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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 18, 2025 - CouncilTHE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, December 18, 2025 7:00 p.m. The December 18, 2025 Council Meeting will allow for a hybrid meeting function. You may attend in person or virtually through the live-stream on the Municipality of Bayham’s YouTube Channel 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3. REVIEW OF ITEMS NOT LISTED ON AGENDA 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. PRESENTATIONS 6. DELEGATIONS 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Regular Meeting of Council held December 4, 2025 8. MOTIONS AND NOTICE OF MOTION 9. OPEN FORUM 10. RECREATION, CULTURE, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 10.1 Correspondence 10.1.1 Receive for Information 10.1.2 Requiring Action 10.2 Reports to Council 11. PHYSICAL SERVICES – EMERGENCY SERVICES 11.1 Correspondence 11.1.1 Receive for Information 11.1.2 Requiring Action 11.2 Reports to Council 12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION 12.1 Correspondence 12.1.1 Receive for Information A. Notice of Decision re Minor Variance Application COA-08/25 Banman Council Agenda December 18, 2025 2 B. Notice of Passing re Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-23/25 Heritage Grown Inc. 12.1.2 Requiring Action 12.2 Reports to Council A. Report DS-52/25 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk re Consent Application E6-26 VanQuaethem Farms Ltd. 7923 Coyle Road 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 13.1 Correspondence 13.1.1 Receive for Information A. Municipal Engineers Association re New Board of Directors B. Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks re Update on the Proposed Environmental Assessment Regulation for Municipal Infrastructure C. Long Point Region Conservation Authority re Bill 68 Schedule 3 and LPRCA Board Resolution re ERO No. 025-1257 D. Long Point Region Conservation Authority re November 5, 2025 Minutes E. Long Point Region Conservation Authority re November 13, 2025 Minutes 13.1.2 Requiring Action A. Elgin OPP Detachment Board re Request for Proposals – Administrative Support and Financial Management Services for the Elgin OPP Detachment Board B. Barry Wade re Unlicensed Tarion Builders 13.2 Reports to Council A. Report CAO-47/25 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re 2026 Insurance Renewal 14. BY-LAWS A. By-law No. 2025-071 Being a by-law to establish and require the payment of rates and fees B. By-law No. 2025-072 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and the Corporation of the County of Elgin for Planning Services C. By-law No. 2025-073 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for water/wastewater operations D. By-law No. 2025-074 Being a by-law to provide for an interim tax levy Council Agenda December 18, 2025 3 E. By-law No. 2025-075 Being a by-law to authorize borrowing from time to time to meet current expenditures during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 16. OTHER BUSINESS 16.1 In Camera 16.2 Out of Camera 17. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2025-076 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council 18. ADJOURNMENT THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, December 4, 2025 7:00 p.m. The December 4, 2025 Council Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube. PRESENT: MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS TIMOTHY EMERSON SUSAN CHILCOTT DAN FROESE *via Zoom STAFF PRESENT: CAO THOMAS THAYER CLERK MEAGAN ELLIOTT 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. REVIEW OF ITEMS NOT LISTED ON AGENDA 16.1 B. Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations; litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (CUPE) 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Chilcott reminded residents that December 6, 2025 is the Port Burwell Santa Claus Parade and December 13th is the Straffordville Santa Claus Parade. 5. PRESENTATIONS A. Maggie Broda re Brushstrokes for Change Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the presentation from Maggie Broda re Brushstrokes for Change be received for information. CARRIED Council Minutes December 4, 2025 2 6. DELEGATIONS 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Regular Meeting of Council held November 20, 2025 B. Statutory Planning Meeting held November 20, 2025 Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the minutes from the Regular Meeting of Council held November 20, 2025 and the minutes of the Statutory Planning Meeting held November 20, 2025 be approved as presented. CARRIED 8. MOTIONS AND NOTICE OF MOTION 9. OPEN FORUM 10. RECREATION, CULTURE, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 10.1 Correspondence 10.1.1 Receive for Information 10.1.2 Requiring Action 10.2 Reports to Council 11. PHYSICAL SERVICES – EMERGENCY SERVICES 11.1 Correspondence 11.1.1 Receive for Information 11.1.2 Requiring Action 11.2 Reports to Council 12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION 12.1 Correspondence 12.1.1 Receive for Information A. Notice of Decision re Minor Variance Application COA-06/25 Dan Froese Farms Inc. B. Notice of Decision re Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-22/25 Weber C. Notice of Public Meeting re Minor Variance Application COA-08/25 Banman Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott Council Minutes December 4, 2025 3 THAT items 12.1.1 A – C be received for information. CARRIED 12.1.2 Requiring Action 12.2 Reports to Council A. Report DS-51/25 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk re Zoning By- law Amendment ZBA-23/25 Heritage Grown Inc. 57238 Light Line Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report DS-51/25 regarding the Heritage Grown Inc. rezoning application ZBA-23/25 be received for information; AND THAT pursuant to Planning Act Regulations Bill 73 Smart Growth for our Communities Act, 2015, it be pointed out that at the public participation meeting held November 20, 2025, associated with this application, there were no oral presentations and no written public submissions regarding this matter; AND THAT all considerations were taken into account in Council’s decision passing this resolution; AND THAT Zoning By-law No. Z456-2003, as amended, be further amended by changing the zoning on the subject property located in South Part Lot 25 Concession 4, municipally identified as 57238 Light Line, as a condition of a surplus farm dwelling severance from Agricultural (A1-1) Zone to Site-specific Rural Residential (RR-55) Zone on the severed lot requiring relief from the following provisions: • Section 7.3 to permit a Minimum Lot Area of 0.26 hectares, whereas 0.4 hectares is required; • Section 7.4 to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 34.5 metres, whereas 50.0 metres is required; and, • Section 7.10 to permit a Minimum Rear Yard Depth of 5.5 metres, whereas 15.0 metres is required. and changing the zoning from Agricultural (A1-1) to a Site-specific Special Agricultural (A2- 22) on the retained lot to prohibit new dwellings, and requiring relief from the following provision: • Section 6.9 to permit a Minimum Side Yard Width of 7.7 metres, whereas 10.0 metres is required. AND THAT Zoning By-law No. Z819-2025 be presented to Council for enactment. CARRIED 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 13.1 Correspondence Council Minutes December 4, 2025 4 13.1.1 Receive for Information A. Town of Kingsville re Opposition to Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities B. City of Brantford re Professional Activity Day on Municipal Election Day C. Association of Ontario Road Supervisors re Fall 2025 Newsletter D. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing re Bill 60 E. Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. re Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025 F. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing re Bill 17 G. Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response re FPT Meeting on Emergency Management Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT items 13.1.1 A – G be received for information; AND THAT Council for the Municipality of Bayham supports items A and B; AND THAT staff be directed to present further information regarding item D. CARRIED 13.1.2 Requiring Action A. Long Point Region Conservation Authority re 2026 Draft Budget Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the correspondence from the Long Point Region Conservation Authority re 2026 Draft Budget be received for information; AND THAT the Municipality of Bayham requests a 0% increase. CARRIED 13.2 Reports to Council A. Report CL-08/25 by Meagan Elliott, Clerk re 2026 Rates and Fees Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Report CL-08/25 re 2026 Rates and Fees be received for information; Council Minutes December 4, 2025 5 AND THAT the noted changes and additions be approved, effective January 1, 2026; AND THAT the by-law be presented for enactment at the December 18, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. CARRIED 14. BY-LAWS A. By-law No. Z819-2025 Being a by-law to amend By-law No. Z456-2003 – Heritage Grown Inc. Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT By-law No. Z819-2025 be read a first, second, and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 16. OTHER BUSINESS A. Draft Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Joint Cemetery Board Meeting Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT the draft minutes of the November 18, 2025 Joint Cemetery Board Meeting be received for information. CARRIED 16.1 In Camera Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the Council do now rise to enter into an “In Camera” Session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss: A. Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations (Staffing) B. Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations; litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (CUPE) CARRIED 16.2 Out of Camera Council Minutes December 4, 2025 6 Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the Council do now rise from the “In Camera” Session at 8:01 pm and report on Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations (Staffing) and Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations; litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (CUPE). CARRIED Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations (Staffing) be received for information; AND THAT staff proceed as directed. CARRIED Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Confidential Item re Labour relations, employee negotiations; litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (CUPE) AND THAT staff proceed as directed. CARRIED 17. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2025-070 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Confirming By-law No. 2025-070 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 18. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 8:03 p.m. CARRIED Council Minutes December 4, 2025 7 MAYOR CLERK ZBA-23/25 PLANNING ACT NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF ZONING BY-LAW Z819-2025 BY THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM APPLICANT AGENT: JESSE FROESE APPLICANT: HERITAGE GROWN INC. LOCATION: 57238 LIGHT LINE TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham passed By- Law No. Z819-2025 on the 4th day of December 2025 under Section 34 of the Planning Act. AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or agency as described below may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in respect of all or part of this By-law by filing with the Clerk of the Municipality of Bayham either via the OLT e-file service (first-time users will need to register for a My Ontario Account) at https://olt.gov.on.ca/e-file-service by selecting the Municipality of Bayham as the Approval Authority or by mail to the Municipality of Bayham at the address listed below no later than 4:30 p.m. on 28th day of December, 2025. The filing of an appeal after 4:30 p.m., in person or electronically, will be deemed to have been received the next business day. The appeal fee of $1,100 can be paid online through e-file or by certified cheque/money order to the Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario. If you wish to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) or request a fee reduction for an appeal, forms are available from the OLT website at www.olt.gov.on.ca. If the e-file portal is down, you can submit your appeal to munderhill@bayham.on.ca. The notice of appeal must set out the objection to the By-law and the reasons in support of the objection. THE PURPOSE of this By-law Amendment is to rezone two portions of the subject lands as a result of a surplus farm dwelling severance in Zoning By-law Z456-2003. The proposed Severed Lot is to be rezoned from ‘Agricultural (A1-1)’ to Site-Specific ‘Rural Residential (RR-55)’ Zone, which requires relief from the following provisions: • Section 7.3 to permit a Minimum Lot Area of 0.26 hectares, whereas 0.4 hectares is required; • Section 7.4 to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 34.5 metres, whereas 50.0 metres is required; and, • Section 7.10 to permit a Minimum Rear Yard Depth of 5.5 metres, whereas 15.0 metres is required. The proposed Retained Lot is to be rezoned from ‘Agricultural (A1-1)’ to a Site-Specific ‘Special Agricultural (A2-22)’ Zone to prohibit new dwellings, and requires relief from the following provision: • Section 6.9 to permit a Minimum Side Yard Width of 7.7 metres, whereas 10.0 metres is required. The subject lands are known as 57238 Light Line, north side, and west of Elgin County Road 55. THE EFFECT of this By-law will be to recognize the residential nature of the newly created residential lot and to prohibit new dwellings on the retained farm parcel in accordance with the Official Plan, as part of the clearing of Consent Conditions for Elgin Land Division Committee file number E24-25. ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make a written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed amendment. ONLY THE APPLICANT, SPECIFIED PERSONS, PUBLIC BODIES, REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND TO WHICH THIS BY-LAW WOULD APPLY, AND THE MINISTER may appeal a by- law to the Ontario Land Tribunal. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf. NO SPECIFIED PERSON PUBLIC BODY, OR REGISTERED OWNER OF LAND TO WHICH THIS BY-LAW WOULD APPLY SHALL be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law was passed, the specified person, public body, or registered owner of ZBA-23/25 land to which the by-law would apply made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. The complete By-law is available for inspection by contacting the municipal office. DATED at the Municipality of Bayham this 8th Day of December 2025. NOTE: For information regarding the fees associated with an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, please see the following link: https://olt.gov.on.ca/appeals-process/fee-chart/ or contact the Municipality. Margaret Underhill Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk Municipality of Bayham 56169 Heritage Line, P.O. Box 160 Straffordville, ON, N0J 1Y0 T: 519-866-5521 Ext 222 F: 519-866-3884 E: munderhill@bayham.on.ca REPORT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk DATE: December 18, 2025 REPORT: DS-52/25 FILE NO. C-07 / D09.25VANQ Roll # 3401-000-003-12100 SUBJECT: Consent Application E6-26 VanQuaethem Farms Ltd. 7923 Coyle Rd BACKGROUND Consent application E6-26 was received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, as submitted by VanQuaethem Farms Ltd. proposing to sever a parcel from lands described as 7923 Coyle Rd, to create a residential parcel consisting of an existing single-detached dwelling surplus to the needs of the farm operation. The lands are designated as ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Natural Gas Reservoir’ on Schedule A1: Land Use in the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan (Bayham OP). There is a ‘Hazard Land’ designation on Schedule A2 related to a small creek toward the west side of the property, but this is not close to the proposed severance area. The lands are zoned ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ on Schedule A, Map No. 9 in Zoning By-law Z456-2003, and portions on the subject lands are within the ‘LPRCA Regulation Limit’ as per LPRCA mapping. The proposed Severed Lot has a lot frontage of 39.96 metres (131.10 feet) and lot depth of 112.13 metres (367.88 feet) to accommodate the existing single-detached dwelling, existing septic system, and propane tank. Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the application on January 28, 2026. DISCUSSION The planner’s memorandum attached, dated December 10, 2025, analyzes the application subject to the Bayham Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The conditions for creation of a residential parcel would include: rezoning of both the severed and retained parcels, confirmation of the location of the existing septic bed to meet the Building Code, installation of a well on the severed parcel, new access for the retained lands or a registered easement of access in favour of the retained lands over the existing access on the severed lands, removal of the barn or a building permit required to apply the required rating to the wall facing the property line due to it Staff Report DS-52/25 VanQuaethem Farms 2 being within 30 metres of the property line, a planning report fee and a digital copy of the survey. Staff and municipal planner recommend the support of the consent application for the severance of a surplus farm dwelling with the recommended conditions. STRATEGIC PLAN Not Applicable. ATTACHMENTS 1. Consent Application E6-26 VanQuaethem Farms Ltd. 2. Arcadis Memorandum, dated December 10, 2025 3. Long Point Region Conservation Authority correspondence, dated November 24, 2025 RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-52/25 regarding the Consent Application E6-26 submitted by VanQuaethem Farms Ltd. be received; AND THAT Council recommends to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E6-26 proposing to create one (1) new residential lot by severing the existing dwelling as surplus to the farm operation, subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the Owner obtains approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment for the proposed Severed Lot from a ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ Zone to a ‘Site-Specific Rural Residential (RR-XX)’ Zone to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 39 metres. 2. That the Owner obtains approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment for the proposed Retained Lot from an ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ Zone to a Special Agricultural (A2) Zone to prohibit new dwellings. 3. That the Owner provides confirmation from a qualified septic designer that the location of the existing septic bed on the proposed Severed Lot meets a minimum setback of 3.0 metres from the property lines. 4. That the Owner installs an independent well on the proposed Severed Lot to service the existing dwelling; and that the owner provides written confirmation from Public Health Ontario and a licensed well installer that the private well provides the quality and quantity of potable water required by Provincial standards. 5. That the Owner either identifies a new access for the retained lands and secures an access permit from the Municipality of Bayham or registers an access agreement in favour of the retained lands over the existing access on the severed lands. 6. That the Owner obtains a building permit to allow for the existing farm building (barn) on the retained lands to be less than 30 metres from a property line to the satisfaction of the Municipality of Bayham Chief Building Official or relocates or removes the farm building so that no farm building is within 30 metres of the property line. 7. That the Owner applies to and pays all fees to the Municipality with respect to Civic Addressing/signage for the retained lot. 8. That the Owner provides a Planning Report Fee payable to the Municipality of Bayham upon the granting of the consent. 9. That the Owner provides a digital copy of a survey of the subject lands. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Margaret Underhill Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Staff Report DS-52/25 VanQuaethem Farms 3 Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk Chief Administrative Officer 420 Wes Graham Way, Suite 106 Waterloo, ON, N2L 0A7 Memorandum To/Attention Municipality of Bayham Date December 10th, 2025 From Jeff Henry, RPP, MCIP Project No 30260140 - 1028 cc Subject VanQuaethem Farms Ltd 7923 Coyle Road Application for Consent E6-26 Summary and Background 1. Arcadis has completed a review of Consent Application E6-26, submitted by Sherry VanQuaethem on behalf of VanQuaethem Farms Ltd., owners of the lands located at 7923 Coyle Road. The applicant is requesting consent for severance of 0.45 ha (1.1 acres) of land and to retain approximately 82.69 ha. (204 acres) of land. The intent is to create a residential lot consisting of an existing single- detached dwelling surplus to the needs of the farm operation. 2. The proposed Severed Lot has a lot frontage of 39.96 metres (131.10 feet) and lot depth of 112.13 metres (367.88 feet) to accommodate the existing single- detached dwelling, existing septic system and propane tank. There is an existing driveway access to the proposed severed lot that would remain as it exists today. The existing single-detached dwelling is serviced by a private septic system. It should be noted that the existing well on the subject lands is being re-located, but is not proposed to be within the new severed Lot. 3. The proposed Retained Lot currently accommodates the existing agricultural operations and an existing barn. A new access, with permit, to Coyle Road from the proposed Retained Lot; or an easement access in favour of the retained lands over the severed lands will be needed as a result of this proposed severance. 4. The lands are designated as ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Natural Gas Reservoir’ on Schedule A1: Land Use in the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan (Bayham OP). There is a ‘Hazard Land’ designation on Schedule A2 related to a small creek toward the west side of the property, but this is not close to the proposed severance area. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 2 5. The lands are zoned ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ on Schedule A, Map No. 9 in Zoning By- law Z456-2003, and portions on the subject lands are within the ‘LPRCA Regulation Limit’ as per LPRCA mapping. 6. Surrounding uses are agricultural in all directions, with a small property zoned Rural Residential further north on the opposite side of Coyle Road. The subject lands and surrounding area’s are traversed by woodlands and creeks. The owner does not intend to alter the existing buildings/structures on the proposed Severed and Retained Lot. All existing development is located outside the ‘LPRCA Conservation limit as confirmed by LPRCA in comments dated November 24, 2025. Provincial Planning Statement 7. The Provincial Planning Statement (hereafter, “PPS”) provides policy direction with respect to Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments in prime agricultural areas for surplus farm dwelling severances. Section 4.3.3 of the PPS reads as follows: 1. Lot creation in prime agricultural areas is discouraged and may only be permitted in accordance with provincial guidance for: c) one new residential lot per farm consolidation for a residence surplus to an agricultural operation, provided that: 1. the new lot will be limited to a minimum size needed to accommodate the use and appropriate sewage and water services; Comment: Subject to demonstrating the lot can appropriately accommodate existing private septic and demonstrating adequate on-site private water services, the proposed severed lot is no larger than necessary to meet the minimum size needed to accommodate the use and appropriate sewage and water services. As the applicant only provided the approximate area of the septic bed on the proposed severed lot. Comments received from the Chief Building Official as reviewed below indicated that a qualified septic designer must confirm the existing septic system will be a minimum of 3 metres from the new property lines, which is provided as a Condition of Approval. The owner/applicant provided supporting water well information as part of the application submission, stating that the existing water well can support the needs of the household. However, the Public Health Ontario water test, dated May 13, 2025, found the water maybe unsafe to drink. A new well location has been shown on the Severance Sketch, however it is located on the Retained lands and not on- site as required. As a Condition of Approval, the applicant must provide a new well location on-site for the Severed Lands and provide written confirmation from ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 3 Public Health Ontario that the new private well provides the quality and quantity of potable water required by Provincial standards 2. the planning authority ensures that new dwellings and additional residential units are prohibited on any remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance. The approach used to ensure that no new dwellings or additional residential units are permitted on the remnant parcel may be recommended by the Province, or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objective; and Comment: The owner is required to rezone the retained lot from A1-A to A2 to prohibit the development of a future residential dwelling. Therefore, it is our opinion that the proposed consent is consistent with the PPS. Elgin County Official Plan 8. In the Elgin County Official Plan (hereafter, ‘Elgin OP’), policies for New Residential Lots in Agricultural Areas are found in Section 5.9, which states the following: …no new residential building lots are permitted in an agricultural designation in a local official plan with the exception of a lot containing an existing dwelling that has become surplus to a farming operation because of a farm consolidation. Notwithstanding any other polices to the contrary, such a residence may be severed from the farm subject to: a) The lot containing the dwelling being limited in size to the area needed to accommodate the dwelling and on-site servicing only; and, Comment: As noted in paragraph 7, the proposed Severed Lot appears to be limited in size to the area needed to accommodate the dwelling and on-site servicing, subject to demonstrating the existing private septic system is appropriately located relative to proposed property lines and that an adequate water supply is provided on-site, rather than on the adjacent Retained Lot, with quality and quantity of potable water in accordance with Provincial standards, both of which requirements being Conditions of Approval. b) All residential uses being prohibited on the remnant farm parcel by way of official plan amendment and / or zoning by-law amendment. Comment: As noted in paragraph 7, the owner is required to rezone the retained lot from A1-A to A2 to prohibit the development of a future residential dwelling. 9. Further, the Elgin OP provides policies for Land Division Applications in Section 12.2 as follows: All applications for land division shall be evaluated based on the following general criteria: ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 4 a) Compliance with the requirements of the Planning Act, and any other applicable piece of legislation; Comment: Subject to satisfying the identified Conditions of Approval noted above, the application is in compliance with the noted requirements. b) Demonstrated consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, as amended; Comment: Section 5.9 of the Elgin OP provides the relevant policies from the PPS and were reviewed in paragraph 8 above. c) Demonstrated conformity with the policies and land use designations of this Plan and of the applicable local official plan; Comment: Subject to satisfying the Conditions of Approval, the application conforms to the policies and land use designations of this Plan and the applicable local official plan, the latter of which is reviewed in the next section. d) Demonstrated conformity with a local zoning by-law, or a demonstration that conformity will be achieved, prior to final approval; Comment: As discussed in the related later section, as a Condition of Approval the Severed and Retained lands will require a Zoning By-law Amendment to be approved and in force prior to final approval of the consent. e) The ability of the application to address and satisfy the comments and input received by commenting agencies and bodies; Comment: The LPRCA has confirmed that no development is being facilitated in the regulated area and the application is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 in a memo dated November 24, 2025. The Chief Building Official has provided comments below to be addressed through Conditions of Approval, specifically related to confirming the location of the existing septic system in relationship to proposed property lines as noted above, and to either remove the farm building on the Retained Lands or to apply for a building permit to apply the required rating to the wall facing the property given National Farm Building Code requirements for farm buildings within 30 metres of a property line. f) Demonstration that any input from the public has been reviewed and considered; and Comment: No public input was received prior to the drafting of this memo. g) Demonstration that the application is in the public interest. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 5 Comment: Subject to satisfying the Conditions of Approval, the proposed surplus farm dwelling severance is in accordance with applicable policies and regulations, and is not anticipated to have any negative impacts on any surrounding land uses. Therefore, it is our opinion that the proposed Consent Application is in conformity with the Elgin OP. Municipality of Bayham Official Plan 10. The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan Section 2.1.7.1 indicates that “farm consolidation shall mean the acquisition of additional farm parcels to be operated as one farm operation”. There are several policies within Section 2.7.1, which are listed as follows: a) In the opinion of Municipal Council, a land use conflict shall not be created with agricultural operations or other existing land uses in the immediate area of the subject lands; Comment: It is our opinion that the proposed consent will not result in land use conflicts. The existing single-detached dwelling to be severed as a surplus farm dwelling and existing agricultural operation to be retained will remain. b) Where a farm parcel with more than one existing dwelling is being consolidated into a farm operation, only one dwelling may be severed from that farm parcel, and no more than one severance of a surplus dwelling shall be allowed from an original farm parcel regardless of changes in boundary or ownership; Comment: The proposed consent only contemplates the severance of one (1) surplus farm dwelling as a result of farm consolidation. c) A minimum of one existing dwelling within the Municipality of Bayham must be retained by the proponent farm operation, or a registered owner of the proponent farm operation. Comment: It is understood that the owner/applicant owns a minimum of one (1) existing dwelling and additional agricultural lands within the Municipality of Bayham. 11. Sections 2.1.7.2 and 2.1.7.3 of the Bayham Official Plan provides consideration for the approval and requirements of severances for surplus farm dwellings as follows: 2.1.7.2 The severed lot with the surplus farm dwelling shall: a) Be no larger than is necessary to support a private sanitary sewage treatment and disposal system as determined by the appropriate approval authority, and be serviced by a potable water supply; ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 6 Comment: Subject to satisfying the Conditions of Approval as noted previously with respect to septic and water services, the proposed severed lot is no larger than necessary to support existing servicing. b) Meet the provisions of the MDS 1 for livestock facilities and manure storage facilities on the proposed retained lands; and, Comment: It is understood there are no livestock operations identified in the immediate area warranting MDS concerns. No new residential development or livestock operations are proposed. c) Be rezoned in a Rural Residential Zone in the Zoning By-law of the Municipality of Bayham Comment: As a Condition of Approval, the owner is required to rezone the proposed Severed Lot from A1-A to RR-XX with a Site-Specific Exception to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 39 metres. 