Central Elgin public meetings in 2024
26 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee is meeting to hold a closed session regarding a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Integrity Commissioner. The session is closed to protect the competitive position of the applicants.
- Closed session regarding Integrity Commissioner RFP
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council's regular meeting on December 16, 2024, includes a delegation from the Port Stanley Village Association on a community infrastructure survey, several reports on planning and infrastructure items, and by-laws for a zoning amendment, the 2025 interim tax levy, and a consent agreement. Council will also consider correspondence items including a request for a $5,000 contribution to the Elgin OPP Detachment Board and a petition about speeding on Centennial Road.
- By-law 2942: Zoning By-law Amendment for 384 George Street
- By-law 2944: 2025 Interim Tax Levy
- By-law 2945: Execute Consent Agreement for 45624 New Sarum Line
- Request for $5,000 contribution to Elgin OPP Detachment Board
- Petition regarding speeding on Centennial Road between Elm Street and Southdale Line
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Central Elgin Council featuring an informational workshop for council and senior administration on Water and Wastewater services. The only formal item is the adoption of By-law 2943, a confirmation by-law that ratifies all actions taken at this meeting. No decisions or proposals are on the agenda beyond the workshop and the procedural by-law.
- Informational workshop on Water and Wastewater services
- By-law 2943 - Confirmation By-law
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee is reviewing a single application from Kara Hayden to hold a vendors market called Welcome Summer Marketplace on June 28, 2025, on Benn Main Street in Port Stanley. The event would feature about 30 vendors and is expected to draw 200 attendees. The application includes a note that a temporary tent permit is required if tents exceed 60 sq. m., and all tents must be spaced 3m apart.
- Welcome Summer Marketplace application for June 28, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Benn Main Street, Port Stanley
- Approximately 30 vendors, expected attendance 200
- 40 vehicles and 30 tents planned
- Temporary tent permit required if over 60 sq. m.; tents must be 3m apart
BIA Board of Management
The Port Stanley BIA Board of Management is meeting to handle routine business, including adopting minutes, reviewing correspondence, and approving invoices. The board will also discuss marketing, beautification, and events, with a focus on the 2024 Dickens Days summary and the 2025 hanging flower basket program.
- Consider sponsorship request for 2025 Elgin County Studio Tour
- Approve Dickens Days banner repair from Impressions Printing, $175 plus HST
- Review invoices for Dickens Days supplies and printing totaling over $3,000
- Discuss 2025 Hanging Flower Basket Program
- Review Dickens Days 2024 summary
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council will consider a motion to challenge a $656,890 (30%) increase in OPP billing for 2025, along with several development-related by-laws and reports. The agenda also includes a delegation on sanitary servicing for Union, and multiple motions to study beach parking, washrooms, and traffic calming. Several items are routine approvals, but the OPP cost increase is a significant financial issue.
- Motion to request OPP reduce 2025 billing increase to ~3%, citing $656,890 hike
- By-law 2937: Development Agreement for 380 and 382A Edith Cavell Blvd
- By-law 2938: Development Agreement for Jacklin Farm Subdivision Phase 4
- Report ICS.68.24: Pleasant Valley Bridge update
- Motion to study year-round washrooms at Port Stanley Visitor Centre and beaches
Planning Applications
The Municipality of Central Elgin is holding a public meeting to consider three planning applications: a minor variance for a deck reconstruction at 203 Willow Street, a zoning by-law amendment for an 8-unit townhouse development at 384 George Street, and an official plan amendment at 349 George Street. The meeting will include public hearings for each application, with staff recommending approval for the minor variance and preparing a draft zoning amendment for the townhouse proposal.
- Minor variance application COA13/24 for 203 Willow Street to permit reconstruction and expansion of existing non-complying front stairs and deck
- Zoning by-law amendment for 384 George Street to allow 8-unit townhouse development (two 4-unit blocks) with visitor parking and road widening
- Official plan amendment for 349 George Street (details not provided in agenda excerpt)
- Public hearings scheduled for all three applications at the November 25, 2024 meeting
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Central Elgin Council. The main item is an informational workshop on planning services, with no decisions expected. Council will also consider By-law 2932, a routine confirmation by-law that adopts and confirms all actions from this meeting.
