Gore Bay public meetings in 2024
39 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Council will discuss the 2025 Water and Sewer Budget and the 2025 Rate Book. The meeting includes a review of the 2022-2027 Mid-Term Strategic Accomplishments and a donation plan for 2025.
- 2025 Water and Sewer Rate By-Law
- Amendment applications for 13 Hall Street
- 2025 Rate Book and 2025 Donation Plan
- Water and Sewer Budget 2025
- Public hearings/delegations for Councillor Vacancy candidates Dan Forrest and Taryn Strain
Regular Council
The Gore Bay Council meeting will consider several staff reports and by‑law motions, including an amendment to employee remuneration. A by‑law to erect stop signs at the Dawson Street/Meredith Street intersection will be voted on. The council will also review consent motions for community‑hall use and rate adjustments for dockage, water and sewer services.
- By‑Law 2024‑42 – Amend Employee Remuneration (2025)
- By‑Law 2024‑40 – Erection of stop signs at Dawson Street/Meredith Street
- Consent motion: 1st Western Manitoulin Girl Guides request to use Community Hall for a Toy and Clothing Swap
- Staff Report 7.5 – 2025 Dockage Rate Adjustments and Resident Rate Phase‑Out
- Staff Report 7.9 – Proposed new classifications for Water and Sewer Rates for 2025
Regular Council
Council will discuss implementing a 3% convenience fee for credit card payments to recover processing costs for taxes, facility rentals, and other services. The meeting also includes reviews of staff benefits and 2025 Ontario Provincial Police costs.
- Proposed 3% credit card convenience fee for municipal services and taxes
- By-Law 2024-40 regarding the erection of stop signs at intersections
- Staff report on enhancing the Town's Group and Health Benefits Plan
- Discussion on 2025 Ontario Provincial Police costs
- Ministry of Finance 2025 OMPF correspondence
Regular Council
Council is reviewing a 28.5% increase in OPP billing for 2025 and discussing various staff reports. The meeting includes decisions on fitness centre rates, the St. Joseph's Healthcare Centre lease, and council remuneration.
- OPP billing increase of $44,265 for 2025
- 2025 Fitness Centre Rates and Future Upgrades report
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Centre Lease report
- Annual Contributions for the Gore Bay Memorial Arena
- By-law 2024-38 regarding Council Remuneration
Regular Council
The council adopted a single‑source contract of $257,000 for MCA to complete work on Dawson Street as part of the Downtown Revitalization watermain project. It also approved $12,500 for engineering services for Phase II of the Marina Project and a 2% annual increase to the Arena Canteen lease. Additional actions included donating the Community Hall to the Girl Guides and supporting Tweed’s request for a federal CCBF funding supplement.
- Approve single‑source contract to MCA for $257,000 to finish Dawson Street watermain work
- Approve $12,500 for engineering services for Phase II of the Marina Project
- Approve a 2% annual increase to the Arena Canteen lease (current rate $175 + HST)
- Approve donation of the Community Hall to the Girl Guides for Feb 22 2025
- Support Municipality of Tweed’s call for a federal CCBF funding supplement
Regular Council
Gore Bay Council adopted the August 27, 2024 meeting minutes and accepted several informational reports. The council approved a sole‑source three‑year contract with GFL for the Transfer Station, with two optional one‑year extensions. It passed Confirmatory By‑Law No. 2024‑34 after its first, second, and third readings. Additional staff reports on the Phase II Marina fee proposal and council remuneration were noted for further action.
- Adoption of August 27, 2024 Regular Council minutes
- Approval of GFL sole‑source contract for Transfer Station (3 years + 2 one‑year extensions)
- Passage of Confirmatory By‑Law No. 2024‑34 (first, second, third readings)
- Phase II Marina Project – EXP Fee Proposal presented
- Council Remuneration report referred back to staff for further research
Gore Bay Museum Board
The Gore Bay Museum Board approved the 2023 financial report and the amended 2024 budget, which includes a 10.2% increase in insurance costs and a 1% increase in Harbour Centre lease rates. The board also voted to discontinue the museum's independent website and incorporate its content into the Town of Gore Bay website. Additional items discussed were HVAC unit urgent repairs, museum masonry work, and a review of the 2023 draft financial statements showing a $4,342.41 surplus.
