Martin Shipston
Councillor · seen 2019-01-30 to 2026-09-02 · served 2018–2022, 2022–2026
139substantive motions movedof 130 meetings the minutes record them at
82procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
192substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
11meetings recorded absentof 130 they were on the record for
57–3recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample
Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Southgate’s own minutes.
In their own words, via the Town
Martin Shipston is serving his second term as Councillor for the Township of Southgate. Previously, as a member of the public, Councillor Shipston was a member of the Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library Board. The following are his Council appointments for the 2022-2026 term of Council:
As published by Southgate.
How they voted, where it was recorded (60) — most recent 40 shown
Council Meeting - Special August 14, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CAO2026-018 be received for information; and That Council award the Architect and Engineering Services for the Keppel Municipal Facilities to R.J.
Council Meeting August 5, 2026
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report PL2026-049 be received for information; and That the Site Alteration Permit be issued upon execution by the Owner of a Site Alteration Agreement confirming the provisions of Schedule “C”…
Council Meeting June 17, 2026
For · 6–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CAO2026-010 be received for information; and That Council approve of the purchase of Market Block blk l pl 480 Dundalk; lt 1-10, 14-16 blk l pl 480 Dundalk;
Council Meeting June 17, 2026
For · 4–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report PL2026-037 be received for information; and That Council direct staff not to make any amendments to the current Zoning By-law respecting where Backyard Chickens are permitted…
Council Meeting June 3, 2026
For · 4–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that the following by-laws dated June 3, 2026 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law…
Council Meeting April 2, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report HR2026-004 be received for information; and That Council direct staff to proceed with Option 1, effective November 16, 2026;
Council Meeting November 19, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report EDO2025-019 be received for information; and That Council approve Dundalk Village Pharmacy Ltd for Community Improvement Plan project funding for building improvements to the property…
Council Meeting November 19, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedWHEREAS the safety of children and caregivers walking to and from school is a priority for the Township of Southgate; and WHEREAS current pedestrian routes around the stormwater management pond may pose safety concerns…
Council Meeting November 5, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council add a second clause to state: "That Council direct staff to research the grant application process and implications of the Township acting as the primary grant applicant, including a cost…
Council Meeting November 5, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CL2025-036 be received for information; and That Council appoint Nancy Flagel to the Southgate Public Library Board, effective November 5, 2025.
Council Meeting November 5, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report HR2025-008 be received for information; and That Council approve updates to Policy 16 Pay Administration policy as presented;
Council Meeting October 15, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report FIRE2025-014 be received for information; and That Council direct staff to proceed with the purchase of a 78’ Rosenbauer Viper Aerial Apparatus from City View Specialty Vehicles.
Council Meeting October 15, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report EDO2025-015 be received for information; and That Council approve Heritage Restoration for Community Improvement Plan funding for building improvements, planning fees, building permit…
Council Meeting October 15, 2025
For · 5–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CAO2025-026 be received for information; and That Council approve Flato East 7,8,10 Preliminary Acceptance Stage III as recommended by the Township engineers as per the subdivision…
Council Meeting September 17, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report EDO2025-011 be received for information; and That Council approve the funding application for the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program to promote the rehabilitation of buildings…
Council Meeting August 6, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report PL2025-064 be received for information; and That the Site Alteration Permit be issued upon execution by the Owner of a Site Alteration Agreement confirming the provisions of Schedule “C”…
Council Meeting June 4, 2025
For · 5–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report PW2025-020 be received for information; and That Council waive the Request for Tender Purchasing Policy Protocol, instead using the Single Source protocol;
Council Meeting May 7, 2025
Against · 5–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council refer staff report PW2025-014 Cox Asphalt Plant Agreement and By-law 2025-045 - Portable Asphalt Plant Agreement - Cox Construction Limited back to staff for further discussion…
Council Meeting April 3, 2025
For · 6–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2025-039 being a by- law to adopt the estimates of revenue and expenditures for the year 2025 for the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time…
Council Meeting - Special March 19, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that the Committee recommend that Council direct staff to fund the general roads reserve equivalent to a 1% increase of the tax rate.
Council Meeting - Special March 19, 2025
For · 7–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that the Committee recommend that Council direct staff to add the Sideroad 24 Micro Surfacing Project at $209,000 to the draft budget, as previously removed at the second-round budget meeting.
