Regular Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the minutes of the Special Public and Regular meeting of Council held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as circulated.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report entitled “Short-Term Rentals – Zoning By-law Review Considerations” for information; AND THAT Council direct staff to include approaches to STRs in the new draft Zoning By-law, including: Defining the STR use; Permitting or restricting STRs in certain zones; Applying lot size, servicing, or occupancy standards; Differentiating between primary and secondary residences used as STRs; Coordinating with existing municipal by-laws and enforcement.

WHEREAS Consent Application File No. 2025-C-05 proposes to sever land to create one severed parcel of approximately 48.68 acres and a retained parcel of approximately 49.17 acres, to the property located at 64 Club House Road, Municipality of Huron Shores; AND WHEREAS the application also proposes an easement to provide access to the severed lot across the retained parcel; AND WHEREAS Planning Consultant Peter Tonazzo, by Planning Report dated August 5, 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-05, subject to conditions as presented, and include the following: That prior to final consent, a Solicitor provide confirmation that existing legal across the subject property to the abutting lots to the west, more specifically the parcels known as 104 and 29 Club House Road is either not impacted by the severance of the subject property or that existing access rights for said properties will be transferred through the registration of the severed and retained parcels; That all Municipal taxes on the subject property be paid in full.

WHEREAS Consent Application File No. 2025-C-07 proposes to sever land to create one severed parcel of approximately 9.09 acres and a retained parcel of approximately 15.84 acres, to the property located at 11935 Highway 17, Municipality of Huron Shores; AND WHEREAS the application also proposes an easement to provide access to both the severed parcel and to the retained parcel; AND WHEREAS Planning Consultant Peter Tonazzo, by Planning Report dated August 5, 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-07, subject to conditions as presented.

WHEREAS a portion of Walker Road, specifically part of Lot 41, Plan RCP H789, was inadvertently omitted from By-law No. 00-29, despite being used and maintained as part of the municipal road network; AND WHEREAS a legal survey has now been completed to accurately define this portion of the road as Part 1 on Plan 1R-14258; AND WHEREAS it is necessary to formally recognize this section as a public highway and amend By-law No. 00-29 accordingly; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-35 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to amend by-law 00-29 for the purposes of opening and assuming a section of road in the Municipality of Huron Shores as a result or realigned of walker road was passed in open Council this 13th day of August, 2025; AND THAT By-law No. 25-13 is hereby repealed in its entirety. AND THAT By-law No. 00-29 shall remain in full force and effect, as amended by this by-law. AND THAT a copy of this by-law be registered on title at the Land Registry Office to formalize the inclusion of this road segment in the municipal road network.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-36, being a by-law to amend By-law 22-85, the Cost Recovery for Fire Services By-law, to clarify that extraordinary expenses include the costs incurred to secure unsafe or uninhabitable buildings following a Fire Protection Services response, including incidents involving Fire Code violations, was passed in open Council this 13th day of August, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-37 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to reduce the required frontage to 0m from the required 45 metres in the Rural Zone, and 60 metres in the Waterfront Recreational Zone to the property located at 64 Club House Road was passed in open Council this 13th day of August, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-38 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to increase the number of permitted main use structures to three (2 single detached dwellings and a seasonal dwelling) and to reduce the required waterfront setback from 30m to 20m to allow for the construction of a cottage in a Rural (R) and Waterfront Recreational (W.Rec) zone; on property located at 16410 Highway 17, was passed in open Council this 13th day of August, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following municipal committees: Huron Shores Cemetery Committee - May 12, 2025

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following joint board on which the Municipality has representation: Algoma District Services Administration Board - May 15, 2025

