Regular Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the minutes of the Special Public and Regular meeting of Council held Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as circulated.

WHEREAS the Integrity Commissioner has submitted a report dated January 15, 2025, regarding Councillor Roger Mulligan's conduct under the Municipality of Huron Shores Code of Conduct; AND WHEREAS Section 223.6(3) of the Municipal Act requires that Council make the report public; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report of the Integrity Commissioner regarding Councillor Roger Mulligan be received for information; AND THAT the report be posted on the municipal website in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-58 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to prescribe a tariff of fees for the services or use of property in the Municipality of Huron Shores was read a Second and Third time, and passed in open council this 15th day of January, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-01 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to enter into an agreement with AgriCorp for a Rain Gauge Site, was read and passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-02 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to execute a Transfer Payment Agreement with His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as represented by the Office of the Fire Marshal for the Fire Prevention Grant was passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.

WHEREAS the Municipality has requested archaeological data from the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to support municipal planning; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-03, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to execute a Data Sharing Agreement with His Majesty the King in right of Ontario, as represented by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, is hereby passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-04 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to establish 2025 interim tax rates was passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-05 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to adopt a site-specific zoning amendment for property described as CON 1 LOT 3PT PCLS 1810 ALG;& 6757 ACS 1R3746 PTS 2-4;1R5252 PTS 1-5 1R6253 PTS1-2; CIVIC ADDRESS OF 363 TAIT ROAD, Municipality of Huron Shores to permit an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a sleep cabin on the subject property, was passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following joint boards on which the Municipality has representation: Thessalon Town and Township Cemetery Board - October 1, 2024

WHEREAS the Dean Lake Bridge has been identified by Kresin Engineering Corporation (KEC) as requiring immediate closure due to structural concerns that pose safety risks to bridge users and the general public; AND WHEREAS previous inspection reports have consistently highlighted significant structural deficiencies and the need for immediate and long-term rehabilitation measures, with no repair plan implemented to date; AND WHEREAS KEC has outlined a work plan to address the immediate and long-term needs of the bridge, including conducting a detailed inspection, exploring interim repair strategies, and evaluating major rehabilitation or replacement options; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes KEC to proceed with the detailed inspection of the Dean Lake Bridge as outlined in Task 1 of their letter, at the earliest possible opportunity, to confirm the current condition and inform future repair strategies; AND THAT Council requests that KEC report back to Council with the findings of the detailed inspection and an evaluation of the feasibility of an interim repair strategy to reopen the bridge with a reduced load limit, pending long-term solutions; AND THAT Council directs staff to work with KEC to evaluate the five proposed options for the long-term rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge, including: Removing the bridge. Closing the bridge to vehicular traffic and maintaining it for pedestrian/ATV use. Rehabilitating the bridge to maintain a 10-tonne load li

WHEREAS Mayor Seabrook has submitted his resignation, effective January 8, 2025; AND WHEREAS Councillor Mulligan has submitted his resignation, effective January 13, 2025; AND WHEREAS Section 259(1)(d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, states that the office of a member of Council becomes vacant when the member resigns in writing and files the resignation with the Clerk; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores does hereby acknowledge the letters of resignation submitted to the Clerk and formally declares the office of the Mayor vacant, effective January 8, 2025, and Councillor - Ward 1, effective January 13, 2025, in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001; AND THAT Council sets a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss how the vacancies be filled.

WHEREAS property assessments impact municipal property taxes, and residents have expressed concerns about potential discrepancies due to the pause in the provincial reassessment cycle; AND WHEREAS the Municipality has taken steps to advocate for updates to the Assessment Act and reassessment timelines but recognizes the need to further support residents in understanding the assessment process and their options; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs staff to work with MPAC to organize and facilitate local public information sessions to help residents better understand how property assessments are determined, what tools and resources are available for reviewing their assessments, and the process for appealing assessments, if needed; AND THAT staff increase the Municipality’s communication about property assessments by promoting MPAC’s existing education materials, including brochures, webinars, and tools like AboutMyProperty.ca, through the municipal website, social media, and newsletters

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council set a Special Meeting to be held on January 29, 2025 at 7:00PM, to review the Strategic Plan.

WHEREAS a quote has been received for insurance coverage for 2025 in the amount of $182,034.00 plus applicable taxes, which represents an increase of 7.38% over 2024; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council renews the Municipal Insurance Policy for 2025 with Marsh Canada Limited at a total cost of $182,034.00 plus applicable taxes.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts the C 3.07 Call Out and Stand-by Policy, as presented.

WHEREAS the Sault Ste. Marie Community Pantry and Household Bartering Items Foundation has proposed the Algoma Christmas Hamper Baskets initiative to support families in need during the holiday season; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports in principle this initiative and refers the logistics to the Community Development and Advisory Committee (CDAC); AND THAT Council provides free use of a municipal recreation center for up to three days to prepare and distribute the hampers.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves The Well Ministries donation request in the amount of $1,000.00 as a 2024 donation; AND THAT Council direct staff to amend the Donation Policy to include a financial threshold for the CAO/Clerk to approve donation requests without requiring Council approval.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports, in principle, Spanish Snowmobile Club’s initiative to secure funding for the development of a comprehensive regional trail map system that includes the Municipality of Huron Shores, recognizing its potential to enhance recreational opportunities, improve safety, and support local economic development.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes 2025 membership renewal with the Huron North Community Economic Alliance, at a cost of $500.00

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council enter into Closed Session at 8:36 p.m. to discuss: personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

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

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

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-06, 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, January 15, 2025, authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was passed in open Council this 15th day of January, 2025.