Haldimand County

This Affordable Housing Strategy for Haldimand County is a coordinated, three-pillar approach aimed at expanding affordable housing, building on the 2021 Housing Master Plan and 2025 Housing Needs Assessment. It focuses on strengthening regulatory processes and policies, building capacity through partnerships and workforce readiness, and growing the supply of affordable housing via funding tools, land strategies, and targeted incentives. The strategy seeks to address the county's significant housing needs, including a low rental vacancy rate, rising housing costs, and a high number of households with core housing needs.

The board discussed the Detachment Commander's report, reviewed operational budgets and reserve figures, and approved updates to the Detachment Board Terms of Reference. Additionally, members addressed O.P.P. enforcement of by-laws for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, federal and provincial funding for First Nations police forces, and discussed various updates including the O.P.P. Action Plan, Detachment Commander performance reviews, expectations for members regarding municipal elections, and takeaways from a police governance conference.

The council discussed various planning and development matters, including a Zoning By-law Amendment application for an 8-storey residential apartment building on Main Street North. Other key topics included reports on the Affordable Housing Strategy, the Haldimand OPP Detachment Annual Report, Government Relations and Strategic Plan updates, and various capital grant and infrastructure projects. The committee also addressed operational and financial items, such as tax policy reports, budget reallocations, and a franchise agreement renewal with Enbridge Gas Inc. Finally, the agenda included considerations for potential land acquisition and development strategies in closed session.

The agenda includes several operational and administrative topics. Key discussion items feature a report from the Detachment Commander, a review of the operational budget, and status updates on strategies for theft prevention at local jewelry stores. Additionally, the board will review the end-of-term status of detachment documents and board member attendance. Unfinished business includes updates on the 2026-2029 O.P.P. Action Plan, the procurement of handheld radar devices, and the MCFN Peacekeeper's Program. The board will also discuss the performance management framework for the Detachment Commander and hold a closed session regarding O.P.P. response times.

The meeting included a public meeting regarding a zoning by-law amendment for commercial development in Cayuga. Staff reports were reviewed concerning the surplus declaration of land at 10 Caithness Street West in Caledonia, a beautification grant for the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, budget amendments for the Caledonia Athletic Softball Association and Selkirk Park, and the implementation of a new Corporate Accessibility Policy. The committee also discussed parking and stop control by-law amendments, a drainage petition for a property in Canfield, insurance program renewals, and appointments to the Board of Health. Furthermore, the committee heard delegations regarding exemption requests for municipal support confirmation for energy projects and directed staff to prepare reports on hospice support and the implementation of Veterans Crosswalks.