Regular Council Meeting Agenda 65 – October 15, 2026

Public Meeting under Sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act for the Adoption of the Joint Official Plan

The Township of Laird. Agenda item 2a. PDF page 6.

In accordance with Sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., C.P. 13, as amended, The Township of Laird is holding a Public Meeting to adopt the Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board.

The Official Plan is a statement of goals, objectives and policies to guide future growth within the Planning Area townships for a twenty to thirty (20-30) year horizon. As the Township of Laird does not currently have an Official Plan in effect, adoption of the Joint Official Plan through the Planning Board process will establish the Township’s first Official Plan.

The purpose of this Official Plan is to implement a shared vision for land use planning and development for this Township and other municipalities that form part of the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board area. The Official Plan incorporates new provincial policy directions and considers local planning issues that impact your community.

The Official Plan will apply to all lands within the Township of Laird.

Any person wishing to speak to this matter was directed to contact the Township Clerk by Friday, October 9 at 5:00 p.m. to register to participate in the public meeting. No request has been received.

Appeals

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Laird before the proposed official plan is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Laird before the proposed official plan is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

Is there anyone present who wishes to speak to the proposed By-law?

Do members of Council wish to comment on the proposed By-law?

Hearing no further comment, and having met the requirements for this Public Meeting under the Planning Act, this meeting under the Planning Act is hereby closed at (blank) pm.

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Council Regular Meeting Minutes – September 17, 2026 (Agenda 64)

Mayor:

Shawn Evoy

Councillors:

Todd Rydall, Wayne Junor, Brad Shewfelt, Matt Frolick

Clerk:

Jennifer Errington

Acting Road Supt.:

Ed Lapish (6:00 to 8:06 p.m.)

1. Call to Order

Mayor Evoy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

3. Agenda Approval

4. Delegations and Presentations

5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

1. Council Regular Meeting – August 20, 2026
2. Recreation Committee Meeting – August 25, 2026
3. Recreation Committee Meeting – September 8, 2026
4. Council Special Meeting – September 9, 2026

6. Adoption of Accounts

a. General accounts to August 31, 2026

b. Roads accounts to August 31, 2026

7. Staff and Committee Reports

a. Road Superintendent (Roads, Waste Disposal & Recycling, and Maintenance)

i. Road Superintendent Report – Verbal Report

ii. Council Q&A

b. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer

i. Clerk’s Report – Verbal Report

ii. Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log
iii. Concern/Information Log – Updates

iv. Council Q&A

c. Treasurer’s Report

d. Recreation Committee & Recreation Sub-Committees

i. Bar River Hall Minutes – September 2, 2026

e. Cemetery Board

f. Planning Board

i. Memo: Joint Official Plan: Peer Review Status & Next Steps

g. Police Detachment Board

h. Algoma District Services Administrative Board (ADSAB)

i. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)

8. Unfinished Business

a. Government Road Bridge Repairs – Geotechnical Investigation for Settlement Analysis of Government Road Bridge, Laird, ON

9. New Business

a. Letter of Intent – Laird International Raceway

b. 2027 Laird International Raceway (LIR) Schedule of Events

c. Waste Disposal Site Fall Clean-up – October 17 and 18, 2026 – set dates

d. Council Interview Participation – Seasonal Grounds Manager Recruitment

Council confirmed that they would not participate in the interview process for the Seasonal Grounds Manager position. The Mayor declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in the discussion.

e. Finns’ Bay Road South Road Association – Resignation

10. Notices of Motion

11. Closed Session

Closed Session Items

1. Approval of closed meeting minutes – August 20, 2026.
2. Employee medical leave update – s.239(2)(b).
3. Employee Return-to-work update – s. 239 (2)(b).
4. Potential Employee and preliminary suitability – s. 239 (2)(b).

Consideration of and action on matters arising out of the closed meeting.

12. Communications and Correspondence

a. Support Resolution, RE: MFOA Request for the Permanent Doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) Beyond 2026.