2.1.7.3 The severed lot with the surplus farm dwelling may: a) Include accessory buildings and structures if in the opinion of Municipal Council a land use conflict will not be created; and, Comment: The proposed Severed Lot does not contain any additional buildings or structures, therefore there will not be a land use conflict. b) Include accessory buildings and structures where the property has been rezoned to prohibit the keeping of livestock Comment: There are no existing accessory buildings and structures on the proposed Severed Lot for the keeping of livestock. The keeping of livestock on the proposed Severed Lot is prohibited in the RR Zone. 12. Section 2.1.7.4 of the Bayham Official Plan provides additional consideration for the approval and requirements of the retained agricultural lands as follows: a) Depending on the current zoning and lot size, meet the provisions of the Agricultural (A1 / A1-A) Zone regulations of the Zoning By-law of the Municipality of Bayham; and, Comment: The proposed Retained Lot will meet the minimum lot area and lot frontage requirements of the A2 Zone, as the applicant will be required to rezone the proposed retained lot from A1-A to A2 Zone. b) Be rezoned to prohibit the placement, development, or establishment of any additional type or form of residential dwelling units thereon, regardless of changes in property boundary or ownership. Comment: The owner is required to rezone the retained lot from A1-A to A2 to prohibit the development of a future residential dwelling. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 7 Therefore, based on the analysis provided above, the proposed consent is in conformity with Bayham Official Plan. Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law 13. The proposed Severed Lot is currently zoned Agriculture (A1-A) on Schedule ‘A’ Map No.9 in Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law Z456-2003. The proposed Severed Lot must be rezoned to a Rural Residential (RR) Zone, consistent to the resulting residential use and Official Plan Section 2.1.7.2 policies for surplus farm dwellings. The proposed lot configuration by the applicant can accommodate the Minimum Lot Area of 0.4 hectares, however, a Site-Specific Exception will be required to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 39 metres, as it does not meet the minimum requirement of 50 metres in the RR zone. It is our opinion that the reduced Minimum Lot Frontage will not have any significant impact to the existing and surrounding area and has sufficient frontage to accommodate the existing access along Coyle Road without negatively impacting rural character. 14. The proposed Retained Lot currently zoned ‘Agriculture (A1-A)’ and must be rezoned to a ‘Special Agricultural (A2)’ Zone to prohibit new dwellings, as per Official Plan Section 2.1.7.4. The proposed Retained Lot meets the minimum Lot Area of 20.0 hectares and Minimum Lot Frontage of 150.0 metres required in the A2 Zone. Municipal of Bayham 15. Although the setbacks for an accessory building have been met regarding the existing barn located on the retained lands (of 1.0m from a Lot line); the Chief Building Official has noted that the National Farm Building Code requires a farm building to be a min. 30 metres from a property line or for a rating to be applied to a facing wall if less than 30 metres from the property line. A building permit will need to be approved for the existing farm building to address the required rating, or the existing building moved / removed to meet this requirement. Long Point Region Conservation Authority 16. As previously mentioned in this Memo, portions of the subject property are within the “LPRCA Regulation Limit”; however, the proposed severed lands are located outside of the regulated area. Though no physical alterations are proposed by the owner on the Severed Lot as a result of this Consent Application, as a Condition of Approval, the owner will need to receive comments and/or written approval from the LPRCA in support of the proposed severance. Conclusion and Recommendations 17. Based on the above review of Consent Application E6-26 we have no objection to the proposed consent to create a residential lot for the existing dwelling surplus ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of BayhamMunicipality of Bayham – December 10, 2025 8 to the needs of the farm operation and recommend the following conditions for approval: a) That the owner obtains approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment for the proposed Severed Lot from a ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ Zone to a ‘Site-Specific Rural Residential (RR-XX)’ Zone to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 39 metres. b) That the owner obtains approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment for the proposed Retained Lot from an ‘Agricultural (A1-A)’ Zone to a Special Agricultural (A2) Zone to prohibit new dwellings. c) That the owner provides confirmation from a qualified septic designer that the location of the existing septic bed on the proposed Severed Lot meets a minimum setback of 3.0 metres from the property lines. d) That the owner installs an independent well on the proposed Severed Lot to service the existing dwelling; and that the owner provides written confirmation from Public Health Ontario and a licensed well installer that the private well provides the quality and quantity of potable water required by Provincial standards. e) That the owner either identifies a new access for the retained lands and secures an access permit from the Municipality of Bayham OR registers an access agreement in favour of the retained lands over the existing access on the severed lands. f) That the owner obtains a building permit to allow for the existing farm building on the retained lands to be less than 30m from a property line to the satisfaction of the Municipality of Bayham Chief Building Official OR relocates or removes the farm building so that no farm building is within 30m of the property line. g) That the owner provides a Planning Report Fee payable to the Municipality of Bayham upon the granting of the consent. h) That the applicant applies to and pays all fees to the Municipality with respect to Civic Addressing/signage for the retained lot. i) That the owner provides a digital copy of a survey of the subject lands. Jeff Henry Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. Jeff Henry, RPP, MCIP Consulting Planner to the Municipality of Bayham Municipality of Bayham November 24, 2025 56169 Heritage Line Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) staff have had an opportunity to review the application E6-26 and can provide the following comments based on LPRCA’s plan review responsibilities for the Municipality of Bayham’s consideration. It is staff’s understanding that the submitted application will facilitate a Surplus Farm Dwelling Severance resulting in a 0.45 ha severed parcel and 82.69 ha in retained lands. Delegated Responsibility from the Minister of Natural Resources, Chapter 5.2 of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 Conservation Authorities have been delegated responsibilities from the Ministry of Natural Resources to represent the provincial interests regarding natural hazards encompassed by Chapter 5.2 of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS). The overall intent of Chapter 5.0 - Protecting Public Health and Safety of the PPS is to reduce the potential public cost and/or risk to Ontario’s residents from natural or human-made hazards. As such, “development shall be directed away from areas of natural or human-made hazards where there is an unacceptable risk to public health or safety or of property damage, and not create new or aggravate existing hazards.” The application is subject to the following subsections of Chapter 5.2 of the Provincial Planning Statement: 5.2.2 Development shall generally be directed, in accordance with guidance developed by the Province (as amended from time to time), to areas outside of: b) hazardous lands adjacent to river, stream and small inland lake systems which are impacted by flooding hazards and/or erosion hazards; While the property contains flooding and erosion hazards associated with tributary watercourses of South Otter Creek, no development is being facilitated in theses areas by this application. LPRCA staff can advise that the application is consistent with Section 5.2.2 b) of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024. Permitting under Ontario Regulation 41/24 The subject lands are regulated by Long Point Region Conservation Authority under Ontario Regulation 41/24 due to flooding and erosion hazards associated with tributary watercourses of South Otter Creek and the presence of Provincially Significant Wetlands. Permission from this office is required prior to any development within the regulated area as defined in the Conservation Authorities Act. Development is defined as: • the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind, • any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure, • site grading, or • the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere (Ontario Regulation 41/24) LPRCAs regulated area on the property includes the watercourses as well as varying distances from the top of their banks. The Provincially Significant Wetlands on the property appear to be contained to areas around the western-most watercourse. LPRCA regulates a distance of 30 metres around wetlands. No portion of the severed lands (Parcel “A”) falls within the regulated areas. Please feel free to reach out for any further questions related to this matter. Braedan Ristine, Resource Planner Long Point Region Conservation Authority 519-842-4242 | planning@lprca.on.ca Office of the Executive Director 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville ON L6J 0B2 dan.cozzi@municipalengineers.on.ca MEA APPOINTS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT 2025 AGM The Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) is a non-profit association representing the interests of over 1,270 professional engineers in Ontario who are employed in the municipal engineering and public works sectors at Ontario municipalities and provincial agencies, as well as consulting engineering firms acting as the engineer-of-record for Ontario municipalities. MEA’s many pursuits include being the co-proponent for the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process and, together with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, MEA administers Ontario Provincial Standards for Municipalities (OPS MUNI) where many of our members participate in committees that establish standards and specifications used province wide. MEA also provides training courses for both MCEA and OPS as well as hosting an annual conference providing technical training sessions. The MEA is the preferred venue for Ontario municipalities to recruit professional municipal engineers and technologists/technicians through our online employment advertising platform. MEA provides an annual bursary program to students entering the first year of an accredited university engineering program. Since 2008, the MEA has awarded $219,000 in bursaries. The MEA held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at RBC Place Conference Centre in London on November 13, 2025. At the AGM, a new Board was elected. We are pleased to present the new Board for the 2025/2026 term as well as MEA staff (see attachment). Please share this with members of your organization. Should you have any questions about the MEA or the new Board, please let me know. Sincerely, _________________________ D.M. (Dan) Cozzi, P. Eng. Executive Director Municipal Engineers Association Attachment: MEA Board of Directors and Staff 2025-2026 2025-2026 MEA Board of Directors & Staff Penelope Palmer , P. Eng., President Manager, Strategic Initiatives City of Toronto President@municipalengineers.on.ca Scott Hamilton, P. Eng. First Vice-President Commissioner of Public Works City of Burlington Scott.Hamilton@burlington.on.ca Paul Acquaah, P. Eng. Second Vice-President Mgr of Engineering York Region Paul.acquaah@york.ca Benjamin de Haan, P. Eng. Secretary-Treasurer CAO Municipality of South Dundas bdehaan@southdundas.com Taylor Crinklaw, P.Eng. Past-President Director – Infras. & Dev.Services City of Stratford tcrinklaw@stratford.ca Tim Marotta, P. Eng. Board Director Director of Municipal Works City of St. Catharines Paul.acquaah@york.ca Tara Blasioli, P. Eng. Board Director Mgr – Ᾱdisōke Library Project City of Ottawa Tara.Blasioli@ottawa.ca Joe de Koning, P. Eng. Board Director Manager of Roads County of Wellington joedk@wellington.ca Ashley Rammeloo, P,. Eng Board Director Dir. Water/Wastewater/Stormwater City of London arammelo@London.ca Imran Khalid. P. Eng. Board Director Director of Public Works Huron County ikhalid@huroncounty.ca Dan Cozzi, P. Eng. Executive Director MEA dan.cozzi@municipalengineers.on.ca Rishabh Sharma, M. Eng. Technical Services Coord. MEA rsharma@municipalengineers.on.ca Paul Knowles, P. Eng. MCEA Advisor MEA paul.knowles@municipalengineers.on.ca Arup Mukherjee, P. Eng. OPS Instructor MEA arup@arkim.ca. Seher Taufiq Admin Support MEA support@municipalengineers.on.ca December 5, 2025 Subject: Update on the proposed environmental assessment regulation for municipal infrastructure Good afternoon, I am writing to share an update on the proposed Municipal Project Assessment Process (MPAP), a new environmental assessment (EA) regulation for certain municipal infrastructure projects. If implemented, this regulation would replace the current Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA). The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (ministry) continues to modernize Ontario’s EA program. Our goal is to reduce delays for critical infrastructure projects, while maintaining strong environmental protections and opportunities for public consultation. Background In March 2023, we posted an initial proposal on the Environmental Registry to review EA requirements for municipal infrastructure projects. In February 2024, we began consulting on a more detailed proposal for regulations under Part II.4 of the amended Environmental Assessment Act. These regulations would identify municipal projects subject to the streamlined EA process outlined in the proposed MPAP regulation. Next steps We appreciate the feedback received so far. In response to input received during earlier consultations, we are considering changes to the February 2024 proposal. These updates are outlined in the updated proposal posting. The ministry is seeking your input as we finalize the streamlined EA project list and process regulation. Provide comments For details on the updated proposal and to provide your input, visit: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7891. Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Environmental Assessment Modernization Branch 135 St. Clair Avenue West 4th Floor Toronto ON M4V 1P5 Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Protection de la nature et des Parcs Direction de la modernisation des processus d'évaluation environnementale 135, avenue St. Clair Ouest 4e étage Toronto ON M4V 1P5 2 The comment period is open until February 3, 2026 (60 days). If you have questions, please contact the EA Modernization team at: EAmodernization.mecp@ontario.ca. Thank you for your continued engagement. Sincerely, Annamaria Cross Director, Environmental Assessment Modernization Branch Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks December 5, 2025 Re: Bill 68 Schedule 3 and LPRCA Board Resolution Re: ERO No. 025-1257 On October 31, 2025, the Province of Ontario announced Bill 68: Plan to Protect Ontario Act including Schedule 3 amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act. On November 6, 2025, Bill 68, was introduced and on November 25, 2025, Bill 68 was passed establishing the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) and the transition to a regional watershed-based framework for authorities in Ontario. The new agency is expected to provide leadership, governance, strategic direction and oversight of all conservation authorities (CAs) in Ontario. The announcement was made without prior consultation with CAs, municipal partners or staff who possess decades of local knowledge. On November 7, 2025 the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) No. 025-1257 consultation on the proposed consolidation, boundaries, governance, and budgeting was posted suggesting 36 CAs be consolidated into 7 regional CAs. It is proposed that the Long Point Region Conservation Authority will amalgamate with 7 other CAs forming the Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (LERCA), encompassing 81 municipalities which dilutes local representation. This stands in contrast to LPRCA’s current governance model, which ensures strong local representation and accountability to its participating municipalities. No evidence-based analysis has been provided by the province to justify the transition to these large regional entities. This leaves many key questions unanswered such as what the funding model is for the OPCA, the governance model for the new proposed regional CAs and whether Long Point Region’s municipalities will have fair local representation. In the ERO, the Ontario Government has stated that the current system of 36 separate conservation authorities is fragmented with each CA