- Approval of the 2024 budget with a 10.2% insurance cost increase and 1% lease rate increase
- Discontinuation of the museum's current website (https://www.gorebaymuseum.com/) and integration into the town website
- Discussion of urgent HVAC unit repairs (Report AIR-24-085, 2 TON - 35058620, 3 TON - 35058756)
- Review of 2023 draft financial statements showing a $4,342.41 surplus and $4,716.84 reserve contribution
- Business arising: museum masonry work and building maintenance update
Regular Council
The council adopted the August 26 minutes, accepted the 2023 audited financial statements, and approved a $1,000 donation to the Gore Bay Child Care Centre. It approved wayfinding signage for Manitoulin Island and Killarney and passed the Marriage Solemnization By‑law No. 2024‑32. The most consequential action was a motion to have staff draft a new fence bylaw to establish uniform fencing standards.
- Fence bylaw to be drafted by staff for uniform fencing standards
- $1,000 donation to Gore Bay Child Care Centre
- Approval of common wayfinding signage for Manitoulin Island and Killarney
- Marriage Solemnization By‑law No. 2024‑32 passed
- Appointment of Harry Schlange as Division Registrar and Aly Niemi as Deputy Division Registrar
Waste Management Committee
The Waste Management Committee instructed staff to obtain cost estimates to repair monitoring wells GB22A/B, GB27 and GB34, and to locate well GB8 or replace well GB35 at the landfill site. The committee also invited the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Parks to attend the next meeting and accepted the 2023 Annual Monitoring Report from GM BluePlan Engineering. Additionally, the 2024 landfill budget of just under $12,000, including a $1,000 increase for monitoring, was adopted.
- Direct staff to get repair cost estimates for wells GB22A/B, GB27, GB34 and to locate GB8 or replace GB35
- Invite MOEE to the next committee meeting for educational purposes
- Accept the 2023 Annual Monitoring Report submitted by GM BluePlan Engineering
- Adopt the 2024 landfill budget, total just under $12,000 with a $1,000 increase for monitoring
- Received a quote of $4,177 (excluding HST) from GEI for the well repair work
Transfer Station Committee
The Transfer Station Committee is discussing a recommendation to award a sole source waste and recycling transportation contract to GFL. The proposed three-year agreement includes a net 9% increase in costs due to usage and fuel surcharge adjustments.
- Proposed sole source contract with GFL for 3 years with two 1-year extensions
- Anticipated 2025 budget increase from $114,000 to $124,260
- Proposed 4% annual pricing increase and 20% flat rate fuel surcharge
- Verbal operational update from Roger Chenard
Regular Council
Council will discuss the drafting of a new fence by-law and proposed parking extensions in the core commercial area. The meeting includes a presentation of 2023 consolidated financial statements and a decision on wayfinding signage installation.
- Proposed amendment to allow 4-hour parking on Meredith St., Dawson St., and Eleanor St.
- Proposal for staff to draft a new Fence By-law regarding height, setbacks, and safety
- Approval of wayfinding signage for Manitoulin Island and Killarney for Spring 2025 installation
- Presentation of 2023 consolidated financial statements by Marc Belanger of Baker Tilly
- Review of Livebarn video streaming for the Arena for the 2025/2026 season
Regular Council
The council will discuss a proposed fence by‑law that would set standards for fence height, setbacks, utility locates and prohibit barbed wire in residential areas. It will also consider a motion to amend the parking by‑law to allow up to four hours of parking on specified sections of Meredith, Dawson and Eleanor streets in the core commercial area. Additional agenda items include staff reports on community risk, bridge engineering, a watermain change order, and several by‑law appointments.
