HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 07, 2026 - CouncilTHE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00 p.m. The May 7, 2026 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 April 16, 2026 B. Planning Public Meeting of Council held April 16, 2026 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
A. Report PS-06/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re Quotation Award – 2026 Capital Asphalt Paving – Capital Items Nos. FA-11 and PW-39
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B. Report PS-07/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re 2026 Roads Surface Treatment – Capital Items No. PW-37 and PW-134 C. Report PS-08/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re
Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity – 2026 Update D. Report FR-03/26 by Harry Branik, Fire Chief / CEMC, Fireworks By-law
12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION
12.1 Correspondence
12.1.1 Receive for Information
A. Notice of Public Meeting re Zoning By-Law Amendment, ZBA-04/26 Beach, 7923 Coyle Road B. Notice of Adoption re Bayham Official Plan Review 12.1.2 Requiring Action
12.2 Reports to Council
A. Report DS-13/26 by Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County re Consent Applications E33-26 & E34-26 J&S Family Farms, 22 Ann Street, Vienna
B. Report DS-14/26 by Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County re Consent Application E35-26 Thiessen, 55424 Vienna Line, Vienna
C. Report DS-15/26 by Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County re Consent Application E37-26 Csinos, 6845 Plank Road, Vienna D. Report DS-16/26 by Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County re Consent Application E38-26 Csinos, 0 Plank Road, Vienna 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
13.1 Correspondence
13.1.1 Receive for Information
A. Western Ontario Wardens Caucus re Support of Finlay’s Law on the Emergency Room
Reform B. Saugeen Shores re Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) Proposal to include $10M per year in the 2026 provincial budget for Heritage Helping Housing (HHH) grant funding C. Watson & Associates re Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation
Infrastructure Act, 2026 and Regulatory Proposal 026-0312 D. Marni Wolfe re Request for Action E. Town of Halton Hills re Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Frameworks
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F. Elgin County re Council Highlights - April 14, 2026 G. Elgin County re Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026
H. Elgin County re Council Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 I. Elgin County re Spring 2026 Economic Development and Tourism Update
13.1.2 Requiring Action 13.2 Reports to Council A. Report CL-05/26 by Alan Bushell, Clerk re 2026 Municipal Election – Establishment of Joint Compliance Audit Committee 14. BY-LAWS A. By-law No. 2026-024 Being a by-law to appoint municipal enforcement officials for the Municipaity of Bayham B. By-law No. 2026-025 Being a by-law to appoint a Secretary-Treasurer for the
Municipality of Bayham C. By-law No. 2026-026 Being a by-law to regulate the display, sale and setting off of fireworks in the Municipality of Bayham
D. By-law No. 2026-028 Being a by-law to establish an election joint compliance audit committee for the 2026 municipal election in accordance with the municipal elections act, 1996, as
amended 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. 2026-029 Being 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, April 16, 2026 7:00 p.m. The April 16, 2026 Council Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube.
PRESENT: MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS SUSAN CHILCOTT DAN FROESE ABSENT: TIMOTHY EMERSON STAFF PRESENT: CAO THOMAS THAYER CLERK ALAN BUSHELL
TREASURER LORNE JAMES *via Zoom PLANNING COORDINATOR / DEPUTY CLERK MARGARET UNDERHILL PLANNING COORDINATOR AARON BELL 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3. REVIEW OF ITEMS NOT LISTED ON AGENDA Item 5A – Presentation from Lindsay King, Elgin County Policy Planner re Bill 98 / Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms and the Build Communities Strong Fund 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Margaret Underhill provided her retirement announcement. April 16, 2026 was her last
council meeting. Margaret wished Council and staff well and thanked the Municipality for
her 30 years of service.
Mayor Ketchabaw expressed gratitude and congratulations on behalf of the Municipality in
relation to Margaret Underhill’s retirement.
CAO Thayer thanked Margaret for her service and introduced Aaron Bell as the new
Planning Coordinator for Bayham. Aaron has been working part-time with Margaret for the
last month and will be starting full-time on May 4, 2026.
Mayor Ketchabaw acknowledged national volunteer week running April 20 to 26th. He also
reminded the community that Volunteer Elgin will be holding a volunteer fair at the St.
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Thomas Public Library, as well as displays at the Aylmer and Dutton branches on April
25,2026. Further information can be found at volunteerelgin.org
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Lindsay King, Elgin County Policy Planner re Bill 98 / Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms and the Build Communities Strong Fund
Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler
THAT the presentation from Lindsay King, Elgin County Policy Planner re Bill 98 / Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms and the Build Communities Strong Fund be received for information; AND THAT staff be directed to work with Elgin County Planning on a comment submission on Bill 98 and the Build Communities Strong Fund. CARRIED 6. DELEGATIONS 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Regular Meeting of Council held April 2, 2026
B. Special Meeting of Council held April 2, 2026 Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the minutes from the Regular Meeting of Council and the Special Meeting held on April 2, 2026 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
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11.1.2 Requiring Action
11.2 Reports to Council
A. Report PS-04/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re
2026 Sidewalk Audit Report Moved by: Councillor Froese
Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report PS-04/26 re 2026 Sidewalk Audit be received for information;
AND THAT the following sections of sidewalks be removed from the sidewalk network in 2026:
• Eden Line west of Plank Road, north side of road
• Heritage Line east of East Street, north and south sides of road
• Cowper Street east of Chatham Street, south side of road
• Pitt Street from Victoria Street to dead end, north side of road
• Erieus Street from Brock Street to dead end, west side of road
AND THAT these removals be funded through the $125,000 allocation in the Capital Budget; AND THAT further discussion regarding the 2026 sidewalk audit and future sidewalk replacement be referred to the 2027-2036 Capital Budget deliberations.
CARRIED B. Report PS-05/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re Sidewalk Replacement Contract – Sole Source Award Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report PS-05/26 re Sidewalk Replacement Contract – Sole Source Award be received for information;
AND THAT staff be directed to engage Autoform Contracting on a sole source contract for sidewalk reconstruction works on a five-year term commencing in 2026; AND THAT the appropriate by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration. CARRIED
12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION
12.1 Correspondence
12.1.1 Receive for Information
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A. Notice of Passing re Zoning By-Law Amendment, ZBA-03/26 Beach, 55695 Light Line, Vienna B. Notice of Public Meeting re Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan (CIP), April 16,
2026 Moved by: Councillor Chilcott
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT items 12.1.1 A – B be received for information.
CARRIED
12.1.2 Requiring Action
12.2 Reports to Council
A. Report DR-04/26 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re 2026 1st Quarter Drainage Report
Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Report DR-04/26 re 2026 1st Quarter Drainage Report be received for information. CARRIED
B. Report DS-12/26 by Scott Sutherland re Chief Building Official, 1st Quarter Report Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report DS-12/26 re 1st Quarter Report be received for information. CARRIED Recess at 8:01 pm Reconvene at 8:12 pm Upon reconvening the meeting, Mayor Ketchabaw provided a rise an urgent update from the
hydro authorities, that the power outage will persist in the area until at least noon tomorrow. 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
13.1 Correspondence
13.1.1 Receive for Information
A. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing re Spring Housing Bill B. Township of North Glengarry re Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund C. Township of North Stormont re Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund
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D. City of Sarnia re Strengthening Municipal Accountability and Public Trust (Bill 9) E. Long Point Regional Conservation Authority re AGM Minutes – March 6, 2026
Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT items 12.1.1 A – E be received for information. CARRIED
13.1.2 Requiring Action
A. Snowbirds Event Request Moved by: Councillor Froese
Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott WHEREAS the Municipality of Bayham wishes to endorse the event request as submitted;
AND WHEREAS the current landing area used for medical helicopter services may not meet RCAF site requirements as outlined in the request; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham hereby enacts as follows: THAT correspondence be prepared and signed by the Mayor to permit the requested low-altitude flyover; AND THAT correspondence be prepared and signed by the Mayor providing permission for a
helicopter to land at the Port Burwell Ball Diamond, subject to preparation and submission of a site plan to the satisfaction of the Municipality, and confirmation from the requesting organization that the site meets RCAF site requirements and is suitable to their needs.
CARRIED 13.2 Reports to Council A. Report CAO-18/26 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re Site Plan Agreement – 1498855 Ontario Inc. o/a Otter Creek Distilling – 92 Edison Drive, Vienna (Application No. SPA-06/25) Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report CAO-18/26 re Site Plan Agreement – 1498855 Ontario Inc. o/a Otter Creek Distilling – 92 Edison Drive, Vienna (Application No. SPA-06/25) be received for information.
CARRIED
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B. Report CAO-19/26 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re Endorsement of Operational Plan – Drinking Water Systems – Ontario Clean Water Agency Moved by: Councillor Froese
Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report CAO-19/26 re Endorsement of Operational Plan – Drinking Water Systems –
Ontario Clean Water Agency be received for information; AND THAT Council endorses the Operational Plan for the Municipality of Bayham Drinking Water
Systems; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to endorse the Operational Plan on the Municipality’s behalf. CARRIED C. Report TR-12/26 by Lorne James, Treasurer re 2026 Q1 Variance Report Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler
THAT Report TR-12/26 re 2026 Q1 Variance Report be received for information.
CARRIED D. Report CL-04/26 by Alan Bushell, Clerk re Bring-Your-Own Events – Update to Ontario
Regulation 747/21 Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Report CL-04/26 re Bring-Your-Own Events – Update to Ontario Regulation 747/21 be received for information. CARRIED 14. BY-LAWS 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 16. OTHER BUSINESS
A. John Mascarin, Bayham Integrity Commissioner / Closed Meeting Investigator re Report on Closed Meeting Investigation 2025-01 Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the report from John Mascarin, Bayham Integrity Commissioner / Closed Meeting Investigator re Closed Meeting Investigation 2025-01 be received for information.
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CARRIED B. Zoning By-law Review – Setting a Date for a Special Meeting
Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott
THAT a date and time of Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm be set for a Special Meeting of Council to initiate the Zoning By-law Review process.
CARRIED 16.1 In Camera 16.2 Out of Camera 17. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2026-022 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott
THAT By-law No. 2026-022 be read a first, second, and third time and finally passed.
CARRIED 18. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 8:47 p.m. CARRIED
MAYOR CLERK
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM PLANNING PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, April 16, 2026 6:00 p.m. A. Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan (CIP) The April 16, 2026 Planning Public Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube. PRESENT:
MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS DAN FROESE
ABSENT: TIMOTHY EMERSON SUSAN CHILCOTT STAFF PRESENT: CAO THOMAS THAYER CLERK ALAN BUSHELL PLANNING COORDINATOR / DEPUTY CLERK MARGARET UNDERHILL PLANNING COORDINATOR AARON BELL ELGIN COUNTY PLANNING MAT VAUGHAN
LINDSAY KING PUBLIC ATTENDEES: JOHN SELDON VAL DONNELL 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS ON THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING
4. PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT A. Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan (CIP) A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is an economic development tool used by municipalities in Ontario to guide strategic investment, development, and revitalization initiatives that support the physical improvement of a municipality or areas within a municipality. This is typically accomplished
through the implementation of a combination of financial grants and municipal leadership initiatives. The current Elgincentives CIP was adopted in 2015 and has supported a range of improvement projects for over a decade through its incentive programming.
2 Building on the success of the 2015 CIP, the County undertook a review and update of the Plan in 2025 to ensure it responds to recent provincial policy changes, new trends in economic development, and shifts in community priorities. An updated CIP has been prepared and is now being considered for adoption, which includes the following highlights:
• A refreshed vision and goals to better guide the CIP’s implementation and priorities; • Restructured incentive programs to improve clarity and effectiveness, including all-new
incentive programs targeting affordable housing; • The introduction of several “Municipal Leadership Initiatives” that outline potential Council-led improvements related to streetscape improvements, inventorying public land and brownfields,
supporting additional dwelling units (ADUs) and supporting climate resiliency improvements. The entire Municipality of Bayham is designated a Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) under By-law No. 2019-066 and the Elgincentives CIP applies to all lands in the Municipality of Bayham. Mat Vaughan, Elgin County Planning, was in attendance and provided a review of the Community Improvement Plan 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Question from John Seldon re ADU program, looking for clarification on how pre-approved plans
work.
Mat Vaughan, provided a response including the concepts that they are pre-approved to speed
up building permit process and make process easier for applicants.
Question from Mayor Ketchabaw on what other municipalities do for ADU programming,
inclusive of whether they have designs for use. Mat Vaughan provided a response that he will be looking into what other municipalities do.
Question from Councillor Froese re difference between ADU and ARU.
Mat Vaughan clarified that they are the same thing, just updated terminology.
Question from Val Donnell re models of ADUs, will it include townhouses or multi-residential
designs.
Mat Vaughan explained that this is more geared to single detached ADUs.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
7. OTHER BUSINESS
3 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT a By-law adopting the Community Improvement Plan be considered at a future meeting of Council;
AND THAT pursuant to the Planning Act requirements, the Public Meeting for the Community Improvement Plan is now complete at 6:25 p.m.
CARRIED
MAYOR CLERK
REPORT
PHYSICAL SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: PS-06/26
SUBJECT: QUOTATION AWARD – 2026 CAPITAL ASPHALT PAVING – CAPITAL ITEMS NOS. FA-11 AND PW-39 BACKGROUND At its November 4, 2025 meeting, Council received Report TR-19/25 re 2026-2035 Capital Budget – Draft, and passed the following motion, in part: Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report TR-19/25 re 2026-2035 Capital Budget - Draft be received for information; AND THAT Council approve in principle the 2026-2035 Capital Budget presented with the
following edits:
• Bring forward PR-09 to 2026 funded by the Parkland Reserve; The 2026-2035 Capital budget includes the following Items under the Public Works portfolio:
• Capital Item No. FA-11 Marine Museum Parking Lot - $75,000, surface replacement.
• Capital Item No. PW-39 North Street Resurfacing - $35,000, surface replacement.
DISCUSSION
Staff identified these two asphalt projects within the 2026 Capital Budget because they are experiencing deteriorating surface conditions. In the spring of 2025, the Marine Museum parking lot
exhibited significant signs of subbase failure, which was worsened due to spring thaw and wet seasonal conditions. The parking lot was required to be closed for the spring season. Conditions have not improved this year; the surface continues to deteriorate, and the underlying subbase
remains compromised.
North Street was also identified in 2025 as requiring rehabilitation. While the portion north of King Street was reconstructed through a residential development project, the southern section remains in
poor condition and requires upgrading.
Capital Item No. FA-11
Staff will undertake full reconstruction of the parking lot, including removal of the existing asphalt and subbase, installation of geogrid and geosynthetics with improved drainage, and refurbishment of catch basin risers and grates. The subbase will be rebuilt in accordance with design standards,
and a new curb will be installed along Pitt Street to accommodate a total of 21 parking spaces, with preparation completed for asphalt paving and parking line markings.
The Municipality’s Public Works department is a lean, dynamic department that operates as a
hybrid. Most Municipal roads functions are strictly maintenance departments, however, in Bayham our Public Works department internally executes aspects of both capital infrastructure improvements and annual maintenance. In addition, the Municipality is proactive to enter into long-
term contracts for key services that aid in the department’s effectiveness and reduce Municipal expenditures. Because of this, staff will complete all work except for the following items:
• Concrete curb installation
• Asphalt surface placement
• Parking stall line painting (done via established contract)
Staff have contacted multiple suppliers to identify pricing to complete the asphalt on 760 square meters utilizing HL4 asphalt. The price includes final grading and compacting of 75mm of asphalt.
The following suppliers have provided quotations:
Supplier Quoted Price (excluding HST)
Peters Paving Inc $25,150.00 Empire Sealing & Paving Ltd. $25,473.00 Permanent Paving Ltd. $28,157.00 Capital Item No. PW-39 This project will include excavating the roadbase to create proper subdrains and subbase utilizing municipal staff and contractors. Staff have also discovered an old water pump chamber in the middle of North Street. This chamber served once as a pump chamber but has since been decommissioned and serves as a north-to-south water bypass. Staff will have to remove the water line and relocate to continue serving as an emergency bypass.
Staff have contacted multiple suppliers to identify pricing to complete the asphalt on 794 square meters utilizing 50mm of HL8 asphalt and a 40mm topcoat of HL3. The price includes final grading
and compacting. Supplier Quoted Price (excluding HST)
Peters Paving Inc $28,345.80 Empire Sealing & Paving Ltd. $28,755.00 Permanent Paving Ltd. $30,172.00
The two proposed paving projects received a combined low bid of $53,495.80 plus applicable HST from Peters Paving Inc. Staff have worked with Peters Paving for many years and anticipate no
issues with the supply and installation of asphalt at the two locations. STRATEGIC PLAN 3.2: Quality of Governance > To continually demonstrate financial responsibility to the community. Initiative(s): Not applicable
RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report PS-06/26 re Quotation Award – 2026 Capital Asphalt Paving – Capital Items Nos. FA-11 and PW-39 be received for information; 2. AND THAT Council accepts the quote provided by Peters Paving Inc for the installation of asphalt pavement at the Port Burwell Marine Museum (Capital Item No. FA-11) at a quoted price of $25,150.00 + applicable HST; 3. AND THAT Council accepts the quote provided by Peters Paving Inc for the installation of asphalt pavement for the North Street reconstruction project (Capital Item No. PW-39) at a
quoted price of $28,345.80 + applicable HST. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by:
Steve Adams Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC
Manager of Public Works| Chief Administrative Officer Drainage Superintendent
REPORT
Physical Services
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: PS-07/26 SUBJECT: 2026 ROADS SURFACE TREATMENT – CAPITAL ITEMS NO. PW-37 AND PW-134
BACKGROUND At its November 4, 2025 meeting, Council received Report TR-19/25 re 2026-2035 Capital Budget – Draft, and passed the following motion, in part: Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott
THAT Report TR-19/25 re 2026-2035 Capital Budget - Draft be received for information; AND THAT Council approve in principle the 2026-2035 Capital Budget presented with the following edits:
• Bring forward PR-09 to 2026 funded by the Parkland Reserve; The 2026-2035 Capital budget includes the following Items under the Public Works portfolio:
• Capital Item No. PW-37 - Murray Road Surface Treatment - $72,000, resurface with single tar and chip.
• Capital Item No. PW-134 - Chute Line Surface Treatment - $15,000, resurface with single tar and chip. DISCUSSION
The County of Elgin, on an annual basis, invites the lower-tier municipalities to take part in their
capital roads surface treatment tender. This year, Central Elgin took the lead as the County has
no surface treatment to complete. Request for Tender CE 2026-102 Surface Treatment Tender
was issued on April 13, 2026, and closed on April 27, 2026, with two (2) contractors providing
bids.
The following bids were received:
Vendor Bid (excluding HST)
Duncor Enterprises Inc. $3,781,252.51
Miller Paving Limited $4,944,375.50
Duncor Enterprises Inc. submitted the lowest bid of $3,781,252.51 (excluding HST), with
Bayham’s portion totaling $87,531.00 (excluding HST). A budget of $87,000.00 was allocated
within the 2026 capital surface treatment program. Staff also anticipate an additional estimated
$15,000, which is primarily related to asphalt patching required prior to surface treatment.
Cost Amount
Duncor Contract for PW-37
and PW-134
$87,531
Unrecoverable HST (1.76%) $1,541
Additional Asphalt Patching
(est.)
$15,000
Total (est.) $104,072
Budget $87,000
Over/(Under) (est.) $17,072
The total project is estimated at $17,072 over budget. Staff recommend utilizing the Road
Construction Reserve to fund the additional asphalt patching work.
Staff have successfully completed several road surface projects with Duncor and recommend
authorizing a by-law to enter into an Agreement with Duncor for surface treatment services.
STRATEGIC PLAN
3.2: Quality of Governance > To continually demonstrate financial responsibility to the community.
Initiative(s): Not applicable
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Report PS-07/25 re 2025 Roads Surface Treatment – Capital Items Nos. PW-37
and PW-134 be received for information; 2. AND THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham is supportive of
proceeding with the bid provided by Duncor Enterprises Inc. for $3,781,252.51 plus HST, of which $87,531.00 plus HST is Bayham’s portion;
3. AND THAT the Road Construction Reserve be utilized to fund the estimated cost overage on this project, including completion of any additional asphalt patching, to an
upset limit of $17,072; 4. AND THAT a by-law authorizing an Agreement between the Municipality of Bayham and
Duncor Enterprises Inc. for surface treatment services be brought forward for Council’s consideration.
Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by:
Steve Adams Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Manager of Public Works| Chief Administrative Officer
Drainage Superintendent
REPORT
PHYSICAL SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Jeff Carsey, Water Systems Supervisor
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: PS-08/26 SUBJECT: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CAPACITY – 2026 UPDATE
BACKGROUND
At its September 1, 2022 meeting, Council received Report PS-15/22 re Sanitary Sewage
Capacity Study Updates and Proposed Upgrades. The Report identified the need for the ongoing
review of sanitary capacity within the collection systems as well as the Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) and critical time frames for future expansions to accommodate growth. The Report
referenced an increase in the number of planning and development inquiries, including a number
of Plans of Subdivisions, particularly in Straffordville and Eden.
Council passed the following motion:
Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Councillor Donnell
THAT Report PS-15/22 re Sanitary Sewage Capacity Study Update and Proposed Upgrades be received for information; AND THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham accept the Engineering Proposal from CJDL Consulting Engineers to update the sanitary sewage capacity study and proposed system upgrades in the amount of $11,000 plus HST to be
funded from the Sewage Works Reserve Fund.
At its December 1, 2022 meeting, Council received a presentation by Peter Penner of CJDL re
Sanitary Pumping Station Capacity Study. The presentation and associated study report noted
1,247 connections to the system under existing conditions, and 393 potential connections
available remaining for the WWTP before the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and
Parks (MECP)’s 90-percent threshold is met, which would then trigger expansion discussions.
Council passed the following motion:
Moved by: Councillor Froese
Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the presentation from CJDL re Sanitary Pumping Station Capacity Study be received for information.
At its June 19, 2025 meeting, Council received Report PS-07/25 re Wastewater Treatment Plant
Capacity. The Report noted that, under current development approval conditions and based on
2024 flow data from the WWTP, the Municipality may be in a position to have already approved
up to 93-94 percent of the WWTPs capacity, thereby triggering an expansion or optimization
review of the facility.
Council passed the following motion:
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT Report PS-07/25 re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity be received for information.
