Hanover, ON

Council Meeting

The agenda for this Hanover Council meeting contains no substantive items for decision or discussion. It consists entirely of procedural boilerplate and embedded content placeholders.

Audit Committee Meeting

The Audit Committee will receive a delegation from MNP LLP presenting the 2025 draft financial statements and audit findings for the Town of Hanover and its trust funds. The committee will also consider a closed session regarding a personal matter about an identifiable individual's performance. The meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers.

• Delegation from MNP LLP on 2025 draft financial statements and audit findings
• Review of Town of Hanover 2025 financial statements (draft)
• Review of Town of Hanover Trust Funds audit findings and draft financial statements
• Closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual's performance

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to review staff reports regarding asset management and the structure of reserve funds. The committee will also discuss preliminary budget estimates for 2027.

• Annual Asset Management Progress Report
• Reserves and Reserve Funds Structure Review
• Preliminary Estimate of Committed Impacts for Budget 2027

The Finance Committee received the Annual Asset Management Progress Report and a preliminary estimate of 2027 budget pressures, both for information only. The committee endorsed a proposed reserve and reserve fund framework, recommending council approval and directing staff to prepare an implementation plan.

• Received Annual Asset Management Progress Report (carried)
• Endorsed proposed reserve and reserve fund framework (carried)
• Recommended council approve reserve framework and mapping (carried)
• Directed staff to prepare implementation plan for reserve changes (carried)
• Received preliminary estimate of 2027 budget pressures (carried)

Council Meeting

The agenda for the July 13, 2026 council meeting is available online but contains no specific agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics in the provided text.

Council adopted the June 15 and June 16 council meeting minutes and approved a municipal technical rescue agreement with the Township of Howick. It directed staff to proceed with Option 1 – a concrete sidewalk and parking lot – for the East End Trail (5 Yea to 1 Nay). Additional approvals included funding for dam safety fencing, an office‑renovation transfer, a boiler‑replacement tender, and an increase to the server‑upgrade budget.

• Adopted June 15, 2026 council minutes (Resolution 164-26)
• Adopted June 16, 2026 special council minutes (Resolution 165-26)
• Approved Municipal Technical Rescue Agreement with Township of Howick and bylaws (Resolution 171-26)
• Approved East End Trail concrete sidewalk and parking lot (Option 1) (5‑Yea to 1‑Nay) (Resolution 172-26)
• Approved $20,000 for dam safety fencing and related water/erosion control funding (Resolution 173-26)
• Approved $48,000 transfer from General Reserves for office renovations (Resolution 174-26)
• Directed issuance of Request for Tender for Civic Centre boiler replacement (Resolution 175-26)
• Approved $15,500 increase to server‑upgrade budget, funded from General Reserve (Resolution 180-26)

Special Council Meeting

The Hanover Town Council is meeting in a special session, primarily to go into closed session to discuss personal matters related to the recruitment of a Chief Administrative Officer. The remainder of the agenda consists of routine procedural items.

• Closed session under personal matters exception for CAO recruitment

The special council meeting consisted solely of a closed session to discuss personal matters related to CAO recruitment. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved closed session for CAO recruitment (carried unanimously)

Council Meeting

Council will discuss the final Hanover Downtown Plan and receive a financial analysis and update on the East End Trail. The meeting also includes decisions on group benefit renewals and updates to the Community Improvement Program.

• Presentation and report on the Hanover Downtown Plan
• Financial analysis and update for the East End Trail
• By-law No. 3407-26 to remove part lot control for 546 and 548 9th Avenue
• By-law No. 3406-26 regarding Council Delegation of Authority
• 2026 Group Benefit Plan renewal

Council deferred a decision on the east end trail pending a further staff report on a sidewalk and nature trail option. They endorsed the Hanover Downtown Plan as a guiding framework for revitalization, and allocated an additional $25,000 to the Community Improvement Program. Other actions included approving the 2026 Group Benefit Plan renewal and passing by-laws for part lot control and delegation of authority.

