04 09 2025 Council Meeting Minutes----. ate&
Township of
Proud Heritage, Exciting Future
The Township of Oro-Medonte
Council Meeting Minutes
Electronic Hybrid Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 3:03 p.m.
2022-2026 Council
Present: Mayor Randy Greenlaw
Deputy Mayor Peter Lavoie
Councillor Lori Hutcheson
Councillor John Bard
Councillor David Clark
Councillor Richard Schell
Councillor Robert Young
Staff Shawn Binns, Chief Administrative Officer; Yvonne Aubichon, Clerk;
Present: Donna Hewitt, Director, Corporate Services; Brent Spagnol, Director,
Development Services; Michelle Jakobi, Director, Environmental
Services; Roree Payment, Director, Fire & Emergency Services/Fire
Chief; Shannon Johnson, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer; Kelly
Watson, Director, People and Culture, Dylan Flannery, Director,
Operations and Community Services; George Vadeboncoeur, Manager,
Planning, Special Projects; Justin Metras, Manager, Infrastructure and
Capital Projects; Curtis Shelswell, Manager, Municipal Law
Enforcement/Chief By -Law Enforcement Officer; Jenny Legget, Manager,
Communications and Public Relations; Matthew Simurda, Supervisor,
Asset Management; Janette Teeter, Supervisor, Clerk's Services/Deputy
Clerk; Jason Scharapenko, Information Management Technician (IT)
All Council and staff participated via Zoom platform.
1. Call to Order - Reading of Land Acknowledgement:
Mayor Greenlaw assumed the Chair at the above noted time and called the meeting to order.
The Township of Oro-Medonte acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of
the Anishnaabek (A- nish- in- aa- beh) people, and ancestral territory of the Huron-Wendat.
The Anishnaabek include the Odawa [Oh-DAH-wah], Ojibwe [0-jib-we] and Pottawatomi
[boh-tah-WAH-toh-mee] nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. It
continues today as the home for diverse Indigenous Peoples including the historic Metis
Community in Penetanguishene.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
The Anishnaabek people continue to have an enduring relationship with this land, specifically
the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the Chippewa Tri-Council and the Williams Treaties
First Nations. The Huron-Wendat Nation also continues to pay respect and protect their
ancestors and heritage on this land. We honour the Indigenous history and culture that has
thrived for millennia in this territory and the Treaties that bind us together as partners in the
spirit of a shared sustainable and prosperous future. We are all Treaty People. Our
commitment begins with acknowledging the Truth so that we can move forward together
towards Reconciliation.
2. Adoption of Agenda:
a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Motion No. C250409-1
Moved by Schell, Seconded by Lavoie
Be it resolved that the agenda for the Council meeting of Wednesday, April 9, 2025 be
received and adopted.
Carried.
Motion No. C250409-2
Moved by Young, Seconded by Clark
Be it resolved that Rule 14.20a), as per the Procedural By-law No. 2023-043, be suspended
in order to allow the meeting to proceed past the 4 hour adjournment requirement, if
necessary.
3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest:
None declared.
4. Closed Session Items:
To be dealt with under Heading #18.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
5. Minutes of Council and Committees:
a) Minutes of Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 18,
2025.
b) Minutes of Council meeting held on Wednesday March 26, 2025.
c) Minutes of Special Council meeting held on Thursday March 27, 2025.
d) Minutes of Special Council meeting held on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Motion No. C250409-3
Moved by Lavoie, Seconded by Bard
Be it resolved that the
a) Minutes of Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 18,
2025
be received; and that the draft
b) Minutes of Council meeting held on Wednesday March 26, 2025;
c) Minutes of Special Council meeting held on Thursday March 27, 2025; and
d) Minutes of Special Council meeting held on Monday, March 31, 2025
be received and adopted as printed and circulated.
6. Recognition of Achievements and Introduction(s):
None.
7. Public Meetings:
None.
8. Deputations/Presentations:
None.
9. Identification From the Public of an Agenda Item of Interest:
None.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
10.Open Forum:
None.
11.Reports of Municipal Officers for Action:
a) FI2025-05, Shannon Johnson, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer re: 2023 Draft
Financial Statements [Refer to Item 17b)].
