Bluewater public meetings in 2024
37 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on the Albion Hotel at 1 Bayfield Main St N, review committee composition and meeting frequency, and consider correspondence including a provincial heritage framework review. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and financial statements.
- Update on The Albion Hotel, 1 Bayfield Main St N, after roof collapse and demolition permit
- Report on Heritage Committee Composition and Meetings, including potential changes to meeting frequency and membership
- Heritage Committee Activity report for November 2024
- 2024 Bluewater Heritage Committee Unaudited Statement as at November 30, 2024
- Letter from Acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism about Ontario heritage framework review
Council
Bluewater Council's December 16, 2024 meeting includes several by-laws for adoption, including the 2025 Fees and Charges, a by-law regulating off-road vehicles, and an agreement for the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund for the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility. Council will also receive updates on the Lakeshore Road assumption policy, a roads needs study RFP, and a tender award for granular 'M' and dust control. A delegation will present the Coastie Citizen Science Program for coastal monitoring.
- By-law 119-2024: 2025 Fees and Charges
- By-law 120-2024: Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund agreement for Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility
- By-law 121-2024: Regulating Off Road Vehicles
- Tender Award: 2025 Granular 'M' and Dust Control Application
- Lakeshore Road Assumption Policy Update
Budget
Council is reviewing the 2025 draft operating budget, which proposes a 5.34% increase in the tax levy, adding about $88 to the typical household's annual Bluewater property tax. They will also decide how to handle a proposed $181,536 provincial reduction in 2025 OPP billing costs, and consider a heritage permit to demolish the collapsed roof and verandah of The Albion Hotel at 1 Bayfield Main Street North.
- 2025 draft operating budget with 5.34% tax levy increase ($535,389 net increase)
- 2025 OPP billing costs of $1,780,214; proposed provincial reductions of $181,536
- Heritage permit to demolish roof and front verandah at 1 Bayfield Main Street North (The Albion Hotel)
- 2025 capital levy impact comparison
- 2025 draft levy reconciliation
Special meeting of Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee is holding a special meeting to consider recommending that Council approve a heritage permit under Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act to demolish the roof and front verandah at 1 Bayfield Main Street North. The action follows the December 8, 2024 collapse of the Albion Hotel's roof under heavy snow, which led to the removal of the verandah for public safety. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to Council for a final decision, and if approved, the permit will be provided to the Chief Building Official.
- Heritage permit to demolish roof and front verandah at 1 Bayfield Main Street North (Albion Hotel)
- Roof collapsed under snow on December 8, 2024; Main Street closed from property to Charles Street
- Property is in a Heritage Conservation District designated in 1982 under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act
- Owner Jeff Graham invited to attend the special meeting
- Property owner will pay a fee for the demolition permit and other applicable approvals
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee is meeting virtually to discuss new business, including an update on a uranium storage facility, bottled water, and the 2025 meeting schedule. They will also consider correspondence about a 'Leave the Leaves' initiative. The agenda includes routine items like roll call, approval of minutes, and adjournment.
- Uranium Storage Facility Update - Pam S.
- Bottle Water - Erma W
- 2025 Meeting Schedule
- Leave the Leaves Information - Pam S
Council
Council will vote on several 2025 financial items, including the fees and charges update, facilities and recreation fees, community grant and vibrancy funding applications, and a debenture for the Hensall Water Tower. They will also consider establishing The Square as a highway, a second entrance for 27 Louisa Street in Bayfield, and an off-road vehicle by-law. A delegation will discuss the Zurich Water Debenture Payment.
- By-law 109-2024: Hensall Water Tower Debenture
- By-law 112-2024: 2025 Borrowing By-law
- By-law 113-2024: 2025 Interim Levy
- 2025 Fees and Charges Update
- 2025 Community Grant & Vibrancy Funding Applications
Budget
This is the Municipality of Bluewater's 2025 budget meeting. Council will review and discuss the draft capital and operating budgets, including a recommendation to spend $1.2 million on fire department vehicles. They will also consider community grant applications and a closed-session personnel matter.