This Report provides Council with an update to Report PS-07/25 based on 2025 flow data and
recent development approvals and applications requiring wastewater capacity.
DISCUSSION
The 2022 Sanitary Capacity Study identified that the WWTP was at 66-67 percent capacity based
on 2020-2021 flow data. This percentage included inflow and infiltration into the sanitary system
due to wet weather conditions. Staff believe that 12-15 percent of the annual flows are as a result
of inflow and infiltration due to illegal connections from sump pumps connected to the sanitary.
This has been an ongoing problem, particularly within Port Burwell and Vienna, as residents
currently do not have a legal storm drain outlet. This concern could be mitigated and the WWTP
would benefit if progress were being made with regards to storm water system upgrades. Staff
have been directed to seek government funding for the storm water system on more than one
occasion but, unfortunately, the appropriate funding sources, including own-source revenue
options, have yet to be secured. This may change depending on the outcome of a road
rationalization transfer and funding protocol under Elgin County’s Transportation Master Plan1,
which may provide seed funds for capital upgrades for new road-related assets.
In the meantime, wet weather conditions continue to be a significant concern for all Municipal
infrastructure. Since 2022, the Municipality has witnessed a significant increase in infiltration from
wet weather events, which affect total flows at the WWTP and therefore the capacity utilization.
Average Annual Flow data over the previous six years (2020-2026) is below:
1 Discussions between Elgin County and lower-tier municipalities are to proceed in May under County Council’s
direction for additional consultation. Outcomes related to road rationalization will be brought back to Council
under separate cover.
Year Average Annual Flow (m3) % Capacity
2020 703 m3 67%
2021 699 m3 66%
2022 654 m3 62%
2023 755 m3 71%
2024 769 m3 73%
2025 688 m3 65%
The WWTP Average Annual Flows decreased from 73 to 65 percent between 2024 and 2025.
Based on the daily and monthly data collected for the WWTP, the months with the highest flows
tend to be the winter and spring months due to infiltration events associated with melt/rain events
where the ground is partially or fully frozen and illegal sump pumps connections are adding storm
water into the sanitary system, thereby using important development capacity.
The Municipality continues to experience residential development interest. Since Report PS-
07/25, Bayham has added 20 new units/lots onto the sanitary system, some through
subdivision/large-scale development illustrated in the below table, and others through the Consent
process:
Location Development Name # Units # Units Developed
by the end of 2025
Straffordville Sandytown 39 6 (0 new in 2025)
Eden Eden East 33 5 (5 new in 2025)
Vienna North Street 8 1 (1 new in 2025)
Vienna Chapel Street 4 0
Vienna Countryside Communities 16 0
Port Burwell Charles Court 14 11 (3 new in 2025)
Port Burwell Otter Creek 42 0
Bayham also has three Subdivision or Site Plan applications in process, which total approximately
66 new units/lots yet to be considered by Council. In total, and excluding the 23 subdivision units
that had been developed and connected to the system prior to the end of 20252, there is the
potential for approximately 199 new units/lots to be added to the sanitary system at a total flow of
an additional 169 m3/day3 at the WWTP4. Based on a continuation of the 2025 actual average
WWTP flows, a potential increase of 169 m3/day would bring the WWTP capacity to 80-81
percent capacity, which is approximately 13 percent less than what was reported in PS-07/25, but
may still require Council to start discussions on sanitary allocation, or a development moratorium,
or a WWTP upgrade in the future.
As a note, the Otter Creek draft Plan of Subdivision was originally granted in 1989 and has gone
through redline amendments since then. It has not proceeded to the agreement stage and has
been dormant for a lengthy period of time. County Planning has reviewed the approval timeline on
this file and has advised that, effective June 2027, their draft plan approval expires. If this occurs,
2 Some of the lots noted in the table were included in the 2025 report (PS-07/25). The Table in this Report does not
include MacNeil Court, which was identified as fully built-out in PS-07/25.
3 This estimate is derived from utilizing MECP design standards of 275 L/person/day, assuming 3.1
persons/unit, which works out to 0.85 m3/day per new unit added to the system.
4 This does not contemplate future Consent applications on the sanitary system that also use capacity.
42 lots’ worth of allocation – equal to 35.7 m3/day or ~3.3 percent in capacity – would return to the
sanitary system and WWTP.
Council should be cognizant that the Average Annual Flow, which is what the MECP 90-percent
threshold is based on, experiences its own peaks and troughs throughout the operating year. As
noted earlier, the actual flow number will fluctuate based on total occupants and weather
conditions. For instance, in the winter and spring months, it is common for the WWTP to
experience wet-weather daily flows of at least 125 percent of the design treatment capacity, and
while the WWTP can handle these peaks right now because they are intermittent, any additional
development will increase the odds that the WWTP may come against a weather-based event
that is beyond its maximum operational parameters, and will require by-pass. To date, this has not
occurred, but the chances increase as the overall Average Annual Flow rate at the WWTP
increases.
The eight-percent decrease in Average Annual Flow between 2024 and 2025 appears to have
been caused by a significant decrease in infiltration. This is likely due to a drier year overall,
including 2025 winter and spring average flows at the WWTP below the previous year’s observed
flows. If a 73-percent average annual flow was observed in 2025, 2025’s overall flows would have
been equal to 88-89 percent, which is on the cusp of requiring moratorium or expansion. At this
time, staff are not confident that 2025’s decreased infiltration and corresponding increase in
available WWTP capacity is a trend. Rather, staff believe it is an outlier pending 2026’s data,
which has been more consistent with 2024’s thus far, including recent wetter winters and springs.
WWTP upgrades generally require a 3-5 year window to plan and commence. WWTP expansion
is included in the current 10-Year Capital Budget as Capital Item Nos. WW-10, WW-11, WW-13,
and WW-14. These Items combine for a 2026-2030 project at an estimated total cost of
$36,376,000, which includes land acquisition (if needed), environmental assessment, engineering,
tendering, and construction. Staff will be investigating a plant optimization review through the
Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) this year to determine whether increased capacity can be
realized on the current parcel of land and with minimal capital upgrades.
Considering the WWTP’s capacity, ongoing development interest, and the recent agreement with
Elgin County for planning services, staff felt it prudent to provide Council with a WWTP capacity
update based on the most recent data available. This Report will be forwarded to County Planning
for their information and to inform develop reviews.
The key takeaway is generally the same as PS-07/25:
Council should be cognizant of development approvals on the sanitary system going
forward. Any additional approvals outside of the subdivision applications already
accounted for and received by the Municipality will add additional strain to the system over
and above what is discussed in this Report.
Staff have already started including language to Consent reports and similar planning application
reports regarding capacity concerns so Council is aware that approvals will have incremental
impacts to WWTP capacity.
At this time, staff recommend receiving this Report for information and forwarding same to Elgin
County Planning for their files.
STRATEGIC PLAN 1.1: Quality of Place > To invest in community infrastructure initiatives that create an effective foundation that contributes to Bayham’s quality of life and economic prospects.
Initiative(s): Focus on core infrastructure based on the Asset Management Plan and compliance with legislation Focus on strategically encouraging urban development and growth.
3.2: Quality of Governance > To continually demonstrate financial responsibility to the community.
Initiative(s): Not applicable
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Report PS-08/26 re Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity – 2026 Update be received for information;
2. AND THAT this Report be forwarded to Elgin County Planning Services to support future planning reviews and recommendations for development in Bayham. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Jeff Carsey Steve Adams Water Systems Supervisor Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent Reviewed by: Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Harry Baranik, Fire Chief / CEMC
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: FR-03/26 SUBJECT: FIREWORKS BY-LAW
BACKGROUND
Fireworks and pyrotechnics are an explosive regulated under the federal legislation by the Department of Natural Resources – Explosive Act and the Fire Prevention and Protection Act. However, these acts allow for Municipalities to create further restrictions to protect their communities. All the neighbouring municipalities surrounding the Municipality of Bayham have a Fireworks By-law.
Currently, the Municipality of Bayham does not have a Fireworks By-law that encompasses the entire municipality/ Port Burwell By-law 95-14 includes section 14.c), which prohibits
unauthorized fireworks and associated gatherings, but it is not, in itself, a by-law meant to deal primarily with fireworks. The Municipality also has its Noise By-law No. 2017-068, which speaks to fireworks under paragraph 5.11.4
‘5.11.4 Traditional, Festive, or Religious Activities
Notwithstanding any other provision of the by-law, it shall be lawful to emit or cause or permit the emission of sound or vibration in connection with any
of the listed traditional, festive, religious and other similar activities:
(a) Activity or service club that is operating for fund raising purposes for community benefit as may be approved by Council;
(b) Any parade duly authorized by Council; (c) Any fireworks display duly authorized by Council;
(d) Any fireworks display safely detonated on private property on festive
holidays such as Victoria Day (May), Canada Day (July), and New Year's Eve (December/ January);
(e) Other activities sponsored or approved by the Municipality’. This by-law does not address the safety concerns of fireworks and pyrotechnics. Although consumer fireworks are thought to be harmless, there are numerous documented occasions when these fireworks have led to property losses, human injuries, and even fatalities. The number of incidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage reported to the Office of the
Fire Marshal rose from an average of 16 calls per year (2013–2020) to 35 in 2021 and 36 in 2022.
An occurrence last summer indicated the need for a Fireworks By-law when an intoxicated resident in a village was igniting fireworks in an unsafe manner. The Municipality was left without a dedicated mechanism to use for enforcement.
In recent articles in the media, more suburban municipalities, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Halton Hills, Kitchener/Waterloo, are invoking an entire ban on consumer fireworks. Some have included all fireworks. DISCUSSION Staff obtained firework by-laws from neighbouring municipalities and other similar sized municipalities around the province. Staff further approached the Township of Malahide, and with their cooperation, the combined staff drafted the attached by-law for both communities. This is important as the two municipalities share the same by-law enforcement officers and having a
harmonized by-law improves enforcement across borders. The draft by-law is attached for Council’s review.
This by-law allows for the reasonableness to allow fireworks with a balance of safety. The by-law addresses the safe sale, handling, sale, storage, and ignition of consumer and display fireworks and pyrotechnics. Further, this by-law will allow staff the ability to enforce the
regulations contained within to help uphold public safety. STRATEGIC PLAN 3.1: Quality of Governance > To strategically engage in partnerships, joint ventures and other collaborative activities that leverage the Municipality’s resources and capabilities in order to achieve efficiencies and benefits for the community residents. Initiative: Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft By-law No. 2026-026, A by-law to Regulate the Display, Sale and Setting off of
Fireworks in The Municipality of Bayham RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report FR-03/26 re Fireworks By-law be received for information; 2. AND THAT Council approves draft By-law No. 2026-026 as presented; 3. AND THAT any predecessor by-law or part thereof that is intended to regulate the display,
sale, and setting off of fireworks is hereby repealed;
4. AND THAT a final version of the By-law be presented to Council for enactment.
Respectfully submitted: Reviewed by: Harry Baranik Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC
Fire Chief/CEMC/By-Law Chief Administrative Officer B.A., CMM III Police Professional/
Fire Services Executive, CEMC, CAFI
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THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-026 A BY-LAW TO REGULATE THE DISPLAY, SALE AND SETTING OFF OF FIREWORKS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
WHEREAS section 120 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 permits a municipality to prohibit and regulate the manufacture, storage, keeping and transportation of explosives and dangerous substances;
AND WHEREAS section 121 of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes a municipality to
prohibit and regulate the sale and setting off of fireworks, and to require permits, impose conditions, and require the submission of plans; AND WHEREAS section 128 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits municipalities to prohibit
and regulate public nuisances and Council considers fireworks to be or to have the potential
to become public nuisances; AND WHEREAS section 426 of the Municipal Act, 2001 prohibits any person from hindering or obstructing a person exercising powers under the Act or a by-law;
AND WHEREAS section 429 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits a municipality to establish a system of fines, including continuing and special fines, for offences under a by-law; AND WHEREAS Part XIV of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits a municipality to impose
administrative measures including entry on land, inspections, orders, remedial action and
cost recovery; AND WHEREAS section 55 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 permits municipalities to appoint persons to enforce municipal by-laws;
AND WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of Bayham deems it necessary and in the public interest to regulate the sale, storage, display and discharge of fireworks and pyrotechnics and to require permits for certain activities;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham enacts
as follows: 1. DEFINITIONS
In this By-law: “Authorized Person – Display Fireworks” means a person certified and working under the direct supervision of a Display Fireworks Supervisor.
“Authorized Person – Pyrotechnics” means a person certified and working under the
direct supervision of a Pyrotechnician. “Chief Fire Official” means the Fire Chief of the Municipality of Bayham or designate under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
“Consumer Fireworks” means low-hazard recreational fireworks as described in the
Explosives Act, SOR 2013/211 Part 16. “Display Fireworks” means high-hazard recreational fireworks as described in the
Explosives Act, SOR 2013/211 Part 18. “Display Fireworks Supervisor” means a person certified by Natural Resources Canada to supervise the discharge of Display Fireworks.
“Enforcement Officer” means the Chief Fire Official or designate, a Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer, Provincial Offences Officer or Police Officer. “Event Safety Plan” means a written plan describing the materials, firing sequence,
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precautions, diagrams, staffing, training, extinguishing capability and communication
procedures for a pyrotechnics event. “Fire Ban” means a restriction or prohibition on open-air fires issued by the Chief Fire Official during hazardous conditions. During a Fire Ban, no Person shall ignite or set off
Fireworks, and any Permit authorizing such activity is deemed suspended for the duration
of the Fire Ban. “Firecracker” means a pyrotechnic device that explodes when ignited and produces no subsequent display.
“Fireworks” means all fireworks described in the Explosives Act, including Display Fireworks, Pyrotechnic Special Effects Fireworks and Consumer Fireworks. “Fireworks Display Plan” means a written plan describing materials, firing sequence, fire
safety precautions, diagrams and staffing for a fireworks display. “Ignition Source” means any heat source capable of igniting a material. “Issuer of Licences” means the person designated by the Municipality to issue licences
under this By-law. “Licence” means a licence issued by the Municipality to sell or display fireworks. “Mobile Vending Structure” means any vehicle, trailer, roadside stand, temporary
structure, tent or other conveyance from which fireworks are displayed, sold or offered for
sale. “Municipality” means The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham.
“Owner” means the legal owner of property. “Permit” means written permission issued by the Chief Fire Official to ignite or set off fireworks or pyrotechnics.
“Person” means an individual, firm, corporation or partnership. “Prohibited Fireworks” means any fireworks prohibited under the Explosives Act and its regulations, including, for greater certainty, Sky Lanterns, exploding devices and trick items, and any fireworks identified as prohibited from time to time by Natural Resources
Canada. “Public Place” means land or property owned by the Municipality or any level of government.
“Pyrotechnic Special Effect” means articles or devices designed to produce heat, light,
gas, smoke or sound for entertainment purposes. “Pyrotechnician” means a person certified by Natural Resources Canada to conduct pyrotechnic special effects.
“Pyrotechnics” means the science and use of materials capable of self-contained exothermic reactions to produce heat, light, gas, smoke or sound. “Sky Lantern” means a paper lantern with a fuel pack that rises when ignited.
“Trailer” means a vehicle that is not self-propelled and that is designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle. “Vehicle” means any powered mode of transport except a trailer.
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2. SALE OF CONSUMER AND DISPLAY FIREWORKS 2.1 Prohibitions No Person shall:
(a) sell or display any Fireworks without a Licence issued by the Municipality. The
Licence shall be prominently displayed at the place of business and produced upon request by an Enforcement Officer; (b) sell or display Consumer Fireworks to any Person under the age of eighteen;
(c) sell or display Consumer Fireworks during a Fire Ban; (d) sell or display any Consumer Fireworks except during the fourteen days immediately preceding:
i. Victoria Day, ii. Canada Day, iii. Labour Day, iv. New Year’s Eve, and
v. any other day proclaimed by Council as suitable for celebration with Fireworks;
(e) sell or display any Prohibited Fireworks; (f) sell any Consumer Fireworks in a building unless compliant with the Explosives Act,
Ontario Fire Code and this By-law;
(g) offer for sale, cause to be sold, or sell Firecrackers. 2.2 Conditions for Sale
All Persons selling Consumer Fireworks shall:
(a) not display actual Fireworks in any window. Imitation devices containing no explosives are permitted;
(b) ensure customers do not handle unpackaged Fireworks before purchase;
(c) ensure Fireworks offered for sale comply with the Explosives Act and regulations. 2.3 Sale of Display Fireworks
No Person shall sell Display Fireworks unless the purchaser provides proof of certification
as a Display Fireworks Supervisor. 3. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Licence Requirement
Every Person selling or offering for sale Fireworks shall apply for and obtain a Licence from the Municipality and shall obtain required fire inspections at renewal. 3.2 Application Requirements
Applications shall be completed on Municipality forms and include:
(a) all required documentation; (b) payment of fees established in the Municipality’s User Fees By-law.
3.3 Refusal to Issue or Renew The Issuer of Licences may refuse to issue or renew a Licence where: (a) the past conduct of the applicant provides reasonable grounds for belief they will not
operate in compliance with law;
(b) required information is not provided;
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(c) issuance is not in the public interest;
(d) the applicant is or will be operating contrary to law. 3.4 Conditional Licence
A Licence may be issued subject to conditions. 3.5 Suspension or Revocation The Issuer of Licences may suspend or revoke a Licence for non-compliance with this By-law or any condition of the Licence.
4. STORAGE AND DISPLAY WITHIN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES OR MOBILE VENDING STRUCTURES
4.1 Storage in Buildings
(a) The storage of Fireworks within buildings shall comply with all applicable legislation, including the Explosives Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the Ontario Fire Code, and this By-law. Where there is a conflict, the more restrictive provision shall
apply.
(b) Up to 1,000 kg gross weight of Consumer Fireworks may be stored in a detached structure used exclusively for storage and secured from public access.
(c) If not meeting subsection (b), storage in a locked secure bin is permitted up to 100 kg
gross weight. (d) Storage locations shall display “FIREWORKS” and “NO SMOKING” signage.
(e) At least one suitable fire extinguisher shall be mounted on a wall near the storage
location. 4.2 Storage in Vehicles and Trailers No Person shall store Fireworks in a vehicle or trailer.
4.3 Mobile Vending Structures No Person shall: (a) display actual Fireworks for sale in a Mobile Vending Structure window (pictures are
permitted);
(b) store more than 1,000 kg gross weight of Fireworks unless the Person holds a valid licence issued by Natural Resources Canada;
(c) permit an Ignition Source within six metres of the structure;
(d) permit customer access unless two operative doors exist and signs prohibit ignition sources within six metres;
(e) locate the structure less than twenty metres from any road or parking area or less
than forty metres from buildings, dwellings or gas stations; (f) permit more than ten persons in the structure at once;
(g) locate power or fuel supply within twelve metres of the structure. 4.4 Encroachment Zone The vendor shall maintain a three-metre no encroachment zone around the structure using pylons or fencing.
4.5 Landowner Permission Vendors not owning the land must file written landowner permission with the Municipality.
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4.6 Site Plan
A site plan showing setbacks shall be provided with Licence applications. 4.7 Fire Safety Requirements Vendors shall:
(a) provide at least one suitable fire extinguisher; (b) post “NO SMOKING” signs at all operative doors.
5. DISCHARGING OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS 5.1 Permitted Days No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks except on:
(a) Victoria Day and the two days immediately before and after;
(b) Canada Day and the two days immediately preceding and following Canada Day; including the nearest Saturday and Sunday to Canada Day;
(c) Labour Day and the two days immediately preceding and following Labour Day;
including the nearest Saturday and Sunday to Labour Day; (d) New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day;
(e) any other day proclaimed by Council;
(f) unless written permission has been granted by the Municipality or the Chief Fire Official.
5.2 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks without being the Owner of the property or having written permission from the Owner. 5.3 General Safety Requirements
No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks:
(a) if under eighteen unless supervised by an adult; (b) if they are Firecrackers or Prohibited Fireworks;
(c) without means to summon emergency services; (d) if supervising a minor and failing to provide direct supervision;
(e) on or into a Public Place unless written municipal permission is obtained;
(f) within eight metres of any building, structure, Vehicle or area where danger or nuisance may occur;
(g) when winds exceed (20 km/h) twenty kilometres per hour;
(h) if the device is a Sky Lantern; (i) except in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
(j) after 11:00 pm unless approved in writing by the Chief Fire Official. 6. PERMIT FOR DISPLAY FIREWORKS
6.1 Permit Required
No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Display Fireworks unless: (a) written permission has been obtained from the Owner of the property, and
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(b) a valid Permit signed by the Chief Fire Official has been issued. 6.2 Consumer Fireworks Display on Municipal Property No Person shall display Consumer Fireworks for the public on municipal property unless:
(a) written permission has been obtained from the Municipality, and (b) written approval has been obtained from the Chief Fire Official, who may impose conditions.
6.3 Compliance with Display Plan All displays authorized under this section shall be conducted in accordance with an approved Fireworks Display Plan.
6.4 Application Deadline
Applications shall be submitted in writing to the Chief Fire Official not less than thirty calendar days prior to the planned display and shall include a Fireworks Display Plan. 6.5 Information Required
Applications for a Permit shall include:
(a) the required fee per the Municipality’s User Fees By-law; (b) the name and contact information of the applicant;
(c) the date, time and location of the display; (d) the name, address, telephone number and certification number of the Display Fireworks Supervisor and all Authorized Persons – Display Fireworks;
(e) the name of the sponsor or purchaser; (f) a Fireworks Display Plan.
6.6 Qualified Personnel Only
Only a Display Fireworks Supervisor or Authorized Persons – Display Fireworks shall handle or set off Display Fireworks. 6.7 Cleanup and Removal
Unused Fireworks and all debris shall be removed and properly disposed of immediately
after the display. 6.8 Permit Validity Permits are valid only for the date(s) specified.
6.9 Supervision The Permit holder shall supervise all aspects of the display. 7. DISCHARGING OF DISPLAY FIREWORKS
7.1 Permit Requirement No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Display Fireworks without a valid Permit. The Permit shall be available for inspection.