• Deferred east end trail decision pending further staff report (7-0)
• Endorsed Hanover Downtown Plan as guiding framework for revitalization
• Approved additional $25,000 from reserve fund for Community Improvement Program
• Approved 2026 Group Benefit Plan renewal
• Passed By-law 3407-26 to remove part lot control at 546 and 548 9th Avenue
• Passed By-law 3406-26 on delegation of authority
• Approved committee minutes and recommendations
• Adopted regular council meeting minutes of June 1, 2026

Council Meeting

Council will vote on the 2026 final tax rate and levy, a new backflow prevention program by-law, and a water meter replacement program with advanced metering infrastructure. Other items include appointing a board member for the Downtown Improvement Area and adopting a Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan.

• Final Tax Levy By-law 3402-26 setting 2026 property tax rates
• Backflow Prevention By-law 3404-26 establishing a program and requirements
• Water Meter Replacement Program and Advanced Metering Infrastructure report PW-13-26
• Appointment to Board of Management for the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA)
• Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Action Plan Roadmap report ED-11-26

Council approved the 2026 final tax levy by-law (By-law 3402-26) and several other operational items. The backflow prevention by-law and water meter replacement program were adopted. A new appointment to the Downtown Improvement Area board was made, and financial responsibilities for the Saugeen Municipal Airport were transitioned back to the airport commission.

• Approved 2026 final tax levy by-law (By-law 3402-26)
• Adopted backflow prevention by-law and program (carried)
• Directed staff to procure water meter replacements with AMI system
• Approved Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan Roadmap
• Appointed Jess Hastie to Downtown Improvement Area Board of Management
• Directed transition of airport bookkeeping to Saugeen Municipal Airport Commission effective Jan 1, 2027
• Enacted by-law to delegate tax relief decisions to Assessment Review Board (By-law 3403-26)
• Proclaimed June 15, 2026 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Council Meeting

At this regular meeting, Hanover Town Council will consider several operational reports and staff recommendations, including a financial update and direction on the new police station, removal of the 7th Avenue water tank, and part lot control exemptions on 18th Street. They will also vote on by-laws to amend the fence by-law and confirm proceedings. The agenda includes routine consent items such as water/wastewater reports, police board minutes, and letters regarding the east end trail loop.

• Financial update and direction for new Hanover Police Station (Report PB-12-26)
• Removal of the 7th Avenue water tank (Report PW-09-26)
• Part lot control removal for 743 & 739 18th Street (Lots 9 & 10) and 719 & 715 18th Street (Lots 15 & 16)
• Fence By-law Amendment (By-law 3400-26)
• Restructuring Order from Minister of Municipal Affairs for Town of Hanover and Municipality of West Grey

Council approved the revised new police station budget up to $11.3 million plus HST and authorized staff to proceed with tendering, including awarding the contract during a lame-duck period if within budget. They also awarded a $336,315 contract to IQ Environmental Inc. for the removal of the 7th Avenue water tank with a 7% contingency. Other actions included removing part lot control for two properties on 18th Street and adopting a fence by-law amendment.

• Approved $11.3M police station budget and tendering (carried)
• Awarded $336,315 water tank removal contract to IQ Environmental Inc. (carried)
• Removed part lot control at 743/739 18th St (carried)
• Removed part lot control at 719/715 18th St (carried)
• Adopted fence by-law amendment (carried)
• Received restructuring order from Minister for Hanover/West Grey (carried)
• Received east end trail loop correspondence (carried)

Council Meeting

Council will hear a delegation and consider numerous public letters about the proposed East End Community Trail Loop, following a request from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Advisory Committee to revisit a previous decision. Other items include reports on wading pool filter replacement, CAO recruitment, an election sign by-law, and a discharge of firearms by-law amendment.