- Approve $400,000 for a new pumper tanker truck and $800,000 for two used pumpers or pumper tankers, plus RFP processes
- Adopt Option 3 for fire fleet replacement: mix of new and used trucks on a 20-year cycle, keeping tankers beyond 20 years
- Review 2025 Draft Capital Budget and 2025 Draft Operating Budget
- Consider 2025 Community Grant & Vibrancy Funding Applications
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(b) for personal matters about an identifiable individual
Special Meeting of Council
Council is receiving a report on the short-term rental (STR) licensing review, covering program statistics, enforcement challenges, and costs. The report is for information only; a future report will propose by-law changes. Council is also confirming the meeting's by-law.
- 194 STR licences issued in 2023; 176 issued in 2024 as of Nov. 12
- 498 total online STR listings found; 216 active/intermittent as of Nov. 12
- 9 offence notices issued for operating without a licence; 8 challenged in court
- Program revenue $127,325 vs expenses $75,178.62 in 2024 (as of Nov. 8)
- Possible Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) discussed for future revenue
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
This is a hybrid appeal hearing for a short-term rental application at 75061 Elmslie Drive. The council will hear the appeal and decide on the application. The meeting is open to the public and live-streamed.
- Appeal for short-term rental application at 75061 Elmslie Drive
Committee of Adjustment
The Bluewater Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to decide on a minor variance application (MV04-2024) for a property at 71607 Old Cedarbank Lane. The applicant seeks to reduce required side and rear yard setbacks to attach a garage and add a porch, patio, and addition to the existing dwelling. Staff recommend approval with conditions, including no additional living space and a lot grading plan.
- Minor variance MV04-2024 for 71607 Old Cedarbank Lane: reduce side yard setback to 1.4 m (required 3 m) and rear yard setback to 4.95 m (required 7.5 m)
- Proposal includes attaching existing garage to house, plus addition, patio, and porch
- Staff recommend approval with conditions, including no additional bedroom space and lot grading plan
- Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has no concerns
- No public comments received as of report date
Council
Council will hear an engineer's presentation on the proposed Steckle Municipal Drain, a new closed drainage system in Stanley Ward, and may adopt the report and proceed with construction. The agenda also includes several other items, including zoning amendments, heritage district plan adoption, and various tender awards. The meeting is a regular council session with a mix of reports, by-laws, and a closed session.
- Steckle Municipal Drain: new 963m tile drain, $216,600 total assessments ($57,133 municipal, $159,467 private agricultural)
- Zoning By-law Amendment (File Blu Z03-2024) and By-law 101-2024
- Adoption of Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan and By-law 105-2024
- Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion - Tender Award
- By-law 104-2024 - Part Lot Control Exemption – Deer Ridge Lane
Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
The Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group is meeting to review survey responses from community groups, including the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society, as part of drafting a standardized municipal leasing policy and lease template. The agenda includes discussion of the survey responses and the draft lease terms, which cover rent, maintenance, insurance, and termination conditions.
- Review of Bayfield Town Hall Survey Responses from the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society
- Draft lease includes nominal rent of $2.00 per year
- Lessee responsible for all utilities, maintenance, and repairs
- Insurance requirement: $5 million commercial general liability
- Termination allowed with 90 days' notice or immediate for certain breaches
Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
The Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group will review documents from the Bayfield Historical Society, including a letter requesting that its building be exempted from the Municipal Leasing Policy. The group will also consider the society's strategic plan and a 2010 letter from a donor. This follows an October meeting where the group discussed survey results and building conditions for the Hay Town Hall lease.
- Bayfield Historical Society requests reclassification under Appendix 2 of the Municipal Leasing Policy
- Letter from Ruth Moore (2010) regarding donation of Lot 175, Plan 147 on Bayfield Main Street for library/archives use
- Strategic Plan 2024-2027 submitted by the Bayfield Historical Society
- Discussion of Friends of Hay Town Hall survey results and building condition from Walter Fedy report
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will consider adopting the September 2024 Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines, which updates and expands the district's plan, including new heritage permit processes. The committee will also discuss appointing members to the committee and receive a report on October activities. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the HCD plan update.
- Adopt September 2024 Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines
- Recommend Council pass a by-law to enact the HCD Plan
- Adopt a Heritage Permit Application Process for Major and Minor Alterations
- Appoint members to the Heritage Advisory Committee
- By-law 80-2024 Heritage Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Budget
Council is holding its 2025 budget kick-off meeting, reviewing the 2024 accomplishments report, reserve strategy, and community grant applications. The presentation outlines a proposed 2.62% tax levy increase over 2024, driven by items like a 17.31% OPP contract increase and a 5% Lake Huron water supply increase. No final budget decisions are made at this meeting; deliberations continue November 25.
- 2025 OPP contract cost: $1,780,214, a 17.31% increase over 2024
- 2025 OCIF capital allocation: $875,047, a 15% increase over 2024
- 2025 Community Grant & Vibrancy Funding applications (pages 56-304)
- 2025 Road Assumption Options - Cost Review (pages 305-351)
- Fleet addition - sidewalk plow (page 352)
Council
Council is meeting to hear three delegations: MPAC on the property assessment and tax system, Segal Construction on addressing the housing shortage, and a development charges reduction request. The agenda also includes routine consent items, management reports, and by-laws, including a land disposal and a pavilion request.
- Delegation: MPAC property assessment and tax system presentation
- Delegation: Segal Construction housing shortage proposal
- Delegation: Development charges reduction request by Jacob LaPorte
- Application to dispose of land at 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield
- By-law 96-2024 amending Council remuneration rates
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee is meeting to review the Listed Properties Review project's second-year progress, receive the September 2024 activity report, appoint three members to a new heritage nominations advisory subcommittee, and set the 2025 meeting calendar. The committee will also discuss feedback on the 2025 Ontario Heritage Conference.
- Appoint 3 members to heritage nominations advisory subcommittee and set meeting for Nov 12, 2024 at 5:30 pm
- Review Listed Properties Review work plan with proposed schedule changes for St. Joseph, Stanley, Bayfield, Zurich registers
- Receive Heritage Committee Activity report for September 2024
- Recommend 2025 meeting calendar; November 11 falls on statutory holiday, seeking direction for Nov 10 or 12
- Discuss Ontario Heritage Conference 2025 in Prince Edward County
Special Meeting of Council
This special meeting of Bluewater Council focuses on the Community Risk Assessment and Fire Master Plan/Station Location Review, prepared by Emergency Management Group. Council will vote on adopting the risk assessment and receiving the master plan as information, with recommendations to guide future fire service decisions and the 2025 budget. The reports identify risks like new developments, weather events, and agricultural hazards, and propose changes to staffing, apparatus, and stations.
- Adoption of Community Risk Assessment per O. Reg 378/18
- Fire Master Plan with 58 recommendations, including hiring a full-time fire prevention educator
- Proposal to replace four fire apparatus and standardize fleet
- Review of County of Huron paramedic rental agreement at Bayfield Fire Station
- By-law 94-2024 to confirm the special council meeting
Special Meeting of Council
This special meeting of Bluewater Council is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being a closed session under the Municipal Act to discuss a proposed or pending land acquisition or disposition. The agenda also includes a confirmatory by-law to ratify the meeting's actions.
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(c) regarding land acquisition or disposition
- By-law 93-2024 to confirm proceedings of the special meeting
Council
Council will consider adopting the engineer's report for the new Steckle Municipal Drain, a tile drainage system estimated to cost $216,300, with costs assessed to municipal and private agricultural lands. They may also give the provisional by-law first and second reading and schedule a Court of Revision. Other items include investment policy changes, a zoning by-law amendment, and various operational reports.
- Steckle Municipal Drain: $216,300 estimated cost, new tile drain from Lot 8, Con. 12 to Lot 7, Con. 13
- By-law 87-2024: Bluewater Zoning By-law housekeeping amendment
- By-law 90-2024: Part lot control exemption for 68-72 Deer Ridge Lane
- Investment policy update to allow co-mingled public sector investments (ONE Investment presentation)
- 2024-2025 Winter Operations Plan
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Bluewater Council held virtually, with the main substantive item being a closed session under the Municipal Act to discuss a position, plan, or procedure for negotiations. The only other business is a confirmatory by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. The agenda is otherwise procedural.
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(k) regarding negotiations
- By-law 86-2024 to confirm proceedings of the special meeting
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Bluewater council held virtually. The agenda is largely procedural: it includes a closed session for solicitor-client privileged advice, a confirmatory by-law to ratify council actions, and adjournment. No substantive decisions or public discussions are listed.
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(f) for solicitor-client privileged advice
- By-law 85-2024 to confirm proceedings of the October 11, 2024 special meeting
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee is meeting to discuss several environmental initiatives. They will review results from a composting survey, consider using native plants in municipal planters, and review the proposed 2025 committee budget. The committee will also discuss a request to review the municipality's watering by-law.
