Smooth Rock Falls public meetings in 2025
35 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
The Special Council will vote to accept the 2026 operational budget 2nd draft as presented and instruct the CAO‑Treasurer to prepare a 3rd draft. The budget includes an 11% capped increase for the Ontario Provincial Police billing, raising costs by $30,107. Several capital projects are outlined, such as a $60,000 Town Hall entrance upgrade and a $13,191 server replacement. Additional items for council direction include a $15,120 snow‑bucket for the backhoe and a $198,200 multi‑use court project.
- OPP 2026 billing increase capped at 11%, adding $30,107 ($273,700 2025 → $303,804 2026)
- Town Hall front entrance reconfiguration estimated at $60,000
- Purchase of a new server for $13,191
- Snow bucket for backhoe quoted at $15,120
- Multi‑use court project total $198,200 (town contribution $19,820)
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council will consider several resolutions, including the adoption of the Water and Wastewater Financial Plan for 2025‑2035. The council will also receive support requests for Chad's Law on safer passing and for safety and connectivity improvements on northern highways. By‑laws authorizing temporary borrowing for 2026 and updating user fees and service charges for 2026 will be voted on. Presentations on the 2025 Asset Management Plan and the Water and Wastewater Financial Plan will be provided for information.
- Adoption of Water and Wastewater Financial Plan 2025‑2035 (Resolution 11.3)
- Request for Support – Chad's Law (Enforcing Safer Passing) (Resolution 11.1)
- Request for Support – Safety and Connectivity Improvements on Northern Highways (Resolution 11.2)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑90 – 2026 Temporary Borrowing (Resolution 12.1)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑88 – 2026 Fees and Charges By‑Law (Resolution 12.4)
Regular Council
The council approved the termination of the shared Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) agreement with the Township of Fauquier‑Strickland, effective January 1 2026. Council also authorized the payment of a $5,000 invoice to the James Bay East OPP Detachment Board while directing further review of cost‑sharing models. The meeting also included second and third readings of several by‑laws and discussion of enhanced winter maintenance service levels and budget updates.
- Terminate Shared Services Agreement for alternate CEMC coverage with Fauquier‑Strickland (effective Jan 1 2026)
- Approve payment of $5,000 to James Bay East OPP Detachment Board and request weighted assessment model review
- By‑Law No. 2025‑84 – Equipment Rental Policy – second and third reading passed
- By‑Law No. 2025‑86 – Voting Method for the 2026 Municipal Election – second and third reading passed
- Proposed Enhanced Winter Maintenance Service Levels (business arising from minutes)
Special Council
Council is reviewing the first draft of the 2026 Operational Budget and Capital Plan. The meeting focuses on aligning taxation and water/sewer rates with a projected 2% inflation increase and determining direction for a second draft.
- Proposed $40,000 Town cost for Town Hall front office entrance reconfiguration for AODA compliance
- Proposed $13,191 for a new primary on-premises server
- Proposed $10,000 for replacement chairs and tables in the Curling Lounge and Arena Canteen
- Proposed $15,120 for a backhoe snow bucket
- Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allocation of $937,200 for 2026
Regular Council
Council is reviewing whether to demolish or sell town-owned property at Junction Road and Eighth Avenue following repeated vandalism. The meeting also includes the adoption of several accessibility policies and a discussion on 2026 election voting methods.
- Proposed demolition of seasonal buildings at Junction Road & Eighth Avenue (est. $1,000 + HST for equipment rental)
- Proposed severance and sale of property at Junction Road & Eighth Avenue
- By-Law No. 2025-80: Accessible Customer Service Policy
- By-Law No. 2025-81: Accessibility Policy
- By-Law No. 2025-82: Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council will meet to discuss the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks and highways, confirm the appointment of building officials, and review the results of a request for expressions of interest regarding residential housing development.