• Delegation and 10 public letters regarding East End Community Trail Loop
• Parks, Recreation and Cultural Advisory Committee letter urging council to reconsider trail loop decision
• Report PRC-03-26: P&H Centre Wading Pool Filter Replacement Project
• By-law No. 3395-26: Election Sign By-law
• By-law No. 3396-26: Amend Discharge of Firearms By-law 3256-23

Council deferred action on the east end trail loop after hearing a delegation and reading correspondence. They requested a staff report on sidewalk extension costs from 19th Street to 20th Street and 24th Avenue, and potential reallocation of developers' trail contributions. Other decisions included approving a wading pool filter replacement, CAO recruitment funding, an election sign bylaw, and a firearms discharge bylaw amendment.

• Deferred east end trail loop decision pending staff report
• Approved $34,912 wading pool filter replacement (Acapulco Pools)
• Approved up to $25,000 from reserves for CAO recruitment
• Adopted Election Sign By-law 3395-26
• Adopted Discharge of Firearms amendment By-law 3396-26
• Received committee minutes with recommendations approved

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hear a delegation from ONE Investment about their investment program and a legacy fund. Staff reports include a 10-year outlook (2026-2036) on projected policing staffing costs, the 2025 preliminary year-end financial position, and the 2025 preliminary reserve and reserve fund position. The committee will also review audit planning letters for the Town and the Hanover-Walkerton Landfill Site.

• Jason Hagan and Keith Taylor from ONE Investment present on investment overview and Legacy Fund for Hanover
• Report FIN-04-26: Projected Policing Staffing Costs 10-Year Outlook (2026–2036)
• Report FIN-05-26: 2025 Preliminary Year End Financial Position
• Report FIN-06-26: 2025 Preliminary Reserve and Reserve Fund Position
• MNP Audit Planning Letters for the Town of Hanover and Hanover-Walkerton Landfill Site

The Finance Committee received reports on projected policing staffing costs through 2036, the 2025 preliminary year-end financial position, and reserve fund status. No motions to approve or deny were made on these items. An additional committee meeting was scheduled for June 22, 2026.

• Adopted minutes of February 23, 2026 (carried)
• Scheduled additional Finance Committee meeting June 22, 2026

Council Meeting

Council will consider adopting a bylaw to establish and regulate the fire department, and a separate bylaw authorizing a fire dispatch agreement with Owen Sound Police Service. They will also hear a presentation on library space needs and receive updates on the rescue pumper replacement project and the Clean Energy Frontier community resiliency strategy.

• Vote on By-law 3392-26 to establish and regulate the fire department
• Vote on By-law 3393-26 to authorize fire dispatch agreement with Owen Sound
• Presentation on Hanover Public Library space needs report
• Update on Capital Project #2100C009 for rescue pumper replacement
• Report on Clean Energy Frontier (CEF) Communities Rooted in Resilience strategy

Council approved a $60,000 budget increase for the Rescue Pumper replacement project (Resolution 101-26), financed through reserves pending external funding. They also adopted a new Fire Department bylaw (3392-26) and authorized a dispatch agreement with Owen Sound Police Service. A request for a staff report on a potential Library Investigation Committee was carried.

• Approved $60K budget increase for Rescue Pumper replacement (carried)
• Adopted By-law 3392-26 to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department (carried)
• Authorized fire dispatch agreement with Owen Sound Police Service (carried)
• Approved staff report on Library Investigation Committee creation (carried)
• Proclaimed May as Building Safety Month (carried)
• Approved Police Service Building Committee minutes (carried)
• Adopted confirming by-law 3394-26 (carried)
• Approved consent agenda items including community resiliency strategy report (carried)

Council Meeting

Council will hold public hearings on a zoning by-law amendment for 341152 Grey Road 28 and on increasing building permit fees. A delegation will present the Saugeen Municipal Airport development concept. Staff reports include reconstruction of 6th Street, COVID-19 immunization policy update, and drinking water quality management.