7.2 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks without written permission from the Owner of the property. 7.3 Certified Personnel
Display Fireworks may only be set off by a Display Fireworks Supervisor or an Authorized
Person – Display Fireworks under supervision. 7.4 Certificate of Qualification
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Upon request, the Display Fireworks Supervisor shall produce a valid certification issued
by Natural Resources Canada. 7.5 Fire Protection and Emergency Access No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks unless fully operational fire
extinguishers of an approved size and quantity are immediately available and there is the
ability to summon emergency services. 7.6 Compliance with Federal Standards Display Fireworks must be transported, set up, ignited, operated and handled in
accordance with the most recent Display Fireworks Manual issued by Natural
Resources Canada. 7.7 Weather Restrictions and Fire Bans No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks:
(a) when winds exceed (20 km/h) twenty kilometres per hour, or (b) during a Fire Ban.
7.8 Compliance with Permit and Directions
Display Fireworks shall not be set off in a manner contrary to the Permit, the approved plan, or any directions of the Chief Fire Official or an Enforcement Officer. 8. PYROTECHNICS
8.1 Permit Required No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Pyrotechnics without a valid Permit. The Permit shall be available for inspection.
8.2 Qualified Personnel
Every Person conducting Pyrotechnic Special Effects shall hold a valid Pyrotechnician card issued under the Explosives Act or be an Authorized Person – Pyrotechnics working under direct supervision.
8.3 Compliance with Federal Standards
Pyrotechnic Special Effects shall only be transported, set up, ignited and operated in accordance with the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Manual issued by Natural Resources Canada.
8.4 Application Deadline
Applications for Pyrotechnics Permits must be received at least thirty calendar days before the planned event and must include an Event Safety Plan. 8.5 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Pyrotechnics without written permission from the Owner
of the property. 8.6 Application Requirements Applications shall include:
(a) the Permit fee established in the User Fees By-law; (b) the date, time and location of the event;
(c) the names, addresses and certification numbers of the Pyrotechnicians and
Authorized Persons – Pyrotechnics; (d) the name of the sponsor or purchaser;
(e) a full description of materials, firing sequence and effects;
(f) an Event Safety Plan.
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8.7 Compliance with Permit and Directions No Person shall ignite or set off Pyrotechnics contrary to the Permit, the approved Event Safety Plan or any direction of the Chief Fire Official or an Enforcement Officer.
9. INSURANCE 9.1 Insurance Requirement Applications for Permits shall include proof of Commercial General Liability insurance satisfactory to the Chief Fire Official.
9.2 Minimum Requirements The policy shall: (a) have limits of not less than five million dollars per occurrence;
(b) include coverage for Display Fireworks and/or Pyrotechnic Special Effects; (c) cover setup, rehearsal, firing, teardown and cleanup;
(d) include a waiver of subrogation in favour of the Municipality;
(e) name the Municipality as an additional insured. 9.3 Cancellation Notice
The insurer shall provide the Municipality with at least thirty days written notice of
cancellation or material change. 9.4 Proof of Insurance No Permit shall be issued until proof of insurance satisfactory to the Chief Fire Official is
provided. 9.5 Right to Reject Insurance The Chief Fire Official may reject any insurance that does not meet the requirements of this By-law.
10. INDEMNIFICATION As a condition of obtaining a Permit, the applicant shall indemnify and save harmless The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham, its officials, officers, employees, agents and
contractors from all claims, demands, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and
expenses, including legal fees, arising from: (a) the transportation, storage, setup, use, display, ignition, discharge, teardown or cleanup of Fireworks or Pyrotechnics;
(b) acts or omissions of the applicant or persons under their direction; (c) breach of this By-law or of any Permit conditions.
11. ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATION AND OBSTRUCTION 11.1 Enforcement Officers This By-law may be enforced by an Enforcement Officer, including:
(a) the Chief Fire Official and designates;
(b) Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Provincial Offences Officers; (c) Police Officers.
11.2 Powers of Entry for Inspection An Enforcement Officer may enter upon land at any reasonable time for the purpose of:
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(a) inspecting land, buildings, structures, Vehicles or Mobile Vending Structures to
determine compliance; (b) determining whether a contravention has occurred;
(c) determining whether an order should be issued under this By-law or under the
Municipal Act, 2001. (d) Entry shall be exercised in accordance with sections 435 to 438 of the Municipal Act, 2001. For greater certainty, what constitutes a reasonable time shall be determined
having regard to the nature of the inspection, the circumstances of the situation, and any
potential risk to public safety. 11.3 Entry onto Land Not Used as a Dwelling An Enforcement Officer may enter land not used as a dwelling without consent and
without a warrant, subject to legislative limitations. 11.4 Entry into Dwellings Entry into a dwelling may occur only with:
(a) the consent of the occupant;
(b) a warrant; (c) an order under the Municipal Act, 2001; or
(d) other statutory authority. 11.5 Authority to Prevent Removal of Items An Enforcement Officer may require any Person to refrain from removing or disturbing
Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, materials or documents relevant to an inspection.
11.6 Identification An Enforcement Officer shall produce identification upon request.
11.7 Hindering or Obstructing
No Person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, an Enforcement Officer who is exercising powers lawfully under this By-law or the Municipal Act, 2001. 11.8 False or Misleading Information
No Person shall provide false or misleading information to an Enforcement Officer.
11.9 Failure to Produce Documents or Information No Person shall fail or refuse to produce documents or information that an Enforcement Officer is lawfully entitled to require for the purposes of an inspection under this By-law.
12. ENFORCEMENT, OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 12.1 Offence Any Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence.
12.2 Penalties under the Provincial Offences Act A Person convicted under this By-law is liable: (a) under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, to a set fine.
(b) under Part III of the Act, to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, exclusive of costs. 12.3 Continuing Offence
Where an offence continues for more than one day, each day constitutes a separate
offence. 12.4 Special Fines
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Where a Person obtains an economic advantage from a contravention, a special fine may
be imposed pursuant to section 429 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 12.5 Orders and Remedial Action An Enforcement Officer may issue:
(a) an order to discontinue a contravention under section 444 of the Municipal Act, 2001; (b) a remedial order under section 445.
(c) If a Person defaults, the Municipality may carry out the work and recover costs under
section 446. 12.6 Permit Revocation and Event Shutdown An Enforcement Officer or the Chief Fire Official may revoke a Permit or order the
cessation of any Fireworks or Pyrotechnics activity where there is:
(a) non-compliance with this By-law; (b) non-compliance with Permit conditions;
(c) non-compliance with approved plans; (d) any unsafe condition.
12.7 Failure to Comply with Order
No Person shall fail to comply with an order issued under this By-law. 12.8 Liability for Costs Persons responsible for contraventions shall pay all Municipality costs arising from
enforcement, emergency response or remedial action. Costs may be collected in any
manner permitted by law. 12.9 Schedule A Schedule A forms part of this By-law.
13. FEES AND CHARGES 13.1 Permit and Licensing Fees Fees for Licences and Permits shall be those in the Municipalities’ User Fees By-law.
No Licence or Permit shall be issued until all fees are paid.
13.2 Inspection Fees Inspection fees shall be those in the User Fees By-law.
13.3 Cost Recovery
Where the Municipality incurs costs due to a contravention, the Person responsible shall pay: (a) all direct and indirect costs;
(b) staff time at rates in the User Fees By-law; (c) third-party contractor or service costs;
(d) administrative fees;
(e) interest per section 446 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 13.4 Recovery from Owner and Addition to Tax Roll
Costs incurred may be recovered from the property Owner and added to the tax roll
under section 446 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Page 11 of 11
13.5 Non-Payment Unpaid fees or costs constitute a debt owed to the Municipality and may be collected by any legal means, including civil action or tax roll addition.
14. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this By-law is held invalid, such portion is severed and the remainder continues in full force and effect.
15. REPEAL AND ENACTMENT 15.1 Repeal Port Burwell By-law No. 95-14 and any other Municipal by-law regulating Fireworks or Pyrotechnics is hereby repealed.
15.2 Enactment This By-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of its passing
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7th DAY OF MAY, 2026
__________________________ ___________________________ MAYOR CLERK
ZBA-04/26
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING
CONCERNING A PROPOSED
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
APPLICANT: VAN QUAETHEM FARMS LTD
LOCATION: 7923 COYLE ROAD
TAKE NOTICE that the Municipality of Bayham has received a complete application for a
proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-04/26).
AND TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham will hold a
public meeting on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chambers,
56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, to consider a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment under
Section 34 of the Planning Act. Public Planning Meetings may be viewed virtually through the live-
stream on the Municipality of Bayham’s YouTube Channel
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-XX)’ Zone,
which requires relief from the following provisions:
• Section 7.4 to permit a Minimum Lot Frontage of 39 metres, where a Minimum Lot
Frontage of 50.0m is required.
The proposed Retained Lot is to be rezoned from ‘Agricultural (A1-1)’ to a Site-Specific ‘Special
Agricultural (A2-XX)’ Zone to prohibit new dwellings.
The subject lands are known as 7923 Coyle Road, west side, and south of Lamers Line.
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 E6-26.
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. Written comments submitted on or
before 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 to abell@bayham.on.ca or at the
municipal office will be included in the public meeting agenda.
IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make
written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or
public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Corporation of the
Municipality of Bayham to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make
written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or
public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land
Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed amendment, you must make a written
request to the undersigned.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed amendment may be obtained at the
Municipal Office.
ZBA-04/26
Dated at the Municipality of Bayham this 17th day of April 2026.
Aaron Bell
Planning Coordinator
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: abell@bayham.on.ca
W: www.bayham.on.ca
PLANNING ACT
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM OFFICIAL PLAN
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham passed By-
Law No. 2026-019 adopting the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan (2026) on the 2nd day of
April 2026 under Section 17(23) of the Planning Act.
THE PURPOSE of the Official Plan Review is to update the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
to ensure that it:
a) Is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS 2024);
b) Has regard to the matters of provincial interest,
c) Confirms with the County of Elgin Official Plan, and
d) Makes additional amendments to the goals and objectives, land use designation policies
and mapping as appropriate.
This Official Plan Review is a municipal-wide initiative affecting all lands within the jurisdiction of
the Municipality of Bayham and replaces the current Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and all
amendments thereto.
THE EFFECT of the Official Plan is to update the framework for managing growth and land use
until 2051 in a manner that is consistent with the PPS 2024, has regard to the matters of provincial
interest, and conforms with the County of Elgin Official Plan, replacing the current Municipality of
Bayham Official Plan and all amendments thereto.
THE COMPLETE By-law 2026-019 and Official Plan is available for inspection on the Bayham
Municipal website: www.bayham.on.ca or by contacting the Municipal Office (contact information
below).
WRITTEN AND ORAL SUBMISSIONS
Public consultation on the review was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the
Planning Act. The municipality received written and oral submissions on the Official Plan review.
All submissions were given full consideration.
ANY PERSON or public body is entitled to receive notice of the decision of the approval authority
if a written request to be notified of the decision is made to the approval authority, namely the
County of Elgin, County Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario,
Attention: Manager of Planning.
The Official Plan is not exempt from approval under Subsection 17(9) or (10) of the Act.
DATED at the Municipality of Bayham this 9th day of April 2026.
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 W: www.bayham.on.ca
REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: DS-13/26 FILE NO. E33-26 & E34-26
Roll # 340-100-400-116-408
SUBJECT: Consent Applications E33-26 & E34-26 J&S Family Farms
22 Ann Street, Vienna BACKGROUND
Consent applications E33-26 & E34-26 were received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee,
as submitted by Tracey Pillon Abbs proposing to sever two parcels from the lands described as 22 Ann
Street for the creation of two new residential lots. The subject property is legally described as LOT 18
E/S UNION ST, 19 E/S UNION ST, 19 N/S ANN ST PLAN 54 BAYHAM; PART OF LOT 20 N/S ANN ST
in the Municipality of Bayham.
Application No. E 33-26 & 34-26 Owners: J&S Family Farms Inc., c/o John Friesen Agent: Tracey Pillon Abbs
Address: 22 Ann Street, Vienna
Water Supply: Publicly piped water system
Sewage Supply: Public sanitary sewer system
Buildings/Structures Single-detached dwelling, shed and above ground pool
Elgin County Official Plan Tier 1 Settlement Area (Vienna)
Bayham Official Plan
Designation
Residential
Bayham Zoning By-law Village Residential 1 (R1) Minimum Lot Area – 800 m2 Minimum Lot Frontage – 15m
Maximum Lot Coverage- 30% Front Yard Depth – 7.0m Side Yard Width – 1.2m
Maximum Building Height – 8m
PURPOSE
The applicant proposes to create two new parcels from the subject lands. The first severed parcel (E33-
26), with an area of approximately 0.8908 hectares is intended to establish a new residential lot for a
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 2
proposed single-detached dwelling. The second severed parcel (E34-26), with an area of approximately
0.89 hectares is similarly intended to create a new residential lot accommodating a proposed single-
detached dwelling. The retained parcel will have an area of approximately 1.78 hectares and will include
the existing dwelling, along with an accessory shed and above-ground pool.
Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the applications on May 27, 2026.
A severance sketch illustrating the proposed severances is attached to this report as Appendix 1.
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 3
County Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 4
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 5
Subject Site Key Map:
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 6
Proposed Severance Map:
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 7
PLANNING ANALYSIS:
Consent Applications E33-26 and E34-26 were submitted to, and declared complete, by Elgin County on March 12, 2026. The application will be circulated to the public and prescribed bodies by the Elgin County Land Division Committee in May 2026. Elgin County is the Approval Authority for applications considered under Section 53 of the Planning Act. The Municipality of Bayham is a commenting agency and provides a recommendation to the Land Division Committee, including conditions of approval.
Consent Applications E33-26 and E34-26 were reviewed by staff with consideration to the Provincial Planning Statement (2024), Elgin County Official Plan, Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, and the Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law. A summary of the applicable policies and commentary is provided below.
Legislation Section(s) Relevance To Application Comments
Provincial Planning Statement, 2024
Section 2.3.1.2 General Policies for Settlement Area
Section 2.2 b) Housing
• Land Use patterns within settlement areas should be based on densities and a mix of land
uses, a) efficiently use land and resources, b)
optimize existing and planned infrastructure and
public service facilities, c) support active transportation, d) are transit- supportive, as
appropriate
• All housing options required to meet the social, health, economic and well-being requirements of current and future residents
• All types of residential intensification,
including the development and redevelopment of
underutilized commercial and institutional sites for residential use, development and introduction of new
Residential lot creation and intensification is encouraged within settlement areas subject to regulations and
appropriate servicing.
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 8
housing options within previously developed areas
Elgin County Official Plan
Section 6.3
Permitted Uses
Section 6.8 Development in Tier 1 Settlement Areas
• Within the County’s Settlement Area, the primary use of
land shall be for the widest range of urban uses
• Comprehensively develop the land in question, serve as a logical extension to the existing built-up area, be compact, and minimize the consumption of land
and infrastructure
The County of Elgin Official Plan permits residential lot creation in Settlement Areas and encourages residential intensification.
The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
Section 4.5.2.1
Residential
• The primary use of land shall be single detached dwellings
• The Municipality supports the redevelopment and residential intensification of lands in the “residential” designation where such lands are underutilized
The proposed severances conforms to the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan polices. The subject lands are designated residential, and
the Municipality supports residential lot creation in settlement areas.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning
Bylaw
Village Residential 1
(R1)
• The two severed and retained parcels will meet all zoning provisions of the Village Residential 1 (R1) zone
regulations
No further planning applications are required as the subject lands will meet all appropriate zoning provisions and uses.
Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS)
2.3.1 General Policies for Settlement Areas
Planning authorities shall support general intensification and redevelopment to support the achievement
of complete communities, including by planning for a range and mix of housing options and prioritizing
planning and investment in the necessary infrastructure and public service facilities.
The proposed severances will result in the establishment of three separate lots. Two new lots are proposed, both are intended for future residential development each accommodating a single-detached
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 9
dwelling. The retained lands will consist of an existing single-detached dwelling, accessory structure, and above-ground pool. The proposal is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, as the subject lands are located within a designated Settlement Area. Settlement Areas are intended to support growth, promote a range of residential intensification opportunities, and facilitate the development and redevelopment of underutilized properties.
Elgin County Official Plan
6.2 General Policy
It is the general policy of this Plan to support the creation of compact and complete communities that
provide equitable access to a range of local economic and social opportunities centred around a vibrant main street or commercial core. It is recognized however that achieving this objective is largely
anticipated to occur at the local level through the development of detailed policies in local official plans,
the preparation of local zoning by-laws, implementation of site plan control, and through community improvement planning. To that end, the County’s primary focus with respect to development within
settlement areas shall be the protection of county and provincial interests as established in this Plan and
through provincial policy. Otherwise, the County will generally defer to the vision, goals, and objectives of a local official plan with respect to the detailed organization and composition of individual settlement
areas when appropriate.
The proposed severances are intended to facilitate future residential development within the Tier 1 Settlement Area of Vienna in the Municipality of Bayham. The proposal conforms to the Elgin County Official Plan, which permits the creation of residential lots within Settlement Areas and encourages residential intensification. The severances represent a logical extension of the existing built-up area and comprehensively develop the land in question.
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
4.2.2.1 Residential Uses
This Plan encourages new residential development to consolidate with the existing settlement areas
listed in subsection 4.1 of the Plan by filling in the vacant areas and locating new residential
development adjacent to existing built-up areas in a compact and contiguous fashion.
The proposed severances conform to the policies of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan. The severed lands are intended to facilitate the development of future single detached dwellings. The Official Plan supports the redevelopment and residential intensification of lands designated “Residential,”
particularly where such lands are currently underutilized.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law
The proposed severances will result in the establishment of three separate lots. Both severed parcels, as well as the retained lands will comply with the provisions of the Village Residential 1 (R1) zone. Accordingly, no further planning applications are required as the subject lands will satisfy all applicable zoning standards and permitted uses of the R1 zone.
CONSULTATION
Consent Applications E33-26 & E34-26 were circulated internally for review and comments by Municipal staff. At the time of writing this report, the following comments have been received and, where applicable, recommended conditions of approval have been included.
Municipality of Bayham: Recommends APPROVAL, subject to conditions.
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 10
Planning: Planning has reviewed the consent applications and has identified no issues with the proposed severances.
Building: Building has reviewed the consent applications and has identified no issues with the proposed severances.
Water/Wastewater: There is water and sanitary on the subject road. The sanitary does not extend far enough to the west to accommodate one of the lots. Sanitary would have to be extended and a manhole structure installed at the end of that extension. There are currently no identified water or sanitary service connections to the proposed lots. New service connections will be required for each lot in accordance with municipal standards. Permits for these, as well as the road, would be required. The road would need to be closed during the installation.
Road/Access: Road access will be required for a laneway. Road access will be required for water and sanitary connections.
Staff would like to refer Council to Reports PS-07/25 and PS-08/26, respectively. These Reports provide Council with an overview of the current WWTP utilization and additional allocated capacity. Given the subdivisions and site plans currently approved or being considered by staff at that time, granted or anticipated planning approvals would trigger future, associated building activity and implied wastewater
capacity allocation. This would then bring the WWTP allocation closer to, or over, 90 percent of its design capacity and would place pressure on Bayham to consider the investigation of a WWTP expansion and/or development moratorium. These Reports do not account for any future consent applications and associated wastewater connections because the timing and location of consent applications is difficult to predict. Staff advise that with every new connection added by consent, the WWTP capacity is impacted outside of ongoing subdivision applications and building activity.
No further comments have been received at the time of writing.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Not Applicable.
ATTACHMENT
1. Appendix 1 - Applicant Provided Sketch
RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-13/26 regarding Consent Applications E33-26 & E34-26 submitted by Tracey Pillon
Abbs be received; AND THAT Council recommends approval to the Elgin County Land Division Committee for Consent Applications E33-26 & E34-26 which would facilitate two severances for the creation of two new lots, subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the Owner obtains all necessary permits from the Municipality for the installation of new municipal water and sanitary service connections to each of the proposed severed lots. 2. That the Owner obtains all necessary approvals and permits from the Municipality for the extension of the municipal sanitary sewer, including installation of a manhole, where required, to service the proposed lots, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
3. That the Owner obtains all necessary road occupancy and/or road closure permits from the Municipality associated with the installation of municipal water and sanitary services, to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
4. That the Owner obtains approval from the Municipality for a road entrance permit for access to the proposed severed lots. 5. That the Owner submits a request to the Municipality for the civic address of each proposed
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 11
severed parcel. 6. That the Owner provides an engineered stamped grading, drainage, and storm water management plan for the severed lot to demonstrate that the lands will drain properly with no negative impacts on the neighbouring lands or the street, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality. 7. That any accessory structures located on the severed lands be removed or relocated, as necessary, to the satisfaction of the Municipality, prior to final consent approval. 8. That the Owner pays fees as required in By-law No. 2025-007 Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland to the
Municipality. 9. That the Owner provides a digital copy of a final survey of the subject lands.
Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Evan McKinstry Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC
Junior Planner, Elgin County Chief Administrative Officer
Mat Vaughan
Director of Planning and Development, Elgin County
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 12
Appendix 1- Applicant Provided Sketch
Staff Report DS-13/26 J&S Family Farms 13
REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: DS-14/26 FILE NO. E35-26
Roll # 340-100-400-121-602
SUBJECT: Consent Application E35-26 Thiessen
55424 Vienna Line, Vienna BACKGROUND
Consent application E35-26 was received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, as submitted
by Jesse Froese proposing to sever a parcel from the lands described as 55424 Vienna Line for the
creation of a new residential lot. The subject property is legally described as PLAN 54 LOT 2, in the
Municipality of Bayham.
Application No. E 35-26
Owners: Jason Friesen, Johan Thiessen
Agent: Jesse Froese
Address: 55424 Vienna Line
Water Supply: Publicly piped water system Sewage Supply: Public sanitary sewer system Buildings/Structures Single-detached dwelling, 2 sheds
Elgin County Official Plan Tier 1 Settlement Area (Vienna) Bayham Official Plan Designation Residential
Bayham Zoning By-law Village Residential 1 (R1) Minimum Lot Area – 800 m2 Minimum Lot Frontage – 15m Maximum Lot Coverage- 30% Front Yard Depth – 7.0m Side Yard Width – 1.2m Maximum Building Height – 8m
PURPOSE
The applicant proposes to sever a parcel with a frontage of 15.15 m, an irregular depth of +/- 48 m, and an
area of 960 m2 to create a new residential lot. The applicant is retaining a lot with an area of 3070 m2
proposed to remain in Residential use.
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 2
Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the application on May 27, 2026.
