Council Meeting

Be it resolved that Council confirm the agenda as amended.

Be it resolved that Council receive the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada Member Presentation by Sarah Hubble for information.

Be it resolved that Council approve the minutes from the February 18, 2026 Council and Closed Session meetings as presented.

Be it resolved that Staff Report PW2026-014 be received for information; and That Council direct staff to forward this report to the County of Grey.

Be it resolved that Staff Report FIRE2026-004 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of by-law number 2026- 020.

Be it resolved that Staff Report PL2026-010 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of By-law 2026-021 to rezone 112754 Grey Road 14 to allow construction of a farmhouse, horse and buggy barn, agricultural sap shed and power room on the lands not zoned Environmental Protection (EP) Zone with a 5 metre north side yard to the proposed farmhouse and a 7 metre east front yard setback from Grey Road 14.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CL2026-005 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of the draft amendments to Policy No. 86 – Electronic Participation in Council, Committees, Public Meetings and Committee of Adjustment; and That Council direct staff to bring a by-law authorizing the changes to a future Council meeting.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CL2026-006 be received for information; and That Council approve the establishment of the Grey County Joint Compliance Audit Committee as required by the Municipal Elections Act for the 2026-2030 term; and That Council approve the Grey County Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference document; and That Council direct staff to return with a report to appoint individuals to the Grey County Compliance Audit Committee as recommended by the selection Committee following successful recruitment.

Be it resolved that Staff Report CL2026-007 be received for information; and That Council consider approval of By-law 2026-023 being a by-law to approve Policy No. 102 – Use of Corporate Logo Policy, as presented.

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.

Be it resolved that Council receive Staff Report CL2026-008 - Strong Mayor Powers - In-year Budget Amendment Process for information.

Be it resolved that Council receive item 11.6 Southgate Renewables - Neighbour Notifications for information.

Whereas the Minister of Education has stated the intention to remove the role of democratically elected English public school trustees; and Whereas there has been no formal public consultation to date, nor any fulsome and inclusive discussion that considers the viewpoints of students, families, school boards, staff, partners, and others bearing the impact of such a sweeping structural shift; and Whereas eliminating the local voices and decision-making powers of public school trustees creates an uneven playing field rooted in unfairness and inequity for students; will result in the loss of Indigenous representation where it currently exists; and would have a detrimental impact on the student voice in the affected boards; and Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Southgate support the letter to Ombudsman Paul Dubé by the Bluewater District School Board urging him to prioritize a formal review of the impacts of removing English Ontario public school trustees and ensure that any new government-initiated rollouts are measured, evidence-based, and truly reflective of the best interests of our students. Let it further be resolved that this resolution and the correspondence from the Bluewater District School Board include copies to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, Abram Benedict, Ontario Regional Chief, Paul Vickers, MPP, Bruce-Grey- Owen Sound, The Honourable Lisa Thompson, MPP, Huron-Bruce,

Be it resolved that the following by-laws dated March 4, 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.

Be it resolved that Council proceed into closed session at 11:27AM in order to address matters relating to litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (Sec239(2)(e))(Subject: Potential Litigation), litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (Sec239(2)(e))(Subject: Litigation Update) and a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Sec239(2)(c))(Subject: Acquisition of Land Update); and That all those required remain in attendance.

Be it resolved that Council proceed out of Closed Session at 12:06PM.

Be it resolved that by-law number 2026-024 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 March 4, 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.

Be it resolved that Council adjourn the meeting at 12:07PM.