• Public hearing for zoning by-law amendment at 341152 Grey Road 28
• Public hearing to amend building permit fees in 2026 Rates & Fees By-law
• Delegation on Saugeen Municipal Airport development concept
• Staff report on reconstruction of 6th Street
• Staff report on updating COVID-19 immunization policy

Council awarded a $2,282,000 contract to Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc. for reconstruction of 6th Street A from 13th to 15th Avenue. Also approved a zoning by-law amendment to rezone land at 341152 Grey Road 28 to General Industrial, amended building department fees for 2026, and endorsed in principle a development concept plan for the Saugeen Municipal Airport.

• Awarded $2,282,000 road reconstruction contract to Kurtis Smith Excavating Inc. (carried)
• Approved Zoning By-law 3389-26 rezoning Grey Road 28 land to General Industrial (carried)
• Approved By-law 3390-26 amending 2026 Building Department rates and fees (carried)
• Supported in principle Saugeen Municipal Airport development concept plan (carried)
• Adopted March 16, 2026 council minutes as amended (carried)
• Approved revisions to COVID-19 Immunization Policy JHS-037 (carried)
• Approved and endorsed 2026 Drinking Water System Operational Plan (carried)
• Approved flying Be A Donor flag and green illumination for Organ Donor Awareness Week (carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Special Council will meet on March 30, 2026 at the Civic Centre. It will consider By-law No. 3387-26 to authorize a community emergency preparedness and response funding agreement. It will also consider By-law No. 3388-26 to confirm the proceedings of this special council meeting. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as a call to order, land acknowledgment, and disclosure of pecuniary interest.

• By-law No. 3387-26 – Authorize Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Funding Agreement
• By-law No. 3388-26 – Confirm Proceedings of the March 30, 2026 Special Council Meeting

The special council meeting focused on administrative approvals rather than policy debates. Council passed two by-laws: one to authorize a community emergency preparedness and response funding agreement, and another to formally confirm the proceedings of this same meeting. Both measures were carried before the council adjourned at 4:06 pm.

• Passed By-law No. 3387-26 authorizing a community emergency preparedness and response funding agreement (CARRIED)
• Passed By-law No. 3388-26 confirming the proceedings of the March 30, 2026 special council meeting (CARRIED)

Council Meeting

Hanover Council will discuss the East End Trail extension project options and approve the 2026 road resurfacing tender. The meeting also includes reports on a subdivision agreement amendment and a donation policy.

• East End Trail Extension Project Options
• 2026 Road Resurfacing Tender
• Subdivision Agreement Amendment (Saugeen Cedar Heights West)
• Donation Policy
• Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program Transfer Payment Agreement

Hanover council eliminated the proposed east end nature trail and directed staff to negotiate with the developer to reallocate trail contribution funds toward sidewalks on 18th Street, 23rd Avenue, and 19th Street. Staff will also provide costing for a sidewalk extension from 19th Street to 20th Street on 24th Avenue. Additionally, council accepted Duncor Enterprises Inc.’s $51,366.70 tender for micro road resurfacing, approved the town’s donation policy, passed two by-laws regarding development and water infrastructure, and directed staff to request Grey County defer a proposed urban road transfer pending further financial review.

• Eliminated east end nature trail project; directed developer fund reallocation to local sidewalks
• Accepted Duncor Enterprises Inc. tender for $51,366.70 plus HST in micro road resurfacing work
• Approved town donation policy as detailed in report DCS-03-26
• Passed By-Law No. 3384-26 to amend subdivision agreement with Saugeen Cedar Heights West developer
• Passed By-Law No. 3385-26 for Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program water stream transfer payment
• Approved engaging external recruitment firm and appointed Councillor Hudson to CAO search committee
• Directed staff to request Grey County defer proposed urban road transfer pending financial review
• Received and approved recommendations from Finance, Joint Health & Safety, and Planning Advisory committees

Council Meeting

Hanover council will meet to authorize a subdivision agreement for Whispering Meadows and regulate mobile refreshment vending. The agenda also includes a report on the 2025 drinking water system and a presentation from Grey County regarding road transfers.