- Informational workshop on planning services
- By-law 2932 - Confirmation By-law
BIA Board of Management
The Port Stanley BIA Board of Management will meet to adopt minutes from October 23, 2024, review accounts, and discuss marketing, beautification, and events. Key agenda items include updates on the BIA website, the 2025 hanging flower basket program, and Dickens Days 2024. The board will also enter closed session to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals, including a social media and content creator role and a board vacancy.
- Adoption of minutes from October 23, 2024 meeting
- Accounts approval (including $4,915.50 invoice from Jerry's Tree Service for hanging metal banners, per prior minutes)
- 2025 Hanging Flower Basket Program update
- Dickens Days 2024 planning update
- Closed session: personal matters about identifiable individuals (social media/content creator, board vacancy)
Special Meeting of Council
Council is deciding whether to prepare a draft zoning by-law amendment for a proposed 8-unit townhouse development at 384 George Street in Port Stanley, following a revised application from Morningstar Real Estate Holdings Ltd. and Big Beard Investments Ltd. The report recommends preparing the amendment and setting a public meeting date. A closed session will also discuss negotiations for the Norman Lyndale Project.
- Zoning amendment for 8-unit townhouse at 384 George Street (Lots 44-46, Plan 223)
- Revised proposal: two 4-unit townhouse blocks, hammerhead road, visitor parking
- 10-metre woodland setback and 6-metre erosion hazard limit required
- Closed session: Norman Lyndale Project negotiations (S.239(2)(k))
- By-law 2931 (Confirmation By-law) to be considered
Special Meeting of Council
This special meeting of Central Elgin Council is to be rescheduled. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss water and wastewater services and rates, followed by the adoption of a confirmation by-law for the meeting's actions.
- Closed session on water and wastewater services and rates
- By-law 2930 - Confirmation By-law
Planning Applications
The Central Elgin Committee of Adjustment will hold public hearings on four minor variance applications. These include requests to legalize existing structures, build a taller garage, and add a deck. The committee will decide whether to approve each variance.
- 223 Prospect Street: variance to recognize existing garage/dwelling 2ft-9in from side lot line and allow conversion of 682sqft garage into dwelling
- 46105 New Sarum Line: variance to allow 6.4m tall detached garage (zoning limit 5.5m)
- 222 Prospect Street: variance to permit 28.5% lot coverage for a rear deck
- 45976 Ron McNeil Line: variance application (details not provided in agenda excerpt)
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council is meeting to decide on several special event permits, including Dickens Days and the Belmont Santa Claus Parade, and to receive reports on planning, infrastructure, and finances. The agenda also includes a delegation about the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital and several closed-session items.
- Special Events Permit for 2024 Dickens Days (Nov 23-24, 30, Dec 1) with $5M liability insurance
- Special Events Permit for 2024 Dickens Days Parade (Nov 29) requiring County approval for street closures
- Special Events Permit for 2024 Belmont Santa Claus Parade
- Special Events Permit for 2025 Childcan Polar Bear Dip
- Request for Tenders for 2024 Building Condition Audits
BIA Board of Management
The Port Stanley BIA Board of Management will meet to approve a $5,932.50 invoice from Jerry's Tree Service for hanging metal banners, and discuss the 2025 hanging flower basket program, electrical box wrapping, and other beautification projects. They will also review the Pumpkin Stroll event, plan for Dickens Days, and address a board vacancy. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a social media and content creator.
- Invoice from Jerry's Tree Service for $5,932.50 for hanging metal banners
- 2025 Hanging Flower Basket Program discussion
- Electrical Box Wrapping project update
- Port Stanley Pumpkin Stroll event with $300 approved fund
- Board vacancy from D. Allen's resignation
Special Events Committee
The Central Elgin Special Events Committee will review four special event applications: Dickens Days 2024, the Annual Dickens' Day Night Parade, the 2024 Belmont Santa Claus Parade, and the 2025 Childcan Polar Bear Dip. The committee will decide whether to approve or reject these applications, which include road closures and other municipal support requests.
- Dickens Days 2024 and Annual Dickens' Day Night Parade in Port Stanley on 11/29/2024, with road closures on Stanley, Frances, Colborne, Bridge, William, and Edith Cavell streets from 7-10 pm
- 2024 Belmont Santa Claus Parade on 12/1/2024, with Belmont Road closed from 6 pm, starting at Belmont Farm Supply (14000 Belmont Road)
- 2025 Childcan Polar Bear Dip at Little Beach, Port Stanley on 3/1/2025, with registration at Masonic Hall and St. John's Ambulance on site
- All events request road closures and some require Elgin County approval
- Applications include insurance, site maps, and volunteer marshalling details
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Central Elgin Council, held as a workshop for council and senior administration to receive information about municipal services. The only formal item is a confirmation by-law (By-law 2927) that ratifies all actions taken at this meeting. No decisions or proposals are on the agenda beyond the workshop discussion.
- Informational workshop on municipal services
- By-law 2927 - Confirmation By-law
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee will select a chair, review and potentially approve its 2024-2025 work plan, and discuss how to procure Integrity Commissioner services after the current contract ends December 31, 2024. Staff recommend issuing a Request for Proposal for a two-year term with a renewal option, and using the Ontario Ombudsman for closed meeting investigator and ombudsman services.
- Selection of Committee Chair
- Approval of 2024-2025 Governance Committee Work Plan (Report GC.02.24)
- Recommendation to issue RFP for Integrity Commissioner services (Report GC.01.24)
- Recommendation to use Ontario Ombudsman for Closed Meeting Investigator and Ombudsman services
- Current Integrity Commissioner contract with Aird & Berlis LLP expires December 31, 2024
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council will review several staff reports, including a consent application for a lot boundary adjustment at 114 Crescent Avenue, a business planning process review, a line fences by-law, quarterly building and by-law reports, a cost-sharing agreement for Kokomo Park, GICB grant funding, vesting of failed tax sale properties, and an update on replacing Rescue 43 and Pumper/Tanker 32. The meeting also includes a closed session for personal matters, land acquisition/disposition, labour relations, and negotiations for the Norman Lyndale Project.
- Consent application E85/24 for lot boundary adjustment at 114 Crescent Avenue, merging severed land with 118 Crescent Avenue
- CAO.14.24 - Business Planning Process Review
- CAO.18.24 - Line Fences By-law
- ICS.51.24 - Kokomo Park Cost-Sharing Agreement
- FS.16.24 - Replacement of Rescue 43 and Pumper/Tanker 32 - Update
BIA Board of Management
The Port Stanley BIA Board of Management will meet to approve minutes, review a $5,932.50 invoice from Jerry's Tree Service for hanging metal banners, and discuss marketing, beautification, and events. They will also hear an update from social media content creator Sierra Ross and finalize plans for the 2025 hanging flower basket program and Dickens Days 2024.
- Invoice from Jerry's Tree Service for $5,932.50 for hanging metal banners
- 2025 Hanging Flower Basket Program planning
- Electrical box wrapping initiative
- Dickens Days 2024 event planning
- Social media and content creator check-in with Sierra Ross
Planning Applications
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a minor variance application by Barry and Anita Waite for 6809 Yarmouth Centre Road. The variance would allow an additional residential unit in a detached accessory structure with private septic and well, and a building height of 4.3m instead of the zoning by-law's 4m. Staff recommend approval, noting the new location addresses view impacts from a previously approved variance.
- Minor variance application COA09/24 for 6809 Yarmouth Centre Road
- Request to allow ARU on private septic and well (zoning requires municipal services)
- Request to allow accessory structure height of 4.3m (zoning max is 4m)
- Proposed ARU is 73.67 sqm (792.98 sqft) detached structure
- Staff recommendation to approve the variance
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council's regular meeting includes a delegation presenting the 2023 audit report, correspondence requesting $30,000 in stability funding for St. Thomas Cemetery Company and $10,000 for a sidewalk extension on East Road, and several reports and by-laws. Council will also consider consent applications, a governance committee, water system inspection, and property tax due dates.
- Request for $30,000 stability funding from St. Thomas Cemetery Company
- Request for $10,000 cost-share for sidewalk and curb extension on East Road
- Consent applications at 207 and 211 William Street
- By-law 2919: Zoning By-law Amendment at 45685 Talbot Line
- By-law 2923: Appoint Fire Prevention Officer
Special Meeting of Council
This is a special meeting of Central Elgin Council, held August 12, 2024, primarily to enter closed session for three items: solicitor-client privileged advice on 410 Sunset Drive and 205 McClary Avenue, and negotiation instructions for the Central Elgin Planning Office Agreement. The only open-session action is a confirmation by-law (2920) to ratify all decisions made at the meeting.
- Closed session: solicitor-client privilege - 410 Sunset Drive
- Closed session: solicitor-client privilege - 205 McClary Avenue
- Closed session: negotiation instructions - Central Elgin Planning Office Agreement
- By-law 2920 - Confirmation By-law
BIA Board of Management
The Port Stanley BIA Board of Management will meet to approve two hardware reimbursements for metal banner installation, review beautification projects like the 2025 hanging flower basket program and electrical box wrapping, and discuss marketing, events, and a closed-session member recruitment matter. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from May and June meetings.
- Reimbursement of $226.41 to Domus Developments for metal banner hardware
- Reimbursement of $54.24 to D. Allen for lock washers for metal banners
- Discussion of 2025 Hanging Flower Basket Program
- Update on Dickens Days 2024 event
- Closed session on BIA member recruitment (personal matters)
Planning Applications
The Municipality of Central Elgin is holding a public meeting to consider three planning applications: two minor variances and one zoning by-law amendment. The Committee of Adjustment will hear the minor variance requests, while Council will consider the zoning amendment. All items are scheduled for July 29, 2024, at the Council Chambers.
- Minor variance at 43099 John Wise Line to allow an addition with reduced side yard setback (7.37 ft vs. required 15 ft) and eavestrough projection into required yard
- Minor variance at 6809 Yarmouth Centre Road to permit an additional residential unit in a detached accessory structure with private septic/well and 4.3m height (vs. 4m max)
- Zoning by-law amendment at 45685 Talbot Line to address reduced lot frontage and prohibit new residential dwelling on retained lands after severance
- All meetings are in person at 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas and via Zoom
Regular Meeting of Council
Central Elgin Council's regular meeting on July 29, 2024, includes adoption of minutes from previous meetings, correspondence, and reports from various departments. Key items include the 2023 year-end budget update and surplus allocation, requests for tenders for fleet and sidewalk programs, and several by-laws for zoning amendments and funding agreements. The meeting also includes a motion to review the Council Expense Policy and a closed session for negotiations and land disposition.
- 2023 Year End Budget Financial Update and Allocation of Surplus (DFS.13.24)
- Request for Tenders – Fleet (ICS.34.24) and 2024-24 Sidewalk Program (ICS.39.24)
- By-law 2916 – Zoning By-law Amendment for 380, 382, 382A Edith Cavell Blvd
- By-law 2917 – Execute Funding Agreement – Canada Community Building Fund
- Replacement of Rescue 43 and Pumper/Tanker 32 (FS.14.24)
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee is reviewing a special events application from the Kellie Valley Pioneers for the Elgin Historical Show, to be held August 16-18, 2024, at the Dan Patterson Conservation Area. The application details event activities, expected attendance, and logistics. The committee will decide whether to approve the permit.
- Event: Elgin Historical Show, Aug. 16-18, 2024, Dan Patterson Conservation Area
- Applicant: Kellie Valley Pioneers, contact Gregory Marks
- Expected attendance: 500; 75 vehicles; 8 tents; 6 food trucks; 2 non-food vendors; 8 animals
- External performers: Velma Sheperd (petting zoo), Jeff Butler (music)
- Volunteers will handle registration, sewing, and gate admission