HomeMy WebLinkAbout071725 Council Highlights
July 17, 2025
Council Highlights
Rip Current Presentation
Council received a presentation from Nathan MacIntyre on Understanding Rip
Currents. This topic is important as Bayham’s East Beach and provincial park beach
each experience rip currents. The presentation explained the difference between a
rip current, riptide, and undertow, and suggested ways to improve communication
and education-related collaboration both locally and across the County on rip
currents. The presentation has been shared with the Municipality’s Waterfront
Advisory Committee.
Councillor Motion re Harassment
Councillor Emerson presented a motion on harassment of municipal staff and
representatives. While aimed mostly towards protecting staff from harassment and
abuse, the motion also includes council, contractors, and volunteers, and specifically
addresses matters in writing and on social media.
The motion was adopted, and staff will be investigating options within municipal
policy to enhance protections against unacceptable conduct toward municipal
representatives.
Residential Building Height
There was a lot of discussion regarding residential building heights in the R1 and R2
zones. Council received a delegation on the topic, requesting that Council increase
the Maximum Building Height in the R1 and R2 zones from 7.0 metres to 10.5
metres. Council then received a joint Report from the Planning Coordinator and Fire
Chief. The Report identified operational concerns regarding residential buildings over
7.0 metres, and recommended that the status quo be maintained.
Council opted for a middle ground, and passed a motion to increase the maximum
height in the R1 and R2 zones to 8.0 metres. Staff will be proceeding with a
housekeeping zoning by-law amendment over the coming months.
The Report also included the option to refer discussion on the acquisition of a single-
axle aerial pumper truck to the 2026-2035 Capital Budget in October. This option was
not supported by Council.
Development Applications
Council received three (3) reports regarding development applications:
Consent Application E45-25 2757886 Ontario Inc. (Neil Hiebert) 9407 Elgin
Street
Consent Application E43-25 Dan Froese Farms Plank Road
Rezoning Application ZBA-15/25 Nezezon Howlett 46 Chapel Street
Council recommended both consent applications for approval to Elgin County Land
Division Committee. The rezoning was to remove two Holding Provisions on the
subject lands as a condition of a previously-approved consent application. Council
approved the rezoning and the by-law was adopted later in the meeting.
Q2 Reports
Staff presented three Q2 2025 Reports to Council:
Q2 Drainage
Q2 Building
Q2 Finance
Drainage maintenance was steady in Q2, whereas building activity was down
compared to budget projections and Q2 2024. The Treasurer noted th at municipal
total revenues and expenditures were in line with expectations for half way through
2025, and received direction from Council to include as a part of the Q3 Finance
Report an investment approach for the Municipality’s cash and reserve balances.
For further details, view the meeting agenda and minutes HERE
and watch the YouTube live-stream HERE
DATED at the Municipality of Bayham this 18th day of July, 2025.
Municipality of Bayham
PO Box 160
56169 Heritage Line
Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0
Telephone: 519-866-5521