MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Council Meeting

MINUTES

-
Council Chambers
1925 Bruce Road 10, Chesley, ON
Council Present:
  • Mayor Steve Hammell
  • Deputy Mayor Jennifer Shaw
  • Councillor Ryan Nickason
  • Councillor Darryl Hampton
  • Councillor Brian Dudgeon
  • Councillor Peter Steinacker
Council Absent:
  • Councillor Moiken Penner
Staff Present:
  • Christine Fraser-McDonald - Clerk
  • Scott McLeod - Public Works Manager
  • Carly Steinhoff - Recreation Manager
  • Steve Tiernan - Fire Chief
  • Jennifer Isber-Legge - Economic Development & Communications Coordinator
  • Emily Dance, CAO
  • Nathan Van Myall - Project Manager

Mayor Hammell called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. A quorum was present. 

  • Today, we proudly recognize two dedicated firefighters whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on our community.

    Captain Larry Walpole of Chesley has served for an incredible 45 years, and Captain Rob Draper of Tara has contributed an impressive 36 years of service. Together, they represent over 81 years of courageous service to our communities.

    On behalf of the Municipality, we extend our deepest gratitude to both Captains Walpole and Draper.

    We also extend a heartfelt thank you to your families for their support and sacrifices they’ve made over the years, allowing you to protect our community.

  • The Kinsmen Club of Chesley will be hosting July Fest from Friday, June 27th to Sunday, June 29th at the Chesley Community Park.
  • Just a reminder that Tuesday, July 1st is Canada Day and the administration office will be closed.
  • There will be fireworks on Canada Day at the Chesley Community Park.
  • The Treasure Chest Museum will begin their ‘Kids Summer Program’ on July 2nd, the program will run every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm until August 27th. Admission is by donation and registration is now open on the Municipality’s website.
  • Artists on the River will be held Saturday, July 12th on Water St in Paisley from 10am to 4pm.

Council passed the following resolution: 

  • 215-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that the agenda for the Council Meeting of Monday, June 23, 2025 be received and adopted, as distributed by the Clerk.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 216-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Steinacker
    Seconded by:Councillor Dudgeon

    Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Session held June 9, 2025.

    Carried

Mayor Steve Hammell called the public meeting to order at 9:08 AM.  He stated that the purpose of the public meeting was to consider a proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment for Lorne Shantz.  The property is located on Sideroad 5 South Arran.

Megan Stansfield, Planner for the County of Bruce, presented her report.

The purpose of the Zoning By-Law Amendment application is to request to rezone the property to Agriculture Special, to permit a reduced interior side yard setback of 3m and an increased maximum lot coverage of 22% for the construction of an approximately 1800 sq m barn.

Councillor Dudgeon declared a conflict as his farm could potentially receive any manure.

Comments were received from the following agencies:

  • Arran-Elderslie Public Works: Recommends sign-off from neighbour for use of drainage outlet.
  • Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority: No objections.

    Public Comments

    No comments were received from the public at the time of writing this report.

The Mayor asked Members of Council if they had any questions.

The Mayor asked if the applicant or agent were present and wished to make a submission.

The Mayor asked if any members of the public wished to make a submission either in favour or opposed to the proposed application.

The Mayor asked the Clerk if any written submissions had been received. The Clerk confirmed that she had not received any correspondence regarding this proposal.

Members of Council and the public were provided a final opportunity for questions prior to the closing of the public meeting. Council had concerns regarding the potential entrance and sight lines.

The Mayor declared the public meeting closed at 9:15 AM.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 217-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be it resolved that Council approve Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2024-069 for Lorne Shantz, located at  52 Sideroad 5 South Arran and the necessary by-law be forwarded to Council for adoption, once the County receives confirmation of easement registration

    Carried

The Tara Rotary Club gave a presentation to Council regarding the unopened road allowance extending from the rail trail to Park Road in Tara, which spans approximately 650 feet. The delegation requested that Council contribute 50% of the gravel costs, estimated at approximately $5,250. The Rotary Club will not be maintaining the trail, and the unopened road allowance is 650 feet long.

Council expressed appreciation for their presentation and confirmed that a staff report will be prepared and brought back to the next available Council meeting.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 218-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Steinacker

    Be it resolved that Council has received the correspondence dated June 10, 2025 from Jaclynn Gowan and further directs staff to forward the response letter as attached.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 219-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs staff to compile and submit formal comments on the proposed Battery Energy Storage Policy, incorporating all relevant information arising from the Public Meeting on July 14, 2025, to meet the submission deadline of July 18, 2025.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie receives, notes, and files Items 10.2.1 and 10.2.3 on the Council Agenda for information purposes.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • Be it resolved that Council directs staff to review and respond to the concerns detailed in the correspondence from Sibylle Walke;

    And further that staff be instructed to implement appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized access to the Woodpecker Hill (municipal lands) and to evaluate and recommend a sustainable, long-term strategy to effectively address this recurring situation. 

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. Staff will follow up with a report at the end of this project.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 222-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report CBO-2025-03 - Property Standards -Vacant Storefront;

    AND supports a Vacant Storefront Campaign led by Economic Development, to improve downtown areas to encourage rentals;

    AND FURTHER approves the Special Project targeting property standards in the downtown core areas of Arran-Elderslie.

    Carried

CAO Dance noted that staff had met with the Kinnetts group and there will be an open house on September 24th regarding the Chesley Dog Park.

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 223-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved hereby receive for information Report REC-2025-12 Free Swim and Pool Pass Update.

