Seasonal Public Highways – Status Change Requirements Policy as written, with no amendments at this time; AND THAT staff be directed to continue enforcing the policy as currently adopted.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council authorizes participation in the 2025 Amalgamated Tender process with the East Algoma Road Superintendent Association (EARSA) for the provision of materials required in 2025, as presented by the Public Works Superintendent.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council grants pre-budget approval for the purchase of a used vehicle for the Facilities and Recreation Labourer, at a cost not to exceed $25,000

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores awards the contract for the Third-Party Fire Services Gap Analysis and Shared Fire Services Guidelines to Pomax Consulting Inc. in collaboration with the Town of Thessalon, subject to approval by the Council of the Town of Thessalon; AND THAT the project cost of $37,500 + HST be equally shared between the Municipality of Huron Shores and the Town of Thessalon; AND THAT the necessary agreements be executed and project commence accordingly.

WHEREAS procedural updates to the Visual Identity and Logo Use Policy implement the use of the Corporate Logo in official municipal documents, including meeting minutes and formal records; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the updated Visual Identity and Logo Use Policy, as circulated.

WHEREAS the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) and the Healthcare and Well-being Committee share overlapping priorities, including community wellbeing initiatives; AND WHEREAS provincial healthcare mandates emphasize a broader approach to well-being extending beyond medical care, aligning with CDAC’s existing areas of focus; AND WHEREAS merging the Healthcare and Well-being Committee into CDAC would streamline efforts and enhance support for related initiatives; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores approves merging the Healthcare and Well-being Committee into CDAC; AND THAT the CDAC membership be increased by two additional members; AND THAT Council appoints Joanne Falk as one of the new members of the CDAC; AND THAT an expanded Terms of Reference be brought forward at a future meeting of Council.

WHEREAS local youth have expressed strong interest in becoming more engaged in community initiatives; AND WHEREAS fostering youth involvement supports leadership development and community engagement; AND WHEREAS a structured approach through an official Youth Council would provide a meaningful platform for youth to contribute and participate responsibly; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores approves the establishment of a Youth Council under the guidance of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), with an initial framework to be developed in early 2025.

WHEREAS the Municipality of Huron Shores has supported local ice fishing initiatives over the past three years through the Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge by MyCatch, including an annual $1,000 sponsorship, with coordination by staff; AND WHEREAS a new Women's Ice Fishing Weekend event is being introduced in March 2025 by a local angler in partnership with Northern Skies Resort and serves as a valuable tourism and economic driver supporting local lodges, businesses, and community partners who are collaborating to make the event a success; AND WHEREAS the event aligns with the municipality’s goal of promoting Huron Shores as a year-round destination while fostering community engagement and economic development; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores approves a $250 sponsorship for the Women's Ice Fishing Weekend event in March, 2025, to be included in the 2025 Municipal budget.

WHEREAS the Municipality of Huron Shores is advancing opportunities for development, particularly to support housing initiatives; AND WHEREAS in accordance with By-Law #24-54, the Municipality must declare lands surplus before proceeding with their sale or development; AND WHEREAS the Municipality has also received a request of interest regarding a specific municipal property; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores declares the identified municipal properties in report titled: Surplus Lands, February 2025, as surplus to facilitate housing and development opportunities, and direct staff to proceed with the necessary steps as outlined in By-Law #24-54 for the disposition of surplus lands.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve an application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund – Stream 2 for the revitalization of the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre.

WHEREAS the ROOTS Community Support Fund supports emergency response applications that are capital in nature; AND WHEREAS the deadline for Quarter 1 applications is February 27th, 2025; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes the Fire Chief to make an application to the Trillium Mutual Insurance Company's ROOTS Community Fund for heavy struts to stabilize large vehicles involved in Motor Vehicle Accidents.