- Appoint a Committee Vice-Chair
- Composting Survey Results
- Municipal Planters - Native Plants
- 2025 Committee Budget
- Watering By-law Review (By-Law No. 19-2005)
CANCELLED-Heritage Advisory Committee
This meeting of the Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee was cancelled. The agenda would have included a report on the Listed Properties Review, a summary of September 2024 committee activity, and discussion of the 2025 meeting calendar, including a request for direction on the November meeting date.
- Listed Properties Review – Second Year In report
- Heritage Committee Activity – September 2024 report
- Select Nominations Subcommittee and set meeting date
- Ontario Heritage Conference 2025 – feedback request
- 2025 Heritage Advisory Committee meeting calendar
Council
Council will hold a Court of Revision for the Wildwood Line Municipal Drain 2024, hearing an engineer's report and any appeals. The proposed project includes new tile drainage, ditch work, and a laneway crossing with estimated assessments of $90,000. Council will also receive several reports and consider various correspondence items.
- Court of Revision for Wildwood Line Municipal Drain 2024, estimated $90,000 in assessments
- 2024 Wastewater and Water Systems Second Quarter Report
- 2023 Draft Financial Statements
- By-law 82-2024: Pre-consultation Process and Procedure
- Notice of Motion on Off Road Vehicles by Councillor Lamport
Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
The Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group is meeting to review survey results from the Friends of Hay Town Hall, a community group that currently leases the facility. The survey indicates the group cannot meet several obligations in the draft lease, including net lease costs, insurance requirements, and indemnification clauses. The group has requested an exemption from the lease requirements.
- Review of Friends of Hay Town Hall survey results
- Survey shows group cannot meet draft lease obligations (net lease, insurance, indemnity)
- Group requests exemption from lease requirements
- Group declines interest in purchasing the property at fair market value
- Group has not submitted current budget or financial statement
Council
Council will discuss funding options for the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion, along with several other items including a petition for road paving, a tender for a plow truck, and policies on video recording and heritage advisory. The meeting also includes a closed session for a training session on staff-council relations.
- Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion funding options
- Petition for road paving from Pavilion Lakeside Residents Association
- Tender award for plow truck
- By-law 79-2024 to adopt Municipal Credit Card Policy
- By-law 80-2024 to adopt Terms of Reference for Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee
CANCELLED - Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
This meeting of the Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee is cancelled. The agenda included discussion of preliminary composting survey results, municipal planters with native plants, the 2025 committee budget, and a review of the watering by-law.
- Composting survey preliminary results
- Municipal planters - native plants
- 2025 Committee Budget
- Watering By-law Review - By-Law No. 19-2005
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will consider recommending a new by-law to replace its terms of reference, accept a member's resignation, and begin recruiting for three vacant seats. They will also discuss proposed bench pads in Bayfield, review the 2025 draft budget and 2024 annual report, and consider member training.
- Draft by-law to repeal By-law 103-2021 and adopt new terms of reference
- Accept resignation of member Lauren Ihrig
- Recruit for three vacant committee seats
- Proposed bench pads in Bayfield Main St road allowance
- 2025 draft budget and 2024 annual report
Council
Council will hear an engineer's report on the Wildwood Line Municipal Drain 2024, a $90,000 project to improve drainage along Wildwood Line, and may adopt the report and give the by-law first and second reading. They will also consider a housekeeping amendment to the zoning by-law, several tender awards, and other administrative items. The agenda includes many routine reports and by-laws, but also several notable items like a heritage permit and a Canada Post lease extension.
- Wildwood Line Municipal Drain 2024: $90,000 project, 335m of new tile drain, 100m of ditch, one laneway crossing
- 2024 Housekeeping Amendment to the Bluewater Zoning By-law
- Heritage Permit for 5 Bayfield Main Street North
- Tender Award for Wheel Loader Lease
- Tender Award for Colina Street Embankment Protection
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee is meeting to review two heritage permit applications: one to replace windows and doors at 5 Bayfield Main St North (The Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro) and another to install railings and a sidewalk at 2 Bayfield Main St North (Knox Presbyterian Church). The committee will also receive comments from a July 8 public meeting on the final phase of the Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan update, and discuss committee recruitment.
