Bluewater public meetings in 2025
57 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Bluewater Council meeting on December 15, 2025 will address a consent agenda that includes updates on the Bayfield Community Centre, partnerships with Western University, and several budget items. Key financial items include the Mid Huron Landfill 2026 Budget and the Ontario Provincial Police annual billing statement. The council will also review a development agreement amendment request and reports on planning, public works, and finance matters.
- Mid Huron Landfill 2026 Budget (item 5.13)
- Ontario Provincial Police – Annual Billing Statement (item 5.16)
- Consent Application Report – File C50-2025 – 38131 Mill Road (item 7.1.1)
- Tender Awards – 2026 Granular ‘M’ and Dust Control Application (item 7.2.2)
- 2026 Fees and Charges Updates (item 7.3.3)
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee will receive a report on Bill 68, which proposes creating an Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and consolidating conservation authorities, and will discuss its implications. The committee will also consider a request to increase the 2026 budget by $1,000.00 to cover the full cost of municipal flower planters, bringing the allocation to $6,000.00. Additionally, the committee will receive an update on the partnership with Western University’s Masters in Environment & Sustainability consulting project and will hear presentations on the Green Legacy Tree Program and plastic‑pollution prevention for recreational fishers.
- Review of Bill 68 proposal for a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (ERO #025-1257)
- Request for a $1,000.00 increase to the 2026 budget for community flower planters (total $6,000.00)
- Partnership application with Western University Masters in Environment & Sustainability consulting project
- Presentation on Lakeshore Environmental Network – Green Legacy Tree Program
- Engagement with recreational fishing community on plastic‑pollution prevention
Council
Council will discuss the 2026 Mayor's Budget, interim levy, and updated fees and charges. The meeting also includes reports on winter road maintenance and the Mill Road Project.
- 2026 Mayor's Budget and 2026 Interim Levy
- 2026 Fees and Charges Updates
- 2026 Borrowing By-Law
- 2025-2026 Winter Operation Plan amendments for 'No winter Maintenance' roads
- Mill Rd. Project follow-up with Bluewater Generation Inc. & CEM Engineering
Dashwood Community Advisory Committee
The Dashwood Community Advisory Committee meeting on November 20, 2025 will consider three items: an update on the Dashwood playground project, a proposal regarding front entrance pillars, and discussion of the 2026 capital budget. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the items are listed for discussion.
- Dashwood Playground Update
- Front entrance pillars
- 2026 Capital
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
The Bluewater Council will hold an appeal hearing on a short‑term rental application for the property at 73081 Ducharme Beach Road. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as call to order, disclosure of pecuniary interest, opening statement, and adjournment.
- Short‑term rental application appeal – 73081 Ducharme Beach Road
Council
Council will review the 2026 budget process and a 2025 capital progress report. The meeting includes delegations regarding winter maintenance on Hurondale Road and a permit appeal for 74525 Woodland Drive.
- Next Steps – 2026 Budget Process
- Entrance Application and Permit Appeal for 74525 Woodland Drive
- Dinsley Terrace Water Service Agreement By-law
- Motor Grader Lease
- Consent Application for 73141 Parr Line
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee will review the trend of increasing insurance expenses. It will also consider appointing a new member, provide an update on the heritage plaque program, and set the 2026 meeting calendar. Listed property reviews for Bayfield, Brucefield and Zurich locations are scheduled for discussion.
- Rising Insurance Trend – discussion of insurance cost increase
- Appointment of a member to the Heritage Advisory Committee
- Heritage plaque program update (verbal report)
- Heritage Committee 2026 meeting calendar planning
- Listed Properties Review – Bayfield (26, 32, 51 Bayfield Terrace), Brucefield (21, 22, 31 Mill Road, 33 Ellen St), Zurich (20‑22 Goshen Street South, 10 Victoria Lane)
Budget
Council is discussing the 2026 Draft Budget, which includes a proposed 4.26% tax levy increase. The meeting also covers the allocation of a 2024 WSIB surplus rebate to offset operating wages.
