The Springwater Record

Regular Council

September 2, 2026

Declared interests

Mayor Coughlinfor item 6.1 - Midhurst Heights progress update and child care opportunity and item 11.4 - Carson (Thompson Lands) Development - Security Reduction and item 13.3 Municipal Updates, by reason of litigation

What was decided (28 motions)

27 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the Regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Springwater of September 2, 2026 come to order at 6:30 p.m.
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Moore
Carried
That this Public Meeting of Council held under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P 13, as amended, for Zoning By-law Amendment ZB-2026-008, be called to order at 6:32 p.m.
Moved by Garwood, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That this Public Meeting held under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P 13, as amended, for Zoning By-law Amendment ZB-2026-008, does now adjourn at 6:43 p.m.
Moved by Cabral, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That Council, having held a Public Meeting in accordance with Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P 13, as amended, for Zoning By-law Amendment ZB-2026-008 having noted correspondence and input received, direct: That the item be
Moved by Moore, seconded by Garwood
Referred
That the delegation from The Rose Corporation, be received. Amended C413B-2026 Moved by Fisher Seconded by Alexander That the motion now before Council be amended as follows: Add Whereas the Township of Springwater, including the Midhurst community, is experiencing significant residential growth and will require corresponding investments in community infrastructure, including affordable licensed childcare; And Whereas Council believes that planning for childcare spaces should occur concurrently with planned residential growth to support complete communities and workforce participation; And Whereas access to affordable, licensed childcare is essential to supporting families; And Whereas Midhurst Heights is exploring the development of a purpose-built childcare centre capable of serving up to 100 children, subject to securing the required Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (“CWELCC”) allocation and approvals; And Whereas Midhurst Heights has engaged with multiple qualified licensed childcare operators who have expressed interest in operating the proposed childcare centre, subject to the applicable County and Provincial approvals; Now Therefore Be It Resolved That: 1. Council supports, in principle, the establishment of a licensed childcare centre within Midhurst Heights; 2. Council requests that the County of Simcoe and the Province of Ontario recognize the need for additional affordable childcare spaces in Springwater and prioritize the Township, including the growing M
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Moore
Carried
That the delegation from The Rose Corporation, be received. Whereas the Township of Springwater, including the Midhurst community, is experiencing significant residential growth and will require corresponding investments in community infrastructure, including affordable licensed childcare; And whereas Council believes that planning for childcare spaces should occur concurrently with planned residential growth to support complete communities and workforce participation; And whereas access to affordable, licensed childcare is essential to supporting families; And whereas Midhurst Heights is exploring the development of a purpose-built childcare centre capable of serving up to 100 children, subject to securing the required Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (“CWELCC”) allocation and approvals; And whereas Midhurst Heights has engaged with multiple qualified licensed childcare operators who have expressed interest in operating the proposed childcare centre, subject to the applicable County and Provincial approvals; Now therefore be it resolved that: 1. Council supports, in principle, the establishment of a licensed childcare centre within Midhurst Heights; 2. Council requests that the County of Simcoe and the Province of Ontario recognize the need for additional affordable childcare spaces in Springwater and prioritize the Township, including the growing Midhurst community, in future CWELCC space allocations; and 3. Council calls upon the County of Simcoe to consider the p
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Moore
Carried
That the Minutes of Council listed herein, be approved as presented: 1) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of July 2, 2026 2) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council - Closed Session of July 2, 2026 3) Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of July 8, 2026 4) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of July 8, 2026 5) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council - Closed Session of July 8, 2026 6) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of July 29, 2026 7) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of August 19, 2026 8) Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council - Closed Session of August 19, 2026
Moved by Moore, seconded by Fisher
Carried
That the minutes of boards, committees and other organizations listed herein, be received as information: 1) Minutes of the Severn Sound Environmental Association of April 30, 2026 2) Minutes of the Severn Sound Source Protection Authority of April 30, 2026 3) Minutes of the Professional Health Services Complex Ad Hoc Committee Meeting of May 5, 2026 4) Minutes of the Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting of June 9, 2026 5) Minutes of the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting of June 11, 2026 6) Highlights of the Severn Sound Environmental Association Q2 Board Meeting of July 30, 2026
Moved by Alexander, seconded by Garwood
Carried
Whereas the Township of Stone Mills and numerous municipalities across Ontario have expressed concern regarding amendments to Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act that exclude records of the Premier, Cabinet Ministers and their staff from public access requests; and, Whereas these amendments, including provisions with retroactive application, may unnecessarily restrict public access to government records, reduce transparency and accountability, and diminish public confidence in government; and, Whereas the Council of the Township of Springwater believes that access to information is fundamental to open, transparent and accountable government, and that the public's right to know should be preserved while continuing to protect legitimate privacy interests and other exemptions established legislation. Be It Therefore Resolved That the Council of the Township of Springwater acknowledges and supports the concerns expressed by the Township of Stone Mills and other Ontario municipalities regarding the recent amendments to Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and, Further That the Council of the Township of Springwater respectfully requests that the Province of Ontario reconsider the recent amendments, including their retroactive application, and undertake meaningful consultation with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and the public, to determine whether further legislative amendments are warranted to preserve an
