Zorra public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
The Council will discuss the 2024 Budget and proposed increases to building permit fees based on the Consumer Price Index. The meeting includes public hearings for two minor variance applications and reviews of general administration fees.
- Minor Variance Application A12-23: 962911 Road 96
- Minor Variance Application A13-23: 154760 15th Line
- Report 2023-157: Building Permit fee increases
- By-law 59-23: Adoption of 2024 Estimates for Revenues and Expenditures
- By-law 58-23: Amendment to 11-09 Fees By-law
Regular Council
Council will discuss the 2024 Budget and a 2024 Wage By-law. The meeting includes public hearings for one minor variance and three zone change applications, as well as presentations on electricity procurement and environmental policies.
- 2024 Budget (Report 2023-160)
- 54-23 2024 Wage By-law
- Minor Variance A11-23 for 643501 Road 64
- Zone Change ZN5-23-10 for 133-135 Commissioner Street
- Zone Change ZN5-23-11 for 436329 43rd Line
Regular Council
Council will review the 2024 operating and draft capital budgets and a draft 2023-2026 strategic plan. The meeting includes discussions on recreation facility fees, insurance for rentals, and a minor variance application.
- 2024 Operating Budget and amendments to 2024 Draft Capital Budget
- Draft 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
- RFP results for North Park Playground
- Minor Variance Application A10-23 for 415773 41st Line
- Financial summary for Zorra Maintenance Facility construction
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline for multi-use courts in Thamesford and discuss fundraising efforts. The body will also consider the proposed 2024 meeting schedule.
- Report 2023-132 regarding the ZMCC 2024 Meeting Schedule
- Christmas Market Fundraiser
- Fundraising Roundtable
- Donor recognition on social media
- Project goal of $266,500 with $152,445.29 raised as of November 9, 2023
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review the 2024 draft capital budget and the calculation of the annual tax rate. The meeting includes an update from the Ontario Provincial Police and reports from fire, recreation, building, and public works departments.
- 2024 Draft Capital Budget
- Calculation of the Annual Tax Rate
- 2024 Pay Administration Policy salary grid adjustment
- Update from Tony Hymers, Ontario Provincial Police
- Conservation Authority Service Agreements from Oxford County
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss updates to the Zorra Municipal Centre Project and a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Thames Valley District School Board. The meeting also includes a public hearing for a minor variance application.
- Minor Variance Application A10-23 for 415773 41st Line
- Report 2023-133: Zorra Municipal Centre Project update
- Report 2023-134: Draft Memorandum of Understanding with Thames Valley District School Board
- Correspondence from Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife regarding Bill 21 Fixing Long-Term Care Amendment Act
- Oxford County Community Planning Report on Increasing Residential Density
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline and provide updates on donor meetings and a fundraising roundtable. The session will also include an update on a Halloween Pickleball event.
- Review of ZMCC Project Outline
- Update on Halloween Pickleball Event
- Donor meetings update
- Fundraising roundtable
- Current fundraising total of $149,758.30 toward a $266,500 goal
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review three land-use applications, including a request to retain a second permanent dwelling on a farm. The body will also discuss the elimination of the Vacant Unit Rebate Program and bridge culvert replacement costs.
- Minor Variance A08-23: Request to permit a second permanent dwelling at 437136 43rd Line / 984380 Perth-Oxford Road
- Minor Variance A09-23: Application for 154931 15th Line
- Zone Change ZN5-23-09: Application for 456187 45th Line
- By-law 48-23: Proposed opt-out of the vacant rebate program
- Memorandum 2023-126: Replacement costs for Bridge Culvert 0260
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review reports on increasing service levels for capital road projects and the formation of a road authority jurisdiction working group. The body will also discuss the Embro Housing Development and a proposed asset naming policy.
