Regular Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the minutes of the Special Public and Regular meeting of Council held March 12, 2025, and the Special meeting of Council, held March 26, 2025, as circulated.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes the acceptance of the transfer of ownership of a portion of Bright Lake Road, which is currently municipally maintained and under municipal jurisdiction, but not municipally owned; AND THAT staff be directed to work with the owner’s representative to complete the legal transfer of title at no cost to the Municipality; AND THAT the subject portion of Bright Lake Road be recognized as municipally owned and maintained upon registration of the transfer.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report titled Housing Accelerator Fund Application Summary and Local Housing Strategy; AND THAT staff be directed to continue advancing the outlined initiatives through existing planning, development, and modernization processes; AND THAT Council acknowledges these initiatives as reflective of the Municipality’s strategic commitment to sustainable, appropriately scaled housing growth aligned with provincial priorities.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges the ongoing community feedback related to Short-Term Rentals (STRs), recognizing both the benefits to tourism and local economies, and the concerns raised by residents regarding neighbourhood impacts; AND THAT Council confirms the use of existing municipal bylaws and enforcement tools to address STR-related concerns, including: The Noise Control By-law #15-14 The Animal Control By-law #22-76 Maintaining Land in a Clean and Clear Condition By-law #23-36 Fire prevention and compliance measures, as overseen by the Fire Department; Matters involving public safety or criminal activity fall under the authority of the appropriate enforcement agency. AND THAT Council acknowledges that short-term rentals will be considered as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review, which is underway and will include public consultation to help inform future decisions of Council.

WHEREAS Council received the Kresin Engineering report titled Melwel Road Alignment Review, dated February 2025, and supports the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee to implement a posted speed limit of 50 km/h on Melwel Road, with advisory speed signage of 30 km/h posted at the three hazard areas along with all recommended hazard warning signage; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-15, being a by-law to prescribe a rate of speed for motor vehicles travelling on Melwel Road was passed in open Council this 9th Day of April, 2025; AND THAT the by-law shall come into force and take effect upon its passing and the installation of the prescribed signage.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-16 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores for the purpose of establishing the 2025 Tax Rates, was passed in open Council this 9th day of April, 2025; AND THAT the 2025 Municipal Budget incorporates the changes requested by Council at the March 26th, 2025 Special Budget Meeting, authorizing $4,643,633.00 to be raised through taxation for Municipal Expenditures, be attached hereto and forming part of this by-law as Schedule 'A'.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-17 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores for the purpose of establishing 2025 Tax Ratios was passed in open Council this 9th day of April, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-18 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to adopt the 2025 Fire Department Honoraria, was passed in open Council this 9th day of April, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-19, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores, to execute a Seasonal Waste Disposal Site Key Holder Agreement with: Clear Lake Camp Brownlee Lake Campground McAlpine Beach Campground to allow after-hours access to the Municipal Waste Disposal Site, was passed in open Council this 9th day of April, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following municipal committees: Sowerby Hall Heritage Committee - November 12, 2024; Infrastructure Services Committee - March 6, 2025; Mississagi River Monitoring Committee - April 4, 2024; Community Development Advisory Committee - March 6, 2025; and Huron Shores Public Library Board - January 7 and February 4, 2025

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following joint board on which the Municipality has representation: Algoma Public Health Board of Health - January 29, 2025; and Algoma District Services Administration Board - February 13, 2025.

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

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Helmut Boettcher from the Environmental Advisory Committee effective March 7, 2025;

WHEREAS Council, by Resolution No. 25-02-17 directed staff to amend the Donation Policy (C-05) to include a financial threshold for the CAO/Clerk to approve donation requests without requiring Council approval; AND WHEREAS staff have prepared amendments to the Donation Policy (C-05), authorizing the CAO/Clerk to approve donation requests up to $500.00 without requiring Council approval, provided the request meets the eligibility and evaluation criteria outlined in the policy, and clarifying that donation requests exceeding $500.00 must be presented to Council for consideration and approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the proposed amendments to the Donation Policy (C-05) as presented.