following different standards, fees and levels of staffing and technical capabilities which has led to unpredictable and inconsistent turnaround times for approvals creating uncertainty and delays for builders, landowners and farmers seeking permits. With the OPCA guidance and support, meaningful modernization and a digital e-permitting platform can occur in the current 36 conservation authorities without the need for consolidation. The LPRCA Board of Directors acknowledges and supports the Province’s goals of improved efficiency, consistency and fiscal responsibility in conservation delivery; however, the LPRCA Board of Directors does not support the proposed “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority” boundary configuration outlined in the ERO No. 025- 1257. The LPRCA Board of Directors requests the Ministry further evaluate the proposed boundaries and to engage directly with affected municipalities and CAs to establish a reduced geographic scope. The Board of Directors discussed Bill 68 Schedule 3 which established the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and the proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority at its December 3, 2025 meeting and passed the attached motion. The LPRCA Board of Directors encourages our member municipalities and partners to carefully evaluate the province’s proposal and provide comments through the ERO No. 025-1257 Proposed boundaries for regional consolidations of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities by the closing date December 22, 2025. Local community-based watershed management needs to stay in the hands of local municipalities. Sincerely, Dave Beres Chair, Long Point Region Conservation Authority Attached: LPRCA Board Resolution ERO No. 025-1257 LPRCA Board Resolution ERO No. 025-1257 WHEREAS the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has posted Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257 (“Proposed Boundaries for the Regional Consolidation of Conservation Authorities”), proposing to reduce Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities to seven regional Conservation Authorities under the oversight and direction of the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and the updated Conservation Authorities Act; and WHEREAS under this proposal, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) would be merged into a new “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority” together with the: Essex Region CA, Lower Thames Valley CA, St. Clair Region CA, Upper Thames River CA, Kettle Creek CA, Catfish Creek CA, and Grand River CA, forming a single organization stretching from Windsor, through London, Brantford and north of Waterloo region; and WHEREAS the Board acknowledges and supports the Province’s goals of improved efficiency, consistency and fiscal responsibility in conservation delivery, but find that the proposed “Lake Erie Region CA” configuration would create a geographically vast and administratively complex entity, joining municipalities throughout the province with little watershed connection; dilute local accountability and municipal partnership; generate substantial transition costs, including human resources integration, governance restructuring, IT migration and policy harmonization that would divert resources from the front-line service delivery making it hard for applicants to obtain local advice, resolve issues or expedite housing and infrastructure approvals that support the Province’s agenda; and WHEREAS LPRCA works with its member municipalities, the Province and partners to be fiscally responsible while ensuring the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources within the Long Point Region watershed including limiting levy increase to municipalities while modernizing its programs and services and aligning them with provincial guidance and neighboring CAs and will continue to do so. Meaningful modernization can occur with the current watershed-based governance framework; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT LPRCA Board of Directors does not support the proposed “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority” boundary configuration outlined in the Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257; and the Board instead requests that the Ministry further evaluate the proposed boundaries and to engage directly with affected municipalities and Conservation Authorities to establish a reduced geographic scope for consolidation that better reflects established relationships and enhances cost-efficient delivery of integrated watershed management, grassroots connections and local understanding; and THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (CA Office), local members of Provincial Parliament, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Rural Ontario Municipalities Association, all municipalities and CAs within the proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority, Ontario’s Chief Conservation Executive and Conservation Ontario. FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 1 - LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025 Approved December 3, 2025 Members in attendance: Dave Beres, Chair Town of Tillsonburg Doug Brunton, Vice-Chair Norfolk County Shelley Ann Bentley Haldimand County Robert Chambers County of Brant Michael Columbus Norfolk County Ed Ketchabaw Municipality of Bayham/Township of Malahide Tom Masschaele Norfolk County Debera McKeen Haldimand County Jim Palmer Township of Norwich Chris Van Paassen Norfolk County Peter Ypma Township of South-West Oxford Regrets: None Staff in attendance: Judy Maxwell, General Manager Aaron LeDuc, Manager of Corporate Services Leigh-Anne Mauthe, Manager of Watershed Services Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure Jessica King, Social Media and Marketing Associate Nicole Sullivan, HR Coordinator/Executive Assistant 1. Welcome and Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025. 2. Additional Agenda Items Chris Van Paassen proposed an addition to the agenda in regards to the Ontario government announcement. A-112/25 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by D. McKeen THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors add the Ontario Government Announcement on Conservation Authorities under New Business as item 10 G to the November 5, 2025 agenda. Carried FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 2 - 3. Approval of the Agenda A-113/25 Moved by J. Palmer Seconded by P. Ypma THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the agenda as amended. Carried 4. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest None. 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting a) Board of Directors Meeting October 1, 2025 Robert Chambers made an amendment to the minutes to include the acknowledgement of Rainey Weisler’s last board meeting and the welcoming of Ed Ketchabaw. Dave Beres officially welcomes Ed Ketchabaw to the LPRCA Board of Directors. A-114/25 Moved by T. Masschaele Seconded by M. Columbus THAT the minutes of the LPRCA Board of Directors meeting held October 1, 2025 be adopted as amended. Carried 6. Business Arising There was no business arising from the previous minutes. 7. Review of Committee Minutes A-115/25 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by E. Ketchabaw THAT the minutes of the Audit & Finance Committee meeting held October 24, 2025 be adopted as circulated Carried FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 3 - 8. Correspondence None 9. Development Applications a) Section 28 Regulations Approved Permits (L. Mauthe) Leigh-Anne Mauthe presented the approved permits report. A - 116/25 Moved by S. Bentley Seconded by P. Ypma THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the staff approved Section 28 Regulation Approved Permits report dated November 5, 2025 as information. Carried 10. New Business a) General Manager’s Report (J. Maxwell) Judy Maxwell provided a report summarizing operations in October and provided a few recent updates on forestry and watershed tours with community partners, Environmental Registry of Ontario postings that Conservation Ontario staff are coordinating comments for, and an update on Forestry operations. Peter Ypma asked staff about the tops of trees after a timber harvest. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that LPRCA standards the tops are cleaned up. LPRCA has fuelwood contracts for cleanup of the tops and operations are monitored by forestry staff. These contractors are all insured, sign a contract with LPRCA, pay a fee, and are monitored by forestry staff. Mike Columbus asked if the federal government budget announcement and the cut to the tree planting program will affect LPRCA’s tree planting. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that as of now there is no change to LPRCA’s tree planting, the funding agreement with Forest Canada is in place until 2029. Dave Beres asked staff to provide an update on the Boardroom renovations. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that the ceiling tiles and lights were all replaced and completed this week, and the rest of the updates will be completed by mid-January. Doug Brunton asked staff about LPRCA’s lease on the building. Aaron LeDuc informed the Board that LPRCA has four terms of five years with an option for a 5th term, and that this lease started in 2018. A-117/25 Moved by S. Bentley Seconded by J. Palmer FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 4 - THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the General Manager’s Report for October 2025 as information. Carried b) 3rd Qtr. Financial Report (A. LeDuc) Aaron LeDuc presented the report. Jim Palmer asked staff to clarify the large surplus that is shown in the report. Aaron LeDuc informed the Board that due to the seasonality of a large portion of LPRCA’s revenue, there is generally an uptick on surplus in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters, but the surplus will slim down by the end of the year when other expenses are finalized and amortization is included. A-118/25 Moved by M. Columbus Seconded by D. McKeen THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Q3 Financial Report – September 30, 2025 for the fiscal year up to and including September 30, 2025 as information. Carried c) Tangible Capital Asset Draft Policy (A. LeDuc) Aaron LeDuc presented the report. Chris Van Paassen asked staff for an explanation on the tangible capital asset policy and how LPRCA accounts for sources of financing and accounting entries. Aaron LeDuc explained that the tangible Capital Asset Policy is how LPRCA accounts for financial assets and how LPRCA will account for the assets in the financial statements versus how the Authority acquires tangible capital assets. A-119/25 Moved by T. Masschaele Seconded by C. Van Paassen THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the Draft Tangible Capital Asset Policy as presented. Carried d) Draft Investment Policy (A. LeDuc) Aaron LeDuc presented the report. Ed Ketchabaw asked staff to clarify if the review period is annually as the staff report or every five years as stated in the policy. Aaron LeDuc informed the Board that the review cycle is every five years, and the staff report was an error. A-120/25 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 5 - Moved by J. Palmer Seconded by M. Columbus THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the Draft Investment Policy as presented. Carried e) Administration Review Policy for Permits (L. Mauthe) Leigh-Anne Mauthe presented the report and draft policy after the deferral from the last Board meeting. Chris Van Paassen thanks the staff for deferring the report and speaking to others on the subject. Chris Van Paassen disagreed with the staff report recommendation and provided comments. Robert Chambers and Mike Columbus supported the staff recommendation and both provided comments, and agrees with staff that members of the Board being the reporting officer would constitute a conflict of interest. A-121/25 Moved by R. Chambers Seconded by M. Columbus THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approve the Administration Review Policy for Permits required under Section 12 of Ontario Regulation 41/24 as presented. Carried f) Prescription/Operating Plans – Casselton & Earl Danylevich (J. Maxwell) Judy Maxwell delivered the report. Jim Palmer asked staff if the forestry prescription reports are always this complicated. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that the plans are based on a developed template, but that each tract is individually surveyed and analyzed by forestry staff as the tracts can vary drastically. A-122/25 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by T. Masschaele THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the prescription/operating plans for the Earl Danylevich Tract at 1290 Charlotteville West Quarter Line of Charlotteville Township, and the Casselton Tract at 811 Charlotteville Road 2 of Charlotteville Township. Carried FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 6 - g) Ontario Government Announcement regarding Conservation Authorities (Addition) Dave Beres read his remarks on the Ontario Government announcement about the creation of a new agency — the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) — which will oversee all Conservation Authorities across the province. This new agency is intended to provide centralized leadership, streamline governance, and modernize the permitting process through a single digital platform and provincewide performance standards. As part of this initiative, the current 36 Conservation Authorities will be reorganized into seven watershed-based regions. As of now, it is speculated that Essex Region CA, Lower Thames Valley CA, St. Clair Region CA, Kettle Creek CA, Catfish Creek CA, Upper Thames River CA, Grand River CA and Long Point Region CA will combine to make Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority. Public consultation is expected to begin in spring 2026, involving municipalities, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and residents. Implementation of changes outlined in the OPCA legislation will begin following the October 2026 municipal elections, with changes rolling out in 2027. Dave Beres reiterated that there is no change to LPRCA’s current operations. It is business as usual. LPRCA Board and Staff remain fully committed to delivering the high-quality programs and services to the communities — from water quality monitoring and public safety to watershed health initiatives throughout the Long Point Region. Shelley Ann Bentley asked broadly if there was any recourse at the moment for members to dispute the amalgamation and remain Long Point Region Conservation Authority, as the speculated region is a massive area and does not support the community as the CA’s do now. Dave Beres stated that Conservation Authorities will give their input on the amalgamation when the registry opens. Ed Ketchabaw asserted that LPRCA Board should not just accept this announcement. There are many unanswered questions, like what is the purpose of this? What can be gained by amalgamating? What is the financial outcome? And what is the goal of the province? Not time to agree until more questions are answered. Doug Brunton has great concern with where the amalgamation is going, as past amalgamations of other government agencies have been problematic. There is concern with the blending of LPRCA’s finances with other organizations and the loss of the reserves that should be utilized in the community and not spread across such a large region. Doug Brunton reiterated his concern with the community places and spaces like Lee Brown Marsh and Backus Heritage Conservation Area. Tom Masschaele agrees with previous Board members, and adds that the results of amalgamation and centralization do not usually work out for the smaller groups who are in a good financial position, as LPRCA is in. Efficiency in this case, seems it may mean the spreading of LPRCA’s assets. Chris Van Paassen agrees that LPRCA is not ready to concede on this announcement completely and Board and staff should communicate and do homework to push back now FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 7 - with ministers and other partners. The MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk and Oxford may be receptive to LPRCA. Saving money by going bigger has not worked in the past. Robert Chambers asked if Ontario was the only province with Conservation Authorities, and inquired how the other provinces handle the work of Conservation Authorities, was the work downloaded to the municipalities in those provinces. Mike Columbus wondered about the government’s statement on “no job losses” as it seems very hard to imagine there will be no job losses and how can the Board handle this. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that legislation to create the agency should be coming in the next few weeks to hopefully give more direction. There is much that needs to be considered, but hard to do with no direction or concrete plan from the province. Doug Brunton asked staff if the 2026 budget is set, and if community projects can be pushed forward for 2026. Judy Maxwell indicated that the Board can approve projects outside of the budget. Jim Palmer asked staff about the province representative that was advertised for LPRCA. Judy Maxwell informed the Board that the position was advertised, and other CAs received an agricultural representative, but LPRCA has not and may not have one appointed now. Dave Beres asked Board members to forward their concerns to Judy Maxwell to be reviewed. A-123/25 Moved by E. Ketchabaw Seconded by M. Columbus THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the update on the Ontario government Announcement regarding Conservation Authorities as information. AND THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors direct staff to circulate the remarks from the Chair and the Media Release to the Board of Directors. Carried 11. Closed Meeting None Next meeting: November 13, 2025, Budget Meeting at 9:30 a.m. Adjournment The Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Ed Ketchabaw, Tom Masschaele, Debera McKeen, Jim Palmer, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 8 - Dave Beres Judy Maxwell Chair General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer /ns FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Jim Palmer, Debera McKeen, Ed Ketchabaw, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 1 - LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Board of Directors Budget Meeting of November 13, 2025 Approved December 3, 2025 Members in Attendance Robert Chambers, Chair County of Brant Dave Beres, Vice-Chair Town of Tillsonburg Shelley Ann Bentley Haldimand County Doug Brunton Norfolk County Michael Columbus Norfolk County Debera McKeen Haldimand County Chris Van Paassen Norfolk County Ed Ketchabaw Municipality of Bayham/Township of Malahide Regrets: Peter Ypma Township of South-West Oxford Jim Palmer Township of Norwich Tom Masschaele Norfolk County Staff in attendance: Judy Maxwell, General Manager Aaron LeDuc, Manager of Corporate Services Leigh-Anne Mauthe, Manager of Watershed Services Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure Jessica King, Marketing & Social Media Associate 1. Welcome and Call to Order The chair called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025. 2. Additional Agenda Items Chris Van Paassen put forth a motion to add a closed session. A-124/25 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by D. McKeen THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors adds a closed session meeting under Budget Overview Presentionat as item 4 B to the Novemebr 13, 2025 Budegt agenda. 3. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest None were declared. 4. Budget Overview Presentation FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Jim Palmer, Debera McKeen, Ed Ketchabaw, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 2 - A) Budget Overview Presenation The Manager of Corporate Services provided a general overview of the 2026 draft budget. At the last Audit and Finance Committee meeting on August 8, 2025, the Committee provided staff direction to prepare a budget with a maximum 4.0% target increase on the levy. The 2026 Draft Budget was presented with a 0% or $0 municipal levy increase. The operating levy increased by 0.02% or $500 and the capital levy decreased by 0.32% or $500. A special levy to Norfolk County of $260,000 is required for the Sutton Dam Structure Design and Removal and Vittoria Dam projects in 2026. The following reports were reviewed and discussed: 1. Draft Consolidated Operating Budget 2. Draft Consolidated Budget Summary 3. Draft Municipal Levy Consolidated 4. 5-year Summary by Municipality of Levy Apportionment The Current Value Assessment Apportionment for 2025 and 2026 were presented and discussed. The assessment data was provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry based on O. Reg. 402/22 (Budget and Apportionment). *L. Mauthe and S. Rahman left Closed session began at 10:02 a.m B) Closed Session A-125/25 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by M. Columbus THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors does now enter into a closed session to discuss: • Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees of the Authority. The Board reconvened in open session at 10:24 a.m. *L.Mauthe and S.Rahman returned to the meeting at 10:24 a.m. 5. 2026 Budget Package Operations: The Managers reviewed each of their department(s) draft budgets, action plans, projects, and staffing requirements. Capital: The 2026 total for capital spending is budgeted at $1,199,455 requiring $157,000 from the general levy, $157,000 from the Current Year Surplus, $246,575 from the User Fee Reserve, $160,600 Prior Year Capital, $135,000 Provincial Grants, $83,280 from Unrestricted Reserve and $260,000 Special Levy from Norfolk County. FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Jim Palmer, Debera McKeen, Ed Ketchabaw, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 3 - The following reports were reviewed and discussed: 1. One-Year 2026 Draft Capital Budget 2. Five-Year 2026 Draft Capital Budget Maintenance work and necessary repairs for public safety are continuing on the major water control structures. Three projects are planned for 2026 totaling $435,000, Sutton Dam Structure Design and Removal, Vittoria Dam Design and Implementation, and Deer Creek Dam Public Safety Boom. Two Watershed Services projects are planned for 2026 totaling $120,000; Flood hazard mapping of Nanticoke Creek and flood and erosion hazard mapping of Upper Big Creek. Other works include gate replacement, updated signage, and repairs on Authority lands, parking lots and fencing upgrades, Backus Maintenance Barn demolition and replacement, Backus Heritage Site building demolitions, Backus Grist Mill full structural review, Backus CA cabin replacement, Haldimand CA and Norfolk CA water system upgrades, and the purchase of playground equipment for Backus Heritage CA and Haldimand CA. Annual computer upgrades, and vehicle and equipment replacements. 6. General Manager’s Report and Budget Recommendations A-126/25 Moved by E. Ketchabaw Seconded by S. Bentley THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following recommendations regarding LPRCA’s 2026 Draft Operating and Capital budgets: THAT the draft 2026 operating budget of $6,370,228 requiring $2,238,181 of general levy representing an increase in the general levy of 0.02% or $500; AND THAT the draft 2026 capital budget of $1,199455 requiring $157,500 of general levy representing a decrease in the general levy of -0.32% or $500; AND THAT the draft 2026 capital budget includes a special levy of $260,000 for Norfolk County; AND THAT the total general municipal levy of $2,395,181 requiring an increase of 0.00% or $0.00 overall compared to 2025 be circulated to member municipalities for review and comment; AND THAT staff be directed to present the Draft 2026 Budget to member municipalities when FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Jim Palmer, Debera McKeen, Ed Ketchabaw, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 4 - requested. Carried The Chair adjourned the meeting at 11:57 a.m. _______________________________ ________________________________ Dave Beres Judy Maxwell Chair General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer /jk ELGIN OPP DETACHMENT BOARD Municipality of West Elgin Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich Township of Southwold Municipality of Central Elgin Township of Malahide Municipality of Bayham November 28, 2025 Re: Request for Proposals – Administrative Support and Financial Management Services for the Elgin OPP Detachment Board Dear Member Municipalities, As you are aware, recent direction from the Inspectorate of Policing has clarified that the financial management function of the Elgin OPP Detachment Board must be administered by one of the Board’s member municipalities. Specifically, the municipality providing this service must utilize its own Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) number to issue payroll for Board members. Because the County of Elgin is not a member of the Elgin OPP contract, it is no longer able to provide this service on behalf of the Board. Following the Board meeting on September 30, 2025, I wrote to each of your municipalities requesting proposals to assume the Board’s financial management responsibilities. No proposals were received by the time of our November 19, 2025, meeting. During that meeting, the Board considered feedback received from municipal representatives and administrative staff. It became clear that separating administrative support and financial management between different organizations would create unnecessary inefficiencies. These two functions are closely interdependent and are most effectively delivered together by a single provider. For this reason, the Board has decided to combine both the administrative support services and the financial management responsibilities into one contract and to re-issue a revised request for proposals to member municipalities. We are therefore inviting submissions from any interested member municipality willing to assume responsibility for both of these essential Board support functions. Below is a non-exhaustive list of duties associated with the administration of the Board: 1. Meeting Management: Prepare agendas, coordinate attendance, arrange meeting logistics (in-person and virtual), ensure quorum, record and transcribe minutes, and post agendas/minutes online. 2. Board Governance: Liaise with the Chair, Board Members, and Municipal Liaisons to ensure adherence to terms of reference, procedures, policies, and legislation. ELGIN OPP DETACHMENT BOARD 3. Records Maintenance: Create, update, and manage Board records, correspondence, policies, and member information. 4. Administrative Support: Conduct research, prepare reports, briefing memos, policies, correspondence, and assist with recruitment, onboarding, and related Board administration. Arrange for Conference attendance. 5. Financial Management: Develop annual budget, monitor Board expenditures, administer payroll for Board Members, look after accounts payable and receivable. 6. Training and Communication: Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, communicate with councils, municipal staff, and the public, participate in required training, and represent the Board at meetings or conferences as needed. Based on discussions with other Detachment Boards of similar size it is estimated that this work can require up to 20 hours per month, with a few more hours expected at the onset for onboarding and transition from the County’s operations. Proposals should include: • A brief description of your municipality’s capacity, interest, and experience in delivering these services for the Board. • An estimate of yearly cost (approximate upper limit amount, based on estimated number of hours needed to perform the tasks listed above and the proposed hourly rate). Please submit proposals no later than January 16, 2026, to both: • Dave Jenkins, Chair, Elgin OPP Detachment Board (dmjenkins95@gmail.com) • Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk, County of Elgin (kthompson@elgin.ca) I would like to thank you in advance for your willingness to consider submitting a proposal to provide administrative support and financial Management to the Elgin OPP Detachment Board. The Board plays an important role in our communities by providing local civilian oversight of the Ontario Provincial Police and serving as a liaison between residents and law enforcement to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. Your support in assuming these responsibilities is essential to maintaining the Board’s effective operation, and we are grateful to any municipality prepared to step forward and assist in sustaining this important work. Sincerely, ELGIN OPP DETACHMENT BOARD Chair, Elgin OPP Detachment Board dmjenkins95@gmail.com Re: Request for Action Regarding Unlicensed Tarion Builders Attention: Mayor Ketchabaw and Members of Council Bayham residents are currently at risk of purchasing new homes without Tarion warranty protection due to unlicensed building practices. This issue undermines buyer confldence, exposes families to flnancial hardship, and threatens the integrity of our permitting system. A common loophole being exploited is the “build-for-self, sell-after-a-year” practice. For example, a builder may occupy a home briefiy, then resell it, repeating the process multiple times without ever registering with Tarion. The subsequent purchaser is often unaware that the home carries no warranty coverage. Tarion warranty protection extends up to seven years, covering plumbing, mechanical, and structural failures, and is fully transferable between homeowners. At present, when a building permit application is submitted, the applicant is asked to indicate whether they are a Tarion-licensed builder and to provide their license number. The plans examiner then verifles the license before issuing the permit. However, if the box is left blank, it is assumed that the applicant is undertaking a one-time build for themselves where no license is required. This assumption is being misused by repeat builders who are, in fact, constructing multiple homes without registering with Tarion. Tarion Policy Clarification • Owner-Builder (Private Build): An individual may construct a home on their own land for personal use and legitimate occupation without registering as a builder, provided they obtain a Letter of Conflrmation from Tarion. Tarion investigates to ensure the homeowner actually resides in the home after completion. • Repeat Builders / Commercial Intent: A person who builds a home for the purpose of sale is legally considered a builder/vendor. They must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) and enroll the home with Tarion. Building and selling more than one home within a flve-year period, or showing a pattern of building without genuine long-term occupation, is interpreted as a commercial enterprise and requires licensing. • Penalties: Failure to register with the HCRA and enroll homes with Tarion when required can result in prosecution, flnes, and imprisonment. Tarion actively investigates suspected abuse of the owner-builder exemption. Recommendation Bayham has the authority — and responsibility — to ensure its permitting process does not enable unlicensed construction activity. To close this loophole, I recommend amending the building permit application to require applicants to: 1. Declare whether they or their company have built more than one home within the last flve years; and/or 2. Provide a Letter of Conflrmation from Tarion if claiming owner-builder status. By making these declarations mandatory, Bayham’s permitting process will align with Tarion’s deflnition of a repeat builder and help prevent unlicensed construction activity. Conclusion By adopting this amendment, Bayham can ensure that new home buyers are properly protected, uphold the integrity of our permitting process, and demonstrate leadership among Ontario municipalities in safeguarding residents from unlicensed building practices. Respectfully submitted, Barry Wade REPORT CAO TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: December 18, 2025 REPORT: CAO-47/25 SUBJECT: 2026 INSURANCE RENEWAL BACKGROUND On November 16, 2023, Council received Report CAO-59/23 re Award of RFP 23-03 – Insurance and Risk Management Services. The Report identified two bidders – Intact Public Entities (IPE) and Marsh Canada. Marsh Canada’s submission was scored slightly higher than IPEs despite the higher premium at $209,819 plus applicable HST. The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham passed the following motion: Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report CAO-59/23 re Award of RFP 23-03 – Insurance and Risk Management Services be received for information; AND THAT the 2024 Municipal Insurance Program be obtained from Marsh Canada Limited. Bayham renewed its general insurance in 2025 with Marsh Canada Limited. DISCUSSION In August 2025, Marsh Canada engaged Bayham staff regarding a 2026 insurance renewal and request for updated documentation. Updated documentation was provided in October to Marsh Canada, along with any requested follow-up information needed to process a 2026 program renewal. On November 21, 2025, the Municipality of Bayham received its 2026 Municipal Insurance Renewal premium comparison in the amount of $230,725 plus applicable taxes from Marsh Canada Limited. This is a 5 percent increase over the insurance renewal information received by Council for 2025, and includes cyber insurance coverage for the Municipality up to an aggregate limit. The largest nominal change to coverage premiums is for Property Coverage, which has increased by +$9,631 (~14 percent). 