Simcoe County, ON

Special Budget Meeting

Joint Council and Committee of the Whole

Joint Council and Committee of the Whole

Simcoe County Council and Committee of the Whole meet on October 6, 2026, to consider committee reports and several planning and funding items. The most consequential item is a request to approve the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan, as adopted by Township By-law 2026-020, with modifications and specific non-decisions. Council will also receive updates on 2026 Early Learning and Child Care funding, a Simcoe County Hospice Alliance capital funding request, and a private/public roads waste collection assessment. The agenda includes routine procedural items and consent agendas; the source document is an agenda, so outcomes are not yet decided.

• Request to approve Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan (By-law 2026-020) with modifications and four non-decisions, including lands at 7191 Concession Road 3 (Silver Brooke Golf Course)
• CCW 2026-267: 2026 Funding Update - Early Learning and Child Care, with a presentation by Samantha Zuercher and approval of program strategies for additional 2026 funding
• CCW 2026-255: Simcoe County Hospice Alliance Funding Request, seeking approval of a 2025 capital funding allocation
• CCW 2026-264: Private and Public Roads Assessment for Waste Collection (consent item)
• CCW 2026-270 and CCW 2026-271: Community Safety and Well-Being Plans year-one progress and Simcoe County Hospital Alliance capital planning review update

Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board

The Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board is considering a staff recommendation to reallocate $295,000 in unused 2026 capital funds from a project at 30 Seventh Lane, Wasaga Beach, to cover unforeseen costs and urgent repairs at properties in Barrie, Penetanguishene, and Midland. The board is also asked to advance a $561,000 security enhancement project at 559 King Street, Midland, from 2027 into the current year to address tenant and community safety concerns. The reallocation results in no net increase to the 2026 capital budget, and advancing the project reduces the planned 2027 budget by $572,000. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of previous minutes.

• Reallocate $295,000 from 30 Seventh Lane, Wasaga Beach, to four projects: $130,000 for AODA site work at 18 Sophia Street, Barrie; $30,000 for electrical upgrade at 46 Maria Street, Penetanguishene; $35,000 for balcony/railing contingency and $100,000 for sanitary line replacement at 559 King Street, Midland
• Advance $561,000 from 2027 to 2026 for common area upgrade with SALTO security locks at 559 King Street, Midland
• Adopt minutes from June 9, 2026, including confidential minutes
• Approve the meeting agenda
• Disclosure of pecuniary interest

Council

This is a largely procedural meeting. Council will approve the agenda, adopt minutes from September 8, 2026, and receive communications and proclamations. It will also consider recommendations from Committee of the Whole reports on Performance Management, Human Services, and Corporate Services, and enact a confirmatory by-law. No major new decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Adoption of County Council minutes and Committee of the Whole reports from September 8, 2026
• Approval of recommendations from Committee of the Whole reports on Performance Management, Human Services, and Corporate Services
• Enactment of By-law No. 7200-26 to confirm proceedings of the September 22, 2026 meeting
• Receipt of Council Communications and Proclamations for September 8-21, 2026

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing consent items and recommendations, including updates on paramedic driving safety, childcare space allocations, and a request to delegate subdivision approval authority to the Township of Severn. The committee will also consider entering into a ChargeON funding agreement for four electric vehicle charging stations in Beeton.

• Paramedic Driving Enhancement Program update: vehicle incidents down from 43 to 29, preventable incidents from 30 to 14 (Jan–Aug 2026 vs 2025)
• Request to delegate approval authority for plans of subdivision and condominium to Township of Severn (O. Reg. 297/97)
• ChargeON EV charger funding: approve agreement with Ontario Centre of Innovation for 4 charging stations at 5988 8th Line, Beeton
• Letter from Township of Springwater re: Midhurst Heights Childcare Centre and future CWELCC space allocations
• 2027 regular meeting schedule approval

Audit and Finance Committee

The Audit and Finance Committee will consider approving the 2026 Audit Engagement Letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP, the 2026 Draft Audit Plan, and the 2027 Draft Work Plan, and will receive the Audit Committee Planning Letter. These items formalize the external audit of the County's consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2026. The agenda also includes routine items like approval of the agenda and disclosure of pecuniary interests.

