SPECIAL AGENDA – AGENDA 63
CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
September 9, 2026, at 5:00 pm
Laird Township Fairgrounds: 127 Lake George Road East
Present: Mayor: Shawn Evoy
Councillors: Todd Rydall, Wayne Junor, Brad Shewfelt
Regrets: Matt Frolick
Clerk: Jennifer Errington
Acting Road Supt.: Ed Lapish (6:00 to 8:44 p.m.)
Guests: Mark Lajamb, Jeremy Van Hoek, Donnie Varcoe
1. Call to Order
Mayor Evoy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
3. Agenda Approval
#206-26
Moved by: Brad Shewfelt
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the September 9, 2026,
agenda as presented.
Carried.
4. Delegations and Presentations
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
6. Adoption of Accounts
7. Staff and Committee Reports
8. Unfinished Business
9. New Business
a. Laird International Raceway – End-of-Season Site Visit
Council conducted the annual end-of-season walkthrough of the Laird International Raceway as required under Section 6.1(16) of the Lease Agreement to ensure the Premises is left in good condition and not in disrepair.
i. General Condition of Grounds and Facilities
Council inspected the general condition of the Premises. Council noted that guardrail repairs remain outstanding; the Tenant advised that replacement guardrails are available and will be installed. Council also noted vehicles remaining on the Premises, and the Tenant committed to arranging their removal.
Council confirmed that washroom fixtures and toilets have been replaced. Structural repairs to the washroom building remain outstanding. Council recommended that the Tenant install a pressure tank in the canteen buildings to address water pressure concerns, consistent with the pressure tank installed in the public washrooms.
ii. Outstanding Items from 2025 Season – Completion Review
Council confirmed that all outstanding items identified during the 2025 season have been completed.
iii. Outstanding Items from June 3, 2026 Site Meeting – Completion Review
Council reviewed the outstanding items identified during the June 3, 2026 walkthrough. Council confirmed that guardrail repairs remain outstanding and will be completed by the Tenant.
iv. Lease Compliance Review
Council conducted a review of compliance with several obligations under the Lease Agreement, including:
- Grandstand Structural Engineer Report
Council confirmed whether the Tenant submitted the required annual structural engineer inspection prior to the first race, as required under s. 6.1(4). - Public Washrooms – Maintenance & Shared Repairs
Council reviewed the condition of the public washrooms. The Tenant reported that approximately $3,000 in repairs were completed, and the Township installed 1/4-turn shut-off valves. Council confirmed that all required washroom maintenance items have been completed. - Grounds Maintenance & Drainage
Council confirmed grass cutting, general grounds upkeep, and proper drainage from the centre of the track, as required under ss. 6.1(14–15). - Fuel Handling & Environmental Compliance
Council verified compliance with Ministry of Environment requirements and confirmed that no underground fuel tanks had been installed, pursuant to s. 6.1(3). - Noise Testing Compliance
Council confirmed that noise testing is conducted at the property line, 108 feet from the track, in accordance with the Lease. Council also confirmed that racing does not occur after 11:00 p.m. - Race Schedule Compliance
Council confirmed compliance with permitted racedays, hours, and maximum number of races under ss. 6.1(10–12).
v. Lease Agreement Timeline
Council discussed the current lease agreement (June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2027) and initiated preparations for renewal discussions with the Tenant.
Council was advised that Laird International Inc. will be the contracting party for the new lease. Jeremy Van Hoek will serve as the primary contact for lease negotiations, with Mark Lajambe also involved. Jeremy noted concerns regarding the age and condition of the grandstands and requested an agreement in principle to provide clarity for future responsibilities. Council requested that Jeremy obtain an agreement in principle for Council’s review.
Jeremy advised that arrangements are being made to clean under the bleachers and begin guardrail work.
Council agreed to proceed with drafting a new lease agreement with Laird International Inc. and to schedule a meeting with the Tenant to discuss renewal terms, proposed amendments, and expectations for the next lease period.
b. Fairgrounds Horse Barn Repairs
The Acting Road Superintendent informed Council that the 2026 budget includes $5,000 for repairs to the horse barns. Due to current staffing shortages, it is not feasible to complete the work in-house using municipal labour. The Acting Road Superintendent requested authorization to use the allocated $5,000 to hire a contractor to complete the required repairs.
#207-26
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council amends the 2026 budget to authorize the use of the $5,000 allocated for horse barn repairs to hire a contractor to complete the work.
Carried.
10. Notices of Motion
11. Closed Session
12. Communications and Correspondence
13. Mayor and Council Comments
14. By-laws
a. 2095-26 Conformity By-law
#208-26
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2095-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on September 9, 2026.
Carried.
15. Adjournment
#209-26
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewflet
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on September 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or until the call of the chair.
Carried.
Mayor – ___________________________
Shawn Evoy
Clerk – ___________________________
Jennifer Errington