The Corporation of the Township of Laird

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2025

REGULAR AGENDA – AGENDA 49 CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD November 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm Laird Township Council Chambers

Present: Mayor:

Shawn Evoy Councillors:

Todd Rydall, Brad Shewfelt, Wayne Junor Regrets:

Matt Frolick Clerk:

Jennifer Errington Road Superintendent: David Pollari Treasurer:

Rhonda Crozier Delegates:

Robert Peace, Erik Crowther (virtual attendance)

1. Call to Order

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

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

N/A

3. Agenda Approval

#245-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the November 20, 2025, agenda as presented, with the addition to add agenda item 9 c. Municipal Garage Furnace. Carried.

4. Delegations and Presentations

  1. a. Rock Network – Community Engagement Manager, Robert Peace (virtual)
  2. i. Fiberoptics update and community engagement meeting
  • Presented Council with Laird Township Connectivity Initiative: Project Status Briefing – Status Update on Priority 1 High-Speed Fibre Deployment.
  • Rock Networks confirmed intent to correct all brushing and backfill concerns.
  • Rock Network is in the process of organizing a community outreach meeting for the Laird Township.

5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

  1. a. Council Regular Meeting – October 16, 2025
  2. b. Recreation Committee Meeting – October 28, 2025 #246-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves minutes of the Regular Council meeting of October 16, 2025, and the Recreation Committee Meeting of October 28, 2025.

Carried.

6. Adoption of Accounts

  1. a. General accounts to October 31, 2025 #247-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the general accounts to October 31, 2025, in the amount of $27,705.22.

Carried.

  1. b. Roads accounts to October 31, 2025 #248-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the roads account to October 31, 2025, in the amount of $40,263.72.

Carried.

7. Staff and Committee Reports

  1. a. Road Superintendent (Roads, Waste Disposal & Recycling, and Maintenance)
  2. i. Road Superintendent Report #249-25 Moved by: Todd Rydal Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Road Superintendent Report dated November 20, 2025, as presented.

Carried.

  1. ii. 5-Year Road Equipment Plan 2025-2029 – Updated September 30,

#250-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 5-Year Road Equipment Plan 2025-2029 – Updated September 30, 2025. Carried.

#251-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Todd Rydall BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Laird Council does support the East Algoma Superintendent’s resolution in prohibiting Beamish Construction Ltd. from tendering for surface treatment for a period of two years as part of the Amalgamated Tender. Carried.

  1. iii. Memo: Second Entrance Culvert – Cost Process Under By-law 1017-19 #252-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Township of Laird receives the staff report regarding the cost process for culverts under By-law 1017-19; and THAT staff be directed to prepare a draft amendment to By-law 1017-19 to clearly outline cost responsibilities.
  2. iv. Council Q&A N/A

b. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer

  1. i. Clerk’s Report #253-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Clerk’s Report dated November 20, 2025, be received as presented, and that the following actions be approved or directed arising from the report:
  2. 1. Fiber Optics – Update

THAT Council acknowledge the scheduled attendance of Rock Networks’ Community Engagement Manager, Robert Peace, at the November 20, 2025 Council meeting to address installation concerns, damages, and next steps. Rock Networks confirmed their intent to correct all brushing and backfill concern; AND THAT Council be advised of the approved installation of four (4) poles along MacDonald Drive, as underground boring is not feasible; AND THAT Council acknowledge that as-built drawings will be provided to the Township upon completion of the project.

  1. 2. Fire Agreement & Fire Truck – Update THAT Council acknowledge the ongoing discussions with Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional (MMAA) regarding the structure of the fire services and capital investment agreements; AND THAT Council note the RFP award details for the new fire truck from Fort Garry Fire Trucks Ltd., including payment requirements and the Township’s responsibility for $120,250 plus HST in 2026 for its share of the chassis cost.
  2. 3. Caputo Subdivision – Update THAT Council receive the update regarding the Crown-owned 30-metre waterfront strip and associated development restrictions.
  3. 4. Upcoming Conferences – Information THAT Council consider attendance at the 2026 FONOM and ROMA conferences and direct staff to proceed with registration as determined by Council.
  4. 5. Laird Hall Rental Agreement THAT Council does not approve the implementation of a $50.00 hall setup fee when renters require the tables and chairs to be arranged in a specific layout by the caretaker.
  5. 6. Insurance Renewal 2026 – Update THAT Council acknowledge that staff have submitted the required renewal documents and will be notified once the fees for service are received.
  6. 7. East Algoma Road Superintendents Association (EARSA) – Update THAT Council note EARSA’s passage of Motion 2025-01 and the concerns raised by the Central Algoma Clerks Association; AND THAT Council acknowledge the upcoming November 17, 2025 meeting to review EARSA’s procurement practices.
  7. ii. Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log
  8. iii. Concern/Information Log – Updates #254-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the November 20, 2025, Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log and the Concern/Information Log as presented.

Carried.

  1. iv. Council Q&A N/A

c. Treasurer’s Report

  1. i. Budget report up to September 30, 2025 #255-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Budget Report up to September 30, 2025.

Carried.

d. Recreation Committee & Recreation Sub-Committees

  1. i. Bar River Hall Sub-committee Minutes – February 13, 2025
  2. ii. Bar River Hall Sub-committee Minutes – June 11, 2025
  3. iii. Bar River Hall Sub-committee Minutes – September 3, 2025
  4. iv. Pumpkin Point Park Sub-committee Minutes – October 21, 2025 #256-25 Moved by: Brad Shewfelt Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Bar River Hall Sub-committee Minutes of February 13, 2025, June 11, 2025 and September 3, 2025, and the Pumpkin Point Park Sub-committee minutes dated October 21, 2025.

