Penetanguishene

The committee meeting covered presentations on the County Official Plan Update, specifically focusing on the Greenlands Inventory Project and the Consistency and Housekeeping Project. Key discussions included the rationale for a new natural heritage system, the synchronization of agricultural and greenlands mapping, and the integration of new provincial policies. The committee also reviewed the Planning Advisory Committee's Terms of Reference and received a verbal update on Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025.

The Board meeting focused on the approval of the 2026 Work Plan, which outlines objectives for general operations and strategic initiatives. Key updates were provided regarding the runway extension project, including the status of regulatory approvals, environmental considerations, and construction planning. The 2025 Year-End Report was reviewed, highlighting growth in airport traffic and fuel sales, the completion of maintenance garage renovations, and progress in business development and marketing. Additionally, the Board reviewed correspondence from Transport Canada concerning the positive status of the airport certification application and moved into a closed session to discuss confidential tenant development, real estate, and legal matters.

The committee held an election for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair. A comprehensive Planning Orientation presentation was delivered by the Planning leadership team, covering the history of Simcoe County Planning, the role of the Planning Department, recent legislative updates, and status updates on ongoing and completed planning projects. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Planning Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.

The Task Force reviewed the service delivery progress via the Gantt chart and discussed the Library Services Review. Decisions were made to implement the new Information Library Service (ILS), focusing on providing Software as a Service to existing libraries, assuming specific license and project management costs, and enhancing technical services. The Task Force authorized funding from the General Contingency Reserve and planned for the rescission of By-law 2242. Additionally, a closed session was held regarding labor relations and employee negotiations.

The board discussed and approved updates to several affordable housing projects, including the 20 Rose Street redevelopment in Barrie, the Urban Native Secondary Suites and Garden Suite pilot project in Midland, and the Birch Street redevelopment in Collingwood. Members reprioritized development projects, substituting certain sites like 65 Vespra Street and 810 Bay Street/837 Montreal Street with projects at 69 Harriet Street and 175 Zoo Park Road. Additionally, the board reviewed the Supported Resident Program's revised intake process, discussed potential mixed-market rent initiatives for buildings at 1 Blake Street and 30 7th Lane, and explored the future conversion of some single-detached homes from Rent-Geared-to-Income to affordable market rent units to improve financial sustainability.