• Approve 2026 Audit Engagement Letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP for audit of consolidated financial statements
• Receive 2026 Audit Committee Planning Letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP
• Approve 2026 Draft Audit Plan prepared by Baker Tilly KDN LLP
• Approve 2027 Draft Work Plan
• Review Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference and 2026 Work Plan

Bursary Committee

The Bursary Committee is reviewing a proposed partnership where Lakehead University would provide a supplemental $1,500 bursary to each County recipient enrolled at their institution starting in 2027. The committee will also review the 2026 bursary program status and meet in a closed session to select award recipients.

• Proposed $1,500 supplemental bursary partnership with Lakehead University
• Review of 2026 County of Simcoe Bursary Program status and updates
• Selection of 21 bursary recipients in a closed session
• Review of Bursary Committee Terms of Reference

Economic Development Sub-Committee

The Economic Development Sub-Committee will receive updates on business retention and expansion initiatives and the Tourism Sustainability Action Plan. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda, disclosure of interests, and adoption of the committee's terms of reference. No binding decisions are expected; items are for information and discussion.

• Update on Business Retention and Expansion initiatives (EDS 2026-246)
• Tourism Simcoe County Sustainability Action Plan (EDS 2026-225)
• Adoption of Economic Development Sub-Committee Terms of Reference
• N3 Summit participation (March 31-April 1, 2026, Toronto)
• CANSEC trade show support for three local manufacturers (May 27-28, 2026, Ottawa)

Committee of the Whole

The Simcoe County Committee of the Whole will receive updates on paramedic services facility planning for Barrie, including progress on two proposed posts at Cundles Road and Bloxham Road. The committee will also review and approve non-decisions related to the Town of Collingwood’s Official Plan, including modifications to policies on growth planning and Black Ash Creek subwatershed boundaries. Additionally, the committee will address an appeal regarding the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Official Plan.

• CCW 2026-238: Paramedic Services Facility Plan Update for Barrie posts at Cundles Road and Bloxham Road
• CCW 2026-239: Community Paramedicine Program Update
• CCW 2026-242: TC Energy Build Strong Grant consideration
• CCW 2026-149: Approval of non-decisions for Town of Collingwood Official Plan, including Black Ash Creek subwatershed policies
• CCW 2026-244: Ontario Land Tribunal appeal on Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan

Council

Simcoe County Council is meeting to approve the agenda, adopt minutes from previous meetings, and consider recommendations from the Governance Committee. The main substantive items are three by-laws, including two authorizing the purchase of land parcels in Springwater and Wasaga Beach, and one updating council meeting procedures. The agenda also includes routine items like communications, proclamations, and a confirmatory by-law.

• By-law 7196-26: Purchase of 83.8-acre Orrock Creek South Tract in Springwater
• By-law 7197-26: Purchase of 55.54-acre Train Tract in Wasaga Beach
• By-law 7198-26: New by-law to govern council and committee meetings
• Adoption of minutes from Aug 11 and Aug 20 special council meetings
• Governance Committee report recommendations

CANCELLED - Accessibility Advisory Committee

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee will consider approving a new Public Code of Conduct Policy to address inappropriate behavior from the public, and a Council-Staff Relations Policy. They will also review an update to the Procedure By-law to reflect a new council composition, which would take effect November 15, 2026.

• Approve Public Code of Conduct Policy (GOV 2026-240)
• Approve Council-Staff Relations Policy (GOV 2026-241)
• Approve draft updated Procedure By-law for new council composition (GOV 2026-245)
• Repeal By-law No. 7151-25 effective November 15, 2026
• Review Governance Committee Terms of Reference

Development Charge Reduction Program - Special Council

At this special meeting, County Council will consider a staff recommendation to amend Development Charges By-law No. 6930 to reduce residential development charge rates by 50% from the rates in effect on March 30, 2026, for all residential development types and areas in the County. The reduced rates would remain in effect for three years. Council will also consider authorizing staff to negotiate and finalize agreements with the Province to participate in the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), and will hold a closed session to discuss confidential information related to the program.

