Body: Council Type: Minutes Meeting: Regular Date: February 10, 2026 Collection: Council Minutes Municipality: Central Frontenac
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The Corporation of the Township of Central Frontenac Regular Meeting of Council -Minutes
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM Council Chambers, 14216 Road 38, Sharbot Lake, ON
Roll Call Members: Mayor Frances Smith , Councillors Susan Irwin , Dan Meeks , Phillip Smith , Nicki Gowdy , Duncan McGregor , Bill Everett , Lynn Klages , and Deputy Mayor Cindy Kelsey Regrets: Staff in Attendance: Cathy MacMunn, CAO/Clerk; Jody Legue, Deputy Clerk; Abigail McKinnon, Planning Coordinator; Chris Nelson, Community Services Coordinator; Andy Dillon, Chief Building Official; Steve Gould, Public Works Manager; Amanda Fellows, Public Works Technical Assistant 1.
Call to Order Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Land Acknowledgement We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin nation.
National Anthem Please stand for the National Anthem
Approval of the Agenda
MOTION NO. 2026-37 Moved by: Susan Irwin Seconded by: Dan Meeks
THAT the agenda for the regular meeting of Council to be held on February 10, 2026, be approved as amended, by moving Item 19) Closed Session to follow Item 7) Mayor’s Remarks. Carried 5.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Approval of the Minutes
MOTION NO. 2026-38 Moved by: Phillip Smith Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy THAT the minutes from the regular meeting of Council held on January 27, 2026, be approved as presented. Carried 7.
Mayor’s Remarks The Frontenac Heritage Festival is being held this weekend throughout Central Frontenac.
Closed Session a.
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Resolve into Closed Session
MOTION NO. 2026-39 Moved by: Cindy Kelsey Seconded by: Susan Irwin THAT Council resolve into closed session pursuant to S.239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to discuss advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. S.239(2)(f) Carried b.
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Rise from Closed Session
MOTION NO. 2026-40 Page 2 of 19
Moved by: Bill Everett Seconded by: Dan Meeks THAT Council rise from closed session pursuant to S.239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to discuss advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. S.239(2)(f) AND FURTHER THAT staff carry out instructions received from Council in closed session. Carried
Public Meeting
Consent Agenda
MOTION NO. 2026-41 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Bill Everett THAT items a) through e) be accepted for information as they are considered routine. Carried a.
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Correspondence Received February 10, 2026
- Letter dated January 21, 2026, from Township of Southgate regarding OMERS Bill 68
- Letter dated January 15, 2026, from EORN, January 2026 Cell Gap Monthly Update
- Letter dated January 26, 2026 from Fort Francis, regarding Call on Province of Ontario to Establish an Ontario Airport Capital Assistance Program
- Letter dated January 21, 2026, from Municipality of St. Charles, regarding Nation Building Improvements to Highway 11/17
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Letter dated January 20, 2026, from the Township of Assiginack regarding Elbows Up Climate Action 6. Letter dated January 28, 2026 from Northumberland County regarding the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) 7. Letter dated January 20, 2026 from Township of Assiginack regarding the Closure of Life Labs Northern Locations 8. Letter dated February 2, 2026, from Municipality of Markstay Warren regarding the closure of the LifeLabs Laboratory in Greater Sudbury 9. Letter dated February 3, 2026, from the Municipality of Central Manitoulin a support resolution regarding Peterborough motion regarding sustainable funding or police services. 10. Letter dated January 26, 2026 from the Municipality of North Perth a support resolution regarding Peterborough motion regarding sustainable funding or police services. 11. Letter dated January 26, 2026 from the Municipality of North Perth a support resolution Regarding the Municipality of North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford OPP Detachment Board regarding enhanced school bus safety. 12. Letter dated February 6, 2026 from Whitby to Remove the GST.HST from all new homes purchased as primary residences in Ontario.
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Sharbot Lake Farmers Market Minutes January 28, 2026
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Eastern Ontario Reginal Network (EORN) Update January 2026
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Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority Board Minutes January 23, 2026
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Central Frontenac Recreation Advisory Committee (CFRAC) Minutes November 27, 2026 (including District #1 Recreation Committee Minutes)
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Deferred Items None
Staff Reports/Departmental Updates a.
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Report no. 017-2026 Page 4 of 19
Development Services Building Activity January 2026
MOTION NO. 2026-42 Moved by: Lynn Klages Seconded by: Cindy Kelsey THAT the Construction Details – January 2026 report be received for information, as presented by the Chief Building Official Carried b.
