Zoning hearings held for two rural applications. Council received public hearing reports for two zoning by-law amendments. Z09-26 concerns a wooded Scald Lake property at 442538 Concession 21 (applicants Tim and Angela Fletcher), seeking reduced lot frontages of 65 m (severed) and 30 m (retained), linked to Committee of Adjustment consent B-12-26 conditionally approved Aug. 18. One written objection raised concerns about ribbon development, traffic on Concession 21, and wetland impacts; staff confirmed an entrance permit and site inspection by the Operations coordinator are required before the severance can be certified. Report DEV 2026-072 received for information; moved by Councillor Colburn, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pringle; carried. For Z10-26 (240185 Wilcoxide Road, applicants Rana Welch Formage and Daniel Formage), council heard a proposal for a home-based wellness business in a 1,856 sq. ft. detached accessory structure with one employee — a use staff determined falls outside current home occupation and home industry definitions under Zoning By-law 2020-020. Council expressed broad support; staff confirmed a housekeeping amendment to update home-based business language is in progress. Councillor Wendres declared a pecuniary interest due to employment and did not participate. DEV 2026-073 received for information; moved by Councillor McCormick, seconded by Councillor Day; carried.

Animal control contract extended; RFP ordered. Council delegated authority to staff to extend the Owen Sound Animal Shelter agreement (By-law 2022-007) at $1,855.29/month plus HST through Feb. 28, 2027, after the original contract lapsed Dec. 31, 2025. Staff were directed to issue an RFP in Q4 2026, with a new contract to go before incoming council in 2027.

Conservation Authority MOU renewed. Council approved an updated MOU with Greysolve Conservation Authority for planning services (DEV 2026-071), replacing a 2020 agreement. New terms include the township collecting CA application fees at point of intake and providing the CA greater notice time for reviews. A authorizing bylaw will follow.

Asset management policy passed. By-law 2026-046, adopting Integrated Asset Management Policy FIN-001-2026 and repealing two 2019 bylaws, passed on three readings.

Property access delegation. Cory Zaks appeared on behalf of his father, Terry Graboskis, regarding vehicle access blocked by concrete barriers roughly five years ago at Taylor Side Road and Coleside Road in Keppel — a property the family has owned since 1987. Council directed staff to investigate the legal status of the road allowance and report back with background history and options; carried, all in favour.

Resolutions passed. Council supported four resolutions calling on the province to: double unconditional capital funding sustainably; reinstate the property tax reassessment cycle; establish a stable funding model for municipal fire services; and create extended-producer-responsibility rules for single-use propane cylinders.

Also noted. Carly MacArthur was introduced as the new Manager of Communications and Customer Service. Council met in closed session 5:59–7:22 p.m. on a solicitor-client privileged property matter; direction provided to staff. Councillor Jay gave notice of a motion on shoreline bylaw enforcement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YyBzfu_UmU

Township of Southgate Special Council Meeting — Wednesday, September 2, 2026

The meeting in brief: Council convened a 134-minute special session dedicated entirely to an interactive visioning exercise for the future of downtown Dundalk and the Township’s newly acquired property at 5 Keppel Street. No by-laws were passed; all business was received for information.

Downtown visioning exercise: Council moved into Committee of the Whole to allow fuller discussion, then conducted a LEGO-block planning workshop facilitated by Triton consultant Bill and Township planner Ken. Three groups used colour-coded blocks on scaled maps to develop land-use visions for Township-controlled lands — each stacked block representing one additional building storey. Results will be photographed and compiled into an information report for the next available regular Council meeting.

5 Keppel Street acquisition: Staff confirmed the Township has acquired 5 Keppel Street as the future municipal office site, a move described as likely to significantly shift the downtown core. RJ Burnside has been engaged to work with staff and Council on site access and building design. Land acquisitions in the surrounding area remain partially unsettled.

Planning framework: Triton has identified four study districts for the Dundalk area — the Bell’s Corners traditional downtown core, the Rail and Grain District along former rail lines, the Approach to Downtown (Sound Street/Horsefield lands), and a surrounding residential district — though these designations are not yet approved by Council and are subject to change.

Workshop proposals: All three groups independently converged on prioritizing green space on Township-owned lands and on strategies to draw activity toward the downtown core and away from Highway 10 and incoming big-box retail. Diverging proposals included a covered GO Transit bus loop on Holland Street, a grocery store with EV charging at a Keppel Street corner parcel, co-location of OPP and paramedics to free library space, a second storey on the library building, seniors housing at Memorial Park, and a casino. Staff noted that higher-density downtown development would increase water and sewer revenues and strengthen the commercial customer base.

Infrastructure flagged: Staff engineer Dustin noted Dundalk Street likely requires a new water main as part of any redevelopment rollout, and several nearby roads need new sidewalks.

Next steps: The same visioning exercise is planned to be repeated with the incoming new Council and with the general public.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de1NzsKfQNs