- Heritage Permit HAC2024-04: replace front windows and door at 5 Bayfield Main St North (Black Dog Pub & Bistro)
- Heritage Permit HAC2024-05: install railings on front steps of Knox Presbyterian Church at 2 Bayfield Main St North
- Discussion of extending municipal sidewalk across east side of 2 Bayfield Main St North for church accessibility
- Final draft of Bayfield HCD Plan and Guidelines (August 2024) and comments from July 8 public meeting
- Heritage Advisory Committee recruitment process review
Heritage Advisory Committee - 13 Aug 2024-CANCELLED
This meeting of the Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee was cancelled. The agenda had included recommendations on two heritage permits (for 5 Bayfield Main St N and 2 Bayfield Main St N), a recruitment process review, and a final draft of the Bayfield Heritage Conservation District Plan.
- Heritage Permit HAC2024-04 for window/door replacement at 5 Bayfield Main St N (Black Dog Pub & Bistro)
- Heritage Permit HAC2024-05 for railings and sidewalk at Knox Presbyterian Church, 2 Bayfield Main St N
- Discussion of extending municipal sidewalk on east side of 2 Bayfield Main St N
- Final draft of Bayfield HCD Plan and Guidelines (August 2024)
- Heritage Committee recruitment process review
Committee of Adjustment
The Bluewater Committee of Adjustment will hold a hybrid meeting on August 12, 2024, to consider two minor variance applications. The first, for 71223 Anne Street, is recommended for denial because it does not meet the four tests of a minor variance. The second, for 11 John Avenue, is recommended for approval with conditions. The committee will also adopt minutes from the March 4, 2024 meeting.
- MV02-2024: 71223 Anne St. – attached garage 1.36m from rear lot line vs. required 7.5m; recommended denial
- MV03-2024: 11 John Ave. – zone coverage increase to 38% vs. 35% max; recommended approval with conditions
- Adoption of March 4, 2024 minutes
- Public and agency comments: CBO, Fire Chief, Public Works, ABCA oppose MV02-2024
Council
Bluewater Council is meeting to consider a housekeeping amendment to the Zoning By-law, which includes updates to definitions and rules for trailers, accessory structures, and vending. Council will also receive the 2024 Asset Management Plan and decide on several by-laws, including a debenture for the Zurich water line and a solid waste management program. The agenda includes many routine items such as minutes, reports, and correspondence, plus a closed session for legal and personnel matters.
- 2024 Housekeeping Amendment to the Bluewater Zoning By-law (public meeting, options for trailer additions)
- 2024 Asset Management Plan presentation by Arun Sharma, PSD Citywide Inc.
- By-law 66-2024: Zurich Water Line Debenture
- By-law 69-2024: Solid Waste Management Program (recycling fees amendment)
- Heritage Permit Application – 34 Bayfield Terrace
Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
The Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group is meeting to review its terms of reference, a draft community group feedback form, and the process for reviewing form submissions. The group is tasked with gathering feedback from lease-holding community groups on a draft standardized lease template and reporting recommendations to Council.
- Review of draft standardized municipal leasing policy and lease template
- Draft community group feedback form seeking input on lease obligations
- Discussion of process for reviewing form submissions
- Review of community group listing
- Working group terms of reference adoption
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Bluewater Council with a largely procedural agenda. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss a matter subject to solicitor-client privilege under the Municipal Act. The meeting also includes a confirmatory by-law to ratify any actions taken.
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(f) for solicitor-client privileged matter
- By-law 67-2024 to confirm proceedings of the August 1, 2024 special meeting
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will consider recommending Council approve a heritage permit to disassemble, sandblast, and repaint an ornamental iron fence at 34 Bayfield Terrace, and to allow future similar fencing on the sides. The committee will also receive reports on June activity, correspondence about Ontario Heritage Act changes, a zoning by-law amendment notice, and an unaudited financial statement. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and disclosures.
- Heritage Permit Application HAC2024-03 for 34 Bayfield Terrace: disassemble, sandblast, repaint fence black, future similar fencing
- Correspondence: Bill 200 changes to the Ontario Heritage Act (listed properties)
- Notice of Public Meeting for Municipal Initiated ZBA Z02-2024
- 2024 Bluewater Heritage Committee Unaudited Statement as at June 30, 2024
- Heritage Committee Activity report for June 2024