Perth County public meetings in 2024
25 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Perth County Council will consider several planning applications, including a draft plan of subdivision for 2825085 Ontario Inc., a subdivision and official plan amendment by Makem Developments Ltd., and an official plan amendment by the Municipality of North Perth. The agenda also includes a delegation on the first application, policy updates, and a continuation of the 2025 budget discussion. The meeting includes a consent agenda with numerous items from other municipalities, and a closed session for negotiations.
- Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval - 2825085 Ontario Inc. (PE 24-01)
- Draft Plan of Subdivision and Listowel Official Plan Amendment - Makem Developments Ltd. (NP 23-02 & OPA 38)
- Listowel Official Plan Amendment 39 - Municipality of North Perth
- 2025 Budget Discussion - Continuation
- Reimbursement of Expenses and Corporate Credit Card Policy Updates
Perth County Joint Accessibility Working Group
The Joint Accessibility Working Group is reviewing a draft workplan and a new accessibility checklist. The group aims to audit PC Connect bus stops and explore implementing a StopGap Ramp Program.
- Draft Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Working Group Workplan
- PC Connect Bus Stop Accessibility Draft Checklist
- Proposed audit of all PC Connect bus stops
- Proposed implementation of a StopGap Ramp Program
Perth County Agricultural Working Group
The Perth County Agricultural Working Group is meeting to receive reports on a Giant Hogweed treatment initiative and a Forest Conservation By-law review, and to discuss the 2025 Stewardship Program. The meeting also includes a moment of reflection for former member Jim Aitcheson and a presentation on the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program.
- Giant Hogweed Treatment Initiative report (Report 2024-276) with recommendation to support treatment in 2025 Budget
- Forest Conservation By-law Review (Report 2024-270)
- Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program presentation by UTRCA
- 2025 Stewardship Program update: 4 applications received so far, applications close January 3
- Moment of reflection for Jim Aitcheson, former Perth County Councillor and Past Warden
Planning Public Meeting
Perth County Council will hold a public meeting to consider approving Official Plan Amendment 232, submitted by Foster Northern Farms Inc., which would re-designate a portion of land at 5788 Perth Line 8 in Perth South from aggregate resource to agriculture to allow a surplus farm dwelling severance. Staff recommend approval, citing an Aggregate Impact Assessment showing no negative effects on licensed pits or extraction potential. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and routine procedural items.
- Official Plan Amendment 232: re-designate portion of Lot 6, Concession 4, Downie Ward (5788 Perth Line 8) from Primary or Secondary Aggregate Resource to Agriculture
- Surplus farm dwelling severance proposed for existing single detached dwelling, garage, well, and septic
- Aggregate Impact Assessment concludes no negative effects on licensed pits or remaining aggregate deposits
- Township of Perth South Council recommended approval at November 19, 2024 meeting
- Approval of minutes from October 17, 2024 Planning Public Meeting
Warden's Election
This special council meeting is dedicated to electing the Warden and Deputy Warden for 2025. Council members will declare their intent, vote, and install the new officers, followed by remarks and adjournment. The agenda is procedural, with no other business items.
- Election of Warden
- Election of Deputy Warden
- Installation and oath of office for Warden and Deputy Warden
- Presentation of gavel and chain of office
- Ballot destruction if necessary
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to consider the 2025 operating budget presentation, a planning amendment (OPA 232) for Foster Northern Farms Inc., and various consent agenda items including resolutions from other municipalities on OPP costs and road safety. The meeting also includes a public meeting for OPA 232 and a closed session on negotiations or potential litigation.
- 2025 Operating Budget Presentation
- Planning Public Meeting and Official Plan Amendment 232 - Foster Northern Farms Inc.
- By-law 4008-2024 to adopt OPA 232
- By-law 4009-2024 to appoint members to committees and boards for 2025
- Consent agenda includes OPP cost resolutions from several townships
Land Division Committee
The Land Division Committee will hear three applications for consent to sever land in the Township of Perth South, including a deferred application from the October meeting. They will also receive a status report on consent files. The meeting is largely procedural, with decisions on the applications being the main substantive items.
