Chapple council set to consider 2026 tax rate, Official Plan update, and lakeside variance
The Township of Chapple had a busy stretch of late-June meetings, with council scheduled to weigh its 2026 property tax levy, a required update to the township's Official Plan, and a minor variance on French's Road. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the three sessions, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not what council ultimately decided. Residents should watch for the minutes to confirm outcomes.
2026 property tax rate and 2025 audit on the table
At the June 24 regular council meeting, council was scheduled to consider final adoption of the 2026 property tax rates through By-law 1881, including Schedule A. The same agenda called for adoption of the 2025 audited financial statements, with a delegation from MNP — the township's financial statement auditor — set to speak at 5:10 p.m. Council was also set to do a final review of the 2026 budget across departments, including capital, water-sewer, and transportation. Accounts payable from May 2026 were listed as General ($558,133.16) and Recreation ($4,893.90).
Official Plan review underway
A special council meeting on June 22 was called to review the township's Official Plan, adopted in 2013, as required under the Planning Act. The agenda said council would discuss revisions needed to bring the plan into conformity with provincial plans and policies. A delegation from FOTENN, the planning consultancy, was scheduled to present at 7:00 p.m. No decisions were listed on the agenda; the meeting was framed as review and discussion.
Public hearing on setback reduction at 113 French's Road
On June 29, council held a special meeting that included a public hearing on minor variance application 59Z-2026-01. The application seeks to reduce the eastern property line setback from 7.5m to 3m for a property at 113 French's Road. The agenda listed the hearing and a decision on the variance, but with minutes not yet published, the outcome is not confirmed.
The same meeting was set to cover several other items: a proposed donation to Riverside Health Care's MRI fundraising campaign, with no amount specified in the agenda; a review of depot operations under the Blue Box program transition, including an agreement with Circular Materials; and a community hall roof leak, with council to consider a repair plan and facility renovations. In-camera sessions were scheduled for employee matters, labour negotiations, and potential litigation.
Why these items matter
The property tax bylaw directly affects what residents pay in 2026, while the Official Plan review shapes how land can be used and developed in Chapple for years to come. The French's Road variance is a site-specific decision but one that residents near the property may want to track. The Blue Box transition and community hall repair speak to everyday services and facilities.
Coming up
No township council meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the Township of Chapple's official agenda and minutes pages for the release of minutes from the June 22, 24, and 29 meetings, which will confirm what was actually decided.