Council Meeting December 18, 2024
For · 5–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2024-156 being a by-law to appoint Jim Ellis as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer for the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time, finally…
Council Meeting December 18, 2024
For · 6–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CL2024-039 be received for information; and That Council authorize internet and telephone voting as the voting method for the 2026 municipal and school board election by enactment…
Council Meeting December 4, 2024
For · 4–3 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report HR2024-008 be received for information; and That Council approve the COLA increase of 2% to the 2025 Staff Pay Grid effective the first full pay period of 2025;
Council Meeting November 20, 2024
Against · 3–3 · LostBe it resolved that Council receive as information Staff Report 2024-096 regarding Wilder Lake Growth Management; and That Council advise developers with Planning Act applications in and around Wilder Lake to coordinate…
Council Meeting November 6, 2024
For · 4–3 · CarriedBe it resolved that Staff Report CAO2024-020 be received for information; and That Council direct the CAO to begin recruitment for the Director of Corporate Services position with a starting date as early as January 2…
Council Meeting August 7, 2024
For · 5–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2024-101 being a by- law to establish fees and charges for certain services provided by the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by…
Council Meeting May 15, 2024
For · 4–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council amend the third clause of the motion to state: "That Council direct staff to amend the draft Flag Protocol and Proclamation Policy to remove the approval of any proclamation requests…
Council Meeting May 15, 2024
For · 4–2 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council receive Staff Report CL2024- 017 for information; and That Council provide comments on the draft Flag Protocol and Proclamation Policy No. 51 as provided;
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 3–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council waive section 23.3 of the Procedural By-law to allow for a Notice of Motion to be brought forward without proper notice given.
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 3–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that pursuant to section 24.13 of the Procedural By-law, being a Renewal Motion, Resolution No. 2022-005 from the February 2, 2022, regular meeting of Council, regarding Staff Report CBO2022-001 – Soil…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2022-028 being a by- law to authorize a fire protection agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2022-030 being a bylaw to authorize an automatic aid agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 3–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council receive staff report CAO2022- 004 as information; and That Council approve Township of Southgate support resolution for a Participating Provincial Municipal Zoning Order for Flato Lands…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 3–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2022-020 being a by- law to authorize a development agreement between Flato Developments Inc and the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that Council receive Staff Report HR2022- 005 for information; and That Council approve updated CAO Succession Plan document as guidance to fill the upcoming CAO vacancy.
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2022-024 being a by- law to remove certain lands from Part Lot Control in the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and…
Council Meeting February 16, 2022
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2022-026 being a by- law to amend Zoning By-law No. 19-2002 entitled the "Township of Southgate Zoning By-law" be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by…
Council Meeting October 20, 2021
For · 3–1 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2021-141 being a By- law to adopt a “First Nations Land Acknowledgement Policy” known as Policy Number 89 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor…
Council Meeting October 20, 2021
For · 4–0 · CarriedBe it resolved that by-law number 2021-157 being a by- law to adopt a “COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Contractors” known as Policy Number 90 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor…
Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (11)
Committee of AdjustmentJuly 22, 2026
Public PlanningJuly 22, 2026
Council MeetingJuly 2, 2026
Council MeetingMarch 18, 2026
Council MeetingSeptember 3, 2025
Council MeetingJuly 2, 2025
Council MeetingJanuary 15, 2025
Public PlanningOctober 23, 2024
Committee of AdjustmentOctober 23, 2024
Council MeetingOctober 16, 2024
Council Meeting - SpecialJuly 26, 2022
Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 139)
Be it resolved that the Committee of the Whole receive the interactive visioning session for Downtown Dundalk and 5 Keppel Street for information; and That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council receive the interactive visioning sessions for Downtown Dundalk and 5 Keppel Street for information.
Council Meeting - Special, September 2, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2026-073 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Southgate at its regular meeting held on September 2, 2026 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, September 2, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Connor, Clark and Lunn Southgate Solar LP Presentation for information.
Council Meeting, August 5, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Southgate receive the correspondence from the Town of Plympton-Wyoming in support of Prince Edward County; and That the Council of the Township of Southgate supports the resolution of the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward requesting that the Government of Ontario amend the Municipal Act, 2001 to permit municipalities to implement a Vacant
Council Meeting, August 5, 2026 · Carried
Be is resolved that the Council of the Township of Southgate receive the correspondence from the Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan in support of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus; and That Council of the Township of Southgate supports the resolution of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus calling on the Province of Ontario to return to a regular property tax reassessment cycle and provide
Council Meeting, August 5, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2026-071 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Southgate at its regular meeting held on August 5, 2026 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, August 5, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council split the motion and vote on the last two clauses separately.
Council Meeting, May 20, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council not support requests for deferral of Development Charges for any non-residential projects; and That Council direct staff to bring back to Council a report should any provincial legislation changes or direction be provided for deferral of non-residential Development Charges.
Council Meeting, May 20, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council support the correspondence from the Municipality of Wawa regarding the Request to Amend Land Transfer Tax Act; and That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the local Member of Provincial Parliament, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for advocacy.
Council Meeting, May 20, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.
