The Corporation of Norfolk County

Council-in-Committee Minutes

Tuesday, September 09, 2025

1:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Norfolk County Administration Building

50 Colborne St. S., Simcoe ON

Present:

• A. Martin, Mayor, 
• T. Masschaele, 
• L. Vandendriessche, 
• M. Columbus, 
• C. Van Paassen, 
• D. Brunton, 
• A. Duthie, 
• A. Veri, 
• and K. Huffman 

Also Present:

• Al Meneses, Chief Administrative Officer, 
• A. Grice, General Manager of Environmental and Infrastructure Services Division, 
• B. Cridland, General Manager of Operations, 
• A. Fanning, Treasurer/Director, Financial Management and Planning, 
• K. VandenBulck, Committee Coordinator, 
• T. Rodrigues, Deputy Clerk, 
• H. VanDyk, General Manager, Corporate Services, 
• W. Tigert, County Clerk, 
• C. Saunders, Committee Coordinator, 
• and B. Nolan, Administrator, Norview Lodge 

Staff Absent

• B. Sloan, General Manager of Community Development Division 
• and L. Castles, Committee Coordinator 

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1.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

No disclosures of pecuniary interest

2.

Approval of Agenda/Changes to the Agenda

• Moved By: Mayor Martin
  Seconded By: Councillor Vandendriessche

  That the agenda be approved as amended 

  Carried.
• Moved By: Councillor Brunton
  Seconded By: Councillor Columbus

  That the agenda be amended to include:

  Early Closed Item 3.1 – Social Media Policy Background and Overview, pursuant to section 239(3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended, as the subject matter is for the purpose of educating or training members.

  Late Closed Item 13.4 – Verbal Update to Ongoing Litigation, file pursuant to the Municipal Act 239 (2) e litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board;

  Add a deputation from Jennifer Day Re: Lamport Memorial Park

   

  Carried.

3.

Early Closed Session

• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Masschaele

  That Committee enter closed session at 1:05 p.m. to discuss an item pursuant to section 239(3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended, as the subject matter is for the purpose of educating or training members

  Carried.
• Moved By: Mayor Martin
  Seconded By: Councillor Vandendriessche

  That Council-in-Committee reconvene in open session at 1:25 p.m.

  Carried.
• Moved By: Councillor Columbus
  Seconded By: Councillor Huffman

  That the closed session item received as information

  Carried.

3.1

Social Media Policy Background and Overview

4.

Consent

• Moved By: Councillor Columbus
  Seconded By: Councillor Vandendriessche

  That consent items 4.2 through 4.12 be recieved as information.

  Carried.

4.1

BHNCDSB Archives - CDS-25-016

• Moved By: Councillor Masschaele
  Seconded By: Councillor Van Paassen

  That the Information Memo CDS-25-016 regarding the transfer of archival records from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board be received as information;

  And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Transfer Agreement, and any other documents necessary to complete the transfer.

  Carried.

4.2

Update - Port Dover Beach Buoys, CDS-25-026

• That Staff Report CDS-25-026 “Update - Port Dover Beach Buoys” be received as information; and
  
  That staff be directed to maintain status quo regarding the Schedule 1 limits for the Port Dover Beach Buoys; and

  That staff install swim markers to further enhance the confines of the Schedule 1 limits.

4.3

10 Year Housing and Homelessness plan – Year 10, 2024, ESS-25-005

• That Staff Report ESS-25-005 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan Year 10, be received as information; and

  That staff be directed to forward the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – Year 10 Report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in accordance with the Housing Services Act, 2011; and

  Further That staff be directed to post the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan – Year 10 Report on the appropriate link of the Health and Social Services Division website.

4.4

Provincial Allocation of Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) and Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) Funding and Investment Plan 2025/2026 – Budget Amendment, ESS-25-007

• That Staff Report ESS 25-007, Provincial Allocation of OPHI and COCHI Funding and Investment Plan 2025/2026 – Budget Amendment be received as information; and

  That Council accept the COCHI funding in the amount of $838,700 and the OPHI funding in the amount of $446,400; and

  That Council authorize the Treasurer and Clerk to sign the required Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and

  That Council approve the per program funding allocations as outlined in this staff report; and inclusive of amending the Approved 2025 Operating Budget as outlined in Tables 1 and 2; and

  Further that the COCHI and OPHI Investment Plan containing the per program allocations be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

4.5

Sale of Lands for Tax Arrears - November 5, 2025 - CS-25-123

• That the Information Memo regarding the Sale of Lands for Tax Arrears – November 5, 2025 be received as information.

