Town of South Bruce Peninsula Regular Council — Wednesday, October 21, 2026
In what the mayor indicated is likely the final meeting of the current council term ahead of the October 26 municipal election, South Bruce Peninsula council addressed policing costs, green infrastructure planning, a community grant application, and a long-delayed road project.
OPP cost pressure Council unanimously endorsed a letter — initiated by the Municipality of South Huron — to Premier Doug Ford, the Solicitor General, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, AMO, ROMA, and both local MPPs, objecting to proposed OPP cost increases. Staff noted OPP policing represents roughly 20% of the municipal tax levy, or approximately $2.7 million annually. An 11% year-over-year increase cap would alone drive a 2.13% municipal tax hike. Councillors warned that three consecutive years at that rate would push policing toward one-third of the total budget, undermining the municipality’s roughly 3% overall increase target.
Food Forest grant delegation Anna, representing the Women’s Institute, asked council to act as fiscal agent for a $50,000 application to the Great Lakes Local Action Fund (deadline: November 6) for the Cobble Beach area Food Forest — a three-year-old community project focused on soil health, water conservation, and habitat creation in the Huron/Georgian Bay watershed. Because the Women’s Institute is unincorporated, grant funds must flow through the municipality. Staff confirmed the transfer-payment arrangement is legally feasible and comparable to prior arrangements; council indicated support for providing a letter of support and acting as conduit if the application succeeds. Councillor Kathy and staff contact Tracy will coordinate next steps.
Asset Management Plan Council accepted an updated Asset Management Plan that, for the first time, incorporates natural and green infrastructure — trees, wetlands, beaches, sand dunes, coastal features, and hiking paths on municipal land — alongside conventional gray infrastructure. Staff noted the expanded plan, developed in partnership with Asset Management Ontario and funded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, enables reserve fund draws for natural restoration events and positions the municipality to access external funding for issues such as Emerald Ash Borer damage. Red Bay was highlighted as a high-value natural asset area.
Financial reports Council unanimously accepted the January–September 2026 operating financial report and approved three reserve fund transfers totalling approximately $49,830 toward a wastewater pump station, John Street works, and an SCC care system project.
Mallory Beach Road Staff outlined significant complexity delaying reconstruction of Mallory Beach Road — including right-of-way conflicts, private encroachments, utility relocation, and competing resident expectations. A virtual public information session is planned for late 2026 or early 2027; tender and construction are targeted for 2027.