• By-law 3382-26 to regulate mobile refreshment vending
• By-law 3381-26 to authorize subdivision agreement for Whispering Meadows
• Report on 2025 Drinking Water System Summary
• Grey County Road Transfer Presentation
• Strategic Plan 2023–2027 Progress Update

The council adopted the February 17 minutes and received several reports. It passed By‑law 3381‑26 to authorize a subdivision agreement for the Whispering Meadows development and By‑law 3382‑26 to regulate mobile refreshment vending. Council also appointed Susan Sakal as the town’s representative on the Cultural Roundtable Sub‑Committee and approved a closed‑session meeting to discuss confidential commercial‑development information.

• Adopted February 17, 2026 council minutes (carried)
• Received Strategic Plan 2023‑2027 progress report (carried)
• Approved By‑law 3381‑26 authorizing Whispering Meadows subdivision agreement (carried)
• Adopted By‑law 3382‑26 regulating mobile refreshment vendors (carried)
• Appointed Councillor Susan Sakal as Cultural Roundtable Sub‑Committee representative (carried)
• Approved closed‑session to discuss confidential commercial‑development opportunity (carried)

Finance Committee

The Hanover Finance Committee will meet to review staff reports on council remuneration and expenses, an investment policy update, and a donation policy. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

• Review of 2025 Council Remuneration and Expenses
• Update to Investment Policy
• Review of Donation Policy
• Adoption of previous Finance Committee minutes
• Public access via Zoom

The committee endorsed staff recommendations to update the corporate investment policy, setting a maximum equity allocation of 25% (up to 50%), adopting a hybrid model for using investment income, and creating a separate strategy for large one‑time inflows. It also approved the Donation Policy for Council recommendation. All motions were carried without recorded vote counts.

• Adopted February 24, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (carried)
• Received 2025 Council Remuneration and Expenses report (carried)
• Endorsed and directed incorporation of Investment Policy updates: 25% equity cap, hybrid income model, separate strategy for one‑time inflows (carried)
• Received Donation Policy report and recommended Council approval (carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:14 pm (carried)

Council Meeting

The Hanover Council will consider authorizing the purchase of two properties and review a business retention study. The meeting includes a closed session regarding industrial land options and collective bargaining.

• By-law 3378-26: Authorize acquisition of land (Lutheran Church)
• By-law 3379-26: Authorize acquisition of land (Option to repurchase 661 1st Street)
• Report ED-05-26: Hanover Business Retention and Expansion Study 2026 Survey Report
• Report PB-04-26: Site Plan Control Agreement – 632 17th Street Crescent (EarlyON)
• Notice of Motion: Cultural Roundtable Sub-Committee

The council adopted the minutes from previous meetings and directed staff to prepare a report on reinstating the Cultural Roundtable Sub‑Committee. It approved the Business Retention and Expansion Study report, an amended policy on municipal resources for election campaigns, and two by‑laws authorizing land acquisitions. February 2026 was proclaimed Love Your Library month, and a by‑law confirming the meeting’s proceedings was passed.

• Adopted February 2, 2026 regular council minutes (CARRIED)
• Adopted January 26, 2026 special council minutes (CARRIED)
• Directed staff to prepare a report to reinstate the Cultural Roundtable Sub‑Committee (CARRIED)
• Received Business Retention and Expansion Study report and endorsed continued engagement (CARRIED)
• Approved amended Use of Municipal Resources for Election Campaign Purposes Policy (CARRIED)
• Passed By‑law 3378‑26 authorizing acquisition of land (Part 1 and 2) (CARRIED)
• Passed By‑law 3379‑26 authorizing acquisition of land at 661 1st Street (CARRIED)
• Declared February 2026 as Love Your Library month (CARRIED)

Council Meeting

Council will consider several items including a by-law to assume 25th and 26th Avenues as municipal roads, delegations from YMCA Grey Bruce and Celtic Academy Irish Dance Canada, and a petition for parking at 310 17th Avenue. Reports on water and wastewater operations, building permit statistics, and surplus asset disposal will also be reviewed. A closed session is scheduled for personnel matters.