4.6

AMO 2025 - CAO-25-087

• That the information Memo regarding the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference be received as information: and

  That going forward, Norfolk identify backup delegates to be on call, should scheduled participants (elected officials and staff) be unable to attend both the AMO and ROMA conferences.

4.7

Revised Policy and Guidelines for Section 357-359 Applications, CS-25-114

• That report CS-25-114 Revised Policy and Guidelines for Section 357-359 Applications be received as information; and

  That By-law 2019-54 be amended in accordance with Appendix 1 of this report with an effective date of January 1, 2026; and

  Further that Council endorses Governance Policy-034 for Section 357-359 Applications as included as Appendix 2 of this report with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

4.8

Capital Status Report – July 31, 2025, CS-25-110

• That Report CS-25-110 Capital Status Report – July 31, 2025 be received as information; and

  That the recommendations contained within Report CS-25-110 and its appendices be approved; and

  Further that the Minor Scope Changes (3) identified within the Finance Comments be received as information.

4.9

Special Event C25005-00065243 - Hounds of Erie Winery 7km Run and Walk - Temporary Road Closure - CS-25-127

• THAT the Information Memo regarding Special Event C2505-00065243 – Hounds of Erie Winery 7km Run/walk Temporary Road Closure be received as information.

4.10

Special Event C2505-00065903 - Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest - Temporary Road Closure - CS-25-126

• THAT the Information Memo regarding Special Event C2505-00065903 – Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest be received as information:

4.11

Special Event C2505-00068243 - Norfolk Applefest - Temporary Road Closure - CS-25-098

• THAT the Information Memo regarding Special Event C2505-00068243 – Norfolk Applefest Temporary Road Closure be received as information.

4.12

County Policy Updates - CS-25-122

• That the Information Memo regarding the process of updating County policies to the current Governance Policy/Administrative Directive framework be received as information.

5.

Communications

• Moved By: Mayor Martin
  Seconded By: Councillor Veri

  That communication items 5.1 and 5.2 be received as information.

  Carried.

5.1

Letter from Bereavement Authority of Ontario

5.2

Email from Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

6.

Deputations

6.1

Andrea Binkle

Andrea Binkle, Executive Director of Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice and Residence presented her deputation and responded to questions from committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Huffman
  Seconded By: Mayor Martin

  That the deputation be received as information.

  Carried.

6.2

Sam Bunting

6.3

Jennifer Day

Jennifer Day presented her deputation and responded to questions from the committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Veri

  That the deputation be received as information.

  Carried.

7.

Presentations

7.1

Doug MacMillan, The Letter M

Doug MacMillan, The Letter M presented with the aide of a slide deck and responded to questions from committee

• Moved By: Councillor Veri
  Seconded By: Mayor Martin

  That the presentation be received as information.

  Carried.

7.1.1

Communications, Marketing and Engagement Strategy, CS-25-125

Katherine McCurdy, Director of Corporate Customer Service and Communications presented the report and responded to questions from committee.

Heidy Van Dyk, General Manager of Corporate Services responded to questions from committee.

• That Staff report CS-25-125 be received as information; and

  That Council endorse the Communications, Marketing and Engagement Strategy as presented.

8.

Staff Reports/Discussion Items

8.1

Community and Development Services

8.1.1

Future of Lamport Park Options Report, CDS-25-031

Michael Simoes, Director of Fleet and Facilities presented the report and responded to questions from committee.

Heidy Van Dyk, General Manager of Corporate Services responded to questions from committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Columbus

  That Staff Report CDS-25-031 Future of Lamport Park Options Report be received as information; and,
  
  That staff be directed to proceed with Option # 3 of the report.

  Carried.