A severance sketch illustrating the proposed severance is attached to this report as Appendix 1.
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 3
County Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 4
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 5
Subject Site Key Map:
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 6
Proposed Severance Map:
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 7
PLANNING ANALYSIS:
Consent Application E35-26 was submitted to, and declared complete, by Elgin County on March 13, 2026. The application will be circulated to the public and prescribed bodies by the Elgin County Land Division Committee in May 2026. Elgin County is the Approval Authority for applications considered under Section 53 of the Planning Act. The Municipality of Bayham is a commenting agency and provides a recommendation to the Land Division Committee, including conditions of approval.
Consent Application E35-26 was reviewed by staff with consideration to the Provincial Planning Statement (2024), Elgin County Official Plan, Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, and the Municipality of Bayham Zoning Bylaw. A summary of the applicable policies and commentary is provided below.
Legislation Section(s) Relevance To Application Comments
Provincial Planning Statement,
2024
Section 2.3.1.2 General Policies for Settlement Area
Section 2.2 b) Housing
• Land Use patterns within settlement areas should be based on densities and a mix of land uses, a) efficiently
use land and resources, b) optimize existing
and planned infrastructure and public service
facilities, c) support active transportation, d) are transit- supportive, as appropriate
• All housing options required to meet the social, health, economic and well-being requirements of current and future residents
• All types of
residential intensification, including the
development and redevelopment of underutilized
commercial and institutional sites for residential use, development and introduction of new housing options
Residential lot creation and intensification is encouraged within settlement areas subject to regulations and appropriate servicing.
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 8
within previously
developed areas
Elgin County Official Plan
Section 6.3 Permitted Uses
Section 6.8 Development in Tier 1 Settlement Areas
• Within the County’s
Settlement Area, the primary use of land shall be for the
widest range of urban uses
• Comprehensively develop the land in question, serve as a logical extension to the existing built-up area, be compact, and minimize the consumption of land and infrastructure
The County of Elgin Official
Plan permits residential lot creation in Settlement Areas and encourages residential
intensification.
The Municipality of Bayham Official
Plan
Section 4.5.2.1 Residential
• The primary use of land shall be single detached dwellings
• The Municipality supports the redevelopment and residential intensification of lands in the “residential” designation where such lands are underutilized
The proposed severance conforms with the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan polices. The subject lands are designated
residential, and the Municipality supports residential lot creation in settlement areas.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning Bylaw
Village
Residential 1 (R1)
• The severed parcel will meet all zoning provisions of the Village Residential 1 (R1) zone regulations. The retained parcel will require a Minor Variance to address
the deficient minimum setback for the accessory
structure, as the existing shed is located
approximately 0.73 m from the proposed property line whereas a 1m setback is required.
An additional Planning Act application is required on the subject lands to address the
deficient setback from an accessory structure to the proposed property line.
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 9
Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS)
2.3.1 General Policies for Settlement Areas
Planning authorities shall support general intensification and redevelopment to support the achievement
of complete communities, including by planning for a range and mix of housing options and prioritizing planning and investment in the necessary infrastructure and public service facilities.
The proposed severance will result in the establishment of two separate lots. The severed parcel will contain the existing one-storey dwelling. The retained lands will consist of two accessory structures
(sheds). The proposal is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, as the subject lands are located within a designated Settlement Area. Settlement Areas are intended to support growth, promote a range of residential intensification opportunities, and facilitate the development and redevelopment of
underutilized properties.
Elgin County Official Plan
6.2 General Policy
It is the general policy of this Plan to support the creation of compact and complete communities that
provide equitable access to a range of local economic and social opportunities centred around a vibrant main street or commercial core. It is recognized however that achieving this objective is largely
anticipated to occur at the local level through the development of detailed policies in local official plans,
the preparation of local zoning by-laws, implementation of site plan control, and through community improvement planning. To that end, the County’s primary focus with respect to development within
settlement areas shall be the protection of county and provincial interests as established in this Plan and
through provincial policy. Otherwise, the County will generally defer to the vision, goals, and objectives of a local official plan with respect to the detailed organization and composition of individual settlement
areas when appropriate.
The proposal conforms to the Elgin County Official Plan, which permits the creation of residential lots within Settlement Areas and encourages residential intensification. The severances represent a logical extension of the existing built-up area and comprehensively develop the land in question.
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
4.2.2.1 Residential Uses
This Plan encourages new residential development to consolidate with the existing settlement areas listed in subsection 4.1 of the Plan by filling in the vacant areas and locating new residential
development adjacent to existing built-up areas in a compact and contiguous fashion.
The proposed severance conforms to the policies of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan. The Official Plan supports the redevelopment and residential intensification of lands designated “Residential,”
particularly where such lands are currently underutilized.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law
The proposed severance will result in the creation of a new lot. The severed lands will comply with the
provisions of the Village Residential 1 (R1) zone. An accessory structure on the retained lands does not meet the required setback from the proposed property line. The existing structure is located approximately 0.73 m from the proposed lot line, whereas Zoning By-Law No. Z456-2003 requires a minimum setback of 1.0 m for accessory structures. Accordingly, a Minor Variance application will be required to address this deficiency. Alternatively, the Owner may choose to remove or relocate the existing accessory structure to achieve compliance with the minimum setback requirement.
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 10
It should be noted that the existing driveway appears to encroach onto the adjacent property. The access should be realigned to ensure it is wholly contained within the subject lands and does not extend onto the adjacent property. This will be addressed through approval of a new entrance permit to establish access for the proposed severed lot. CONSULTATION
Consent Application E35-26 was circulated internally for review and comments by Municipal staff. At the
time of writing this report, the following comments have been received and, where applicable, recommended conditions of approval have been included.
Municipality of Bayham: Recommends APPROVAL, subject to conditions.
Planning: Setback between the proposed property line and the existing shed is 0.73 m, whereas the zoning by-law requires a minimum setback of 1 m for accessory structures. Must be addressed through a Minor Variance Application, or through removal or relocation of the existing accessory structures to
ensure compliance.
Building: Building has reviewed the consent applications and has identified no issues with the proposed severance.
Wastewater: Water Wastewater have reviewed the consent application and have identified no issues with the proposed severance.
Drainage: Municipal Drain split on the Vienna Line Drain will be necessary. A drainage plan identifying all water to remain on property or directed to the municipal ditch. No underground drains should be added without consent.
Road Access: Permit required, culvert will need to be installed. Adjacent property entrance should be
realigned for access and will be addressed prior to sign-off. 911 Application required.
Water: Water main on south side of Vienna Line will require road access application and deposit.
Sanitary: No service to this property, road access will be required and deposit.
Staff would like to refer Council to Reports PS-07/25 and PS-08/26, respectively. These Reports provide Council with an overview of the current WWTP utilization and additional allocated capacity. Given the
subdivisions and site plans currently approved or being considered by staff at that time, granted or anticipated planning approvals would trigger future, associated building activity and implied wastewater capacity allocation. This would then bring the WWTP allocation closer to, or over, 90 percent of its
design capacity and would place pressure on Bayham to consider the investigation of a WWTP expansion and/or development moratorium. These Reports do not account for any future consent applications and associated wastewater connections because the timing and location of consent applications is difficult to predict. Staff advise that with every new connection added by consent, the WWTP capacity is impacted outside of ongoing subdivision applications and building activity.
No further comments have been received at the time of writing.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Not Applicable.
ATTACHMENT
1. Appendix 1 - Applicant Provided sketch
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 11
THAT Report DS-14/26 regarding the Consent Application E35-26 submitted by Jesse Froese be received; AND THAT Council recommends approval to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E35-26 which would facilitate the severance for the creation of a new lot, subject to the following conditions and considerations:
1. That the Owner obtains all necessary permits from the Municipality for the installation of new municipal water and sanitary service connections to the proposed severed lot 2. That the Owner obtains approval from the Municipality for a road entrance permit for a new
access (Vienna Line) to the proposed severed lot 3. That the Owner pay all fees to the Municipality for the purchase of a civic address sign for the severed lot
4. That the Owner provides an engineered stamped grading, drainage, and storm water management plan for the severed lot to demonstrate that the lands will drain properly with no negative impacts on the neighbouring lands or the street, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality 5. That the Owner provides confirmation with respect to the location of the existing municipal water and sanitary service connections to the Retained lot. Should the existing municipal servicing laterals cross the proposed property lines or have insufficient clearance, the Owner shall obtain a permit from the Municipality for the installation of a new municipal water and sanitary service connection to the retained lot. 6. That the Owner obtains approval of a Minor Variance Application or alternatively removes or relocates the existing accessory structure to ensure compliance with the minimum accessory structure setback requirement of 1.0 m under Zoning By-law No. Z456-2003, to the satisfaction of
the Municipality, prior to final consent approval. 7. That the Owner pays fees as required in By-law No. 2025-007 Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland to the Municipality
8. That the Owner provides a digital copy of a final survey of the subject lands Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by:
Evan McKinstry Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Junior Planner, Elgin County Chief Administrative Officer Mat Vaughan Director of Planning and Development, Elgin County
Staff Report DS-14/26 Thiessen 12
Appendix 1- Applicant Provided Sketch
REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: DS-15/26 FILE NO. E37-26
Roll # 340-100-002-14902
SUBJECT: Consent Application E37-26 Csinos
6845 Plank Road, Vienna BACKGROUND
Consent application E37-26 was received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, as submitted
by Stephen Cornwell (CJDL) proposing to sever a parcel from the lands described as 6845 Plank Road
for a technical severance. The subject property is legally described as Part Lot 15 Concession 4, Part 1
11-R2315, and Part Lot 15, in the Municipality of Bayham.
Application No. E 37-26
Owners: Jo-Anne Csinos
Agent: Stephen Cornwell (CJDL)
Address: 6845 Plank Road
Water Supply: Privately owned and operated individual well Sewage Supply: Privately owned and operated individual septic system Buildings/Structures 1 Residential Dwelling & Accessory Structure (Shed)
Elgin County Official Plan Agricultural
Bayham Official Plan Designation Agricultural
Bayham Zoning By-law Agricultural 1 (A1) Minimum Lot Area – 20ha Minimum Lot Frontage – 150m Maximum Lot Coverage- 20% Front Yard Depth – 15.0m Side Yard Width – 10m Maximum Building Height – 20m
PURPOSE
The applicant proposes to sever a parcel with approximately 34.98 metres of frontage, 141.59 metres of
depth, and a total area of 0.40 hectares for a technical severance. In addition, a 0.02 ha portion is
proposed to be severed and conveyed to adjacent agricultural lands. The receiving parcel with an
approximate area of 0.32 hectares, is intended to function as a rural residential lot containing the existing
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 2
dwelling, shed and private services. This proposal has been submitted concurrently with Consent
Application (E 38-26), which involves the severance of developable residential lands from the surrounding
agricultural lands.
Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the application on May 27, 2026.
A severance sketch illustrating the proposed severance is attached to this report as Appendix 1.
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 3
County Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 4
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 5
Subject Site Key Map:
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 6
Proposed Severance Map:
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 7
PLANNING ANALYSIS:
Consent Application E37-26 was submitted to, and declared complete, by Elgin County on March 25, 2026. The application will be circulated to the public and prescribed bodies by the Elgin County Land Division Committee in May 2026. Elgin County is the Approval Authority for applications considered under Section 53 of the Planning Act. The Municipality of Bayham is a commenting agency and provides a recommendation to the Land Division Committee, including conditions of approval.
Consent Application E37-26 was reviewed by staff with consideration to the Provincial Planning Statement (2024), Elgin County Official Plan, Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, and the Municipality of Bayham Zoning Bylaw. A summary of the applicable policies and commentary is provided below.
Legislation Section(s) Relevance To Application Comments
Provincial Planning Statement,
2024
4.3.3 Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments
• Lot Adjustments in prime agriculture areas may be permitted for legal or technical
reasons.
The proposed technical severance is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, as the lands to be severed and consolidated with the existing lands are
intended to accommodate the existing dwelling and private services. This represents a
valid technical justification for a minor boundary adjustment.
Elgin County Official Plan
Section 5.5 General
Development Policies
• Development in
agriculture lands must protect agriculture lands
and operations
The proposal conforms to the Elgin County Official Plan as it maintains the integrity of the
agricultural land base. The severance does not result in the creation of a new lot and
therefore avoids fragmentation of agricultural lands.
The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
Section 2.1.9 Minor lot adjustments
• Consents in areas designated
Agriculture shall be permitted for minor lot adjustments and technical severances provided no new conveyable lot(s) are created
The proposal conforms to the Municipality of Bayham
Official Plan as the severance is considered a technical adjustment intended to consolidate all services associated with the existing residential dwelling onto a single lot. The proposal does not create a new lot and therefore maintains the existing land use structure while supporting the efficient and appropriate use of the property.
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 8
Municipality of Bayham Zoning Bylaw
Agricultural 1 (A1)
• The lands will not meet the zoning provisions of the
Agricultural 1 (A1) Zone
A Zoning By-law Amendment is required to rezone the lands to a Rural Residential (RR)
Zone.
Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS)
Section 4.3.3.2 Lot adjustments in prime agriculture areas may be permitted for legal or technical
reasons
According to the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), Prime Agricultural Areas are to be protected for long-term agricultural use, and the creation of new lots is generally discouraged. However, the PPS
permits lot adjustments for legal or technical reasons.
In this case, the proposed addition of lands from the adjacent agricultural parcel to the lot containing the existing dwelling is considered a technical adjustment. The dwelling’s services, which include overhead hydro lines and private services, are currently located on the adjacent parcel under the same ownership. The technical severance is intended to incorporate these existing services, along with a shed and driveway, into the residential parcel. Accordingly, the proposal is consistent with the PPS, as the lot
addition is technical in nature.
Elgin County Official Plan
Section 5.5 General Development Policies
The proposed technical severance conforms with the policy framework for lands within the Rural Area in the County of Elgin Official Plan, which prioritizes agriculture as the primary land use and seeks to
protect the long-term viability of the agricultural land base.
The proposal does not result in the creation of a new lot, rather it facilitates a lot addition that appropriately consolidates the existing residential dwelling and its associated services within a single
Rural Residential parcel. The resulting lot will be approximately 0.70 ha in area and will contain the dwelling, driveway, private services, and an accessory structure.
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
2.1.9 Minor Lot Adjustments
Consents to sever and convey land in areas designated “Agriculture” shall be permitted for minor lot adjustments, minor lot additions, minor boundary changes, easements and rights of way, technical
severance or correction of title, provided no new conveyable lot(s) are created.
The proposal conforms with the policies of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, as it does not create a new lot but rather recognizes and rationalizes an existing use. The Rural Residential parcel is enlarged through the addition of the adjacent lands, which serves to clearly delineate the residential use from the surrounding active agricultural lands and helps to minimize potential land use conflicts. Overall, the resulting land use pattern more accurately reflects the existing and intended use of each parcel.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law
The proposal meets the intent of the Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law. A Zoning By-law Amendment is required to rezone the subject lands from the Agricultural 1 (A1) Zone to a Rural
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 9
Residential (RR) Zone, as the receiving parcel will no longer comply with the provisions of the A1 Zone following the technical severance. The RR Zone more accurately reflects the existing and intended residential use of the property, and the resulting parcel is anticipated to comply with all applicable RR Zone provisions. Accordingly, an additional Planning Act application is required to facilitate this rezoning. CONSULTATION
Consent Application E37-26 was circulated internally for review and comments by Municipal staff. At the
time of writing this report, the following comments have been received and, where applicable, recommended conditions of approval have been included.
Municipality of Bayham: Recommends APPROVAL, subject to conditions.
Planning: Planning has reviewed the consent applications and has identified no issues with the proposed severance. A Zoning By-law Amendment is required to rezone the subject lands to a Rural Residential (RR) designation, as the parcel will no longer comply with the provisions of the Agricultural 1
(A1) Zone. This amendment will more accurately reflect the intended use and zoning of the property.
Building: Building has reviewed the consent application and has identified no issues with the proposed severance. Interested in seeing the location of the existing septic and well for the existing dwelling on the site plan with dimensions to the proposed property lines just to confirm they will not be affected by the severance of Parcel D.
Wastewater: Water Wastewater have reviewed the consent application and have identified no issues with the proposed severance.
Drainage: Both resulting parcels are located within the Riser-Csinos Drain area. Any required reassessment will be addressed at a later stage, if further development is proposed. Both resulting parcels are located within the Riser-Csinos Drain area. Any required reassessment will be addressed at a later stage, if further development is proposed.
No further comments have been received at the time of writing.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Not Applicable.
ATTACHMENT
1. Appendix 1 - Applicant Provided Sketch
RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-15/26 regarding the Consent Application E37-26 submitted by Stephen Cornwell be received; AND THAT Council recommends approval to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E37-26 which would facilitate a technical severance, subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the Owner provide written confirmation from a qualified septic designer on the location of the private septic system to ensure the location meets Ontario Building Code requirements for setbacks from property lines and will not be affected by the severance of Parcel D.
2. That the Owner provide written confirmation of the location of the well servicing the dwelling ensuring it is located on the retained lands. 3. That the Owner provides a digital copy of a final survey of the subject lands
4. That the Owner obtains approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment for the enlarged retained parcel
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 10
from an Agricultural (A1) zone to a Rural Residential (RR) Zone. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Evan McKinstry Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Junior Planner, Elgin County Chief Administrative Officer
Mat Vaughan
Director of Planning and Development, Elgin County
Appendix 1- Applicant Provided Sketch
Staff Report DS-15/26 Csinos 11
REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Evan McKinstry, Junior Planner, Elgin County
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: DS-16/26 FILE NO. E38-26
Roll # 340-100-002-14900
SUBJECT: Consent Application E38-26 Csinos
0 Plank Road, Vienna BACKGROUND
Consent application E38-26 was received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, as submitted
by Stephen Cornwell (CJDL), proposing to sever a parcel from the lands described as 0 Plank Road for
the creation of a new lot. The subject property is legally described as Part Lot 15 Concession 4, Part 1
11-R2315, in the Municipality of Bayham.
Application No. E38-26
Owners: Jo-Anne Csinos
Agent: Stephen Cornwell (CJDL)
Address: 0 Plank Road
Water Supply: None Sewage Supply: None Buildings/Structures Shed
Elgin County Official Plan Tier 1 Settlement Area (Vienna), Agricultural & Natural Heritage Systems
Bayham Official Plan
Designation
Residential & Agricultural
Bayham Zoning By-law Agricultural 1 (A1) Minimum Lot Area – 20ha Minimum Lot Frontage – 150m Maximum Lot Coverage- 20% Front Yard Depth – 15.0m Side Yard Width – 10m
Maximum Building Height – 20m Village Residential 1 (R1)
Minimum Lot Area – 800 m2 Minimum Lot Frontage – 15m Maximum Lot Coverage- 30%
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 2
Front Yard Depth – 7.0 m Side Yard Width – 1.2m Maximum Building Height – 8m
Village Residential 1 (R1 (h1/h4)) h1 Purpose: To ensure public health and safety, an agreement with the Municipality, or the satisfying of conditions of severance, which address impacts of new development to the applicable proposed water supply system and/or sewage
treatment and disposal system; and which may include issues relating to water capacity, water quantity, water quality, and financial costs will be required prior to the removal of the “h1” zone symbol. h4 Purpose: To ensure parcels of land do not become landlocked, proof of access to a public right-of-way by the proponent will be required prior to the removal of the “h4” zone
symbol.
PURPOSE
The applicant proposes to sever a parcel with approximately 120.23 metres of frontage, 171.5 metres of
depth, and a total area of 6.58 hectares, intended to accommodate future residential development within
the Vienna Settlement Boundary. The retained lands, with an area of approximately 17.59 ha, are
proposed to remain in agricultural use. The proposal has been submitted concurrently with a technical
severance (E37-26), which will influence the final configuration of the retained parcel.
Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the application on May 27, 2026.
A severance sketch illustrating the proposed severance is attached to this report as Appendix 1.
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 3
County Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 4
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan Key Map:
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 5
Subject Site Key Map:
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 6
Proposed Severance Map:
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 7
PLANNING ANALYSIS:
Consent Application E38-26 was submitted to, and declared complete, by Elgin County on March 25, 2026. The application will be circulated to the public and prescribed bodies by the Elgin County Land Division Committee in May 2026. Elgin County is the Approval Authority for applications considered under Section 53 of the Planning Act. The Municipality of Bayham is a commenting agency and provides a recommendation to the Land Division Committee, including conditions of approval.
Consent Application E38-26 was reviewed by staff with consideration to the Provincial Planning Statement (2024), Elgin County Official Plan, Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, and the Municipality of Bayham Zoning Bylaw. A summary of the applicable policies and commentary is provided below.
Legislation Section(s) Relevance To Application Comments
Provincial
Planning Statement, 2024
2.2.1 Housing
2.3 Settlement Areas
• Municipalities should ensure a variety of densities and types of housing
• New lot creation for residential development is
permitted in Settlement Areas
The proposed severance is consistent with the Provincial
Planning Statement, as the subject lands being severed are located within a designated settlement area,
which is intended to accommodate and focus growth and development.
Elgin County Official Plan
Section 6.0
Settlement Areas
Section 6.8 Development in Tier 1
Settlement Areas
• Growth and development for residential uses is encouraged within settlement areas
• Comprehensively develop the land in question, serve as a
logical extension to the existing built-up area, be compact, and minimize the consumption of land and infrastructure
The proposed severed lands are within the Settlement
Area boundary of Vienna. Permitted uses within the Settlement Areas are to be the widest possible range of urban land uses.
The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
Section 4 Settlement Area Policies
• The plan
encourages new residential development to
consolidate with the existing settlement areas
• The Municipality supports the
redevelopment and residential intensification of lands in the
The severance is intended to
facilitate future residential development. The Municipality of Bayham’s
Official Plan supports appropriate infill and intensification of underutilized lands within its settlement areas.
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 8
“residential” designation where such lands are underutilized
Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law
Village Residential 1
(R1)
Agricultural 1 (A1) Village Residential 1 (R1 (h1/h4))
• The severed and retained parcels will
meet all zoning provisions of their respected zoning
regulations
No further planning
applications are required as the subject lands will meet all appropriate zoning provisions
and uses.
Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS)
2.3.1 General Policies for Settlement Areas
Settlement areas shall be the focus of growth and development. Within settlement areas, growth should be focused in, where applicable, strategic growth areas, including major transit station areas
Land use patterns within settlement areas should be based on densities and a mix of land uses which: a) efficiently use land and resources; b) optimize existing and planned infrastructure and public service
facilities; c) support active transportation; d) are transit-supportive, as appropriate; and e) are freight-
supportive.
Planning authorities shall support general intensification and redevelopment to support the achievement of complete communities, including by planning for a range and mix of housing options and prioritizing
planning and investment in the necessary infrastructure and public service facilities.
The proposed severance is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, as the severed lands are
located within a designated Settlement Area. Settlement Areas are intended to accommodate growth, support a range of residential intensification opportunities, and encourage the development or redevelopment of underutilized lands. In support of the application, a conceptual plan illustrating a future subdivision within the Vienna Settlement Boundary has been submitted, demonstrating the potential for orderly and efficient development of the severed parcel.
The retained lands will be slightly modified from their current configuration as a result of the concurrent technical severance (E37-26). The proposal has been submitted to address the proposed lot lines of the adjacent Rural Residential parcel under the same ownership, containing the existing dwelling and private services. This adjustment will result in a reduction of approximately 0.38 hectares in the size of the retained lands. Despite this change, the retained parcel will continue to be used for agricultural purposes.
Elgin County Official Plan
6.2 General Policy
It is the general policy of this Plan to support the creation of compact and complete communities that
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 9
provide equitable access to a range of local economic and social opportunities centred around a vibrant main street or commercial core. It is recognized however that achieving this objective is largely
anticipated to occur at the local level through the development of detailed policies in local official plans,
the preparation of local zoning by-laws, implementation of site plan control, and through community improvement planning. To that end, the County’s primary focus with respect to development within
settlement areas shall be the protection of county and provincial interests as established in this Plan and through provincial policy. Otherwise, the County will generally defer to the vision, goals, and objectives of
a local official plan with respect to the detailed organization and composition of individual settlement
areas when appropriate.
The proposed severance conforms to the County of Elgin Official Plan, which permits the creation of new lots within Settlement Areas and supports residential intensification. The subject lands are located within the Settlement Area boundary of Vienna, where a broad range of urban land uses is intended and encouraged. Vienna is identified in the Official Plan as a Tier 1 Settlement Area, where growth and
development are to be directed.
The proposal is consistent with the policies and objectives for Tier 1 Settlement Areas, as it facilitates the development of residential land within the settlement boundary and contributes to the long-term supply of
housing on lands designated for such use.
Municipality of Bayham Official Plan
4.2.2.1 Residential Uses
This Plan encourages new residential development to consolidate with the existing settlement areas
listed in subsection 4.1 of the Plan by filling in the vacant areas and locating new residential development adjacent to existing built-up areas in a compact and contiguous fashion.
The proposed severance conforms to the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan, as it facilitates future residential development within the Vienna Settlement Area. These lands are identified by the Municipality as strategically important for residential growth.
Furthermore, the proposal supports the intent of the Official Plan by promoting the redevelopment and residential intensification of lands designated “Residential,” particularly where such lands are currently
underutilized, thereby contributing to the efficient use of land and the planned growth of the community.
Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law
The proposed consent complies with the Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law. The retained lands
conform to all applicable provisions of the Agricultural 1 (A1) Zone, while the severed lands meet the requirements of the Village Residential 1 (R1) Zone. It is noted that any future development on the severed parcel will be subject to the removal of the applicable holding provisions. Accordingly, no further
Planning Act applications are required as both the severed and retained lands will satisfy all relevant zoning standards. CONSULTATION
Consent Application E38-26 was circulated internally for review and comments by Municipal staff. At the time of writing this report, the following comments have been received and, where applicable,
recommended conditions of approval have been included.
Municipality of Bayham: Recommends APPROVAL, subject to conditions.
Planning: Planning has reviewed the consent application and has identified no issues with the proposed severance. A conceptual subdivision layout has been provided for illustrative purposes. Should this be pursued in the future, a more detailed review of subdivision design will be required through a separate
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 10
application process.
Building: Building has reviewed the consent application and has identified no issues with the proposed
severance.
Wastewater: Water Wastewater have reviewed the consent application and have identified no issues with the proposed severance. Any broader considerations for servicing related to the conceptual
subdivision layout can be addressed through a future application process. There are no municipal water
or sanitary servicing options available to the subject lands. The municipal water system currently terminates at Light Line, Plank Road, and Soper Road, and the sanitary gravity system terminates at Old
Mill Line. While a sanitary force main exists along Plank Line, it is not available for private service
connections.
Drainage: Both resulting parcels are located within the Riser-Csinos Drain area. Any required reassessment will be addressed at a later stage, if further development is proposed.
Road Access: 911 addressing for parcel with the potential subdivision and confirmation of laneway
locations will be required.
Staff would like to refer Council to Reports PS-07/25 and PS-08/26, respectively. These Reports provide Council with an overview of the current WWTP utilization and additional allocated capacity. Given the
subdivisions and site plans currently approved or being considered by staff at that time, granted or anticipated planning approvals would trigger future, associated building activity and implied wastewater capacity allocation. This would then bring the WWTP allocation closer to, or over, 90 percent of its design capacity and would place pressure on Bayham to consider the investigation of a WWTP expansion and/or development moratorium. These Reports do not account for any future consent
applications and associated wastewater connections because the timing and location of consent applications is difficult to predict. Staff advise that with every new connection added by consent, the WWTP capacity is impacted outside of ongoing subdivision applications and building activity.
No further comments have been received at the time of writing.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Not Applicable.
ATTACHMENT
1. Appendix 1 - Applicant Provided Sketch
RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-16/26 regarding the Consent Application E38-26 submitted by Stephen Cornwell be received; AND THAT Council recommends approval to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E38-26 which would facilitate the severance for the creation of a new lot, subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the Owner obtains approval from the Municipality for a road entrance permit (Light Line) for a new access to the proposed Severed Lot 2. That the Owner pay all fees to the Municipality for the purchase of a civic address sign for the
severed lot 3. That the Owner pays fees as required in By-law No. 2025-007 Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland to the Municipality
4. That the Owner provides a digital copy of a final survey of the subject lands
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 11
Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Evan McKinstry Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Junior Planner, Elgin County Chief Administrative Officer Mat Vaughan
Director of Planning and Development, Elgin County
Staff Report DS-16/26 Csinos 12
Appendix 1- Applicant Provided Sketch
Monday, April 20, 2026
Premier of Ontario Hon. Doug Ford Legislative Building, Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1 Sent via email: premier@ontario.ca Re: Support of Finlay’s Law on Emergency Room Reform
At its regular meeting on April 10, 2026, the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus adopted the following motion in
support of Finlay’s Law on Emergency Room Reform:
#11 Moved by D. Bailey seconded by B. Clark:
WHEREAS growing pressures across the Ontario healthcare system are increasing patient volumes in
emergency rooms (ER), requiring more complex care, and contributing to longer patient wait times in
ERs for residents in Ontario’s largest municipalities; and
WHEREAS Health Quality Ontario data from October 2025 reports that patients needing admission to
the hospital waited an average of 19-20 hours, with high-urgency patients waiting close to 5 hours on
average to be seen by a physician; and
WHEREAS in December 2023, the Auditor General of Ontario reported that significant hospital staffing
shortages were reducing access to timely emergency care; and
WHEREAS the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario reported in March 2023 that ER wait times were
increasing significantly with the longest wait times recorded in over 15 years and that provincial funding
was $21.3 billion short to maintain current health programs through 2028; and
WHEREAS according to the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), Ontario has had the lowest per capita
hospital expenditure in Canada since 2018; and
WHEREAS according to the OHA, approximately 4,200 alternate level care (ALC) patients remain in
acute beds (40% awaiting long term care), worsening ER delays; and
WHEREAS Canadian ER researchers have highlighted that between 8,000 and 15,000 Canadians die
prematurely as a result of ER overcrowding; and
WHEREAS reports of patients dying in crowded ERs across Canada are increasing, such as 16-year-old
Finlay van der Werken who waited over 8 hours in an Oakville ER without being seen by a physician and
tragically passed away on February 9, 2024 from pneumonia that developed into sepsis; and
www.wowc.ca
WHEREAS ER delays are contributing to excessive ambulance offload times, adding undue strain on
response capacity of municipal paramedic services across Ontario; and
WHEREAS the Provincial Government has taken important steps to improve health care in Ontario,
however additional funding and staffing resources for hospitals to reduce ER wait times and increase
capacity to provide timely access to care for all patients in ER’s remains critical; and
WHEREAS despite growing concerns regarding staffing shortages in and closures of ERs across
Ontario, as well as failure to meet federal standards such as the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale, the
Provincial Government continues to receive full contributions of Canada Health Transfers from the
federal government.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus calls on the Provincial
Ministry of Health to take immediate action to reduce ER wait times with consideration for the importance
of enhanced ER triage protocols and increased funding to strengthen emergency readiness;
AND THAT the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus calls on the Provincial Ministry of Health to introduce
Finlay’s Law to ensure that no child in Ontario is left without timely emergency medical care in hospitals
by:
• Setting legal maximum ER wait times for children under 18 (e.g., physician assessment within 2
hours, admission within 8 hours).
• Mandating safe pediatric nurse-to-patient and physician-to-patient ratios in emergency settings.
• Establish independent oversight to audit hospitals, investigate pediatric ER deaths, and enforce
compliance.
• Mandate public, independent, and timely (within 1 year) inquiry by the Chief Coroner of Ontario of
every pediatric death in an ER waiting area.
• Fund better pediatric emergency readiness, including staffing, training and infrastructure
AND THAT the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus calls on the Federal Ministry of Health to enforce the
principles and requirements of the Canada Health Act through its spending power of Canada Health
Transfers to Ontario by:
• monitoring compliance to national health standards, such as Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale
(CTAS) in ERs;
• and establishing and ensuring compliance with a new sepsis care
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of Health, the
Federal Minister of Health, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), the Ontario Hospital Association
(OHA), and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Carried.
www.wowc.ca
Please contact the office if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Marcus Ryan
Chair, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus cc. Hon. Marjorie Michel, Federal Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia Jones, Ontario Minister of Health
Ontario Medical Association Ontario Hospital Association Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Ontario Big City Mayors Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Western Ontario Municipalities
Town of Saugeen Shores 600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820 Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
T 519.832.2008 • F 519.832.2140 • @SaugeenShoresON • saugeenshores.ca
March 23, 2026
SENT VIA EMAIL
The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario premier@ontario.ca The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy Minister of Finance minister.fin@ontario.ca
The Honourable Graham McGregor, MPP Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism graham.mcgregor@pc.ola.org
RE: Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) Proposal to include $10M per year in the
2026 provincial budget for Heritage Helping Housing (HHH) grant funding
At the March 23, 2026, Regular Council meeting for the Town of Saugeen Shores, the attached motion was passed endorsing the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) Proposal to include $10M per year in the 2026 provincial budget for Heritage Helping Housing (HHH) grant funding. Sincerely,
Hailey Leigh-Mossley
Deputy Clerk
Encl.
cc. MPP Lisa Thompson
All Ontario Municipalities
THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF SAUGEEN SHORES
MOVED BY: C. Grace________________ RESOLUTION NO: _096-2026_
SECONDED BY: M. Myatt_________ DATE: __March 23, 2026_____
Whereas older buildings have inherent sustainability and provide economic, environmental and
social benefits for Ontario communities; and,
Whereas re-use of existing buildings reduces the need for increased infrastructure that
accompanies new builds such as sewer and water services, new roads and sidewalks; and,
Whereas re-use of existing building can reduce construction waste and extend the life
expectancy of landfills; and,
Whereas keeping older buildings helps a community remain visually richer and enhances
identity while building its tourism brand and appeal; and,
Whereas creating a new, application-based, matching grant program of $10M/year, modelled on
an existing Alberta program would incentivize owners and smaller developers to keep, fix and
reuse heritage buildings to create new housing; and,
Whereas such a grant program would provide an alternative to the Ontario heritage property tax
relief program, which has limited impact on developers and reduces municipal revenues; and,
Whereas such a grant program would provide a simpler and more direct way for heritage
building owners to fund renovations or conservation; and,
Whereas Ontario developers surveyed by the National Trust for Canada in 2014 ranked a
heritage-revolving fund as their top incentive to encourage heritage development if:
• the grants are simple to apply for and to administer; and,
• the fund is large enough to meet at least 33% of the demand so that applicants have a
reasonable chance of recovering the cost and effort of applying.
Therefore, be it Resolved That the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores endorse the
Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) Proposal to include $10M per year in the 2026
provincial budget for Heritage Helping Housing (HHH) grant funding, and that this resolution be
sent to the Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, and MPP
Lisa Thompson, and be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario.
Carried
Carried, as amended
Defeated
Deferred
Referred
Tabled
Withdrawn __________________________________________
Mayor
2233 Argentia Rd.
Suite 301
Mississauga, Ontario
L5N 2X7
Office: 905-272-3600
Fax: 905-272-3602
www.watsonecon.ca
April 10, 2026
To our Municipal Clients:
Re: Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and
Regulatory Proposal 026-0312
In our continued efforts to keep our clients up to date on legislative changes that may
impact them, we are writing to inform you of proposed legislative changes to the
Development Charges Act, 1997 (D.C.A.) and the Planning Act (with respect to
parkland dedication requirements). The provincial government has introduced Bill 98, an
Act to enact the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026 and to amend various
Acts (referred to as the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act,
2026). This Bill proposes amendments to the following legislation:
• Building Code Act, 1992;
• City of Toronto Act, 2006;
• Development Charges Act, 1997;
• Metrolinx Act, 2006;
• Municipal Act, 2001;
• Planning Act;
• Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002; and
• Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025.
The Bill also introduces new legislation, i.e., the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit
Act, 2026.
In addition to the legislative amendments, the Province is also proposing changes to the
Planning Act regulations (Ontario Regulation 509/20). The proposed changes, which
are intended to standardize parkland requirements, are available for comments via the
Environmental Registry of Ontario at the following link: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-
0312. The deadline to submit comments is May 14, 2026.
Comments related to changes to the D.C.A. can be made at the following link:
https://www.regulatoryregistry.gov.on.ca/proposal/53553. The deadline to submit
comments is April 29, 2026.
This letter provides a summary and preliminary analysis of the proposed changes with
respect to development charges (D.C.s) and parkland dedication requirements. In
addition, the provincial and federal governments recently announced a joint funding
program to invest in infrastructure and reduce D.C.s (i.e., “The Canada-Ontario
Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2
Partnership to Build”). This letter also provides our preliminary analysis with respect to
the funding announcement.
1. Proposed Changes to the Development Charge Framework
1.1 Proposed Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997
The proposed changes to the D.C.A. are presented in Schedule 3 of Bill 98. These
changes include the addition of a new section 4.5 to provide for a mandatory exemption
for non-profit retirement home development and minor corrections to references under
subsection 52 (3.1) of the D.C.A.
1.1.1 New Statutory Exemption
Non-profit Retirement Home Development is defined as: the development of a building
or structure intended for use as a retirement home, as defined in subsection 2 (1) of the
Retirement Homes Act, 2010, and developed by,
(a) a corporation to which the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 applies, that is
in good standing under that Act, or
(b) a corporation without share capital to which the Canada Not-for-profit
Corporations Act applies, that is in good standing under that Act.
This exemption does not apply to charges payable prior to the day the Bill receives
Royal Assent, but does apply to any future instalment payments.
1.1.2 Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build Funding Announcement
On March 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments announced a new funding
partnership that would provide a combined $8.8 billion over 10 years for infrastructure
investments in Ontario, with Canada’s share of funding from the Building Communities
Strong Fund’s provincial and territorial stream. The main points of the funding
announcement are as follows:
• The goal of the funding is to support housing-enabling infrastructure projects.
• Funding will be prioritized for municipalities that reduce and maintain reductions
on D.C.s.
• The federal and provincial government will agree on a list of priority municipalities
where D.C.s are seen as cost-prohibitive and where growth is essential to
support Ontario’s future.
o Ontario would require a commitment to reduce D.C.s by 30% to 50% and
maintain the reduction for at least three (3) years.
Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3
• This new funding is intended to offset the financial impact of D.C. reductions;
however, municipalities are expected to support the D.C. reductions so that all
three (3) levels of government are supporting increased housing supply and
affordability.
• Funding will be made available for municipalities that do not levy D.C.s where
infrastructure projects are prioritized by the Province.
• Municipalities will be required to identify projects for which the funding may be
used, which must be ready-to-build and may include other requirements of
Ontario and Canada.
To date, no additional information has been provided by the federal or provincial
government. It is anticipated that further details will be provided by the Province when
available.
2. Proposed Changes to the Parkland Dedication Framework
2.1 Proposed Changes to the Planning Act
2.1.1 Legislative Amendments
Type of Land Eligible for Dedication
In 2022, Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) introduced amendments to section 42 of
the Planning Act that would provide that certain lands may be required to be accepted
as part of parkland dedication requirements. These changes are included in subsections
42 (4.30) through 42 (4.39) but are not yet in force.
Bill 98 provides for an amendment to subsection 42 (4.32) to clarify that if a municipality
intends to accept the conveyance of land or an interest in land, it is subject to the
description of land included in subsection 42 (4.31). That is, that the land is:
• Part of a parcel of land that abuts one or more other parcels of land on a
horizontal plane;
• Subject to an easement or other restriction; or
• Encumbered by below-grade infrastructure.
This also includes an interest in land other than the fee, where interest is sufficient to
allow the land to be used for park or other public recreational purposes (4.31) (b).
Bill 98 also adds the following subsection:
(4.32.1) If the interest in land described in clause (4.31) (b) is an
easement, the easement is valid whether or not the municipality owns
Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4
appurtenant land or land capable of being accommodated or benefited by
the easement.
Appeal
Subsection 42 (4.35) provides that an owner of land who has received notice of refusal
to accept parkland dedication may appeal within 20 days to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Bill 98 adds the following subsection:
(4.35.1) An owner of land who has not received a notice under subsection
(4.34) within 90 days of identifying land in accordance with subsection
(4.30) may, at any time before receiving notice under subsection (4.34),
appeal to the Tribunal the municipality’s failure to make a decision as to
whether to accept the conveyance by filing with the clerk of the
municipality a notice of appeal accompanied by the fee charged by the
Tribunal.
This additional subsection allows an owner of land to appeal where no decision has
been made within 90 days of identifying the lands to be dedicated.
Order by Tribunal
Subsection 42 (4.38) provides that the Ontario Land Tribunal has the authority to
consider whether the land identified for dedication meets prescribed criteria, and if so,
order that the land be conveyed to the municipality and that it counts towards parkland
dedication requirements.
Bill 98 adds the following subsection:
(4.38.1) For the purposes of clause (4.38) (b), any land described in
clause (4.31) (a) or any interest in land described in clause (4.31) (b) that
is conveyed in accordance with clause (4.38) (a) shall be counted towards
any requirement set out in the by-law by multiplying the area of such land
by a factor of 0.7 or such other larger factor as may be determined by the
municipality.
This subsection provides that any lands ordered to be conveyed that are encumbered
as noted in subsection (4.31) be counted towards parkland dedication requirements at a
discounted rate of 0.7. For example, in a situation where an applicant is required to
dedicate 2 hectares of land for parkland dedication and proposes to provide 1 hectare of
that land that is encumbered, the Tribunal may order these lands to be accepted and
they would be equivalent to the dedication of 0.7 hectares of land. The applicant would
still be required to dedicate an additional 1.3 hectares of unencumbered land.
Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5
2.1.2 Proposed Amendments to Ontario Regulation 509/20
The Province has identified new regulations related to identifying which types of land
will be suitable for land dedication. The land suitability criteria would identify ineligible
land and land accessibility requirements.
Ineligible Land
The proposal would identify the following land as ineligible for parkland dedication:
• Contaminated lands – lands that have in or on them any contaminants from
industrial or other uses that pose a public health risk.
• Natural and human-made hazard lands – hazardous lands and hazardous sites
as described in section 5.2 of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (P.P.S.,
2024), as well as lands affected by human-made hazards as described in section
5.3 of the P.P.S., 2024.
• Lands within and adjacent to natural heritage features and areas are eligible on
the condition that a park would not interfere with or compromise the natural
heritage features and areas.
• Lands in the Natural Heritage System of the Greenbelt Plan or in the Natural
Core or Natural Linkage Areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan or
unless in accordance with policies of the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
o Lands that would not support park use – lands that would not
accommodate fill and/or soil depths to accommodate structural footings as
per the Ontario Building Code or support tree planting.
o Lands with financial encumbrances – lands with liens, charges, etc.,
registered on title.
o Lands that are privately owned and not accessible to the public at all
times.
Land Accessibility/Comfort for Use
The proposed regulation notes that parkland must be accessible, visible, and
comfortable to facilitate public use of it and, in particular, must be:
• Accessible by all users directly from the public realm and readily visible from the
public realm.
• Of a size and shape that is capable of serving park or public recreational
purposes.
2.1.3 Summary of Proposed Parkland Dedication Amendments
With the addition of the proposed criteria identified in the proposed regulations, the
Province is seeking to enact the subsections of section 42 of the Planning Act that allow
developer-identified lands to be required for parkland dedication. Once identified, if
Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6
refused by the municipality or no decision is provided, the developer may appeal the
decision (or non-decision) to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The Tribunal then has the
authority to review the proposed land to be dedicated against the criteria in the Planning
Act and the associated regulations, and may order the land to be accepted by the
municipality.
3. Concluding Remarks
Although the changes to the D.C.A. are limited to the addition of an exemption for non-
profit retirement home developments, as noted in previous correspondence, exemptions
from D.C.s are funded from non-D.C. sources.
The announcement of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build provides municipalities
with additional funding for infrastructure; however, it is contingent on municipalities
reducing their D.C.s. It appears that not all the reduction will be funded through these
grants, and municipalities will be required to contribute some portion from non-D.C.
sources.
With respect to parkland dedication, the Province is seeking to implement sections of
the Planning Act added through Bill 23 by providing criteria for which municipalities
would accept encumbered lands from developers. These encumbered lands must meet
the criteria set out in the Planning Act and associated regulations; however, it is
anticipated that municipalities will see an increase in appeals to the Ontario Land
Tribunal with respect to this issue.
We will continue to monitor any changes and inform you of the potential impacts on
municipalities.
Should you have any questions, please contact any of the undersigned or send an
email to info@watsonecon.ca.