- Application B36-24 & B37-24 (Francis) to sever rear portions of 147 and 151 Huron Road and add them to 157 Huron Road, Sebringville
- Application B40-24 & B41-24 (Hyde) for consent to sever
- Application B42-24 (Martin) for consent to sever
- Consent File Status Report - November 2024
Municipal Shared Services Committee
The Municipal Shared Services Committee is reviewing 2025 budget submissions for shared services including Huron Perth Public Health, Stratford Perth Museum, Spruce Lodge, Stratford-Perth Archives, Provincial Offences Court Services, Paramedic Services, and Social Services. The committee will also consider the September 19, 2024 minutes and any business arising from them. This is a budget-focused meeting with no final decisions; recommendations will be forwarded to affected municipalities.
- Huron Perth Public Health 2025 budget includes a 5% increase to the Municipal Levy and layoffs of 7.6 FTE
- Stratford Perth Museum reports a projected $20,000 surplus for 2024 and plans to invest in an open-air tent for 2025
- Spruce Lodge 2025 budget presentation
- Perth County Paramedic Services 2025 budget report
- Social Services 2025 budget submission
Regular Council
Perth County Council will hold a public meeting and staff report on a draft plan of subdivision by Tridon Group Ltd. (NP 24-01), and will receive the 2025 capital budget presentation covering IT, bridges, roads, facilities, fleet, and equipment. The agenda also includes routine consent items, committee appointments, and updates from corporate services and public works.
- Public meeting and staff report on Tridon Group Ltd. draft plan of subdivision (NP 24-01)
- 2025 Capital Budget Presentation for IT, bridges, roads, facilities, fleet, and equipment
- Third Quarter Variance and Year End Projections report
- Appointment to Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (By-law 4006-2024)
- Closed session for litigation/solicitor advice
Community Transportation Steering Committee
The Community Transportation Steering Committee will review the PC Connect Rural Route Program update and community impact report, and recommend one of three options to Council: discontinue the service on March 31, 2025, extend it for nine months to December 31, 2025, or extend it for three years to December 31, 2028. The pilot phase ends March 31, 2025, and continued operation would require municipal funding.
- PC Connect Rural Route has provided 16,890 rides since 2020; average monthly ridership in 2024 was 707.3
- Average cost per ride is approximately $69; total provincial pilot funding was $2,467,464
- Public engagement survey launched October 10; 9 feedback form submissions received (7 supportive, 2 not)
- Provincial Gas Tax estimated at $124,971 for 2025; OTIF unlikely to fund status quo
- Rural Transit Solutions Fund grant of $50,000 approved for Transportation Needs Assessment
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to consider the 2025 budget, including presentations for paramedic services and the Stratford-Perth Archives, and to pass the 2025 Fees and Charges By-Law. The agenda also includes a presentation from United Way Perth-Huron and a large consent agenda with petitions and resolutions from other municipalities on topics like transit funding, physician shortages, and OPP costs. A closed session is scheduled for negotiations and labour relations matters.
- 2025 Fees and Charges By-Law (4004-2024) to be considered
- 2025 budget overview presentation by Treasurer
- Perth County Paramedic Services 2025 budget report
- Petitions opposing OPA 222 for a subdivision in Sebringville
- Closed session on CAO negotiations and labour relations
Land Division Committee
The Perth County Land Division Committee will hold a public hearing to consider two applications for consent to sever land: B43-24 by Dill/Wolfe in Perth South and B36-24 & B37-24 by Francis. The committee will also receive a status report on consent files and set hearing dates for 2025. The meeting is largely procedural, with decisions on the two severance applications being the main substantive items.
- Application B43-24: sever 0.15 ha from 268 Flax Mill Road to enlarge adjacent property at 264 Flax Mill Road, Perth South
- Application B36-24 & B37-24: consent to sever by Francis (details in report 2024-267)
- Consent File Status Report - October 2024
- Land Division Committee 2025 Hearing Dates
Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting to receive the Clerk's update and four site plan review feedback reports for properties in Perth East, including Smurk Milverton Lots, Horst Welding, Huron Creek Developments, and 4 Main St, Milverton. The committee will also discuss correspondence items and future meeting dates. No public hearings or delegations are scheduled.
