Ray Belanger

The meeting included presentations from a beautification committee proposing Phase 3 of a park bench project, which involves installing six new benches with accessibility considerations and requesting council support via issuing tax receipts for donations and funding the associated concrete pads. The Fire Department Director provided a report highlighting the start of recruit training, an upcoming auto-extrication training scenario, the commencement of projects funded by a cancer prevention grant (including purchasing decom washers and pellet claves), the welcome of two new captains, and the finalization and implementation of over 90 updated Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs). Council also discussed the asset life of the new benches.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment. Key discussions centered on the presentation of findings and recommendations from speed management and traffic calming studies conducted at several locations: Windfall (Oxford Road 29), Gobles (Oxford Road 2), Washington (Oxford Road 8), and Platsville (Oxford Road 8). For Windfall, a speed reduction recommendation from 80 km/h to 70 km/h, accompanied by speed feedback signs, was proposed based on TAC guidelines, despite collision rates being below the provincial average. In Gobles, a recommendation was made to reduce the speed limit to 70 km/h and install speed feedback signs, noting excessive operating speeds and animal-related collisions. For Washington, following a post-monitoring review showing continued excessive speeds despite previous measures, recommendations included eliminating 60 km/h transition zones, relocating speed feedback signs, and installing center line flexible delineators at the 50 km/h zone limits. Council members also discussed deer crossing signs for the areas surrounding Gobles and Windfall.

The Council meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and the approval of previous minutes from November 19, 2025. Key discussions included receiving information from a delegation regarding speeding on Mill Street and directing staff to prepare a report on traffic calming measures. Staff reports covered the acceptance of a quote for a new 2500 Pickup Truck, the refurbishment of the Drumbo Canteen for use by the Helping Hands Foodbank, and the extension of the land agreement with the Princeton & District Museum. Council also endorsed the 2026 Municipal Election Communications Plan. Council members provided updates on local Christmas events and provincial matters concerning conservation authority consolidation. New business centered on expressing concern regarding the announced closure of the Drumbo Bank of Montreal branch and urging the bank to reconsider or explore alternatives. Finally, several by-laws were presented, read, and passed, including the 2026 Fees and Charges schedule, an amendment to the Procedural By-law, Zoning By-law Amendments, and the Confirming By-law.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda for the January 21, 2026 draft budget meeting. Discussions included the adoption of minutes from the January 14, 2026 regular meeting, and a review of the draft budget, which started with an 8.98% increase to the levy, leading to a 7.75% increase to the township's tax rate (before county levy considerations). Key budget initiatives presented included the proposed replacement of the aging council chambers audio equipment (though temporary fixes were noted), a review and update of the Human Resources Policy Manual, expected to cost approximately $15,000, and various capital expenditures such as deep cleaning and lighting replacement at Fire Stations 82 and 83, flagpole installation, and the installation of a water softener at the municipal office building. The budget process emphasized showing service level enhancement costs directly on the levy rather than reserves. The protective services report highlighted the deep clean initiative for fire stations and the decision not to pursue a comprehensive provincial water rescue team due to operational and cost impracticalities for the municipality's size.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the land upon which the entity operates. Key discussions involved the adoption of the amended agenda for the meeting and the approval of the minutes from the December 17, 2025, regular meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public meeting concerning an application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change (OP25081 and ZN12505) submitted by Matthew and Jacqueline Bokeod. The application proposes establishing an animal crematorium as an on-farm diversified use. Staff presented concerns regarding the proposal's scale, noting that the proposed building size (10,000 sq ft) and lot area percentage (3%) exceed municipal policies (6,000 sq ft and 2% limit, respectively). Staff also noted that the proposed location and separate access point contradict location policies for on-farm diversified uses. The applicant's agent presented counter-arguments, emphasizing that the proposed use is similar to permitted agricultural-related uses like abattoirs and provides necessary direct services to agricultural operations, while also addressing concerns regarding air quality, noise, and site constraints. The presentation detailed that only a small fraction of the building space would be dedicated to incineration, with the remainder dedicated to administrative functions, washrooms, and a private drive-thru.