Yours very truly,
WATSON & ASSOCIATES ECONOMISTS LTD.
Andrew Grunda, MBA, CPA, CMA, CEO
Peter Simcisko, BA (Hons), MBE, Managing Partner
Sean-Michael Stephen, MBA, Managing Partner
Daryl Abbs, BA (Hons), MBE, PLE, Managing Partner
Byron Tan, BA (Hons), MBE, PLE, Managing Partner
Jamie Cook, MCIP, RPP, PLE, Managing Partner
Jack Ammendolia, BES, PLE, Managing Partner
Request for Action
Mayor Ketchabaw and Members of Bayham Council,
The Integrity Commissioner (IC) and Closed Meeting Investigator (CMI) processes
are essential safeguards that support ethical governance, transparency, and
accountability in municipal decision-making.
However, the current complaints framework also creates unavoidable financial
exposure for the municipality. Every complaint, regardless of merit; requires some
level of review, and even preliminary assessments result in legal costs borne by
taxpayers.
Through a Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
request, I obtained data showing that approximately $40,000 was spent on Integrity
Commissioner-related matters between 2023 and 2025, despite no findings of Code
of Conduct breaches. In addition, a recent Closed Meeting Investigation confirmed
the Municipality was compliant with legislative requirements, yet still resulted in
incurred costs. While the total cost of this investigation has not been publicly
disclosed, comparable cases in Ontario municipalities commonly range from $5,000
to $15,000, confirming that even investigations resulting in full compliance can still
generate significant costs.
These examples highlight a structural issue: the municipality is responsible for costs
even where complaints are dismissed or no wrongdoing is found.
It is also recognized in prior reporting to Council by the Integrity Commissioner that
some complaints may be frivolous or vexatious. While such complaints can be
dismissed without full investigation, they still require review and therefore generate
costs.
At the same time, not all low-merit complaints are intentional misuse. Some arise
from misunderstanding of the Code of Conduct or the rules governing closed
meetings. This distinction is important, as it suggests that improved public
understanding may help reduce unnecessary complaints.
Key Issue: Structural Cost Exposure
● All complaints require review, regardless of merit
● Preliminary assessments generate legal costs
● The municipality bears financial responsibility in all cases
Even a small number of low-merit or repetitive complaints can result in meaningful
cumulative costs.
Opportunities for Improvement
There are practical steps within municipal control that could improve efficiency while
maintaining accessibility:
● Develop clear, plain-language public resources explaining the complaint
process
● Provide examples of valid and invalid complaints
● Create “before you file” guidance to support informed submissions
● Review administrative practices to better manage complaint volume
Improving public understanding will not eliminate all inappropriate complaints, but it
can reduce those driven by misunderstanding thereby lowering overall costs.
This does not need to be a large-scale or resource-intensive initiative. Identifying
and implementing small, targeted changes, such as clearer public-facing information
would be a reasonable and responsible step to enhance the public’s understanding
of the complaint process.
Conclusion and Request for Action
This request is made in support of both accountability and responsible financial
management.
While Bayham’s current system aligns with provincial norms, it exposes the
municipality to consistent costs regardless of outcome. Targeted improvements to
municipal processes can help manage this exposure without limiting access to the
complaint system.
Section 3.2 of the Municipality of Bayham’s Strategic Plan – Quality of Governance
emphasizes financial responsibility. Given recent expenditures, there is a clear
opportunity to take proactive steps to better manage these costs.
Request for Action:
That Council direct staff to review and report back on opportunities to strengthen
municipal processes supporting the Integrity Commissioner (IC) and Closed Meeting
Investigator (CMI) functions, including:
● development of improved public-facing educational materials (e.g., FAQs,
“before you file” guidance, and complaint examples);
● administrative practices to help manage complaint volume and reduce
unnecessary costs; and
● practical measures that can be implemented prior to the expiry of the current
IC/CMI contract in May 2027.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
Marni Wolfe
April 28, 2026
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Via Email
Re: Request for review of Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Framework
Please be advised that Council of the Town of Halton Hills at its meeting of Monday April 20,
2026, adopted Resolution No. 2026-0071 regarding Request for review of Provincial-Municipal
Fiscal Framework.
Attached for your information is a copy of Resolution No. 2026-0071.
Respectfully,
Melissa Lawr, AMP, Dipl.M.A.
Deputy Clerk – Legislation
cc.The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and HousingThe Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of FinanceThe Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of InfrastructureAssociation of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)Region of Halton MPPsRegion of HaltonCity of BurlingtonTown of MiltonTown of Oakville
All Ontario municipalities
Council received an update on the West Lorne Library expansion project, following the Municipality
of West Elgin’s approval of a construction tender to proceed with renovations.
The project will expand the library by approximately 1,000 square feet, increasing the total space to
roughly 2,800 square feet. Planned upgrades include interior renovations, improved accessibility,
and general building enhancements, with construction expected to take up to six months and be
completed by the end of October 2026.
The West Lorne Branch will close to the public beginning April 29, 2026 to allow construction to
proceed. To help maintain access to services during this time, extended hours will be introduced at
the Rodney Library Branch starting May 4, 2026, increasing from 21 to 39 hours per week. Mobile
library service through the “Books to Go” program, delivered in partnership with the West Elgin
Community Health Centre, will continue to operate, and exterior book return bins at the West Lorne
Branch will remain available.
Staff are also exploring options for a temporary holds pickup location within the community. While
some service disruptions are expected, these measures are intended to help maintain access for
West Lorne patrons throughout the closure period.
The report also notes potential future considerations, including a revised lease agreement and a
possible request from West Elgin for an interest-free loan to support project costs.
ELGIN COUNTY
From the Council Chambers
April 14, 2026
Council Meeting
West Lorne Library Expansion Moving Forward
Page 1Council Highlights | April 14, 2026
County Requests Provincial Upload of Highbury Avenue
Council approved a resolution requesting that the Province of Ontario assume jurisdiction over
Highbury Avenue, advancing a coordinated regional effort with the City of London and the City of
St. Thomas.
Page 2Council Highlights | April 14, 2026
Highbury Avenue has been identified through the Province’s Southwestern Ontario Transportation
Planning Study as a key regional goods movement corridor, playing an important role in connecting
major employment areas and supporting the movement of goods and services. The County’s
Transportation Master Plan also identifies that the road will exceed its current two-lane capacity
within the next 10 years, requiring expansion to four lanes at an estimated cost of $150 million.
Recognizing both the long-term infrastructure demands and increasing maintenance pressures, the
County began discussions with neighbouring municipalities and the Province regarding the potential
to transfer responsibility for the
County Requests Provincial Upload of Highbury Avenue (continued)
corridor. These conversations
were advanced through a formal
delegation at the Good Roads
Conference, where provincial
representatives indicated
support for the request, subject
to formal resolutions from each
municipality.
This report brings forward Elgin
County’s resolution as the next
step in that process. The City of
London has already passed a
similar resolution, and the City of
St. Thomas has indicated its
intent to do the same. Once all
resolutions are received, they
will be submitted to the Province
to formally request the transfer
of the roadway.
For the full Council Agenda,
click here.
Council Meeting
Page 3Council Highlights | April 14, 2026
The Committee reviewed a proposed by-law that would delegate certain decision-making authority
to the Chief Administrative Officer during the 2026 municipal election period, if required, and
endorsed bringing the by-law forward to Council for approval.
Under the Municipal Act, Council may be restricted from making specific decisions during an
election year if it is determined that fewer than 75 percent of the current Council will return. This
period, often referred to as a “lame duck” period, limits Council’s ability to make decisions related to
staffing, property transactions over $50,000, and certain financial commitments.
To ensure continuity of operations, the proposed by-law would allow the Chief Administrative Officer
to carry out these functions if Council becomes restricted. Any actions taken under this authority
would be reported back to the new Council following the election to maintain transparency and
accountability.
Committee of the Whole
Delegation of Authority Considered for 2026 Municipal Election Period
Council directed staff to submit comments to the Province on proposed planning and infrastructure
reforms under Bill 98 and the Build Communities Strong Fund.
The proposed changes are intended to accelerate housing development and streamline approvals
across Ontario. They include updates to planning processes, standardized approaches to
development applications, and changes to how municipalities manage infrastructure such as water,
wastewater, and transportation systems.
Council’s discussion focused on the potential impacts to Elgin County and its local municipal
partners. While the proposed reforms may support housing growth and provide access to new
infrastructure funding, they could also reduce municipal decision-making authority, particularly in
areas such as land use planning, site plan control, and servicing.
The report also highlights financial considerations tied to the proposed Build Communities Strong
Fund, including the requirement for municipalities to reduce development charges to access
funding. While this may help offset infrastructure costs, there is uncertainty around funding details
and whether it would fully replace lost revenue.
Council’s feedback will be submitted to the Province as part of the consultation process, with
further updates expected as more details on the proposed changes become available.
County Provides Input on Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms
Council Meeting
The Committee reviewed the findings of an Asset Management and Work Order Software Feasibility
Study and directed staff to report back with a procurement recommendation supported by a
detailed business case.
The study explored options for implementing a shared system across the County and its local
municipal partners to improve coordination, reporting, and long-term asset management planning. It
identified a hybrid approach, where the County adopts a core system that integrates with existing
municipal systems, as the preferred model.
During discussion, the Committee raised questions about the proposed approach, including the
estimated implementation cost, ongoing licensing expenses, and the need for additional staffing
resources to support the system. Concerns were also noted regarding implementation complexity,
long-term sustainability, and ensuring the system meets the needs of both the County and its
municipal partners.
Rather than proceeding with a specific solution at this time, the Committee directed staff to return to
Council with a comprehensive procurement recommendation. This will include anticipated costs,
resource requirements, an implementation timeline, and a full business case to support future
decision-making.
For the full Committee of the Whole Agenda, click here.
Committee Requests Further Analysis on Asset Management Software Options
Page 4Council Highlights | April 14, 2026
The Committee supported a recommendation to award a new group benefits contract to Desjardins
Insurance, while renewing Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage with AIG
Insurance, and endorsed bringing the matter forward to Council for approval.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) was conducted in partnership with the Municipality of West Elgin
and the Township of Southwold to identify a provider that could deliver competitive, high-quality
benefits coverage and service. Following a comprehensive evaluation process that considered
service delivery, financial stability, and pricing, Desjardins was identified as the highest scoring
proponent for core benefits.
For AD&D coverage, AIG is recommended to continue as the provider, having matched existing
coverage while offering enhancements and competitive pricing.
If approved by Council, the new benefits provider would take effect July 1, 2026, with staff working
to ensure a smooth transition for employees.
New Benefits Provider Considered for County Employees
Committee of the Whole
Elgin County’s Economic Development and Tourism department continues to deliver initiatives that support
business growth, strengthen local economies, and attract new investment and visitors across all seven
Municipalities.
With new tools, refreshed resources, and targeted campaigns underway, we’re focused on creating
meaningful opportunities that benefit communities across the County. This update highlights recent
initiatives and upcoming projects that reflect our commitment to driving economic development in the
region.
ELGIN COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTUPDATE
Investing in Our Future: department Highlights
Economic Development and Tourism Plan
In December 2025, County Council adopted the 2025–2030
Economic Development and Tourism Plan. Developed with
input from businesses, community partners, and local
Municipalities, the Plan provides a five-year roadmap to guide
County efforts.
The Plan focuses on attracting investment, supporting and
growing local businesses, strengthening agriculture, and
improving downtowns and community spaces through
programs such as Elgincentives.
The tourism component emphasizes enhancing visitor
experiences, promoting local assets, and aligning marketing
efforts to bring more visitors into our communities.
The full plan is available here.
spring 2026
Elgin County is updating Elgincentives, the County-wide Community
Improvement Plan that provides financial incentives to help businesses
and property owners invest in buildings, revitalize main streets, and
redevelop underused properties.
Draft updates reflect current community priorities, legislative changes,
and today’s economic conditions. Public meetings are being held in
each Municipality so residents, businesses, and stakeholders can
provide feedback before the updates are reviewed by County Council.
More information is available through our online engagement website -
Engage Elgin.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN – ELGINCENTIVES UPDATE
Staff Engagement and Regional Collaboration
The Pitch (February)
Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (March)
St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
Business After 5 (February, March)
St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
Business Before 9 (February)
Aylmer and Area Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast with the Mayors (March)
West Elgin EDC Business After 5 (March)
save the date - Cultivating Success - June 16
Elgin County will host Cultivating Success: Celebrate Your Connections on
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Nature’s Oasis Retreat in Southwold. The event brings
together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders for a day
focused on connection and collaboration.
Attendees will hear a keynote from Juno Award-nominated singer-songwriter Peter
Katz, and enjoy local food vendors, breweries, and wineries. Cultivating Success
celebrates entrepreneurship, strengthens relationships, and supports a thriving
business community across the County. Get your tickets now: Cultivating Success.
These engagements strengthen relationships, inform County programs, and ensure businesses are aware
of supports ranging from funding and training to mentorship and advisory services.
Our team continues to stay actively engaged across Elgin County, connecting with local businesses,
community partners, and stakeholders through a variety of events and initiatives. These opportunities allow
us to build relationships, better understand the needs of our business community, and share valuable
resources that support growth and innovation.
CULTI V A T I NG SU
C
C
E
S
S
BUSINESS SUPPORT & RESOURCES:
During engagement with the local business community, the
County heard that planning, zoning, and building processes can
be difficult to navigate. In response, Elgin County worked directly
with local business owners to develop the Elgin County Business
Guide, shaped by real experiences and practical needs.
The Guide is a County-led resource that Municipalities can share
directly with local businesses to help them better understand key
processes, whether they are starting up, expanding, relocating,
or seeking support. It provides clear, plain-language information
on planning and zoning, permits and licences, funding and
financial supports, hiring and workforce tools, growth planning,
and risk and succession planning.
BUSINESS GUIDE
Developed with direct input from the business community, the Guide was created in collaboration with
partners including the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC), the St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise
Centre (SBEC), local Chambers of Commerce, and BIAs. It helps reduce confusion and improve access to
information, and Municipalities can request copies or share it through their own channels. It is also available
for distribution through Economic Development staff upon request.
Supporting and Showcasing Local Businesses
Elgin County’s Business Enterprise Facilitator continues to meet regularly with entrepreneurs and business
owners across all lower-tier Municipalities, connecting businesses with the tools and resources they need
to grow and succeed, providing one-on-one support, and identifying any potential funding opportunities
available.
These ongoing visits help strengthen relationships with local business operators while also creating
opportunities to highlight and celebrate success stories within each community. Recent business spotlights
have included:
Shackelton Auctions (Malahide): Celebrating 70 years, this fourth-generation family-run operation has
become one of the most recognized auction houses in the region.
SoSo’s Breakfast Tacos (West Elgin): This brand-new business serves breakfast tacos and
quesadillas, each hand-crafted with tasty ingredients and bold flavours.
Integrated Elevation (Dutton Dunwich): A new business running out of Horseshoe J Dude Ranch that
blends trauma-informed practices with equine-assisted learning to help individuals and teams build
confidence, connection, and resilience.
These stories are shared through the County’s social media channels, helping to elevate local businesses,
increase visibility, and foster a strong sense of community pride across Elgin County.
The Elgin County Economic Development newsletter provides updates on business activity, funding
opportunities, tourism initiatives, and more. Issued quarterly, it is a helpful resource for Council members,
Municipal staff, and community leaders looking to stay informed about growth across the region.
Sign up for the quarterly newsletter here, and read the Spring 2026 Edition here.
Stay Connected
meet the team - contact us for support
CAROLYNKRAHN
Manager of Economic
Development, Tourism
& Strategic Initiatives
ckrahn@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 133
lindseyduncan
Tourism
Officer
lduncan@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 163
AnneKleinsteuber
Business
Enterprise
Facilitator
akleinsteuber@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 199
KaraKelliher
Administrative
Assistant
kkelliher@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 104
New Website (INVESTINELGIN.CA)
The website also promotes employment lands, community assets, and investment opportunities to external
audiences, helping present a clear and consistent picture of Elgin County as a place to do business and
invest.
Elgin County launched InvestInElgin.ca in
late 2025 as a new economic development
website supporting business growth and
investment attraction across the County.
The site provides a central hub for
resources such as the Elgin County
Business Guide, a business directory, and
local business spotlights. These tools can
be shared with local businesses, while the
spotlight features also highlight community
successes and celebrate what is happening
across the County.
ELGIN COUNTYTOURISM UPDATE
Shining a Spotlight on Every Corner of Elgin County
As we gear up for the 2026 summer tourism season, Elgin County Tourism continues to actively promote
experiences across all Municipalities, helping attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen
economic growth throughout the county.
Here’s a snapshot of recent achievements, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for Municipalities to help
strengthen and share these efforts within their communities.
SPRING 2026
Economic Development & Tourism Plan
With the approval of Elgin County’s Economic Development & Tourism Plan, work is now underway to grow
tourism through stronger experiences, partnerships, and promotion across the county. The plan prioritizes
developing new and enhanced visitor experiences, expanding trail and outdoor tourism opportunities,
creating curated itineraries and group travel experiences, and supporting local businesses interested in
agritourism, accommodations, and tourism expansion.
At the same time, the strategy builds on what Elgin County
already does well by strengthening culinary and festival
experiences, supporting tourism operators, and elevating a
unified county-wide brand. Through coordinated marketing
and regional partnerships, the plan positions Elgin County to
attract new visitors, encourage longer stays, and ensure
tourism benefits communities across the entire region.
This Plan can be accessed here.
Taste Ex Show Attendance
The newly printed 2026 Visitor Guide highlights the attractions, experiences,
and exceptional tourism businesses found throughout Elgin County, helping
visitors discover everything the region has to offer.
Distributed locally and across Ontario, this year’s guide features curated
itineraries that encourage travellers to explore the path less travelled and
uncover hidden gems across the County. Copies are available by contacting
tourism@elgin.ca.
2026 eLGIN cOUNTY vISITOR’S GUIDE
Created in partnership with Railway City Tourism, the Taste Guide is a
curated culinary magazine showcasing the diverse flavours of Elgin County
and St. Thomas.
From beachside bites and local markets to wineries, breweries, pick-your-
own experiences, maple syrup, and globally inspired cuisine, the guide
highlights the region’s food experiences while offering rotating exposure
opportunities for local businesses with each edition.
2026 Taste guide (flavours of elgin)
The Port Stanley Visitor Centre opens May 15 for the season. We are
collecting brochures and promotional materials from businesses to distribute
at our Visitor Centre as well as at key visitor locations including Port Burwell
Marine Museum, Pinecroft, and Mackie’s.
Municipalities can support this effort by encouraging local businesses to
participate. Contact us to pick up or bring materials to 450 Sunset Drive. We
recommend 300-500 copies per business.
Visitor Centre Opening & Brochure Request
At January’s Taste Ex event (formerly the London Wine & Food
Show), Elgin County Tourism engaged more than 500 visitors while
promoting local wineries, breweries, and culinary experiences.
Numerous culinary establishments from various Elgin communities
participated, further establishing Elgin County as a vibrant and
inviting destination.
Local tourism operators recently participated in a session
with the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) to
explore opportunities to attract bus tours to Elgin County
and encourage longer visitor stays.
This initiative supports businesses in becoming tour-ready
while building partnerships that position communities
across the county to welcome group travel and showcase
our hidden gems.
Expanding Group Tour Opportunities
St. Thomas Home Show Booth
Elgin County Tourism attended the St. Thomas Home Show (April 10 to 12, 2026 at the Joe Thornton
Community Centre) to promote local experiences and encourage residents and visitors to explore the many
things to see and do across Elgin County.
We spoke with over 600 people sharing tourism resources and highlighting seasonal attractions and
upcoming events as we move into spring and summer. Our focus is on getting locals excited about the
change of season and inspiring them to spend their summer discovering beaches, trails, events, and local
businesses in their own backyards, while supporting the local economy.
tourism Summer Students return
We are delighted to re-introduce you to three enthusiastic students who are coming back to the Economic
Development and Tourism team again this summer. Their contributions will enhance our visitor services,
business support, and public outreach efforts. If you happen to see them in your community, please extend
a warm Elgin County welcome!
Arden Doupe, Marketing Assistant
Arden will help with social media campaigns, website updates, and
staffing the Visitor Centre. She will also be out and about visiting
local businesses and events to share real-time content and updates.
Allie Pimlatt, Tourism Assistant
Based at the Port Stanley Visitor Centre, Allie will welcome visitors
and provide recommendations on activities, dining, and events.
Ella Broadhead, Administrative Assistant
Ella will support administrative tasks, help at the Visitor Centre, and
help stock tourism racks across the County with brochures.
Tell Us What’s New
Do you know a local tourism business celebrating a milestone or launching a
new experience? Let us know so we can help spread the word. Contact the
Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism team to feature tourism
businesses in your community in future updates.
Let’s keep working together to showcase the best of Elgin County!
Thank you for all you do to make our region a destination worth exploring.
Staying connected through our social media channels is one of the easiest ways
to remain up to date on tourism initiatives, local experiences, and seasonal
offerings happening across Elgin County.
With more than 10,000 followers on Facebook and 5,100 followers on Instagram,
our platforms provide a strong and growing reach that helps showcase the people,
places, and hidden gems that make our communities unique.
Follow us on socials
@elgincountytourism #elgincounty
meet the team - contact us for support
CAROLYN
KRAHN
Manager of Economic
Development, Tourism
& Strategic Initiatives
ckrahn@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 133
lindsey
duncan
Tourism
Officer
lduncan@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 163
Anne
Kleinsteuber
Business
Enterprise
Facilitator
akleinsteuber@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 199
Kara
Kelliher
Administrative
Assistant
kkelliher@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x 104
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-028
BEING A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH AN ELECTION JOINT COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THE 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ACT, 1996, AS AMENDED WHEREAS subsection 5(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a municipal power shall be exercised by by-law; AND WHEREAS section 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended requires the Council to establish a Compliance Audit Committee before October 1st in an election year to deal with matters regarding election campaign finances and contributions; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Bayham wishes to establish a Compliance Audit Committee to deal with matters regarding election campaign finances
and contributions; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT a committee, to be known as the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit
Committee, is hereby established to deal with the matters provided for in Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended. 2. THAT the business of the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election be conducted in accordance with the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix “A” attached hereto and forming a part of this By-law. 3. THAT this By-law shall come into force and take effect on the final passing thereof. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7th DAY OF MAY 2026.