6 percent is attributable to the general insurance market increase, while the balance is related to re-valuations of certain water and wastewater facilities, which are required to be insured by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) as a part of their Operations and Maintenance agreement. The following premiums experience no change for 2026: • General Liability • Environmental • Crime • Councillor Accident • Out of Province medical • Volunteer • Cyber he Municipality is required to carry cyber insurance to satisfy the requirements of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) agreement. The automobile, excess liability, and standard policy fees increased by a cumulative $707. While the Municipality’s loss ratio and claims history remains high overall, no new claims were filed in 2025, which should improve Bayham’s risk in this regard into 2026. The 2026 Insurance Program is consistent with the 2024 RFP award documentation, including updates for inflation and revisions to Auto, Building, and Contents as requested by the insurer. Marsh Canada proposed the option for a three-year renewal that could be executed by Bayham and would result in a decrease for 2027 and 2028 to the General Liability premium. The General Liability component of the proposed 2026 renewal is $100,639, which is associated with the Municipality’s population and accounts for 43.6 percent of the overall annual premium paid to Marsh Canada. A three-year renewal would see the General Liability premium decrease to $98,123 in 2027 and kept flat for 2028. Although the decrease accounts for approximately 2.5 percent on the General Liability and approximately 1 percent overall, it does not guarantee other coverages will remain flat. It also ties the Municipality to Marsh Canada through 2028 and precludes going to market within that timeframe, which may be problematic if other coverages and/or associated premiums experience unfavourable changes. As noted earlier, the Municipality last proceeded to market for its General Insurance and Risk Management Portfolio via Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2023 and before that, in 2018. Although a 2028 RFP for 2029’s renewal would be timely and consistent with past practice, it precludes an earlier deployment or potential for joint procurement with other lower-tiers, should the opportunity arise. At this time, staff recommend proceeding with one-year renewals. Marsh Canada has also proposed an alternative to the existing cyber insurance policy. The current policy comes with $2 million in liability. For an extra $2,995, the liability coverage can be increased to $3 million. Given the importance of cyber insurance to municipal operations and the transition of water and wastewater operations and maintenance to OCWA, staff recommend obtaining the additional premium through Marsh Canada for cyber liability insurance. This would add 1.4 percent to the renewal, totaling 6.4 percent overall or $233,720. Staff recommend obtaining the 2026 Municipal Insurance Program from Marsh Canada with additional cyber liability insurance. STRATEGIC PLAN 3.2: Quality of Governance > To continually demonstrate financial responsibility to the community. Initiative(s): Not Applicable RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report CAO-47/25 re 2026 Insurance Renewal be received for information; 2. AND THAT the 2026 Municipal Insurance Program be obtained from Marsh Canada Limited at a total premium of $233,720 plus applicable taxes. Respectfully submitted by: Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Chief Administrative Officer THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-071 BEING A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH AND REQUIRE THE PAYMENT OF RATES AND FEES WHEREAS Section 391 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, as amended, provides for a municipality to pass by-laws imposing fees or charges on any persons for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of it, for costs payable by it for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of any other municipality or local board, and for the use of its property including property under its control; AND WHEREAS Section 69 of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13 as amended provides that a municipality may establish a tariff of fees for the processing of applications made in respect of planning matters; AND WHEREAS Section 7 of the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, as amended authorizes a municipal Council to pass by-laws concerning the issuance of permits and related matters; AND WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham has adopted a 2023-2026 Community Strategic Plan; AND WHEREAS a primary initiative contained within the 2023-2026 Community Strategic Plan is to “Investigate options for moving services to full cost recovery”; NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS A BY-LAW AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT “Schedule A” hereto, which forms part of this by-law, sets out the rates and fees of the Municipality of Bayham for the activities and services enumerated therein; 2. THAT the rates and fees established in this by-law shall be due and payable in full; 3. THAT the rates for Full Cost Recovery items and the rates associated with a current rate from an external organization, such as the MTO or OPSS, will be established by incorporating either the staff, capital and overhead rate(s) required to provide the service, or the applicable billable rate or invoice amount provided to the Municipality for the service(s) rendered; 4. THAT the Fee component of any item requiring both a Fee and Deposit shall be non-refundable upon provision of the service requested; 5. THAT the Deposit component of any item requiring both a Fee and Deposit shall be funded prior to the provision of the service requested and may not be returned in full if costs of service surpass what is covered by the Fee; 6. THAT the fees contained in this by-law shall be adjusted annually in accordance with the October Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Building Construction Price Index (BCPI), as deemed appropriate, without having to formally amend the by-law; 7. THAT any discrepancies or applicability of this by-law be determined by the Treasurer or designate; 8. THAT any other rates and fees adopted elsewhere and not contained herein remain applicable; 9. THAT this by-law take effect on January 1, 2026; 10. AND THAT By-law No. 2024-077 and all amendments be repealed as of January 1, 2026. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. ____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK CATEGORY ITEM FEE Admin - Photocopying per page - black & white 8.5x11 or 15 $0.75 per page - black & white 11x17 $1.00 per page - coloured 8.5x11 or 15 $2.00 per page - coloured 11x17 $2.50 fax $1.00 per page - GIS maps & plans 8.5x11 $7.00 per page - GIS maps & plans 11x17 $11.00 copy of zoning by-law $25.00 copy of official plan $35.00 Admin - Culture and Tourism Councils & Historic Highlights + 5% HST $3.00 Bayham Memories & Milestones + 5% HST $12.00 Municipal Key Fobs $2.00 Discover Bayham Mugs $5.00 Admin - Lottery Lottery Licence 3% of cash value of all prize ($10 minimum fee) Admin - Freedom of Information FOI Application $5.00 FOI Additional Charges $7.50/15 min of seach and review of documents, photocopying $0.20/page Admin - Miscellaneous Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Municipal Information Form $25.00 Preparation, Registration or Discharge of Agreement/Interest Fee $500.00 Ontario Power Authority Fee in Tarriff Support Resolution $100.00 Garbage Tags $2.50 Blue Box +HST $10.00 County Map $3.00 Municipal Pins First 15 pins free, each additional $1.00 (maximum 25 pins unless special approval) Commissioning of Affidavits $20.00 (senior pension forms exempt) Certification of Documents $20.00 Livestock Valuer $150.00 Food Truck License $500.00 Ice Cream Truck License $250.00 Stationary BBQ Vendor License $250.00 Stationary Food/Beverage Vendor License $250.00 Kennel Licence (first time)$250.00 Kennel Licence (renewal)$200.00 Animal Rescue Facility (First time)$150.00 Animal Rescue Facility (renewal) $100.00 East Beach Paid Parking 1 Hour (+HST and fees) $5.30 2 Hours (+HST and fees) $10.05 3 Hours (+HST and fees) $14.93 4 Hours (+HST and fees) $19.80 Daily (+HST and fees) $22.25 Non-Resident Permit (Monday-Thursday) (+HST and fees) $85.52 By-law Enforcement By-law Exemption Request $150.00 Noise Exemption $150.00 Remedial Action Fee Over $2000 Cost + 15% Remedial Action Fee Under $2000 Cost + $300 Zoning Enforcement Compliance Date Extension Application Fee $100 Per Month Requested Lot Maintenance Extension Fee $50.00 First Notice of Non-Compliance FREE Second Notice of Non-Compliance $150.00 Third and Final Notice of Non-Compliance / Order $200.00 Use of Staff Resources - Per Member, One Hour Minimum $75/hour Property Standards Appeal $500.00 Superior Court of Justice Appeal of Property Standards Decision $800.00 Title Search $50.00 Corporate Search Cost + $25 Reigster or Discharge an Order on Title $350.00 Registered Mail $10 per Letter Execute Search Warrant $500.00 Locksmith Service Cost + 15% Treasury Tax Certificate $75.00 Zoning Certificate $75.00 Building Work Order $75.00 Drainage Work Order $75.00 By-law/Fire Services Order $75.00 NSF Payment Fee $35.00 Tax Sale Registration Process Full Cost Recovery + $100.00 Planning Services Offical Plan Amendment Application $2598.00 plus $1000 deposit Zoning By-law Amendment Application $2598.00 plus $1000 deposit Temporary Use Zoning By-law $1,043.00 plus $1,000 deposit Temporary Use Zoning By-law Renewal $521.00 plus $1,000 deposit Zoning Amendment to Remove Holding $521.00 plus $1,000 deposit Minor Variance Application $1119.00 plus $1000 deposit Site Plan Application/Agreement $1469.00 plus $1000 deposit Site Plan Agreement - properties with accumulative commercial/industrial/institutional building area of 150 m2 or less $261.00 plus $250.00 deposit Site Plan Agreement Amendment $521.00 plus $500 deposit Development Agreement $1,043 plus $1,000 deposit Plan of Subdivision Application $2716.00 plus $6000 deposit Defense of Local Planning Appeal Tribunal $5,000.00 deposit - full cost to applicant Planning Report $1200.00 Consent Application Clearance Letter $100.00 Planning Signage - Install and Remove $175.00 Third Party Review Fee Cost + $60 Preconsult $845.00 plus $300 deposit Zoning By-law - Section 4.12 Temporary Use Agreement Fee $10,000.00 Security Deposit $1000.00 Development Agreement Water/Wastewater Change of Occupancy - New Account Charge $50.00 Add to Tax Roll $50.00 Late Payment Charge 5% Sewer Connection Permit $400.00 Sewer Connection Inspection $300.00 Water Connection Permit $400.00 Water Connection Inspection $300.00 Ontario OneCall Relocate/Remark +HST $200.00 Water Meter- Residential (including dual checkvalve, inspection, meter tail and ball valve)$824.00 Water Meter Register $495.00 Water Meter Register for Pit Application $557.00 Dual Check Valve $51.00 Water Meter Bottom Plate with Gasket $26.00 Water Meter Non-Residential Full Cost Recovery Dual Check Valve Non-Residential Full Cost Recovery Water Meter Test Full Cost Recovery Water Shut off/on $110 + current OPSS pickup truck rate Water meter pit with radio antenna lid and associated couplers/adaptors $1,855.00 Public Works Road Access Permit $300.00 MVC Response Current MTO Rate Other Emergencies Response Current MTO Rate Nuisance Calls Debris on Road Current MTO Rate Telecommunication Road Consent Permit $200 Telecommunication Road Consent Additional $0.25/meter Public Works - Civic Addressing Application Number Blade, Steel Post, Installation $200.00 Replacement Number Blade Only $150.00 Replacement Steel Post Only $100.00 ARU Number Blade $150 ARU Directional Number Sign $175 Public Works - Over Dimensional Load Permit Single Use $200.00 Annual $500.00 Private Utility Road Bore $300.00 Fire Services MVC Response Current MTO rate for pumper, rescue & tanker Other Response Current MTO Rate Burn Permit $50.00 per calendar year Cost Recovery - Foam Full Cost Recovery Fire Report - Post Fire $100.00 Fire Inspection - Real Estate - Minimum 2 hours $75.00/hr Fire Safety Plan Review $100.00 Illegal or unauthorized fire (including arson)Full Cost Recovery Hazardous Materials Clean-up (as per Environmental Protection Act, RSO 1990)Full Cost Recovery Fire Response Fees (Indemnification Technology Municipal Act)Current MTO Rate Fireworks - review application and inspection $75.00/hr Marine Museum Entrance Fees Children 12 years of age and under Free Adults (13+)$3.00 per person Family (up to 4 adults)$8.00 per family Museum Admission - Children's Educational Program $4.00 per student Museum Admission - Tour Groups of 10 or more adults $2.00 per person Building Fees Agricultural Permit Fees Fee Adder Units Farm Buildings - new - up to 10,000 sq ft $150.00 $0.45 sq ft Farm Buildings - new - over 10,000 sq ft $4,450.00 $0.40 sq ft Farm Buildings - addition - up to 10,000 sq ft $150.00 $0.45 sq ft Farm Buildings - addition - over 10,000 sq ft $4,450.00 $0.40 sq ft Farm Buildings - renovations $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Manure Tanks $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Grain Bins $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Silos $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Bunker Silos $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Kilns $200.00 Flat Rate Corn Cribs $200.00 Flat Rate Grain Dryers $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (ICI) Permit Fees Fee Adder Units I C I Buildings - new - up to 10,000 sq ft $150.00 $0.95 sq ft I C I Buildings - new - over 10,000 sq ft $9,350.00 $0.95 sq ft I C I Buildings - addition - up to 10,000 sq ft $150.00 $0.95 sq ft I C I Buildings - addition - over 10,000 sq ft $9,350.00 $0.95 sq ft I C I Buildings - renovations $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Residential Permit Fees Fee Adder Units Residential Dwellings - new - up to 1,500 sq ft $1,500.00 $0.00 sq ft Residential Dwellings - new - over 1,500 sq ft $1,500.00 $0.95 sq ft Accessory Buildings - up to 300 sq ft $300.00 Flat Rate Accessory Buildings - over 300 sq ft $300.00 $0.55 sq ft Garage - attached to new home $0.45 sq ft Garages, carports, etc - up to 300 sq ft $150.00 Flat Rate Garages, carports, etc - over 300 sq ft $300.00 $0.55 sq ft Renovations $150.00 $10.45 $000cv Decks, ramps & wood stoves $300.00 Flat Rate Lot Grading Plan Deposit $1,000.00 refundable Occupancy Permit (within 2 years)$0.00 Occupancy Permit (after 2 years)$300.00 Flat Rate Septic Permit Fees Fee Adder Units Class 1 - small $620.00 Flat Rate Class 2-3 - small $620.00 Flat Rate Class 4-5 - small $620.00 Flat Rate Class 1 - large $1,350.00 Flat Rate Class 2-3 - large $1,350.00 Flat Rate Class 4-5 - large $1,350.00 Flat Rate Leaching Beds $500.00 Flat Rate Absorption Trench $500.00 Flat Rate Filter Beds $500.00 Flat Rate Repairs $500.00 Flat Rate Lot Assessments $100.00 Flat Rate Plumbing $150.00 $10.00 fixture Swimming Pool $300.00 Flat Rate Miscellaneous Permit Fees Fee Adder Units Change of Use $200.00 Flat Rate Other Inspections (as deemed by CBO)$200.00 Flat Rate Signs $200.00 Flat Rate Mobile Homes - as second dwelling on farm $200.00 $10.00 $000cv Modular Homes $200.00 $0.60 sq ft Temporary Mobile Homes (approved by Council)$200.00 $100.00 renewal Temporary Mobile Homes (under construction)$200.00 Flat Rate Existing buildings moved to a new site $200.00 $0.55 sq ft Additions to moved structures (at move)$200.00 $0.55 sq ft Additions to moved structures (after move)$200.00 $0.55 sq ft Permit Transfer $200.00 Flat Rate Tents - temporary/special occasion $200.00 Flat Rate Solar Panel - roof mounted $200.00 Flat Rate Demolition Permit $200.00 Flat Rate Building Permit Annual Maintenance Fee $300.00 Municipal Property Damage Deposit $5,000.00 Building Permit Deposit - General $200.00 Building Permit Deposit - New House $500.00 Storm Private Drain Connection Fee $400.00 Facility Rental Fees Facility Type Fee HST TOTAL Straffordville Community Centre - Main Hall (includes Servery)Full Day Mon - Thurs & Sun $300.00 $39.00 $339.00 Full Day Fri & Sat $400.00 $52.00 $452.00 1 Hour $50.00 $6.50 $56.50 up to 3 Hours $150.00 $19.50 $169.50 Additional hours $30.00 $3.90 $33.90 Funeral Luncheon / Celebration of Life $75.00 $9.75 $84.75 Straffordville Community Centre - Servery Only up to 3 Hours $75.00 $9.75 $84.75 Straffordville Community Centre - Trackless Lounge up to 3 Hours $75.00 $9.75 $84.75 Additional hours $30.00 $3.90 $33.90 Straffordville Pavillion Rental $60.00 $7.80 $67.80 Straffordville Concrete Pad Rental $25.00 $3.25 $28.25 Ball Diamonds Rental - League $15.00 $1.95 $16.95 Rental - Casual $25.00 $3.25 $28.25 Additional Costs Damage Deposit (refundable) $350.00 $45.50 $395.50 Security Deposit (non-refundable)50% of rental fee N/A Additional Cleaning/other services Cost Recovery N/A Cost Recovery Key Fee (refundable after function)$100.00 N/A $100.00 Failing to vacate by 2:00 a.m.