13. Mayor and Council Comments

Council noted that the June Council honourarium payment for all members was missed and received later than expected. Council requested that staff review the Council Honourarium By-law, including payment frequency (monthly versus quarterly) and the current mileage rate, and report back with options in the New Year.

Council further requested that Council honourarium payments be included on the General Accounts Listing.

14. By-laws

a. 2096-26 Conformity By-law

15. Adjournment

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General Payables for September 2026

Township of Laird. Agenda item 8a. PDF page 13.

Where a payee has more than one line, the payee name appears once in the original; it is repeated here so each row reads on its own. Blank cells are blank in the original.

Accounts certified correct. Motion # (blank). (Signed) Mayor.

To Treasurer of Laird Township Authority Herewith To issue payment of Accounts Certified by Clerk as listed above. (Signed) Clerk.

I hereby certify that Accounts listed above have been paid, and amounts are charged to proper expenditure appropriation. Date Passed by Council (blank). (Signed) Treasurer.

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Road Department Voucher Listing, September 2026

Township of Laird, Road Department. Voucher No. 1, dated 9/30/26. Agenda item 8b. PDF page 14.

Where a payee has more than one line, the payee name appears once in the original; it is repeated here so each row reads on its own. Blank cells are blank in the original.

Accounts certified correct. Motion # (blank). (Signed) Road Superintendent.

To Treasurer of Laird Township Authority Herewith To issue Cheques in payment of Accounts Certified by Road Superintendent as listed above. (Signed) Mayor.

I hereby certify that Accounts listed above have been paid, and amounts are charged to Road Expenditure Appropriation. Date Passed by Council (blank). (Signed) Treasurer.

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Memo: Road Tour Report – August 26, 2026

Township of Laird memorandum. Agenda item 9a(iii). PDF pages 48 to 51.

Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Mayor Evoy and Council

From:

Jennifer Errington, Clerk Administrator

Subject:

Road Tour Report – August 26, 2026

Overview

The Annual Road Tour was conducted on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., beginning at the Municipal Garage, 149 Pumpkin Point Road West. As stated in the Public Notice, “The purpose of the tour is to review locations identified by the Road Superintendent and to consider any road concerns submitted by residents.” All members of Council were present except Councillor Matt Frolick. The Acting Road Superintendent and Clerk Administrator also participated.

Consistent with the Public Notice, “No decisions will be made during the tour. A report will be presented at the next Regular Meeting of Council for consideration.” This report summarizes observations and identifies items requiring Council direction.

Summary of Locations Reviewed

Items Requiring Council Direction

Council may wish to provide direction on the following:

1. Approval of repairs and maintenance at 149 Pumpkin Point Road West (seal, sign, flag pole, soffit).
2. Confirmation of the 2-year drainage plan for 68 Pumpkin Point Road West.
3. Direction regarding stump grinding and inclusion in the 2027 Pumpkin Point Park Committee budget.
4. Approval to remove old dock and proceed with procurement of a floating aluminum dock for Point Drive North, to be included in 2027 Pumpkin Point Park Committee budget.
5. Direction on tree removal at 14 Lapish Road to expand parking.
6. Approval of shoulder cutting throughout the Township.
7. Direction regarding plow turnarounds at Isbester Road and Riley Road.
8. Confirmation of culvert repair priority at 2052 Government Road.
9. Approval of guardrail installation on Government Road per OSIM recommendation.
10. Direction on Town Line Road widening and potential expropriation review.
11. Direction on drainage improvements and culvert review at Finns’ Bay Road North.
12. Approval of crushed asphalt application at Finns’ Bay Road turnaround.

Recommendation

Recommended Motion:

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Task Summary Sheet – Recent Activity Log

Agenda 65, October 15, 2026. Agenda item 9b(ii). PDF pages 52 to 54.

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Complaint & Concern Log

Township of Laird. Agenda 65, October 15, 2026. Agenda item 9b(iii). PDF pages 55 to 56.

Entries that are new since the last Council meeting are marked New and shaded yellow.