Report no. 018-2026 Development Services Building Deficit
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MOTION NO. 2026-43 Moved by: Bill Everett Seconded by: Duncan McGregor THAT Council receive the Building Services Deficit report as prepared by the Chief Building Official for information; AND FURTHER THAT Council understands the funding challenges associated with applying the Ontario Building Code retroactively through septic reinspection programs and highlights the differences between Building Code and Fire Code enforcement funding models. Carried c.
Report no. 019-2026 Public Works Activity Report January 12B
MOTION NO. 2026-44 Moved by: Dan Meeks Seconded by: Susan Irwin THAT Council receive the Public Works Activity Report as presented by the Public Works Manager for information. Page 5 of 19
Carried Council asked about the salt shortage in Ontario and requested that staff do additional education on social media about salt and sand use and all winter operations. d.
Report no. 020-2026 Public Works Supply and Delivery of Gravel
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MOTION NO. 2026-45 Moved by: Nicki Gowdy Seconded by: Lynn Klages THAT Council receive the Supply and Delivery of Gravel Recommendation report for information; AND THAT Council approve the Public Works Manager’s recommendation to award the Supply and Delivery of Gravel contract to Gemmill’s Sand and Gravel in the amount of $402,690 excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Public Works Manager to issue a purchase order for the work; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried e.
Report no. 021-2026 Public Works Supply and Delivery of %35 Calcium Chloride 14B
MOTION NO. 2026-46 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Cindy Kelsey
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THAT Council receive the Supply and Delivery of 35% Calcium Chloride Recommendation report for information; AND THAT Council approve the recommendation of the Public Works Manager to award the Supply and Delivery of 35% Calcium Chloride contract to Da-Lee in the amount of $0.405 per litre for 20,000-litre loads and $0.495 per litre for 10,000-litre loads excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Public Works Manager to issue a purchase order for the work and coordinate the seasonal deliveries; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried f.
Report no. 022-2026 Public Works Micro Surfacing
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MOTION NO. 2026-47 Moved by: Cindy Kelsey Seconded by: Dan Meeks THAT Council receive the Micro-Surface Recommendation Report for information; AND THAT Council direct staff not to award Tender PW-202601 Micro-Surface Program as all bids received exceeded the approved budget allocation; AND THAT Council authorize staff to re-tender the MicroSurface Program in order to seek more competitive pricing and ensure best value for the Township;
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AND THAT staff report back to Council with the results of the re-tender process for consideration and potential award. Carried g.
Report no. 023-2026 Public Works Plow Truck
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MOTION NO. 2026-48 Moved by: Phillip Smith Seconded by: Duncan McGregor THAT Council receive the Plow Truck Recommendation report for information; AND THAT Council accept the recommendation of the Public Works Manager and award the tender PW-2026-02 to Freightliner North Bay in the amount of $411,000 excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the Public Works Manager to issue a purchase order and finalize all necessary documents; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract when required. Carried h.
Report no. 024-2026 Public Works Estimated Curbside Waste Collection Costs 17B
MOTION NO. 2026-49 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy
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THAT Council receive the Estimated Curb-Side Waste Collection Cost Analysis Report as prepared by the Public Works Technical Assistant for information. Carried Council discussed the need for more information to consider placing a question on the ballot for residents to decide if they would like to pay a levy increase to have curbside garbage collection., to be further discussed later in the meeting. i.
Report no. 025-2026 Public Works Kennebec Custodial Services
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MOTION NO. 2026-50 Moved by: Lynn Klages Seconded by: Cindy Kelsey THAT Council receive the Kennebec District Custodial Services Recommendation Report for information; AND THAT the Public Works Manager has reviewed and evaluated the tender submission and is recommending that the contract be awarded to TK Cleaning Services, being the lowest compliant bidder at $18,500 excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accept the recommendation of the Public Works Manager, and that the Public Works Manager be authorized to issue a purchase order for custodial services for a term of one (1) year in the Kennebec District; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried j.
Report no. 026-2026 Public Works Olden Custodial Services
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MOTION NO. 2026-51 Moved by: Dan Meeks Seconded by: Bill Everett THAT Council receive the Olden District Custodial Services Recommendation Report for information; AND THAT the Public Works Manager has reviewed and evaluated the tender submission and is recommending Cleaning with Cloovi to be awarded, being the lowest and only bidder at $23,500 excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accept the recommendation of the Public Works Manager and that the Public Works Manager be authorized to issue a purchase order for the custodial services for a term of one (1) year in the Olden District; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried k.
