Northern Bruce Peninsula Regular Council — Monday, September 14, 2026
Tobermory development stalled over partial-servicing dispute. A delegation from Churchill Development Corporation outlined a four-year impasse on a 22.9-hectare mixed-use project on Chinsibtipideck Road in Tobermory — comprising a campground, residential subdivision, and boat-storage expansion — blocked by Bruce County and provincial policy that restricts partial municipal servicing (sewer plus private wells) to infilling within existing designations. Full municipal water for Tobermory has been estimated at $80 million. The developer said hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent and characterized the process as being “at the end of our rope.” Council held no formal vote but the mayor committed to raising the issue directly with county staff, and council discussed drafting correspondence expressing support for an interim partial-servicing approach.
Tammy’s Cove Road reconstruction. Council approved Option 1 for Tammy’s Cove Road — a full realignment giving each affected lot direct driveway access — at an estimated capital cost of $1,466,903 plus HST. Driveway connection upgrades are included in the project cost at no special charge to individual owners; final funding will be determined through the capital budget process.
Refuse truck and bridge contract. Council approved the purchase of a new 8-cubic-yard New Way Diamond Back rear-loading refuse unit on a 2026 Ford F600 chassis for $245,033 plus HST, and awarded the Stokes Bay Road Bridge hydraulic capacity improvement contract to 158681 Ontario Limited for $191,000 excluding HST — approximately $111,000 above the $80,000 approved in the 2026 capital budget, with the shortfall drawn from the Roads Capital Reserve.
Solar project policy adopted. Council directed staff to bring forward a bylaw adopting a new solar policy that prohibits large industrial ground-mounted solar installations and sets a 25-acre maximum with a $1,500 application fee for smaller commercial projects.
Conservation land severance approved in principle. Council directed staff to prepare a bylaw for zoning amendment Z 2026-043, allowing a 20.96-hectare parcel to be severed at 107 Robbins Drive so an 80-hectare retained parcel can be conveyed to the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy for conservation purposes. Tenant Stephen Booth appeared in person to object to a proposed access easement crossing his property; council noted the objection for the record.
Other decisions. Council approved a $48,861.98 flooring contract with McNabb Flooring for the Lion’s Head Doctors Clinic (Phases 1–3); directed staff to bring bylaws appointing Eric and Bearless, LLP as Integrity Commissioner and Closed Meeting Investigator through December 2032 and expanding the Administrative Monetary Penalty System to non-parking offences. Resident Cliff Everett petitioned to have Brewery and Budford Roads paved, citing 33 years without improvement; staff were directed to check road priority rankings and install traffic counters.