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2026 General Budget – Variances until August 31, 2026

Township of Laird, Treasurer’s Report. Agenda item 9c(i). PDF pages 57 to 69.

The report is shown as nine tables, one for each part of the budget. The line numbers match the original report. Negative amounts are shown with a minus sign. In the original, the operating projects table labels its last two columns “Cost”, and those labels are kept here.

• Revenue
• General operating expenditures
• Heritage operating expenditures
• Recreation operating expenditures
• Transportation expenditures
• Other expenditures
• Operating projects and 5 year plan projects
• Capital 5 year plan projects
• Capital transportation, reserves and totals

Revenue

General operating expenditures

Heritage operating expenditures

Recreation operating expenditures

Transportation expenditures

Other expenditures

Operating projects and 5 year plan projects

Capital 5 year plan projects

Capital transportation, reserves and totals

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Laird Hall Committee Meeting Minutes – September 21, 2026

Agenda item 9d(i). PDF pages 70 to 72.

Date:

September 21, 2026, 2026, 2026

Time:

5:30 p.m.

Place:

Laird Hall

Present:

Cheryl Frenette, Faye Crozier (Chair), Heather Taylor, Jo-Anne Entwistle (Recording Secretary), Wayne Junor

Regrets:

Linda Kiraly, Glen Irwin, Building Inspector and Project Manager

Chair:

Faye Crozier

Delegation and guests:

Shawn Evoy, Laird Township Mayor; Jennifer Errington, Laird Township Clerk; Darren Walker, MET Engineering; Gavin Grant, cabinet maker

1. Call to Order/Review Agenda

(ON MOTION # 21-26) Moved by Heather Taylor, Seconded by Cheryl Frenette.

“That the meeting be called to order by Faye Crozier, chairperson, and that the committee approve the Laird Hall Meeting Agenda of September 21, 2026.”

CARRIED

2. Minutes of July 29, 2026 (printed & circulated)

(ON MOTION # 22-26) Moved by Cheryl Frenette, Seconded by Wayne Junor.

“That the committee approve the Laird Hall Sub-Committee minutes of July 29, 2026.”

CARRIED

3. Delegations and Presentations

Darren Walker of MET Engineering submitted specifications for the renovation of Laird Hall. It was also requested that the Laird Hall Committee answer the following questions.

1. Is there a flooring preference type for the kitchen? Answer: Recommendations for flooring were requested
2. Is the intent to provide new gypsum board walls and ceiling in the kitchen? Answer: Yes
3. Are windows needed in the new Madawaska double doors? Answer: No
4. Can we shift the new barrier free entry door east to ensure we have our 2′ dimension from the top of the ramp to the latch side of the door? Answer: No. Modify or extend the existing ramp.
5. How would you like to have the new barrier free entry door to operate. Door to have Panic Exit Hardware on the inside, Lever Lock set on the outside with Electric Door operator. Answer: Dead bolts
6. Will the township dog the latch when the electric operator needs to function? Answer: Same as the Bar River Hall. Shawn will consult with MET concerning this mechanism.
7. Are we including for new dishwasher? under counter? Residential or under counter commercial? Answer: Yes. Commercial

There was discussion regarding the three sink and hand wash station requirements for Laird Hall. Jennifer Errington, Laird Township Clerk will reach out to the Algoma Public Health Unit to determine hand wash sink requirements for a three sink kitchen.

There was discrepancy between the MET specifications for the kitchen and Gavin Grant’s specifications for the cupboards. Shawn Evoy, Gavin Grant and Darren Walker adjourned to the kitchen to investigate these discrepancies. The Laird Hall Committee will be advised of the result of this discussion at a later date.

Business Arising from Minutes

1) Laird Hall Caretaker Report – Heather Taylor

1. Two mice have been trapped but none lately.
2. The curling group will be using the hall for five Fridays. The Municipal Election will be held in the Laird Hall. After the election the hall will be closed for renovations. Jennifer Errington was requested to post in the Laird Newsletter and on the Laird Township website the closure of Laird Hall.
3. Heather Taylor raised a concern for the storage of the contents of the hall. She queried when to remove the contents and where to store them during the renovation. It was suggested that Laird Staff and/or Laird Council address this matter.