Report no. 027-2026 Public Works Oso Custodial Services
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MOTION NO. 2026-52 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Susan Irwin THAT Council receive the Oso District Custodial Services Recommendation Report for information; AND THAT the Public Works Manager has reviewed and evaluated the tender submission and is recommending that the contract be awarded to Vinkle Cleaning Services, being the most compliant bidder at $77,511 excluding HST; Page 10 of 19
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accept the recommendation of the Public Works Manger, and that the Public Works Manager be authorized to issue a purchase order for custodial services for a term of one (1) year in the Oso District; AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried l.
Report no. 028-2026 Public Works Hinchinbrooke Custodial Services
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MOTION NO. 2026-53 Moved by: Phillip Smith Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy THAT Council receive the Hinchinbrooke District Custodial Services Recommendation Report for information; AND THAT the Public Works Manager has reviewed and evaluated the tender submissions and is recommending that the contract be awarded to Vinkle Cleaning Services, being one of the lowest and compliant bidder at $13,187 excluding HST; NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT Council accept the recommendation of the Public Works Manager, and that the Public Works Manager be authorized to issue a purchase order for the custodial services for a term of one (1) year in the Hinchinbrooke District;
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AND THAT the Mayor and CAO/Clerk be authorized to sign the final contract. Carried m.
Report no. 029-2026 Public Works Canadian Geese at Local Beaches
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MOTION NO. 2026-54 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Dan Meeks THAT Council receive the report regarding the management of Canadian Geese at municipal beaches for information; AND FURTHER THAT Council direct [does not direct] staff to proceed with Option 4 – the Combined Preventative Approach to address geese impacts at municipal beaches, as outlined in the report. Deferred Council requested more information on cost of deterring geese from the Sharbot Lake Beach. n.
Report no. 030-2026 Public Works Draft Parking Bylaw Update
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MOTION NO. 2026-55 Moved by: Cindy Kelsey Seconded by: Phillip Smith THAT Council receive the report regarding the updated parking by-law considerations for information; AND THAT Council is satisfied with the Public Works Manager recommendation to allow parking in selected locations at the Crow Lake and Long Lake Beach until an alternate solution can be considered; Page 12 of 19
AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to not investigate potential properties or locations that may be suitable for parking near Crow Lake and Long Lake beaches, and to report back to Council if directed to do so. Carried o.
Report no. 031-2026 Administration Zoning Bylaw Penalty and Compliance Options
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MOTION NO. 2026-56 Moved by: Susan Irwin Seconded by: Bill Everett THAT Council receive the Education, Enforcement and Penalty Options Report as prepared by the Planning Coordinator for information; AND THAT Council consider and provide guidance with respect to potential fee structures and enforcement tools to address development occurring without required planning approvals or permits; AND FURTHER THAT Council provide comments in writing to the Planning Coordinator by March 3, 2026. Carried p.
Report no. 032-2026 Administration Natural Heritage Consultation Contract 25B
MOTION NO. 2026-57 Moved by: Bill Everett Seconded by: Lynn Klages THAT Council receive the report titled EnVision Contract for Natural Heritage Consultation as prepared by the Planning Coordinator for information; Page 13 of 19
AND FURTHER THAT Council authorize the Mayor and CAO to enter into and execute an agreement with Envision Consultants Ltd. for natural heritage consulting services. Carried q.
Report no. 033-2026 Administration Feral and Free Roaming Cat Options
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MOTION NO. 2026-58 Moved by: Cindy Kelsey Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy THAT the Feral and Free Roaming Cat Report be received for information, as prepared by the Deputy Clerk. Carried Council commented that they would like to see more education done on Feral and Free Roaming Cats and the resources available to residents. r.
Report no. 034-2026 Administration Question on the Ballot in 2026 Election
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MOTION NO. 2026-59 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy Amended Motion: WHEREAS Section 8(1)(b) and (c) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 authorizes a municipality to submit one or more questions to electors on the ballot during a municipal election by by-law; AND WHEREAS Council has expressed an interest in placing one or more non-binding questions on the ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election; Page 14 of 19
AND WHEREAS, subject to compliance with all legislative requirements, the following questions be placed on the ballot:
- Are you in favour of the Township implementing a municipal garbage collection program beginning in 2028, to be funded through property taxes?