- By-Law No. 2025-72: Removal of Snow and Ice from Sidewalks and Highways
- By-Law No. 2025-77: Appointment of Building Official and Inspectors
- Results for Residential Housing Development Opportunities (EOI 2025-02)
- OPP Detachment Board - 2025 Invoice and Costing Model Analysis
- Shared Services Agreement – Alternate CEMC Coverage for Fauquier-Strickland
Regular Council
The Smooth Rock Falls Council will consider several by‑law motions, including a lease agreement with the Curling Club, a new Water Use By‑law, and a Memorandum of Understanding for planning and consulting on attainable senior housing. It will also award the municipal audit services contract (RFP 2025‑05) and discuss grant and property purchase‑sale extensions. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of the agenda, adoption of minutes, and reports from committees.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑75 – MOU Planning & Consulting for Attainable Senior Housing
- By‑Law No. 2025‑74 – Lease Agreement with the Smooth Rock Falls Curling Club
- By‑Law No. 2025‑70 – Water Use By‑law
- Award of Contract – RFP 2025‑05 Municipal Audit Services
- Round 3 of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Special Council
The Special Council will conduct standard procedural business, including a land acknowledgement of the Cree, Ojibway and Oji-Cree. Members will declare any pecuniary interests and approve the agenda. The council will move into a closed session under Section 239(2)(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001, then reconvene to report before adjourning.
- Land acknowledgement of the Cree, Ojibway and Oji-Cree
- Declaration of pecuniary interest by council members
- Approval of the meeting agenda
- Closed session under Section 239(2)(i) of the Municipal Act, 2001
- Reconvene and report from the closed session
Regular Council
The Smooth Rock Falls Town Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive several reports, and consider a series of resolutions and by‑law updates. Key decisions include approving an automated flushing system for a dead‑end watermain at an estimated cost of $20,000‑$25,000, a $43,325.44 fire‑protection grant for firefighter suits, and a new advertising fee structure for Community TV at the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre. The council will also direct staff to issue an RFQ for streetlights at the Industrial Park and renew the lease for the town’s curling club.
- Approve installation of one automated flushing unit (estimated $20,000‑$25,000) and budget a second unit for 2026
- Approve $43,325.44 Year 2 Fire Protection Grant for 14 firefighter protective suits
- Adopt advertising fee structure for Community TV at the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre
- Direct staff to issue an RFQ and plan streetlight installation at the Industrial Park
- Renew lease agreement for the Smooth Rock Falls Curling Club
Planning Board
The Planning Board is meeting to review and adopt the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. This adoption is required for annual reporting to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding planning work for unincorporated townships.
- Adoption of 2024 Financial Statements prepared by KPMG
- 2024 actual expenses: $12,773 for salaries and wages and $9,028 for professional fees
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a minor variance application for 71 Fifth St. The applicant seeks to increase lot coverage to allow for the construction of a permanent accessory garage.
- Minor Variance Application MV2025-03 for 71 Fifth St to increase accessory building lot coverage from 20% to 36%
- Minor Variance Application MV2025-03 for 71 Fifth St to increase total lot coverage from 40% to 46%
Regular Council
The council approved a $1,775,203.98 (plus HST) application to the Ministry of Transportation’s Connecting Links Program for road and drainage repairs on a 3.2 km segment of Highway 634, with a municipal contribution of $177,520.40 (plus HST). It also adopted several by‑laws, including a revised personal electronic devices policy, a street‑naming policy, a video‑surveillance policy, and the appointment of a lottery licensing officer. The council amended By‑law 2025‑52 to update administrative fees and roll‑off box disposal units, and passed a resolution supporting the H.E.R. Elect Respect campaign.
- Approve Connecting Links Program application for 3.2 km Highway 634 road & drainage repairs – total cost $1,775,203.98 + HST; municipal share $177,520.40 + HST
- Adopt By‑law 2025‑59 – revised Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy
- Adopt By‑law 2025‑63 – appoint Lottery Licensing Officer and regulate municipal lottery licenses
- Amend By‑law 2025‑52 (Schedules A & F) to add AMPS administrative fees and change roll‑off box disposal unit to per cubic yard
- Adopt By‑law 2025‑66 – Video Surveillance Policy for the town
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider Minor Variance Application MV2025-02 for 60 Eighth Avenue Crescent. The application seeks to reduce the interior side‑yard setback from 1.5 m to 0.6 m to permit an extension to an accessory garage. The Committee is recommended to approve the variance, finding it meets the four tests under the Planning Act. The meeting also includes routine items such as roll call, agenda and minutes approval.
- Minor Variance Application MV2025-02 – 60 Eighth Ave Crescent – interior side‑yard setback reduction to 0.6 m for garage extension
- Public hearing on the Minor Variance Application
- Approval of agenda
- Approval of minutes
- Roll call and declaration of pecuniary interest
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls will discuss potential policies for renting small equipment to residents and the use of land behind the Community Centre. Council is also deciding on several new by-laws regarding street naming, video surveillance, and lottery licensing.