Other/New Business

1) Sylvan Circle Coffee Break Laird Hall

Cheryl Frenette and Jo-Anne Entwistle reported that the Sylvan Circle Coffee Break operated from approximately 10:00 AM to Noon. It was a successful morning. The Coffee Break made $210.20

2) Five Year Plan

Laird Hall Five Year Plan, commencing the year of 2027

• Year 1 (2027): new garbage bin and items not covered by he NOHFC Grant
• Year 2 (2028): new siding, accessible folding table for kitchen
• Year 3 (2029): upgrade washroom sinks and counter tops
• Year 4 (2030): replace tall storage cabinets in the kitchen, replace the entryway counter and build new storage cabinet in the entry way
• Year 5 (2031): complete anything not finished from Year 1-4

(ON MOTION # 23-26) Moved by Wayne Junor, Seconded by Cheryl Frenette.

“That the Laird Hall Five Year Plan commencing 2027 be adopted as developed.”

CARRIED

8. Correspondence – None

9. Questions and Concerns – None

Adjournment

(ON MOTION #24-26) Moved by Heather Taylor, Seconded by Wayne Junor.

“That the September 21, 2026 meeting be adjourned and the Laird Hall Committee will meet again on Tuesday, September February 16, 2027 at 6:30 p.m. at the Laird Township Office. The meeting date and venue are subject to change.”

CARRIED

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Finns’ Bay Wharf Committee Meeting Minutes – September 30, 2026

September 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Location: Todd Rydall’s Home. Agenda item 9d(ii). PDF pages 73 to 74.

Present:

Todd Rydall (Chair), Jo-Anne Entwistle (Recording Secretary), Brad Shewfelt, Lee Ranta, Carol Ranta, Karolina Dick.

Regrets:

Donna Connolly, John Hooper

1. Call to Order/Review the Agenda

(ON MOTION # 18-26) Moved by Carol Ranta, Seconded by Karolina Dick

“That the meeting be called to order by Todd Rydall, chairperson, and that the committee approves the Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-committee Agenda of September 30, 2026.”

CARRIED

2. Minutes of June 24, 2026

(ON MOTION #19-26) Moved by Lee Ranta, Seconded by Brad Shewfelt

“That the committee approves the Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-Committee minutes of June 24, 2026 as presented”

CARRIED

3. Delegations and Presentations – None

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

1) Update by Todd Rydall on:

• handicap outhouse: handicap outhouse is now nailed shut to avoid use. A large amount of stone has been moved by the Road Department in preparation for the handicap outhouse placement. Road Department will contact Todd when the hole will be dug and the outhouse put in place
• flag pole and flag: flag replaced due to holes in flag
• widening of gazebo door and construction of ramp: hoping it will be done soon
• left gate and large rocks moved: Someone removed the left gate and moved the large rocks. The Road Department reinstalled the gate and rocks

2) Meet and Greet – Sunday August 23, 2026

Approximately 45 people attended this year. There were a number of different people from the event two years ago. It was suggested that the Meet and Greet be held annually. Some new activities such as washer toss, corn hole and horseshoes could be included. A corn boil along with the hot dogs was discussed.

(ON MOTION #20-26) Moved by Lee Ranta, Seconded by Carol Ranta

“That the Wharf Committee continue to host the Meet and Greet but rather than biannually it will be an annual event.”

CARRIED

6. New Business

Five Year Plan for the Finns’ Bay Wharf Commencing 2027.

