Tiny Township Residents Speak Up on Taxes, Infrastructure, and the Future
Tiny Township residents are making their voices heard. At a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, council reviewed the results of the Tiny 2050 Community Engagement Survey, along with reports on infrastructure, emergency services, and municipal planning initiatives. The meeting provided a window into what residents value most—and what they hope council will prioritize moving forward.
Mayor Evans opened the session with a reminder that the meeting was being audio and video recorded, asking attendees to turn off their cellphones. The agenda included a wide range of items, from firefighting infrastructure and recreation programming to election signage and fee schedule by-law updates.
Survey Highlights: Residents Care About Lakes, Roads, and Taxes
The Tiny 2050 survey, conducted online between February 4 and March 18, received nearly 680 responses from permanent and seasonal residents. It explored everything from community values to perceived challenges and opportunities facing the township through 2050.
Survey results indicate that residents value Tiny’s lakeside and waterfront setting, its “quiet and safe” environment, and abundant outdoor spaces. More than half highlighted the friendliness and community spirit of their neighbors, and many reported active participation in township events, public meetings, and planning discussions.
Residents also shared a wide range of concerns. While some responses were brief—like “Keep Tiny affordable” or “Reduce government spending”—others were more pointed:
“Keep our taxes low. Actually fix the roads. Stop this new municipal building. Too many rules for building on your own property,” one respondent wrote.
Another criticized the survey itself, warning that the results could be used to justify decisions residents do not support:
“You’re going to use this data to support your decision to build an unnecessary new office and claim 85 percent support it, when the reality is residents want roads and infrastructure, not a huge building. This survey is a joke and a slap in the face to all citizens.”
Firefighting and Infrastructure Under Review
Engineers from Agile Infrastructure, including Nick Larson and Jody Lee, presented findings from the township’s Water Supply Study, highlighting the need for adequate resources to support firefighting across Tiny. Council also reviewed proposed amendments to the fire alarm fee schedule, designed to reduce nuisance calls and ensure emergency services are deployed effectively.
Administrative and Council Reports
Council examined several reports, including:
- The Proposed Remuneration Framework for elected officials for the 2026–2030 term.
- The 2026 Fee Schedule By-law review and a proposed election sign by-law.
- The Recreation and Special Events Department Report, highlighting programs and upcoming community events.
- Participation in the Joint Compliance Audit Committee for municipal elections.
Other items included resolutions and communications from surrounding municipalities and organizations, covering issues such as food protection, library resource distribution, and reform of the Ontario Sex Offender Registry.
Resident Priorities: Cost of Living, Climate, and Services
Survey responses also highlighted top priorities for the township’s future. About a quarter of respondents said the cost of living is Tiny’s biggest challenge, while technology improvements, diverse and affordable housing, and climate change preparedness were also highly ranked.
Residents provided extensive input on climate action, emphasizing shoreline protection, increased tree cover, better infrastructure, public education campaigns, and reduced municipal emissions. Support was strong for expanding social services (71 percent) and recreation programming (66 percent), though opinions were mixed regarding public transportation and maintaining a library branch.
Motions and Public Input
During the meeting, councillors discussed motions related to a potential Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Centre and new parking restriction guidelines, reflecting ongoing safety and traffic concerns. Residents had a chance to speak during the public comment period, focusing on agenda items and pressing issues in their neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
The 2050 survey results and all reports presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting will guide council’s decision-making for years to come. Residents are clearly paying attention, making sure that priorities like roads, affordable living, environmental protection, and reasonable governance remain front and center.
As one resident summed it up:
“Stop with all of the rules for building on your own property. Too many rules. Keep costs down and focus on what really matters—roads, services, and our community.”
With the next steps in planning and infrastructure underway, Tiny Township council faces the challenge of balancing long-term vision with the immediate concerns of residents who want to see their priorities reflected in municipal decisions