- Are you in favour of the Township continuing the septic reinspection program, to be funded through property taxes? NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to initiate the process required under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 to place non- binding question(s) as purposed in the report on the ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election; Carried s.
Report No. 035-2026 Administration Clarification on Council Direction for Municipal Support Resolutions
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MOTION NO. 2026-60 Moved by: Phillip Smith Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy THAT Council confirm the direction given at the January 27, 2026, meeting of Council regarding Municipal Support Resolutions; AND THAT staff be directed to send a letter to the Independent Electricity System Operator requesting the removal of municipal support resolution requirements from its tendering and procurement processes; AND THAT staff be directed to develop a policy governing the processing of all municipal support resolutions or letters of support, for Council’s review and consideration. Carried Page 15 of 19
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Committee/Other Reports
Communication/Correspondence for Action
Bylaws/Agreements
Notice of Motion
Giving Notice of Motion a.
Councillor Gowdy hereby gives Notice of Motion regarding Alto Rail .
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MOTION NO. 2026-61 Moved by: Nicki Gowdy Seconded by: Phillip Smith WHEREAS Section 12.2 of Procedural By-law No. 2023-53, as amended, governs the process for the introduction of Notices of Motion; AND WHEREAS Council has received a Notice of Motion from Councillor Gowdy regarding Alto Rail, and Councillor Gowdy has requested the Notice of Motion be introduced at the February 10, 2026 meeting; AND WHEREAS Section 3.3 of Procedural By-law No. 2023-53, as amended, permits Council to suspend the rules and regulations for a single occasion by resolution with the approval of at least two-thirds of Council; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council suspend Section 12.2 of Procedural By-law No. 2023-53, as amended, for the purpose of allowing the Notice of Motion regarding Alto Rail to be introduced and if seconded, debated and
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considered at the February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council. Carried
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Motion Regarding Alto Rail by Councillor Gowdy Amended Motion:
MOTION NO. 2026-62 Moved by: Duncan McGregor Seconded by: Nicki Gowdy THAT Council direct staff to investigate the feasibility of establishing a staff position dedicated to government relations and advocacy on behalf of the Township; AND THAT the investigation include associated costs, potential funding sources, and options for shared-service arrangements with neighbouring municipalities; AND THAT staff report back to Council with findings and recommendations regarding opportunities to strengthen advocacy efforts with the Federal and Provincial governments in support of the Township’s rural interests. Recorded Vote F. Smith No C. Kelsey Yes C. Klages Yes
B. Everett No S. Irwin No D. McGregor Yes
N. Gowdy Yes D. Meeks Yes P. Smith Yes
Original Motion
MOTION NO. 2026-63 Moved by: Nicki Gowdy Seconded by: Phillip Smith WHEREAS Alto, a federal crown corporation, whose role is to establish a high-speed rail (HSR) network between Toronto Page 17 of 19
and Quebec City has recently released possible route options with one coming through the Township of Central Frontenac; AND WHEREAS Alto has stated that the proposed northern corridor, will have higher construction and operations costs and there will be no longer term economic benefit to the municipality due to no proposed stop; AND WHEREAS Central Frontenac takes pride in its rural character, the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, it lakes and forested landscapes, and its natural features that define the Canadian Shield and support a strong recreational and tourism economy; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT with the limited information and consultation that has been provided to date, the Council of the Township of Central Frontenac will not support the proposed northern corridor going through its Township; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed that this motion be sent to the Hon. Steve MacKinnon, Federal Minister of Transportation, The Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, MP Scott Reid, Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, MPP John Jordan, Mark Imbleau, the President of Alto, and all neighbouring municipalities within the proposed HSR corridors. Carried 18.
New/Other Business None
Adjournment
MOTION NO. 2026-64 Moved by: Dan Meeks Page 18 of 19
Seconded by: Cindy Kelsey THAT By-Law 2025-06 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the regular council meeting held February 10th, 2026, be read first, second, and third time, and finally passed this 10th day of February, 2026; AND FURTHER THAT this meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026 , at 1:00 p.m. for a special meeting of the Council, said meeting to be held in the Council Chambers at 14216 Road 38, Sharbot Lake, Ontario. Carried
Frances Smith, Mayor
Cathy MacMunn, CAO/Clerk
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