$50/half hour N/A $50/half hour THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-072 A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM AND THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN FOR PLANNING SERVICES WHEREAS section 8(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, grants a broad scope of powers to municipalities to govern their affairs as they consider appropriate; AND WHEREAS the Municipality requires certain planning services to be performed to fulfill its municipal responsibilities and respond to municipal issues; AND WHEREAS the Council for the Municipality of Bayham approved centralized Planning Services with Elgin County beginning in 2026 on November 6, 2025; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham is desirous of entering into an agreement with the Corporation of the County of Elgin for the provision of Planning Services; NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be and are hereby authorized to execute the Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A” and forming part of this by- law between The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and the Corporation of the County of Elgin for Planning Services; 2. AND THAT this by-law shall come into full force and effect as of February 1, 2026. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025. ___________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK Page 1 of 12 AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT made this ___ day of February, 2026 (the “Effective Date”). BETWEEN: Municipality of Bayham (hereinafter called “Municipality”) OF THE FIRST PART - AND - CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN (hereinafter called “County”) OF THE SECOND PART RECITALS: WHEREAS sections 8 and 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001 c. 25, as amended, provide that a municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person and that the powers authorized pursuant to the Act shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad authority on the municipality to enable it to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to municipal issues. AND WHEREAS the Municipality requires certain planning services to be performed to fulfill its municipal responsibilities and respond to municipal issues; AND WHEREAS the Corporation of the County of Elgin has the skills, expertise and experience necessary to perform planning services for the Municipality; AND WHEREAS the Council of the County deems it expedient for its staff to provide procurement services to the Municipality AND WHEREAS the Municipality and the County now wish to formalize their agreement pursuant to the purchasing policies of the Municipality; NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the sum of TWO DOLLARS ($2.00) now paid by each party to the other as well as the mutual covenants contained herein, the nature and extent of which consideration is acknowledged as sufficient and received, the Parties hereto agree as follows: 1. GENERAL 1.1. Purpose of Agreement This Agreement is for the provision of Planning Services by the County to the Municipality on the terms and conditions set out herein. Page 2 of 12 2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION 2.1. Definitions In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms, regardless of capitalization, shall have the following meanings: 2.1.1. “Agreement” “Agreement” means this agreement, including any recitals and schedules to this agreement, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time. 2.1.2. "Confidential Information" "Confidential Information" shall mean any non-public information, whether in oral, written, electronic, or other form, disclosed by the County or the Municipality to each other that is identified as confidential or would reasonably be understood to be confidential under the circumstances. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, personal health information, municipal plans, policies, proprietary data, financial information, infrastructure plans, public safety strategies, internal reports, and any other information that is not publicly available. 2.1.3. “County Council” “Council” means the elected municipal council of the County. 2.1.4. “Municipal Council” “Municipal Council” means the elected municipal council of the Municipality. 2.1.5. “Planning Services” “Planning Services” means the services described in Schedule “A” of this Agreement. 2.2. Interpretation 2.2.1. Governing Documents and the Precedence Thereof In case of any inconsistency or conflict between or within the provisions of this Agreement any other document or writing, the provisions of such documents shall take precedence and govern in the following order: i) The body of this agreement; ii) The Schedule(s) hereto, except where they duplicate the below; iii) Policies and Procedures implemented by the County for the provision of Planning services; These documents are integrated into this agreement and collectively form the entirety of the agreement between the parties, and any supplement, modification, amendment, or termination thereto shall only be binding if (i) executed in writing by the Parties or (ii) specifically authorized by this Agreement. These documents are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreement”. 2.2.2. Gender/Number Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. Words Page 3 of 12 importing gender shall include all genders. 2.2.3. Headings Do Not Govern The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference only and in no way affect this Agreement. 2.2.4. “Include” All instances of the word “include” and all conjugations thereof should be read as though immediately followed by the words “without limitation”. 3. SERVICE 3.1 Provision of Planning Services The County hereby agrees to provide the Municipality with Planning Services for the term of the contract. The Planning Services will be performed by qualified staff and in accordance with industry standard levels of quality of work and diligence. 3.2 Control of Work Subject to the specific terms and conditions of this Agreement, the County shall control all aspects of the Planning Services. The Municipality acknowledges and agrees that the County may implement procedures and protocols, for the purpose of performing the Planning Services, at its sole discretion. The County agrees to consult with the Municipality on an ongoing basis to ensure alignment between the County’s procedures and protocols and the effective delivery of the Municipality’s Planning Services. 3.3 Dispute Resolution Subject to section 3.2, should the Municipality desire to raise concerns with the service level of the County or any of its individual employees then the Municipality shall provide such feedback to the Director of Planning and Development or the Chief Administrative Officer of the County, as appropriate. The County shall respond to the feedback within five (5) business days and if the issue is not resolved through the response, shall meaningfully consult with the Municipality to address the concern. 4. TERM The term of this contract commences on February 1, 2026 and continues until terminated by either party in accordance with the termination provisions of this Agreement. Time is of the essence in this agreement. Page 4 of 12 5. TERMINATION 5.1. Termination for Cause 5.1.1 Upon default of performing the obligations set out in this Agreement by one party (the “Defaulting Party”) the other party (the “Terminating Party”) may provide notice of default for cause to the Defaulting Party pursuant to the following process: 5.1.1.1 The Terminating Party shall provide the Defaulting Party with written particulars of the of the default; 5.1.1.2 The Defaulting Party shall cure the default within five (5) business days, or, if such default cannot be cured within five (5) business days, the Defaulting Party shall commence curing the default and shall provide a written plan, including a reasonable timeline, for curing the default; 5.1.2 In the event that the Defaulting Party fails or refuses to cure the default within five (5) business days or fails to conform to the written plan to cure the default, as may be applicable, then the Terminating Party may terminate this Agreement without further notice or payment, except for payment of work performed to date. 5.2. Termination Without Cause 5.2.1 The Municipality may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause and in its sole discretion upon providing to the County one-hundred and twenty (120) calendar days’ written notice. Where such termination notice be given by the Municipality, the County shall continue to provide the Planning Services during the notice period. 5.2.2 The County may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause and in its sole discretion upon providing to Municipality one-hundred and twenty (120) calendar days’ written notice. The County will continue to provide the Planning Services during the notice period. 6. LOCATION OF WORK The County shall provide Planning Services at the Municipality of Bayham Municipal Office, 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 for a minimum of 7 hours each week. Such hours shall be scheduled in conformance with a protocol established by the County in consultation with the Municipality (the “Scheduling Protocol”). The Municipality acknowledges and agrees that the County is required to comply with employer obligations to its employees and that scheduling that varies from the Scheduling Protocol shall not constitute a default or breach of this agreement provided there is a reasonable basis for such variance. 7. SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT 7.1. Safety The County warrants and agrees that it has the expertise, knowledge, and abilities Page 5 of 12 necessary to ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, which include statutory, regulatory, by-law, professional, and other applicable safety standards. The Municipality agrees that it has the expertise, knowledge and abilities necessary to ensure that any municipal location of work set out at section 6 of this agreement is safe. The Parties therefore agree that ensuring that the Services are performed in a manner that ensures the safety of the County, its employees, members of the public, and public and private property is the responsibility of the County with regard to its employees and premises and the Municipality’s with regard to its facilities. 7.1.1. Parties to Ensure Compliance The Parties warrant that they are aware of and will at all times ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, which include statutory, regulatory, by-law, professional, and other applicable safety standards. 7.1.2. Occupational Health and Safety For clarity, and without limiting the generality of the above, the County unequivocally acknowledges that it is the Employer, within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as amended, of the County employees delivering Planning Services. 7.2. Equipment and Resources 7.2.1. Required Equipment The County shall supply all equipment needed to provide Planning Services required by this contract. 7.2.2. Access to Information Resources The Municipality shall ensure that it provides to the County all information resources necessary, and as may be reasonably requested, to perform the Planning Services. 8. INSURANCE 8.1. County Insurance The County shall take out and keep in force throughout the term of this Agreement a comprehensive policy of public liability and property damage, which shall include bodily injury and property damage liability, personal injury liability, completed operations liability, and blanket contractual liability with a severability of interest and cross liability clause. Such policy shall provide coverage in respect of any insurable event with a minimum limit of $5,000,000.00 (Five Million Dollars), exclusive of interest and cost, against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury to, or death of, one or more persons and loss of or damage to property. Such policy shall further name the Municipality as additional insured. Page 6 of 12 Prior to the use by the County or any agent thereof of any vehicle not covered under the aforementioned policy, the County shall take out and keep in force throughout the term of this Agreement a Non-owned Automobile liability policy or other applicable policy that shall provide a limit of no less than Two Million ($2,000,000) dollars per occurrence and which shall name the Municipality as additional insured. All aforementioned policies of insurance shall: 8.1.1. Be written with an insurer licensed to do business in Ontario; 8.1.2. Be non-contributing with, and will apply only as primary and not excess to, any other insurance or self-insurance available to the Municipality; 8.1.3. Contain an undertaking by the insurer to notify the Municipality in writing not less than sixty (60) days before any material change in risk or cancellation of coverage. 8.1.4. Provide that any deductible amounts shall be borne by the County. 8.2. Municipality Insurance The Municipality shall take out and keep in force throughout the term of this Agreement a comprehensive policy of public liability and property damage, which shall include bodily injury and property damage liability, personal injury liability, completed operations liability, and blanket contractual liability with a severability of interest and cross liability clause. Such policy shall provide coverage in respect of any insurable event with a minimum limit of $5,000,000.00 (Five Million Dollars), exclusive of interest and cost, against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury to, or death of, one or more persons and loss of or damage to property. Such policy shall further name the County as additional insured. Prior to the use by the Municipality or any agent thereof of any vehicle not covered under the aforementioned policy, the Municipality shall take out and keep in force throughout the term of this Agreement a Non-owned Automobile liability policy or other applicable policy that shall provide a limit of no less than Two Million ($2,000,000) dollars per occurrence and which shall name the County as additional insured. All aforementioned policies of insurance shall: 8.2.1. Be written with an insurer licensed to do business in Ontario; 8.2.2. Be non-contributing with, and will apply only as primary and not excess to, any other insurance or self-insurance available to the County; 8.2.3. Contain an undertaking by the insurer to notify the County in writing not less than sixty (60) days before any material change in risk or cancellation of coverage. 8.2.4. Provide that any deductible amounts shall be borne by the Municipality. Page 7 of 12 9. INDEMNITY Each Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party (the “Indemnified Party”), its officers, Municipal Council, Employees and volunteers from and against any liabilities; claims; expenses; demands; losses; costs, including legal costs on a full indemnity basis; damages; suits or proceedings by whomsoever made, arising directly or indirectly by reason of any requirements of this Agreement, save and except for loss or damage caused by the negligence of the Indemnifying Party or its employees. The Indemnifying Party shall take due and proper precautions for the prevention of accidents to its employees and other persons and property during or in consequence of the work and, should the Indemnified Party incur, pay or be put to any loss, damages, costs, charges or expenses or claims arising out of any failure to do so, the Indemnifying Party shall forthwith, upon demand, repay the same to the Indemnified Party. These indemnities shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and continue thereafter in full force and effect. 10. FEES AND PAYMENT 10.1 Fees 10.1.1 The Municipality shall pay to the County the fees set out in Schedule “B”, based on the actual time spent by County Planning employees performing services for the Municipality. 10.1.2 The County may revise the hourly rates set out in Schedule “B” in its sole discretion, by providing thirty (30) days’ notice in writing of the new rates. The rates shall become effective at the expiration of the notice period. 