- Site plan feedback reports for Smurk Milverton Lots, Horst Welding, Huron Creek Developments, and 4 Main St, Milverton
- Clerk's Update report (2024-262) on website WCAG 2.0 compliance and courthouse renovation at 5 Huron
- Correspondence on accessibility topics including Ontario's accessibility requirements and courthouse accessibility
- Discussion of 2024 meeting schedule: November 26 and December 17, 2024
Planning Public Meeting
Council will hold a public meeting to consider Official Plan Amendment 230, which would re-designate a decommissioned gravel pit in Perth East from Mineral Aggregate Resources to Agriculture. The amendment supports the rehabilitation of the site and the continuation of an existing truck repair business. The meeting also includes discussion of a new draft County of Perth Official Plan for adoption.
- Official Plan Amendment 230 for lands at 4350, 4350 Line 36 & 4343 Line 39, Perth East
- Re-designation from Mineral Aggregate Resources to Agriculture
- Rezoning to Agriculture (A) and Agricultural Commercial Industrial (ACM) zones
- Three consent applications to create a lot for a truck repair business and two lot additions
- New Draft County of Perth Official Plan 2024 for adoption
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to consider several planning items, including a public meeting for Official Plan Amendment 230 (Sherco Holdings), a report on the new draft Official Plan 2024 for adoption, and a by-law to enact OPA 230. The agenda also includes routine consent items, staff reports on human resources and insurance renewal, and a closed session for negotiations or legal advice.
- Public meeting for Official Plan Amendment 230 (Sherco Holdings)
- Report on new Draft County of Perth Official Plan 2024 for adoption
- By-law 4002-2024 to adopt OPA 230 Sherco
- 2025 General Insurance Renewal report
- Human Resource Policy Update - Section II
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to discuss and decide on several items, including an update on the new Provincial Planning Statement 2024, a by-law to designate through highways on county roads, and a request for financial support from the Huron Perth Agricultural Science Centre. The agenda also includes routine reports and a closed session on labour relations.
- Presentation by Huron Perth Agricultural Science Centre seeking financial support
- Report on New Provincial Planning Statement 2024 Update
- By-law 4000-2024 to amend By-law 2956-2006 to designate through highways on county roads
- Road Network Rationalization Project Update
- Intersection Reviews report
Land Division Committee
The Perth County Land Division Committee will hold a public hearing on a consent application to sever a 0.43-hectare residential lot from a 24.68-hectare farm at 5967 Perth Line 72 in North Perth. The committee will also review a status report on pending consent files. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from the previous meeting and routine procedural items.
- Application B30-24 by de Haan Veterinary Professional Corp. to sever a residential lot at 5967 Perth Line 72, North Perth
- Conditions include rezoning severed lot to Hamlet/Village Residential and retained HVR portion to Agriculture
- Consent File Status Report for September 2024
- Adoption of minutes from August 26, 2024 meeting
Community Transportation Steering Committee
The Community Transportation Steering Committee will receive a report on the PC Connect rural route program and recommend one of three options to Council: end the program on March 31, 2025, extend it for 9 months, or extend it for three years. The pilot project's provincial funding ends March 31, 2025, and the program is not financially sustainable through fares and advertising alone. The committee will also adopt minutes from the July 4, 2024 meeting.
- Report 2024-253 on PC Connect rural route program with three options: end March 31, 2025; extend 9 months to Dec 31, 2025; or extend 3 years to Dec 31, 2028
- Program costs approximately $650,000 annually; gas tax could provide up to $122,416 if available
- Total provincial funding for pilot since 2019: $2,467,464
- Ridership: 15,515 combined Routes A & B since 2019; 2023 ridership 7,048 rides
- Fares: $6 for county route, $12 for intercommunity; average cost per ride about $74
Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on website accessibility compliance, recent site plan reviews, and to approve the 2025 meeting schedule. The agenda also includes correspondence items on accessibility topics and senior programs.
