Algonquin Highlands

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the traditional territory. Key discussions centered on the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the previous council meeting minutes from January 15, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the septic reinspection program, noting that hiring a dedicated inspector was unsuccessful after two rounds of competition, leading to a decision to delay hiring and re-evaluate staffing in 2027 while implementing the program in-house. Additionally, the Parks, Recreation, and Trails report detailed the results of the Dorset community Christmas tree survey, where the majority favored keeping the existing tree and planting a new one for the future, while the Dorset Heritage Museum Committee opposed the proposed white pine due to concerns it would become gangly. The council directed staff to proceed with the existing tree for the 2026 ceremony and engage the museum committee regarding the plaque replacement and dedication for the new tree. Finally, the council reviewed the engineer's report on the log shoot condition, which was split into three sections requiring significant repair or replacement, and sought direction on which repair options to pursue based on cost estimates and the current reserve balance.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of Indigenous territory. Key actions included the adoption of the meeting agenda and the approval of the minutes from the December 11th, 2025 regular and public meetings. The council then moved into a public meeting session regarding zoning bylaw amendment application AHZBA 725, concerning the rezoning of property in the geographic township of Stanho to permit a single-family dwelling as an accessory use to the existing recreational commercial zone. The public meeting included an overview of the application and discussion on septic setback requirements. Following the public meeting, the council received a delegation from Terry Moore representing the Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society, who presented comments and options concerning the use of the timber frame gazebo for small, pre-planned interment gatherings, referencing specific bylaw sections related to funeral director control, attendee supervision, and permitted uses. The council accepted this delegation for information.

The meeting primarily focused on the first two days of budget review, where staff efforts to maintain a reasonable levy increase were acknowledged, especially considering combined county and education rates. The Treasurer presented the first draft of the budget, detailing a 9.17% levy increase, with specific breakdowns for growth, cost of living, and new projects. The Public Works department followed with a detailed presentation of their budget highlights, covering significant planned expenditures for the airport (including security fence installation and roof/siding replacement for hangars), building and maintenance items (like an accessible lift contingent on a grant and attic insulation upgrades), and cemetery projects (posts and gates installation). Equipment budget discussions covered the delivery of a new tandem truck and the purchase of other vehicles, alongside clarification on the tire replacement funding mechanism which draws from an annual allocation, supplementing a reserve if needed. Road construction items included continuation of the Northshore Road project and surface treatment plans, some of which will be joint projects with the county. Discussions also touched upon the need for financing options for the Big Hawk Lake Road widening project and hangar roof repairs, with Council requesting to see the financial impact analysis before final budget approval.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the Treaty 20 Mishiagi Territory and traditional territories. The agenda was adopted, and no pecuniary interests were disclosed. The Deputy Mayor welcomed Mayor Liz Danielson virtually following her surgery. A key focus of the meeting was the adoption of the December 11, 2025, regular meeting minutes, including an amendment to clarify that no disclosures of pecuniary interests were made during the previous regular meeting on December 20th. The council then moved into a public meeting session to discuss zoning bylaw amendment application ZBA 00625, concerning the rezoning of land in Part of Lot 8 Concession 5 from Rural to Rural Residential to accommodate severance applications. Following the public meeting, the council resumed its regular session, adjourned the public meeting, and directed that a bylaw be tabled for consideration regarding the rezoning report. The meeting transitioned to Parks, Recreation, and Trails, where consultants from BA Group were introduced to lead a discussion and strategy planning session on parking engagement, addressing concerns related to water access only cottages, subdivision impacts, tourism growth, and housing development pressures.

The meeting included a discussion regarding a minor variance application for a property located at 1169 Jones Road, where the applicant proposed to construct an attached open deck and landing. The committee also discussed the need to give more reasons in their decisions to be sustainable in a court challenge.