10.1.3 Should any disbursements to third-parties be required to be paid by the County to the third-party in order to provide the Services, the County shall include such disbursements in its invoice to the Municipality and the Municipality shall pay such disbursements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County must receive the Municipality’s advance, written permission to incur any disbursement greater than $1,000. 10.1.4 The County shall invoice the Municipality for the Services monthly. Save and except for any element of any invoice in dispute, the Municipality shall pay each such invoice within 30 days of receipt of such invoice. 10.1.5 Invoices shall clearly indicate the Municipal planning matter, inquiry, application number and/or project, employee time spent for the billing period on the item(s), and any disbursements associated with the item(s). 11. INFORMATION AND RECORDS 11.1. Information Security The County shall use industry standard security, both physical and electronic, to protect the information of the Municipality or any third-party that is received by the County for the purpose of the Planning Services. Page 8 of 12 The Parties hereby agree to ensure that the other Party’s Confidential Information is treated as confidential and secured in the same manner as the Party secures its own confidential information. Additionally, neither party will disclose any Confidential Information of the other Party without prior written consent. 11.2. Records 11.2.1. For the purposes of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Municipality shall be the institution that has a greater interest in any access request received for records related to planning files processed by the County pursuant to this Planning Services Agreement. 11.2.2. The County shall forward any access request received by the County to the Municipality in conformance with the requirements of MFIPPA. 11.2.3. The County shall provide the Municipality with the documents responsive to an access request arising out of the obligations of this Planning Services Agreement. 12. MISCELLANEOUS 12.1. Delay In the event that there is a Service Delay for any reason whatsoever, including equipment breakdown or operator unavailability, the County shall notify the Municipality thereof by email as soon as possible. The Parties agree to use best efforts to resolve the reason for the delay. 12.2. Notice Except as otherwise specified, where any notice, direction or other communication is required to be or may be given or made by one of the parties hereto to the other, it shall be deemed sufficiently given or made if delivered in writing to such party at the following addresses: MUNICIPALITY: Municipality of Bayham 56169 Heritage Line, PO Box 160 Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 cao@bayham.on.ca County: Corporation of the County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive, Elgin County Administration Building, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 5V1 planning@elgin.ca 12.3. Non-Enforcement Does Not Constitute Waiver No waiver of any part of this Agreement will be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision. No term of this Agreement will be deemed to be waived by reason of any Page 9 of 12 previous failure to enforce it. No term of this Agreement may be waived except in a writing signed by the party waiving enforcement. 12.4. Governing Law The validity, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the Law of Canada applicable therein from time to time. 12.5. Execution by Counterpart; Electronic Signatures Permitted This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and thereafter exchanged by scanned, emailed or facsimile transmission methods, each of which document, once executed, shall constitute an original thereof and all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may be signed by way of electronic signatures, provided that such electronic signatures comply with the Municipality’s policies regarding the same. 12.6. No Assignment without Consent Either Party may not assign this Agreement or any right or obligation under this Agreement without receiving the other Party’s written consent in advance. 12.7. Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, between the parties. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Page 10 of 12 12.8. Severability If any clause of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal or unenforceable, then such clause shall be considered separate and severable from the rest of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall continue to be binding upon the parties as though the illegal or unenforceable clause had never been included. IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the effective date. SIGNED AND DELIVERED ) THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN ) ) ) per:_______________________________ ) Name: Mat Vaughan ) Position: Director of Planning and Development ) ) I/We have authority to bind the Corporation. ) ) ) THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ) ) ) per:_______________________________ ) Name: Ed Ketchabaw ) Position: Mayor ) ) ) per:_______________________________ ) Name: Thomas Thayer ) Position: CAO ) ) I/We have authority to bind the Corporation. Page 11 of 12 Schedule “A” Planning Services The County will provide the following Planning Services to the Municipality in conformance with all statutory requirements: Development Planning • Applications for Minor Variance • Consent applications • Zoning By-Law Amendments • Official Plan Amendments (Local) • Site Plan Control • Part Lot Control Exemptions • Telecommunication Tower review/comment • Preparation of development agreements (Subdivision, Condo, Site Plan, Severance, etc) • Monitoring and tracking of subdivision and consent conditions, preparation of clearance letters In addition to reviewing applications, preparing planning opinions and identifying any required planning instruments to give effect to an application, development planning services include responding to planning enquiries from third-parties or municipal staff, preparing reports for consideration by Committees of Adjustment or Council and pre-submission consultation meetings. Policy Planning – subject to project scoping, staff availability and agreed upon cost estimates • Housekeeping amendments to comprehensive Zoning By-Law • By-law drafting for by-laws related to land use planning matters • Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update • Municipal Official Plan Update • Secondary Plans • Other planning exercises and projects Page 12 of 12 Schedule “B” For the purpose of section 10 of this Agreement, the following hourly rates shall apply to the Services: Position Hourly Rate Director of Planning ......................................... $115.93 Senior Planner ................................................... $80.66 Planner .............................................................. $66.94 Junior Planner .................................................... $66.20 Planning Admin .................................................. $50.03 GIS Analyst ........................................................ $68.35 THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-073 A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM AND ONTARIO CLEAN WATER AGENCY (OCWA) FOR WATER/WASTEWATER OPERATIONS WHEREAS section 8(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, grants a broad scope of powers to municipalities to govern their affairs as they consider appropriate; AND WHEREAS the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) is a crown agency that specializes in water and wastewater operations in Ontario; AND WHEREAS Council authorized the transition of water and wastewater operations and maintenance for the Richmond Community Water Supply System, the Municipality of Bayham Distribution System, the Port Burwell Wastewater Collection System and the Port Burwell Wastewater Treatment Plant to OCWA effective January 1, 2026 on November 6, 2025; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham is desirous of entering into an agreement with OCWA for the provision of water/wastewater operations; NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be and are hereby authorized to execute the Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A” and forming part of this by- law between The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and OCWA for water/wastewater operations; 2. AND THAT this by-law shall come into full force and effect as of January 1, 2026. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025. ___________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-074 A BY-LAW TO PROVIDE FOR AN INTERIM TAX LEVY WHEREAS Section 317 of The Municipal Act, 2001, Chapter 25, S.O. 2001, as amended, provides for an interim levy for 2024 on the assessment of property in the municipality rateable for local municipal purposes, subject to certain restrictions; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham deems it advisable and expedient that such a levy should be made; THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT for the year 2026, the interim tax levying amounts to be levied, raised and collected on all real property taxable within the residential, farmland, pipeline, multi- residential, commercial and industrial classes, and liable to pay the same according to the last revised assessment roll, shall be fifty (50) percent (%) of the total amount of annualised taxes for municipal and school purposes levied on the property for the previous year, that is for the year 2025; 2. THAT the said interim tax levying amounts shall be due and payable in two instalments at the Municipality of Bayham Office at 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, on or before the following dates: FIRST INSTALMENT February 27, 2026 SECOND INSTALMENT May 29, 2026 Notice of such taxes due shall be sent by first class mail by the Tax Collector to those persons or firms liable for the payment of taxes; 5. THAT a charge as a penalty of one and one-quarter per cent on the amount of any outstanding taxes levied in 2026 shall be made on the first day of each calendar month thereafter in which default continues, until December 31st 2026, and any such additional amount shall be levied and collected in the same manner as if it had been originally imposed with and formed part of such levy; 6. THAT interest of one and one-quarter per cent on the amount of any taxes due and unpaid after December 31, 2026, shall be charged on the first day of each calendar month thereafter in which the default continues; 7. THAT taxes may be levied, in accordance with the provisions of this by-law on the assessment of property that is added to the assessment roll after this by-law is passed; 8. THAT the provisions of the Municipal Act with respect to the levy of the yearly rates and the collection of taxes apply mutatis mutandis to the levy of rates and collection of taxes under this by-law; 9. THAT this by-law shall become effective as of the 1st day of January 2026. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. ___________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-075 BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE BORROWING FROM TIME TO TIME TO MEET CURRENT EXPENDITURES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2026 WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, s.407, provides authority for a council by-law to authorize temporary borrowing, until taxes are collected, and until other revenues are received, to meet the current expenditures of the municipality for the year; AND WHEREAS the total amount which may be borrowed from all sources at any one time to meet the current expenditures of the municipality, except with the approval of the Ontario Municipal Board, is limited by Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001; THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: Borrowing 1) The head of Council and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to Authority borrow from time to time by way of promissory note or bankers’ acceptance during the year 2026 (hereinafter referred to as the current year) such sums as may be necessary to meet, until the taxes are collected, and until other revenues are received, the current expenditures of the municipality and the other amounts that are set out in section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Instruments 2) A promissory note or bankers’ acceptance made under Section 1 shall be signed by the head of Council or such other person as is authorized by by-law to sign it and by the Treasurer. Lenders 3) The lenders from whom amounts may be borrowed under authority of this by-law shall be the Royal Bank of Canada and such other lender(s) and reserve funds of the municipality as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Council. Limit on 4) The total amount which may be borrowed at any one time under Borrowing this by-law, together with the total of any similar borrowings that have not been repaid, shall not exceed, from January 1st until September 30th of the current year, 50 percent of the estimated revenues of the municipality as set forth in the estimates adopted for that year. Such borrowing shall not exceed, from October 1st until December 31st of the current year, 25 percent of the said estimated revenues of the municipality as set forth in the estimates adopted for that year. For purposes of this by-law, the estimated revenues of the municipality shall not include revenues derivable or derived from -2- (a) borrowings or issues of debentures, or (b) a surplus, including arrears of levies, or (c) a transfer from the capital fund, reserve funds or reserves. Borrowing 5) The Treasurer shall, at the time when any amount is borrowed Documents under this by-law, ensure that the lender is or has been furnished Required with a certified copy of this by-law, a certified copy of the resolution mentioned in Section 3 determining the lender if applicable and a copy of the estimates of the corporation adopted for the current year and also showing the total of any other amounts borrowed from any and all sources under authority of Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001 that have not been repaid. When 6) If the estimates for the current year have not been adopted at the Estimates Not time an amount is borrowed under this by-law. Adopted (a) the limitation on total borrowing shall be calculated for the time being upon the estimated revenues of the municipality as set forth in the estimates adopted for the previous year. The 2026 estimated amount of revenues applicable to the limitation on total borrowing is $18.48m. Charge on 7) All or any sums borrowed under this by-law shall, with interest Revenues thereon, be a charge upon the whole of the revenues of the municipality for the current year and for any preceding years as and when such revenues are received but such charge does not defeat or affect and is subject to any prior charge then subsisting in favour of any other lender. Directive to 8) The Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to apply in Treasurer payment of all or any sums borrowed under this by-law, together with interest thereon, all or any of the money hereafter collected or received, either on account of or realized in respect of the taxes levied for the current year and preceding years or from any other source, which may lawfully be applied for such purpose. Effective Date 9) This by-law shall come into full force and effect the 1st day of January, 2026. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. ___________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-076 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM ALL ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 18, 2025 WHEREAS under Section 5 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, the powers of a municipal corporation are to be exercised by the Council of the municipality; AND WHEREAS under Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, the powers of Council are to be exercised by by-law; AND WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham deems it advisable that the proceedings of the meeting be confirmed and adopted by by-law. THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the actions of the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham in respect of each recommendation and each motion and resolution passed and other action by the Council at the Council meeting held December 18, 2025 is hereby adopted and confirmed as if all proceedings were expressly embodied in this by-law. 2. THAT the Mayor and Clerk of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the action of the Council including executing all documents and affixing the Corporate Seal. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 18th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025. ____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK