Gore Bay, Ontario

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Development, Properties & Public Works

The committee is reviewing the town's sanitary sewer system to address infiltration and capacity concerns. Updates were provided on the splash pad washroom delay, West Bluff waterline tender, and medical centre progress. Discussions also included water agreements with Gordon/Barrie Island and potential zoning amendments for 66 Meredith Street.

• Sanitary system inspection and cleaning estimated at $35,471.59
• West Bluff Waterline Phase 1 tender scheduled for June 11
• Proposed water agreement between Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island
• RFP/RFEOI development for 66 Meredith Street property
• Marina Building vacancy advertising

General Government

The General Government Committee will discuss proposed amendments to the Town's vacation entitlements and banked overtime policy, review the existing exotic pet by-law, and consider a canteen lease. No decisions are scheduled; items are for discussion and information.

• Proposed vacation policy: 15 days after 1 month, 20 days after 4 years, 25 days after 9 years, 30 days after 19 years
• Banked overtime limit increase from 40 to 80 hours with carryover provisions
• Review of By-law 2021-16 regulating exotic animals
• Canteen lease negotiation (no details provided)

Regular Council

The June 22 regular council meeting includes a delegation presenting the 2025 draft financial statements, staff reports on the Museum Strategic Plan, an Experience Ontario grant, delegation of authority, and security cameras. Council will consider and vote on by-laws to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. A closed session is scheduled for personal matters.

• Presentation of 2025 draft financial statements by Marc Belanger of Baker Tilly
• Consideration of Official Plan Amendment By-law 2026-21
• Consideration of Zoning Amendment By-law 2026-22
• Staff report on Gore Bay Museum Strategic Plan 2026-2030
• Staff report on installation of security cameras at municipal facilities

Public Meeting- Natural Heritage System Strategy

The council will discuss adopting Amendment No. A‑3 to the Official Plan, which implements the Natural Heritage System Strategy for the District of Manitoulin. The amendment adds Schedule F and replaces Section D.4(a‑b) with new text covering natural heritage features. The meeting includes a public comment period on the proposed strategy before any decision is made.

• Adoption of Amendment No. A‑3 to the Official Plan (Natural Heritage System Strategy)
• Addition of Schedule F (Natural Heritage System) to the Official Plan
• Replacement of Section D.4(a‑b) with updated natural‑heritage policies
• Public comment session on the Natural Heritage System Strategy
• Discussion of development restrictions in wetlands, alvars, wildlife habitats, and other natural heritage areas

Public Meeting 2022-24OPA-26-002

The Town of Gore Bay Council will consider Official Plan Amendment No. 2022‑24OPA‑26‑002, which seeks to permit three residential rental units for senior and non‑senior citizens in the Core Commercial Area at #30 Meredith Street. A simultaneous Zoning By‑law Amendment (File No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑002) would allow those units as the primary use and reduce the north‑side yard setback to 2.0 m. The application was submitted by 1905130 Ontario Inc., represented by Kurtis Noble, and no concerns were received from consulted Indigenous groups, provincial ministries, or utility providers. Council will decide whether to approve the amendment based on the planning report and recommendations.

• Official Plan Amendment No. 2022‑24OPA‑26‑002 to permit three residential rental units at #30 Meredith Street
• Simultaneous Zoning By‑law Amendment File No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑002 to allow the units as primary use and adjust setbacks
• Property comprises Part Lot 2 on Water Street and Meredith Street, approx 1,590 sq m
• No objections received from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, UCCMM, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Hydro One, and other notified parties
• Council to vote on approval of the amendment per the planning board’s recommendation

Public Meeting 2022-24ZBL-26-02

The council will discuss Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022-24ZBL-26-002 for the property at 30 Meredith Street (Water Street) to permit three residential rental units in the former Lambac office building. The amendment seeks to adjust the north‑side yard setback for two accessory structures to 2.0 m while keeping the Core Commercial zone designation. The report notes no concerns from consulted agencies and recommends council may approve the amendment.

• Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022-24ZBL-26-002 for 30 Meredith Street – permits three residential rental units in former commercial office building
• Requires reduced north‑side yard setback of 2.0 m for accessory shed and deck (primary building setback 3.5 m)
• Current zoning Core Commercial (Cl); proposed zoning remains Core Commercial
• Building permit GB‑02‑2025 issued in October 2025 for conversion to three‑unit multiple dwelling
• No concerns received from Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Hydro One, and other consulted parties

Development, Properties & Public Works

The Development, Properties & Public Works committee will review development options for 66 Meredith Street, including mixed-use and residential buildings totaling up to 24 units, and an intensification strategy aimed at doubling Gore Bay's population by 2045. They will also discuss the Marina Building RFP for the former CYC space, project updates, and a water agreement with Gordon/Barrie Island.

• 66 Meredith St: two development options with 20 or 24 residential units, mixed-use commercial at grade, requiring Official Plan and zoning amendments
• Intensification strategy: study area includes Water St, Meredith St, Phipps St, Manitoulin Lodge property; baseline potential for 35 single-detached dwellings plus additional units
• Marina Building RFP: request for proposals for the formerly CYC-leased space, due May 29
• Gore Bay-Gordon/Barrie Island Water Agreement: need for a new legal agreement for water connections beyond current council term
• Project updates: splash pad washroom construction (completion July 20), Kinney Street bridge (shovel ready), West Bluff waterline tendering (fall 2026)

Special Council

Council will consider a request from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514 to extend its liquor licence for Canada Day celebrations on June 27. The meeting will also include a closed session and a confirmatory by-law.

• Canada Day liquor licence extension request for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514
• Closed session to discuss personal matters
• Confirmatory by-law 2026-20 to ratify previous council proceedings

General Government

The General Government Committee will consider proposed amendments to the town's vacation policy, including a new vacation allotment schedule based on years of service and an 80-hour combined carryover limit for vacation and banked hours. The item follows previous discussions and a staff report on the policy.

• Proposed vacation allotment: 15 days (1 month–4 years), 20 days (after 4 years), 25 days (after 9 years), 30 days (after 19 years)
• Maximum 80 hours combined vacation and banked time can be carried over to the next calendar year
• Extenuating circumstances clause allows carryover beyond 80 hours with Town Manager approval
• By October 1, staff must schedule excess time or be paid out on an installment schedule or lump sum by December 31

Regular Council

The Gore Bay Council will swear in a new councillor, consider several bylaws including Official Plan and zoning amendments, and review staff reports on the 2026 fuel tender, vacation policy, and marina ramps. The meeting also includes a bylaw delegating authority to the town manager during the lame duck period and filling the councillor vacancy.

• Swearing in of new councillor Deanna Lewis
• 2026 Fuel Tender (procurement contract)
• Old Marina Ramps report and potential repairs
• By-law 2026-16 to amend the Official Plan
• By-law 2026-17 to amend the Zoning By-law

Public Meeting Official Plan Amendment 2022-24OPA-26-001

Council will hold a public meeting to consider an Official Plan Amendment application from Maggie's Apartments Limited. The proposal seeks to increase allowable lot density to 41.9 units per hectare to permit a semi-detached dwelling for senior housing.

• Official Plan Amendment No. 2022-24OPA-26-001 for senior housing at Part Lot 3, East Side of Phipps Street
• Proposed density increase from 35 to 41.9 units per hectare
• Simultaneous zoning by-law amendment (File No. 2022-24ZBL-26-001) for increased lot coverage (30% to 38.82%) and reduced setbacks
• Requirement for a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment due to proximity to Lake Huron
• Consultation with United Chiefs and Council of Mnidoo Mnising and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Public Meeting- Zoning Amendment No.2022-24ZBL-26-001

The council will consider Municipal Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑001 submitted by Maggie’s Apartments Limited. The amendment seeks to raise lot coverage from 30 % to 38.82 % and reduce front‑yard and side‑yard setbacks for a proposed semi‑detached dwelling on Lot 3, East Side Phipps Street. A simultaneous Official Plan Amendment would increase residential density to 41.9 units per net hectare for senior housing on the same site. Council will decide whether to approve the zoning changes and the related Official Plan amendment.