- Report 2023-117: Increased Service Level for Capital Road Projects
- Report 2023-118: Working group for road authority jurisdiction for civil matters
- Report 2023-113: Embro Housing Development
- Notice of Motion regarding Asset Naming Policy by Deputy Mayor Katie Grigg
- Correspondence from the Honourable Lisa Thompson regarding Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to coordinate fundraising efforts and review the preferred site location for new multi-use courts. Discussions include grant applications, donor outreach, and a planned Halloween pickleball event.
- Oxford Community Foundation Fall Granting
- Review of donor talking points and FAQs for business owners
- Planning for a Halloween Pickleball Event
- Fundraising update: $149,630.30 raised toward a $266,500 goal
- Zorra Council Resolution 24-09-2023 regarding preferred site location
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will meet to discuss the 2022 draft consolidated and trust fund financial statements. The body will also consider two minor variance applications and a proposal to close a road in Embro.
- Minor Variance Application A06-23 for 456031 45th Line
- Minor Variance Application A07-23 for 475021 47th Line
- Report 2023-114 regarding lane closure in Embro and property transfer
- Draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Thames Valley District School Board
- By-laws 43-23 and 44-23 regarding the closing and authorization of David Street Harrington
Special Council
The Township of Zorra is holding a special council meeting. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss personal matters regarding a Recreation Contract Position.
- Closed session regarding Recreation Contract Position
- Confirmatory By-law 42-23
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to review site location criteria results and discuss fundraising efforts. The body is working toward a project that includes four 60 by 120 feet sport surfaces for ball hockey, basketball, pickleball, and tennis.
- Review of preferred site location based on criteria results
- Discussion of fundraising meetings and roundtable updates
- Review of updated donation form
- Project goal of raising approximately $186,000
- Township commitment of $79,950 toward the project
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss building by-law amendments and hear several minor variance and zone change applications. The meeting also includes reviews of recreation rates, fees, and a proposal for disc golf in Thamesford.
- Public meeting regarding Building By-law amendments and fees
- Minor Variance Application A05-23 for 49 Minler Road
- Minor Variance Application A04-23 for 335743 33rd Line
- Zone Change Application ZN 5-23-08 for 231 Orchard Avenue
- Tender results for Bridge Culvert 0160
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The July 11, 2023, meeting of the Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee was cancelled. The agenda included discussions on preferred site locations, grants, and fundraising updates for the project.
- Preferred site location results
- Grant and fundraising meetings discussion
- Updated donation form
- Fundraising total of $149,589.25 raised toward a $266,500 goal as of July 6, 2023
- Township commitment of $79,950 pending remaining funds be raised
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review a minor variance application to allow a second permanent dwelling on a farm. The body will also receive monthly departmental reports and review tender results for the Quinn Drain.
- Minor Variance Application A04-23 for a second dwelling at 335743 33rd Line
- Quinn Drain 2023 Tender results (Memorandum 2023-084)
- Building by-law Amendments (Report 2023-083)
- Monthly reports from Fire, Recreation, Building & Drainage, and Public Works departments
Regular Council
Council will discuss the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and the status of surplus land at the Embro Zorra Community Centre. The meeting includes a public hearing for a minor variance at 211 Brock Street and reports on financial reserves and grant policies.
- Minor Variance Application A03-23 for 211 Brock Street, Thamesford
- Report 2023-081 regarding the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
- Report 2023-077 regarding Embro Zorra Community Centre surplus land
- Report 2023-078 regarding Community Grant Program Policy updates
- 3rd and Final Reading of By-law 20-23 Quinn Drain
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss fundraising updates and a project outline for multi-use courts. Members will conduct site evaluations at South Lions Park and the park space behind the Thamesford District Recreation Centre.
- Site evaluation of South Lions Park and space behind Thamesford District Recreation Centre
- Volleyball fundraiser update and fundraising roundtable
- Review of ZMCC Project Outline
- Discussion of site location criteria for court placement
- Estimated community fundraising goal of $186,000.00
Regular Council
The Council will review two zoning applications and one minor variance request. The meeting includes discussions on a balcony egress solution for Embro Town Hall and a transition to a producer-led Blue Box program.