- Notice of Motion 7.1 – proposal for a new fence by‑law to be drafted by staff
- Notice of Motion 7.2 – amendment to the parking by‑law for Meredith, Dawson and Eleanor streets
- Staff Report 8.6 – Change Order for Engineering Services – Watermain Project
- Staff Report 8.5 – Kinney St Bridge Engineering (part 2)
- By‑law 2024‑26 – Tariff fees for planning matters
Special Council
The Town of Gore Bay Council held a Special Council meeting on July 31, 2024, to confirm the proceedings of the session. The body passed Confirmatory By-law 2024-25 to ratify all motions, resolutions, and actions taken during the meeting.
- Confirmatory By-law 2024-25 passed
- Closed session held for personal matters
- Proceedings confirmed by by-law
Special Council
The Town of Gore Bay will proceed with a downtown revitalization project estimated at $2.5 million, funded by a provincial grant. The plan includes new pavement, sidewalks, and landscaping on Meredith Street and Dawson Street, with construction scheduled for spring 2025.
- Approval of Downtown Revitalization project ($2.5M)
- By-law 2024-22: NOHFC Funding Agreement for Harbour Days
- By-law 2024-23: Rural Economic Development Grant
- Watermain Project Status update
- Confirmatory By-law 2024-24
Special Council
The Special Council meeting includes a vote on By-law 2024-20 to authorize an agreement with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). This agreement governs the transfer and use of the Canada Community-Building Fund. The agenda also covers downtown paving projects and property acquisition updates.
- By-law 2024-20: Agreement with AMO for Canada Community-Building Fund transfers
- Dawson Street and Meredith Street paving and watermain construction
- 2024 Asset Management Plan review
- Procedure By-law 2024-21
- Designated Hitch Post Location selection
General Government
The General Government Committee is reviewing a proposed Municipal Alcohol Policy regarding alcohol use on town-owned property. The agenda also includes discussions on staff recruitment benefits and community event updates. A deputation will be heard regarding hockey streaming video.
- Proposed Municipal Alcohol Policy
- Staff recruitment and health benefits plan (AIR-24-038)
- Gore Bay Community Spirit and Events update (AIR-24-049)
- Wayfinding (LAMBAC Project) report
- Deputation regarding LiveBarn Hockey Streaming Video
Public Works and Properties
The committee reviewed infrastructure updates for Kinney Bridge and the West Bluff Look Out. Proposed motions include amending parking by-laws in the core commercial area and increasing developer fees. Staff will also research turkey management and hitching post locations.
- Proposed 4-hour parking limit on Meredith, Dawson, and Eleanor Streets
- $9,900 + HST contract for Arena structural inspection by Tulloch Engineering
- Motion to increase entrance permit fees and add sewer/water hookup service fees
- Plan to pave Borron Street in 2024 using donation funds
- Estimated $2,000 for geotechnical review of Kinney Bridge
Special Council
Council is considering a change of scope for the Watermain Upgrades Project to connect Phipps Street and Meredith Street via a new distribution loop. The proposal aims to improve water flow, fire protection, and water quality by eliminating dead-end locations. Completion of this work would require a temporary interruption of water service at the intersection of Phipps St. and Borron St.
- Proposed expansion of Watermain Upgrades Project to include a distribution loop
- Connection of Phipps Street to Meredith Street via Borron Street
- Estimated project cost not to exceed $120,000
- Funding sourced from the town's reserve fund
Regular Council
The June 10 meeting includes discussions on paving tenders for Thorburn St and Borron St. Council will also review reports regarding a marina fuel tender and potential procedural changes. The agenda also covers committee minutes and correspondence regarding provincial funding.