• Amendment to By-law No. 6930 to reduce residential development charges by 50% from March 30, 2026 rates
• Reduced rates to remain in effect for three years from March 30, 2026
• Delegation of authority to Treasurer and GM of Corporate Performance to negotiate DCRP agreements
• Authorization for Warden and County Clerk to execute Transfer Payment Agreement
• Closed session under Municipal Act sections 239(2)(h) and 239(2)(k)

Joint Council and Committee of the Whole

Simcoe County Council will consider approving the Zoo Park Phase 2 Affordable Housing Development, a 155-unit mixed-income mixed-use project in Wasaga Beach. The meeting also includes decisions on Midland's Official Plan Amendment No. 3, emergency boiler replacements at two long-term care homes, and entering a 'lame duck' period after nomination day. Several items will be discussed in closed session, including land acquisitions and labour negotiations.

• Zoo Park Phase 2 Affordable Housing Development: 155-unit mixed-income mixed-use project in Wasaga Beach, with staff directed to proceed with planning approvals and detailed design
• Town of Midland Official Plan Amendment No. 3 approval
• Emergency replacement of boilers at Georgian Village and Manor long-term care homes, funded from reserves
• 2025 capital funding for Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Stevenson Memorial Hospital
• Council to enter 'Lame Duck' period effective August 22, 2026, restricting certain acts after nomination day

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is discussing transition plans for a revised council composition for the 2026-2030 term. This includes updating the Procedure By-law and reviewing committee structures to align with a reduction in council size from 32 to 17 members.

• Proposed title change of Head of Council from Warden to County Chair
• Proposal to remove the role of Deputy Warden
• Dissolution of the Economic Development Sub-Committee and Grant Program Task Force
• Amended Terms of Reference for Governance, Agricultural Liaison, Audit and Finance, Bursary, Planning Advisory, and Affordable Housing Advisory committees
• Confidential reviews of CAO performance and title/compensation

Shareholder of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation

The Shareholder of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation (the County) will hold its annual general meeting on June 23, 2026. They are set to elect directors for the SCHC, appoint Baker Tilly KDN LLP as auditors, approve the 2025 draft audited financial statements, and ratify actions taken by the board since the last annual meeting. The agenda also includes adoption of the previous meeting's minutes and other routine procedural items.

• Election of directors for the Simcoe County Housing Corporation (list in Schedule 1)
• Appointment of Baker Tilly KDN LLP as auditor for the SCHC
• Approval of the 2025 draft audited financial statements (Schedule 2)
• Ratification of actions taken by the SCHC Board of Directors since the June 2025 AGM
• Adoption of minutes from the June 24, 2025 Shareholder meeting

Joint Council and Committee of the Whole

The Joint Council and Committee of the Whole will adopt minutes and reports from previous meetings and approve the Performance Management, Human Services and Corporate Services recommendations. Councillors will also approve several major initiatives, including $100,000 funding for a temporary HART Hub staff position, a $600,000 leachate management upgrade at the Collingwood Landfill, and the Canada‑Ontario Housing Initiatives Investment Plan for 2026‑2027. The most significant financial decision is to raise the Simcoe Village Campus project budget by 4.83% from $353 M to $370.1 M and to add maintenance and oversight staff for the campus.

• Increase Simcoe Village Campus project budget by 4.83% from $353 M to $370.1 M (Item CCW 2026-175)
• $100,000 from the Social Services Reserve to fund a temporary full‑time HART Hub position (Item CCW 2026-174)
• $600,000 for leachate management infrastructure upgrades at the Collingwood Landfill (Item CCW 2026-170)
• Approval of the Simcoe County Museum Five Year Plan (Item CCW 2026-172)
• Approval of the Canada‑Ontario Housing Initiatives Investment Plan 2026‑2027 (Item CCW 2026-182)

Shareholder of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Inc.

The County of Simcoe, as sole shareholder of Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Inc., is holding its annual general meeting to elect directors to the LSRA Board, appoint Baker Tilly KDN LLP as auditors, approve the 2025 draft audited financial statements, and ratify the actions of the Board since the last AGM.

• Election of directors to the LSRA Board (Schedule 1: includes Warden Basil Clarke, Councillors, and members)
• Appointment of Baker Tilly KDN LLP as auditors
• Approval of the 2025 draft audited financial statements
• Ratification of actions of the LSRA Board of Directors since the last annual general meeting

Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Board

This Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Board meeting is largely procedural. The main public item is approving the Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) for June 23, 2026, which includes recommendations to elect directors, appoint Baker Tilly KDN LLP as auditor, approve the 2025 draft audited financial statements, and ratify board actions since the last AGM. The board will also enter closed session for confidential updates on infrastructure, rates, real estate/legal matters, and advocacy/regulatory response.

