The Township of Amaranth Council Meeting

Minutes

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Council Chambers
Council Present:
  • Mayor, C. Gerrits
  • Deputy Mayor, G. Little
  • Councillor, S. Graham
  • Councillor, B. Metzger
  • Councillor, A. Stirk
Staff Present:
  • CAO/Clerk, N. Martin
  • Deputy Clerk, H. Boardman
  • Treasurer, S. VanGerven
  • Roads Superintendent, K. Watson
  • Consulting Township Planner, V. Schmidt
  • Administrative Assistant, T. Burrell

The Township of Amaranth Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday February 19, 2025, commencing at 9:00 a.m.


The CAO/Clerk determined quorum was obtained and the meeting was able to proceed.  

Mayor Gerrits called the Meeting to Order at 9:01 a.m.

The Mayor read the Land Acknowledgement declaration that was provided in the agenda.

  • Resolution #:1
    Moved by:S. Graham
    Seconded by:A. Stirk

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
    Council do hereby approve the agenda as circulated.

    CARRIED

Council was reminded that they could declare a conflict at any time during the meeting should one arise.

Mayor Gerrits is working on this project in his professional capacity. 

None for this meeting.

None for this meeting.

Karen Webster, Bill McCutcheon and Dawn VanKampen from the local International Plowing Match (IPM) committee were in attendance to provide a presentation to Council on the summary of the IPM event in 2023.

The IPM committee advised that $30,000.00 of the event proceeds will be donated to the Township in order to establish a pickleball court for the community.

  • Resolution #:2
    Moved by:G. Little
    Seconded by:A. Stirk

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council support the formation of a committee to be formed to oversee the plan.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution #:3
    Moved by:G. Little
    Seconded by:B. Metzger

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council now hold a Public Meeting under the Planning Act regarding the following:

    Z09-2024 – Welk (agent) Yee (owner)  – Concession 8 East Part Lot 20 no municipal address assigned

    Z11-2024 – Spremulli – Concession 10 West Part Lot 7 East Part Lot 7 being 193415 Amaranth East Luther Townline

    B07-2024 – Neebar – Part lot 13 Concession 7 being part 1 7R476 municipally known as 294153 8th Line

    CARRIED

Zoning Bylaw Amendment application Z09-2024 Welk (Yee) 

The CAO/Clerk read the regulations and advised that notice has been provided in accordance with the Planning Act. The Consulting Township Planner reviewed the report and advised the purpose and effect of the Zoning By-law Amendment is to permit a detached accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use.

The Consulting Township Planner advised that not all comments were received from the circulated agencies at the time of writing the report. All other comments were noted in the report.

Council discussed the comments from the Mississauga’s of the New Credit First Nation on both of the zoning applications being discussed in the public meeting regarding the need for a Stage 1 Archeological Assessment. The Consulting Township Planner advised that the list of criteria would be reviewed and that they will work with the First Nations regarding the approach to satisfying the comments. 

Andrew Welk and Erin Maltais, the applicants, and Nancy, the applicants mother-in-law, were in attendance for questions and comments.

Comments received in writing from Tara Fradette:

Jerome and I had inquired about an additional residence and were told not an option.  Only a temporary structure could be built using "existing" septic and well.  

Now we see that this property is sold and they are most likely going to be granted the thing we were denied.

In addition, we were told those 2 x 10 acre properties were red circled on the mapping and this would not allow any residential buildings to be built as too close to the farm across the street.

Today, Valerie stated 437 meters from the barn and the new build would only be 120 meters, therefore within range?

This applied to a residential build, and now not only are we getting 1 house, but 2.

In addition, it is protected by Grand River conservation. Wouldn't an application to this authority be required for the same?

Valerie Schmidt mentioned an amendment to the rural zoning to include an additional dwelling unit. The 1st resident being 140.7 square meters (1514 sq ft) and 2nd being 81.2 sq meters (874 sq ft).  

2 septic, 1 well

Later, in her summary, she states each dwelling has its own septic and well.

Q: Which is it?

She also states no enquiries or concerns from enbridge?

This properties do not have gas lines, they are propane.  

My questions and concerns under the RU-33 and EP-17 are the following:

1) Grand river protected. Where will the layout of these homes be located on the property?

2) Septic needs to accomodate property. Allowance for 1 septic on this land as per current policy.

3) hydro one - the current houses on 8th line (294550 & neighbour) shall be reimbursed for the hydro costs that were paid at the time of building.

4) remainder a healthy natural environment.

5) conservation of natural features

If no residential structures are allowed under the Environmental policy, then how are 2 structures allowed. Doesn't application have to exist to the Grand River?

You are aware of my concerns from my previous email and decisions by your office that did not allow us to add an additional residence for our parents for similar reasons, yet, this is ok?

Thanks for your time, Take care, Tara Fradette 

No other comments were received from the public at the meeting.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment application Z11-2024 Spremulli

The Administrative Assistant read the regulations and advised that notice has been provided in accordance with the Planning Act. The Consulting Township Planner reviewed the report and advised the purpose and effect of the Zoning By-law Amendment is to permit a detached additional dwelling unit as a permitted use. 

