1 01:00:02,087 --> 01:00:05,274 to conservation authorities. These two— this 2 01:00:05,435 --> 01:00:09,010 ERO posting looked at two pieces, one including 3 01:00:09,106 --> 01:00:12,857 how boards would be established and the other around 4 01:00:12,889 --> 01:00:16,624 some restrictions associated with naming individuals 5 01:00:16,737 --> 01:00:20,796 to the upper level board. Staff have 6 01:00:21,310 --> 01:00:25,776 compiled and put together draft comments in line 7 01:00:25,808 --> 01:00:28,748 with previously approved advocacy platforms, 8 01:00:29,568 --> 01:00:32,492 and those are attached to the report for review. 9 01:00:33,198 --> 01:00:36,492 I do want to note that at the time of drafting this report, 10 01:00:36,733 --> 01:00:43,047 we didn't have specific information around the individualized 11 01:00:43,384 --> 01:00:46,115 numbers for those, and these were estimates. 12 01:00:46,867 --> 01:00:50,491 Since that time we have received those numbers and 13 01:00:50,991 --> 01:00:54,744 there's slight differentiations. However, generally you're 14 01:00:55,244 --> 01:00:59,110 looking at a significant number of appointments in the east, 15 01:00:59,658 --> 01:01:02,996 with Bruce County still looking at one appointment 16 01:01:03,060 --> 01:01:06,715 to this amalgamated CA. With that, 17 01:01:06,763 --> 01:01:10,196 I will leave it there and happy to answer any questions. Thank you. There is 18 01:01:10,696 --> 01:01:15,048 a resolution that staff be directed to submit the comments attached to Report GR-2026-03 -34 19 01:01:15,422 --> 01:01:22,400 to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as part of ERO posting 026-0740. 20 01:01:22,453 --> 01:01:27,826 Is there a mover and seconder? Moved by Kirkland, seconded by Katz. 21 01:01:28,230 --> 01:01:29,683 Any discussion? 22 01:01:35,093 --> 01:01:38,246 No discussion. Well, I wanna— the— oh, 23 01:01:38,326 --> 01:01:40,639 sorry, uh, Councillor Peabody and then the Deputy Warden. 24 01:01:43,140 --> 01:01:46,540 I just think we have to oppose this 25 01:01:47,040 --> 01:01:50,426 allocation very vigorously. If you 26 01:01:50,926 --> 01:01:54,740 look at the bottom of that chart there, giving one 27 01:01:55,240 --> 01:01:58,263 appointment to Bruce County and then one to Durham, 28 01:01:59,910 --> 01:02:02,868 Kawartha Lakes, Orillia. If you look at the map, 29 01:02:03,112 --> 01:02:08,381 those appointments have extremely small Number 30 01:02:08,881 --> 01:02:12,057 of square kilometers compared to Bruce County, it's, um, 31 01:02:13,466 --> 01:02:17,887 this chart, this appointment system is absolutely unacceptable, and there's 32 01:02:17,903 --> 01:02:23,323 no way we can accept this. It's a total misrepresentation 33 01:02:23,757 --> 01:02:27,868 of what our two watersheds 34 01:02:28,368 --> 01:02:30,996 are. It's absolutely wrong. 35 01:02:32,789 --> 01:02:34,651 Yeah, thank you very much. Uh, the Deputy Warden. 36 01:02:36,080 --> 01:02:40,030 Yes, much along the same lines as Chris. We're going to be left out 37 01:02:40,530 --> 01:02:43,883 in the cold here is what I believe. Um, I'm not sure how to 38 01:02:44,124 --> 01:02:47,496 get them to change their mind on these appointments, but we 39 01:02:47,996 --> 01:02:52,007 need more representation along Lake Huron shoreline, whether it's 40 01:02:52,232 --> 01:02:55,973 Bruce County, Huron County, or how we do it. But I think we each deserve 41 01:02:55,989 --> 01:02:58,882 more representation along That shoreline. 42 01:03:00,453 --> 01:03:04,048 What we did hear from the delegation earlier, and I heard a lot of comments 43 01:03:04,081 --> 01:03:07,590 from members in support of the delegation with respect to a smaller 44 01:03:08,056 --> 01:03:11,334 Conservation Authority. If you had a smaller Conservation Authority, the size, the number of 45 01:03:11,834 --> 01:03:16,251 representatives you had would be, you know, would be— 46 01:03:16,751 --> 01:03:20,141 if you could have fewer representatives in a smaller organization and your weight 47 01:03:20,641 --> 01:03:24,404 would increase, right? So I think the problem, the fundamental problem here is is that 48 01:03:24,436 --> 01:03:27,561 when you get mixed in with Simpcw County and Barrie and 49 01:03:28,061 --> 01:03:31,167 all these people, places with huge populations, then your voice 50 01:03:31,667 --> 01:03:35,397 gets diminished. And it probably will be diminished in the end. Um, 51 01:03:36,615 --> 01:03:39,900 there are not very many ways to structure representation in a board 52 01:03:40,400 --> 01:03:44,131 like a Conservation Authority. Population is one way to do it, and that's probably 53 01:03:44,307 --> 01:03:47,191 how it's going to be done. And as long as we're in the mix with 54 01:03:47,691 --> 01:03:50,831 these great big, big urban centers, we're going to be we're gonna be 55 01:03:51,537 --> 01:03:56,691 a small voice, right? So, I mean, the key thing is to not 56 01:03:56,740 --> 01:03:59,662 be in the mix with these great big urban centers, right? So I think it 57 