- Paving tender for Thorburn St (AIR-24-059)
- Paving project for Borron St (AIR-24-057)
- Marina fuel tender (AIR-24-058)
- AMP Screening Officer Delegation (By-law 2024-17)
- AMP Hearing Officer Delegation (By-law 2024-18)
General Government
The General Government Committee reviewed a proposed Municipal Alcohol Policy regarding alcohol use at specific municipal facilities. The committee also received updates on upcoming community events and a plan to consolidate town by-laws into single documents.
- Proposed Municipal Alcohol Policy for Community Hall, Memorial Arena, and Harbour View Pavilion
- Plan to consolidate municipal by-laws into single documents for easier reference
- Update on community events including a Canada Day fun run and May soccer
- Report on the recent Easter Egg Hunt with over 100 children attending
Public Works and Properties
The committee will consider several motions, including a proposed by-law requiring developers to provide deposits or letters of credit for development costs. Members are also reviewing plans for paving Borron Street West, Wright Street, and Doc Strain Dr. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions on managing turkeys and establishing hitching posts for horse and buggies.
- Proposed by-law requiring developer deposits or letters of credit
- Paving research for Borron Street West, Wright Street, and Doc Strain Dr.
- Proposal to include a bathroom facility in the capital budget
- Review of hitching post locations and waste management
- Updated rendering request for West Bluff Look Out
Special Council
Council is reviewing a change order request to expand paving work on Thorburn Street and Borron Street West. The report also discusses the potential resurfacing of the Town Office parking lot following construction at 60 Meredith St.
- $82,950 change order for additional paving of Thorburn Street and Borron Street West
- Paving Thorburn Street north of Dawson Street ($74,950)
- Paving Borron Street West up to Phipps Street (estimated $8,000)
- Potential resurfacing of Town Office parking lot at 60 Meredith St ($50,000 estimate)
Regular Council
Gore Bay Council will review several committee reports and official correspondence. Key items include adopting by-laws for downtown revitalization and a new short-term rental policy. The meeting also covers discussions on private well water testing and recent telephone service interruptions.
- NOHFC Downtown Revitalization agreement (By-law 2024-13)
- Canada Summer Jobs Agreement (By-law 2024-14)
- Short Term Rental By-law (2024-16)
- Public Health Ontario proposal for private well water testing
- Spring Cleanup garbage receptacle discussion
General Government
The committee discussed proposals to make the Gore Bay Memorial Arena a shared service among Western Manitoulin municipalities. They also authorized the introduction of a new swim program for 2024 and amended the Facility Rental Agreement Policy. Additionally, updates were provided regarding community events and by-law office consolidation procedures.
- Authorization of a new 2024 swim program
- Proposal to discuss making Gore Bay Memorial Arena a shared service
- Amendment to the Facility Rental Agreement Policy to include Ron McQuarrie Gazebo
- Review of municipal alcohol policy and staff ratios
- Update on community events including Canada Day Fun Run
Special Council
The Town of Gore Bay Council is reviewing By-law 2024-12 to authorize an agreement for the donation of the Manitoulin Lodge long-term care home. The transfer, located at 3 Main Street, would occur concurrently with operations moving to St. Joseph’s Health Centre, affecting local senior care services. If approved, the town will assume ownership on an "as is, where is" basis by June 30, 2025, subject to due diligence and fair market value appraisal.
- By-law 2024-12 authorizing the donation/acquisition of the Manitoulin Lodge property at 3 Main Street (PIN: 47108-0329) from 584482 Ontario Inc. ("Jarlette")
- Agreement terms require concurrent transfer of care operations to St. Joseph’s Health Centre and pending Ministry approval
- Town responsible for due diligence costs, land transfer tax, registration fees, and any applicable HST
- Property transferred on an "as is, where is" basis with a target closing date of June 30, 2025
- Closed session scheduled under the Municipal Act to discuss personal matters relating to an identifiable individual
Public Works and Properties
The committee will consider motions regarding street paving, developer requirements, and hitching posts for horse-drawn vehicles. Updates will be provided on the marina gas tank replacement and airport completion. The meeting also includes a presentation on landscape design for Gore Bay Park.