The Consulting Township Planner indicated that not all comments were received from the circulated agencies at the time of writing the report. All other comments were noted in the report.

Council discussed the comments from the Mississauga’s of the New Credit First Nation and the Consulting Township Planner advised she will follow up with the requirements from the First Nations. Council requested further information from the First Nations if there are areas of concern in the Township that they could provide. 

Vincent Spremulli, the applicant, attended the meeting for questions and comments. Mr. Spremulli advised the dwelling is intended to be built on the existing footprint of the dwelling that previously burnt down. 

No other comments were received from the public at the meeting.

Consent application B07-2024 Neebar

The Administrative Assistant read the regulations and advised that notice has been provided in accordance with the Planning Act. The Consulting Township Planner reviewed the report and advised the purpose and effect of the Consent application is to create one new rural lot for residential purposes.

The report was provided as information and the Consulting Township Planner recommended the application be refused as it is not consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 and does not conform to the County of Dufferin Official Plan. The Consulting Township Planner indicated that not all comments were received from the circulated agencies at the time of writing the report. All other comments were noted in the report. 

Chris Corosky and Jeff Buisman from Van Harten Surveying Inc., the applicants, and Anil Neebar, the property owner, were present at the meeting for questions and comments. The Applicants reviewed the details of the proposed severance and requested Council support on the application. The Applicant suggested that upon conditional approval they would be agreeable to having a condition that an agricultural impact assessment be completed. The Applicant confirmed that there is no dwelling currently on the property. The property owner advised that a building permit has been issued on the retained portion of the property. 

Council discussed the application and made comments. The Consulting Township Planner confirmed this would be the third severance on the property from the original parcel. 

No other comments were received from the public at the meeting.

  • Resolution #:4
    Moved by:A. Stirk
    Seconded by:S. Graham

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council do now adjourn the Public Meeting held under the Planning Act and resume regular business.

    CARRIED

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

9.1

 

Councillor Metzger and Councilor Graham volunteered to be a part of the IPM committee to be formed. 

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

Official Plan Amendments 132 & 135

065371 Dufferin County Road 3 (SPA-24) - Third submission circulation

Council discussed concerns with water management and drainage to surrounding properties. 

Town-Initiated Official Plan Amendment for Growth Management and Phasing Policies - POPA 2025-0002

File No.: DPS 20/02 & Z20/02 - 416-428 Main St,  West - 4th Submission

  • C. Gerrits declared a conflict on this item. (Mayor Gerrits is working on this project in his professional capacity. ;)

The Mayor had declared a conflict with this item, passed the chair to the Deputy Mayor and left the room for the discussion on this item. 

Council discussed the proposed development location and had no comments to provide. 

The Mayor resumed the chair after the discussions. 

10.5

 

Nothing at this time. 

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

Roads update

The Roads Superintendent reviewed the report as presented. The report provided an update on winter operations, fleet maintenance, Waldemar water storage upgrades and upgrades to the public works building. 

Council wished to thank the roads crew for their efforts on maintaining the roadways during the recent winter conditions. 

The CAO/Clerk advised that the works have been completed and the by-law is intended to pass later in the meeting. 

11.3

 

A break was taken from 10:37 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

Auditors Services RFP Results

Expenses

Council directed the Treasurer to break down the line items or have an explanatory note on the report to provide clarity on the expenses incurred by the Township.

Infrastructure Ontario Loan Application FA1959

Council discussed the report as presented and directed the Treasurer to proceed with the 15 year term. 

Budget Discussions

Council discussed the 2025 draft budget as presented and provided direction to the Treasurer on adjustments to the proposed budget.

The Roads Superintendent provided information on current staffing and reviewed the benefit of adding a full time operator to the roads department for consideration in the 2025 budget. 

Council requested a reserve schedule be included with the final draft budget at the next meeting. 

  • Resolution #:5
    Moved by:A. Stirk
    Seconded by:B. Metzger

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council approve the addition of a Full Time Equipment Operator for the Roads Department in the 2025 budget. 

    CARRIED

12.5

 

Nothing at this time.

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

December 2024 and January 2025

  • Resolution #:6
    Moved by:S. Graham
    Seconded by:A. Stirk

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council requests the Province assist with financial support to the Crime Stoppers program and;

    That a copy of the motion be circulated to AMO and all County of Dufferin Municipalities. 

    CARRIED

13.3

 

Nothing at this time.

The following items were received and/or dealt with:

Minutes January 7, 2025

Minutes December 17, 2024

Minutes January 2025

Minutes January 16, 2025

NVCA letter to Township of Amaranth Mayor and Council

14.6

 

Nothing at this time.

None for this meeting.

Easter Egg Hunt

  • Resolution #:7
    Moved by:S. Graham
    Seconded by:G. Little

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Council supports the In-Kind donation of the Banquet hall on April 12, 2025 and approves the expenses of approximately $400.00 for the Easter Egg Hunt and Food Drive Event. 

    CARRIED

Background


Dufferin County was founded in 1881, being created from parts of the counties of Grey and Simcoe, on the north and east, and from the County of Wellington on the south and west. From 1881 until March 27th, 2015 all planning within Dufferin County was completely solely at the local municipal level.