WHEREAS the Provincial Land Tax (PLT) paid in unincorporated areas of northern Ontario helps fund critical community services such as policing, land ambulance, public health, and social services; AND WHEREAS northern municipalities face a significant tax burden compared to unincorporated areas, creating inequities in funding these essential services; AND WHEREAS Local Services Boards (LSBs) and Local Roads Boards (LRBs) provide specific services such as fire protection, road maintenance, and garbage collection in some unincorporated areas, but many areas remain without such local governance, leading to further disparities in service provision; AND WHEREAS the last PLT review concluded in 2017, with rate adjustments phased in by 2021, leaving the system outdated and unresponsive to rising service costs; AND WHEREAS the ongoing property reassessment freeze has further exacerbated inequities by failing to reflect current property values; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores urges the Province of Ontario to conduct a comprehensive review of the Provincial Land Tax system to address these disparities and ensure unincorporated areas contribute fairly to service costs; AND THAT this review considers: Adjusting PLT rates to reflect inflation and rising service costs,; Evaluating the role and coverage of Local Services Boards and Local Roads Boards to address gaps in service provision; and Improving transparency and equity in PLT rate deter

WHEREAS Matthew Seabrook and Roger Mulligan have served on the Municipality of Huron Shores' Council; AND WHEREAS Matthew Seabrook served from November 23, 2022, to January 8, 2025, and Roger Mulligan served from November 23, 2022 to January 13, 2025; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges their service to the Municipality and thanks them for their time and contributions.

WHEREAS under Ontario Regulation 391/21: Blue Box, producers are fully accountable and financially responsible for their products and packaging once they reach their end of life and are disposed of, for ‘eligible’ sources only; AND WHEREAS ‘ineligible’ sources which producers are not responsible for including businesses, places of worship, daycares, campgrounds, public-facing and internal areas of municipal-owned buildings and not-for-profit organizations, such as shelters and food banks; AND WHEREAS should a municipality continue to provide services to the ‘ineligible’ sources, the municipality will be required to oversee the collection, transportation, and processing of the recycling, assuming 100% of the costs; AND WHEREAS these costs will further burden the municipalities’ finances and potentially take resources away from vital infrastructure projects; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores hereby request that the province amend Ontario Regulation 391/21: Blue Box so that producers are responsible for the end-of-life management of recycling products from all sources; AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, MPP, AMO, ROMA and FONOM.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores supports, in principle, the Thessalon School Council's efforts to lobby the Ontario Ministry of Education to designate Thessalon Public School as a capital project for a new school in Thessalon; AND THAT a letter of support be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Education, the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, the Member of Parliament for the area, the Director of Education for the Algoma District School Board, the Associate Director of Corporate Services and Operations for the Algoma District School Board, and the Algoma District School Board Trustee for Algoma.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Iron Bridge Lions Club Inc. request for donation, by letter dated January 23, 2025, be

BE IT RESOLVED THAT ________ be authorized to attend the 2025 Ontario Good Roads Association Conference to be held in Toronto, from March 31 to April 2, 2025; AND THAT the Municipality cover all associated expenses.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed in Closed session at 8:23 p.m. in order to address two matters pertaining to: 239(2)(d) Labour relations or employee negotiations

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council return to open session at 8:50p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves an increase to the salary and compensation for overtime for the CAO/Clerk, retroactive to January 1, 2025, as discussed in closed session.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-10, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Adopt the Minutes of the Special Public and Regular Council Meeting held Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was passed in open Council this 12th day of February, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council does adjourn at 8:52 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following municipal committees:  Huron Shores Public Library - November 5 and December 3, 2024  Infrastructure Services Committee - December 5, 2024  Community Development Advisory Committee - December 5, 2024

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following joint board on which the Municipality has representation:  Algoma District Services Administration Board - November 28, 2024  Algoma Public Health Board of Health - October 23, 2024

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes Mayor Armstrong and a Councillor to be determined at a later date, to attend the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) being held in Ottawa from August 17th – 20th, 2025; AND THAT it cover all associated expenses.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Iron Bridge Lions Club Inc. request for donation, by letter dated January 23, 2025, be deferred to 2025 budget deliberations; AND THAT the Lions Club be advised of said deferral.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct the CAO/Clerk to proceed as discussed in closed session.