8.1.2

Port Dover Lions Agreement – Community Centre Operations, CDS-25-049

Nikki Slote, Director of Recreation presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Veri

  That Staff Report CDS-25-049 Port Dover Lions Agreement – Community Centre Operations be received for information; and
  
  That the Mayor and CAO be authorized to execute an updated agreement between Norfolk County and the Port Dover Lions Club for the operations of the Port Dover Lions Community Centre to reflect an increase in the annual commission rate from 50% to 60% of all revenue generated; and further

  That the change to the annual commission rate be effective July 1, 2025.

  Carried.

8.1.3

Request for Easement over part of Road Allowance Between Concessions 2 & 3, Windham, being Part 4 on Plan 37R-11794; Norfolk County, CS-25-088

Karen Vanderhaeghe, Realty Services Specialist presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Columbus
  Seconded By: Councillor Van Paassen

  THAT Staff Report CS-25-088, Request for Easement over part of Road Allowance Between Concessions 2 & 3, Windham, being Part 4 on Plan 37R-11794; Norfolk County, be received as information;

  THAT Council grant an easement for an existing gas line under the County’s Road Allowance Between Concessions 2 & 3, Windham; being Part 4 on Plan 37R-11794; Norfolk County;

  THAT the property owner be responsible for all costs associated with implementing this easement agreement, including staff time spent;

  AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized and directed to enter into an easement agreement with the property owner and execute all necessary documents required to finalize the transaction.

  Carried.

8.2

Corporate Services Division

8.2.1

Summary of Bid Awards for the Period Ending August 19, 2025, CS-25-119

Heidy Van Dyk, General Manager of Corporate Services presented the report.

• Moved By: Councillor Huffman
  Seconded By: Councillor Masschaele

  THAT Staff Report CS 25-119, Summary of Bid Awards for the period ending August 19, 2025, be received as information;                                                    
  AND THAT the Director, Environmental Services be authorized to execute a contract with Froese Excavating Ltd. for Quotation PW-ES-25-02 County Road 57 Drain Reconstruction in the amount of $41,289.16 (excluding HST);

  AND FURTHER THAT the Approved Capital Budget for PW-ES-25-02 County Road 57 Drain Reconstruction for Project 5931152 be amended (increased) by $10,000 to a total budget of $68,000, with funding to be provided from the Drain Construction Reserve ($55,000) and External Recoveries ($13,000).

  Carried.

8.2.2

Revised Council Remuneration 2026 - 2030, CS-25-113

William Tigert, Clerk, presented the report and responded to questions

Al Meneses, Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from committee

Amy Fanning, Treasurer responded to questions from committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Vandendriessche
  Seconded By: Councillor Veri

  That Council receive report numbered CS-25-113, Revised Council Remuneration as information; and
  
  

  THAT commencing December 1, 2026, the remuneration for Members of Council shall be established as follows:

  1. The Mayor’s annual remuneration shall be set at 75 percent of the annual salary of a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), which at the current MPP salary of $157,350 equates to $118,012.
  2. The annual remuneration for each Councillor shall be set at 50 percent of the Mayor’s salary, which at the above calculation equates to $59,006.
  3. These rates shall be automatically adjusted in accordance with any  changes to the MPP salary, and this methodology and calculation shall remain in effect until altered by a subsequent resolution of Council.

   

  Carried.

8.3

Emergency and Social Services

8.3.1

Service Manager Approval to Merge Long Point Area Non-Profit Housing Corporation into Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation, ESS-25-003

Brian Davis, Acting Director, Social Services and Housing presented the report.

Matt Dowen, Executive Director Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation responded to questions from committee

• Moved By: Councillor Masschaele
  Seconded By: Councillor Van Paassen

  That Report ESS-25-003 be received as information; and

  That Norfolk County, as the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager, give consent to Long Point Area Non-Profit Housing Corporation (LPAHC), to transfer its assets and liabilities into Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC), and dissolve the Board of Directors of LPAHC as of December 31, 2025;

  And that Norfolk County authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an operating agreement with HNHC for the operation of 38 Erie Avenue, Port Rowan, after the mortgage ends on the property on November 1^st, 2025;

  And that the Norfolk County Council authorize the Acting Director of Social Services and Housing to communicate this Service Manager consent to the respective Boards and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in accordance with the Housing Service Act.

  Carried.