- Proposed 2026 operating budget of $23.8M and capital budget of $5.26M
- Estimated $86 annual property tax increase for a typical household valued at $269,000
- Receipt of $118,120.61 from the 2024 WSIB Surplus Rebate
- Use of $976,435.86 in one-time revenues to reduce the property tax levy
- Draft capital budget projects totaling $5,264,919
Council
The Council will discuss updates to the municipal office closure policy for severe weather and a water service agreement for Dinsley Terrace. The meeting also includes reports on fire prevention and the appointment of Committee of Adjustment members.
- Dinsley Terrace Water Service Agreement
- Fire Prevention Officer Agreement
- Annual Appointment of Committee of Adjustment Members
- Closure of Municipal Office Due to Inclement-Severe Weather Policy Update
- Hensall Heritage Hall, Library and Public Works Equipment Depot report
Budget
The Bluewater Council will review the 2026 budget, including a 2024 tax levy surplus and a development charge funding shortfall. Council will decide whether to allocate $50,000 each to a Water Master Plan, a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, and a Stormwater Master Plan as part of Strategic Priority Goal 9. The meeting also includes confirmation of By-law 105-2025 and other budget‑related reports.
- Allocate $50,000 to the Water Master Plan in the 2026 Water Operating Budget
- Allocate $50,000 to the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan in the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Operating Budget
- Allocate $50,000 to the Stormwater Master Plan in the 2026 Roads Operating Budget (property tax levy)
- Confirm By-law 105-2025 – October 27 2025 Special Meeting Confirmatory By‑law
- Discuss Development Charge Funding Shortfall
Council
Council will discuss the 2025-2026 Winter Operations Plan and a request from Elliot Street homeowners to extend sewer services. The meeting also includes a first draft of the Official Plan Five Year Review and the appointment of an Acting Chief Administrative Officer.
- Sewer extension request for Elliot Street homeowners
- Stop Sign By-law amendment for Queen Street West and Elizabeth Street, Hensall
- Consent Application Report for 17 Chiniquy Street, Bayfield
- 2025-2026 Winter Operations Plan and Winter Fleet Alternatives
- Application to Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant for youth program expansion
Special Meeting of Council
Council is discussing whether to maintain 12 different streetlight levy areas or move to a standardized municipal rate. The body is also considering the creation of a formal by-law to define benefit areas and exploring cost recovery from neighboring municipalities.
- Proposal to create a by-law defining Special Streetlight Areas
- Proposed cost recovery agreements with Huron East (Brucefield and Kippen) and Central Huron (Bayfield)
- Review of 12 different streetlight levy rates ranging from $29.77 to $300.34 for average homes
- Discussion on setting a standard annual capital contribution of $52,422 for streetlight replacement
- Closed session regarding personal matters of the Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Special Meeting of Council (Emergency Meeting of Council)
The Council of the Municipality of Bluewater held an emergency special meeting on October 7, 2025. A closed‑session staff matter was considered under the Municipal Act, 2001 S.239(2)(b). The council adopted By‑law 100‑2025, which confirms and ratifies every report, motion, resolution, and other action taken at that meeting. No other substantive decisions were listed.
- Roll call and call to order (procedural)
- Disclosure of pecuniary interest (procedural)
- Closed‑session staff issue under Municipal Act, 2001 S.239(2)(b)
- Adoption of By‑law 100‑2025 – confirmatory by‑law ratifying all meeting actions
Council
The Bluewater Council meeting will review a Waste Management By-law Amendment that changes ICI recycling fees. Other items include a Speed Limit By-law amendment with a construction‑zone delegation, concerns about the Elizabeth Street & Queen Street West intersection in Hensall, a design‑options review for the Bayfield Marina fuel tank replacement, and a proposed shared‑services agreement for the Drainage Superintendent. All items are listed for discussion or decision at the October 6, 2025 meeting.
