Council Meeting Summary – October 28, 2025

Norfolk County Council met on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The meeting was held in Council Chambers and streamed online. View the meeting agenda, video and reports online.   

Below are highlights from the meeting. 

Recycling collection update 

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Council directed staff to proceed with arranging recycling collection for County-owned facilities starting January 1, 2026. Council did not support extending recycling collection for non-eligible sources (e.g., ICI sector) at this time. 

Integrity Commissioner report 

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Norfolk County Council received the Integrity Commissioner’s report regarding a code of conduct complaint. The report concluded that a member of Haldimand Council was responsible for a breach of confidentiality. Norfolk County Council reaffirmed that the investigation followed proper process and was independent of political influence.   

Deputations 

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Council heard from several deputations: 

• Gary De Bock opposed a zoning bylaw amendment for 711 Schafer Side Road, citing planning law violations. 
• Joe Guzzi (Dillon Consulting) presented on a revised zoning by-law amendment application for phase two of the Big Sky subdivision on Butternut Drive in Simcoe, reducing the proposed units from 172 to 156. 
• Eldon Darbyson from Vallee Consulting responded in support of the 711 Schafer Side Road zoning by-law amendment application and clarified the use as transitional housing. 
• Eldon Darbyson presented on the zoning by-law amendment for 711 Main Street, confirming the form of housing as a 12-unit stacked townhouse. 
• Paula Jongerden spoke in support of strengthening the language in the Mayor’s motion on the Forestry Farm Road gas well. 

Drainage reports 

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Council approved several drainage reports: 

• McCall Drain: Reassessment for future maintenance. 
• McCoy Drain: Partial abandonment and reassessment. 
• Mills-South Norwich Drain Branch A: New branch drain to support subdivision development. 
• Drainage Act Report Closures: Closure of four drainage projects deemed not feasible or completed through alternate means. 

Planning applications 

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Council approved the following planning applications: 

• ZNPL2025149: Rezoning for 78 townhouses and 78 accessory dwelling units on Butternut Drive in Simcoe. 
• OPNPL2025272 and ZNPL2025289: Removal of intake protection zones from the Official Plan and Zoning By-law related to Lehman’s Dam. 
• ZNPL2025173: Rezoning for 12-unit stacked townhouse at 711 Main Street in Port Dover. 
• OPNPL2025130 and ZNPL2025131: Official Plan amendment and Zoning By-law amendment for indoor sports and recreation use at 105 Donly Drive in Simcoe. 
• ZNPL2025148: Rezoning to permit permanent transitional housing at 711 Schafer Side Road. 

Council referred the application for 9 Scott Drive in Port Dover back to staff for further review following public concerns. 

Mayor’s Motion – Forestry Farm Gas Well 

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Council approved Mayor Martin’s motion requesting the Province of Ontario to: 

• Publicly release findings from the Montrose Environmental report. 
• Provide regular updates to Norfolk County and Grandview Public Health. 
• Continue collaborative efforts to resolve the gas well issue. 

Bylaws 

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Council approved several bylaws, including those related to drainage works and planning applications. Bylaw 14.13 (related to 9 Scott Drive) was removed due to the application being referred back to staff.