• Year 1 (2027): Annual Meet and Greet, fill in gaps between the wharf steel wall and grass with clay based topsoil, brush hog the parking lots and put a stone berm to cover concrete.
• Year 2 (2028): Annual Meet and Greet, three benches, set of steps at the front gazebo door, open up access to the beach
• Year 3 (2029): further expand beach, three more benches
• Year 4 (2030): 24′×36′ gazebo and concrete pad
• Year 5 (2031): power in gazebo and property maintenance

(ON MOTION #21-26) Moved by Carol Ranta, Seconded by Karolina Dick

“That the Finns’ Bay Wharf 5 Year Plan composed on September 30, 2026 and commencing in 2027 be accepted as developed.”

CARRIED

7. Correspondence – None

8. Questions and Concerns – None

9. Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday, January 27, 2027 at 6:00PM. Location: Laird Township Office

Adjournment

(On MOTION # 22-26) Moved by Lee Ranta, Seconded by Karolina Dick

“That the September 30, 2026 meeting be adjourned and the Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-committee will meet again on Wednesday, January 27, 2027 at 6:00 PM at the Laird Township Office.”

CARRIED

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Cemetery Board Minutes – Monday, October 5, 2026

Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Location: Cemetery. Agenda item 9e(i). PDF pages 75 to 77.

Chairperson:

Shawn Evoy

Members:

Brad Shewfelt, Merril Evoy, Darrin Evoy

Regrets:

Allen Cook, Matt Frolick

Secretary-Treasurer:

Jennifer Errington

1. Routine Matters

a) Approval of Agenda

b) Approval of Cemetery Board Minutes of April 29, 2026

2. Delegations

3. Business Arising out of the Minutes

a) Plot map & layout – Chair’s Update

The Chair provided a verbal update on the plot map and layout project, which remains in progress. Staff were requested to have copies of the cemetery maps produced at Dumanski Office Interiors to ensure they are preserved.

b) DRAFT Cemetery By-law – Secretary-Treasurer/Clerk Update

The Secretary-Treasurer/Clerk advised that a revised draft, incorporating comments from the April 29, 2026 meeting, will be presented at the Spring 2027 meeting for review.

c) Phase 3 – Stone Straightening Capital Project

The Chair reported that Bailey Contracting was awarded the tender. Based on the price per stone, Council adjusted the requested 100 stones to 80 to remain within budget. The Chair noted that he and Merril Evoy marked the 80 stones and the required lines. Bailey Contracting is scheduled to begin work on October 6, 2026. The Acting Road Superintendent has been advised and will oversee the project while the Chair is out of town.

The Board reviewed the marked lines and directed that, if funds remain in the budget, topsoil be placed to fill the hollows.

The Board discussed removing the heaved fence posts and installing new posts to serve as line markers.

d) East Line Property Purchase – Secretary-Treasurer/Clerk Update

The Secretary-Treasurer/Clerk provided an update on the East Line property purchase. An issue has been identified with the title on the road allowance. The Board suggested that the Secretary-Treasurer/Clerk contact Verna Lapish to assist in identifying the location of the landowner of the road allowance.

e) North Side Access Road – Site Review

The Board discussed that the preferred approach for developing the North Side would be to complete an as-built to intake a plan for the North Side.

4. New Business

a) Memo: 2026 Internment/plot sales (to date)

Board reviewed report.

5. Five-year plan

The Board discussed updating the Five-Year Plan and identified the following items for inclusion:

• 2026: Road Department to remove the fallen tree.
• Straighten the new section of the cemetery prior to straightening the middle (old) section.
• Replace fencing and install new fence posts, spaced nine feet apart, to establish plot lines.
• Repair ravine erosion using lock blocks.

6. Budget

The Board requested that the Road Department obtain pricing for lock blocks required to repair the ravine erosion, for inclusion in the 2027 Budget. The Board also expressed interest in displaying veteran flags for Remembrance Day 2026. Merril Evoy will look into obtaining the flags.

7. Correspondence

8. Meetings

a) Set dates for next meeting (April & October)

9. Adjourn meeting

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Memo: Seasonal Grounds Manager Recruitment

Township of Laird memorandum. Agenda item 10a. PDF pages 78 to 79.

Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Mayor Evoy and Council

From:

Jennifer Errington, Clerk Administrator

Subject:

Seasonal Grounds Manager Recruitment

Purpose

To inform Council of the outcome of the 2026 recruitment process for the Seasonal Grounds Manager position, as authorized by Resolution #223-26.

Background

At the September 17, 2026 Council meeting, Council delegated authority to staff to proceed with the hiring of the Seasonal Grounds Manager before the next Regular Council Meeting. Council confirmed they would not participate in the interview process, and the Mayor declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in the discussion.

Recruitment Process

Interviews were held on September 23, 2026, in the morning at the Municipal Office.

Interview panel members:

• Ed Lapish, Acting Road Superintendent
• Jennifer Errington, Clerk

A structured scoring guide was used, with a maximum achievable score of 108 points, evaluating experience, technical skills, communication, and overall suitability. Five candidates were interviewed, and the panel noted that the applicant pool was strong.

The recruitment process was conducted in accordance with the Township’s Hiring Policy, including the conflict-of-interest provisions.

Evaluation Results

Following completion of the scoring process, Conor Evoy achieved the highest overall score among all candidates.

In accordance with the Township’s Hiring Policy and the authority delegated by Council, staff proceeded with offering the position to the highest-scoring candidate.

Outcome

Connor Evoy accepted the position and commenced training on Monday, September 28, 2026. Orientation and onboarding were completed through the Acting Road Superintendent.

Recommendation

That Council receives this report for information.

Recommended Motion:

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Memo: Christmas Closure 2026

Township of Laird memorandum. Agenda item 11a. PDF page 80.

Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Mayor Evoy and Council

From:

Jennifer Errington, Clerk Administrator

Subject:

Christmas Closure 2026

Background/Overview

Administrative staff respectfully request Council’s approval to close the municipal office at noon on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026 and open again Monday, January 4, 2027, to allow for Christmas celebrations and regeneration. Based on the statutory holidays, to be off these days, three days would be taken as vacation time or banked time.

As per the Employment Agreement, vacation time of one week or more in duration shall be reported to Council. The Clerk requests to be off from Monday, December 21, 2026, to January 4, 2027, taking two full weeks off.

The Waste Disposal Site will not be affected by the holiday this year and will be open as usual.

The roads department will technically be closed on the statutory holidays but will work as needed for winter operations.

If this recommendation is approved, the municipal office will be closed from noon on Thursday, December 24, until Monday, January 4, 2027.

Financial Impact

There is very minimal financial impact, save for reduced use of heat and hydro. Staff would be required to use their own time for December 29, 30, and 31.

Recommendation

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Memo: Waste Disposal Site – Winter Operating Hours and Safety Concerns

Township of Laird memorandum. Agenda item 11c. PDF pages 92 to 95.

Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Mayor Evoy and Council

From:

Jennifer Errington, Clerk Administrator

Subject:

Waste Disposal Site – Winter Operating Hours and Safety Concerns

Purpose

To provide Council with information regarding safety concerns raised by the Waste Disposal Site Attendant related to winter operating hours, and to outline options available to Council, including the process required to amend the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) should Council wish to permanently change the hours of operation.

Background

The Township’s Waste Disposal Site is currently approved to operate:

• Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (fall and spring clean-ups only)

These hours are established in the Township’s Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA A561202) issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

The Waste Disposal Site Attendant recently returned to work following a one-year absence. During her re-orientation, she expressed significant concern regarding public safety during winter operations, specifically:

• By approximately 5:00 p.m. in winter months, the site is fully dark.
• The Township does not have hydro service at the site.
• The former solar lighting system at the upper tipping area is no longer functional and was never repaired.
• The Attendant’s primary work location is the Share Shed, which is far from the tipping area, making it difficult to monitor activity in the dark.
• While the Attendant uses a generator to power lights inside the Share Shed, there is no lighting at the tipping area or entrance, creating a risk that a resident could slip, fall, or enter unsafe terrain without being seen.

The Attendant has requested that Council consider adjusting winter operating hours to 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. to avoid being open after dark unless lighting is installed.