- Waste Management By-law Amendment – ICI Recycling Fees
- Speed Limit By-law Amendment and Construction Zone Delegation By-law
- Intersection Concerns – Elizabeth Street & Queen Street West, Hensall
- Bayfield Marina Fuel Tank Replacement Design Options and Cost Implications
- Drainage Superintendent – Proposed Shared Services Agreement
Special Meeting of Council
The Bluewater Council will ratify the actions taken at its October 1, 2025 special meeting through Confirmatory By‑law 92‑2025. A closed‑session staff matter under the Municipal Act 2001 S.239(2)(b) will also be considered. The agenda includes roll‑call, disclosure of pecuniary interest, and adjournment.
- Confirmatory By‑law 92‑2025 – ratifies all reports, motions, and resolutions from the October 1, 2025 special meeting
- Closed‑session discussion of a personal matter involving a municipal employee under Municipal Act 2001 S.239(2)(b)
- Roll call and call to order
- Disclosure of pecuniary interest
- Adjournment
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
The council will hold a virtual hearing to consider appeals of short‑term rental applications for three properties: 75061 Elmslie Drive, 33839 Joy Court, and 26 Bayfield Terrace. The meeting will include standard procedural items such as call to order, disclosure of pecuniary interest, and opening statements before addressing each appeal.
- Appeal of short‑term rental application for 75061 Elmslie Drive
- Appeal of short‑term rental application for 33839 Joy Court
- Appeal of short‑term rental application for 26 Bayfield Terrace
Council
The Bluewater Council will consider the Shapton Drain Improvement 2025 tender award and related cost collection for the Wildwood Municipal Drain. They will also review the Temporary Banner Policy, the Blue Box transition update, and the June 2025 failed tax sale. The meeting includes approval of the agenda, consent items, and a confirmatory by‑law.
- Shapton Drain Improvement 2025 Tender Award (item 7.1.1)
- Collect Actual Costs for the Wildwood Municipal Drain 2024 Construction (item 7.1.2)
- Temporary Banner Policy (item 7.2.1)
- Blue Box Transition Update – Key Milestones & ICI Cost Considerations (item 7.2.2)
- June 2025 Failed Tax Sale (item 7.4.2)
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee will receive a presentation on Community Climate Action by Derry Wallis of the County of Huron. It will review the 2026 Planter Budget Report, which recommends adding $1,000.00 to cover a projected $729.00 shortfall for five new flower planters. The committee will also discuss Environmental Strategy Survey results and receive information on Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
- Presentation: Community Climate Action by Derry Wallis, County of Huron
- 2026 Planter Budget Report requests an additional $1,000.00 to cover a $729.00 shortfall for flower planters
- Environmental Strategy Planning – Survey Results presented
- Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 – received for information and recommendation to oppose
- Tree orders through Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) – online request process
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will vote on a draft delegation to Council to remove the heritage designation for 41 Bayfield Main St S. It will also review Ontario Heritage Act changes affecting religious buildings and consider the 2026 draft budget and 2025 annual report. Additional items include opening Heritage Award nominations, a discussion of rising insurance costs, and updates on listed properties and tree replacement options.
- Removal of heritage designation for 41 Bayfield Main St S (verbal)
- Ontario Heritage Act changes for religious buildings (review)
- Heritage Advisory Committee 2026 Draft Budget and 2025 Annual Report (draft)
- Heritage Award nominations open until October 10
- Rising insurance trend (new business)
Council
The Bluewater Council will consider a deferred report on an industrial expansion exemption for development charges and consulting services for the reconstruction of Lorne Avenue. The meeting agenda also includes a request for proposal results for King Street and Wellington Street in Hensall and speed limit by-law considerations.