WHEREAS recent changes to Council, including the appointment of a new Mayor and two new Councillors, along with a review of operational needs, have identified opportunities to streamline committee responsibilities and improve coordination of community programming; AND WHEREAS the Municipality seeks to enhance public participation, provide adequate staff resources, and ensure appropriate liability coverage for volunteers involved in municipal events and initiatives; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores hereby: Dissolves the Protective Services Committee and Infrastructure Services Committee, and establishes a Public Services Committee comprised of the same Council members previously appointed to the Infrastructure Services Committee; Appoints Mayor Armstrong as the second Human Resources Commissioner; Appoints Councillor Vine to the Public Services Committee; Appoints Councillor Brown to the Huron Shores Recreation Committee and increases public membership by 3 members of the public; Assigns a staff resource to the Huron Shores Recreation Committee; Appoints Councillor Vine to the Environmental Advisory Committee and adjusts the meeting frequency to every other month; Rename the Finance and Audit Committee to the Finance Committee and appoints Mayor Armstrong to the Finance Committee; Appoints Councillor Brown to the Iron Bridge Historical Museum Committee. Appoints Councillor Currie to the Mississagi River

WHEREAS physician shortages continue to be a critical issue in Northern Ontario, leaving many residents without access to adequate primary healthcare services; AND WHEREAS the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, previously indicated that Ontario was expediting the accreditation process for foreign-trained doctors to help address this crisis; AND WHEREAS over a year has passed since these commitments were made, yet municipalities across the North have not seen measurable improvements in the availability of qualified physicians; AND WHEREAS the shortage of healthcare professionals is worsening, particularly in rural and northern communities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of Municipality of Huron Shores calls on the Government of Ontario to provide an update on the progress of fast-tracking foreign-trained doctor accreditation and outline specific measures being implemented to address physician shortages in Northern Ontario; AND THAT the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) be requested to advocate on behalf of all northern municipalities for immediate and effective action to accelerate the licensing process for foreign-trained physicians and improve healthcare access in our communities; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); FONOM; and all municipalities in Northern Ontario for their consideration and support.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the purchase of vehicle stabilizing struts for the Fire Department at a total cost of $9,901.52 plus applicable taxes; AND THAT the balance of the cost, following the $6,000 grant received from ROOTS, be funded from reserves; AND THAT the Fire Department defer the purchase of one sea can in 2025 to offset the use of reserve funds for this equipment.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve, in principle, the amendment to By-law #24-12 to repeal and replace Section 4.2.1 to eliminate prorated license fees; AND THAT staff be directed to bring forward the amending by-law for Council’s consideration and adoption at the next Regular Council meeting.

WHEREAS the Municipality has undertaken a strategic planning process to identify priorities and guide decision-making for the period 2025 to 2029; AND WHEREAS the draft Corporate Strategic Plan has been reviewed by Council and reflects the community’s vision, values, and priorities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby adopts the Corporate Strategic Plan 2025–2029 as presented; AND THAT the Plan be used to guide municipal programs, services, and decision-making over the next five years.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the Public Notice Policy C-08 attached to this report; AND THAT By-law #06-16 being a by-law to establish procedures for public notice, be repealed in its entirety.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts the Compliance Report for expenses excluded from the 2024 budget outlined in Treasurer’s Report entitled “Compliance with Ontario Regulation 284/09” dated April 9, 2025, as a requirement of Ontario passed under the Municipal Act, 2001 .

WHEREAS two bids for the gravel tender were received to fulfill the requirements of the 2025 Gravel Contract being comprised of the following: To supply, haul and place 3,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 1. To supply, haul and place 3,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 2. To supply, haul and place 2,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 4. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council awards the 2025 Gravel Tender to Gilbertson Enterprises Limited in the amount of $197,200.00 plus HST, noting that the gravel cost is over budget by less than 0.3% and is expected to be offset by savings in Grass Cutting and Brushing Services .

WHEREAS two bids were received to fulfill the requirements of the 2025 Roadside Brushing Contract; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council awards the 2025 Roadside Brushing contract to TMI Brushing at the tendered rate of $150.00 per hour, plus HST.

WHEREAS one bid was received to fulfill the requirements of the 2025 Roadside Grass Cutting contract; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council awards the 2025 Roadside Grass Cutting contract to TMI Brushing at the tender contract price of $17,800.00 plus HST, with additional work, if required, billed at $135.00 per hour, plus HST.