Council Meeting, May 6, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that the following by-law dated May 6, 2026 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, May 6, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2026-043 being a by-law to authorize a purchase and sale agreement be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, April 15, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council amend the second clause of the motion to proceed with Option 1, effective November 16, 2026, as discussed.
Council Meeting, April 2, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that the following by-laws dated April 2, 2026 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, April 2, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.
Council Meeting - Special, March 26, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Consent Agenda dated March 4, 2026 save and except items 11.2 CL2026-008 - Strong Mayor Powers - In-year Budget Amendment Process, 11.6 Southgate Renewables - Neighbour Notifications, and 11.7 BWDSB - Ombudsman Dube re Review of Removal of Trustees for information.
Council Meeting, March 4, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.
Council Meeting, February 18, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive correspondence from Prince Edward County regarding support for Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, 2025; and That Council direct staff to send a letter of support and circulate to those discussed.
Council Meeting, February 18, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council add a second clause to state: "That Council amend the 2026 Budget as
Council Meeting, February 4, 2026 · Tabled
Be it resolved that Council receive the Watsons & Associates correspondence regarding changes to the Development Charges framework as a result of Bill 60 as information.
Council Meeting, February 4, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Dundalk Wesleyan Church - Letter of Appreciation regarding the Recycling Program as information.
Council Meeting, February 4, 2026 · Carried
Be it resolved that the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report PW2025-042 for information; and That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council receive Staff Report PW2025-042 for information.
Council Meeting - Special, December 17, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.
Council Meeting, December 17, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive staff report REC2025-007 – Recreation Fall Update as information.
Council Meeting, November 19, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as presented.
Council Meeting, November 5, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council add a second clause to state: "That Council direct staff to send a letter of support for the Sustainable Waste Management in Ontario resolution received by Tay Valley Township and the Municipality of Tweed."
Council Meeting, November 5, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive item 11.19 Tay Valley Township - Support Municipality of Tweed - Sustainable Waste Management in Ontario for information; and That Council direct staff to send a letter of support for the Sustainable Waste Management in Ontario resolution received by Tay Valley Township and the Municipality of Tweed.
Council Meeting, November 5, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that the following by-laws dated October 15, 2025 (save and except items 13.1) be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, October 15, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2025-099 being a by-law to amend by-law 2024-078 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, September 17, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Consent Agenda dated August 6, 2025 (save and except items 12.11 and 12.12) for information.
Council Meeting, August 6, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Watsons & Associates correspondence received on June 26, 2025, regarding proposed changes to the Development Charges O.Reg. 82-98 for information.
Council Meeting, August 6, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council proceed past 4:00 PM.
Council Meeting, June 18, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the items on the Correspondence consent agenda dated May 7, 2025, as information.
Council Meeting, May 7, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that the Committee receive the Clerks on Call - Draft Procedural By-law Training for information; and That the Committee recommend that Council receive the Clerks on Call - Draft Procedural By-law Training for information; and That the Committee recommend that Council direct staff to proceed with all necessary administrative actions.
Council Meeting - Special, April 23, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2025-039 being a by- law to adopt the estimates of revenue and expenditures for the year 2025 for the Corporation of the Township of Southgate be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and the Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book. Yay (6): Mayor Milne, Deputy Mayor Dobreen, Councillor Ric
Council Meeting, April 3, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that by-law number 2025-038 being a by-law to appoint municipal weed inspectors be read a first, second and third time, finally passed, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the seal of the Corporation and entered into the by-law book.
Council Meeting, April 3, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council approve the items on the Regular Business consent agenda dated April 3, 2025 and direct staff to proceed with all necessary administrative actions.
Council Meeting, April 3, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that the Committee recommend that Council direct staff to fund the general roads reserve equivalent to a 1% increase of the tax rate. Yay (7): Mayor Milne, Deputy Mayor Dobreen, Councillor Rice, Councillor Ferguson, Councillor Shipston, Councillor John, and Councillor Singh Soares
Council Meeting - Special, March 19, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council direct staff to fund the general roads reserve equivalent to a 1% increase of the tax rate.
Council Meeting - Special, March 19, 2025 · Carried
Be it resolved that Council receive the Community Foundation Grey Bruce - Southgate Community Fund update for information.
Council Meeting, March 19, 2025 · Carried
In the record
119meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
0conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
929votes in 2022Local Councillor, incumbent
What this does not measure
- Motions moved is not a measure of effectiveness. Who moves a motion is often a seat convention or a committee role, and the member who does the work on a file is frequently not the one who reads it out.
- Nobody is ranked against anybody. These figures are counted against this member's own meetings and are never totalled or compared.
- Absence is not explained. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why. Illness, a declared conflict and a family emergency all appear the same way.
- What was said is not here. This record reads the minutes, which record decisions, not debate.
Something wrong here?
If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Southgate’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.