Strategic Decisions of Council - July 13, 2026

Council Meeting Date: July 13, 2026

Consent Agenda Items

Approval and Receipt of Minutes: Council – 29 June 2026 - Minutes

Strategic Decisions from Council

Heritage Permit – 490 Tower Street South, Fergus

Council approved a Heritage Permit Application (HP2026-09) for alterations to the designated property municipally known as 490 Tower Street South, Fergus. The approved application includes the demolition of the accessory shed located at the rear of the property due to poor conditions.

Report to Council

Naturalized Gardens and Vegetation Maintenance

Council received for information and endorsed the amendment to the current Clean Yards By-law and Property Standards By-law.

The goal of the amendments is to include clarity and enforceability, distinguish maintained naturalized areas from unmanaged vegetation, and align the Township’s regulatory approach with the legal principles arising from Ruck v. City of Mississauga. It also recommends housekeeping amendments to the Property Standards By-law to remove overlapping exterior yard maintenance provisions that duplicate matters already addressed in the Clean Yards By-law.

Report to Council

2026 Municipal Alcohol Policy

Council approved the 2026 Municipal Alcohol Policy, a comprehensive update from the Townships' 2007 Alcohol Risk Management Policy, reflecting significant legislative, regulatory, and operational changes that have occurred over the past two decades.

The new policy establishes a clearer and more comprehensive framework for the safe service and consumption of alcohol on Township property. The policy is intended to support responsible community us of Township facilities while strengthening public safety, improving administrative consistency, and reducing municipal risk.

Report to Council

Confederation Park Restricted Donation Agreement

Council approved the Restricted Donation Agreement for the Confederation Park Revitalization Project. As per the Township’s Donation, Sponsorship, and Naming Rights Policy, Restricted Donations require Council approval if they impact the scope or budget of a capital project.

The Private Donor is contributing $125,000 to the project with the following conditions:

• End to End Accessible Path, which was planned to be completed as part of future Phase 2 of the project, shall be moved up to Phase 1 and constructed in 2026;
• The New lookout Deck, which was planned to be completed as part of future Phase 3 of the project, shall be designed conceptually in 2026; and,
• The End to End Accessible Path and New Lookout Deck shall be recognized as the Don Watson Trail and Lookout, in honour of Don Watson, who served the Town of Fergus for 42 years and retired as Works Superintendent.

Report to Council

2026 Fees and Charges By-law Amendment

Council passed the amendment to the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law. The amendment pertained to Fire Services (Schedule ‘B’) to introduce a new Annual Retainer Fee for Technical Rescue Services introduced through the new Technical Rescue Services Agreements.

Report to Council

Asset Management – 2026 Update Report

Council received a report providing updates on the Township’s Asset Management and directed staff to communicate the support resolution to the Acting Minister of Infrastructure and MPP Joseph Racinsky. Asset Management planning is an integrated set of processes and practices that attempts to minimize the lifecycle costs of owning, operating, and maintaining assets at an appropriate level of risk, while delivering services at established levels.

Ontario Regulation 588/17 requires Council to conduct an annual review of its asset management progress which must include:

• The municipality’s progress in implementing its asset management plan;
• Any factors impeding the municipality’s ability to implement its asset management plan; and,
• A strategy to address the factors described in clause (b).

Report to Council

Water and Wastewater Public Corporation Model

Council directed staff to respond to the Province’s Expression of Interest, confirming potential interest in implementing a Water and Wastewater Public Corporation.

Recent provincial policy and legislation developments related to the establishment of a new model for water and wastewater service delivery through municipal service corporations, referred to in provincial material as Water and Wastewater Public Corporations.

Report to Council