WHEREAS the Municipality of Huron Shores currently receives animal control and by-law enforcement services through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Blind River; AND WHEREAS concerns have been raised that the level of service under the current arrangement may not be sufficient to ensure effective enforcement of municipal by-laws; AND WHEREAS Council must have confidence that the by-laws it enacts can and will be enforced appropriately; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs staff to proceed with the recruitment of a full-time, 12-month contract By-law Enforcement Officer, with the position to commence in January 2026 and be automatically renewable subject to satisfactory performance and Council direction; AND THAT the position include responsibilities for both by-law enforcement and animal control throughout the Municipality; AND THAT the Municipality supply a vehicle to support the enforcement officer in carrying out their duties across the large geographic area of the Municipality; AND THAT finance staff prepare a report outlining the anticipated costs, funding options, and any budget implications associated with the position, to be presented to Council for approval prior to finalizing the employment contract; AND THAT staff provide formal notice to the Town of Blind River in accordance with the terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding, with the intent to transition services by the end of 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accepts with regret the resignation of Josh MacFarlane from the Fire Department, Station 1, effective August 13th, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the A-04 Volunteer Policy, as presented

WHEREAS the preferred proponent has agreed to honour the pricing in their proposal should the project proceed in the 2026 construction year; AND WHEREAS this opportunity presents significant cost savings by avoiding any increase in material and construction costs by mobilizing once to complete the priority sections; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the addition of $386,900.00 + applicable taxes to the 2026 budget for the priority sections of Guide Rails on Melwel Road.

WHEREAS Rock Networks (H&M) LP is undertaking a multi-phase project under the Building Broadband Faster (BFF) program to install underground fibre optic infrastructure throughout the Municipality of Huron Shores; AND WHEREAS the proposed work involves primarily aerial and, in limited cases, underground plowing within the shoulder of municipal road allowances, with all installations and restorations to comply with standard industry practices and minimize disruption to the travelling public; AND WHEREAS Rock Networks and/or its contractors have committed to assuming full liability for damages or deficiencies, providing required WSIB clearance and Certificates of Insurance, submitting traffic control plans in accordance with Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7, providing advance notice to municipal staff, and participating in pre- and post-construction inspections as required; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores hereby grants municipal consent for the underground installation of fibre optic infrastructure by Rock Networks (H&M) LP within the municipal right-of-way for the duration of the project, subject to the following conditions: 1. THAT no work shall commence on any segment until the Municipality has been notified a minimum of two weeks in advance and all supporting documentation (including insurance, WSIB, traffic control plan, and work schedule) has been received and deemed satisfactory; 2. THAT no private or unassumed

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Dean Lake Bridge Feasibility Report dated August 1, 2025, as prepared by Kresin Engineering; AND THAT Council direct staff to schedule and advertise a public engagement session to be held on October 22, 2025 at the Huron Shores Recreation Centre, open to all ratepayers of the Municipality of Huron Shores, for the purpose of sharing the findings of the feasibility report and gathering feedback.

WHEREAS Council previously adopted the Tax Collection Policy by By-law #24-48 on October 9, 2024; AND WHEREAS staff have identified further areas for improved efficiency and cost savings in the administration of tax billing and collection notices; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the recommended amendments to the Tax Collection Policy, as presented, to reflect the following changes: That tax payment receipts shall only be issued upon request; and That tax arrears notices shall only be mailed to ratepayers with a balance of $50.00 or more; AND THAT the amended Tax Collection Policy be brought forward under by-law at the Regular September meeting for formal adoption.

WHEREAS the Municipality’s current financial systems are outdated and limit operational efficiency; AND WHEREAS Townsuite Financial has been identified as the preferred solution based on functionality, support, and aligns with the recommendation of KPMG’s 2024 Service Delivery Review; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve, in principle, the implementation of Townsuite Financial, including Payroll and Customer Portal, at an estimated Year 1 cost of $267,328.00, contingent on funding approval and final contract review; AND THAT finance staff be directed to proceed with funding applications and report back during 2026 budget deliberations with a final implementation plan.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize a deviation from Section 15(d) of By-law #24-54, being the Real Property Disposal By-law, to permit staff to open sealed tenders for the sale of surplus municipal lands at a publicly advertised tender opening, due to the volume of properties being offered for sale; AND THAT the results and staff recommendations be presented at a future public meeting of Council for formal decision.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize staff to approach neighbouring municipalities to determine their interest in participating in a joint Request for Proposals for contracted Chief Building Official services commencing January 1, 2026; AND THAT staff be authorized to proceed with issuing an RFP for CBO services, jointly or independently.

