Council‑in‑Committee Meeting Summary – June 11, 2026
Norfolk County Council‑in‑Committee met on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The meeting was held in Council Chambers and streamed online. View the meeting agenda, reports and time-stamped video. Below are highlights from the meeting.
Council meetings determine final decisions based on recommendations from Council‑in‑Committee meetings. Once approved, meeting minutes will be posted on the Council and Committee Calendar.
Consent items
- 11 consent items were received for information, with no items pulled for discussion
Deputations
Committee of Council heard four deputations:
- In support of a commemorative Veterans Crosswalk in Simcoe, advocating for recognition of local veterans
- On a report from Cornerstone Realty Association highlighting the need for policy changes to support “missing middle” housing across Ontario
- On the impacts of current provincial mandates on municipalities, including financial pressures, land use, and local agriculture and food systems
- Regarding the proposed Regent Avenue affordable housing project, raising concerns about building height, privacy, neighbourhood fit, and parking
The deputations were received as information.
Presentations
Development Charges Background Study Update
- A consultant from Watson and Associates provided an overview of the ongoing Development Charges (DC) background study
- Key points:
- Development charges help fund infrastructure needed for growth
- The current bylaw (2019) is being updated due to changing growth projections and legislative changes
- Next steps:
- Background study targeted for release in early July
- Public meeting planned for July 28
- New bylaw anticipated for Council consideration in September
- Committee of Council received the presentation and related staff report for information
Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC) Update
- The audited financial statements and annual report for 2025 were presented
- Key highlights:
- The auditor raised no concerns with the Housing Corporation’s financial practices or position
- Major capital housing projects underway in Dunnville, Delhi and Port Dover
- Affordable housing demand continues to rise, with a waitlist of approximately 422 households across Haldimand and Norfolk Counties
- Committee of Council approved the audited financial statements, the appointment of the auditor for 2026, and reappointments to the HNHC Board
Staff reports and discussion items
Update on Norfolk County alternative Drinking Water Delivery Methods
- Staff provided an update on alternatives to the Inter-Urban Water Supply project
- Key points:
- Norfolk currently operates five independent water systems
- The full Inter-Urban system is now estimated at over $550M, prompting a review of more affordable options
- Alternative solutions include:
- New and expanded wellfields (e.g., Bloomsburg)
- System upgrades to support growth
- Estimated cost for near-term alternatives is approximately $50–60M over 10 years
- Committee of Council directed staff to continue exploring alternative options alongside the Inter-Urban approach
Parking Bylaw – 2026 Update
- Committee of Council approved a comprehensive update to the Parking Bylaw
- Updates include:
- Consolidation of all previous amendments into one bylaw
- Updated schedules and clearer rules for enforcement
- New provisions to address accessibility, snow removal, and vehicle issues
- New approach requires annual reporting to Council
- The new Bylaw will take effect on October 15, 2026
Lot Maintenance Bylaw – 2026 Updates
- Committee of Council approved updates to the Lot Maintenance Bylaw
- Key changes:
- Aligns with recent court decisions on naturalized yards and vegetation
- Focuses on health and safety standards rather than aesthetics
- Introduces:
- Rules for small rural residential properties (up to 2 hectares)
- Buffer strip requirements for vacant lots near homes
- Enforcement will remain complaint-based
User Fees - Community Centre Rentals
- Committee of Council approved changes to separate kitchen and hall rental fees, reversing a previous combined model
- Update responds to public feedback and aims to improve fairness based on actual use and reduce unintended fee increases
Bring-Your-Own Alcohol Event Permits
- Committee of Council chose not to permit bring-your-own alcohol at municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events in Norfolk County
- Decision was based on concerns about enforcement challenges, liability risks, and limited uptake by other municipalities
Summary of Bid Awards for the Period Ending May 19, 2026
- Committee of Council approved minor budget increases to reflect current costs for several capital projects, including the Walsingham baseball diamond revitalization, Zamboni replacement and equipment trailers
County Land Review Project Phase Two
- Committee of Council reviewed additional surplus land opportunities
- Key outcomes:
- Approved moving forward with select properties for surplus declaration
- Identified properties for potential affordable housing development
- One proposed parkland site (Evergreen Heights) was removed from consideration
Regent Avenue Affordable Housing Redevelopment
- Committee of Council approved an updated plan for the Regent Avenue housing project, increasing the total to 32 units and allowing pre‑development funding to move the project forward, including support of a staff submission for additional federal funding to offset capital costs for this project
- Approval includes a municipal contribution and next steps to advance design, engineering and planning, with the project still subject to future review and public consultation
Community-Led Initiatives - Commemorative Veterans Crosswalks
- Committee of Council supported community‑led Veterans crosswalks. Recognizing the importance of the Carillon Tower for Norfolk, Council supported funding the Veterans crosswalk in Simcoe from the Council Initiative Reserve.
- Further expansion of the program was supported in principle, with full project costs to be externally funded and locations subject to technical review and County standards
Facilities Master Plan – Implementation Update
- Committee of Council directed staff to advance facility updates, including referring the Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum renovation to future capital budget consideration and proceeding with agreements for Walsingham Town Hall and Port Dover Kinsmen facilities
Brownfield Tax Increment Grant - Recommended Community Improvement Plan Updates
- Committee of Council directed staff to bring forward changes to the Community Improvement Plan to clarify eligibility, application requirements, and program administration
Municipal Accommodation Tax and Short‑Term Rental Bylaw
- Committee of Council approved a new short‑term rental bylaw (effective January 1, 2027)
- Committee of Council approved a municipal accommodation tax (effective January 1, 2028), with phased implementation, registration requirements, and supporting policy updates
- Committee of Council approved the Municipal Development Corporation-1 governance model and directed staff to proceed with incorporation and board recruitment, following the passage of the bylaw
Other business
- Committee of Council discussed community concerns related to the new waste collection program; Councillors will share concerns with staff, and staff will provide further information at a future Committee-of-Council meeting
Closed session
- Committee of Council entered into closed session to discuss Winter Control – Contract Plow Extension negotiations; the closed session items were received as information and direction provided to staff