- Minor Variance Application A02-23 for 49 Minler Road
- Zoning Application ZN5-23-03 for 683548 Road 68
- Zoning Application ZN5-23-07 for 435834 43rd Line
- Rating By-law 32-23
- Report 2023-071 regarding Balcony Egress Solution at the Embro Town Hall
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will meet to discuss the status of surplus lands at 35th Line and Road 78 in Embro. The meeting includes public comments and delegations regarding these lands and the banning of non-government flags. Council will also consider zoning changes and a drainage court of revision.
- Zone Change Application ZN5-23-06 for 684283 Road 68
- Minor Variance Application A01-23 for 110 Sullivan Street
- Court of Revision of Quinn Drain 2023
- Report 2023-052 on Refrigeration Capital Project Procurement Results
- Noise By-law Exemption Application for an event on July 29, 2023
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline and conduct a fundraising roundtable. The body is managing the development of multi-use courts in Thamesford, including site selection and funding.
- Fundraising update as of May 4, 2023: $12,250 donated by community and $50,000 donated by Thamesford Lions Club
- Township commitment of $79,950 pending the community raises the remaining $186,550
- Evaluation of three potential sites: park space behind TDRC (west and south of volleyball courts) and South Lions Park (west of ball diamond)
- Project scope includes four 60x120 feet surfaces for ball hockey, basketball, pickleball, and tennis
Regular Council
Council is discussing a proposed zoning by-law amendment to establish standards for Additional Residential Units (ARUs). The meeting also includes decisions on 2023 tax rates and several land-use by-laws.
- Proposed Zoning By-Law amendment ZN5-23-04 regarding Additional Residential Units
- By-law 24-23 to levy and collect taxes for the year 2023
- By-law 23-23 to close part of a lane between Concession 10 and 11
- By-law 26-23 to dedicate part of Lot 12, Concession 4 and Part of Lot 1, Plan 346 as a Public Highway
- Request from Yvonne and Bob Belore to waive parkland dedication fee
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss the establishment of a Stormwater Management Utility and associated rates. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding the Quinn Drain and a proposal to declare land at the Embro Zorra Community Centre as surplus.
- By-law 19-23 to establish a Stormwater Management Utility and rates
- Public meeting and By-law 20-23 for Quinn Drain works (Lots 7-10, Concession 10 and 11)
- Proposal to declare a block of land at Embro Zorra Community Centre as surplus
- Amendments to the Fees By-law (Report 2023-037)
- Noise By-law Exemption Application for event on June 17, 2023
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss preliminary site locations for multi-use courts and hold a fundraising roundtable. The agenda also includes planning for a Pickleball Social event scheduled for May 5, 2023.
- Discussion of preliminary site locations for multi-use courts
- Planning for May 5, 2023 Pickleball Social
- Fundraising roundtable
- Review of ZMCC Project Outline
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will review reports on municipal drainage, infrastructure reserves, and a draft storm water utility fee by-law. The meeting includes delegations regarding a local event, a Dundas Street crosswalk, and drainage orientation.
- Storm Water Utility Fee By-law development update by rw2 Engineering
- Petition for improved drainage at Part Lot 1, Concession 5 (West Zorra)
- Infrastructure Project Reserve report from the Director of Finance
- By-law 16-23 to appoint Maggie McLaughlin as Acting Legislative Coordinator/Deputy Clerk
- By-law 17-23 Graphic Image Delivery By-law
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The Zorra Multi-Use Courts Committee is meeting to discuss a pickleball event fundraiser scheduled for May 5, 2023. The meeting includes a review of Zorra Council Resolution 35-03-2023 regarding the event's status for a Special Occasion Permit.
- Pickleball event fundraiser on May 5, 2023
- Resolution 35-03-2023 designating the event as 'municipally significant' for an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Occasion Permit
Regular Council
Council will review two residential zone change applications and the closing of Argyle Street in Embro. The meeting includes reports on 2023 construction tender results, property tax arrears, and debenture options for a maintenance facility.