• Notice of AGM scheduled for June 23, 2026, with director elections (Schedule 1) and auditor appointment
• Approval of 2025 draft audited financial statements (Schedule 2)
• Confidential infrastructure update (LSRA 2026-194)
• Confidential rates review and update (LSRA 2026-195)
• Confidential real estate/legal matters (LSRA 2026-196) and advocacy/regulatory response (LSRA 2026-204)

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee will discuss several governance and transition items, including a revised council composition and a full-time head of council position, as well as strong chair powers. They will also consider advocating for procedural clarity on weighted voting regulations and review code of conduct implications from provincial Bill 9. A confidential session is scheduled for the CAO performance appraisal review.

• GOV 2026-177: Governance and Transition Considerations for a Revised Council Composition and Full-time Head of Council Position
• GOV 2026-178: Governance and Transition Considerations for a Head of Council Position with Strong Chair Powers
• GOV 2026-179: Authority to Advocate for Procedural Clarity in Pending Weighted Voting Regulations
• GOV 2026-180: Council Code of Conduct Implications – Passing of Provincial Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2026
• Confidential GOV 2026-117: CAO Performance Appraisal Review

Economic Development Sub-Committee

The Economic Development Sub-Committee will receive informational updates on workforce development attraction and retention initiatives, the Made in Simcoe County Tourism Strategy, and tourism and economic development communications. No binding decisions are scheduled; all items are for receipt only.

• EDO secured $73,100 in matched RED program funding for workforce initiatives (April 2024–March 2026)
• Work in Simcoe County website hosted 6,490 active jobs in April 2026, with 125,000 users over the past year
• Simcoe County Skilled Trades Fair held April 23 at Georgian College Midland campus, with over 300 student attendees and 41 exhibitors
• Nine employer training sessions delivered since November 2025, including six by Lakehead University and three by Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce
• Industry tours for 38 SHSM students at Raytheon ELCAN, IFM Manufacturing, and Georgian College on March 31, 2026

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider approval of the Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan, including a non-decision on ELM Lands, and a non-decision on the Township of Clearview Official Plan. Members will also hear a delegation requesting that intimate partner violence be declared an epidemic, receive reports on long-term care grants, and discuss a proposed private golf range at a closed landfill. Several items are consent. A closed session is scheduled for confidential land acquisitions.

• Approval of Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan with modifications and a non-decision on ELM Lands (Blocks 64, 68, 83, Plan 51M-1158)
• Approval of Township of Clearview Official Plan non-decision regarding 2051 population/employment growth horizon
• Delegation from CFUW Orillia requesting declaration of intimate partner violence as an epidemic
• 2025-2026 EASE Grant for Simcoe County Bench Seating Program in long-term care homes
• Proposed private golf range at County Waste Site 33 (Closed Collingwood Incinerator Landfill)

Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board

The Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board will consider several items including receiving the 2025 fourth quarter report, approving the notice for the Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2026, adopting recommendations on the Affordable Housing Lease Up Process, and entering into a funding agreement for electric vehicle charging stations at 100 Miller Park in Bradford. The board will also discuss a confidential transfer of assets report in closed session.

• Receive 2025 Fourth Quarter Report on operational and financial performance
• Notice of Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2026, to elect directors, appoint auditors (Baker Tilly KDN LLP), and approve 2025 draft audited financial statements
• Approve recommendations on Simcoe County Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Lease Up Process
• Approve funding agreement with Ontario Centre of Innovation for ChargeON program to install EV charging stations at 100 Miller Park, Bradford
• Confidential consideration of a transfer of assets report

Council

Council will consider a proposal to reduce residential development charge rates by 30% to 50% from March 2026 levels for three years, applying across all residential types and geographic areas. Two by-laws are also up for enactment: one delegating authority to the CAO for post-election administrative actions, and another authorizing agreements under the Housing Opportunities Fund. Other items include routine approvals of previous minutes, committee reports, and proclamations.

• Development Charge Reduction Program proposing 30-50% reduction in residential development charge rates for three years (Item 11.1, CO 2026-193)
• By-law 7186-26 delegating authority to CAO for actions under Section 275(3) of Municipal Act after Nomination Day and before new Council sworn in
• By-law 7187-26 authorizing Warden and County Clerk to enter agreements for Housing Opportunities Fund allocations
• Adoption of May 26, 2026 Council minutes and Committee of the Whole reports
• Proclamations for International Archives Day (June 9) and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15)

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

The committee will consider endorsing final deliverables for a Community Planning Permit System template project, which aims to streamline development approvals for affordable housing. They will also receive a presentation on Bridge Housing from Homelessness Services and discuss a regional Encampment Communications Portal. The endorsement would allow distribution of templates to local municipalities for implementation.

• Endorsement of Community Planning Permit By-law Template, Official Plan Amendment Template, and Implementation Guide (AHA 2026-150)
• Presentation on Bridge Housing Update by Kate Hunter, Manager, Homelessness Services
• Regional Rollout of Encampment Communications Portal (AHA 2026-168)
• Terms of Reference for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
• No dollar amounts or specific project addresses mentioned in agenda

Council

This meeting is largely procedural, focused on approving previous council minutes and committee reports. Council will also receive communications and proclamations for Museum Month, National AccessAbility Week, and Pride Month, and enact a confirmatory by-law.

• Adoption of minutes from May 12, 2026 council and committee meetings
• Approval of Performance Management, Human Services, and Corporate Services committee reports from May 12
• Proclamation of May 2026 as Museum Month
• Proclamation of May 31–June 6, 2026 as National AccessAbility Week
• Proclamation of June 2026 as Pride Month

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider approving up to $1.9 million from the social housing reserve for affordable rental housing development via a 2026 Request for Proposals. They will also receive an update on recruitment and retention for health and emergency services, and vote on recommendations from the Audit and Finance Committee and the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a confidential land acquisition for a road project.

• Proposal to allocate $1.9 million from social housing reserve for affordable rental housing through a 2026 RFP
• Update on 2025 recruitment and retention efforts for health and emergency services, including 23 nurses hired via the CCPN program
• Approval of recommendations from the Audit and Finance Committee (May 19, 2026)
• Approval of Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee recommendations, with exceptions for four municipalities
• Closed session to discuss land acquisition for a road project (Confidential CCW 2026-147)

Audit and Finance Committee

The Audit and Finance Committee will receive a presentation on the 2025 comparative financial analysis from Baker Tilly and consider several items including the approval of the draft audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025. They will also review the 2025 investment report, the annual statement of development charge reserve funds, and proposed changes to the 2027 budget document. Additionally, a presentation on a centralized security team for municipal partners will be given.

• Approval of draft audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025
• Receipt of 2025 Audit Committee Reporting Letter from Baker Tilly
• Receipt of 2025 Investment Report
• Receipt of Annual Statement of Development Charge Reserve Funds as of December 31, 2025
• Approval of 2027 Budget Document Changes

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee will consider and endorse draft 2026 election accessibility plans for several municipalities, including Midland, Springwater, Tay, and the municipal & school board plan. It will also receive the 2025 Annual Accessibility Status Report and approve it subject to any modifications. Additional items include a Save the Date for a June 11 Accessibility Committee Forum and a George Brown Polytechnic National AccessAbility Week educational series.

• Approval of the 2025 Annual Accessibility Status Report (Item AAC 2026-138)
• Endorsement of the Draft 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan for the Town of Midland
• Endorsement of the Draft 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan for the Township of Springwater (CS2026-09)
• Endorsement of the Draft 2026 Municipal & School Board Election Accessibility Plan for the Township of Tay (CS-2026-037)
• Save the Date for the Accessibility Advisory Committee Forum on June 11, 2026

Transit Planning Workshop - Special Council

County Council is reviewing a draft Transit Service Delivery Review presented by Dillon Consulting. The workshop focuses on a three-part strategy to expand inter-community routes, improve passenger transfers, and increase rural access.

• Proposed extension of Route 1 to Georgian College Midland Campus
• Proposed weekday and weekend service extensions for Route 2 (Wasaga Beach to Barrie) and Route 3 (Orillia to Barrie)
• Proposed removal of service to Georgian College Orillia Campus on Route 3
• Estimated cost of $390,000 in annual operating costs and $1,100,000 in capital costs per additional bus
• By-law No. 7184-26 to confirm proceedings of the special meeting

CANCELLED - Economic Development Sub-Committee