Referred Matters

Referred matters are items that Norfolk County Council has directed staff to review and report back on at a future meeting.

When a matter is referred, it means Council has not yet made a final decision. Staff are asked to gather additional information, explore options, or complete further work before the item returns for consideration.

This list records referred matters discussed in open session and helps track items still in progress. It allows residents to see what topics are under review and how they are moving through the decision-making process.

Items remain on this list until staff have reported back and Council has made a final decision.

Current Referred Matters of Open Session

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Number Referral Resolution Meeting Date/ Date Referred Department Anticipated Response Time 
1 Subdivision
Assumption
Guidance Manual
AND FURTHER THAT staff are directed to bring back a report in the fourth quarter of 2025 to present a Subdivision Assumption Guidance Manual for Council review and adoption. September 13, 2022 Public Works Q1 2026
2 Stormwater Levy
System

Staff were directed to investigate options for Council’s consideration concerning the implementation of a stormwater rate/ levy system and bring back a report in Q2 of 2026 

November 17, 2022 Corporate Services Q2 2026
3 Temporary
Encroachments for
Outdoor Patios -
Reality

Bring back any further amendments to the Temporary Encroachments for Outdoor Patios Policy (CAO-22) by June 20, 2023 Council: Ability to apply for a temporary encroachment for outdoor patio outside of the Central Business District in consultation with the Ward Councillor (and subject to the public notification process) · Amplified music permitted until a certain time frame (e.g., 10 p.m.) · Review of safety concerns related to patio umbrellas · Impact of patios occupying dedicated

public parking spaces Q3 2025
March 28, 2023 Community Development Services Q2 2026
4 Mayor Martin - Motion

Resolution No. C-062

Direct staff to report on the creation of a Municipal Development/Services Corporation.
March 26, 2024 Office of the CAO Q1 2026
5

Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2024-2029

That Operations staff be directed to provide a report to Council detailing the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) Partners in Climate Protection Program for decision; 

June 11, 2024 Community and Development Services Q2 2026
6

Mayor Martin – Motion Encourage Responsible and Sustainable Growth

Resolution No. C-244. Mayor Notice of Motion regarding responsible sustainable growth - staff directed to create a development infill incentive program and return with a report by the end of Q3 2025

November 11, 2024 Community and Development Services Q3 2026
7
Capital Status Report
Resolution No. C-48. That a staff report be brought back on the age of fire equipment and best practices on life cycles to assist Council in understanding the 20-year retirement age and assist with lobbying efforts with the province and insurance underwriters.
March 25, 2025 Emergency and Social Services Q2 2026
8
Procedural Bylaw
Resolution No. CIC-117. To direct staff to bring updates to the procedural bylaw to Council for review.
April 8. 2025 Corporate Services Q1 2026
9
Waterford Park Name
esolution No. C-95. That Norfolk County Council proposes to name the new community park in the Villages of Waterford as the Nelson Emerson Community Park; and that staff bring back a report confirming the request adheres to the naming policy; and that staff prepare an updated naming policy for Council review.
April 23, 2025 Community and Development Services Q3 2026
10
Simcoe Wastewater Treatment Plant - Capital Status Update
esolution No. CIC-166. That report EIS 25 009 Simcoe Wastewater Treatment Plant Capital Status Update be received; and that staff complete the Class Environmental Assessment addendum and public consultation process; and report back with outcomes, including capital and procurement strategy.
June 12, 2025 Public Works Q3 2026
11
Councillor Huffman - Sidewalk Connection
Resolution C-144. That staff be directed to explore options for a sidewalk connection from the Villages of Waterford to the trail system and bring a report to Council.
June 24, 2025 Community and Development Services Q3 2026
12
Proposed Amendments to the Blue Box Regulation and RRCEA 2016
Resolution C-136. That Report EIS-25-022 be received; that staff provide comments on proposed amendments during the 30-day comment period; and that staff provide a follow-up report outlining implications for recycling collection services for small businesses.
June 24, 2025 Public Works  TBD (waiting for final documentation from the Province)
13
Inter-Urban Water
Resolution No. CIC-211. That Report PW-25-002 be received; that staff review alternative water delivery methods due to funding constraints; that staff use $350,000 from capital project 5832045 to investigate options; and that staff report findings to Council with next steps.
July 8, 2025 Public Works Q2 2026
14
Councillor Van Paassen - Joint MOU with LPBR
Resolution C-180. That staff investigate a jointly developed MOU between the Long Point Biosphere Reserve and Norfolk County and return with a report to Council.
October 26, 2025 Public Works Q2 2026
15 Facilities Review and Master Plan        
16
County Land Review Project Update - CS25-180
Resolution No. C-284. That report CS-25-180 be received; that staff continue Phase 1 within existing resources; that staff report by the end of Q2 2026 with options for an affordable housing incentive program, including municipal land; and that staff identify parcels for Phase 2, including requirements for surplus declaration.
December 16, 2025 Corporate Services Q3 2026
17
Other Business – Action Item Quarterly Update
Resolution No. C-296. That staff bring back a quarterly action items update list for 2026 with all outstanding items, including dates and assignments.
December 26, 2025 Corporate Services Q1 2026
18
Lynnwood Arts Centre Deputation
Resolution No. CIC26-005. To direct staff to further the discussion and bring a report back to Council at a Council in Committee meeting in March 2026.
January 13, 2026 Community Development Services Q1 2026
19
Ride Norfolk
Resolution No. BC26-36. Staff to report in Q1 on Ride Norfolk, including transition to employment model, full program costs, historic and current funding, work, advocacy and applications.
January 21, 2026 Office of the CAO Q2 2026
20
Winter Road Control
Resolution No. BC26-39. That staff bring a report on winter control, snow removal and windrow options, including cost and funding opportunities.
January 21, 2026 Public Works Q2 2026
21
Tar and Chip Program
Resolution No. BC26-40. That staff bring back a report on contracting versus in-house services for the tar and chip program.
January 21, 2026 Public Works Q2 2026
22
Bill 21 Deputation
Resolution No. CIC26-024. That staff report to Council regarding agricultural land in Norfolk County, including Stats Canada data, MPAC comparison, lands owned by conservation organizations and NGOs, and cannabis production acreage and tax ratio policies. February 10, 2026 Office of the CAO Q3 2026
23
MAT Tax
Resolution No. CIC26-030. That Council approves a 4% MAT in principle; no collection until Municipal Development Corporation is established; that short-term rental policy be created; and that no funds be spent until priorities and consultation are completed.
February 10, 2026 Office of the CAO Q1 2026
24
Lands Needs Assessment
Resolution No. CIC26-034. That the Urban Metrics Industrial Land Needs Assessment be received; recommendations referred to staff; and staff prepare an implementation report for Council consideration.
February 10, 2026 Office of the CAO Q2 2026
25
MAT Tax
Resolution No. C26-034. That staff report on a Short-Term Rental By-law, including staffing and budget impacts; provide a business case for a Municipal Development Corporation; and defer Report CAO-26-003 until those items are addressed.
February 24, 2026 Office of the CAO Q1 2026

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