01:04:00,162 --> 01:04:03,949 comes down to maybe adding, adding something to these 58 01:04:04,222 --> 01:04:07,642 comments along the lines of, you know, we oppose 59 01:04:07,674 --> 01:04:11,303 the structure of the Conservation Authority that's being proposed fundamentally, 60 01:04:11,367 --> 01:04:15,381 that we need it to be smaller. We need to have a— need to perhaps 61 01:04:16,088 --> 01:04:19,221 propose what Mr. McGoogan has proposed, 62 01:04:19,237 --> 01:04:22,996 which is to separate the proposed 63 01:04:23,496 --> 01:04:27,237 Conservation Authority into two. And then, you know, 64 01:04:27,253 --> 01:04:31,301 if we have a truly Lake Huron Conservation Authority that 65 01:04:31,928 --> 01:04:35,446 is smaller, then we can talk about representation by population, 66 01:04:35,607 --> 01:04:39,205 and our voice will be a lot stronger 67 01:04:39,703 --> 01:04:42,659 in a Conservation Authority that's structured that way. But I think we just sort of 68 01:04:42,675 --> 01:04:46,574 need to reject the whole structure. We can't— 69 01:04:46,847 --> 01:04:49,911 this, this geography isn't going to work, 70 01:04:50,296 --> 01:04:53,762 and this level of representation in that geography isn't going to work. And I think 71 01:04:54,262 --> 01:04:57,196 we need to make that point as clearly as we can. I got the impression 72 01:04:57,696 --> 01:05:00,629 from members that that was the general view on Council, and I think we could— 73 01:05:00,998 --> 01:05:04,272 if it is, then we can direct staff to adjust 74 01:05:04,772 --> 01:05:07,737 these comments to reflect that. My thoughts. The Deputy Warden. 75 01:05:08,668 --> 01:05:12,536 Thank you. And through you, Warden, I completely agree. Of course, here in Kinloss 76 01:05:13,036 --> 01:05:16,152 and put the delegation in on them basis. We are asking for a 77 01:05:16,652 --> 01:05:20,056 smaller Conservation Authority along the shorelines, and I'm hoping Bruce 78 01:05:20,153 --> 01:05:24,009 County will come on side with that. I think then we could 79 01:05:24,509 --> 01:05:28,203 get some fair representation, like you say. If it's population-based, 80 01:05:28,283 --> 01:05:31,513 I'm fine with that along the shorelines. We would have our share. 81 01:05:31,593 --> 01:05:35,353 So, um, that's what we would be asking, is the support, 82 01:05:36,060 --> 01:05:39,624 our ask of the minister. Okay, any further comments? 83 01:05:39,688 --> 01:05:43,249 Kirkland, then Getz. Um, and, and I might have missed something, 84 01:05:43,297 --> 01:05:46,747 but have we— in a lot of other things we ask for SAHN's 85 01:05:47,148 --> 01:05:51,367 advice or, or approvals in, in certain instances 86 01:05:51,463 --> 01:05:55,265 on planning, on the way we want to see this area, and Bruce 87 01:05:55,765 --> 01:05:59,115 County is in the SAHN territory. So we asked for a comment from 88 01:05:59,244 --> 01:06:02,356 SAHN on this type of thing, from Conservation Authority, 89 01:06:03,254 --> 01:06:07,450 or is Is that something that would be wise or 90 01:06:07,466 --> 01:06:11,041 not needed? Any thoughts from the 91 01:06:11,332 --> 01:06:14,421 CAO or the director of the CAO? Sure, through you, Warden. So, 92 01:06:15,230 --> 01:06:18,415 SAAHN does at times make comment themselves directly 93 01:06:18,755 --> 01:06:22,945 on postings such as this. This is a provincial-level decision. 94 01:06:23,220 --> 01:06:27,102 And so, you know, typically when there's an ER posting like this, we're providing comments 95 01:06:27,602 --> 01:06:31,695 from the framework of Bruce County. If either the director 96 01:06:32,195 --> 01:06:33,587 of government relations or director of planning has anything to add there, 97 01:06:36,588 --> 01:06:39,874 do, but, but sawn may be making their own comments on the posting. 98 01:06:42,096 --> 01:06:44,924 Councillor Goetz, thank you. Through you, Warden Charbonneau, 99 01:06:45,791 --> 01:06:49,342 um, sometimes I find it useful if you 100 01:06:49,842 --> 01:06:52,958 put it in terms that they could understand. And if this works, if they 101 01:06:53,458 --> 01:06:57,522 believe this will work for the conservation authorities to amalgamate such 102 01:06:58,022 --> 01:07:01,499 a big area, then perhaps it'll work for the ridings of our MPPs. 103 01:07:01,729 --> 01:07:04,995 And look how many MPPs you could get rid of. Look at the cost savings 104 01:07:05,028 --> 01:07:08,707 there. Excellent point. Thank you 105 01:07:09,207 --> 01:07:12,224 for that. Uh, are there further, uh, 106 01:07:12,917 --> 01:07:15,142 comments, uh, questions? Councilor Hamill. 107 01:07:16,607 --> 01:07:19,070 Well, uh, first I want to clearly state that, uh, 108 01:07:19,924 --> 01:07:23,481 my, my thoughts are, are pretty near the same as my colleagues 109 01:07:23,530 --> 01:07:26,677 here. I, I do have a question that's contrary to that though, 110 01:07:26,936 --> 01:07:29,892 just for a conversation, and the contrary question is, 111 01:07:30,506 --> 01:07:34,243 is Do we not want the more densely 112 01:07:34,275 --> 01:07:37,920 populated areas helping us pay for 113 01:07:38,033 --> 01:07:40,859 the less densely populated areas? 