Springwater Council – Township of Springwater Council Meeting Highlights
November 1, 2023
Next Council Meeting: November 15, 2023
HydroMega Services Presentation
Council received a presentation from HydroMega, an independent power producer that specializes in hydroelectric, solar, and cogenerative power projects. They are presently engaged in the development of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Ontario and are exploring the Township of Springwater as a potential site for a future BESS facility.
Sunday Gun Hunting
Following a public consultation which saw 537 survey responses, Council has approved Sunday gun hunting on private property and crown land in the Township of Springwater. All applicable rules and regulations that gun hunters are required to follow Monday to Saturday will apply to gun hunting on Sunday.
Staff will contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and request that the Ministry amend Ontario Regulation 663/98 to permit Sunday gun hunting in Springwater, this is typically done twice annually, on April 1 and September 1. Sunday gun hunting will remain off-limits in Springwater until the Ministry has made the amendment.
2024/25 Budget Tabled
Township staff tabled the Proposed 2024/25 Draft Budget for Council’s consideration. The proposed budget outlines a 1.43% property tax reduction over 2023 rates for the Township portion, excluding program changes. There are eleven program changes being proposed, which would have an additional net tax levy impact of $612,836 or 3.26%. The budget will be deliberated at Special Budget Meetings on November 13, 15, 20 & 22. Final approval is anticipated to take place on December 6, 2023. The meetings will be live streamed online at www.springwater.ca/live. For additional information on the 2024/25 budget, visit www.springwater.ca/budget
Fireworks By-law
In lieu of a new Fireworks By-law, Council has voted in favour of amending the existing Noise By-law to restrict fireworks from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm throughout the year, with the exception of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. on New Years Eve/New Years Day. The amended Noise By-law will be brought forward at a subsequent meeting for adoption.
MZO – 742 Bayfield St. N
Council received information regarding an application under the Municipality’s Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) Policy for 742 Bayfield St. N. The application proposes a total of 2,000 residential units across multiple housing forms, central recreational areas and an internal trail network, mixed-use medical, commercial and retail space opportunities as well as affordable and attainable living units. In accordance with the Township’s MZO Protocol, a Public Information Meeting has been scheduled for the proposal and will be held virtually via Webex on Monday, November 13 at 6:30 pm. Interested members of the public may register via Microsoft Teams. Interested parties who would like to attend or make verbal or written comments during the meeting can do so at the following link: https://bit.ly/3ZMrNHM.
Award of RFP for Grenfel Community Centre Repairs
ProModel Construction Inc. has been selected as the recipient of the RFP for the renovation of the Grenfel Community Centre. The contract was awarded at a total cost of $122,062.01, inclusive of HST. While the 2023 Capital Budget originally allocated $75,000 for this project, the actual project expenses have exceeded this budget. To cover the additional costs required to complete the project successfully, an extra $49,500 will be drawn from the Recreation Facility Reserve.
Submitted by Nicole Audette, Communications Officer, Township of Springwater