Historically, the Township operated with summer and winter hours, but those schedules did not fully address the early darkness in December and January.

Analysis

1. Safety Considerations

Operating the Waste Disposal Site in darkness presents several risks:

• Reduced visibility at the tipping face
• Increased risk of falls or missteps near the waste mound
• Limited ability for the Attendant to supervise activities
• Potential liability exposure for the Township
• Difficulty ensuring compliance with ECA requirements for supervision and site security

Given the lack of hydro service, the site cannot be lit without either:

• Installing new solar lighting, or
• Bringing hydro to the site, which would be a significant capital project.

2. Option A – Permanently Change Operating Hours (Requires ECA Amendment)

The ECA allows temporary extensions of hours with District Manager approval, but permanent changes require a formal amendment under s.20.2 of the Environmental Protection Act.

To permanently change hours (e.g., 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. year-round or seasonally), the Township must:

1. Submit an ECA Amendment Application through the MECP online portal.
2. Provide:
   • A cover letter explaining the rationale for the change
   • Updated Design & Operations Report (D&O Report) reflecting new hours
   • Confirmation of supervision and security
   • Any environmental or nuisance considerations
   • Council resolution (recommended)
3. Await MECP review and approval.
4. Update signage and public communications once approved.

This process typically takes several months depending on MECP workload.

3. Option B – Install Solar Lighting at the Tipping Area and Entrance

If Council wishes to maintain current hours, lighting must be restored to ensure safe operations.

This option would involve:

• Purchasing and installing solar-powered floodlights at:
  • The tipping area
  • The entrance gate
• Ensuring lighting is adequate for supervision and public safety
• Maintaining the lighting system annually

This option avoids the need for an ECA amendment but requires capital investment.

4. Option C – Reinstate Seasonal Hours (Summer/Winter)

Council may choose to reinstate seasonal hours similar to past practice, but any permanent change to the approved hours still requires an ECA amendment.

Seasonal hours could be:

• Summer (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 3–7 p.m. Wednesdays; 9–5 Saturdays
• Winter (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 1–5 p.m. Wednesdays; 9–5 Saturdays

This option improves safety but still requires MECP approval.

Financial Consideration

Option A (ECA Amendment):

• Staff time to prepare application
• Possible consultant costs for updating the D&O Report

Option B (Solar Lighting):

• Cost of solar lighting units and installation
• Ongoing maintenance

Option C (Seasonal Hours):

• Same costs as Option A (ECA amendment)

Recommendation

Staff recommend that Council consider the safety concerns raised by the Attendant and provide direction on whether to pursue:

1. An ECA amendment to permanently adjust winter operating hours to 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; OR
2. Installation of solar lighting at the tipping area and entrance to allow safe operation during current hours; OR
3. A combination of both, such as reinstating seasonal hours and installing minimal lighting.

Staff further recommend that Council direct the Clerk Administrator to:

• Obtain cost estimates for solar lighting; and
• Prepare the necessary documentation for an ECA amendment should Council choose to proceed.

Recommended Motion:

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Correspondence: Sault Naturalists, RE: Thank you

Email to clerk@lairdtownship.ca. Agenda item 14b. PDF page 98.

From:

Ron Prickett

Sent:

September 23, 2026 11:37 AM

To:

clerk@lairdtownship.ca

Subject:

Township trailer use for Pumpkin Point Rd Platform demolition

Hello Jennifer,

Will you please pass on our thanks to the Laird Township Council for the use of the Laird Township trailer and access to the waste depot.

Special thanks to Ed for the three trips he made in a very timely fashion.

Ron Prickett
President Sault Naturalists

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By-law Number 2097-26

The Corporation of the Township of Laird. Agenda item 16a. PDF page 99.

Being a By-law to adopt the Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area.

