Council Meeting Summary – February 24, 2026

Norfolk County Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Residents can view the meeting agenda, reports, and recorded video on the County website. 

Below are highlights from the meeting. 

Consent items 

• Council approved the consent items as presented 

Deputations

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Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) 

• Deputations speaking in favour of the MAT were received from representatives of the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders, and accommodation providers
• Council received all MAT deputations as information 

McCool Petition Drain (Ronson Municipal Drain) 

• Council also heard from a resident regarding concerns with drainage, flooding, costs, and the process related to the Ronson Municipal Drain (McCool Petition)
• Council received the deputation as information 

Staff reports and discussion items 

Municipal Accommodation Tax – follow-up discussion

Watch recorded video (10. Reports of Committees of the Whole )

• Council pulled the Municipal Accommodation Tax item from the February 10 Council‑in‑Committee minutes for further discussion 
• After debate, Council approved a motion directing staff to: 
  • Bring forward more information about a short‑term rental by‑law, including staffing and budget impacts 
  • Provide a clearer business case, including governance and budget details 
  • Defer a decision on the MAT implementation until Council is satisfied with this information   

Planning applications

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• Council approved Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments to change certain lands in Waterford, including the Waterford Deer Park lands, back to agricultural and parks/open space designations 

2025 Municipal Study Results

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• Council received an information report summarizing the 2025 Municipal Study Results. The report showed: 
  • Improvement in Norfolk County’s financial position in recent years 
  • Continued challenges with funding infrastructure 
  • Relatively low property taxes compared to similar municipalities 
  • Higher water and wastewater costs due to the County’s size and infrastructure needs 

Minutes and advisory committee items 

• Council approved the January 27, 2026, Council meeting minutes, along with recent committee and advisory board minutes 

By‑laws

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• Council approved the by-laws on the agenda
• The Woodway Trails subdivision by-law was not considered, as the related planning item was removed from the agenda earlier in the meeting at the request of the applicant 

Strong Mayor Powers sponsored by‑laws

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• Council passed two Strong Mayor Powers-sponsored bylaws related to Official Plan amendments 
• These by-laws were suggested by the province to confirm and support planning decisions previously considered and endorsed by Council 

Announcements

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Council shared several community updates, including: 

• An upcoming Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce Home and Lifestyle Show 
• Long Point Chamber of Commerce awards, including a local volunteer nomination 
• Recognition of Port Rowan as Ontario’s top fishing town 
• Simcoe being listed among Canada’s top retirement communities 

Closed session 

• Council moved into closed session to discuss property matters and the CAO performance review