• Zoning amendment to increase lot coverage to 38.82 % and reduce front‑yard setback to 3 m and side‑yard setback to 0 m for a semi‑detached dwelling on East Side Phipps St.
• Official Plan amendment to raise residential density to 41.9 units / net hectare for senior housing on the same lot
• Requirement for four parking spaces per two‑unit dwelling, with council invited to consider a reduction to two spaces
• Hydro One confirmed a minimum 4.8 m horizontal distance from the outermost power line, satisfied by the revised front‑yard setback
• Mayor’s letter supporting final processing of the applications and noting no archaeological assessment completed

Gore Bay Museum Board

The Gore Bay Museum Board meeting will consider the proposed 2026 operating budget, which lists projected revenues of $79,561.38 and expenditures of $73,653.52, showing a surplus of $5,907.86. The board will also discuss a student/senior volunteer call‑out program, tenant matters, and the possibility of installing solar panels. These items are listed under New Business on the agenda.

• Review of 2026 museum operating budget (revenues $79,561.38, expenses $73,653.52)
• Discussion of student/senior volunteer call‑out program
• Discussion of tenant issues
• Consideration of solar panel installation for the museum

Development, Properties & Public Works

The council will consider a planning amendment for Phipps Street that raises residential density to 41.9 units per net hectare and increases lot coverage to 38.82%. It will also review the Request for Proposals to lease the 4,051‑sq‑ft waterfront commercial space at 30 Water Street, with proposals due May 29, 2026. Additional items include a public works report (AIR‑26‑031), project updates (AIR‑26‑029), and discussion of the Gore Bay‑Gordon Barrie water policy.

• Planning amendment for Phipps Street: increase residential unit density to 41.9 units per net hectare and lot coverage to 38.82% (Official Plan Amendment File No. 2022‑240PA‑25‑001; Zoning Amendment File No. 2022‑24ZBL‑25‑002)
• Marina Building Request for Proposal to lease 4,051 sq ft commercial space at 30 Water Street, proposal deadline May 29, 2026, 4:30 p.m. EST
• Public Works Report (Agenda Item Report – AIR‑26‑031)
• Project Updates Report (Agenda Item Report – AIR‑26‑029)
• Discussion of Gore Bay‑Gordon Barrie water policy

General Government

The General Government committee will discuss office staffing and work management, the vacation policy from the Employee Relations Handbook (2024 revision), and a proposed Communications Policy By-law. No votes or decisions are scheduled; these are discussion items only.

• Office staffing and work management discussion
• Vacation policy review (Employee Relations Handbook Rev 2024)
• Communications Policy By-law consideration

Regular Council

Gore Bay Council will consider a procedural by-law to re-establish two standing committees (General Government and Public Works, Properties and Development). They will also discuss a vacant council position, a request for proposals, and correspondence items including a Carp Derby request and a waterfront enhancement proposal. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a confirmatory by-law.

• Procedural By-law 2026-11 to re-establish standing committees
• Vacant Council Position (item 6.2)
• Request for Proposals (item 6.1)
• Carp Derby Request for use of town facilities (item 8.1)
• Gore Bay Waterfront Enhancement proposal from Manitoulin Streams (item 8.2)

Regular Council

The Town of Gore Bay Council will consider a Notice of Motion to amend the Procedural By-law, re‑establishing two standing committees—General Government and Public Works, Properties and Development—each meeting on the first and second Tuesday of the month. The motion also calls for dissolving the Planning and Development Task Force and moving the full Council meeting to once per month on the fourth Monday starting May 25. Additional agenda items include adopting the March 23 minutes, reviewing water and wastewater capacity reports, and directing staff to study capital water and sewer charges for new connections outside town limits.

