MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Council Meeting

MINUTES

Monday, March 24, 2025 at 9:00 A.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

1925 Bruce Road 10, Chesley, ON

Council Present:

• Mayor Steve Hammell
• Deputy Mayor Jennifer Shaw
• Councillor Ryan Nickason
• Councillor Darryl Hampton
• Councillor Moiken Penner
• Councillor Peter Steinacker

Council Absent:

• Councillor Brian Dudgeon

Staff Present:

• Christine Fraser-McDonald - Clerk
• Scott McLeod - Public Works Manager
• Carly Steinhoff - Recreation Manager
• Steve Tiernan - Fire Chief
• David Munro - Interim Treasurer
• Jennifer Isber-Legge - Economic Development & Communications Coordinator
• Nathan Van Myall - Project Manager

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1.

Call to Order

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

2.

Mayor's Announcements (If Required)

• Some of our Arran-Elderslie staff participated in the Fred Arnett Annual Bonspiel. Connie McKinnon, Jennifer Isber-Legge, Scott McLeod and Lisa Albright came home as the grand champions!  This is Connie's 9th time having her name on the trophy!
  
  
• The Arran-Elderslie Community Business Association is holding an information session regarding Ministry of Labour inspections. This will be on April 16^th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Tara Legion. Pre-registration is required.
  
  
• The Senior Summer Games are held biennial within different districts. If you are 55+, you can contact osga55plus.ca to register before April 17^th.

3.

Adoption of Agenda

Council passed the following resolution: 

• 92-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that the agenda for the Council Meeting of Monday, March 24, 2025 be received and adopted, as distributed by the Clerk.

  Carried

4.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

None declared at this time.

5.

Unfinished Business

5.1

Notice of Motion - Change of Traffic Flow - Paisley

Paisley Ward Councillor Penner presented her Notice of Motion.

Deputy Mayor Shaw noted that this issue has been brought up to her on several occasions.

Works Manager Scott McLeod noted that he will return to Council with a report.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 93-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Penner
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Whereas the development of the Paisley Inn apartment building, located between Mill Drive and Rowe Street, is nearing completion and is anticipated to increase traffic flow in the area; and
  Whereas the increased traffic from the building's parking lot, accessible from both Mill Street and Rowe Street, poses potential challenges to traffic flow and safety, particularly at the intersection of Rowe Street/Queen Street and Mill Drive/Queen Street due to limited visibility; and
  Whereas the anticipated increase in residential and commercial activity, including potential businesses within the Paisley Inn, will necessitate additional on-street parking; and
  Whereas converting Mill Drive and Rowe Street from two-way to one-way traffic may improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and create opportunities for additional on-street parking; and
  Whereas the upcoming sidewalk construction associated with the Paisley Inn development presents an opportune time to consider and implement potential traffic flow changes;
  Therefore, be it resolved that:
  Council directs staff to provide a high-level report to investigate the feasibility and potential benefits and financial considerations of converting Mill Drive and Rowe Street from two-way to one-way traffic, with particular attention to:
  
  • Traffic flow and safety impacts, especially at the intersection of Rowe Street and Queen Street and Mill Drive and Queen Street
  • The potential for creating additional on-street parking spaces, including the possibility of designated overnight parking rentals.
  • The integration of any traffic flow changes with the planned sidewalk construction.
  • The direction of the proposed one-way traffic on each street.
  
  AND further Council directs staff to engage with the County of Bruce regarding impacts on the County Road.

  Carried

6.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

6.1

March 10, 2025 Regular Council Minutes

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 94-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Session held March 10, 2025.

  Carried

7.

Delegations 

7.1

Grey Bruce Bulls Hockey

Eric Dunn and Samantha Martin made a presentation to Council.

Last year, the WOAA entered into a 2 year pilot program with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) to combine
multiple associations into six ‘A’ level hockey zones. Their zone (Zone 2) is comprised of Saugeen Shores, Arran
Elderslie and Chatsworth.

‘A’ Hockey starts much earlier with teams being selected in the spring. Fall skates for ‘A’ hockey can start in late August,
where previously rep hockey skates wouldn’t start until early October after tryouts.

We are requesting Paisley arena be opened a month early to start our fall skates on September 15th. The Bulls would guarantee between 35-48 hours/week of ice until regular ice users begin around Thanksgiving. They are requesting a minor hockey rate for their ice times to help families keep the cost of hockey manageable. They also requested for some consideration when ice allocation takes place for next season to share in some of the weekend. 

Council thanked them for their delegation.  Council directed staff to prepare a report in regards to this request for the next available Council meeting.

8.

Correspondence

8.1

Requiring Action

8.1.1

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Canada Request

This organization helps youth to develop awareness of their leadership strengths and an understanding of their leadership values.

Council requested that the applicant come to Council for a presentation to discuss this proposal.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 95-06-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be it resolved that the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie Council hereby approves the request from the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Canada to waive the fees in the amount of $401.50 for the use of the Chesley Community Centre Hall and kitchen for June 6, 2025 

  Tabled

8.1.2

Paisley Bluesfest 2026 Request

Subsequent to further discussion

• 96-06-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie supports the request by the Paisley Blues Festival for their 2026 grant to the Department of Canadian Heritage for in kind support for venue set up to a maximum of $1,300.

  Carried

8.2

For Information

Council requested that MPP Vickers make a presentation to Council.  The Mayor and CAO are meeting with him on March 27th and will discuss this with him.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 97-06-2025

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

8.2.1

MIC Winddown Cover Letter, Close Out Report, Impact Report

8.2.2

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

A report will be brought back to the next Council meeting regarding the poverty task force and appoint a council member.