- Amendment to By-Law 2025-52 regarding User Fees & Charges
- By-Law No. 2025-64: Adoption of Street Naming Policy
- By-Law No. 2025-66: Adoption of Video Surveillance Policy
- By-Law No. 2025-62: Assumption of Road within the Industrial Park
- By-Law No. 2025-65: Agreement with Voyent Alert!
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council will consider adopting two revised policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices and donations. The meeting also includes the award of contracts for an official plan review and a resident communication system.
- Adoption of By-Law No. 2025-59: Revised 'Use of Personal Electronic Devices' Policy
- Adoption of By-Law No. 2025-60: Revised Donation Policy
- Award of Contract – RFP 2025-03 Official Plan Review and Update
- Award of Contract – RFP-04 Resident Communication and Notification System
- Consideration of an Encroachment Agreement with MTO for Beautification of Highway 11 Corridor
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council approved a series of by‑laws establishing an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) and related officer appointments. It also adopted by‑laws for property standards, clean yards, and a municipal facility rental policy. In addition, the Council passed a resolution supporting the Northern Highways 11 and 17 Safety Act, 2025. All adopted by‑laws are now in full force and effect.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑47 – establishes the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑48 – appoints a Screening Officer for AMPS reviews
- By‑Law No. 2025‑49 – appoints a Hearing Officer for AMPS reviews
- By‑Law No. 2025‑55 – creates a Property Standards By‑law
- Resolution supporting the Northern Highways 11 and 17 Safety Act, 2025
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls is meeting to discuss 2025 budgeted project updates and economic reconciliation. Council will consider several new by-laws regarding municipal penalties, property standards, and facility rentals.
- By-law No. 2025-55: Property Standards By-law
- By-law No. 2025-56: Clean Yards By-law
- By-law No. 2025-51: Municipal Facility Rental Policy
- By-law No. 2025-47, 2025-50: Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
- By-law No. 2025-54: Agreement with Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for Human-Black Bear Conflict Management
Regular Council
The Regular Council of Smooth Rock Falls will adopt several by‑laws, including the Water and Wastewater Rebate Policy. The meeting also includes a land acknowledgement, adoption of minutes, and reports on operational costs, speed enforcement, and municipal property sales. Council will consider fee changes and the establishment of a cemetery committee. No other decisions are noted beyond the listed agenda items.
- By‑Law No. 2025-42 – Water and Wastewater Rebate Policy (third and final reading)
- By‑Law No. 2025-45 – Establish the Cemetery and Community Spaces Committee
- By‑Law No. 2025-40 – Salary Increases Policy (third and final reading)
- By‑Law No. 2025-41 – Agreement of Purchase and Sale for 251 Highway 11
- By‑Law No. 2025-52 – 2025 Fees and User Charges By‑law
Special Council
The Special Council will vote on By‑Law No. 2025‑41, which authorizes the Town of Smooth Rock Falls to sell the municipally owned parcel at 251 Highway 11 to 1792318 Ontario Inc. (operating as R.J. Construction) for a total purchase price of $96,000. The by‑law follows Resolution No. 2025‑176 passed on May 27, 2025 that directed administration to proceed with an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, land acknowledgement, declaration of pecuniary interest, approval of the agenda, and adjournment.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑41 authorizes sale of 251 Highway 11
- Purchase price set at $96,000
- Deposit of $19,200 to be held in trust
- Completion date scheduled for June 16, 2025
- Reference to Resolution No. 2025‑176 approving the sale
Regular Council
The Smooth Rock Falls Council will consider several by‑law readings, including a property tax rebate policy, a salary increases policy, and a water & wastewater rebate policy. A contract for the Industrial Park Phase 3 construction (North End Road Project) with Veilleneuve will be reviewed and voted on. The council will also direct staff to prepare and release an Expression of Interest for the senior housing project.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑44 – Industrial Park Phase 3 Construction Agreement (contract with Veilleneuve – North End Road Project)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑39 – Property Tax Rebate Policy (first and second reading)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑40 – Salary Increases Policy (first and second reading)
- By‑Law No. 2025‑42 – Water & Wastewater Rebate Policy (first and second reading)
- Senior Housing Project – preparation and public release of an Expression of Interest
Special Council
The Special Council will convene to conduct a closed session regarding educational and training sessions under the Municipal Act. The meeting will include a land acknowledgement and standard procedural items.