On March 19, 2013 the Province of Ontario amended Regulation 352/02 of the Planning Act (Mandatory Adoption of Official Plans), requiring Dufferin County to adopt an Official Plan via Section 1(2) of Regulation 352/02;


(2) If an upper-tier municipality that is named in subsection (1) does not, on March 19, 2013, have an approved official plan, the council of the municipality shall prepare and adopt a plan and submit it for approval on or before March 31, 2015. O. Reg. 101/13, s. 1.


The County’s Official Plan was approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) on March 27th, 2015. It should be noted that Regulation 352/02 requires Dufferin County to have an Official Plan but it does not compel Dufferin County, or any of the twenty nine (29) municipalities named under Section 1, to develop a Planning Department. The Province of Ontario does require that all lower tier Official Plans must comply with the upper tier Official Plan.


The County's OP Section 1.1.4 Purpose of the Plan Subsection 5 states that the purpose of the Official Plan is to "Guide private investment through land use and development policies to ensure efficient development approvals and administrative processes consistent with the County’s goals and objectives."


Section 3.7.1 Affordable Housing subsection c) further states that it is the policy of the County that "the County will encourage the provision of affordable housing where appropriate, through: iii. supporting the reduction of housing costs by streamlining the development approvals process...."


Dufferin County's Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026 identifies Governance as a priority area with a stated objective to "explore opportunities to ensure effective and efficient service delivery..."


The Township of Amaranth's Strategic Plan was based on the Foundational Pillar: Manage an Efficient and Effective Township.


I believe that the County having approval authority for planning applications is counter to the stated goals of the County's OP and Strategic Plan as well as the Township of Amaranth's Strategic Plan and Foundational Pillar. It has been observed since the provincial approval of the County's OP that approvals for planning applications take longer and cost the applicant significantly more money that at the Township level. As the Province mandates that all Upper Tier Official Plans cannot be more restrictive that local Official Plans, if a planning application meets the requirements for the local Official Plan it is not possible to fail to meet the requirements of the County's OP and is therefore a complete duplication of effort.


The Planning Department at the County serves a role in providing input and support to local municipalities as well as completing regular conformity reviews and other studies required by the Province and this function should remain at the County level. 


 


Notice of Motion


Whereas Dufferin County's Official Plan as required by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) on March 27th, 2015 represents a duplication of effort already completed by the Township of Amaranth through their long standing development review and approval process.


and whereas both the County of Dufferin and the Township of Amaranth have an expressed desire to streamline the development approval process and ensure the efficient delivery of services to the residents of the Township of Amaranth;


Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Amaranth request that the County of Dufferin delegate all authority for planning approvals within the Township of Amaranth to the Township of Amaranth effective immediately.


OR 


Therefore, be it resolved that the Township of Amaranth request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) remove planning authority from Dufferin County as they similarly did with other upper tier municipalities as part of Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act in 2022.

  • Resolution #:8
    Moved by:B. Metzger
    Seconded by:G. Little

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
    Council move to a Closed Meeting pursuant to Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons:

    Third Party information supplied in confidence to the municipality - pricing for truck

    CARRIED

19.1
Pricing for Truck

 

19.2
Adoption of Closed Meeting minutes

 

February 5, 2025

19.3
Rise and Report from Closed Meeting

 

It was confirmed that the only items discussed in closed session were those items on the closed agenda. Items discussed in closed and instruction to staff were affirmed. No other matters resulting of the closed meeting.

  • Resolution #:9
    Moved by:A. Stirk
    Seconded by:S. Graham

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
    Council do now rise and report from Closed Meeting.

    CARRIED

20.

 

Notice of intention to pass the following By-Laws:

  • Resolution #:10
    Moved by:B. Metzger
    Seconded by:G. Little

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Leave be given to introduce a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing from OILC to meet expenditures in connection with such capital works and that it be given the necessary readings and be passed and numbered as the next sequential number

    CARRIED
  • Resolution #:11
    Moved by:A. Stirk
    Seconded by:S. Graham

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Leave be given to introduce a by-law to provide for maintenance and repair to the Hamilton Drainage Works and for the borrowing on the credit of the municipality the amount required for such work; and that it be given the necessary readings and be passed and numbered as the next sequential number

    CARRIED
  • Resolution #:12
    Moved by:G. Little
    Seconded by:B. Metzger

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

    Leave be given to introduce a by-law to appoint municipal auditors; and that it be given the necessary readings and be passed and numbered as the next sequential number

    CARRIED
  • Resolution #:13
    Moved by:A. Stirk
    Seconded by:S. Graham

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
    Leave be given to introduce a by-law to confirm the Regular Meeting of Council of the Township of Amaranth for February 19, 2025; and that it be given the necessary readings and be passed and numbered as the next sequential number.

    CARRIED

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 12:24 p.m.

  • Resolution #:14
    Moved by:B. Metzger
    Seconded by:G. Little

    BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
    Council do now adjourn to meet again for the Regular Meeting of Council on Wednesday March 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or at the call of the Mayor.

    CARRIED
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