Motion No. C250409-4
Moved by Clark, Seconded by Young
Be it resolved
1. That FI2025-05, Shannon Johnson, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer re: 2023
Draft Financial Statements be received and adopted, including the presentation by
Richard Steiginga, of Baker Tilly KDN LLP.
2. That Council approve the draft consolidated financial statements of the Corporation of the
Township of Oro-Medonte for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
3. That Staff proceed to publish the final audited consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, upon receiving the Independent Auditors' Report.
4. That Council consider the approval of draft By-law 2025-036 to appoint Baker Tilly KDN
LLP as municipal auditor for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Carried.
b) OCS2025-02, Justin Metras, Manager, Infrastructure and Capital Projects re: Award of
Tender OCS RFT25-001 Bridge 19 Rehabilitation.
Motion No. C250409-5
Moved by Bard, Seconded by Hutcheson
Be it resolved
1. That OCS2025-02, Justin Metras, Manager, Infrastructure and Capital Projects re: Award
of Tender OCS RFT25-001 Bridge 19 Rehabilitation be received and adopted.
2. That Tender OCS RFT25-001 Bridge 19 Rehabilitation be awarded to GMR Landscaping
Inc. in the amount of $360,772.41 plus HST.
3. That the Director, Operations and Community Services be authorized to execute the
appropriate agreements on behalf of the Township.
4. That the Bidders be thanked and notified under the Director, Operations and Community
Services' signature.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
c) OCS2025-03, Justin Metras, Manager, Infrastructure and Capital Projects re: Award of
Tender OCS RFT25-002 Bridge 16 Rehabilitation.
Motion No. C250409-6
Moved by Young, Seconded by Lavoie
Be it resolved
1. That OCS2025-03, Justin Metras — Manager, Infrastructure and Capital Projects re:
Award of Tender OCS RFT25-002 Bridge 16 Rehabilitation be received and adopted.
2. That Tender OCS RFT25-002 Bridge 16 Rehabilitation be awarded to GMR Landscaping
Inc. in the amount of $422,743.34 plus HST.
3. That the Director, Operations and Community Services be authorized to execute the
appropriate agreements on behalf of the Township.
4. That the Bidders be thanked and notified under the Director, Operations and Community
Services' signature.
Carried.
d) CS2025-05, Janette Teeter, Supervisor, Clerk's Services/Deputy Clerk re: 2025 Oro-
Medonte Citizen and Ontario Senior of the Year Awards.
Motion No. C250409-7
Moved by Hutcheson, Seconded by Clark
Be it resolved
1. That CS2025-05, Janette Teeter, Deputy Clerk re: 2025 Oro-Medonte Citizen and Ontario
Senior of the Year Awards be received and adopted.
2. That Neil Craig be approved by Council as the recipient of the 2025 Oro-Medonte Citizen
of the Year Award, as voted by the Citizen/Senior of the Year Advisory Group through the
approved voting process.
3. That Mike Maynard be approved by Council as the recipient of the 2025 Ontario Senior of
the Year, as voted by the Citizen/Senior of the Year Advisory Group through the
approved voting process.
4. That staff proceed accordingly to arrange the two award recognition ceremonies.
5. That the recipients be notified of Council's decision under the Mayor's signature.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
e) OCS2025-04, Matthew Simurda, Supervisor, Asset Management re: Capital Equipment
Early Purchase.
Motion No. C250409-8
Moved by Schell, Seconded by Lavoie
Be it resolved
1. That OCS2025-04, Matthew Simurda, Supervisor Asset Management re: Capital
Equipment Early Purchase be received and adopted.
2. That Council authorize the purchase of one (1) new Caterpillar Model 315 Excavator with
attachments to be awarded through the CANOE Procurement Group of Canada, to
Toromont CAT in the amount of $420,972.94 plus HST;
3. That the Director, Operations and Community Services be authorized to execute the
appropriate agreement on behalf of the Township.
Carried.
12.Reports of Municipal Officers for Information Only:
a) Shawn Binns, CAO re: Update on Ice Storm 2025 Actions.