- Closed session for educational and training sessions
- Land acknowledgement for Cree, Ojibway, and Oji-Cree traditional land
- Standard procedural items (roll call, agenda approval, adjournment)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a minor variance application for 27 Dupont Street. The applicants, Shannon and Trevor Piper, are seeking to build an accessory garage that exceeds the maximum permitted height.
- Minor Variance Application MV2025-01 for 27 Dupont Street
- Proposed building height of 6.1 metres (20 feet), exceeding the 5.5 metre (18 feet) limit
- Proposed demolition of an existing shed to build a 1,200 square foot garage
Regular Council
The council approved the first reading of two new by‑laws to adopt a Council‑Staff Relations Policy and a Council Code of Conduct. It directed staff to submit an expression of interest to acquire the surplus former OPP site at 5 Sixth Avenue West. Additional items included a resolution on winter road and sidewalk maintenance and the receipt of several reports and updates.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑35 – first reading to adopt a Council‑Staff Relations Policy
- By‑Law No. 2025‑34 – first reading to adopt a Council Code of Conduct
- Expression of Interest for surplus property at 5 Sixth Avenue West (former OPP detachment)
- Resolution on winter road and sidewalk maintenance policy enhancements
- RFP 2025‑01 results for 251 Highway 11 Industrial Lot – next steps directed
Regular Council
The council will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, consider several by‑laws authorizing funding agreements with FedNor, the province and the Canada Summer Jobs program, and proclaim Mental Health Week. It will adopt a resolution opposing the province’s expansion of strong mayor powers. A closed‑session will address a due‑diligence report on the disposition of the property at 251 Highway 11.
- Resolution No. 2025-135: Council opposes Ontario's strong mayor powers expansion
- By‑Law No. 2025-29: Amend Agreement No. 5 with FedNor for Project No. 513452 funding
- By‑Law No. 2025-30: Authorize Transfer Payment Agreement for Fire Protection Grant
- By‑Law No. 2025-31: Authorize Agreement for Canada Summer Jobs Program funding
- Closed‑session: Review due‑diligence findings on disposition of property at 251 Highway 11
Regular Council
The Regular Council meeting will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive reports from committees, and consider several by‑law motions. Council will approve a Canada Day fireworks display at the town baseball field and appoint members to the Volunteer Recognition Committee. A closed session will be held to discuss confidential matters.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑26 authorizes a winter maintenance agreement for Highway 634
- By‑Law No. 2025‑30 approves a fire protection grant
- By‑Law No. 2025‑32 creates a lease agreement for the SRF Golf Club
- Approval of Bear‑Power fireworks display at the baseball field on July 1, 2025, with $5 million liability insurance
- Appointment of Mayor Patrick Roberts and Councillor Angèle Rochon to the Volunteer Recognition Committee for 2025
Regular Council
The Regular Council meeting will adopt the 2025 final tax rates and tax ratios, and approve several by‑laws including an extension agreement with NOHFC and the appointment of a Community Emergency Management Coordinator. It will also receive the municipal budget presentation and various performance reports, and consider resolutions supporting other municipalities and a carbon‑tax opposition. Additional items include a fireworks display request for Canada Day and appointments to committees.
- By‑law #2025-16: adoption of 2025 final tax rates and current estimates
- By‑law #2025-17: adoption of 2025 tax ratios and rate reductions
- By‑law #2025-18: appointment of a Community Emergency Management Coordinator
- By‑law #2025-22: extension agreement with NOHFC
- Resolution supporting City of Sarnia’s opposition to the 20% federal carbon tax increase
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council will consider the 2025 final tax rates and tax ratios. The body will also review reports on water and wastewater systems, accessibility, and municipal property acquisition.
- By-law #2025-16: 2025 Final Tax Rates and Current Estimates Approval
- By-law #2025-17: 2025 Tax Ratios
- By-Law No. 2025-18: Appointment of a Community Emergency Management Coordinator
- Municipal Property Acquisition and Sale Program report
- Drinking Water Systems 2024 Annual Compliance and Summary Report
Special Council
The Council will meet for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to enter a closed session to discuss labour relations and employee negotiations.
- Closed session under Section 239(2)(d) of the Municipal Act, 2001 regarding labour relations and employee negotiations
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive reports on an OTF capital grant for a multi‑use court and a volunteer recognition event, and consider several resolutions. Key decisions include a request for support to the Township of McGarry on building‑code amendments and approval of a non‑competitive procurement for the Industrial Park’s North End Road Development Project. The meeting also includes discussion of community events and a closed‑session on labour relations.
- Approval of non‑competitive procurement for the Industrial Park’s North End Road Development Project
- Request for support to the Township of McGarry for amendments to the Building Code
- By‑Law No. 2025-15; Confirmatory By‑law
- Winter Carnival Street Closure Request
- Light Up for TB – World Tuberculosis Day 2025 event
Special Council
Council will discuss the 4th draft of the 2025 budget and provide direction to the CAO-Treasurer for the final version. The meeting also includes a review of 2025 water and sewer rates and charges.
- By-Law #2025-13 regarding 2025 Water and Sewer Rates and Charges
- Proposed $97,940 increase for water and wastewater treatment plant chemical costs and sludge removal
- Proposed $676,000 for the Near North Industrial Park North end road project
- Proposed $206,220 for sewer connections for 10 lots on 8th Crescent
- Proposed $198,200 for a multi-use recreation court
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls council approved several by-laws, including the 2025 User Fees by-law. It also repealed outdated by-laws, adopted a policy recognizing volunteer firefighters, and passed resolutions supporting regional rail expansion and a fire‑service cost‑recovery agreement. These actions set fee structures and service policies for residents.
- By‑Law No. 2025‑08 – Adoption of 2025 User Fees
- By‑Law No. 2025‑09 – Repeal of various outdated by‑laws
- By‑Law No. 2025‑07 – Recognition of Volunteer Firefighters Policy
- Resolution 2025‑35 – Support for extending Ontario Northland passenger rail service
- Resolution 2025‑42 – Agreement with Fire Marque Inc. for cost‑recovery services
Regular Council
The Regular Council meeting will vote on several support resolutions, including a request for the town to back the extension of Ontario Northland passenger rail service and amendments to the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024. It will also adopt by‑laws to repeal outdated regulations, recognize volunteer firefighters, and set 2025 user fees. Additional business includes a cost‑recovery agreement with Fire Marque, a proposal to combine the Cemetery and Beautification Committee, and a closed‑session discussion of a pending land acquisition.
- Request for Support – Extension of Ontario Northland Passenger Rail Service
- Request for Support – Proposed Amendments to the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024
- By‑Law No. 2025‑09 to repeal various outdated by‑laws
- By‑Law No. 2025‑07 to adopt a Recognition of Volunteer Firefighters Policy
- Agreement with Fire Marque for Cost Recovery Services
Special Council
The Special Council meeting will include a closed session to discuss a proposed land acquisition or disposition. The session is authorized under the Municipal Act, 2001, and will reconvene as a public meeting afterward.
- Closed session to discuss proposed land acquisition or disposition
- Reconvene public meeting after closed session
- Approval of agenda
- Roll call and land acknowledgement
Special Council
Council will review the third draft of the 2025 budget and provide direction for the final version. The meeting also includes an update on the Industrial Park Project and a proposal for a volunteer firefighter recognition policy.
- 2025 Budget 3rd Draft: includes a proposed 0.42% taxation increase to balance a $11,766 deficit
- By-Law No. 2025-07: Adopt a Recognition of Volunteer Firefighters Policy
- Industrial Park Project update presentation by JL Richards
- Proposed capital expenditures: $18,157 for a new columbarium and $16,000 for a zero turn lawn mower
- Proposed $206,220 for sewer connections for 5 lots on 8th Crescent
Regular Council
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls will discuss several new by-laws including an interim levy and temporary borrowings. Council will also consider declaring 251 Highway 11 as surplus and review a cost-reduction presentation from Schooley Mitchell.
- By-Law No. 2025-01: Interim Levy
- By-Law No. 2025-02: Temporary Borrowings
- Discussion on declaring 251 Highway 11 as surplus
- By-Law No. 2025-03 and 2025-04: Drainage Easement Agreements with Tembec Industries Inc.
- By-Law No. 2025-06: Fire Protection Grant agreement