114 01:07:41,100 --> 01:07:44,633 Like, we could— if we're— if we have less population 115 01:07:45,133 --> 01:07:48,824 to pay for the projects and the overall running of the area, 116 01:07:49,370 --> 01:07:53,433 we could be paying, you know, twice or three times per person than 117 01:07:53,690 --> 01:07:57,175 a densely populated area has for, you know, the smaller 118 01:07:57,675 --> 01:08:01,423 area. So I don't 119 01:08:01,923 --> 01:08:05,082 have those details. It's an open-ended question. I agree with this, 120 01:08:06,097 --> 01:08:09,143 but I also wonder if, if therefore what 121 01:08:09,643 --> 01:08:11,769 we're asking for 10 years from now or 20 years from now, 122 01:08:12,880 --> 01:08:16,454 it'll be very costly to maintain 123 01:08:18,161 --> 01:08:21,697 if we go that path instead of, you know, having a larger 124 01:08:21,811 --> 01:08:25,737 region helping us because we're we're, 125 01:08:25,818 --> 01:08:29,216 um, we're a big part of, you know, the water going in and the 126 01:08:29,716 --> 01:08:33,098 water going out of those, those regions, and therefore they should help, 127 01:08:34,244 --> 01:08:37,970 help us out a little bit. That's where I'm, I'm just 128 01:08:38,099 --> 01:08:40,390 going to put it out there to other members that have been on the board 129 01:08:40,890 --> 01:08:44,152 and have more experience. If anyone else is thinking a little bit 130 01:08:44,652 --> 01:08:46,345 that way— Council Craig, 131 01:08:48,200 --> 01:08:51,644 uh, thank you, Warden. I asked that question of, 132 01:08:51,824 --> 01:08:55,415 uh, Mr. McGugan earlier this morning, and he said one of the issues 133 01:08:55,528 --> 01:08:58,782 that we are facing in that regard is 134 01:08:58,958 --> 01:09:02,276 that Lake Simcoe has its own mandated act, 135 01:09:02,340 --> 01:09:06,636 the Lake Simcoe Act, and the, the water quality 136 01:09:07,533 --> 01:09:11,092 issues surrounding Lake Simcoe in particular, 137 01:09:11,172 --> 01:09:14,410 it's not whether they want to do it, they have to do it. 138 01:09:15,227 --> 01:09:18,658 So yes, the population there will support that work, 139 01:09:18,690 --> 01:09:21,782 and it could be that rather than being efficient here, 140 01:09:22,250 --> 01:09:25,671 some of our money supports that work as well. Like there is 141 01:09:25,768 --> 01:09:29,935 a different issues that face 142 01:09:30,210 --> 01:09:34,094 the water management in the east and the west half 143 01:09:34,288 --> 01:09:37,832 side of a split Conservation Authority 144 01:09:38,332 --> 01:09:41,599 area. So that was one of many different things that, you know, it is the 145 01:09:41,615 --> 01:09:44,817 fair way to do it based on assessment or population or something. 146 01:09:45,431 --> 01:09:48,422 More people, more representation. That's the way democracy works. 147 01:09:48,559 --> 01:09:51,632 But Sometimes you need to look at some of the 148 01:09:52,132 --> 01:09:55,617 issues underneath that too. So thank you, Warden. Yeah, thank you. I might make an 149 01:09:55,745 --> 01:09:59,215 even simpler point. No matter how many amalgamations we do, 150 01:09:59,890 --> 01:10:03,521 our taxpayers are not going to end up paying less money, right? Just because we 151 01:10:03,585 --> 01:10:06,894 bring in Simcoe— we could bring in Toronto— um, the taxpayers 152 01:10:07,394 --> 01:10:09,481 in Bruce County are still going to be funding this, probably, and they're going to 153 01:10:09,981 --> 01:10:11,971 be spending more money on this in the years to come, not less, right? 154 01:10:12,276 --> 01:10:17,094 So the only question to me is how much representation does their money buy. 155 01:10:17,724 --> 01:10:20,862 And in this case, they're— it's buying 156 01:10:20,959 --> 01:10:24,937 less representation, right? And, and so I 157 01:10:25,437 --> 01:10:28,058 don't think we're going to get much funding help from the City of Barrie. 158 01:10:28,155 --> 01:10:32,134 They're not going to be sending money over to, over to Bruce County to 159 01:10:32,634 --> 01:10:35,935 help us pay for conservation, in my opinion anyway. I just don't see that as 160 01:10:35,951 --> 01:10:39,607 being in the cards. So I think anyway, 161 01:10:39,753 --> 01:10:43,598 it would be good, I think, if we settle on 162 01:10:44,098 --> 01:10:46,520 a position here with respect to the whole thing. I think the two things are 163 01:10:46,552 --> 01:10:51,192 interlinked, right? The geography and the representation 164 01:10:51,288 --> 01:10:54,419 and the cost. So I think if 165 01:10:54,435 --> 01:10:58,448 we believe that we're underrepresented in this particular setup, 166 01:10:59,010 --> 01:11:02,928 then I think we should make the statement on the overall structure of the Conservation 167 01:11:03,428 --> 01:11:05,978 Authority and say, you know, I was just looking at the map here, you know, 168 01:11:06,058 --> 01:11:09,764 just those, those Lake Simpcw 