Moved by Alexander, seconded by Cabral
Carried
Whereas the automotive sector is a foundational industry in the Town of New Tecumseth and Simcoe County, with over 40 years of investment and employment supported by major manufacturers, including Honda Canada Manufacturing; and Whereas the Canadian automotive industry is facing increasing pressures due to evolving global trade dynamics, tariffs, and market uncertainty, creating a need for greater economic resilience and diversification; and Whereas Canada’s auto sector remains highly concentrated within North American export markets, increasing vulnerability to external trade pressures; and Whereas Canadian-built vehicles are recognized for their durability in extreme climates, high safety and quality standards, resilience to corrosive conditions, and strong environmental and technological performance; and Whereas there is currently no unified national identity or branding that distinguishes Canadian-built vehicles in domestic or international markets, limiting awareness and competitive positioning; and Whereas the Town of New Tecumseth is the founding municipality of the Canada North Vehicles Initiative, which has been advanced in collaboration with the Simcoe County Auto Mayors to create a unified national branding and market-positioning effort for Canadian-built vehicles; and Whereas the Canada North Vehicles Initiative proposes the creation of a recognizable symbol for Canadian-made vehicles to promote domestic awareness, support export diversification, and strengthen Ca
Moved by Garwood, seconded by Cabral
Carried
That the correspondence from the Huronia West OPP Detachment Board, be received as information: 1) 2025 Huronia West OPP Detachment Board Annual Report 2) 2025 Huronia West Detachment Commander Annual Report
Moved by Cabral, seconded by Garwood
Carried
That the Huronia West OPP Resolution regarding Traffic Calming and Speed Mitigation Techniques be received as information; and, That Council hereby supports the resolution to advocate that the province expand its stated interest and financial commitment to include all municipalities in Ontario, adopting a province-wide approach to public safety and thereby ensuring the well-being of all Ontarians; and, That a copy of this resolution be sent to Premier Doug Ford, the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Finance, MPP Brian Saunderson, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, all Ontario Police Service Boards and all Ontario Municipalities.
Moved by Alexander, seconded by Moore
Carried
That correspondence from the Agricultural Advisory Committee regarding the Request for Education on Municipal Drainage and Maintenance, be received; and, That Council hereby support the Committees request, and directs, as follows: 1) Staff to work with the NVCA to assess municipal drains versus natural watercourses within the Township boundaries and identify the jurisdiction to maintain each drain and natural watercourse, and, 2) Staff to plan an Open House in conjunction with the NVCA to educate residents on municipal drainage and maintenance jurisdiction.
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Garwood
Carried
That Action Report items 11.2 through to 11.7 be received; and, That the recommendations contained therein be approved, as presented, with the exception of item 11.4, to be dealt with separately. 11.2 - OP-2025-002 & ZB-2025-006 - 1316 Highway 26 - Mitchell 11.3 - 17 and 19 Bertram Industrial Parkway - Security Reduction and Start of Maintenance Period Request 11.4 - Carson (Thompson Lands) Development - Security Reduction 11.5 - Joint Compliance Audit Committee TOR & Member Appointment 11.6 - Elmvale Arena LED Video Board Initiative – Authorization to Negotiate Memorandum of Understanding and Complete Site Accommodations 11.7 - Draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Planning Department regarding OP-2025-002 and ZB-2025-006 – 1316 Highway 26 (Mitchell) dated September 2, 2026, be received; and, That Council adopt the Official Plan Amendment as it is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024), and conforms to the County of Simcoe Official Plan and the Township of Springwater Official Plan; and, That the Official Plan Amendment be submitted to the County of Simcoe for final approval subject to minor modifications; and, That the implementing Zoning By-law be submitted to Council for adoption subject to the approval of the Official Plan Amendment by the County of Simcoe.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Development Engineering Coordinator regarding the reduction of securities and start of maintenance period request for 17 and 19 Bertram Industrial Parkway, dated September 2, 2026, be received; and, That the securities held by the Township of $175,039.20 be reduced to 10% of the total contract amount as estimated by Jewell Engineering to be $51,666.00 and, the securities amounting to $123,373.20 be released and returned to the Developer; and, That the Manager of Development Services be authorized to sign the Certificate of Final Completion thereby commencing the one-year maintenance period. The remaining securities will continue to be held until the end of the maintenance period.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Deputy Clerk regarding 2026 Municipal and School Board Election – Joint Compliance Audit Committee - Appointment of Committee and Approval of Terms of Reference, dated September 2, 2026 be received; and, That a By-law establishing a Joint Compliance Audit Committee and Appointing Committee Members be presented at the September 2, 2026 regular meeting for consideration.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Recreation, Parks and Facilities regarding the Elmvale Arena LED Video Board Initiative – Authorization to Negotiate Memorandum of Understanding and Complete Site Accommodations, dated September 2, 2026, be received; and, That Council authorize staff to proceed with the development and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kent Fay, or an incorporated/not-for-profit community operating entity satisfactory to the Township, for the donation, installation, operation, maintenance, and eventual removal or replacement of a large LED video board at the Elmvale Arena; and, That Council authorize the Township’s participation in the project through the completion of required site-related accommodations, subject to engineering review, applicable permits, and available budget, including:  provision of electrical infrastructure to support the display, including a new electrical panel and service upgrades as required;  structural assessment and any required preparation for the proposed suspended installation from the arena roof trusses;  reasonable access to the facility and use of Township-owned equipment, where available and operationally feasible, during installation;  installation of a lockable gate at the base of the arena mezzanine stairs, similar to the existing gate at the north end of the arena; and,  other minor building-related accommodations necessary to safely complete the inst
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement regarding the Draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law , dated September 2, 2026, be received; and, That the proposed draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law be presented at the September 16, 2026, regular meeting for Council's consideration; and, That the draft Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law come into effect on January 1, 2027; and, That the current Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law 1995-024 be rescinded effective January 1, 2027;and, That the Township opt-out of the provisions of the Line Fences Act.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the report from the Manager of Development Engineering regarding Carson Neighbourhood (Thompson Lands), Midhurst - Security Reduction Request of Services, dated August 10, 2026, be received; and, That the securities for this development be released in the amount of $2,861,924.08.
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Moore
Carried
That the Report items listed herein, be received as information: 1) Building Services Monthly Activity Report - July 2026 2) By-law Activity Report - June and July 2026 3) Housing Enabling Infrastructure & Opportunities for Support 4) Q2- 2026 Procurement Summary
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Garwood
Carried
Whereas the Township of Springwater is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and provides support to initiatives that further enhance the health and safety of Township employees; and, Whereas Section 25 of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers and to identify and address workplace health and safety hazards; and, Whereas diesel engine exhaust contains harmful gases and fine particulate matter that are recognized occupational health hazards, particularly where diesel-powered vehicles and equipment are started, idled or operated within enclosed buildings; and, Whereas the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified diesel engine exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen, and reducing unnecessary occupational exposure through engineering controls is widely recognized as an effective means of protecting worker health; and, Whereas Township employees routinely operate diesel-powered trucks, plows, graders, loaders and other heavy equipment from municipal garages throughout the year, with increased indoor vehicle activity during winter maintenance operations; and, Whereas the Township is meeting the regulations of NFPA 1500 for exhaust management in Fire Services, and meets the standards of the Ontario Building Code within its Public Works and Parks operations of a Storage and Repair Garage, as requirements to reduce employee ex
Moved by Cabral, seconded by Garwood
Carried
Whereas residents have raised ongoing concerns regarding speeding, aggressive driving, vehicles cutting corners and traffic conflicts in the area of Queen Street East and Shaw Street in Elmvale; and, Whereas traffic volumes and pedestrian and cycling activity have increased in this area, including children and seniors using the intersection and surrounding streets; and, Whereas Canadian research has demonstrated that speed humps can be an effective traffic-calming measure, reducing vehicle speeds and improving pedestrian safety, including a Toronto study that found a reduction in pedestrian-motor vehicle collision rates following installation; and, Whereas a temporary pilot project provides an opportunity to assess, through actual before-and-after data, whether a seasonal physical traffic-calming measure results in a measurable change in vehicle speeds and driver behaviour at this location. Now Therefore Be It Resolved that staff be directed to assess the Queen Street East and Shaw Street area to collect appropriate baseline data, including traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other available traffic information necessary to establish existing conditions in preparation for a potential traffic calming pilot project in the Spring of 2027; and, That staff report back to Council in the Spring of 2027, with the results of the assessment, including recommendations for traffic calming measures, specifically the placement of a seasonal, portable, low-profile speed hump or speed-table
Moved by Cabral, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That Council hereby temporarily waive its Procedure By-law to table a motion without notice.
Moved by Garwood, seconded by Alexander
Carried
Whereas the storm of September 1 and 2, 2026 caused significant damage to trees and brush in the Orr Lake and Elmvale areas; and Whereas residents and property owners are required to dispose of storm-related trees and brush; Therefore Be It Resolved That, the Township of Springwater request the County of Simcoe waive landfill disposal fees for trees and brush resulting from the September 1 and 2, 2026 storm, specifically for residents and properties affected in the Orr Lake and Elmvale areas.
Moved by Garwood, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That the by-laws listed herein be signed and sealed by the Mayor and Clerk 2026-066 Entrance Permit By-law 2026-067 Amend Fees & Charges By-law 2024-046 (Schedule B - Municipal Law Enforcement and Animal Control) 2026-068 Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference & Member Appointment 2026-069 OP-2025-002 - Mitchell 5000-422 ZB-2025-006 (Mitchell) - 1316 Highway 26
Moved by Cabral, seconded by Alexander
Carried
That By-law 2026-070 to confirm and adopt the proceedings of Council at the Regular Meeting held on September 2, 2026 listed herein be signed and sealed by the Mayor and Clerk.
Moved by Moore, seconded by Fisher
Carried
That the Regular Meeting of the Township of Springwater does now adjourn at 8:02 p.m. to meet again in a Regular Meeting on September 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Moved by Alexander, seconded by Garwood
Carried

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