• Amend Procedural By‑law to re‑establish General Government and Public Works, Properties and Development committees
• Water/Waste Water Capacity report; staff directed to obtain a consultant proposal for a wastewater capacity assessment
• Report on New User Water Connection Fees and Capital Levy; staff to investigate capital water and sewer charges for connections outside town limits
• Approval of Water Financial Plan 2026‑2033 with a suggested 6% annual increase
• Passage of Confirmatory By‑law 2026‑29 (first, second, and third readings)

Regular Council

The Council will review a water financial plan for 2026-2033 and consider new user water connection fees and capital levies. The meeting also includes reports on water/wastewater capacity and a nuisance by-law.

• Water Financial Plan 2026-2033
• New User Water Connection Fees and Capital Levy
• Water/Waste Water capacity study
• Nuisance By-law Report
• Community Hall damage deposit requirements

Regular Council

The Gore Bay Council will meet to discuss staff reports regarding splash pad washrooms and firefighter fitness memberships. The body is also considering a by-law to establish a Community Spirits & Events Group.

• By-Law 2026-07 to establish a Community Spirits & Events Group
• Staff report on Splash Pad Washroom Facilities
• Staff report on Firefighter Fitness Centre Memberships
• Gore Bay WTP 2025 Annual Report
• Confirmatory By-Law 2026-08

Regular Council

Gore Bay Council will discuss a proposal to lease space at the Gore Bay Memorial Arena for a VR theme park pop-up trial from June to September. The staff report recommends approval of a lease at $500 per month plus hydro costs. The meeting also includes reports on community hall deposits, a nuisance by-law, and a confirmatory by-law.

• VR Theme Park Pop-Up Trial at Gore Bay Memorial Arena
• Community Hall Damage Deposit
• Introduction of Nuisance By-law
• Confirmatory By-law 2026-06
• Closed Session regarding land acquisition

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss a 2026 tax policy review that recommends eliminating tax reductions for vacant land and adjusting the commercial and industrial tax ratio to 0.95. Staff also presented the 2026 Draft Operating and Capital Budget.

• Recommendation to eliminate vacant and excess land tax reductions
• Recommendation to adjust commercial/industrial tax ratio to 0.95
• 2026 Draft Operating Budget of $1,487,233
• 2026 Draft Capital Budget of $33,300
• Municipal levy increase of 1.29% to $1,520,533

Regular Council

The Gore Bay Council adopted the minutes from the January 12 meeting, approved the CANSail Youth Sailing Program with free marina slip and use of the McQuarrie Pavilion and Harbour Centre, and adopted new rates for Community Hall workshops ($50 for two hours, $60 for three hours, $15 per additional hour plus HST). The council also passed By‑Law 2026‑02 as a confirmatory by‑law and directed staff to draft a municipal communications policy.

• Approval of CANSail Youth Sailing Program (free two‑week marina slip, use of McQuarrie Pavilion and Harbour Centre)
• Adoption of Community Hall workshop rates: $50 for two hours, $60 for three hours, $15 per extra hour plus HST
• Passage of By‑Law 2026‑02 (confirmatory by‑law) with first, second, and third readings
• Directive for staff to draft a municipal communications policy
• Council continues not to support the Natural Heritage System Strategy as drafted (dated Nov 19 2024)

Regular Council

Council will review a proposed Natural Heritage System Strategy from the Manitoulin Planning Board. The meeting also includes discussions on the Cansail Youth Sailing Program and community workshop rates.

• Manitoulin Planning Board Natural Heritage System Strategy
• Cansail Youth Sailing Program report
• Community Workshop Rate report
• Public Works Activity Report (Nov 20, 2025 to Jan 20, 2026)
• Proposed Communications Policy

Regular Council

The regular council meeting will consider routine items such as opening, agenda changes, disclosures and adoption of minutes. Staff reports will be presented on the Kinney Street Bridge, Splash N Go Adventure Park, a half‑ton truck acquisition and other projects. A correspondence motion will be used to adopt a Communications Policy, and a confirmatory by‑law will be passed.

• Adopt Communications Policy via Correspondence Motion/Agenda
• Staff report on Kinney Street Bridge project
• Staff report on Splash N Go Adventure Park
• Staff report on 2026 Half‑Ton Truck Acquisition
• Pass Confirmatory By‑law 2026‑01