2 Big Lakes 169 01:11:10,264 --> 01:11:13,435 Simpcw Conservation Authorities that are being worked 170 01:11:13,935 --> 01:11:16,497 in here, and they should be lopped off and they should be made their own 171 01:11:16,997 --> 01:11:20,184 Conservation Authority. Just as— just even the, the structure of it just doesn't make 172 01:11:20,684 --> 01:11:23,582 any sense. We've been saying that all along. And so I think, um, 173 01:11:24,368 --> 01:11:28,423 to me, um, that takes those big urban areas 174 01:11:28,923 --> 01:11:32,255 out and would increase our level of representation. In my opinion, 175 01:11:32,287 --> 01:11:36,727 that's the position the County of Bruce should take. Essentially what 176 01:11:37,227 --> 01:11:40,234 what was proposed by, um, Mr. McGoogan, uh, and Huron-Kinloss, 177 01:11:40,798 --> 01:11:44,585 um, reduce the size of the authority, increase our representation. 178 01:11:47,161 --> 01:11:51,029 Councilor Kirkland? Yeah, I agree with that 100%. I think one of the only 179 01:11:51,529 --> 01:11:54,461 things that we're going to be able to control is to try to get that 180 01:11:54,509 --> 01:11:58,182 split into two, and then, then our representation 181 01:11:58,295 --> 01:12:00,775 will be different within our own area. So I agree 100%. 182 01:12:02,081 --> 01:12:03,559 And I think to note too, 183 01:12:04,845 --> 01:12:08,428 about putting it in terms, as Councillor Getz raised, that they 184 01:12:08,928 --> 01:12:12,541 can understand is rural communities. And this government has been 185 01:12:13,041 --> 01:12:17,025 pretty strong in terms of talking about the importance of rural Ontario and southwestern 186 01:12:17,525 --> 01:12:20,801 Ontario. And so surely they could be 187 01:12:20,817 --> 01:12:24,320 made to understand that taking rural communities and putting them 188 01:12:24,352 --> 01:12:28,493 in the same organization as large urban communities their interests are different 189 01:12:28,669 --> 01:12:32,275 and, and, and that that would be damaging to those rural 190 01:12:32,291 --> 01:12:35,929 communities. So I think that's the way to put it to them, in my opinion. 191 01:12:36,057 --> 01:12:39,423 The Deputy Warden. Uh, the only other thing I would ask 192 01:12:39,923 --> 01:12:43,718 is the name, the Lake Huron Region Conservation. Let's drop authority 193 01:12:43,750 --> 01:12:46,939 off the end of it. I think it's a very old word that we don't 194 01:12:47,439 --> 01:12:49,840 need. So when we're asking for the, 195 01:12:50,642 --> 01:12:53,767 the name, I would like to see authority dropped off the end of 196 01:12:54,267 --> 01:12:57,474 it. And I've talked to Mr. McGugan and Phil Beard about that. Nunatsiavut. 197 01:12:57,974 --> 01:13:02,360 They believe that it's time that we did get rid of that last part and 198 01:13:02,376 --> 01:13:05,188 make it look like we're more simple there to work with, 199 01:13:05,252 --> 01:13:09,382 because some people think that we're heavy-handed in the conservation 200 01:13:09,882 --> 01:13:13,464 authorities. And if we get rid of that word, was one other ask that 201 01:13:13,964 --> 01:13:17,271 we were going to ask at Huron-Kinloss. Okay, 202 01:13:19,355 --> 01:13:22,860 Councillor Kirkland. And let's not forget about Georgian Bay 203 01:13:22,989 --> 01:13:23,199 in there. 204 01:13:27,201 --> 01:13:30,493 Okay, anything else, uh, from the 205 01:13:30,993 --> 01:13:34,041 members? If we could— is there a general consensus on that 206 01:13:34,106 --> 01:13:37,365 direction then? Is there— everybody is— no, 207 01:13:37,606 --> 01:13:40,994 nobody opposes, uh, what we've been talking about here? 208 01:13:41,074 --> 01:13:43,113 Is that— do you have some clarity, uh, 209 01:13:44,205 --> 01:13:47,625 there? I guess we should give you— maybe we should have a resolution on that. 210 01:13:47,673 --> 01:13:51,297 So, um, So perhaps we could have a resolution 211 01:13:51,410 --> 01:13:55,072 that council directs staff to amend this, 212 01:13:56,089 --> 01:13:56,895 amend our letter, 213 01:13:59,243 --> 01:14:02,745 amend the letter that's in this report to give direction 214 01:14:03,806 --> 01:14:07,646 to offer them. See, I'm just, I'm stuttering now. I'm stammering and not coming 215 01:14:07,678 --> 01:14:11,158 up with anything. Do you have anything for me, Christine? Sure, I can 216 01:14:11,658 --> 01:14:15,510 offer some help, Warden, that, that council is 217 01:14:16,027 --> 01:14:19,380 asking— directing staff to amend the letter to include distinction. 218 01:14:20,679 --> 01:14:24,064 And we understand there's two conservation authorities that 219 01:14:24,564 --> 01:14:27,994 we're asking to break out of it, and so we can specify that and update 220 01:14:28,494 --> 01:14:32,294 the letter. And my last question for staff for greater clarity 221 01:14:32,326 --> 01:14:36,368 would be, would you like us to distribute the letter that we're submitting to 222 01:14:36,417 --> 01:14:39,850 the impacted bodies or not? Yes, I should 223 01:14:40,350 --> 01:14:44,040 think we would want to circulate it to everybody who's 224 01:14:44,540 --> 01:14:48,399 in the proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority, the CAs and the municipalities, 225 01:14:49,469 --> 01:14:53,958 the upper-tier municipalities. Is there— everybody 226 01:14:54,168 --> 01:14:57,481 okay with that? Any objection to that? Councillor Craig? 