- Development Charges Industrial Expansion Exemption (deferred)
- Consulting services for Lorne Avenue Reconstruction
- Request for Proposal results - King Street and Wellington Street Hensall
- Speed Limit By-law Considerations
- By-law 87-2025 - Confirmatory By-law
Cancelled-Dashwood Community Advisory Committee
The scheduled meeting for August 21, 2025 was cancelled, so the committee will not vote on any agenda items. The agenda listed updates on the Dashwood playground, gas and water services for the pavilion, front entrance pillars, and Friedsburg Days funding, but none will be acted upon at this time.
- Dashwood Playground Update
- Gas service and private infrastructure from the Community Centre to the Pavilion
- Water service repair to the Pavilion
- Front entrance pillars
- Friedsburg Days funds
Council
Council will discuss the appointment of an Acting Chief Building Official and a departmental review of Development Services. The meeting includes reports on the Bayfield sanitary inflow and the results of a green waste pilot project.
- Appointment of Acting Chief Building Official
- Bayfield Sanitary Inflow 2025 Review
- Green Waste Pilot Project Results
- By-law to adopt a Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and Program
- Bayfield Cemetery Community Garden Proposal
Council
Council will discuss a zoning by-law amendment for 38752 Rodgerville Road and a contract for by-law enforcement and animal control. The meeting includes reviews of the 2025 capital progress and operating budget variances, as well as the Bayfield Community Centre expansion.
- Zoning By-law Amendment for 38752 Rodgerville Road
- By-law Enforcement and Animal Control Services Contract Agreement
- Second Development Charges Reduction By-Law Report
- Bayfield Community Centre Expansion
- Fire Department Capital Budget Revision
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will discuss replacement tree options for the damaged willow at Bayfield Main Street North and Catherine Street. The committee will also consider its draft budget and annual report, and review policy items including a public art by‑law and a tree‑policy amendment. Additional reports include an update on the Albion Hotel project and a review of listed heritage properties at several addresses.
- Bayfield Willow Tree – discussion of replacement species and recommendation to Council
- Draft Heritage Advisory Committee budget and annual report
- By‑law 65-2025 – Public Art and Monument Policy
- Enhancement and Protection of Trees Policy amendment
- Listed Properties Review – 10 Keith Crescent, 52 Colina Street, 8 The Square, 15 Anne Street, 1 Mill Road (now 2 Sarnia Street)
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
The Bluewater municipal council will hold a virtual hearing to consider an appeal of a short-term rental application located at 72315 Bluewater Highway. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube. No other agenda items are listed.
- Short-term rental application appeal for 72315 Bluewater Highway
Special Meeting of Council
Council will host a public meeting to discuss potential revisions to the Bluewater Official Plan and direct staff to evaluate community requests and draft policy changes.
- Public meeting to discuss Official Plan revisions
- Evaluation of community requests for policy changes
- Drafting of policy and mapping amendments
- Confirmatory by-law 63-2025 to ratify meeting proceedings
Council
The council will review and approve several management reports, including a lease renewal for the Bayfield Facilities Initiative Team and the award of a tender to replace the Bayfield Marina fuel tank. Additional items include updates to special event fees, a tree removal assessment bylaw amendment, and options for proceeds from the 6 Municipal Road sale. These items are presented for discussion and decision during the meeting.
- Bayfield Facilities Initiative Team Lease Agreement Renewal
- Bayfield Marina Fuel Tank Replacement Tender Award
- Special Event Fees & Charges
- Tree Policy By-law Amendment - Tree Removal Assessment
- 6 Municipal Road – Options for Proceeds
Dashwood Community Advisory Committee
The Dashwood Community Advisory Committee will discuss the results of a recent open house regarding a new playground and a proposed addition to the Dashwood Community Centre. The committee is expected to review survey results and public feedback on the projects.
- Review of playground design survey results
- Discussion of community centre addition proposal
- Review of open house attendance and feedback
- Approval of previous meeting minutes
- Review of holiday lighting project updates
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee will review survey results on food waste disposal and discuss the Environmental Strategy. The committee will also receive information on Bill 5.
- Review Food Waste Survey Results
- Receive Environmental Strategy Update
- Receive Bill 5 for Information
- Review curbside compost pickup for Environmental Strategy
- Tabletop composter program not considered without grant funding
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment meeting on June 2, 2025 will hear Minor Variance Application MV02‑2025 for 18 Louisa Street, Bayfield. The applicant, Paul Nichol, seeks permission to locate a detached accessory garage in the front yard, which is normally required to be in the rear yard under the R1 zoning by‑law. Staff has recommended approval subject to conditions on garage size, setbacks and an 18‑month validity period. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, approval of agenda, disclosure of interests and adoption of minutes.
- Minor variance MV02‑2025 – front‑yard garage (22 ft × 26 ft) at 18 Louisa St, Bayfield; staff recommends approval with conditions on size, setbacks and 18‑month validity
- Minor variance MV01‑2025 – 6 Municipal Rd, Bayfield; approved with conditions on parking layout, site‑plan compliance, site‑plan control and 18‑month validity (recorded from prior minutes)
- Adoption of Committee of Adjustment minutes from May 5, 2025
- Approval of the meeting agenda
- Call to order and disclosure of pecuniary interest (standard procedural items)
Council
The council will consider a proposed amendment to Short-Term Rental notification by-laws and approve a tender for a Marina fuel tank replacement. The meeting also includes reports on fire safety surveys, road repairs, and facility funding.
- Short-Term Rental Notification Amendment By-Law proposed
- Marina Fuel Tank Replacement Tender Award
- Fire Underwriters Survey Results presented
- Bridge B21 Repair Tender Award
- Senior Active Living Centre 2025-2026 Funding confirmed
Special Meeting of Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will conduct roll call and disclose any pecuniary interests. The primary business item is a review of a draft letter to the municipal council. No other decisions are listed.
- Review draft letter to council
Workshop and/or Training
The Bluewater council will hold a closed session to receive legal training regarding the expansion of strong mayor powers under the Municipal Act.
- Closed session to discuss Municipal Act training on strong mayor powers
- Legal counsel John Mascarin from Aird & Berlis LLP to present
- Meeting held at Council Chambers (38594 Mill Road, Varna)
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
The Municipality of Bluewater is holding a hearing to review an appeal regarding a short-term rental application. The only specific item on the agenda is the property at 33977 Kildeer Drive. The meeting consists of procedural steps and the review of this single appeal.
- Short Term Rental Application Appeal for 33977 Kildeer Drive
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee recommended that Council not support the repeal of the Heritage Designation By‑Law for 41 Bayfield Main Street South. It accepted the resignation of member Laurien Trowell, declared the seat vacant, and instructed staff to post a public notice for applications. The committee also endorsed a Community Improvement Grant for 1 Bayfield Main Street North and received a draft municipal‑wide sign by‑law update as information.
- Recommendation to Council to reject repeal of Heritage Designation By‑Law for 41 Bayfield Main St S
- Acceptance of Laurien Trowell’s resignation and declaration of a vacant seat with a public notice to be posted
- Support for a Community Improvement Grant application for 1 Bayfield Main St N requiring matching replacement brick
- Recommendation to Council to accept information for the Housing‑Focused Heritage Building Grant to Architectural Conservancy Ontario
- Receipt of Draft Municipal‑wide Sign By‑law update as information
Committee of Adjustment
The Bluewater Committee of Adjustment will consider Minor Variance Application MV01-2025 submitted by Sonryk Industries Ltd. and Baker Planning Group for 6 Municipal Rd., Bayfield. The proposal seeks additional off‑street parking for a medical clinic and a reconfiguration of parking along Charles Street, with staff‑recommended conditions. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of the agenda and adoption of previous minutes.
- Minor Variance Application MV01-2025 – 6 Municipal Rd., Bayfield: parking changes for a proposed medical clinic
- Approval of the meeting agenda
- Adoption of the February 3, 2025 Committee of Adjustment minutes
Council
Council will consider a $323,000 project to improve the Shapton Drain and establish a new Schroeders Branch. The meeting includes a consent agenda of routine reports and a notice of motion regarding a zoning by-law amendment.
- Shapton Drain Improvement and Schroeders Branch 2025 (Engineers Report)
- Council Meeting Minutes - April 22, 2025
- Council Remuneration – March 2025
- By-law Exemption – Zurich Fair Fundraiser
- Notice of Motion - Submitted by Councillor Groot - Zoning By-law Amendment
Dashwood Community Advisory Committee
The Dashwood Community Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the outcomes of a recent open house. The session is primarily focused on reviewing results from the April 8, 2025 event.
- Review of results from April 8, 2025 Open House
Workshop and/or Training
The council will hold a closed‑session workshop on development‑charges training. The session is provided by Matt Pearson and Lisa Courtney of BM Ross & Associates Ltd. It relates to Municipal Act, 2001 section 239(3.1). No other business is listed.
- Closed‑session training on development charges with BM Ross & Associates Ltd.
Council
The Bluewater Council will vote on a zoning by‑law amendment (Blu Z01‑2025) affecting 38146 Mill Road. Several by‑laws will be adopted, including updates to tax rates, fire‑protection grant funding, and an encroachment agreement with Tarantou Investments. The council will also consider a site‑plan agreement with Huron Awnings and Ventilation Systems Ltd. and a repeal of a heritage designation for 41 Main St. S. Bayfield.
- Zoning By‑law Amendment (Blu Z01‑2025) – 38146 Mill Road
- By‑law 39‑2025 – Encroachment Agreement with Tarantou Investments Limited (amended April 22, 2025)
- By‑law 40‑2025 – Site Plan Agreement with Huron Awnings and Ventilation Systems Ltd.
- By‑law 38‑2025 – Fire Protection Grant Agreement Additional Funding
- By‑law 44‑2025 – Repeal Heritage Designation for 41 Main St. S. Bayfield
Council
Council will consider the engineer's report for the Shapton Drain Improvement and Schroeders Branch 2025, which recommends a $323,000 construction project. Members will vote to either adopt the report, pass the provisional by‑law and schedule a Court of Revision, or refer the report back to the engineer. The meeting also includes a consent agenda, several new by‑laws, and updates from corporate services and public works.
- Shapton Drain Improvement and Schroeders Branch 2025 – $323,000 project; council to adopt report or refer back
- By‑law 27‑2025 – authorize site‑plan agreement with Cobble Design Holdings Inc.
- By‑law 28‑2025 – appoint livestock evaluators
- By‑law 30‑2025 – Huron County Library Agreement
- By‑law 32‑2025 – Fees and Charges By‑law amendment
Short Term Rental Application Appeal Hearing
The municipality is holding a hearing to consider an appeal regarding a short-term rental application. The session focuses on a specific property located in Bayfield.
- Short-term rental application appeal for 23 Louisa Street, Bayfield
Council
The council will consider amending By‑Law Schedule C to change fees for facilities, parks and recreation. It will also approve several by‑laws, including the repeal of the taxi‑cab licensing by‑law and the appointment of a community emergency management coordinator. Additional items include awarding the 2025 sidewalk plow contract and launching a request for proposals for Bridge B62 replacement.
- Amend Fees and Charges By‑Law Schedule C – Facilities, Parks and Recreation
- Tender Award – 2025 Sidewalk Plow
- Request for Proposal – Consulting Services for Bridge B62 Replacement
- By‑law 23‑2025 – Repeal of Taxi Cab Licensing By‑law 008‑1986
- Highlands III and Luther Miller Drain Projects
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee will consider an application to repeal the heritage designation by‑law for the property at 41 Bayfield Main St South. It will also accept a resignation, creating a vacant seat, and discuss a Community Improvement Grant for 1 Bayfield Main St North. Additional items include a draft municipal‑wide sign by‑law update and a work‑plan update for the Listed Properties Review project.
- Application to repeal Designating By‑law 257‑1985 for 41 Bayfield Main St S
- Acceptance of a Heritage Advisory Committee resignation and declaration of a vacant seat
- Community Improvement Grant application for 1 Bayfield Main St N
- Draft municipal‑wide Sign By‑law update
- Listed Properties Review – Workplan Update report
Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
The Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group will consider updates on the Bayfield Historical Society’s request for an operating lease with the municipality. It will also discuss a partnership with the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and a Young Canada Works grant supporting a student working on the Helen MacLeod II heritage project. Additional items include a request to re‑evaluate the society’s placement in the municipal leasing policy.
- Bayfield Historical Society seeks an operating lease agreement with the municipality
- Partnership with Bayfield Chamber of Commerce to support community initiatives
- Young Canada Works grant awarded for a part‑time student position on the HMII project
- Plans for digital, 3D, and AR exhibits of the Helen MacLeod II boat
- Request to re‑evaluate the society’s category in the Municipal Leasing Policy
Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee
The Communities in Bloom and Environmental Committee will discuss a request for council approval to develop a municipal Environmental Strategy. A $50,000 funding request for the strategy was submitted but not included in the 2025 budget. The committee will also review its meeting protocol and approve routine items such as the agenda and minutes.
- Environmental Strategy development request with a $50,000 budget proposal
- Procedural review of Committee meeting protocol (item 6.1)
- Approval of agenda and adoption of previous meeting minutes
- Roll call and disclosure of pecuniary interest
Council
Council will consider updates to short-term rental licensing and a tender award for paving Airport Line. The meeting also includes discussions on taxi licensing and voting methods for the 2026 election.
- Tender award for hot mix paving of Airport Line
- Site plan control approval for 135 York Street
- Proposed removal of location limits from Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law
- Alternative voting method for the 2026 election
- Licensing of taxis
Dashwood Community Advisory Committee
The Dashwood Community Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss a playground Request for Proposals (RFP) and to set its 2025 meeting dates. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and disclosure of interests. The meeting is open to the public at the Dashwood Community Centre.
- Discussion of Playground RFP
- Setting 2025 meeting dates
- Adoption of minutes from November 21, 2024 meeting
Council
Bluewater Council is meeting virtually to consider several development and administrative items, including a draft municipal-wide sign by-law, a site plan control approval, a zoning amendment to correct a map error, and a request from the Bayfield Area Food Bank for financial assistance to relocate. The meeting also includes consent items, management reports, and several by-laws for approval.
- Draft Municipal-wide Sign By-law
- Site Plan Control Approval - File SP04-2024, 74279 Parr Line
- Municipally Initiated Zoning Amendment to Correct Natural Environment Map Error
- Tender Award - Public Works Garage
- By-law 18-2025 - Borrowing By-law for Public Works Shed Expansion
CANCELLED-Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group
This meeting of the Municipal Lease Agreement Working Group was cancelled. The agenda included discussion on a recommendation to Council, but no decisions were made. The attached minutes from November 14, 2024, show prior discussions with the Bayfield Historical Society and Bayfield Town Hall about their lease agreements.
- Meeting cancelled
- Discussion on a recommendation to Council (agenda item)
- Prior minutes: Bayfield Historical Society seeking operating agreement
- Prior minutes: Bayfield Town Hall seeking two-way lease agreement
Special Meeting of Council - 04 Feb 2025 6:30pm
Council is holding a special meeting to consider the sale of the municipal property at 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield for $700,000, the full appraised value. The sale is intended to allow the property to serve as a medical practice. The agenda includes a by-law to delegate authority to the Clerk to execute the agreement, and a report on relocation options for the Bayfield Lions Club and Bayfield Area Food Bank, which currently occupy the property. Council will also pass a confirmatory by-law for the meeting's proceedings.
- Sale of 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield for $700,000 (full appraised value) to Zulk Enterprises Inc.
- By-law 13-2025 to delegate authority to the Clerk to execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
- Report on relocation options for Bayfield Lions Club and Bayfield Area Food Bank
- Lions Club agreed to vacate by April 4, 2025
- Estimated costs for alternative food bank locations (e.g., $40,000 for water/wastewater, $125,000 for upgrades at Bayfield Agricultural Building)
Committee of Adjustment
The Bluewater Committee of Adjustment will hold a hybrid meeting on February 3, 2025, to consider two minor variance applications. The first seeks to allow a pool, cabana, and pool house in the front yard and reduce the top-of-bank setback to Lake Huron at 72777 Ravine Drive. The second application is for a property at 73645 LaPorte Street. The committee will also adopt minutes from the previous meeting.
- MV05-2024: Variance to permit pool, cabana, and pool house in front yard at 72777 Ravine Drive
- MV05-2024: Variance to reduce top-of-bank setback to 9.1 metres (30 metres required)
- MV06-2024: Minor variance application for 73645 LaPorte Street
- Adoption of minutes from November 18, 2024 meeting
Council
Bluewater Council's February 3, 2025 meeting includes management reports and by-laws on a speed limit amendment, snowmobile by-law, Driftwood Park environmental compliance, and a request to repeal a heritage designation. Several items are routine approvals or information updates.
- Driftwood Park seeks municipal endorsement of Environmental Compliance Approval for sewage works
- Speed limit by-law amendment (By-law 7-2025)
- Snowmobile by-law amendment (By-law 8-2025)
- Application to repeal heritage designation By-law 257-1985 for 41 Bayfield Main Street South
- 2025 Council remuneration rates (By-law 9-2025)
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Bluewater Council with a closed session to discuss a proposed or pending land acquisition or disposition at 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield, under the Municipal Act. The only other business is a confirmatory by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. No other substantive decisions are on the agenda.
- Closed session under Municipal Act S.239(2)(c) regarding 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield
- By-law 6-2025 to confirm proceedings of the special meeting
Special Meeting of Council
Council is holding a special virtual meeting to discuss and provide direction on five proposed changes to the Short-Term Rental (STR) licensing by-law. The changes include requiring bed and breakfasts and owner-occupied STRs to be licensed, clarifying that licences cover entire dwellings, making annual inspections mandatory, requiring annual proof of insurance, and removing the 15% cap on STRs per street and adjacent properties. Council will give direction on these changes, which will then be finalized with legal counsel and brought back for approval in February.
- Proposed changes to By-law 68-2023, the Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law
- Require all bed and breakfast establishments and owner-occupied short-term rentals to be licensed
- Mandatory annual inspections of all short-term rentals by building or fire department staff
- Remove the 15% limit on short-term rentals per street and adjacent properties
- Annual proof of insurance required for all short-term rental licence applications
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee will discuss a potential repeal of the heritage designation by-law for 41 Bayfield Main St S, receive updates on the Albion Hotel roof work, and appoint a new chair and vice-chair. The committee will also review activity reports and consider changes to its composition and meeting frequency.
- Potential repeal of Heritage Designation By-law 257-1985 for 41 Bayfield Main St S
- Verbal update on The Albion Hotel at 1 Bayfield Main St N
- Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Heritage Committee Activity – December and Annual 2024 report
- Heritage Committee Composition and Meetings – Workload report
Council
Bluewater Council is meeting to adopt the 2025 budget, hear delegations on transit and land sale proceeds, and consider several by-laws and reports. The agenda includes a request from Lambton Shores for Bluewater to contribute $228,000 over five years to the Huron Shores Area Transit System, and a delegation on using proceeds from the sale of 6 Municipal Road in Bayfield.
- 2025 Budget Adoption (By-law 1-2025)
- Huron Shores Area Transit partnership request: $228,000 over 5 years (avg. $45,600/year)
- Use of proceeds from sale of 6 Municipal Road, Bayfield (Lions Building)
- Tender award for 1 Tonne Truck with Aluminum Dump Body
- Heritage Permit - 1 Bayfield Main Street North