- Motion to research funding and costs for paving Borron Street West, Wright Street, and Doc Strain Dr.
- Proposed by-law requiring developers to provide deposits or letters of credit to cover Town costs
- Marina gas tank replacement contract totaling $348,470.00
- Motion to include a new bathroom facility for the splashpad and tennis court in the capital budget
- Proposed review of hitching post locations and cleaning policies for horse and buggy use
Transfer Station Committee
The committee appointed Dan Osborne as chair and reviewed a proposal for island-wide waste management collaboration. Members approved new seasonal operating hours for the transfer station and discussed site plan improvements. A follow-up presentation is scheduled for Gore Bay Council on May 13, 2024.
- Adopted 2024 budget with an $18,000 net increase from 2023
- Approved $14,000 for transfer station renovations funded by reserves and the operating budget
- Established new winter and summer hours of operation for the transfer station
- Reviewed a proposal for island-wide waste management coordination involving a $5,000 contribution from Billings
Waste Management Committee
The Gore Bay Waste Management Committee will review the 2023 annual monitoring report for the closed municipal landfill and discuss a draft financial statement for the 2024 landfill budget. Staff recommend repairing or replacing damaged groundwater monitoring wells (GB 22A/B, GB27, GB34, GB8/GB35) to maintain compliance with provincial requirements. The committee will also consider inviting the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to an upcoming meeting to discuss obtaining a neighboring attenuation zone, which could allow reduced monitoring frequency.
- Review of the 2023 Annual Monitoring Report for the closed Gore Bay landfill site
- Recommendation to repair wells GB 22A/B, GB27, and GB34, or locate/replace well GB8 or GB35
- Discussion on obtaining an attenuation zone from adjacent landowners to potentially reduce groundwater sampling frequency
- Review of a draft financial statement for the 2024 landfill budget
Regular Council
The Council will review several committee reports and community correspondence. Key items include updates on water quality management and community policing. The meeting also includes a decision regarding a tender for the marina roof replacement.
- Awarding marina roof replacement tender to Over the Top Roofing for $18,710 plus HST
- Review of 2023 Annual Lagoon Report and Drinking Water Quality Management System Report
- Discussion regarding Clearview Township's endorsement of Bill C-63 (The Online Harms Act)
- Community Policing Advisory Committee updates and calls for service reports
General Government
The General Government Committee reviewed town hiring and severance policies, approved amendments to the procurement policy, and considered a new summer swim program that would cost up to $2,500 in municipal funds. Staff also provided updates on bylaw enforcement priorities, community event planning, and grant applications seeking approximately $2.5 million.
- Discontinue severance pay for new hires; revise hiring policy and employee handbook to improve staff retention
- Amend procurement policy to allow purchasing through government buying groups like Canoe
- Approve a summer swim program (Aug 12–23) with up to $2,500 in town costs and registration fees of $45–$50
- Review bylaw enforcement updates focusing on clean yards, fire safety, dogs, and noise complaints
- Accept report on 2024 grant applications requesting approximately $2.5 million in external funding
Public Works and Properties
The Public Works & Properties Committee reviewed project updates, accepted a manager report, and held a closed session for negotiations. The committee recommended that Council keep street sweeping in-house rather than contracting it out, and approved waterfront washroom modifications at no extra cost. Members also voted to award engineering services for the Kinney Street Bridge replacement and renovation work for the Ron McQuarrie Gazebo.
- Awarded Kinney Street Bridge replacement design and engineering services contract to ART Engineering for $20,344
- Awarded Ron McQuarrie Gazebo renovation contract to Lakeside Building Ltd. for $40,190 plus HST
- Recommended Council approve waterfront washroom construction modifications at no additional cost
- Recommended keeping street sweeping in-house with a target 3-4 week completion timeline and August report back
- Accepted project updates including airport construction progress ($4,107,000 total contract) and marina gas tank replacement
Special Council
Council is reviewing a proposal to add a fuel supply system upgrade to an existing contract with CTRL Petroleum. The upgrade includes new dispensers, pumps, and monitoring technology intended to reduce environmental risks. If approved, the total project cost would increase from $273,600 to $348,470.