227 01:14:58,498 --> 01:15:02,647 Yes, I agree. But I think there's the— there's 3 points: 228 01:15:03,134 --> 01:15:06,512 the splitting of the proposed area into 2 distinct, 229 01:15:07,194 --> 01:15:10,408 the governance structure and the circulation. 230 01:15:13,290 --> 01:15:17,178 You know what? Yeah, I'm not sure that we're going to propose the governance structure, 231 01:15:17,194 --> 01:15:20,341 but, you know, split it apart and revamp 232 01:15:20,841 --> 01:15:23,718 that. That's two parts of the same question, I suppose. 233 01:15:27,172 --> 01:15:30,925 Yes. So I guess we want to direct staff to 234 01:15:31,539 --> 01:15:36,263 include in the letter Bruce County's opposition to the geography 235 01:15:36,536 --> 01:15:40,239 of the proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority, our suggestion that 236 01:15:40,739 --> 01:15:45,432 it be divided into two conservation authorities, and that the 237 01:15:45,753 --> 01:15:49,263 representation on the conservation— that we, we should state clearly we 238 01:15:49,279 --> 01:15:53,815 object to the record, to the level of representation we're receiving in 239 01:15:53,847 --> 01:15:57,502 the proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority, and that 240 01:15:57,774 --> 01:16:01,317 our preference would be to have a smaller conservation authority 241 01:16:01,445 --> 01:16:04,299 where our representation would be greater. 242 01:16:05,396 --> 01:16:09,090 So we need those two things. We need a smaller Conservation Authority and greater representation 243 01:16:09,590 --> 01:16:12,084 on that Conservation Authority. That should be our position. 244 01:16:14,143 --> 01:16:18,392 And that that be circulated, that position be circulated to all of 245 01:16:18,892 --> 01:16:22,238 the affected Conservation Authorities and upper-tier municipalities. 246 01:16:23,446 --> 01:16:26,883 Is that clear enough for everybody? Clear enough to 247 01:16:27,383 --> 01:16:30,066 staff? Is there a mover and seconder? 248 01:16:33,660 --> 01:16:36,193 Uh, pro? You wrote something down up there. Is that all the cheapers? Look at 249 01:16:36,693 --> 01:16:40,146 that. Staff be directed to submit the comments attached 250 01:16:40,646 --> 01:16:43,423 to the report GR-2026-034 to the Ministry of Environment, 251 01:16:43,439 --> 01:16:45,811 Conservation and Parks as part of the ARO posting 26-0740, 252 01:16:48,273 --> 01:16:51,650 and the staff be directed to amend the letter to include distinction to separate 253 01:16:52,150 --> 01:16:55,689 the new organization in two and distribute the letter to the conservation authorities and 254 01:16:56,189 --> 01:16:59,795 upper-tier municipalities in the proposed new conservation authority. Um, 255 01:16:59,875 --> 01:17:03,741 and then those points are sort of, uh, set out underneath there. 256 01:17:04,607 --> 01:17:08,216 So that's an amendment. Is there a mover and seconder for the amendment? Moved by 257 01:17:08,716 --> 01:17:11,889 Kirkland, seconded by the Deputy Warden. Any discussion to the amendment? 258 01:17:13,268 --> 01:17:16,363 Seeing none, all in favor? Sorry, opposed, if any? 259 01:17:16,780 --> 01:17:20,293 That's carried. And then we'll on to the main question 260 01:17:20,405 --> 01:17:22,747 then, which has been moved and seconded and now amended. 261 01:17:23,935 --> 01:17:27,692 Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor. Oh, do you 262 01:17:28,192 --> 01:17:31,530 have some? Sorry, pardon me. The Deputy Warden discussion on the proposed here. 263 01:17:31,578 --> 01:17:35,175 I'm fine with it other than that. Should lower tier not 264 01:17:35,675 --> 01:17:38,354 be distributed in the 4 conservation watersheds? 265 01:17:39,735 --> 01:17:42,545 So that everybody knows what we're pushing forward. 266 01:17:43,444 --> 01:17:46,623 It says here, and upper tier municipalities, 267 01:17:47,217 --> 01:17:50,815 should we be Consulting with 268 01:17:51,315 --> 01:17:54,336 the lower tier. I don't object to it. The upper 269 01:17:54,836 --> 01:17:57,014 tiers are the ones involved in the discussion at this point, but it's up to 270 01:17:57,514 --> 01:17:59,579 you. What if council would like to circulate to the lower tiers? We can. 271 01:17:59,918 --> 01:18:03,564 And I guess my— sorry, through you, Warden— my thoughts are the lower tiers are 272 01:18:04,064 --> 01:18:07,799 still paying the bill as of today. Okay, we can circulate 273 01:18:08,299 --> 01:18:11,852 it to all upper and lower tier municipalities. Is that good with 274 01:18:12,352 --> 01:18:16,906 everybody? If so, we'll take that as just adjustment 275 01:18:17,406 --> 01:18:20,218 to the amendment. So if there's nothing further, then all in favor of the main 276 01:18:20,316 --> 01:18:23,007 question? That's carried. All right, 277 01:18:26,687 --> 01:18:30,047 all right. So we'll now move on to Item B from Government Relations: Election 278 01:18:30,159 --> 01:18:32,531 Timeline and Lame Duck Restrictions and the Clerk. 