WHEREAS Section 17(22) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. c. P. 13, as amended, enables the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird to pass a by-law to adopt an Official Plan;

AND WHEREAS the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board has prepared an Official Plan for the geographic Townships of Johnson, Tarbutt, Laird, and Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional;

AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provided comments on the proposed Official Plan on March 16, 2026;

AND WHEREAS the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board has reviewed the input from the public and the Ministry;

AND WHEREAS open houses were held on July 7, 2026 for the purpose of giving the public an opportunity to review and ask questions about the proposed Official Plan;

AND WHEREAS a public meeting was held on October 15, 2026 for the purpose of presenting the draft Official Plan for Council and the public’s review and comment prior to adoption;

NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird enacts as follows:

1. The Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area, consisting of the attached text and schedules, is hereby adopted for the Township of Laird.
2. The Clerk is authorized and directed to make application to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval of the aforementioned Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area consisting of the Townships of Johnson, Tarbutt, Laird, and Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional.
3. This By-law shall come into force in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13, as amended.

READ and passed in Open Council this 15th day of October 2026.

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By-law Number 2098-26

The Corporation of the Township of Laird. Agenda item 16b. PDF page 100.

BEING A By-law to authorize the acquisition of real property for municipal purposes.

WHEREAS Section 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority;

AND WHEREAS Section 5(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a municipal power shall be exercised by by-law unless the municipality is specifically authorized to do otherwise;

AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird considers it necessary and desirable to acquire certain real property for municipal purposes, including the expansion and integration of lands associated with the Municipal Garage property;

NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird enacts as follows:

1. That the Corporation of the Township of Laird hereby authorizes the acquisition of the following lands: Part of Lot 10, Registered Compiled Plan H760; being part of PIN 31469-0226, municipally known as 121 Pumpkin Point Road, (the “Property”).
2. That the purchase price for the Property shall be Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), plus applicable taxes, fees, and closing adjustments.
3. That the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Kyle Nolan Delhenty and all other documents required to complete the transaction, including conveyancing and registration documents.
4. That the closing date for the acquisition shall be November 27, 2026, or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
5. That the acquisition shall be funded from the following source: General Reserve.
6. That the Township’s solicitor is authorized to complete all necessary conveyancing, registration, and closing matters on behalf of the Township.
7. That the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to sign all documents and take all actions necessary to give effect to this by-law.
8. That this by-law shall come into force and take effect on the date of its passing.

READ and passed in Open Council this 15th day of October 2026.

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By-law Number 2099-26

The Corporation of the Township of Laird. Agenda item 16c. PDF page 101.

BEING A BY-LAW to confirm proceedings of the meeting of Council, October 15, 2026.

WHEREAS Section 5(3) of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, as amended, requires a municipal council to exercise its power by by-law except where otherwise provided;

AND WHEREAS in many cases, action which is taken or authorized to be taken by a Council or a Committee of Council does not lend itself to an individual by-law;

THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:

1. THAT the action of the Council at its meeting on October 15, 2026, in respect to each motion, resolution and other action passed and taken by the Council at its said meeting, is, except where prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board is required, hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed.
2. THAT the Mayor and the proper officers of the Township are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain approvals where required, and to execute all documents as may be necessary and directed to affix the Corporate Seal to all such documents as required.

READ and passed in Open Council this 15th day of October 2026.

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Attachments available in the PDF only

The following attachments are scanned images, mostly from outside organizations. They are included in the full agenda package (PDF) but are not available as web text. To get any of them in an accessible format, contact the Township office at 705-248-2395 or info@lairdtownship.ca.

• 2026 Bridge Inspection Report and OSIM Inspection (R&R Engineering Service, and the Bar River Bridge OSIM inspection form), PDF pages 15 to 47. Agenda item 9a(ii). The package includes pages 1 to 16 of the 132-page report. The full report can be viewed at the Township Office.
• By-law 2001-23, Health and Safety Policy, and Violence and Harassment Policy, PDF pages 81 to 91. Agenda item 11b.
• ROMA 2027 Conference, early bird registration email, PDF pages 96 to 97. Agenda item 14a. The conference runs January 24 to 26, 2027, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto; early bird registration ends October 30.

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