- Proposal to accept a $74,870 fuel system upgrade as a contract change order
- Installation of three new fuel dispensers for $45,000
- Implementation of a fuel monitoring system for $16,000
- Installation of a PICON Point of Sale (POS) system for $7,200
- Closed session regarding municipal negotiations
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed the draft 2024 Operating, Capital, and Water & Sewer budgets. The presentation recommended adopting a municipal levy of $1,375,285, representing a 5.92% increase over 2023.
- Proposed 5.92% increase in the municipal levy to $1,375,285
- $222,272 in financing for trackless and truck fleet replacements
- $19,536 allocated for IT upgrades and server replacement
- $15,000 for Water Street Park conversion to passive park space
- Proposed $11,000 increase for employee benefits
Regular Council
The Council will meet to consider by-laws establishing 2024 tax rates, ratios, and estimates. The agenda also includes reviewing correspondence regarding library funding and water plant affordability.
- By-law 2024-10 to establish 2024 tax rates and ratios
- By-law 2024-11 to establish 2024 water and sewer fees
- Review of Ontario Works and ODSP financial assistance rates
- Correspondence regarding library and museum funding
- Request to proclaim April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day
General Government
The committee will review recommendations to modernize human resources practices to attract and retain talent. Proposals include discontinuing the Severance Policy, revising the Hiring Policy, and updating the Employee Relations Handbook.
- Proposal to discontinue the Severance Policy except for grandparented employees
- Revision of the Hiring Policy to modernize recruitment processes
- Update to the Employee Relations Handbook
- Review of 2024 Grant Applications
- Discussion on Procurement Policy Amendment
Public Works and Properties
The committee reviewed a business case recommending against contracting out street sweeping services to private providers. The meeting also included updates on downtown revitalization design and ongoing infrastructure projects like watermain rehabilitation. Additionally, staff addressed design changes for the Water Street Washroom.
- Recommendation against contracting out street sweeping services
- $72,960.00 contract for downtown revitalization design and tender assistance
- $1,936,9740.70 watermain rehabilitation award to MCA
- Kinney Street Engineering Tender review
- Ron McQuarrie Gazebo Renovations Tender review
Special Council
The Town of Gore Bay is considering an Official Plan amendment to redesignate land from Future Development to Residential. This change would permit the construction of a 64-bed nursing home, with a potential future phase for an additional 28 beds.
- Official Plan Amendment: Redesignation from Future Development Area to Residential Area
- Proposed development: 64-bed nursing home with a potential 28-bed expansion
- Subject property: Part 1 and Part 2 of Plan 31R-217, Township of Gordon
General Government
The General Government Committee met to review a water treatment agreement with Gordon/Barrie Island and discuss increasing health benefits for employees. The meeting also addressed updates on website development, billboard designs, and the redrafting of a five-year accessibility plan.
- Recommendation to allocate $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 for full-time employee Health Care Savings accounts
- Water treatment agreement increasing Gore Bay's municipal levy share from 20% to 50%
- Refund of $14,144.97 to Gore Bay regarding the 2023 total levy
- Approval of second billboard design draft for Hwy 540 location
- Direction to redraft a new five-year accessibility plan beginning in 2024
Public Works and Properties
The Public Works and Properties Committee is reviewing a business case to avoid contracting out street sweeping services. The report recommends investing approximately $21,099 in capital equipment for a backhoe to improve service levels.
- Recommendation to award downtown revitalization design services to Exp for $72,960.00
- Proposal for $21,099 capital investment in street sweeping equipment
- Review of a $23,159.35 annual quote from Moggy Excavating for power sweeping
- Engineering cost estimates for Kinney Street Bridge between $80,000 and $115,000
- Update on waterfront washroom facility RFP and construction interest