____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK
Schedule A to By-law 2026-028
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE ELGIN ELECTION JOINT COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE
1. DEFINITIONS
a. Act - means the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, as amended from time to time. b. Applicant – means an elector as defined under Section 88.33(1) or
88.35(1) of the Act who applies for a compliance audit of a
candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances. c. Application – means an application for a compliance audit accepted by the Clerk pursuant to Section 88.33(2) of the Act.
d. Auditor - means a person appointed by the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee to conduct a compliance audit of the election campaign finances of candidates and registered third parties pursuant to Section 88.33 of the Act.
e. Auditor's Report - means a report prepared by an auditor regarding the findings of an audit into the election campaign finances of a candidate or registered third party advertiser.
f. Candidate - means the candidate whose election campaign finances
are the subject of an application for a compliance audit. g. Clerk – means the Clerk of a member municipality in Elgin County, or their designate.
h. Committee - means the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee established pursuant to Section 88.37 of the Act. i. Compliance Audit - means an audit conducted by an auditor,
appointed by the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee,
of a candidate's election campaign finances; contributions to candidates; registered third parties campaign finances, and contributions to registered third parties.
j. Council – means the Council of a member municipality in Elgin
County, including the Council of the Town of Aylmer, Municipality of Bayham, Municipality of Central Elgin, Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, Township of Malahide, Township of Southwold, and Municipality of West Elgin.
k. Municipality – means a member municipality in the County of Elgin, including The Corporation of the Town of Aylmer, The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham, The Corporation of the Municipality of
Central Elgin, The Corporation of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, The Corporation of the Township of Malahide, The Corporation of the Township of Southwold, and The Corporation of the Municipality of
West Elgin.
l. Registered Third Party - means the individual, corporation or trade union whose notice of registration has been certified by the Clerk and whose campaign finances are the subject of an application for a
compliance audit.
2. ENABLING LEGISLATION
Section 88.37 of the Act requires that before October 1st in an election year, Council establish a Compliance Audit Committee for the purposes of
Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the said Act relative to a possible
contravention of the Act’s election campaign finance provisions. 3. TERM
The term of office of the Committee is the same as the term of office of
Council, being November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030, and shall serve in the instance of any by-election that may take place during that time. 4. MEETINGS
The Committee will meet as needed, with meetings to be scheduled by the Clerk of the municipality where a compliance audit application is received, in accordance with the MEA requirements. The Clerk of the host municipality shall ensure and verify the validity of the meeting. The Clerk
will contact all members to ensure that a quorum of members is able to
attend the said meeting. Meetings will be held at the location determined by the Clerk of the host municipality. The Committee members will select a Chair from amongst its members at
its first meeting.
In accordance with the Act, the meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public, but the Committee may deliberate in private.
5. MANDATE
The Committee is required to act in accordance with the powers and
obligations set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended (MEA). The Committee will be required to: a. consider a compliance audit application received from an elector that a candidate or a registered third party has contravened provisions of the
MEA relating to election campaign finances and determine whether it
should be granted or rejected; b. if the application is granted, the Committee shall appoint an auditor to conduct a compliance audit;
c. receive the auditor’s report;
d. consider the auditor’s report and if the report concludes that the candidate or registered third party appear to have contravened a provision of the MEA relating to election campaign finances, the
Committee may commence legal proceedings against the candidate or
registered third party for the apparent contravention; and e. consider the report(s) of the Clerk identifying each contributor to a candidate for office on a Council or a registered third party who appears
to have contravened any of the contribution limits under section 88.9 or 88.13 of the MEA and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against a contributor for an apparent contravention.
6. COMPOSITION
The Committee will be composed of at least three (3) and no more than seven (7) members of the public. Members must possess an in-depth knowledge of the campaign financing rules of the MEA and therefore membership drawn from the following
stakeholder groups: a. accounting and audit – accountants or auditors with experience in preparing or auditing the financial statements of municipal candidates;
b. academic – college or university professors with expertise in political science or local government administration; c. legal profession with experience in municipal law, municipal election
law or administrative law; d. professionals who in the course of their duties are required to adhere to codes or standards of their profession which may be enforced by disciplinary tribunals; and
e. other individuals with knowledge of the campaign financing rules of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended. Pursuant to subsection 88.37(2) of the Act, the Committee shall not include:
a. Members of Council or local board; b. Employees or officers of the Municipality or local board;
c. Any persons who are candidates in the election for which the Committee is established; or d. Any persons who are registered third parties in the Municipality in the
election for which the committee is established.
Further, an individual shall be deemed ineligible to be a member of the Committee if they prepare the financial statements of:
a. any candidate running for office on Municipal Council or local board during the term for which the Committee has been established; or
b. any registered third party. In addition, a Committee Member may not be a contributor or provider of any election-related services to a registered candidate or third-party
advertiser in the 2026 Municipal Election or any subsequent by-election including but not limited to accounting, legal, auditing, marketing or campaign services.
7. APPOINTMENT PROCESS
All applicants will be required to submit a summary outlining their qualifications and experience.
A Nominating Committee consisting of the Clerks from each of the member
municipalities in Elgin County will review and consider all applicants/ applications, and will prepare a proposed Joint Committee membership list for consideration by each of the respective Municipal Councils.
Members will be selected on the basis of the following:
a. demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal election campaign financing rules and knowledge of the MEA and related regulations;
b. proven analytical and decision-making skills;
c. experience working on a committee, administrative tribunal, task force or similar setting;
d. demonstrated knowledge of quasi-judicial proceedings;
e. availability and willingness to attend meetings; and
f. excellent oral and written communication skills.
The Members will be appointed by each of the respective Municipal
Councils.
8. COMPENSATION Members of the Committee shall be paid an honorarium of $125.00 per
meeting, plus mileage at the current mileage rate established by the host municipality. The host municipality shall pay all costs relative to the respective application.
9. STAFF SUPPORT
The Clerk or designate of the host municipality shall act as the Secretary to
the Committee and provide support where required. The Clerk shall establish administrative practices and procedures for the Committee and shall carry out any other duties required under this Act to
implement the Committee’s decisions. 10. APPLICATION BY ELECTOR
a. Financial Statements of Candidates
All candidates are required to file provincially prescribed financial statements with the Clerk detailing their election campaign financing activities.
An eligible elector who believes on reasonable grounds that a candidate has contravened a provision of the Act, as amended, relating to election campaign finances, may apply for a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances, even if the
candidate has not filed a financial statement. The application must be made in writing to the Clerk and include the reasons for the elector’s belief that the candidate has contravened the Act. The application must be made within 90 days after the latest
of the following dates: i. The filing date; ii. The date the candidate filed a financial statement, if the
statement was filed within 30 days after the applicable filing date;
iii. The candidate’s supplementary filing date, if any; or
iv. The date on which the candidate’s extension, if any, expires.
b. Registered Third Parties Financial Statements All registered third parties are required to file provincially prescribed financial statements with the Clerk reflecting the registered third
party’s campaign finances in relation to third party advertisements.
An eligible elector who believes on reasonable grounds that a registered third party who is registered in relation to the election in the Municipality has contravened a provision of the Act, relating to
campaign finances, may apply for a compliance audit of the
campaign finances of the registered third party in relation to third party advertisements, even if the registered third party has not filed a financial statement.
The application must be made in writing to the Clerk and include the reasons for the elector’s belief that the registered third party has
contravened the Act. The application must be made within 90 days
after the latest of the following dates: i. The filing date;
ii. The date the registered third party filed a financial statement, if the statement was filed within thirty (30) days after the applicable filing date;
iii. The supplementary filing date, if any, for the registered third
party; or
iv. The date on which the registered third party’s extension, if any, expires.
11. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act outlines the process for Compliance Audits.
a. Compliance Audit of Candidates’ Election Campaign Finances
The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to:
i. within thirty (30) days after the committee has received a compliance audit application, consider the application submitted by an elector and received by the Clerk and decide whether it should be granted or rejected;
ii. give notice of its decision to grant or reject the application, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the
applicant;
iii. Appoint an auditor, if the compliance audit application is granted, to conduct a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances;
iv. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Auditor’s Report, consider the report and, if the report concludes that the candidate appears to have contravened a provision of the Act relating to election campaign finances, the committee shall
decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the
candidate for the apparent contravention; and
v. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with
whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary
of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant.
b. Compliance Audit of Contributions to Candidates The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to:
i. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Clerk’s Report that
identifies each contributor to a candidate for office on Council who appears to have contravened contribution limits, consider the report and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the candidate for the apparent
contravention; and ii. give notice of the committee’s decision, and give brief written reasons for the decision, to the contributor and to the Clerk of
the Municipality or secretary of the local board as the case
may be.
c. Compliance Audit of Registered Third Parties’ Campaign Finances The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to:
i. within thirty (30) days after the committee has received a compliance audit application, consider the application submitted by an elector and received by the Clerk and decide whether it should be granted or rejected;
iii. give notice of its decision to grant or reject the application, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the registered third party, the clerk with whom the registered third party is registered, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant;
iv. Appoint an auditor, if the compliance audit application is granted, to conduct a compliance audit of the campaign finances of the registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the
Municipality; v. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Auditor’s Report, consider the report and, if the report concludes that the registered third party appears to have contravened a provision
of the Act relating to campaign finances of the registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the municipality, the committee shall decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the
candidate for the apparent contravention; and
vi. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant.
d. Compliance Audit of Contributions to Registered Third Parties
The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to: i. within 30 days after receiving the Clerk’s Report that identifies
each contributor to the registered third party who appears to
have contravened contributions limits, consider the report and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against a contributor for an apparent contravention; and
ii. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the contributor and to the Clerk of the Municipality.
12. APPEAL
The decision of the Compliance Audit Committee may be appealed to the
Superior Court of Justice within 15 days after the decision is made and the Court may make any decision the Committee could have made.
REPORT
CLERK
TO: Mayor & Members of Council
FROM: Alan Bushell, Clerk
DATE: May 7, 2026
REPORT: CL-05/26 SUBJECT: 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION – ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT COMPLIANCE
AUDIT COMMITTEE BACKGROUND
Section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended requires each municipal Council to establish a Compliance Audit Committee before October 1st in an election year to deal with
matters regarding election campaign finances and contributions. Historically, Member Municipalities within Elgin County have established a “Elgin Election Joint
Compliance Audit Committee” to deal with matters provided for in Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.. DISCUSSION The attached draft Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference provides for the Committee Term, Meeting Overview, Mandate, Composition, Appointment Process, Compensation, Role of Staff, Application Process, Roles and Responsibilities and Appeal overview. Once all Elgin County Member Municipalities have established a Joint Compliance Audit
Committee and approved a Committee Terms of Reference by By-Law, recruitment for committee members will begin. Advertising for prospective Committee Members will include the placement of ads in local newspapers, contacting previous members of the Joint Committee
from 2018 and by posting ads on each respective municipal website. More information about the Committee Member Appointment Process is outlined in Section 7 of the attached Terms of Reference.
CONCLUSION
In accordance with Section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 as amended, each municipal Council is required to establish a Compliance Audit Committee before October 1 in an election year. Council is being asked to consider establishing an Elgin Election Joint
Compliance Audit Committee in conjunction with the other Member Municipalities within Elgin County. STRATEGIC PLAN 3.3: Quality of Governance > To strategically engage in partnerships, joint ventures and other collaborative activities that leverage the Municipality’s resources and capabilities in order to achieve enhanced efficiencies and benefits for the community and its residents. RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT the report titled “2026 Municipal Election – Establishment of Joint Compliance Audit Committee”, be received and filed;
2. AND THAT Council consider the By-Law establishing an Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election in accordance with the Municipal elections Act, 1996, as amended under section 14 of this agenda.
ATTACHMENT Draft By-law #2026-028, establishing an Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended.
Respectfully Submitted by: Alan Bushell
Clerk
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-024
BEING A BY-LAW TO APPOINT MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS FOR THE MUNICIPAITY OF BAYHAM WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended, municipalities
may appoint officers and employees as may be necessary for the purposes of the Corporation; AND WHEREAS section 227(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a municipality may appoint officers to enforce by-laws;
AND WHEREAS Section 55 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, S.O. 2019, c 1, Sch 1, as amended, municipalities may appoint persons to enforce the by-laws of the municipality, and municipal by-law enforcement officer appointed under this section are peace officers for the purpose of enforcing municipal by-laws;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, c. 4, as amended, provides that a municipality may appoint officers to enter upon land and into structures at any reasonable time to inspect the land and structures to determine whether by-laws enacted in accordance with the Act are being complied with;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, c. 23, as amended, defines "officer" as a property standards officer who has been assigned the responsibility of administering and enforcing by-laws passed under Section 15. Of the Act;
AND WHEREAS section 15 of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended, provides that a municipality may appoint one or more persons to act as provincial offences officers for the municipality; AND WHEREAS section 391 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a municipality may
appoint a livestock valuer to assess livestock for compensation purposes; AND WHEREAS the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham has entered into an agreement with Hillside Kennels for the provision of canine control services, including the enforcement of the Municipality’s Animal Control By-law;
AND WHEREAS The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham deems it is necessary and expedient to appoint these positions for the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham;
THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT Ryan Giles be and are hereby appointed as By-law Enforcement Officers for the Municipality of Bayham;
2. AND THAT Ryan Giles be and are hereby appointed as Property Standards Officers for the Municipality of Bayham;
3. AND THAT Ryan Giles be and are hereby appointed as Provincial Offences Officers (Peace Officers) for the Municipality of Bayham; 4. AND THAT this by-law comes into force and effect the day of its passing.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7TH DAY OF MAY, 2026.
______________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-025
BEING A BY-LAW TO APPOINT A SECRETARY-TREASURER FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended, municipalities
may appoint officers and employees as may be necessary for the purposes of the Corporation; AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, s. 44 (8), the committee shall appoint a secretary-treasurer, who may be a member of the committee, and may engage
such employees and consultants as is considered expedient, within the limits of the money appropriated for the purpose; AND WHEREAS the Committee of Adjustment has passed a resolution to appoint Aaron Bell as Secretary-Treasurer;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham acknowledges the delegated authority of the Committee of Adjustment to appoint a Secretary-Treasurer and wishes to further solidify the delegation of authority;
AND WHEREAS The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham deems it is necessary and expedient to appoint this position for the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham; THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF
BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT Aaron Bell be and is hereby appointed as Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment for the Municipality of Bayham;
2. AND THAT this by-law comes into force and effect the day of its passing. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7TH DAY OF MAY, 2026.
______________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK
Page 1 of 11
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-026 A BY-LAW TO REGULATE THE DISPLAY, SALE AND SETTING OFF OF FIREWORKS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
WHEREAS section 120 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 permits a municipality to prohibit and regulate the manufacture, storage, keeping and transportation of explosives and dangerous substances;
AND WHEREAS section 121 of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes a municipality to
prohibit and regulate the sale and setting off of fireworks, and to require permits, impose conditions, and require the submission of plans; AND WHEREAS section 128 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits municipalities to prohibit
and regulate public nuisances and Council considers fireworks to be or to have the potential
to become public nuisances; AND WHEREAS section 426 of the Municipal Act, 2001 prohibits any person from hindering or obstructing a person exercising powers under the Act or a by-law;
AND WHEREAS section 429 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits a municipality to establish a system of fines, including continuing and special fines, for offences under a by-law; AND WHEREAS Part XIV of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits a municipality to impose
administrative measures including entry on land, inspections, orders, remedial action and
cost recovery; AND WHEREAS section 55 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 permits municipalities to appoint persons to enforce municipal by-laws;
AND WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of Bayham deems it necessary and in the public interest to regulate the sale, storage, display and discharge of fireworks and pyrotechnics and to require permits for certain activities;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham enacts
as follows: 1. DEFINITIONS
In this By-law: “Authorized Person – Display Fireworks” means a person certified and working under the direct supervision of a Display Fireworks Supervisor.
“Authorized Person – Pyrotechnics” means a person certified and working under the
direct supervision of a Pyrotechnician. “Chief Fire Official” means the Fire Chief of the Municipality of Bayham or designate under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
“Consumer Fireworks” means low-hazard recreational fireworks as described in the
Explosives Act, SOR 2013/211 Part 16. “Display Fireworks” means high-hazard recreational fireworks as described in the
Explosives Act, SOR 2013/211 Part 18. “Display Fireworks Supervisor” means a person certified by Natural Resources Canada to supervise the discharge of Display Fireworks.
“Enforcement Officer” means the Chief Fire Official or designate, a Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer, Provincial Offences Officer or Police Officer. “Event Safety Plan” means a written plan describing the materials, firing sequence,
Page 2 of 11
precautions, diagrams, staffing, training, extinguishing capability and communication
procedures for a pyrotechnics event. “Fire Ban” means a restriction or prohibition on open-air fires issued by the Chief Fire Official during hazardous conditions. During a Fire Ban, no Person shall ignite or set off
Fireworks, and any Permit authorizing such activity is deemed suspended for the duration
of the Fire Ban. “Firecracker” means a pyrotechnic device that explodes when ignited and produces no subsequent display.
“Fireworks” means all fireworks described in the Explosives Act, including Display Fireworks, Pyrotechnic Special Effects Fireworks and Consumer Fireworks. “Fireworks Display Plan” means a written plan describing materials, firing sequence, fire
safety precautions, diagrams and staffing for a fireworks display. “Ignition Source” means any heat source capable of igniting a material. “Issuer of Licences” means the person designated by the Municipality to issue licences
under this By-law. “Licence” means a licence issued by the Municipality to sell or display fireworks. “Mobile Vending Structure” means any vehicle, trailer, roadside stand, temporary
structure, tent or other conveyance from which fireworks are displayed, sold or offered for
sale. “Municipality” means The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham.
“Owner” means the legal owner of property. “Permit” means written permission issued by the Chief Fire Official to ignite or set off fireworks or pyrotechnics.
“Person” means an individual, firm, corporation or partnership. “Prohibited Fireworks” means any fireworks prohibited under the Explosives Act and its regulations, including, for greater certainty, Sky Lanterns, exploding devices and trick items, and any fireworks identified as prohibited from time to time by Natural Resources
Canada. “Public Place” means land or property owned by the Municipality or any level of government.
“Pyrotechnic Special Effect” means articles or devices designed to produce heat, light,
gas, smoke or sound for entertainment purposes. “Pyrotechnician” means a person certified by Natural Resources Canada to conduct pyrotechnic special effects.
“Pyrotechnics” means the science and use of materials capable of self-contained exothermic reactions to produce heat, light, gas, smoke or sound. “Sky Lantern” means a paper lantern with a fuel pack that rises when ignited.
“Trailer” means a vehicle that is not self-propelled and that is designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle. “Vehicle” means any powered mode of transport except a trailer.
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2. SALE OF CONSUMER AND DISPLAY FIREWORKS 2.1 Prohibitions No Person shall:
(a) sell or display any Fireworks without a Licence issued by the Municipality. The
Licence shall be prominently displayed at the place of business and produced upon request by an Enforcement Officer; (b) sell or display Consumer Fireworks to any Person under the age of eighteen;
(c) sell or display Consumer Fireworks during a Fire Ban; (d) sell or display any Consumer Fireworks except during the fourteen days immediately preceding:
i. Victoria Day, ii. Canada Day, iii. Labour Day, iv. New Year’s Eve, and
v. any other day proclaimed by Council as suitable for celebration with Fireworks;
(e) sell or display any Prohibited Fireworks; (f) sell any Consumer Fireworks in a building unless compliant with the Explosives Act,
Ontario Fire Code and this By-law;
(g) offer for sale, cause to be sold, or sell Firecrackers. 2.2 Conditions for Sale
All Persons selling Consumer Fireworks shall:
(a) not display actual Fireworks in any window. Imitation devices containing no explosives are permitted;
(b) ensure customers do not handle unpackaged Fireworks before purchase;
(c) ensure Fireworks offered for sale comply with the Explosives Act and regulations. 2.3 Sale of Display Fireworks
No Person shall sell Display Fireworks unless the purchaser provides proof of certification
as a Display Fireworks Supervisor. 3. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Licence Requirement
Every Person selling or offering for sale Fireworks shall apply for and obtain a Licence from the Municipality and shall obtain required fire inspections at renewal. 3.2 Application Requirements
Applications shall be completed on Municipality forms and include:
(a) all required documentation; (b) payment of fees established in the Municipality’s User Fees By-law.
3.3 Refusal to Issue or Renew The Issuer of Licences may refuse to issue or renew a Licence where: (a) the past conduct of the applicant provides reasonable grounds for belief they will not
operate in compliance with law;
(b) required information is not provided;
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(c) issuance is not in the public interest;
(d) the applicant is or will be operating contrary to law. 3.4 Conditional Licence
A Licence may be issued subject to conditions. 3.5 Suspension or Revocation The Issuer of Licences may suspend or revoke a Licence for non-compliance with this By-law or any condition of the Licence.
4. STORAGE AND DISPLAY WITHIN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES OR MOBILE VENDING STRUCTURES
4.1 Storage in Buildings
(a) The storage of Fireworks within buildings shall comply with all applicable legislation, including the Explosives Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the Ontario Fire Code, and this By-law. Where there is a conflict, the more restrictive provision shall
apply.
(b) Up to 1,000 kg gross weight of Consumer Fireworks may be stored in a detached structure used exclusively for storage and secured from public access.
(c) If not meeting subsection (b), storage in a locked secure bin is permitted up to 100 kg
gross weight. (d) Storage locations shall display “FIREWORKS” and “NO SMOKING” signage.
(e) At least one suitable fire extinguisher shall be mounted on a wall near the storage
location. 4.2 Storage in Vehicles and Trailers No Person shall store Fireworks in a vehicle or trailer.
4.3 Mobile Vending Structures No Person shall: (a) display actual Fireworks for sale in a Mobile Vending Structure window (pictures are
permitted);
(b) store more than 1,000 kg gross weight of Fireworks unless the Person holds a valid licence issued by Natural Resources Canada;
(c) permit an Ignition Source within six metres of the structure;
(d) permit customer access unless two operative doors exist and signs prohibit ignition sources within six metres;
(e) locate the structure less than twenty metres from any road or parking area or less
than forty metres from buildings, dwellings or gas stations; (f) permit more than ten persons in the structure at once;
(g) locate power or fuel supply within twelve metres of the structure. 4.4 Encroachment Zone The vendor shall maintain a three-metre no encroachment zone around the structure using pylons or fencing.