Motion No. C250409-9
Moved by Young, Seconded by Schell
Be it resolved
1. That the report, as listed under Item #12, Reports of Municipal Officers for Information
Only, be received;
2. That staff continue to advocate to the Province for support on behalf of residents,
businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by the ice storm; and
3. That the Province and neighbouring municipalities also impacted by the recent ice storm
be notified of this motion under the Mayor's signature.
a) Shawn Binns, CAO re: Update on Ice Storm 2025 Actions.
13.Reports and Announcements of Members of Council:
a) Updates from Council Representatives — County of Simcoe and Township
Partners and Agencies.
None.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
14. Consent Agenda:
a) Minutes of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority meeting held on January 24,
2025.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
b) Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority re: Minutes of meetings held on February
28, and March 17, 2025; and Highlights of meeting held on March 28, 2025.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
c) Correspondence from Jonathan Scott, Chair, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation
Authority re: New Chief Administrative Officer effective May 5, 2025.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
d) Correspondence from The Superior Court of Justice - Ontario re: Tiny Township
Association v Township of Tiny, Barrie Court File No. CV-23-445.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
e) Township of Oro-Medonte, New Community Center, 737 Horseshoe Valley Road West,
Survey Available, Request for Comments.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
f) Correspondence from Melissa Robertson, Director of Corporate and Operational
Services, Orillia Public Library re: Township of Oro-Medonte Statistics: March 2025.
Staff Recommendation: Receive for Information Only.
Motion No. C250409-10
Moved by Bard, Seconded by Young
Be it resolved that the staff recommendations with respect to the items listed under "Consent
Agenda Correspondence" be adopted as printed:
a) Minutes of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority meeting held on January 24,
2025.
Received for Information Only.
b) Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority re: Minutes of meetings held on February 28,
and March 17, 2025; and Highlights of meeting held on March 28, 2025.
Received for Information Only.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
c) Correspondence from Jonathan Scott, Chair, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
re: New Chief Administrative Officer effective May 5, 2025.
Received for Information Only.
d) Correspondence from The Superior Court of Justice - Ontario re: Tiny Township
Association v Township of Tiny, Barrie Court File No. CV-23-445.
Received for Information Only.
e) Township of Oro-Medonte, New Community Center, 737 Horseshoe Valley Road West,
Survey Available, Request for Comments.
Received for Information Only.
f) Correspondence from Melissa Robertson, Director of Corporate and Operational Services,
Orillia Public Library re: Township of Oro-Medonte Statistics: March 2025.
Received for Information Only.
Carried.
15. Communications/Petitions:
a) Correspondence dated March 5, 2025 from Rob Baldwin, Chief Administrative Officer,
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) re: Source Protection Committee -
Replacement of Municipal Member.
Motion No. C250409-11
Moved by Lavoie, Seconded by Bard
Be it resolved
1. That the correspondence dated March 5, 2025 from Rob Baldwin, Chief Administrative
Officer, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) re: Source Protection
Committee - Replacement of Municipal Member be received.
2. That Mayor Randy Greenlaw be appointed to vote, on behalf of the Township of Oro-
Medonte, in the upcoming election for the South Georgian Bay - Lake Simcoe Source
Protection Committee.
3. That the LSRCA be advised of Council's decision under the Clerk's signature.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
16.Notice of Motions:
a) Brought by Councillor Clark, April 1, 2025
Notice of Motion for April 9, 2025 Council meeting
To be dealt with at the April 23, 2025 Council meeting
Subject: Investigation into Backyard Chickens in Oro-Medonte
Whereas the Township of Oro-Medonte is a proud rural and agricultural community that
values local food production and sustainable living;
And Whereas backyard chickens can enhance rural lifestyles and support local food
initiatives;
And Whereas the City of Orillia has successfully implemented a by-law allowing
backyard chickens, following a pilot program;
Therefore Be it Resolved that:
1. Council directs staff to investigate the City of Orillia's backyard chickens by-law and
its outcomes.
2. Staff shall prepare a report outlining the key elements of Orillia's by-law, its
successes, and recommendations on how a similar approach could be adapted for
Oro-Medonte.
3. The report shall be presented to Council for consideration within 60 days or
whenever technically feasible.
17. By -Laws:
a) 2025-009: Being a By-law to delegate the power to appoint Screening Officers and
Hearing Officers to adjudicate Reviews and Appeals of Administrative Penalties.
b) 2025-036: A By-law to Appoint an Auditor and to Repeal By -Law 2021-025.