• By-Law 3376-26 to assume lands at 25th Ave and 26th Ave as public highways (Saugeen Cedar Heights East)
• Petition from residents requesting use of municipal property at 310 17th Avenue for personal parking
• Delegation from YMCA Grey Bruce on settlement and language services
• Report ED-02-26 on municipal surplus asset declaration and disposal recommendations
• Appointment to Cultural Roundtable Committee (Report CL-01-26)

The council proclaimed March 2026 as Irish Heritage Month and authorized the Irish flag to be flown and the civic centre illuminated. It approved By-law 3376-26 to assume specific lands as municipal roads. The Finance Committee Terms of Reference were revised and approved, and surplus municipal assets were declared and authorized for disposal. Additional actions included appointing a library board representative to the Cultural Roundtable and recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month with a flag‑raising.

• Proclaimed March 2026 as Irish Heritage Month and authorized flag flying (Resolution 20-26) – carried
• Adopted By-law 3376-26 to assume certain lands as public highways (Resolution 31-26) – carried
• Approved revised Finance Committee Terms of Reference, repealing the previous version (Resolution 27-26) – carried
• Declared identified assets as surplus and approved their disposal as recommended (Resolution 28-26) – carried
• Approved appointment of Kathi Maskell to the Cultural Roundtable Committee (Resolution 29-26) – carried
• Recognized April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month with a flag‑raising at the civic centre (Resolution 32-26) – carried
• Authorized a closed‑session meeting to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual (Resolution 33-26) – carried
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:19 pm (Resolution 35-26) – carried

Special Council Meeting

Hanover council will hold a special meeting to discuss the Hanover Downtown Plan, including a presentation on project overview, community assets, and downtown vision. The meeting will also confirm the proceedings of the session.

• Council Workshop: Hanover Downtown Plan
• Delegation: Robert Voigt, Senior Planner - J.L. Richards
• By-law No. 3375-26 to confirm proceedings

The council passed By-law No. 3375-26 to record the proceedings of the January 26, 2026 special council meeting. The motion was moved by Councillor Sakal, seconded by Councillor Koebel, and carried. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:35 pm after a motion moved by Deputy Mayor Dickert and seconded by Councillor Hudson was carried.

• Approved By-law No. 3375-26 confirming meeting proceedings (carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:35 pm (carried)

Council Meeting

Hanover Council will vote on several by-laws, including the 2026 interim tax levy, an off-road vehicle by-law, and a cost-sharing agreement for Saugeen Municipal Airport. Council will also discuss a report on water and wastewater asset management funding constraints and emerging service delivery models. Items on the consent agenda include a Family Day proclamation and correspondence from Grey County on automated speed enforcement and conservation authority changes.

• By-law 3371-26 – 2026 Interim Tax Levy
• By-law 3373-26 – Off-Road Vehicle By-law
• By-law 3370-25 – Saugeen Municipal Airport Cost Sharing Agreement
• Report DCS-01-26 – Water and Wastewater Asset Management Needs, Funding Constraints, and Governance/Service Delivery Models
• By-law 3372-26 – Authorize Bruce County as Host Municipality for SMART Gas Tax Funding

Council adopted By-Law 3373-26 to permit off-road vehicles on designated highways for access to essential services, and approved By-Law 3370-26 authorizing the Saugeen Municipal Airport Cost Sharing Agreement. They also directed staff to research establishing a Municipal Services Corporation for water and wastewater services, and approved several policies and agreements. An amendment to the Significant Weather Event Policy was defeated.

• Adopted By-Law 3373-26 regulating off-road vehicles on designated highways (carried)
• Approved By-Law 3370-26 for Saugeen Municipal Airport Cost Sharing Agreement (carried)
• Directed staff to research Municipal Services Corporation for water/wastewater (carried)
• Approved Team Grey Memorandum of Understanding (carried)
• Approved PW-005 Significant Weather Event Policy (carried)
• Defeated amendment to Significant Weather Event Policy regarding public notice methods
• Approved 2026 Health & Safety Policy Statement and Work Plan (carried)
• Approved 2026 Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy Statement (carried)