279 01:18:35,723 --> 01:18:39,504 Thank you, Andrew Warden. So this report provides a reminder of the 280 01:18:39,520 --> 01:18:43,398 restricted acts that council cannot undertake if a lame duck situation were 281 01:18:43,898 --> 01:18:47,515 to occur. So there's two different dates when lame duck can occur, and the first 282 01:18:48,015 --> 01:18:51,432 is after nominations close on August 21st and 283 01:18:51,513 --> 01:18:53,825 after those candidates have been certified. 284 01:18:54,676 --> 01:18:57,984 So at that point, if less than 6 of our 8 county councilors are not 285 01:18:58,096 --> 01:19:01,805 certified candidates for the position of mayor, Bruce County Council will 286 01:19:02,305 --> 01:19:05,466 be in a lame duck situation. If on Election 287 01:19:05,578 --> 01:19:10,198 Day less than 6 of the current council members are not reelected County 288 01:19:10,698 --> 01:19:12,788 Council will then be in a lame duck situation. 289 01:19:14,820 --> 01:19:18,928 So during the lame duck situation, Council is restricted from 290 01:19:18,977 --> 01:19:22,665 hiring or firing their one employee, being the CAO position. 291 01:19:23,613 --> 01:19:27,866 Council is also restricted from disposing of property valued over $50,000 292 01:19:27,915 --> 01:19:31,440 or spending money or incurring liabilities over $50,000 293 01:19:31,602 --> 01:19:34,011 if it wasn't included in the current year's budget. 294 01:19:35,138 --> 01:19:38,073 So for the most part, it's business as usual during lame duck, 295 01:19:38,329 --> 01:19:42,033 except for those expenditures and disposition of assets that were not 296 01:19:42,533 --> 01:19:44,487 approved by council prior to nomination day. 297 01:19:45,465 --> 01:19:49,137 That includes if an emergency was to occur, um, council retains 298 01:19:49,637 --> 01:19:52,777 that ability to take the necessary actions. Further, 299 01:19:52,842 --> 01:19:56,113 this report recommends a bylaw be passed to delegate authority to 300 01:19:56,613 --> 01:20:00,699 the CAO to take necessary actions to ensure any unbudgeted expenditure 301 01:20:01,199 --> 01:20:04,760 or liability $50,000 can be approved if necessary, 302 01:20:05,338 --> 01:20:09,304 uh, should a lame duck situation arise. The report goes on to 303 01:20:09,449 --> 01:20:13,350 provide the timelines for the current and the new council, um, and I'm 304 01:20:13,382 --> 01:20:16,674 available to take any questions. Thank you. There is 305 01:20:17,174 --> 01:20:20,271 a resolution then that a bylaw be passed to delegate authority to the 306 01:20:20,771 --> 01:20:24,670 chief administrative officer for certain acts pursuant to Section 275 of the Municipal Act during 307 01:20:24,783 --> 01:20:28,432 a restricted acts period. Is there a mover and seconder? Moved by the 308 01:20:28,932 --> 01:20:33,716 Keeper, seconded by the Deputy Warden. Discussion? Seeing none, 309 01:20:33,926 --> 01:20:37,143 then all in favor? That is carried. Thank you. 310 01:20:38,598 --> 01:20:42,398 Okay, so now we're on to Item C from Human Resources on 311 01:20:42,898 --> 01:20:44,905 the 2026 Student Wages Policy. And the director. 312 01:20:46,596 --> 01:20:49,954 Thank you. Good morning and through you, Warden. This morning I have before you an 313 01:20:50,002 --> 01:20:53,586 update to our Student Wages Policy. The update provides an 314 01:20:53,618 --> 01:20:57,540 increase to the compensation rate of students 315 01:20:58,040 --> 01:21:00,232 to ensure that we remain able to attract and support the recruitment of qualified students 316 01:21:00,732 --> 01:21:04,021 to our workforce. The effective date of the update will be October 317 01:21:04,521 --> 01:21:08,051 1st, 2026, which aligns with the next provincial update to the minimum wage 318 01:21:08,115 --> 01:21:11,327 rates in Ontario. Updates to the policy are listed 319 01:21:11,827 --> 01:21:14,795 within the report, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much. 320 01:21:14,859 --> 01:21:18,841 There's a resolution that the updated Human Resources Policy D07, Student Wages, 321 01:21:18,954 --> 01:21:22,117 be approved. Is there a mover and seconder? Moved by 322 01:21:22,647 --> 01:21:26,098 Kirkland, seconded by Craig. Discussion? Hearing and 323 01:21:26,598 --> 01:21:29,727 seeing none. All in favor? That is carried. 