Motion No. C250409-12
Moved by Clark, Seconded by Schell
Be it resolved that By -Law Nos. 2025-009 and 2025-036
a) 2025-009: Being a By-law to delegate the power to appoint Screening Officers and
Hearing Officers to adjudicate Reviews and Appeals of Administrative Penalties;
b) 2025-036: A By-law to Appoint an Auditor and to Repeal By -Law 2021-025
be read a first, second and third time, passed, be engrossed by the Clerk, signed and sealed
by the Mayor.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
18.Closed Session Items:
a) Motion to go In Closed Session.
Motion No. C250409-13
Moved by Schell, Seconded by Hutcheson
Be it resolved that we do now go in Closed Session at 4:54 p.m. to discuss
• Litigation affecting the municipality; Solicitor -client privilege (Zone 1 Water);
• Litigation affecting the municipality ((Ontario Land Tribunal OLT-25-000177, Moulton v.
Oro-Medonte (Township), 2024-A-56).
Carried.
Motion Nos. C250409-14, C250409-15 and C250409-16 were passed in Closed Session.
b) Motion to Rise and Report.
Motion No. C250409-17
Moved by Lavoie, Seconded by Young
Be it resolved that we do now Rise at 5:42 p.m. and Report on the Closed Session Items 18
c) Shawn Binns, CAO; Michelle Jakobi, Director, Environmental Services re: Solicitor -client
privilege; Litigation affecting the municipality (Zone 1 Water).
d) Brent Spagnol, Director, Development Services re: Litigation affecting the municipality
(Ontario Land Tribunal OLT-25-000177, Moulton v. Oro-Medonte (Township), 2024-A-56).
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
c) Shawn Binns, CAO; Michelle Jakobi, Director, Environmental Services re: Solicitor -client
privilege; Litigation affecting the municipality (Zone 1 Water).
The following staff were present: Shawn Binns, CAO; Yvonne Aubichon, Clerk, Donna
Hewitt, Director, Corporate Services, Brent Spagnol, Director, Development Services,
Shannon Johnson, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer; Andy Karaiskakis, Senior
Planner, Janette Teeter, Supervisor, Clerk's Services/Deputy Clerk.
Motion No. C250409-18
Moved by Bard, Seconded by Lavoie
Be it resolved
1. That the confidential correspondence from legal counsel and presented by Shawn Binns,
CAO; Michelle Jakobi, Director, Environmental Services re: Solicitor -client privilege;
Litigation affecting the municipality (Zone 1 Water) be received.
2. That staff and legal counsel proceed as directed by Council.
Carried.
d) Brent Spagnol, Director, Development Services re: Litigation affecting the municipality
(Ontario Land Tribunal OLT-25-000177, Moulton v. Oro-Medonte (Township), 2024-A-
56).
The following staff were present: Shawn Binns, CAO; Yvonne Aubichon, Clerk,
Donna Hewitt, Director, Corporate Services, Brent Spagnol, Director, Development
Services, Shannon Johnson, Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer; Andy
Karaiskakis, Senior Planner, Janette Teeter, Supervisor, Clerk's Services/Deputy
Clerk.
Motion No. C250409-19
Moved by Young, Seconded by Bard
Be it resolved
1. That confidential correspondence presented by Brent Spagnol, Director,
Development Services re: Litigation affecting the municipality (Ontario Land
Tribunal OLT-25-000177, Moulton v. Oro-Medonte (Township), 2024-A-56) be
received.
2. That staff proceed as directed by Council.
Carried.
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Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
19.Confirmation By -Law:
a) 2025-037: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held
on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Motion No. C250409-21
Moved by Schell, Seconded by Hutcheson
Be it resolved that By -Law No. 2025-037: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of
the Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 be read a first, second and third
time, passed, be engrossed by the Clerk, signed and sealed by the Mayor.
Carried.
20.Adjournment:
a) Motion to Adjourn.
Motion No. C250409-21
Moved by Bard, Seconded by Schell
Be it resolved that we do now adjourn at 5:44p.m.
Mayor, Rand�/Greenlaw Cler�c,�Yvonne Aubichon
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