- Zone Change ZN 5-23-01: 336825 33rd Line (Vaianisi/Steckley)
- Zone Change ZN 5-23-02: 435834 43rd Line (Hartman/McKay)
- By-law 11-23: Closing of Argyle Street, Embro
- Report 2023-031: 2023 Construction Projects Tender Results
- Report 2023-024: Debenture Options for Zorra Maintenance Facility
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review draft site selection criteria for new multi-use courts in Thamesford. The session will also cover fundraising updates, including community t-shirts and upcoming sports tournaments.
- Review of Multi-Use Courts Site Selection Criteria (draft)
- Update on Sugar Bloom Floral fundraiser
- Discussion on ZMCC Community T-shirts
- Planning for Pickleball Social (May 5, 2023) and Spring Volleyball Tournament
- Fundraising update: $50,000 donated by Thamesford Lions Club and $12,149.25 from the community
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will hear presentations regarding the Embro Dam Class Environmental Assessment and a community services cost study. The body is also reviewing reports on the Zorra Maintenance Facility construction and potential updates to the tree by-law.
- Embro Dam Class Environmental Assessment presentation by Matrix Solutions Inc.
- Cost of Community Services Study presentation by Oxford County Federation of Agriculture
- Zorra Maintenance Facility construction update
- Additional tree by-law considerations and review
- Request for extension of Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision SB18-09-5 (Thames Spring West)
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss a zone change application for Cote Enterprises Inc. to allow a custom golf cart and trailer business. The meeting also includes reports on electric pickup truck costs and the Zorra Municipal and Child Care Centre project.
- Zone Change Application ZN5-22-11 for Cote Enterprises Inc. at 684288 Road 68
- Report 2023-020: Electric pickup truck cost comparison
- Report 2023-021: Zorra Municipal and Child Care Centre project
- Consent applications for 684283 Road 68, 314673 31st Line, 64 Commissioner Street, and 305 Mank Street
- By-law 07-23 Zone Change ZN5-22-07 Wilson
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss the 2023 pickleball tournament, community t-shirts, and the Thamesford Calithumpian Volleyball Tournament. Members will also review community and business donations and hold a fundraising roundtable.
- 2023 Pickleball Tournament / Event
- Thamesford Calithumpian Volleyball Tournament
- Community club and business donations
- Fundraising roundtable
- ZMCC Community T-shirts
Regular Council
Council will discuss a land use review for central Thamesford and a review of council policies. The meeting includes an annual review from the Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation and monthly reports from fire, recreation, and public works departments.
- Report 2023-018 regarding central Thamesford land use review
- Report 2023-010 regarding Council Policies Review
- ROEDC Annual Review and Council Training delegation
- Report 2023-017 quarterly By-law enforcement report
- Oxford County Proposed Backflow Prevention Program consultation notice
Regular Council
The Township of Zorra Council will discuss the 2023 budget and consider by-laws for the interim tax levy and borrowing for current expenditures. The meeting includes reports on the Zorra Maintenance Facility construction and a tree by-law review.
- By-law 02-23: 2023 Interim Tax Levy
- By-law 04-23: Adoption of 2023 Estimates for Revenues and Expenditures
- By-law 03-23: Authorization of borrowing for 2023 fiscal year expenditures
- By-law 01-23: Amendment to Poundkeeper By-law 62-11
- Construction update for the Zorra Maintenance Facility
Task Force
The Cultural Mapping Task Force is meeting to appoint team leaders and establish a workplan. The body will discuss cultural asset categories, using examples from Niagara, Burlington, St. Albert, and Municipal Cultural Planning.
- Appointment of team leader(s)
- Discussion of cultural asset categories
- Development of a cultural mapping workplan
- Roundtable discussion
Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee
The committee is meeting to review the project outline for multi-use courts and discuss upcoming events. Key agenda items include a wrap-up of the Christmas Market and planning for a 2023 pickleball tournament.
- Discussion of 2023 Pickleball Tournament
- Christmas Market wrap-up discussion
- Update on donation letters
- Fundraising roundtable
- Review of ZMCC Project Outline