- Clerk's Update on WCAG 2.0 website compliance and courthouse parking lot resurfacing
- Four site plan reviews completed for Perth East properties (4679 Line 61, 8082 Road 129, 44-54 Mill Street W, 6332 Perth Road 131)
- Proposed 2025 meeting schedule (10 virtual meetings, fourth Tuesday monthly, excluding July/August)
- Correspondence: AODA Toolbox, Stratford AccessAbility Week, $179K boost for Perth County senior programs, Stratford long-term care home plans, Ontario seniors fitness program
Perth County Road Rationalization Study Committee
The Perth County Road Rationalization Study Committee is meeting to review and discuss the criteria and principles for rationalizing the county road network, as presented by Tatham Engineering. The agenda includes a background on the study, a detailed review of proposed criteria, and next steps. No final decisions are expected at this meeting; it is a working session to refine the criteria.
- Review of rationalization criteria from Ontario Good Roads Association and other counties (Dufferin, Grey, Oxford, Simcoe)
- Proposed criteria include urban centre connector, heavy industrial service, traffic volume, and continuity through county
- Criteria weights and threshold scores are preliminary and subject to revision
- Excluded criteria: resort/recreation service, urban cell service, road surface, right-of-way, emergency detour routes, annual load restrictions
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to decide on several staff reports, including a pregnancy and paternity leave policy, a by-law amendment for the Road Rationalization Committee, and the replacement of a commander vehicle. They will also receive updates on economic development, forestry, corporate services, and paramedic services. The agenda includes a large consent agenda with numerous letters of support on provincial issues like physician shortages and water testing.
- Replacement of Commander Vehicle 2024 (Report 2024-217)
- Tender Results 2024-033-03 Supply and Delivery of one (1) Tri-axle Plow Truck (Report 2024-203)
- Janitorial Services Contract Extension (Report 2024-205)
- By-law 3998-2024 Amending By-law Road Rationalization Committee Membership
- 2025 Perth County Stewardship Program (Report 2024-216)
Land Division Committee
The Land Division Committee is reviewing two applications for consent to sever land parcels. The meeting also includes a status report on current consent files.
- Consent to Sever (B29-24): PLR Farms Ltd. at 5135 Line 34, West Perth
- Consent to Sever (B02-24): Wouters application
- August 2024 Consent File Status Report
Planning Public Meeting
Perth County Council is holding a public meeting to consider a proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA 228) by Stonewall Holdings Ltd. to expand a farm-related auction centre and self-storage facility on agricultural land in Perth South. Staff recommend denial, citing inconsistency with provincial policies protecting prime agricultural land. The meeting will also receive public comments on the proposal.
- OPA 228: Proposal to increase maximum permitted area for farm-related auction centre and accessory uses from 1.8 ha to 2.7 ha at 3715 Road 113, Perth South
- Zoning amendment: Increase number of self-storage buildings from 3 to 8, and gross floor area from 1,421.4 m² to 3,325.0 m²
- Staff recommendation: Deny the amendment, as the expansion is not considered directly related to agriculture and would fragment prime agricultural land
- Public meeting to receive comments on the application
Regular Council
Perth County Council is meeting to consider a planning amendment (OPA 228) for Stonewall Holdings, along with several staff reports on budgets, infrastructure, and equipment purchases. The agenda includes a public meeting for the amendment and a presentation from the Stratford General Hospital Foundation. Most other items are routine consent items or informational updates.
- Planning Public Meeting for Official Plan Amendment 228 (Stonewall Holdings Ltd.)
- Report on 2024 Q2 Operating and Capital Budget Mid-Year Financials
- Tender results for Quinlan Road structure (01-BR-1) and winter sand supply
- Proposed purchase of Stryker PowerPro Stretchers and 2025 paramedic vehicle replacements
- Appointment of external auditors and renewal of Canada Community Building Fund Agreement
Perth County Agricultural Working Group
The Perth County Agricultural Working Group is meeting to review the final results of the 2024 Stewardship Program, discuss updates to the Perth County Official Plan, and consider changes to the Stewardship Program reimbursement procedure and the Forest Conservation By-law. The group will also set a date for its Q4 meeting in November 2024.
- 2024 Stewardship Program final results presentation
- Perth County Official Plan update (Report 2024-183)
- Stewardship Program reimbursement procedure (Report 2024-185)
- Forest Conservation By-law review (Report 2024-186)