WHEREAS the registered owner of PIN 31448-0452, Lefroy Plan 381, Lot 8 has expressed interest in donating the property to the Municipality of Huron Shores in lieu of proceeding through the municipal tax sale process; AND WHEREAS staff have reviewed the property and confirmed that it is free of known encumbrances, environmental concerns, and other liabilities that would adversely impact the Municipality; AND WHEREAS Council deems it in the public interest to accept the donation, subject to the completion of all necessary legal documentation and the cancellation of any outstanding taxes, penalties, and interest in accordance with Section 354 of the Municipal Act, 2001 ; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute all necessary documents to accept the transfer of the property identified as PIN 31448-0452, Lefroy Plan 381, Lot 8 to the Municipality of Huron Shores; AND THAT the Treasurer be directed to take all necessary steps to vest the property in the name of the Municipality of Huron Shores and upon registration of the transfer write off all outstanding taxes, penalties, and interest applicable to the property, and update the tax roll accordingly; AND THAT staff be directed to prepare a Policy for the Voluntary Donation of Land to the Municipality to establish consistent procedures, evaluation criteria, and due diligence requirements for such transactions for Council consideration.

WHEREAS the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) pilot program was introduced to help Northern Ontario municipalities address infrastructure pressures resulting from natural resource sector activities; AND WHEREAS the funding provided through the NORDS pilot was very well received by the municipal sector, as it delivered timely and much-needed financial support to many communities across the North; AND WHEREAS the program has allowed municipalities, such as the Municipality of Huron Shores, to strategically stack multi-year allocations in order to support large-scale infrastructure initiatives critical to community development and economic growth; AND WHEREAS the NORDS pilot program has clearly demonstrated its value and effectiveness in helping Northern municipalities address the infrastructure challenges tied to resource development and extraction; AND WHEREAS rural and northern municipalities are also facing infrastructure degradation resulting from the increasing size and frequency of agricultural machinery and activity, which is currently outside the scope of the pilot; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores strongly urges the Government of Ontario to make the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) program a permanent fixture of its support to Northern municipalities; AND FURTHER THAT the Province consider expanding program eligibility to recognize the significant impact that agricultural equipmen

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby directs the Mayor to issue a formal letter of opposition to the Canadian Geoparks Network and UNESCO regarding the Georgian Bay Aspiring Geopark; AND THAT this letter reflect concerns raised by the Manitoulin-North Shore Federation of Agriculture, including the lack of meaningful consultation with local farmers, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other affected stakeholders; AND THAT the letter request the removal of Manitoulin Island and the North Shore from the proposed area of inclusion until proper engagement is conducted and equitable consideration is given to all affected communities.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports the attendance of available Members of Council and Committees at the Long-Term Care Community Engagement Day on September 12, 2025, hosted by the North Shore Health Network Long Term Care Home; AND THAT the Municipality cover all associated expenses.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct the requester to follow the Municipality’s Road Status Change Request Policy should they wish to pursue the assumption of the subject road allowance; AND THAT the policy, as reaffirmed by Council earlier this year, continues to guide the Municipality’s approach to requests of this nature to ensure consistency, transparency, and due process.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council returns to open session at 9:06 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to formally notify the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Transport Canada of the Municipality’s legal position with respect to the failed culvert at the former Dean Lake Bridge site, and request written confirmation of their jurisdiction and responsibilities.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #25-39, 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, August 13th, 2025, authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was passed in open Council this 13th day of August, 2025.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council does adjourn at 9:08 p.m.

WHEREAS Consent Application File No. 2025-C-06 proposes to sever land to create one severed parcel of 2.51 acres from the retained 23.32 acres of land, to the property located at 130-136 Ingram Road, Municipality of Huron Shores; AND WHEREAS Planning Consultant Peter Tonazzo, by Planning Report dated August 5, 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-06, subject to conditions as presented, and include the following: 1. That the site-specific rezoning currently applied to the subject property, which permits two dwelling units, be removed. 2. That a warning clause, advising future owners of potential livestock related odour, be registered on the title of the proposed severed parcel. 3. That all Municipal taxes on the subject property be paid in full.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed in Closed session at 8:43 p.m. in order to address a matter pertaining to:  advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose