Council Meeting Summary – October 14, 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026

Norfolk County Council met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Residents can view the meeting agenda and recorded video.

Below are highlights from the meeting.

Ceremonial activities

Council recognized Councillor Mike Columbus for more than 40 years of service in municipal government.
Columbus began his municipal service with the former Township of Delhi in 1985 and continued to represent the Delhi area following municipal restructuring and the creation of Norfolk County.
Council recognized his longstanding service to the agricultural community and his contributions in areas including health and social services, housing, economic development and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
Columbus reflected on changes in municipal government and Norfolk over his time in office, thanked residents, staff, Council colleagues and his family, and shared several stories from his years of public service.

A deputation was added to the agenda regarding the proposed zoning by-law amendment for 155 Dalton Road.
The deputant advised Council that the matter raised through the deputation had been resolved through discussions with staff.
Council received the deputation as information.

Council received correspondence regarding:

Norfolk General Hospital’s minimally invasive surgical suites.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference.
Correspondence from Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.

Council approved a zoning by-law amendment related to the creation of two residential lots in the Hamlet of La Salette.
The amendment also includes a special provision for the undersized retained agricultural lands.
Staff advised that discussions were underway regarding potential parking opportunities on retained lands behind the new lots.

Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for the proposed development at 155 Dalton Road in Delhi.
The amendment includes a holding provision related to several engineering matters.
Staff advised that the by-law had been revised following discussions with the applicant, including changes related to the mechanism for extension and construction of a road through the subject lands.

Council approved a zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of condominium for a proposed development at 16 Fernwood Drive.
The proposed development includes 14 semi-detached units and 54 group townhouse units.
Council discussed the extension of South Drive, with staff confirming the roadway connection is required as a condition of draft plan approval.

Council approved the bid award for resurfacing the tennis courts at Courtland Lions Community Park.
Council also approved a $41,000 capital budget amendment after the lowest bid received exceeded the project budget.
Staff agreed to provide Council with additional information about the reason for the higher project cost.

Council approved a single-source evergreen agreement with Today’s Family for licensed home child care services across Haldimand and Norfolk.
The current agreement expires October 28, 2026.
Staff advised that the evergreen agreement will remove the automatic expiry date while maintaining County oversight, annual funding controls and termination provisions.
The agreement is intended to support continuity for families and providers and longer-term service planning.

Council raised concerns about cart placement in locations with unique roadside conditions, including areas of Lynedoch where walls along the roadway can make cart placement difficult.
Staff advised that unique circumstances arising from the new waste collection program are being tracked and will be brought forward to the new term of Council along with potential solutions.
Staff also confirmed that residents with long rural driveways may keep carts near the end of their property and move them the remaining distance to the collection point on collection day. Carts cannot be stored on the road allowance.

Council asked about financial reporting associated with the County’s previously approved $3-million contribution to Norfolk General Hospital.
Staff agreed to review the original Council resolution and confirm that its reporting requirements have been satisfied.

Council highlighted Waterford Pumpkinfest and upcoming activities in Waterford, including the parade on Saturday.

The Clerk advised that 2,325 people had voted online since the online voting platform launched.
Council was also reminded of the upcoming in-person voting opportunity.

Mayor Amy Martin reflected on her eight years on Norfolk County Council, including four years as councillor and four years as mayor, as the final Council meeting of the term came to a close.
Martin reflected on work completed in areas including infrastructure, water and wastewater, County finances, housing, recreation, growth planning and waste diversion.
She thanked municipal staff, residents, community organizations, Council colleagues and her family for their contributions and support.
Martin also spoke about the challenges of public service, including misinformation, personal attacks and incivility, emphasizing that government should be held accountable while public debate remains respectful.
Looking ahead, she encouraged continued investment in a Norfolk that can grow and change while maintaining its character and sense of community.