    Carried

11.5

 

Economic Development & Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Legge, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 224-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Steinacker

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report ECDEV-2025-18- Sidewalk Patio Policy Community Input;

    AND supports the implementation of the Sidewalk Patio Policy as presented, which establishes a permitting process for sidewalk patios

    AND FURTHER defers consideration of sidewalk cafés and sidewalk merchandise (including sandwich boards and retail displays)

    AND FURTHER approves the application fee of $130 for sidewalk patio permits to offset administrative review and processing costs,

    AND FURTHER directs staff to continue engagement with Bruce County to streamline the Encroachment Permit process and reduce administrative burden for applicants,

    AND FURTHER approves the appropriate by-laws coming forward.

    Carried

11.7

 

Clerk, Christine Fraser-McDonald responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 225-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Nickason
    Seconded by:Councillor Dudgeon

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby receives Report CLKS-2025-24 – Pound Agreement with Paisley Veterinary Agreement;

    AND approves entering into a formal agreement between the Municipality and the Paisley Veterinary Clinic for pound services;

    ANF Further directs staff to bring forward a by-law to bring force and effect to this agreement on today’s agenda.

    Carried

Clerk, Christine Fraser-McDonald responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 226-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Steinacker
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that the Council hereby receives Report CLKS-2025-23 – Update on the Line Fences Act;

    And further that Council instructs staff to prepare a by-law for the non-application of the Line Fences Act in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

    Carried

11.8

 

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Mayor Hammell noted the following:

As Mayor of Arran-Elderslie, I confirm that I do not intend to exercise the Strong Mayor powers granted under O. Reg. 530/22. I will be delegating these authorities—including the appointment of the CAO, organizational restructuring, committee assignments, and the preparation of the municipal budget—back to Council, the CAO and staff as noted in the staff report. 

Our municipality will continue to operate through collaborative decision-making, with transparency and accountability at the forefront.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 227-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Dudgeon

    Be It Resolved that Council receive Report CAO-2025-11 - Strong Mayor Powers (2) for information, and that staff continue to monitor the implementation of Strong Mayor powers and report back with any procedural or policy implications.

    Carried

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 228-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Steinacker
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report PLAN-2025-02;

    AND approves entering into a Site Plan Agreement with The Fisher Grist Milling Corporation for 604 Queen Street S, Paisley;

    AND FURTHER authorizes the appropriate By-law coming forward on today’s agenda to allow the development to continue to move forward.

    Carried

CAO Emily Dance responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 229-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Hampton

    Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report CAO-2025-13 RZone;

    AND approves the RZone Policy for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie;

    AND FURTHER approves the appropriate By-Law coming forward.

    Carried

Shaw:

Deputy Mayor Shaw attended an ADIE workshop and will be attending the Paisley Central School graduation this week.

Hampton:

Councillor Hampton attended a Chesley Working Group meeting and will be attending the Chesley School graduation.

Dudgeon:

Councillor Dudgeon attended the Paisley Working Group meeting.

Steinacker:

Councillor Steinacker attended the Chesley and Tara Working Group meetings.

Penner:

Councillor Penner was absent.

Nickason:

Councillor Nickason attended a BASWR meeting and will be attending the Tara School graduation.

Hammell:

Mayor Hammell thanked the Bruce County planners as they will be attending the office once a month to provide planning services.  He attended the Fair Ambassador competition and presented a New Business Certificate to "Kickin' Chicken".

14.

 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 230-11-2025
    Moved by:Deputy Mayor Shaw
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 47-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

    By-law 47-2025 being a By-law to adopt an Investment Policy for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 231-11-2025

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 48-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

    By-law 58-2025 being a By-law to enter into an easement agreement with IWBE Rentals Incorporated, located at 187 Balaklava Street, Paisley.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 232-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Steinacker
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 49-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

    By-law 49-2025 being a By-law to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement The  Fisher Grist Milling Corporation for the lands located at 604 Queen Street South, Paisley.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 233-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Steinacker

    Be It Resolved, That the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie does now go into closed session to discuss an item(s) which relates to:

    ( )  the security of the property of the municipality or local  board;

    (x)  personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; staff update (two items)

    (x)  a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; Old Paisley Library, Deviation Road Negotiations

    ( )  labour relations or employee negotiations;

    ( )  litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; 

    ( )  advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;

    ( )  a matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a closed meeting under another Act;

    ( )  information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any of them;

    ( )  a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization;

    ( )  a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; or

    ( )  a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

    Staff Authorized to Remain:

    CAO Emily Dance

    Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 234-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved That Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie does now return to the Open Session at 12:06 PM.

The Mayor confirmed that Council discussed only those matters identified in the motion to go into Closed Session.

Direction was given to staff in Closed Session for items one to four regarding staff updates (two items), Old Paisley Library, and Deviation Road Negotiations

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 235-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Deputy Mayor Shaw

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 20-2018 is hereby rescinded.  By-law 50-2025 being a By-law to Repeal By-law No. 20-2018, Being a By-law to Appoint a Chief Building Official (CBO)

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 236-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Dudgeon
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that By-law No. 51-2025 be introduced and read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation, and engrossed in the By-law Book.

    By-law 51-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council meeting of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie held Monday, June 23, 2025.

    Carried

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

  • 237-11-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Hampton
    Seconded by:Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the Mayor at 12:08 PM.

    Carried
  • July 14, 2025
  • August 11, 2025
  • September 8, 2025
  • September 22, 2025
No Item Selected