8.2.3

Media Release - Grey Bruce Public Health

8.2.4

Letter from Paul Vickers MPP

9.

Staff Reports

9.1

Emergency Services 

9.1.1

FIRE-2025 04-Fire Dispatch Service Change of Provider

Fire Chief, Steve Tiernan, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 98-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

    Be It Resolved that

  1. Council hereby approves the Report FIRE-2025 04-Fire Dispatch Service Change of Provider; and that
  2. Council approves entering into a 15-year Fire Service Dispatch agreement with St. Catherine's Fire Dispatch Services.
  Carried

9.2

Public Works 

9.3

Facilities, Parks and Recreation

9.3.1

REC-2025-03 Chesley Kinsmen Change House Upgrades

Recreation Manager, Carly Steinhoff, responded to questions from Members of Council. She noted that the last day for ice was March 23rd.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 99-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Steinacker

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves report REC-2025-03 Chesley Kinsmen Change House Upgrades

  And further grants permission to the Kinsmen Club of Chesley to complete the upgrades to the Change House on behalf of the Municipality.

  Carried

9.4

Finance 

9.4.1

SRFIN-25-05 – Council Remuneration and Expenses for 2024

Treasurer, David Munro, responded to questions from Members of Council. He noted that this is an annual report presented to Council.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 100-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby,

  1. Receives the Council Remuneration and Expenses Report for 2024 for information.
  Carried

9.4.2

SRFIN-25-05 2024 Operating Year-End Report

Treasurer, David Munro, responded to questions from Members of Council. 

He noted that WSIB has a $2 billion dollar surplus which will be distributed to anyone that has paid fees.

Council thanked the Treasurer and staff for having this report ready for the March meeting.

The Treasurer will investigate options for the balance to be placed such as the bridge fund.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 101-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby receives Report SRFIN-25-05 2024 Operating Year-End report.

  Carried

9.5

Economic Development

9.5.1

Community Working Group Consultation and Establish a Paisley Community Working Group

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 102-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report ECDEV.2025-09 – Community Working Group Consultation and Establish a Paisley Community Working Group;

  And further approves the following amendment to the Chesley Community Working Group and Tara Community Working Group Terms of Reference to include:

  The Committee may be consulted by Council to comment on proposals, or decisions that may impact the downtown area of xxx, including the review and consideration of bylaws.

  And directs staff to form a Paisley Community Working Group and bring back the Terms of Reference to a future Council meeting.

  Carried

9.5.2

Corporate Image and Visual Identity

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

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 103-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that Council hereby approves Report ECDEV.2025-08 – Corporate Image and Visual Identity;

  And further bring forward a By-law to bring force and effect to the Corporate Image and Visual Identity Policy at a future Council Meeting.

  Carried

10.

Members Updates 

Shaw:

Deputy Mayor Shaw attended the Tara Community Working group meeting and a SMART meeting.

Hampton:

Councillor Hampton had nothing to report.

Dudgeon:

Councillor Dudgeon was absent.

Steinacker:

Councillor Steinacker attended the Tara working group meeting.

Penner:

Councillor Penner attended a Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority meeting and the Politicians breakfast.

Nickason:

Councillor Nickason attended a Wind Turbine meeting, and will be attending a BASWR meeting.

Hammell:

Mayor Hammell attended the SBGHC update and attended the Politicians meeting hosted by the Federation of Agriculture.

11.

New Business

12.

By-laws

12.1

By-law 19-2025 - Appoint a Coordinator for Infrastructure & Development

Clerk Christine Fraser-McDonald noted that this position will start on April 14, 2025.

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 104-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 19-2025 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 19-2025 being a By-law to appoint Julie Hamilton as the Coordinator for Infrastructure & Development for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie as of April 14, 2025 and rescinds By-law 08-2021.

  Carried

12.2

By-law 20-2025 - Regulate Refreshment Vehicles in Arran-Elderslie

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 105-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Councillor Penner

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 20-2025 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 20-2025 being a By-law to regulate refreshment vehicles in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

  Carried

12.3

By-law 21-2025 - Professional Development and Expense Policy

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 106-06-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 21-2025 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 21-2025 being a By-law to adopt a Professional Development and Expense Policy.

  Carried

12.4

By-law 22-2025 - Enter into a Lease Agreement with the Paisley Curling Club Incorporated

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 107-06-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 22-2025 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 22-2025 being a By-law to enter into a lease agreement with the Paisley Curling Club Incorporated.

  Carried

12.5

By-Law 23-2025 - Amend the Fees and Charges By-Law

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 108-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Hampton
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Shaw

  Be It Resolved that By-law No.23-2025 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 23-2025 being a By-law to Amend the 2025 Fees and Charges By-Law. 

  Carried

13.

Confirming By-law

13.1

By-law 24-2025 - Confirming By-law

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 109-06-2025
  Moved by: Councillor Nickason
  Seconded by: Councillor Hampton

  Be It Resolved that By-law No. 24-2025 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 24-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council meeting of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie held Monday, March 24, 2025.

  Carried

14.

Adjournment

Subsequent to further discussion, Council passed the following resolution:

• 110-06-2025
  Moved by: Deputy Mayor Shaw
  Seconded by: Councillor Nickason

  Be It Resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the Mayor at 11:34 a.m.

  Carried

15.

List of Upcoming Council meetings

• April 14, 2025
• April 28, 2025
• May 12, 2025
• May 26, 2025