4.5 Landowner Permission Vendors not owning the land must file written landowner permission with the Municipality.
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4.6 Site Plan
A site plan showing setbacks shall be provided with Licence applications. 4.7 Fire Safety Requirements Vendors shall:
(a) provide at least one suitable fire extinguisher; (b) post “NO SMOKING” signs at all operative doors.
5. DISCHARGING OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS 5.1 Permitted Days No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks except on:
(a) Victoria Day and the two days immediately before and after;
(b) Canada Day and the two days immediately preceding and following Canada Day; including the nearest Saturday and Sunday to Canada Day;
(c) Labour Day and the two days immediately preceding and following Labour Day;
including the nearest Saturday and Sunday to Labour Day; (d) New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day;
(e) any other day proclaimed by Council;
(f) unless written permission has been granted by the Municipality or the Chief Fire Official.
5.2 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks without being the Owner of the property or having written permission from the Owner. 5.3 General Safety Requirements
No Person shall ignite or set off Consumer Fireworks:
(a) if under eighteen unless supervised by an adult; (b) if they are Firecrackers or Prohibited Fireworks;
(c) without means to summon emergency services; (d) if supervising a minor and failing to provide direct supervision;
(e) on or into a Public Place unless written municipal permission is obtained;
(f) within eight metres of any building, structure, Vehicle or area where danger or nuisance may occur;
(g) when winds exceed (20 km/h) twenty kilometres per hour;
(h) if the device is a Sky Lantern; (i) except in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
(j) after 11:00 pm unless approved in writing by the Chief Fire Official. 6. PERMIT FOR DISPLAY FIREWORKS
6.1 Permit Required
No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Display Fireworks unless: (a) written permission has been obtained from the Owner of the property, and
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(b) a valid Permit signed by the Chief Fire Official has been issued. 6.2 Consumer Fireworks Display on Municipal Property No Person shall display Consumer Fireworks for the public on municipal property unless:
(a) written permission has been obtained from the Municipality, and (b) written approval has been obtained from the Chief Fire Official, who may impose conditions.
6.3 Compliance with Display Plan All displays authorized under this section shall be conducted in accordance with an approved Fireworks Display Plan.
6.4 Application Deadline
Applications shall be submitted in writing to the Chief Fire Official not less than thirty calendar days prior to the planned display and shall include a Fireworks Display Plan. 6.5 Information Required
Applications for a Permit shall include:
(a) the required fee per the Municipality’s User Fees By-law; (b) the name and contact information of the applicant;
(c) the date, time and location of the display; (d) the name, address, telephone number and certification number of the Display Fireworks Supervisor and all Authorized Persons – Display Fireworks;
(e) the name of the sponsor or purchaser; (f) a Fireworks Display Plan.
6.6 Qualified Personnel Only
Only a Display Fireworks Supervisor or Authorized Persons – Display Fireworks shall handle or set off Display Fireworks. 6.7 Cleanup and Removal
Unused Fireworks and all debris shall be removed and properly disposed of immediately
after the display. 6.8 Permit Validity Permits are valid only for the date(s) specified.
6.9 Supervision The Permit holder shall supervise all aspects of the display. 7. DISCHARGING OF DISPLAY FIREWORKS
7.1 Permit Requirement No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Display Fireworks without a valid Permit. The Permit shall be available for inspection.
7.2 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks without written permission from the Owner of the property. 7.3 Certified Personnel
Display Fireworks may only be set off by a Display Fireworks Supervisor or an Authorized
Person – Display Fireworks under supervision. 7.4 Certificate of Qualification
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Upon request, the Display Fireworks Supervisor shall produce a valid certification issued
by Natural Resources Canada. 7.5 Fire Protection and Emergency Access No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks unless fully operational fire
extinguishers of an approved size and quantity are immediately available and there is the
ability to summon emergency services. 7.6 Compliance with Federal Standards Display Fireworks must be transported, set up, ignited, operated and handled in
accordance with the most recent Display Fireworks Manual issued by Natural
Resources Canada. 7.7 Weather Restrictions and Fire Bans No Person shall ignite or set off Display Fireworks:
(a) when winds exceed (20 km/h) twenty kilometres per hour, or (b) during a Fire Ban.
7.8 Compliance with Permit and Directions
Display Fireworks shall not be set off in a manner contrary to the Permit, the approved plan, or any directions of the Chief Fire Official or an Enforcement Officer. 8. PYROTECHNICS
8.1 Permit Required No Person shall ignite, set off or hold a display of Pyrotechnics without a valid Permit. The Permit shall be available for inspection.
8.2 Qualified Personnel
Every Person conducting Pyrotechnic Special Effects shall hold a valid Pyrotechnician card issued under the Explosives Act or be an Authorized Person – Pyrotechnics working under direct supervision.
8.3 Compliance with Federal Standards
Pyrotechnic Special Effects shall only be transported, set up, ignited and operated in accordance with the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Manual issued by Natural Resources Canada.
8.4 Application Deadline
Applications for Pyrotechnics Permits must be received at least thirty calendar days before the planned event and must include an Event Safety Plan. 8.5 Property Owner Permission
No Person shall ignite or set off Pyrotechnics without written permission from the Owner
of the property. 8.6 Application Requirements Applications shall include:
(a) the Permit fee established in the User Fees By-law; (b) the date, time and location of the event;
(c) the names, addresses and certification numbers of the Pyrotechnicians and
Authorized Persons – Pyrotechnics; (d) the name of the sponsor or purchaser;
(e) a full description of materials, firing sequence and effects;
(f) an Event Safety Plan.
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8.7 Compliance with Permit and Directions No Person shall ignite or set off Pyrotechnics contrary to the Permit, the approved Event Safety Plan or any direction of the Chief Fire Official or an Enforcement Officer.
9. INSURANCE 9.1 Insurance Requirement Applications for Permits shall include proof of Commercial General Liability insurance satisfactory to the Chief Fire Official.
9.2 Minimum Requirements The policy shall: (a) have limits of not less than five million dollars per occurrence;
(b) include coverage for Display Fireworks and/or Pyrotechnic Special Effects; (c) cover setup, rehearsal, firing, teardown and cleanup;
(d) include a waiver of subrogation in favour of the Municipality;
(e) name the Municipality as an additional insured. 9.3 Cancellation Notice
The insurer shall provide the Municipality with at least thirty days written notice of
cancellation or material change. 9.4 Proof of Insurance No Permit shall be issued until proof of insurance satisfactory to the Chief Fire Official is
provided. 9.5 Right to Reject Insurance The Chief Fire Official may reject any insurance that does not meet the requirements of this By-law.
10. INDEMNIFICATION As a condition of obtaining a Permit, the applicant shall indemnify and save harmless The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham, its officials, officers, employees, agents and
contractors from all claims, demands, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and
expenses, including legal fees, arising from: (a) the transportation, storage, setup, use, display, ignition, discharge, teardown or cleanup of Fireworks or Pyrotechnics;
(b) acts or omissions of the applicant or persons under their direction; (c) breach of this By-law or of any Permit conditions.
11. ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATION AND OBSTRUCTION 11.1 Enforcement Officers This By-law may be enforced by an Enforcement Officer, including:
(a) the Chief Fire Official and designates;
(b) Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Provincial Offences Officers; (c) Police Officers.
11.2 Powers of Entry for Inspection An Enforcement Officer may enter upon land at any reasonable time for the purpose of:
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(a) inspecting land, buildings, structures, Vehicles or Mobile Vending Structures to
determine compliance; (b) determining whether a contravention has occurred;
(c) determining whether an order should be issued under this By-law or under the
Municipal Act, 2001. (d) Entry shall be exercised in accordance with sections 435 to 438 of the Municipal Act, 2001. For greater certainty, what constitutes a reasonable time shall be determined
having regard to the nature of the inspection, the circumstances of the situation, and any
potential risk to public safety. 11.3 Entry onto Land Not Used as a Dwelling An Enforcement Officer may enter land not used as a dwelling without consent and
without a warrant, subject to legislative limitations. 11.4 Entry into Dwellings Entry into a dwelling may occur only with:
(a) the consent of the occupant;
(b) a warrant; (c) an order under the Municipal Act, 2001; or
(d) other statutory authority. 11.5 Authority to Prevent Removal of Items An Enforcement Officer may require any Person to refrain from removing or disturbing
Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, materials or documents relevant to an inspection.
11.6 Identification An Enforcement Officer shall produce identification upon request.
11.7 Hindering or Obstructing
No Person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, an Enforcement Officer who is exercising powers lawfully under this By-law or the Municipal Act, 2001. 11.8 False or Misleading Information
No Person shall provide false or misleading information to an Enforcement Officer.
11.9 Failure to Produce Documents or Information No Person shall fail or refuse to produce documents or information that an Enforcement Officer is lawfully entitled to require for the purposes of an inspection under this By-law.
12. ENFORCEMENT, OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 12.1 Offence Any Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence.
12.2 Penalties under the Provincial Offences Act A Person convicted under this By-law is liable: (a) under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, to a set fine.
(b) under Part III of the Act, to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, exclusive of costs. 12.3 Continuing Offence
Where an offence continues for more than one day, each day constitutes a separate
offence. 12.4 Special Fines
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Where a Person obtains an economic advantage from a contravention, a special fine may
be imposed pursuant to section 429 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 12.5 Orders and Remedial Action An Enforcement Officer may issue:
(a) an order to discontinue a contravention under section 444 of the Municipal Act, 2001; (b) a remedial order under section 445.
(c) If a Person defaults, the Municipality may carry out the work and recover costs under
section 446. 12.6 Permit Revocation and Event Shutdown An Enforcement Officer or the Chief Fire Official may revoke a Permit or order the
cessation of any Fireworks or Pyrotechnics activity where there is:
(a) non-compliance with this By-law; (b) non-compliance with Permit conditions;
(c) non-compliance with approved plans; (d) any unsafe condition.
12.7 Failure to Comply with Order
No Person shall fail to comply with an order issued under this By-law. 12.8 Liability for Costs Persons responsible for contraventions shall pay all Municipality costs arising from
enforcement, emergency response or remedial action. Costs may be collected in any
manner permitted by law. 12.9 Schedule A Schedule A forms part of this By-law.
13. FEES AND CHARGES 13.1 Permit and Licensing Fees Fees for Licences and Permits shall be those in the Municipalities’ User Fees By-law.
No Licence or Permit shall be issued until all fees are paid.
13.2 Inspection Fees Inspection fees shall be those in the User Fees By-law.
13.3 Cost Recovery
Where the Municipality incurs costs due to a contravention, the Person responsible shall pay: (a) all direct and indirect costs;
(b) staff time at rates in the User Fees By-law; (c) third-party contractor or service costs;
(d) administrative fees;
(e) interest per section 446 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 13.4 Recovery from Owner and Addition to Tax Roll
Costs incurred may be recovered from the property Owner and added to the tax roll
under section 446 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
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13.5 Non-Payment Unpaid fees or costs constitute a debt owed to the Municipality and may be collected by any legal means, including civil action or tax roll addition.
14. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this By-law is held invalid, such portion is severed and the remainder continues in full force and effect.
15. REPEAL AND ENACTMENT 15.1 Repeal Port Burwell By-law No. 95-14 and any other Municipal by-law regulating Fireworks or Pyrotechnics is hereby repealed.
15.2 Enactment This By-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of its passing
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7th DAY OF MAY, 2026
__________________________ ___________________________ MAYOR CLERK
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2026-028
BEING A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH AN ELECTION JOINT COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THE 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ACT, 1996, AS AMENDED WHEREAS subsection 5(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a municipal power shall be exercised by by-law; AND WHEREAS section 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended requires the Council to establish a Compliance Audit Committee before October 1st in an election year to deal with matters regarding election campaign finances and contributions; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Bayham wishes to establish a Compliance Audit Committee to deal with matters regarding election campaign finances
and contributions; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT a committee, to be known as the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit
Committee, is hereby established to deal with the matters provided for in Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended. 2. THAT the business of the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 Municipal Election be conducted in accordance with the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix “A” attached hereto and forming a part of this By-law. 3. THAT this By-law shall come into force and take effect on the final passing thereof. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 7th DAY OF MAY 2026.
____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK
Schedule A to By-law 2026-028 TERMS OF REFERENCE
FOR THE ELGIN ELECTION JOINT COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE
1. DEFINITIONS
a. Act - means the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, as
amended from time to time. b. Applicant – means an elector as defined under Section 88.33(1) or 88.35(1) of the Act who applies for a compliance audit of a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances.
c. Application – means an application for a compliance audit accepted by the Clerk pursuant to Section 88.33(2) of the Act. d. Auditor - means a person appointed by the Elgin Election Joint
Compliance Audit Committee to conduct a compliance audit of the election campaign finances of candidates and registered third parties pursuant to Section 88.33 of the Act. e. Auditor's Report - means a report prepared by an auditor regarding
the findings of an audit into the election campaign finances of a candidate or registered third party advertiser. f. Candidate - means the candidate whose election campaign finances are the subject of an application for a compliance audit.
g. Clerk – means the Clerk of a member municipality in Elgin County, or their designate. h. Committee - means the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit
Committee established pursuant to Section 88.37 of the Act. i. Compliance Audit - means an audit conducted by an auditor, appointed by the Elgin Election Joint Compliance Audit Committee, of a candidate's election campaign finances; contributions to
candidates; registered third parties campaign finances, and contributions to registered third parties. j. Council – means the Council of a member municipality in Elgin County, including the Council of the Town of Aylmer, Municipality of
Bayham, Municipality of Central Elgin, Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, Township of Malahide, Township of Southwold, and Municipality of West Elgin. k. Municipality – means a member municipality in the County of Elgin,
including The Corporation of the Town of Aylmer, The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham, The Corporation of the Municipality of
Central Elgin, The Corporation of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, The Corporation of the Township of Malahide, The Corporation of the Township of Southwold, and The Corporation of the Municipality of West Elgin.
l. Registered Third Party - means the individual, corporation or trade union whose notice of registration has been certified by the Clerk and whose campaign finances are the subject of an application for a compliance audit.
2. ENABLING LEGISLATION
Section 88.37 of the Act requires that before October 1st in an election year, Council establish a Compliance Audit Committee for the purposes of Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the said Act relative to a possible contravention of the Act’s election campaign finance provisions.
3. TERM The term of office of the Committee is the same as the term of office of Council, being November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030, and shall serve
in the instance of any by-election that may take place during that time. 4. MEETINGS The Committee will meet as needed, with meetings to be scheduled by the
Clerk of the municipality where a compliance audit application is received, in accordance with the MEA requirements. The Clerk of the host municipality shall ensure and verify the validity of the meeting. The Clerk will contact all members to ensure that a quorum of members is able to attend the said meeting. Meetings will be held at the location determined by
the Clerk of the host municipality. The Committee members will select a Chair from amongst its members at its first meeting.
In accordance with the Act, the meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public, but the Committee may deliberate in private.
5. MANDATE
The Committee is required to act in accordance with the powers and obligations set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended (MEA).
The Committee will be required to: a. consider a compliance audit application received from an elector that a candidate or a registered third party has contravened provisions of the MEA relating to election campaign finances and determine whether it should be granted or rejected;
b. if the application is granted, the Committee shall appoint an auditor to conduct a compliance audit; c. receive the auditor’s report;
d. consider the auditor’s report and if the report concludes that the candidate or registered third party appear to have contravened a provision of the MEA relating to election campaign finances, the Committee may commence legal proceedings against the candidate or
registered third party for the apparent contravention; and e. consider the report(s) of the Clerk identifying each contributor to a candidate for office on a Council or a registered third party who appears to have contravened any of the contribution limits under section 88.9 or
88.13 of the MEA and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against a contributor for an apparent contravention.
6. COMPOSITION The Committee will be composed of at least three (3) and no more than
seven (7) members of the public. Members must possess an in-depth knowledge of the campaign financing rules of the MEA and therefore membership drawn from the following stakeholder groups:
a. accounting and audit – accountants or auditors with experience in preparing or auditing the financial statements of municipal candidates;
b. academic – college or university professors with expertise in political science or local government administration; c. legal profession with experience in municipal law, municipal election law or administrative law;
d. professionals who in the course of their duties are required to adhere to codes or standards of their profession which may be enforced by disciplinary tribunals; and
e. other individuals with knowledge of the campaign financing rules of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended. Pursuant to subsection 88.37(2) of the Act, the Committee shall not include:
a. Members of Council or local board; b. Employees or officers of the Municipality or local board; c. Any persons who are candidates in the election for which the
Committee is established; or d. Any persons who are registered third parties in the Municipality in the election for which the committee is established.
Further, an individual shall be deemed ineligible to be a member of the Committee if they prepare the financial statements of:
a. any candidate running for office on Municipal Council or local board during the term for which the Committee has been established; or
b. any registered third party. In addition, a Committee Member may not be a contributor or provider of any election-related services to a registered candidate or third-party advertiser in the 2026 Municipal Election or any subsequent by-election
including but not limited to accounting, legal, auditing, marketing or campaign services. 7. APPOINTMENT PROCESS
All applicants will be required to submit a summary outlining their qualifications and experience. A Nominating Committee consisting of the Clerks from each of the member municipalities in Elgin County will review and consider all applicants/
applications, and will prepare a proposed Joint Committee membership list for consideration by each of the respective Municipal Councils. Members will be selected on the basis of the following:
a. demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal election campaign financing rules and knowledge of the MEA and related regulations; b. proven analytical and decision-making skills;
c. experience working on a committee, administrative tribunal, task force or similar setting;
d. demonstrated knowledge of quasi-judicial proceedings;
e. availability and willingness to attend meetings; and
f. excellent oral and written communication skills.
The Members will be appointed by each of the respective Municipal Councils.
8. COMPENSATION Members of the Committee shall be paid an honorarium of $125.00 per meeting, plus mileage at the current mileage rate established by the host
municipality. The host municipality shall pay all costs relative to the
respective application.
9. STAFF SUPPORT The Clerk or designate of the host municipality shall act as the Secretary to
the Committee and provide support where required. The Clerk shall establish administrative practices and procedures for the Committee and shall carry out any other duties required under this Act to implement the Committee’s decisions.
10. APPLICATION BY ELECTOR
a. Financial Statements of Candidates
All candidates are required to file provincially prescribed financial statements with the Clerk detailing their election campaign financing activities.
An eligible elector who believes on reasonable grounds that a
candidate has contravened a provision of the Act, as amended, relating to election campaign finances, may apply for a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances, even if the candidate has not filed a financial statement.
The application must be made in writing to the Clerk and include the reasons for the elector’s belief that the candidate has contravened the Act. The application must be made within 90 days after the latest of the following dates:
i. The filing date; ii. The date the candidate filed a financial statement, if the statement was filed within 30 days after the applicable filing
date;
iii. The candidate’s supplementary filing date, if any; or
iv. The date on which the candidate’s extension, if any, expires.
b. Registered Third Parties Financial Statements
All registered third parties are required to file provincially prescribed financial statements with the Clerk reflecting the registered third party’s campaign finances in relation to third party advertisements.
An eligible elector who believes on reasonable grounds that a registered third party who is registered in relation to the election in the Municipality has contravened a provision of the Act, relating to campaign finances, may apply for a compliance audit of the
campaign finances of the registered third party in relation to third
party advertisements, even if the registered third party has not filed a financial statement.
The application must be made in writing to the Clerk and include the reasons for the elector’s belief that the registered third party has contravened the Act. The application must be made within 90 days
after the latest of the following dates: i. The filing date; ii. The date the registered third party filed a financial statement,
if the statement was filed within thirty (30) days after the applicable filing date;
iii. The supplementary filing date, if any, for the registered third party; or
iv. The date on which the registered third party’s extension, if any, expires.
11. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35 and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act
outlines the process for Compliance Audits.
a. Compliance Audit of Candidates’ Election Campaign Finances The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to: i. within thirty (30) days after the committee has received a
compliance audit application, consider the application submitted by an elector and received by the Clerk and decide whether it should be granted or rejected; ii. give notice of its decision to grant or reject the application,
and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant;
iii. Appoint an auditor, if the compliance audit application is granted, to conduct a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances;
iv. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Auditor’s Report,
consider the report and, if the report concludes that the candidate appears to have contravened a provision of the Act relating to election campaign finances, the committee shall decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the
candidate for the apparent contravention; and
v. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant.
b. Compliance Audit of Contributions to Candidates The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to: i. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Clerk’s Report that
identifies each contributor to a candidate for office on Council
who appears to have contravened contribution limits, consider the report and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the candidate for the apparent contravention; and
ii. give notice of the committee’s decision, and give brief written reasons for the decision, to the contributor and to the Clerk of the Municipality or secretary of the local board as the case may be.
c. Compliance Audit of Registered Third Parties’ Campaign Finances The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to: i. within thirty (30) days after the committee has received a
compliance audit application, consider the application submitted by an elector and received by the Clerk and decide whether it should be granted or rejected; iii. give notice of its decision to grant or reject the application,
and brief written reasons for the decision, to the registered third party, the clerk with whom the registered third party is registered, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant;
iv. Appoint an auditor, if the compliance audit application is granted, to conduct a compliance audit of the campaign finances of the registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the Municipality;
v. within thirty (30) days after receiving the Auditor’s Report, consider the report and, if the report concludes that the registered third party appears to have contravened a provision of the Act relating to campaign finances of the registered third
party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the municipality, the committee shall decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against the candidate for the apparent contravention; and
vi. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the candidate, the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination, the secretary of the local board, if applicable, and the applicant.
d. Compliance Audit of Contributions to Registered Third Parties
The Compliance Audit Committee will be required to:
i. within 30 days after receiving the Clerk’s Report that identifies each contributor to the registered third party who appears to have contravened contributions limits, consider the report and decide whether to commence a legal proceeding against a
contributor for an apparent contravention; and ii. give notice of the committee’s decision, and brief written reasons for the decision, to the contributor and to the Clerk of the Municipality.
12. APPEAL
The decision of the Compliance Audit Committee may be appealed to the Superior Court of Justice within 15 days after the decision is made and the Court may make any decision the Committee could have made.
THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM
BY-LAW NO. 2026-029 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM ALL ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF
THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 7, 2026 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 May 7, 2026 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 7th DAY OF MAY, 2026.
____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK