Zorra, Ontario

Regular Council

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

The Council will consider three land-use applications, including a minor variance for Tru-Willynn Dairy Ltd. The meeting includes a review of the 2025 financial statements and a request for water access for the Embro Dog Park.

• Minor Variance Application A12-26 for 743449 Road 74 (Tru-Willynn Dairy Ltd)
• Zone Change Application ZN5-26-07 for 602760 Road 60
• Official Plan and Zone Change applications for 316686 31st Line (Prychley Wood Farms Ltd)
• Report on Amrize (LaFarge) Road Closure Request for 33rd Line
• Review of Township of Zorra Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025

Embro Dog Park Committee

The Embro Dog Park Committee will vote on whether to include lighting and water infrastructure in the dog park project at Matheson Park. Staff recommend removing these amenities to keep the budget under $42,000 and avoid operational concerns. The resolution will then go to Zorra Council for review on July 15. This decision will affect the project's cost, timeline, and fundraising efforts.

• Committee to pass resolution on lighting and water options for dog park.
• Staff report recommends no lighting (cost $20,000) and no on-site water (cost $9,500), using existing canteen water and dawn-to-dusk operation.
• Resolution will be forwarded to Zorra Council on July 15, 2026.
• Total project cost without lighting/water is $39,000, within approved $41,917 budget.
• Dog park location confirmed as Matheson Park.

Regular Council

Council will vote on purchasing a new 2027 ten-ton excavator and tandem-axle float trailer, award a tender for the Pearson-Sims Drain Branch A, and consider a petition for a new branch off the North Branch of the Martin Drain. A minor variance application for 231 Washington Street, updates to development charge indexing, and a proposed Development Charge Reduction Program are also on the agenda. Correspondence includes a request from Oxford OPP for portable weighing scales and a noise by-law exemption request.

• Purchase recommendation for a 2027 Ten Ton Excavator and Tandem Axel Float Trailer (Report 2026-064)
• Petition to create a new branch off the North Branch of the Martin Drain (Report 2026-063)
• Tender award for Pearson-Sims Branch A 2026 (Report 2026-062)
• Minor Variance Application A11-26 for 231 Washington Street, Thamesford
• Development Charge Reduction Program and Statistics Canada Non-Residential Building Construction Price Index for charge indexing

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Council will adopt its agenda and hear public comments before considering two minor variance applications for properties on 15th Line. Council members will vote on several by-law items, including amendments to the Alternative Voting Methods and Fire Chief Appointment bylaws, a repeal of the Drainage Maintenance bylaw, and a zone change for McIntosh (ZN5-26-04). Awards for Senior of the Year and Volunteer of the Year will be presented, and reports from the Tax Collector and Chief Administrative Officer will be received for information.

• Minor Variance Application A09-26 for West Part Lot 3, Concession 10 (155150 15th Line) submitted by Kyle Gledhill and Alisha Koot
• Minor Variance Application A10-26 for Part Lot 3, Concession 9 (155167 and 155169 15th Line) submitted by Betty Semeniuk
• By-law amendment 32-26 to amend the Alternative Voting Methods By-law
• By-law amendment 35-26 for Zone Change McIntosh ZN5-26-04
• By-law repeal 34-26 of the Drainage Maintenance By-law (and related Drainage Works Repairs and Maintenance Collection By-law)

SPECIAL meeting - Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is discussing an RFP update and finalizing the project scope, deciding between acrylic surfacing or adding two more pickleball courts. This follows a prior decision to reduce dedicated pickleball courts to two and seek provisional pricing for both options.

• RFP Update and Scope Finalization - acrylic surfacing vs. additional court(s) (Report 2025-127)

Embro Dog Park Committee

The Embro Dog Park Committee will discuss and potentially decide on a staff recommendation to remove lighting and on-site water infrastructure from the Matheson Park dog park project to save costs and expedite fundraising. They will also review an updated budget and a fundraising update. The location at Matheson Park was already endorsed by council on May 6, 2026.

• Staff report 2026-052 recommends removing lighting (one $10,000 light post and four $2,500 pathway lights) and a 120-metre water line extension from the project scope
• Committee to set a fundraising goal based on revised budget
• Fundraising update from the committee
• Site location evaluation results (Matheson Park chosen over Embro-Zorra Community Centre) presented as information
• Potential $10,000–$20,000 cost for an accessible path to meet AODA standards, possibly using savings from removed amenities

Regular Council

The council will hold public meetings for a drain court of revision and a minor variance application, hear a museum update, and consider reports on Q1 building/drainage activities and lame-duck provisions for the 2026 municipal election. By-laws up for vote include a zone change for Van Dam (ZN5-26-02) and amendments to the fees by-law (11-09). A notice of motion on the property assessment cycle will also be discussed.

• Court of Revision for Pearson-Sims Drain Branch A 2026
• Minor variance application A08-26 for 643542 Road 64 Line
• Delegation: Beachville Museum update from curator Sydney Williams
• By-law 29-26: Zone change ZN5-26-02 for Van Dam
• By-law 30-26: Fees amendments to By-law 11-09

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Council will discuss the 2026 Final Tax Levy By-law and review several zone change and minor variance applications. The meeting also includes reports on the Embro Dog Park location and tender results for a recreation storage shed.

• Final Tax Levy By-law 2026 (By-law 21-26)
• Zone Change Applications for 194488 19th Line, 984048 Perth-Oxford Road, and 316829 31st Line
• Minor Variance Application A07-26 for 166 Argyle Street, Embro
• Drainage Works Repairs and Maintenance Collection By-law 24-26
• Evaluation results for the Embro Dog Park location

Embro Dog Park Committee

The Embro Dog Park Committee will meet at Matheson Park to review and evaluate two proposed dog park locations: Matheson Park and the Embro-Zorra Community Centre. The committee will also discuss donor recognition and complete a site selection evaluation using a scoring worksheet. No public delegations or question period items are listed.

• Committee to evaluate Matheson Park and Embro-Zorra Community Centre as dog park sites during a site visit.
• Review of a Donor Recognition report to acknowledge contributors.
• Use of a Site Location Evaluation worksheet with criteria such as accessibility, size, noise, amenities, and constructability.
• Agenda includes adoption of minutes from the March 19, 2026 meeting.
• No public delegations or business arising from previous minutes.

Regular Council

The Zorra Township Council will review a provisional by‑law for the Pearson‑Sims Drain Branch A 2026 project. It will also hear two minor variance applications: A06-25 from Dimmers Farms Ltd. for Lot 4 & 5 on Road 62, and A06-26 from Steele Hall Farm Inc. for East ½ Lot 9 on 19th Line. Additional items include a report on purchasing a new columbarium at Ingersoll Rural Cemetery and the 2025 Development Charges Reserve Fund annual report.

• Minor variance A06-25 – Dimmers Farms Ltd. – lands at 623247 Road 62, Concession 3 (North Oxford)
• Minor variance A06-26 – Steele Hall Farm Inc. – lands at 195541 19th Line, Concession 10 (East Nissouri)
• Provisional By‑law 18‑26 – Pearson‑Sims Drain Branch A 2026
• Report 2026‑036 – Purchase of a new columbarium at Ingersoll Rural Cemetery
• Report 2026‑037 – 2025 Development Charges Reserve Fund Annual Report

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Council will consider several land‑use applications, including two minor variance requests for Dairydale Farms Ltd. and Van Westerop Farms Ltd. An Official Plan amendment submitted by John and Susanne Langlois will also be reviewed. The agenda includes a proposed amendment to the Federal Drain Provisional By‑law, a zone change for the Ehgoetz property, and a confirmatory by‑law.

• Minor Variance A04-26 – Dairydale Farms Ltd., 376135 37th Line (West Zorra)
• Minor Variance A05-26 – Van Westerop Farms Ltd., 156938 15th Line (East Nissouri)
• Official Plan Amendment OP25-17-5 – John and Susanne Langlois, 375653 37th Line (West Zorra)
• By‑law 15-26 – amendment to the Federal Drain Provisional By‑law
• By‑law 16-26 – zone change for Ehgoetz (ZN5-26-01)

Embro Dog Park Committee

At the March 19 meeting the Embro Dog Park Committee will consider a recommendation to adopt evaluation criteria for selecting a dog‑park location. The committee is asked to endorse the criteria and to use the April 23 meeting to assess the two proposed sites – Matheson Park and the Embro Community Centre – and to gather cost information for the final location. Earlier items include approval to purchase 24 shirts at up to $20 each for fundraising, and discussion of fundraising ideas and volunteer tracking.

• Endorse evaluation criteria for Embro Dog Park site selection (Matheson Park and Embro Community Centre) – Report 2026‑029
• Plan to complete site evaluations at the April 23 meeting and gather cost data for the final location
• Approve purchase of 24 shirts with a maximum price of $20.00 each for fundraising
• Fundraising roundtable discussion of potential fundraiser options and donors
• Volunteer management: committee member to collect volunteer names, emails, and phone numbers

Regular Council

Council will hold public meetings to discuss three minor variance applications and one zone change application. The body will also review correspondence regarding the Safe and Well Oxford Plan and the Roulston Drain Court of Revision.

• Minor Variance A01-26: 416674 41st Line (Wesley Donker)
• Minor Variance A02-26: 663805 Road 66 (2192528 Ontario Inc.)
• Minor Variance A03-26: 255104 25th Line (1000235700 Ontario Inc.)
• Zone Change ZN5-26-02: 297131 29th Line (Hermannus and Driesje Van Dam)
• Proposed Amendment to Safe and Well Oxford Plan 2026-2030

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Council will review two zone change applications submitted by Randy Barber and by Ryan and Christie Eghoetz. It will also consider by‑law items for zone changes ZN5‑24‑10 and ZN5‑25‑16, as well as a confirmatory by‑law. Reports on a new 2027 tandem‑axle plow truck, fire and emergency services, and council remuneration will be presented.

• Zone Change Application ZN 5-25-16 submitted by Randy Barber for lots 1‑2, 11‑13, etc. (municipally known as 434932 43rd Line)
• Zone Change Application ZN 5-26-01 submitted by Ryan and Christie Eghoetz for Pt. Lot 33, Concession 13 (municipally known as 257010 25th Line)
• Report 2026-025 on financial strategy for purchase of a new 2027 Tandem Axel Combination Plow Truck
• Report 2026-019 on 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year‑End Fire and Emergency Services
• Confirmatory By‑law 13-26 (March 4 Confirmatory) to be adopted

Embro Dog Park Committee

The Embro Dog Park Committee will hold a Fundraising Roundtable, review Volunteer Management, and discuss merchandise related to the dog park project. An information item will present the Embro Dog Park Donation Form, which outlines donation amounts and sponsorship levels. No formal decisions are recorded for this meeting.

• Fundraising Roundtable (discussion)
• Volunteer Management (discussion)
• Merchandise Discussion (discussion)
• Donation Form presented (information item)
• Sponsorship levels: Platinum $5,000+, Gold $1,000+, Silver $500+, Bronze $100+

Regular Council

The council will review Minor Variance Application A19-25 submitted by Prychley Wood Farms Ltd. for lands described as Lot 27 & Part Lot 28 (municipally known as 316632 Line). It will also hear a Zone Change Application ZN 5-25-14 submitted by Mike Hishon for 984048 Perth-Oxford Road. Additional items include a report on a Shared Fire Service and Leadership Model and amendments to Zoning By‑law 35‑99 (ARU amendments).

• Minor Variance Application A19-25 – Prychley Wood Farms Ltd., Lot 27 & Part Lot 28, 316632 Line
• Zone Change Application ZN 5-25-14 – Mike Hishon, 984048 Perth‑Oxford Road
• Report 2026-016: Shared Fire Service and Leadership Model
• 08‑26 amendment to Zoning By‑law 35‑99 – ARU amendments
• Delegation for Robert Hogg – Severance Condition

Regular Council

The Zorra Township Council meeting will adopt its agenda, review minutes from the January 22 meeting, and hear public comments. Items include a minor variance application (A20-25) for 221 McCarty Street to increase accessory‑structure height, a notice of motion proposing a new property tax class, and several by‑law approvals. The council will also receive reports on drainage, financial results, and a draft budget presentation from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

• Minor Variance Application A20-25 for 221 McCarty Street (height increase request)
• Notice of Motion proposing a new property tax class (moved by Deputy Mayor Grigg)
• By‑law approvals: Quinn Drain, Abandon McLellan Drain 1963, Abandon Manzer McLellan Drain, Borrowing By‑law, Interim Collection of Taxes By‑law
• Request for extension of Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision SB18-09-5 (Mimadala Holdings – Thames Spring West)
• UTRCA 2026 Draft Budget presentation by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Embro Dog Park Committee

The Embro Dog Park Committee reviewed its orientation presentation, fundraising procedures, and social‑media policy. It will decide whether to adopt the proposed four‑month meeting schedule for February 19, March 19, April 23 and May 21 2026. The committee may also consider alternative scheduling options such as a full‑year schedule or scheduling meetings one at a time.

• Adopt proposed meeting dates: Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 23, May 21 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
• Review fundraising plan covering donations, in‑kind gifts, grants and gifts
• Discuss social‑media policy for promoting fundraising and project updates
• Examine Terms of Reference duties including site selection and construction input
• Clarify donation handling: tax receipts for amounts over $20 and approval process

Regular Council

The Zorra Township Council meeting will review delegation presentations on road safety, a reading circle request, and a permanent closure of part of 33rd Line Road. Staff reports on drainage engineer appointments and drain abandonments will be discussed. The council will consider a series of by-law items covering drain cost allocations, drain abandonments, a borrowing by-law, and an interim tax collection by-law.

• Amrize 33rd Line Road Closure – permanent closing and purchase of a portion of 33rd Line Road
• Borrowing By-law – proposed borrowing authority for the township
• Abandon McLellan Drain 1963 – by-law to abandon the 1963 municipal drain
• Abandon Manzer McLellan Drain – by-law to abandon the Manzer McLellan municipal drain
• Interim Collection of Taxes By-law – by-law for interim tax collection