8.4

Public Works

8.4.1

Traffic By-Law Amendments – September 2025, PW-25-003

Jack Ready, Project Manager of Transportation presented the report and responded to questions from committee

Darnell Lambert, Director of Engineering responded to questions. 

• Moved By: Councillor Huffman
  Seconded By: Councillor Vandendriessche

  That Staff Report PW-25-003, Traffic By-Law Amendments – September 2025, be received as information; and

  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Traffic Control By-law to implement an all-way stop condition at Harbour Street and St George Street in Port Dover; and
  
  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Traffic Control By-law to implement an all-way stop condition at Harbour Street and St Andrew Street in Port Dover; and
  

  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Traffic Control By-law to implement an all-way stop condition at Harbour Street and Main Street in Port Dover; and

  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Traffic Control By-law to remove the eastbound stop sign at Brantford Road and Church Street in Delhi from the Consolidated Traffic Control By-law to reflect current control conditions; and

  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Speed By-law to implement a 50km/h speed limit on Ireland Road between Lynn Valley Road to 800m north of St John’s Road in Simcoe; and

  That Norfolk County Council amend the Consolidated Speed By-law to implement a 50km/h speed limit on Mill Pond Road from Vittoria Road to the southern limit in Vittoria; and

  Further that Norfolk County Council amend by-laws 2023-58 and 2024-68 to reflect the proper street name of the community safety zone on Norfolk Street North between Union Street and Hawthorne Ave.

  Carried.

8.5

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

8.5.1

Community Vibrancy Fund, CAO-25-086

Stephanie Potter, Manager of Corporate Initiatives presented the report and responded to questions from committee.

John Reagan, Director of Economic Development, responded to questions from committee.

• Moved By: Mayor Martin
  Seconded By: Councillor Huffman

  That staff report CAO-25-086 be received as information; and

  That Council approve the establishment of a Community Vibrancy Fund as outlined in this report; and

  That Council direct staff to create a Community Vibrancy Fund Policy according to the terms outlined in this report; and

  That Council direct staff, in consultation with external legal counsel, to develop a standard Community Vibrancy Fund Agreement.

  Carried.

8.5.2

Artificial Intelligence (AI), CAO-25-084

Stephanie Potter, Manager of Corporate Initiatives presented the report and responded to questions from committee.

• Moved By: Mayor Martin
  Seconded By: Councillor Veri

  That CAO-25-084 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Report be received as information;

  And That Council approves the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence Policy for Norfolk County

  And That upon Council approval of CAO-25-084 the Artificial Intelligence recommendations proceed to the budget process in the fall for financial analysis and Council consideration within the Proposed 2026 Levy Budget as a Discretionary NBI.

  Carried.

9.

Motions

No motions

10.

Notice of Motions

No notice of motions

11.

Other Business

12.

Announcements

13.

Closed Session

• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Masschaele

  That committee enter closed session at 4:20 p.m. to discuss items pursuant to Section 239 (2) (e) (h) (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended as the subject matter pertains:

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

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

  (k)  a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (2); 2017, c. 10, Sched. 1, s. 26.

  Carried.
• Moved By: Councillor Van Paassen
  Seconded By: Councillor Brunton

  That Council-in-Committee reconvene in open session at 5:44 p.m.

  Carried.

13.1

Insurance Claims and Litigation Updates

• Moved By: Councillor Vandendriessche
  Seconded By: Councillor Columbus

  That council receive as information.

  Carried.

13.2

Lease Approval to Sustain Emergency Housing Services

• Moved By: Councillor Columbus
  Seconded By: Councillor Brunton

  That commitee receive as information; and 

  That the mayor and clerk be authorized to enter in to lease extension.

  Carried.

13.3

Negotiations provided for under Section 378(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, Tax Sale Extension Agreement

• Moved By: Councillor Huffman
  Seconded By: Councillor Van Paassen

  That council receive as information and staff were provided direction.

  Carried.

13.4

Verbal Update on Ongoing Litigation

• Moved By: Councillor Masschaele
  Seconded By: Mayor Martin

  That council receive as information.

  Carried.

14.

Adjournment

                                      

• Moved By: Councillor Huffman
  Seconded By: Councillor Masschaele

  That the meeting be adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

  Carried.