324 01:21:30,369 --> 01:21:33,532 All right, now we're on to Item D from the Museum 325 01:21:33,708 --> 01:21:37,176 Collections Deaccession Report and the director. Uh, thank you, and through you, 326 01:21:37,241 --> 01:21:40,917 Warden. So, uh, collection staff have been continuing to do their collections 327 01:21:41,014 --> 01:21:44,064 management work, which is resulting in the deaccession report in front 328 01:21:44,564 --> 01:21:48,170 of you today, and I'd be happy to answer any questions if there are Thank 329 01:21:48,670 --> 01:21:51,699 you. There is a resolution that the items listed in the collections deaccession report August 330 01:21:52,037 --> 01:21:55,437 026 be approved for deaccession from the Bruce 331 01:21:55,937 --> 01:21:58,163 County Museum and Cultural Centre collection. Is there a mover and seconder? 332 01:22:00,032 --> 01:22:02,582 Moved by Deputy Warden, seconded by Councilor Kirkland. Discussion? 333 01:22:03,744 --> 01:22:06,698 Seeing none. All in favor? That is carried. 334 01:22:06,762 --> 01:22:10,153 Thank you. All right, now we're on to bylaws. One bylaw 335 01:22:10,202 --> 01:22:13,451 there, uh, and the resolution is that the following bylaw be approved. 336 01:22:13,516 --> 01:22:16,960 Bylaw 2026-035, being a bylaw to delegate authority 337 01:22:17,222 --> 01:22:20,355 to the Chief Administrative Officer for certain acts during the restricted acts period. 338 01:22:20,419 --> 01:22:24,147 Is there a mover and seconder? Moved by Goetz, seconded by McKeever. 339 01:22:24,372 --> 01:22:28,645 Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? That is carried. 340 01:22:29,176 --> 01:22:32,951 Um, now we're on to communications. There are 5 items of communication 341 01:22:33,451 --> 01:22:36,823 there. Any questions or comments, any of those? Councillor Goetz. Thank you. 342 01:22:36,920 --> 01:22:40,229 Through you, Warden Charbonneau, um, on item B there, 343 01:22:40,824 --> 01:22:44,839 um, Ralph Kreitzweiser's concerns regarding Bruce Road 344 01:22:45,339 --> 01:22:49,879 for winter maintenance. It's my understanding that Bruce 345 01:22:49,975 --> 01:22:53,249 County plows into Huron County 346 01:22:53,361 --> 01:22:56,860 and vice versa. In conversation with 347 01:22:57,293 --> 01:23:02,397 Ralph back in the spring, he indicated that the— that 348 01:23:02,429 --> 01:23:05,912 both plows are sanding the roads, and then the next plow 349 01:23:05,960 --> 01:23:09,780 comes along and takes it off. Is— and, and And 350 01:23:10,117 --> 01:23:13,711 in that conversation, um, it was suggested 351 01:23:13,743 --> 01:23:17,513 that, is there a way we can alternate that, that portion 352 01:23:18,013 --> 01:23:21,508 of winter maintenance from one year to the next, where Bruce County would look after 353 01:23:22,008 --> 01:23:25,503 it? They would plow into Huron County one year, and then 354 01:23:25,936 --> 01:23:28,712 the next year Huron County would plow into Bruce County. 355 01:23:29,707 --> 01:23:32,290 The trouble is the boundary runs between, uh, 356 01:23:33,076 --> 01:23:36,879 the two curves. The second is my understanding 357 01:23:36,927 --> 01:23:40,054 of, of, uh, South Bruce It's not safe 358 01:23:40,554 --> 01:23:42,683 to turn the plows around there, so they're going all the way to the 4th, 359 01:23:42,779 --> 01:23:45,568 which just shortly— or just south of Teeswater, 360 01:23:46,386 --> 01:23:50,458 turning around and coming back. But the trouble is that 361 01:23:50,958 --> 01:23:54,353 when they're doing that, one plow could come through a half hour to an hour 362 01:23:54,481 --> 01:23:58,954 before, and then the county— our county plow is going through shoving the sand 363 01:23:59,454 --> 01:24:03,089 off that they put on the road. And I just— I 364 01:24:03,122 --> 01:24:06,808 would support an opportunity to look into that and see 365 01:24:06,824 --> 01:24:10,624 if there's a cost savings there or a better way of doing that, or maybe 366 01:24:11,124 --> 01:24:14,440 Maybe the Director of Highways maybe could speak to that. Yeah, we'll put it 367 01:24:14,940 --> 01:24:17,614 to— information's correct. Sorry about that. We'll put it to the Director of Transportation. 368 01:24:18,673 --> 01:24:21,831 Uh, thank you for the question through you, Warden. So it's actually an opportune 369 01:24:22,331 --> 01:24:25,968 time that this letter came forward. We are starting the process of our boundary 370 01:24:25,984 --> 01:24:30,217 agreement renewal with Huron County. So in 2027, 371 01:24:30,297 --> 01:24:33,985 we will see those talks progress, and this could be something that's 372 01:24:34,485 --> 01:24:38,090 considered as far as maybe trying to work at a different solution 373 01:24:38,590 --> 01:24:42,575 to this particular you. Okay, anything further? 374 01:24:42,736 --> 01:24:46,142 Uh, the Deputy Warden, and through you, uh, Warden, to Adam. 375 01:24:46,949 --> 01:24:50,657 Um, years ago when I plowed for the county, I plowed into Wingham on Huron 376 01:24:51,157 --> 01:24:54,853 County roads. Huron County plowed into Teeswater at that time. Is that something 377 01:24:55,353 --> 01:24:58,474 that, instead of meeting in the center— I know Huron County's plowing in the Lucknow 378 01:24:58,974 --> 01:25:02,519 now. Um, will we be looking to go back to some old 379 01:25:03,555 --> 01:25:06,759 ways we've done things? I think it worked better at that time than meeting in 380 01:25:06,791 --> 01:25:10,395 the So just wondering. The Director. Thank you for 381 01:25:10,895 --> 01:25:14,422 the question through you, Warden. Absolutely. I think, you know, as we 382 01:25:14,922 --> 01:25:18,391 work through semantics on where plows turn 383 01:25:18,439 --> 01:25:21,460 around, we're going to see some efficiencies and 384 01:25:21,669 --> 01:25:25,165 make notes where things are working and not working and then aim to 385 01:25:25,181 --> 01:25:28,868 correct those in the changes to the agreement as we move forward. 386 01:25:28,917 --> 01:25:32,555 So I think the update will be a great time to address those and have 387 01:25:33,055 --> 01:25:36,468 those conversations. Thank you. I'm glad to hear we're working with 388 01:25:36,725 --> 01:25:40,318 Huron County on roads maintenance and, and those things. 389 01:25:40,414 --> 01:25:43,719 I was— an issue raised to me by the warden of 390 01:25:44,219 --> 01:25:47,841 Huron County a while back looking to see if we could work together on 391 01:25:48,451 --> 01:25:52,076 not only winter maintenance but also on upgrades 392 01:25:52,576 --> 01:25:56,407 and reconstruction of roads that between the two counties. So I think 393 01:25:56,907 --> 01:25:58,894 it's good to hear we're working together on that. I know it's a matter of 394 01:25:58,958 --> 01:26:02,424 concern in Huron County as well. Further comments, 395 01:26:02,809 --> 01:26:05,666 Councillor Hamel. Thank you, Warden, and through you, 396 01:26:06,420 --> 01:26:09,710 just maybe a comment from the director in regards to item 3. Years prior, 397 01:26:09,790 --> 01:26:13,064 a snow fence was placed strategically on the west side of the road in 398 01:26:13,564 --> 01:26:17,831 approximately 6 places. Was it not placed because, you know, winter came fast 399 01:26:18,331 --> 01:26:22,084 and early, or is it placed due to 400 01:26:22,213 --> 01:26:26,562 its effectiveness in spots? Is there historical spots 401 01:26:27,062 --> 01:26:30,478 where it's always placed, or what's maybe the rationale with snow 402 01:26:30,559 --> 01:26:34,106 fencing currently, you know, last year and then looking into 403 01:26:34,606 --> 01:26:37,606 this year? Director. Thank you, through you. 404 01:26:38,184 --> 01:26:41,940 The operations staff are continually working with landowners in those locations 405 01:26:41,972 --> 01:26:45,520 where snow fencing has been traditionally placed. 406 01:26:46,210 --> 01:26:49,742 I can't speak to the particular example, but in past, 407 01:26:49,758 --> 01:26:54,252 we've seen where lands are exchanged through sales and 408 01:26:54,752 --> 01:26:58,209 then we don't have a handshake agreement with the new landowners, But that's 409 01:26:58,338 --> 01:27:01,634 something that's been drawn to our attention through this letter. So I think it's something 410 01:27:01,667 --> 01:27:04,139 we'll be looking at as we move into the next winter season. 411 01:27:06,070 --> 01:27:09,534 Okay. Anything further from any of the members on any of 412 01:27:10,034 --> 01:27:13,789 the correspondence? I don't see 413 01:27:14,403 --> 01:27:18,017 anything. Okay. So we'll move on then from 414 01:27:18,130 --> 01:27:21,890 correspondence onto item 14, our closed session. The resolution is 415 01:27:22,390 --> 01:27:25,368 that council move into a closed session in accordance with section 239 of the Municipal 416 01:27:25,465 --> 01:27:28,813 Act Act for the following matter: 1, Q2 labor relations 417 01:27:29,252 --> 01:27:33,070 under Section 2392D, labor relations or employee negotiations, and 2, 418 01:27:33,135 --> 01:27:36,626 approval of the minutes of June 18th, 2026. Is there a mover and seconder? 419 01:27:38,280 --> 01:27:42,288 Moved by Craig, seconded by anybody? 420 01:27:42,417 --> 01:27:45,892 The Deputy Warden. All in favor? Council will now move into a closed 421 01:29:22,780 --> 01:29:26,194 Okay, so Council will now arise 422 01:29:26,307 --> 01:29:29,705 from open session, and I'll report that Council received the 423 01:29:29,753 --> 01:29:33,680 Q2 labor relations update, and we approve the minutes of June 18th, 424 01:29:33,696 --> 01:29:37,356 2026. And so now I have a resolution to confirm 425 01:29:37,856 --> 01:29:42,013 the proceedings, and it is that the following bylaw be approved. Bylaw 2026-036, 426 01:29:42,350 --> 01:29:44,485 being a bylaw to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the County of Bruce 427 01:29:44,582 --> 01:29:47,697 at its meeting held the 6th day of August, 2026. Is there a mover and 428 01:29:47,793 --> 01:29:50,603 seconder? Moved by Gett, seconded by Kirkland. All in favor? 429 01:29:51,566 --> 01:29:54,553 That is carried. And finally, I have a resolution that this meeting of Bruce County 430 01:29:55,053 --> 01:29:58,615 Council adjourn at 11:20 AM. Is there a mover and seconder? McIver and 431 01:29:58,728 --> 01:30:02,318 Kirkland. All in favor? Council stands adjourned and will now move 432 01:30:03,141 --> 01:30:06,720 to the Long-Term Care Homes Committee of Management when the clerk says