Todd Aitken

This document introduces the new Official Plan for the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, a comprehensive roadmap designed to guide land use, physical development, and change over a 25-year period until 2051. The plan aims to modernize land use planning policies for responsible and sustainable growth, structured around the key themes of Grow, Preserve, Protect, Connect, and Implement. It addresses critical areas such as development within urban and rural settlement areas, provision of diverse housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation, recreational facilities, transportation systems, and community design, all geared towards fostering sustainable, complete, and resilient communities.

The 2026-2029 Strategic Plan for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit outlines refreshed guiding foundations and clear strategic directions for the next four years. It aims to address evolving public health needs, enhance community work, and uphold the core mandate of protecting health, preventing disease, and promoting well-being. The plan is structured around four strategic directions: community engagement, equity-driven action, quality and innovation, and a skilled and connected workforce, with the ultimate goal of building strong relationships, reducing health inequities, and delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programs and services to achieve its vision of 'Healthy communities. Healthy people.'

This document outlines the goals, objectives, and land use policies to guide future land use, physical development, and environmental changes within the Township over a 25-year period until 2051. The plan is structured around key themes including Grow, Preserve, Protect, Connect, and Implement, aiming to modernize land use planning policy for responsible and sustainable growth. It addresses development within urban and rural settlement areas, housing types, infrastructure, environmental protection, cultural heritage, recreational facilities, transportation, and broadband infrastructure.

The meeting began with the call to order and noted the recent refurbishment of the council chambers, including new paint, furniture, and upgraded audio-visual systems for streaming. A township land acknowledgement was read. The council addressed procedural items, including adopting the agenda as amended to move the public meeting for the proposed draft official plan forward. Following a closed session to address a confidential staff report regarding a Senior of the Year award nomination, the council reconvened. Key discussion during the public meeting centered on a comprehensive presentation regarding the township's proposed new official plan. The presentation detailed the purpose, structure, and necessity of updating the plan, which must occur every 10 years to remain consistent with provincial and county mandates. Discussion covered key policy areas such as growth direction, land use designations (including changes within settlement areas and the introduction of new Waste Management and Employment Lands categories), and the new Greenlands overlay required for consistency with natural heritage policies. The structure of the new plan, organized around themes like Grow, Preserve, Protect, and Connect, was outlined, along with the 23 associated schedules. Next steps involve considering feedback from this public meeting, holding a final public meeting in the spring of 2026, and subsequently seeking adoption by the County of Simco, which is the approval authority.

The event served as an announcement regarding provincial funding for the Township of Ameliasburgh (referred to as Agilatasano/Agela Taserantio/Bachas Torantio). A land acknowledgement was provided recognizing the traditional territory of the Hashanabek people, including the Ajiway, Adawa, and Pawatomi nations. Deputy Mayor Julius Lockach and MPP Brian Saunderson delivered remarks, highlighting that the Township of Ameliasburgh is a fast-growing area facing growth pressures. The key announcement was a grant of $29.9 million for health and safety water funding, designated for necessary wastewater infrastructure improvements in Everett to support future housing growth without burdening ratepayers. This funding, combined with a previous investment of $35 million, brings the total provincial funding to over $64 million.