WHEREAS the Municipality of Huron Shores has received a request for consent to install an underground conduit as part of the fibre optic deployment within the Municipality; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report titled “Request for Municipal Consent – Rock Networks”; AND THAT Council direct staff to: 1. Continue dialogue with BEAMEO and Rock Networks to obtain additional information regarding construction timelines, safety protocols, and restoration commitments; 2. Consult with legal counsel to develop a restoration agreement that appropriately addresses the scope and nature of the proposed work; AND THAT Council authorize staff to provide conditional approval for the project pending satisfactory response and resolutions to the items identified in the report.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes the CAO/Clerk to submit an application for funding under the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation , as per the request of the Fire Chief, for a Telescoping Hydraulic Ram to expand the fire departments fire and rescue operations under Station 1, and a Wajax Pump to assist with forestry and rural fire response under Station 2.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to obtain a reference plan for the applicable portion of Walker Lane; AND THAT staff be directed to prepare a new by-law, referencing the appropriate Part on the registered plan, to formally open that portion of Walker Lane for public use; AND THAT the costs to obtain a reference plan be drawn from roads reserves.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report titled ‘Possibility of Heritage Designation for the Dean Lake Bridge’ dated April 9, 2025 for information; AND THAT Council direct staff to proceed as per Option B.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as recommended by the Community Development and Advisory Committee (CDAC), and in accordance with the newly formalized approach to task groups, a task group of volunteers be established to assist EarlyOn's Children’s Mental Health Day to be held May 10th, 2025, at the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre, in recognition of Mental Health Week 2025; AND THAT this event serve as a community wellness day featuring activities, recognition, and promotion of local supports and resources that contribute to the mental well-being of children and youth.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as recommended by the Community Development and Advisory Committee (CDAC), a task group to explore possible event, with the goal of engaging local vendors, community organizations, and the public in a multi-day event that promotes economic development, tourism, and community connection.

WHEREAS Council, on September 11, 2024, passed By-law No. 24-45 to authorize an agreement with MCA Contracting for the rehabilitation of the Potomac River Bridge; AND WHEREAS updated site conditions and design requirements identified during the project development process have necessitated a change in scope from rehabilitation to full replacement; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges the revised scope of the Potomac River Bridge Project and authorizes staff to proceed under the existing agreement with MCA Contracting, including all related preparations, at a total contract cost not to exceed $2 million.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize staff to obtain quotes from qualified engineers for a structural feasibility assessment of the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre roof; AND THAT staff report back to Council with the findings and a recommended path forward.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mayor Armstrong attend the Spring ADMA meeting on April 12, 2025 in Desbarats, Ontario; AND THAT all associated expenses be paid.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges receipt of a request to amend the operating hours of the Cullis Road Waste Disposal Site; AND THAT Council confirms there will be no change to the site’s current hours of operation at this time.

WHEREAS Council has received both a letter and a delegation expressing concerns about the potential establishment of a quarry located at 90 Walker Road; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to prepare a formal written summary outlining the process for obtaining approval for a commercial mining operation, including the municipality’s role and authority; AND THAT this summary be made available on the municipal website for the benefit of all interested residents.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council members be invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Ontario Senior of the Year Award to the Clerk, including all required information for the submission, no later than April 25, 2025; AND THAT staff be directed to prepare and submit the selected nomination to the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat on behalf of the Municipality of Huron Shores prior to the required deadline.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-20, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Adopt the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was passed in open Council this 9th day of April, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council does adjourn at 9:11 p.m.

WHEREAS two bids for the gravel tender were received to fulfill the requirements of the 2025 Gravel Contract being comprised of the following: 1. To supply, haul and place 3,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 1. 2. To supply, haul and place 3,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 2. 3. To supply, haul and place 2,000 cu. yds. of 5/8” Type “M” Gravel on various roads in Ward 4. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council awards the 2025 Gravel Tender to Gilbertson Enterprises Limited in the amount of $197,200.00 plus HST, noting that the gravel cost is over budget by less than 0.3% and is expected to be offset by savings in Grass Cutting and Brushing Services.