Carried.

  1. e. Cemetery Board
  2. f. Planning Board
  3. g. Police Detachment Board
  4. h. Algoma District Services Administrative Board
  5. i. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)

8. Unfinished Business

  1. a. NOHFC Grant – Laird Hall #257-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt WHEREAS the Council of the Township of Laird has identified improvements to the Laird Hall—an important community hub—as a municipal priority; and WHEREAS the Township of Laird supports and approves the submission of an application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) under the Rural Enhancement Fund for a funding request in the amount of $199,000;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Laird confirms its commitment to providing the required municipal contribution of $19,900 (10%) toward the project; and FURTHER THAT the Township agrees to cover any project cost overruns, should they occur. Carried.

9. New Business

  1. a. Planning: Application for Consent – L2025-06 Evoy Lot Addition #258-25 Moved by: Brad Shewfelt Seconded by: Todd Rydall BE IT RESOLVED that Council approves consent application L2025-06 severance/lot addition.

Carried.

  1. b. Pothole Prevention and Repair Program – MTO #259-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt WHEREAS the Ministry of Transportation is offering funding through the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program to help small municipalities repair and prevent potholes; and WHEREAS the Township of Laird wishes to apply for this funding to support needed road maintenance work; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Laird approves applying to the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program for the 2025– 2026 year; and

FURTHER THAT Council authorizes staff to complete and submit all required documents through TPON; and FURTHER THAT the Township commits to covering any ineligible costs or project overruns if necessary, and agrees to follow all program guidelines and reporting requirements. Carried.

  1. c. Municipal Garage Furnace – Emergency Replacement #260-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledges that the Municipal Garage furnace has now completely failed and requires immediate replacement; AND THAT in accordance with the Township’s Procurement Policy, By-law 832- 04, Section 5.0.3 (Emergency Purchases), Council deems it desirable to award a non-competitive contract due to the urgent need for installation and limited unit availability; AND THAT Council approves the quote from DCR HVAC for the supply and installation of a Lennox ML196E 135,000 BTU furnace at the Laird Township Garage in the amount of $8,700.00 plus HST, with a $5,000.00 down payment required to secure the unit; AND FURTHER THAT the total cost of the purchase and installation be funded from Municipal Reserves; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to proceed with the purchase and installation immediately.

Carried.

10. Notices of Motion

N/A

11. Closed Session

#261-25 Moved by: Brad Shewfelt Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed into closed session at 8:34 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 (2) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and in accordance with Section 239 (2) (d) labour relations or employee negotiations. Carried.

  1. a. Approval of closed meeting minutes of September 18, 2025 and October 16, 2025.
  2. b. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
  3. c. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
  4. d. Labour relations or employee negotiations.

#262-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council come out of closed meeting session at 8:55 p.m. and continue with the Regular Council Meeting. Carried.

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

#263-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the closed meeting Report to Council regarding the request for an extension to Building Permit 01-25 and the Temporary Trailer Residence at 151 Lake George Road West; AND THAT Council approves a six-month extension to Building Permit 01-25, with the conditions that construction begin by the end of May 2026 and that the foundation be substantially completed within 30 days of commencement;

AND THAT the Temporary Trailer Residence Permit remain valid for the duration of the extended active building permit;

AND FURTHER THAT staff monitor the property for compliance and report back to Council as needed. Carried.

#264-25 Moved by: Brad Shewfelt Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council amend the Stand-By Policy to include the Senior Machine Operator as eligible for stand-by pay, with compensation set in accordance with existing policy procedures. Carried.

12. Communications and Correspondence

  1. a. Support Resolution: Township of McGarry, RE: Aerial Spraying, October 14,

#256-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt WHEREAS the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, plans to begin aerial spraying of glyphosate-based herbicides starting on or before August 10, 2025, in the Timiskaming Forest; and WHEREAS the Timiskaming Forest covers a significant portion of the Municipality of McGarry and neighbouring municipalities, and this activity may impact residents and ecosystem; and WHEREAS new scientific evidence published since Health Canada’s last assessment of glyphosate in 2017 has linked glyphosate-based end-use products to cancer, metabolic and neurological diseases, reproductive toxicity, and ecosystem harm; and WHEREAS the Province of Quebec banned the use of glyphosate for forestry purposes in 2001 and replaced aerial herbicide spraying with manual forest thinning as a safer alternative forest management method; and WHEREAS many residents have expressed concern regarding the potential environmental and public health risks associated with aerial spraying of glyphosate-based herbicides; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Laird formally requests that Honorable Mike Harris Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, reconsider the planned use of glyphosate-based herbicides in the Timiskaming Forest and suspend the aerial spraying initiative until further independent research and update risk assessment are completed and reviewed; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be forwarded to: The Honorable Mike Harris Jr. Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry The Honorable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health MPP John Vanth of Timiskaming-Cochrane AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) FONOM (Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities) All municipalities within Northeastern Ontario Carried.

  1. b. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, RE: Amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997, October 30, 2025
  2. c. Ministry of Finance, RE: 2026 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Update, October 31, 2025

13. Mayor and Council Comments

N/A

14. By-laws

  1. a. 2062-25 Conformity By-law #266-25 Moved by: Wayne Junor Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2062-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on November 20, 2025.

Carried.

15. Adjournment

#267-25 Moved by: Todd Rydall Seconded by: Wayne Junor BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on December 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. or until the call of the chair. Carried.

Mayor – ___________________________ Shawn Evoy

Clerk – ___________________________ Jennifer Errington