This is the accessible web version of the agenda package. Pages that are scanned images are listed with a link to that page of the PDF. To get any part of this package in another format, contact the Township office at 705-248-2395 or info@lairdtownship.ca.
Agenda
REGULAR AGENDA – AGENDA 51
CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Laird Township Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
3. Agenda Approval
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the January 15, 2026, agenda as presented.
4. Delegations and Presentations
N/A
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. Council Regular Meeting – December 18, 2025 (PDF pages 6 to 12)
b. Recreation Committee Meeting – December 16, 2025 (PDF pages 13 to 14)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves minutes of the Regular Council meeting of December 18, 2025 and the Recreation Minutes of December 16, 2025.
6. Adoption of Accounts
a. General accounts to December 31, 2025 (PDF page 15)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the general accounts to December 31, 2025, in the amount of $3,653.91.
b. Roads accounts to December 31, 2025 (PDF page 16)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the roads account to December 31, 2025, in the amount of $52,079.60.
7. S taff and Committee Reports
a. Road Superintendent (Roads, Waste Disposal & Recycling, and Maintenance)
i. Road Superintendent Report – Verbal Report
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Road Superintendent Report dated January 15, 2026, as presented.
ii. 5-Year Road Plan 2026 to 2030 - Discussion (PDF pages 17 to 21)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 5-year Road Plan 2026 to 2030 and approves the amended plan for 2026, as discussed.
iii. 2026 EARSA Amalgamated Tender
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize staff to participate in the 2026 EARSA Amalgamated Tender pricing exercise for the purpose of obtaining indicative pricing for materials required in 2026;
AND THAT participation does not constitute a commitment to purchase, nor a delegation of procurement authority, and all purchasing decisions remain subject to the Municipality’s Procurement By-law.
iv. Council Q&A
b. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer
i. Clerk’s Report – Verbal Report
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Clerk’s Report dated January 15, 2026, as presented.
ii. Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log (PDF pages 22 to 23)
iii. Concern/Information Log – Updates (PDF page 24)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the January 15, 2026, Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log and the Concern/Information Log as presented.
iv. Council Q&A
c. Treasurer’s Report
i. Report: 2025 Council Remuneration Report (Council Expenditures) (PDF page 25)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report from the Treasurer regarding the 2025 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses.
d. Cemetery Board
e. Planning Board
i. Report: Draft Joint Official Plan and Initial Council Comments (PDF pages 26 to 27)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the Draft Joint Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board area and provide initial comments and direction to staff for submission as the Township of Laird’s formal response.
f. Police Detachment Board
g. Algoma District Services Administrative Board
h. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)
8. Unfinished Business
a. Municipal Garage - Generac Generator Estimate (PDF page 28)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Generac estimate in the amount of $7,461.80 for a new generator at the Laird Township
Municipal Garage, and that Council authorize staff to proceed with the purchase prior to budget deliberations.
9. New Business
a. 2026 Committee and Board Appointments (PDF pages 29 to 30)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoints the Committee and Board members for 2026 as presented.
b. Expression of Sympathy – Resolution of sympathy for a former retired employee of the Township of Laird, Mr. Edward Roy Lapish.
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Edward Roy Lapish on his passing;
AND FURTHER THAT Council acknowledge and honour Mr. Lapish’s dedicated service to the Township of Laird, where he was employed for 22 years from 1980 to 2002 and served as Road Superintendent from 1989 to 2002;
AND FURTHER THAT Council honour his memory by authorizing a charitable donation in the amount of $300.00 to the Echo Bay Elks.
c. Laird Township Boundary Sign
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Township of Laird acknowledges that the Ministry of Transportation has reviewed the existing boundary signs for the Township of Laird and confirmed that the signs require updating, and that the Township qualifies for enhanced boundary signing under the Ministry’s signing policy;
AND THAT the Township of Laird selects the enhanced boundary sign option 4 (Modified G315 (B) – no slogan), as provided under the Ministry of Transportation’s signing policy, to display “Municipality of Laird, Population 1,121” along with the Township logo;
AND THAT Township staff are authorized to provide the Ministry of Transportation with this resolution and the required logo file in the prescribed format, subject to final Ministry approval.
d. Memorandum: Report of the Integrity Commissioner (PDF page 31)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report of the Integrity Commissioner for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and that Council direct staff to prepare a by-law to extend the agreement established by By-law No. 1010-19 for the appointment of an Integrity Commissioner for a further three (3) year term.
10. Notices of Motion
N/A
11. Closed Session
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed into closed session at (blank) p.m. in accordance with Section 239 (2) (d) labour relations or
employee negotiations and Section 239 (2) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
a. Approval of closed meeting minutes of December 18, 2025.
b. Labour relations or employee negotiations.
c. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees
d. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees
e. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees
f. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council come out of closed meeting session at (blank) p.m. and continue with the Regular Council Meeting.
Consideration of and action on matters arising out of the closed meeting.
12. Communications and Correspondence
N/A
13. Mayor and Council Comments
14. By-laws
a. 2066-26 Tax Ration By-law (PDF page 32)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2066-26 being a by-law to establish the 2026 Tax Ratios.
b. 2067-26 Interim Tax By-law (PDF pages 33 to 34)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2067-26, being a by-law to set the 2026 Interim Tax Rates.
c. 2068-26 Borrowing By-law (PDF pages 35 to 36)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2068-26 being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the municipality for the year ending December 31, 2026.
d. 2069-26 Shared Services Agreement with Tarbutt Township By-law (PDF pages 37 to 44)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2069-26 being a by-law to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with the Township of Tarbutt and That Council authorize the Clerk to sign the Shared Services Agreement, to take effect on date of signing.
e. 2070-26 Conformity By-law (PDF page 45)
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2070-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on January 15, 2026.
15. Adjournment
Recommendation: BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on February 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or until the call of the chair.
Supporting documents
Council Regular Meeting – December 18, 2025
PDF pages 6 to 12.
REGULAR AGENDA – AGENDA 50
CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
December 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm
Laird Township Council Chambers
Present: Mayor: Shawn Evoy
Councillors: Todd Rydall, Brad Shewfelt, Wayne Junor, Matt Frolick
Staff: Jennifer Errington, Ed Lapish, Rhonda Crozier
Special Public Meeting opened at 6:00 p.m., to consider rezoning Plan H761, Lot 6 RP 1R9408 Parts 3&4. No objections or support of the rezoning were received. The special Public Meeting closed at 6:05 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Evoy called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
N/A
3. Agenda Approval
#268-25
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Matt Frolick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the December 18, 2025, agenda as presented.
Carried.
4. D elegations and Presentations
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. Council Regular Meeting – November 20, 2025
b. Recreation Committee Meeting – November 25, 2025 – No Quorum
#269-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Todd Rydall
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves minutes of the Regular Council meeting of November 20, 2025.
Carried.
6. Adoption of Accounts
a. General accounts to November 30, 2025
#270-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the general accounts to November 30, 2025, in the amount of $7,513.71.
Carried.
b. Roads accounts to November 30, 2025
#271-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the roads account to November 30, 2025, in the amount of $37,734.13.
Carried.
7. Staff and Committee Reports
a. Road Superintendent (Roads, Waste Disposal & Recycling, and Maintenance)
i. Road Superintendent Report – Verbal Report
#272-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Road Superintendent Report dated December 18, 2025, as presented.
Carried.
ii. Council Q&A
b. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer
i. Clerk’s Report – Verbal Report
#273-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Clerk’s Report dated December 18, 2025, be received as presented;
AND THAT Council direct the Clerk to proceed with Marsh as the Township’s insurance provider for 2026, provided Marsh is the lowest-cost option once all outstanding questionnaires have been reviewed and final pricing, including cyber security coverage, has been received;
AND THAT Council approve the discontinuation of the acceptance of non-eligible (commercial/ICI) Blue Box materials at the Township of Laird recycling depot, effective December 31, 2025, following the end of the transition period;
AND THAT staff be directed to draft a formal by-law to designate the recycling depot as residential-use only for Council’s approval;
AND FURTHER THAT Council authorize the Township Clerk to execute and sign the Depot Agreement with Circular Materials, including any required amendments or related documents, on behalf of the Township of Laird.
Carried.
ii. Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log
iii. Concern/Information Log – Updates
#274-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the December 18, 2025, Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log and the Concern/Information Log as presented.
Carried.
iv. Council Q&A
c. Treasurer’s Report
i. Report: 2025 Reserve Capital Fund – December 4, 2025
#275-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council the report from the Treasurer regarding the 2025 Reserve Capital Fund figures to December 4, 2025 be received.
Carried.
ii. Report: Reserve Request – Verbal Report
#276-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report from the Treasurer-Deputy Clerk be received;
AND THAT Council approves the transfer of unspent 2025 Capital Budget amounts to Reserves as outlined in this report.
Carried.
d. Recreation Committee & Recreation Sub-Committees
e. Cemetery Board
i. Cemetery Board Minutes – December 1, 2025
#277-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Todd Rydall
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Cemetery Board minutes dated December 1, 2025.
Carried.
f. Planning Board
i. Report: Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board – Official Plan Progress and Planning Board Operations
#278-25
Moved by: Brad Shewfelt
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report from the planning Board Secretary-Treasurer regarding the Official Plan process and Planning Board operations be received.
Carried.
ii. Planning Board Update for Laird – For 2025, Laird had one new lot created and three lot additions.
g. Police Detachment Board
h. Algoma District Services Administrative Board
i. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)
8. Unfinished Business
a. Report: DRAFT Fire Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement – January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
#279-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Matt Frolick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report titled Draft Fire Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement – January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 dated December 18, 2025, and direct staff to engage the Township’s solicitor to prepare a reciprocal indemnification clause for inclusion in the 2026 Fire Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement, and to return the drafted clause to Council for review.
Carried.
b. DRAFT Pumper Truck Capital Agreement
#280-25
Moved by: Brad Shewfelt
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves entering into a Pumper Truck Capital Agreement with Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional Township and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement.
Carried.
c. DRAFT Culvert By-law
#281-25
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Todd Rydall
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Draft Culvert By-law to repeal By-law 1017-19 and directs the Clerk to prepare new Culvert By-law with modification to include 911 sign request and replacement costs and revise 4.2 to read “up to two loads”.
Carried.
d. Waste Disposal Site Holiday Hours (phone poll)
#282-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council amend the hours of the Waste Disposal Site on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, to operate from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, to operate from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
AND THAT these adjusted hours have been approved by the Ministry of the Environment in accordance with the Environmental Compliance Approval.
Carried.
e. Report: Waste Disposal Site – Feral Cats – Next Steps
#283-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report titled Waste Disposal Site – Feral Cats – Next Steps dated December 18, 2025, and direct staff to proceed with the approach outlined in this report for the humane and responsible management of the feral cat population at the Waste Disposal Site.
Carried.
9. New Business
a. Preliminary 2026 Budget
#284-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Preliminary 2026 Budget, and adopts the Preliminary 2026 Budget to have a budget in place for the start of the fiscal year. Council will review and revise the Budget and will adopt a Final Budget with the 2026 tax rates in March of each year.
Carried.
b. Zoning Amendment 02-25: Plan H761 PT Lot 6 RP 1R9408 Part 3 & 4 (Back Lot to 57 Finns’ Bay Road North), Laird Township
#285-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Township of Laird hereby approve Zoning Amendment 02-25, being an amendment to the Township of Laird Zoning By-law, affecting Plan H761-25, Part of Lot 6, Registered Plan 1R9408, Parts 3 & 4 (back lot to 57 Finns’ Bay Road North, as described in the staff report;
AND THAT the amending zoning by-law 2064-25 be passed and enacted accordingly.
Carried.
c. Fuel Supply Partnership Proposal – Township of Tarbutt
#286-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council acknowledge receipt of the letter dated November 24, 2025, from the Township of Tarbutt requesting consideration of an
agreement that would permit the Tarbutt Roads Department to access the Township of Laird’s fuel tanks;
AND THAT Council direct the Clerk and Road Superintendent to review the proposal, including operational, financial, legal, and insurance implications, and to report back to Council with options and a recommended course of action;
AND THAT staff be further directed to consult with the Township of Tarbutt regarding potential terms, cost-sharing arrangements, and responsibilities related to fuel supply, maintenance, and inspection of tanks and pumps.
AND THAT in the short-term Laird agrees to assist Tarbutt Township the interim.
Carried.
d. Algoma Fish & Game Club, 2026 Children’s Perch Derby March 8, 2026, request donation – previous years $300.00.
#287-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports the Algoma Fish & Game Club 2026 Children’s Perch Derby, to be held on March 8, 2026, with a donation of $300.00.
Carried.
e. 2025 Northern Municipal Council Workshop – Virtual Learning Series – January 29, 2025
BE IT RESOLVE THAT Council directs staff to enroll (blank) Councillors in the Building Effective Engagement Relationships with Indigenous Communities workshop on January 29, 2025.
Withdrawn.
f. Proposal to Pursue Infrastructure Grants for Laird Fairgrounds/Raceway – Laird International Raceway, Leaseholder Donnie Varcoe
#288-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the correspondence dated December 10, 2025, from Mr. Donnie Varcoe, Leaseholder of the Laird International Raceway, regarding proposed infrastructure grant opportunities for the Laird Fairgrounds and Raceway, be received and placed on the Council agenda for discussion;
AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to review the grant programs identified in the correspondence and report back on potential eligibility, application requirements, and next steps;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to reach out to Mr. Varcoe and request a wish list of potential projects.
Carried.
g. Support for Membership with the Huron North Community Economic Alliance (HNCEA) – Laird International Raceway, Leaseholder Donnie Varcoe
#289-25
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the correspondence from Mr. Donnie Varcoe, dated December 10, 2025, regarding support for Laird Township pursuing membership with the Huron North Community Economic Alliance (HNCEA), be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to advise Mr. Varcoe that Council has reviewed membership in HNCEA and has seen no benefit for Laird Township and so will not be entertaining membership at this time.
Carried.
h. Planning: Application for Consent – L2025-12
#290-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED that Council approves consent application L2025-12 severance/lot creation.
Carried.
i. DRAFT Shared Services Agreement with Tarbutt
#291-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Matt Frolick
WHEREAS the Township of Laird and the Township of Tarbutt have developed a draft Shared Services Agreement to provide a framework for mutual assistance, including personnel, equipment, and services for municipal operations and emergency response;
AND WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, authorizes municipalities to enter into agreements for the joint provision of services for their mutual benefit;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird hereby receives the draft Shared Services Agreement between the Township of Laird and the Township of Tarbutt;
AND THAT Council directs the Clerk to prepare the necessary by-law to adopt and authorize execution of the Shared Services Agreement, to be brought forward to Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Carried
10. Notices of Motion
a. Notice of Motion – Councillor Shewfelt
11. Closed Session
#292-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed into closed session at 7:57 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 (2) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
Carried.
a. Approval of closed meeting minutes of November 20, 2025.
b. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
c. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees
#293-25
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Matt Frolick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council come out of closed meeting session at 8:25 p.m. and continue with the Regular Council Meeting.
Carried.
Consideration of and action on matters arising out of the closed meeting.
#294-25
Moved by: Brad Shewfelt
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hire Kayden Lapish for the Rink Caretaker for the 2025/2026 season as per the recommendation of the G.W. Evoy Rink Sub-committee.
Carried.
12. Communications and Correspondence
a. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, RE: Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 (Bill 17), November 25, 2025.
b. Support Resolution: Perry Sound, RE: Support Alcohol Container Return System, December 2, 2025
c. Support Resolution: City of Cambridge, RE: Rent Protection for Tenants, City of Cambridge, November 24, 2025
d. Support Resolution: Municipality of Shuniah, Oppose Huron-Superior RCA Boundary, November 25, 2025
e. Support Resolution: Tarbutt Township, RE: 2026 Election conflict with Provincial Emergency Exercise, December 10, 2025
#295-25
Moved by: Matt Frolick
Seconded by: Todd Rydall
BE IT RESOLVED THAT correspondence items a through e. be received; and
THAT the Council of the Township of Laird support the resolution of Perry Sound dated December 2, 2025, regarding support for alcohol container return, support the resolution of the Municipality of Shuniah dated November 25, 2025, regarding Oppose Huron-Superior RCA Boundary, and support the resolution of Tarbutt Township dated December 10, 2025, regarding 2026 Election conflict with Provincial Emergency Exercise.
Carried.
13. Mayor and Council Comments
14. By-laws
a. 2065-25 Conformity By-law
#296-25
Moved by: Todd Rydall
Seconded by: Wayne Junor
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2065-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on December 18, 2025.
Carried.
15. Adjournment
#297-25
Moved by: Wayne Junor
Seconded by: Matt Frolick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or until the call of the chair.
Carried.
Mayor – (blank) Shawn Evoy
Clerk – (blank) Jennifer Errington
Recreation Committee Meeting – December 16, 2025
PDF pages 13 to 14.
MINUTES
LAIRD RECREATION COMMITTEE
December 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm
Laird Township Council Chambers
Present: Matt Frolick, Rhonda Crozier, Justine Lamming, Suzanne Evoy, Shawn Evoy
1. Call to Order
Chair Matt Frolick called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
3. Agenda Approval
#42-25
Moved by: Shawn Evoy
Seconded by: Justine Lamming
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Recreation hereby approves the December 16, 2025 agenda as presented. Carried
4. Delegations and Presentations
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. Recreation Meeting – October 28, 2025
#43-25
Moved by: Suzanne Evoy
Seconded by: Suzanne Evoy
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Recreation approves Recreation Committee minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 28, 2025, the Bar River Hall Committee minutes of Feb.13, June 11, & Sept. 3, 2025 as presented. Carried
6. Committee Reports
a. Bar River Hall – The Christmas Dinner Dance is being held this Friday night.
b. G. W. Evoy Rink – The rink surface has had a number of floods and is well on it way. A caretaker needs to be hired
7. Adoption of Accounts
a. Recreation accounts for October & November 2025
#44-25
Moved by: Justine Lamming
Seconded by: Shawn Evoy
BE IT RESOLVED that the Recreation Committee approves the accounts for October 2025 in the amount of $9482.83 and November 2025 in the amount of $16,441.99 as presented.
Carried
8. Unfinished Business
a) The secretary reported that we have submitted a Capital Grant application to NOHFC for Laird Hall Improvements and are waiting for approval.
9. New Business
a) The secretary reported that we had 31 kids submit colouring pages and 3 adults and we also had 16 Santa Letters.
#45-25
Moved by: Suzanne Evoy
Seconded by: Justine Lamming
BE IT RESOLVED that the Recreation Committee approves of purchasing $10 gift card for kids who entered the colouring contest this year. Carried
b) The Recreation Committee sadly discussed the passing of Donna Bos a wonderful person and volunteer of the committee.
#45-25
Moved by: Justine Lamming
Seconded by: Suzanne Evoy
BE IT RESOLVED that the Recreation Committee approves of purchasing a plaque and bench in honour of Donna Bos and it be placed in the township. Carried
c) #46-25
Moved by: Justine Lamming
Seconded by: Suzanne Evoy
BE IT RESOLVED that the Recreation Committee approves the budget presented as discussed. Carried
10. Adjournment
#47-25
Moved by: Shawn Evoy
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Recreation Committee shall now adjourn the meeting and will meet again January 27, 2025. Carried
Chair – (blank) Matt Frolick
Secretary – (blank) Rhonda Crozier
General accounts to December 31, 2025
PDF page 15.
Township of Laird
General Cheques for December 2025
| Name | Description | Journal No. | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Errington | Mileage | J2928 | 148.20 |
| Algoma Power | Office | J2932 | 176.23 |
| Church | 26.69 | ||
| Heritage Home Hardware | Office Supplies | J2933 | 19.62 |
| Brant Coulter | By-Law Mileage | J2937 | 61.56 |
| encompassIT.ca | Taxes | J2939 | 119.06 |
| Barb's Embroidery | Health & Safety | J2962 | 250.33 |
| deluxe | Office Supplies | J2963 | 842.43 |
| Co-Op | Office Fuel | J2966 | 248.35 |
| Glen Irwin | By-Law Mileage | J2967 | 67.26 |
| Algoma Business Computers | Office Supplies | J2968 | 48.34 |
| Amazon | Emerg. Man. | J2969 | 78.93 |
| DCR HVAC | Landfill | J2972 | 233.29 |
| North Shore Sentinel | Council Advertising | J2984 | 20.35 |
| De Lage Landen | Office Supplies | J2989 | 121.96 |
| Algoma Business Computers | Office Supplies | J3011 | 142.41 |
| Starlink | Office Internet | 142.46 | |
| Rogers | By-Law Dog | 7.17 | |
| Bell | Office | 407.81 | |
| Emerg. Man. | 99.54 | ||
| Amazon | Office Supplies | 91.81 | |
| Pino's | Emerg. Man. | 43.85 | |
| Rogers | By-Law Dog | 14.19 | |
| Heritage Home Hardware | Office Supplies | J3033 | 14.75 |
| Pino's | Council Meeting | J3035 | 14.00 |
| Co-Op | Office Fuel | J3048 | 213.32 |
| TOTAL | $3,653.91 |
ACCOUNTS CERTIFIED CORRECT
Motion # (Signed) Mayor
To Treasurer of Laird Township Authority Herewith To issue Cheques in 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 (Signed) Treasurer
Roads accounts to December 31, 2025
PDF page 16.
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
Road Department
VOUCHER LISTING
| Name | Description | Journal No. | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payroll | 24,118.55 | ||
| DCR HVAC | Shop Furnace | J2924 | 3,203.12 |
| Terry's Welding | Plow Truck | J2925 | 376.51 |
| CO-OP | Plow Truck | J2929 | 24.06 |
| Certified | Shop | J2930 | 214.08 |
| Algoma Power | Shop | J2932 | 119.70 |
| Heritage Home Hardware | Wheeled Excavator | J2933 | 45.26 |
| Gilbertson Enterprises | Sanding | J2934 | 9,361.92 |
| Huron Central Railway | Safety | J2935 | 366.00 |
| Fastenal | Plow Truck | J2940 | 107.70 |
| King Mountain | Track Excavator | J2941 | 458.77 |
| Wheeled Excavator | " | 458.77 | |
| Plow Truck | " | 458.76 | |
| Ro-Von | Shop | J2942 | 31.55 |
| DCR HVAC | Shop Furnace | J2944 | 650.00 |
| K. Smart | Drainage | J2964 | 508.80 |
| CO-OP | Plow Truck | J2966 | 19.72 |
| Heritage Home Hardware | Shop | J2968 | 94.59 |
| Traction | Plow Truck | J2979 | 90.62 |
| Stone's Office Supplies | Rds Office | J2982 | 69.22 |
| Traction | Plow Truck | J2983 | 391.50 |
| Rogers | Rds Office | J3011 | 46.81 |
| Bell | Shop | " | 104.58 |
| Tenco | Plow Truck | " | 572.45 |
| Parts Source | Plow Truck | " | 20.72 |
| CO-OP | Wheeled Excavator | J3030 | 1,640.39 |
| Track Excavator | " | 585.85 | |
| Backhoe | " | 117.17 | |
| 1/2 Ton | " | 269.38 | |
| Plow Truck | " | 2,941.68 | |
| Toromont | Grader | J3031 | 864.33 |
| Fastenal | Shop | J3034 | 36.51 |
| Heritage Home Hardware | Shop | J3045 | 414.02 |
| Toromont | Grader | J3046 | 720.46 |
| King Mountain | Plow Truck | J3047 | 2,576.05 |
| TOTAL | $52,079.60 |
ACCOUNTS CERTIFIED CORRECT
Motion # (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 (Signed) Treasurer
5-Year Road Plan 2026 to 2030 - Discussion
PDF pages 17 to 21.
Approved by Motion #: TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
5-Year Road Plan
2026 DRAFT 2026 to 2030
Road Activity Rational
Double Surface Treatment
Lake George Road Double 1,650 meters
Single Surface Treatment
| Government Road | Townline to Reids Road | 3,500 meters |
|---|---|---|
| Townline Highway to Government | 1,600 meters | |
| Lapish Road | 1,400 meters |
Resurface Gravel
| Yard (stock) | 25 loads |
|---|---|
| Lake George Road | 40 loads (capital) |
Ditching
Neebish Road West MacDonald Drive to Finns' Bay Rd 800 meters north side
Culverts
Road repair in preparation for surface treatment will be approximately $10,500.00
Surface treatment to cost approximately $318,500.00
Gravel cost approximately $35,750.00
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
5-Year Road Plan
2027 DRAFT 2026 to 2030
Road Activity Rational
Double Surface Treatment
Single Surface Treatment
| Government Road | Pumpkin Point to Riley Rd | 1800 meters NOTE: Amended |
|---|---|---|
| Lapish Road | ||
| Pumpkin Point Rd East | Government to Highway | 1600 meters |
Resurface Gravel
| Yard (stock) | 20 loads |
|---|---|
| Riverside Drive | 30 loads |
| Cemetery Road | 20 loads |
Ditching
| Lake George Road West | 1050 meters bridge east to #104 south side |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin Point Road West | 150 meters Lakeview west to cross culvert south side |
Culverts
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
5-Year Road Plan
2028 DRAFT 2026 to 2030
Road Activity Rational
Double Surface Treatment
Riverside Drive 1,000 meters new surface treatment
Single Surface Treatment
Neebish Road West MacDonald Drive to Finns' Bay, 1600 meters
Resurface Gravel
| Yard Stock | 20 loads |
|---|---|
| Riverside Drive | 30 loads |
| Cemetery Road | 30 loads |
Ditching
| Calabogie - South Side | Rydall's to Lake, approximately 1,000 meters |
|---|---|
| Lake George Road East | Bottom of hill to large Cross Culvert, approximately 700 m |
Culverts
Large cross culvert on Lake George Road 60 feet x 8 feet
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
5-Year Road Plan
2029 DRAFT 2026 to 2030
Road Activity Rational
Double Surface Treatment
Cemetery Road 1,000 metres
Single Surface Treatment
Pumpkin Point Road West Highway to Porchuck 3,200 metres
Resurface Gravel
| Cemetery Road | 30 loads |
|---|---|
| Lake Shore Drive | 20 loads |
| Yard | 20 loads |
Ditching
| Lakeshore Drive | All West and East sides 1,400 meters |
|---|---|
| Hillstrom Road | West side 500 meters |
Culverts
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
5-Year Road Plan
2030 DRAFT 2026 to 2030
Road Activity Rational
Double Surface Treatment
| Lake Shore Drive | 700 metres |
|---|---|
| Hillstrom Drive | 500 metres |
Single Surface Treatment
Townline Road West 1,400 metres
Resurface Gravel
Yard 20 loads
Hillstrom Road 10 loads
Ditching
| Reids Road | Both sides |
|---|---|
| Highway to Lakeview | 3,200 metres |
Culverts
Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log
PDF pages 22 to 23.
TASK SUMMARY SHEET RECENT ACTIVITY LOG
| DATE | MOTION # | TASK | CATEGORY | CONTACT | STATUS | TARGET DATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-Oct-23 | 231-23 | Council receives the draft Unassumed Road Policy and requests the Clerk make amendments as discussed and prepare a by-law to adopt the policy Note: Draft Unassumed Road Policy has been reviewed by legal counsel, further review and discussion with legal counsel are required in order to refine policy. * Staff are currently working on confirming that the roads listed in policy are actually unassumed (owned by township) and which ones are private.C3 | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Jan-26 |
| 21-Mar-24 | 46-24 | Council directs the Clerk to draft a By-law to designate the Knox Church as a municipal heritage building. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Jan-26 |
| 17-Jul-25 | 174-25 | Council directs staff to schedule a formal proposal review with Access2Pay, explore funding options, and to return to Council with a recommendation as to how this system or others like it may free up an equal or better amount of staff labour and make the case that this system pays for itself in offset labour. Note: Clerk has participated in a Access2Pay meeting to explore product, working on preparing report back to Council. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGERESS | Jan-26 |
| 18-Sep-25 | 211-25 | … AND THAT staff be directed to coordinate with the Township of Macdonald, Meradith and Aberdeen Additional to obtain a joint engineering review, if possible, in the interest of cost- sharing and project alignment. Note: During 2026 OSIM we will have Engineer recommendations for repairs. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | May-26 |
TASK SUMMARY SHEET RECENT ACTIVITY LOG
| DATE | MOTION # | TASK | CATEGORY | CONTACT | STATUS | TARGET DATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-Dec-25 | 273-25 | … AND THAT staff be directed to draft a formal by-law to designate the recycling depot as residential-use only for Council's approval. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Feb-26 |
| 18-Dec-25 | 279-25 | Council directs staff to engage with the Township's solicitor to prepare a reciprocal indemnification clause for inclusion in the 2026 Fire Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement, and to return the drafted clause to Council for review. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | |
| 18-Dec-25 | 280-25 | Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Pumper Truck Capital Agreement. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Feb-26 |
| 18-Dec-25 | 281-25 | Council directs the Clerk to prepare new Culvert By-law with modifications to include 911 sign request and replacement costs and revise 4.2 to read "up to two loads". | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Feb-26 |
| 18-Dec-25 | 286-25 | Fuel agreement with Tarbutt Township Roads Department | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Feb-26 |
| 18-Dec-25 | 288-25 & | 289-2Reply to Mr. Varcoe Re: Proposal to Pursue Infrastructure Grands for Laird Fairgrounds/Raceway and RE HNCEA membership. | CLERK | JE IN | PROGRESS | Feb-26 |
Concern/Information Log – Updates
PDF page 24.
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
Registered Concern/Information Log
DATE CONCERN ACTION COMMENTS IN RETURN
January 5, 2026 Share/Request Information, rather than a The Clerk to provide Share/Request Will be reviewed by Committee and "complaint". Regardingthe G.W. Evoy Informaiton form to the G.W. Evoy Memorial comments addressing concerns will Memorial Rink hours, accessibility for Rink Committee to review and make follow. families, and training and safety expectations comments.
for seasonal staff.
FINE LINE IN THE STAFF-COUNCILLOR RELATIONSHIP
Quote from Municipal World
Dealing with Problems - First of all the councillor should be taking enquiries to the CAO, who should then coordinate a response from staff. This point must be made crystal clear in training and policy should be repeated often. The councillor should be reminded that the identity of the complainant is their personal information and will never be released to someone else.
Admin, Concern-Information Log
Report: 2025 Council Remuneration Report (Council Expenditures)
PDF page 25.
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 13, 2026
To: Mayor Evoy and Council
From: Rhonda Crozier, Treasurer
Subject: 2025 Council Remuneration Report
Background/Overview:
In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 284 (1) Statement: The Treasurer of a municipality shall each year on or before March 31 st provide to the Council of the municipality an itemized statement of remuneration and expenses paid in the previous year to:
a) each member of Council in respect of his or her services as a member of the council or any other body, including a local board, to which the member has been appointed by Council or on which the member holds office by virtue of being a member of Council;
b) each member of Council in respect of his or her services as an officer or employee of the municipality or other body described in clause (a); and
c) each person, other than a member of Council, appointed by the municipality to serve as a member of any body, including a local board, in respect of his or her services as a member of the body.
Statement of Remuneration & Expense:
| NAME | HONORARIUM | BY-LAW | MILEAGE STIPEND | MEETINGS & MILEAGE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor Shawn Evoy | 7,000.00 | 2016-24 | 300.00 | 90.00 | 7,390.00 |
| Councillor Matt Frolick | 5,580.00 | 2016-24 | 100.00 | 5,680.00 | |
| Councillor Wayne Junor | 5,580.00 | 2016-24 | 100.00 | 90.00 | 5,770.00 |
| Councillor Todd Rydall | 5,580.00 | 2016-24 | 100.00 | 113.40 | 5,793.40 |
| Councillor Brad Shewfelt | 5,580.00 | 2016-24 | 100.00 | 321.33 | 6,001.33 |
| TOTAL | 29,320.00 | 700.00 | 614.73 | 30,634.73 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommendation: | ||||
| BE IT RESOLVED THAT | Council receive the report | from the Treasurer | regarding | the 2025 Statement |
| of Remuneration and | Expenses. | |||
Report: Draft Joint Official Plan and Initial Council Comments
PDF pages 26 to 27.
TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 15, 2026
To: Mayor Evoy and Council
From: Jennifer Errington, Clerk
Subject: Draft Joint Official Plan and Initial Council Comments
Background/Overview
As part of the process of implementing the Joint Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board area, Township and Planning Board Staff are respectfully requesting comments from each Council that identify initial key direction priorities from each municipality in the Planning Board area.
Staff recommend that Council review the Draft Joint Official Plan and provide comments, suggested revisions, and policy direction on areas that they believe are critical to the Township’s long-term objectives. This feedback will assist staff in advocating for Township interests through the joint planning process and ensuring that the final document is practical, implementable, and reflective of local priorities.
Please note that the Planning Board webpage has all the draft mapping schedules and a copy of the Policy Direction Memo for the Official Plan.
It is important to note that a good portion of policy contained within the Draft Official Plan is mandated by Provincial legislation and is set in stone, whereas other policies contained within maybe more flexible to local interests. At a high level, the intent is for Council of Laird to officially receive the Draft Joint Official Plan and to provide initial comments that it deems important to be considered for the Official Plan.
The Draft Joint Official Plan will establish the long-term planning framework for the Township and will guide land use, growth management, environmental protection, infrastructure planning, and economic development. While the document is intended
to provide a broad and coordinated planning vision across participating municipalities, it is important that Township-specific priorities, local conditions, and implementation considerations are clearly reflected at this initial stage.
Council feedback may include, but is not limited to:
- Land use designations and permitted uses
- Growth and development policies
- Infrastructure and servicing direction
- Environmental and natural heritage protection
- Rural and resource-based development policies
- Economic development and employment policies
Staff will compile Council’s comments and submit them as part of the Township’s formal initial response to the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board. Staff are proposing a Special Council meeting (ideally before February 19th, 2026) to specifically address items within the draft Joint Official plan item that Council may have questions, comments or concerns about.
A hard copy of the Official Plan and its schedules will be made available at the Township Office. Please keep in mind that the Official Plan document alone is over 100 pages in length.
Should Council require any additional background information or a summary of key policy areas, staff would be pleased to provide further materials. Council members are encouraged to contact the Clerk’s office with any questions, and staff will assist where possible.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the Draft Joint Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board area and provide initial comments and direction to staff for submission as the Township of Laird’s formal response.
Municipal Garage - Generac Generator Estimate
PDF page 28.
PDF page 28 is a scanned image (for example a signed document, map, photo or a document from another organization) and is not available as text here. Open PDF page 28, or contact the Township office for an accessible format.
2026 Committee and Board Appointments
PDF pages 29 to 30.
Laird Township Committees and Boards Approved - 2026 Motion # Main Recreation Committee (maximum 9 members -1 council) Name Role
Jo-Anne Entwistle Laird Hall Rep & Wharf Rep Suzanne Evoy Rink Rep
Matt Follick Chair & Council Representative Rhonda Crozier Secretary-Treasurer, Member, PPP Rep Shawn Evoy Council Representative & BRH Rep Noah Crozier LF Rep
Justine Lamming Member
Crystal Wells Member
| Column 1 | NEW Member |
|---|---|
| Recreation Sub-Committees: Bar River Community Centre - 1 Council | |
| Name Role |
Allen Cook
Pam Cook
Shawn Evoy Chair & Main Rec/Council Rep Suzanne Evoy
Marlene Paquette
Heather Frolick Caretaker, Member, Secretary Matt Frolick Council Representative Katie Hunter
Tiana Alton
Crystal Wells
G.W. Evoy Memorial Rink - 1 Council
Name Role
Allen Cook
Gage Evoy
Darin Evoy
Merril Evoy Chair
Shawn Evoy Council Representative
| Column 1 | NEW Member |
|---|---|
| Laird Fairgrounds Committee - 1 Council | |
| Name Role |
Brad Shewfelt O. F.A. member Vasco Dias Grounds manager Colleen Alloi
Chuck Siddall
Rhonda Crozier Secretary & Member Ashlee Boychuck
Justine Lamming
Patrick Connolly Motion: 195-25 Noah Crozier Fairgrounds Custodian
Laird Hall Community Centre - 1 Council
Name Role
Heather Taylor Caretaker Cheryle Frenette
Linda Kiraly
Jo-Anne Entwistle Rec Representative, Secretary Wayne Junor Council Representative
Faye Crozier
Pumpkin Point Park Committee - 1 Council
Name Role
Rhonda Crozier Secretary & Member Kathy Sutherland Chair Vasco Dias Grounds Manager Joanne North
Todd Rydall Council Representative
Finns' Bay Wharf Committee - 1 Council
Name Role
Donna Connolly
John Ranta
Todd Rydall Chair/Council John Hooper
Joanne Entwistle Rec Representative, Secretary Karilina Dick
Brad Shewfelt
Carol Ranta Motion: 172-25
Laird Heritage Committee - 1 Council
Name Role
Linda MacDonald
Suzanne Evoy
Colleen Orr
Jennifer Errington Secretary/Clerk Justine Lamming
Shawn Evoy Council Representative/Chair
Laird Cemetery Board - 1 Council
Name Role
Shawn Evoy Chair/Council Representative Merril Evoy
Darin Evoy
Matt Frolick Council Representative Allen Cook
Brad Shewfelt
Jennifer Errington Secretary-Treasurer
Emergency Management Program Committee
Name Role
E. Shawn Evoy Chair/Mayor Jennifer Errington
Rhonda Crozier CEMC
Memorandum: Report of the Integrity Commissioner
PDF page 31.
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Corporation of the Township of Laird
FROM: Antoinette Blunt, Integrity Commissioner
Ironside Consulting Services Inc
DATE: Report Submitted: 13 January 2026
SUBJECT: Report of the Integrity Commissioner
Covering the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025 (blank)
Appointment
On February 20, 2019, the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Laird appointed Antoinette Blunt, President, Ironside Consulting Services Inc. as the Municipality’s first Integrity Commissioner. The appointment was effective February 20,2019, according to By-Law No. 1010-
19.
Municipal Act, 2001
Section 223.6 (1) of the Municipal Act states, that” If the Commissioner provides a periodic report to the municipality on his or her activities, the Commissioner may summarize advice he or she has given but shall not disclose confidential information that could identify a person concerned. 2006,
c. 32, Sched. A, s. 98.”
Activities, Expenditures During Period and Total Since Appointment There were no requests for advice or inquiries during this reporting period. There were no expenditures during this reporting period and $355.95 since date of appointment.
2066-26 Tax Ration By-law
PDF page 32.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2066-26
BEING A BY-LAW to set Tax Classes and the Tax Ratios for Municipal
purposes for the year 2026.
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 7 (2) of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter
A. 31, as amended, sets out a list of classes as prescribed by the Minister for Assessment purposes, and;
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 308 (4) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., c. 25, as amended requires Council of the Corporation of The Township of Laird to establish the tax ratios for each tax class for the year 2026, and;
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 308.1 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., c. 25, as amended restricts the tax ratios for Managed Forest to 0.25 and Section 308.1 (3) of the Municipal Act, S.O. c. 25, as amended restricts the tax ratio for Farm Property to
0.25, and;
WHEREAS the tax ratios determine the relative amount of taxation to be borne by each property class;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of The Township of Laird hereby enacts as follows:
1. THAT for the taxation year 2026 the tax ratio for property in the following classes will be:
| the residential/farm property class | 1.0000 |
|---|---|
| the commercial property class | 1.0579 |
| the industrial property class | 0.9771 |
| the farmlands property class | 0.2500 |
| the managed forest property class | 0.2500 |
2. THAT this by-law repeals any and all by-laws previously passed for this purpose.
READ and passed on Open Council this 15 th day of January 2026.
Mayor (blank)
Shawn Evoy
Seal
Clerk (blank)
Jennifer Errington
2067-26 Interim Tax By-law
PDF pages 33 to 34.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2067-26
Being a by-law to levy and collect a portion of the residential/farm, commercial, industrial, farmland and managed forest taxes for the year 2025 before the adoption of the estimates for the year 2026.
WHEREAS Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001 authorizes a municipality in any year before the adoption of the estimates for that year, to levy on the whole of the assessment for residential and farm and commercial and industrial assessment according to the last revised assessment roll a sum not exceeding 50 percent of that which would be produced by applying to such assessment the total rate for all purposes levied in the preceding year on residential and farm property, commercial and industrial farmland and managed forest property;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to The Assessment Act with respect to the levy of the yearly rates and collection of taxes apply mutatis mutandis to the levy of rates and the collection of taxes thereunder;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird deems it expedient to make the levy authorized by The Municipal Act in the year 2001;
THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. The following rates of taxation are hereby levied and imposed upon the whole of the assessment for property assessments according to the last revised assessment roll of the Township of Laird:
| Municipal | Education | |
| Res/Farm | .00692709 | .000765000 |
| Commercial Occupied | .00732817 | .004400000 |
| Commercial Vacant | .00512972 | .004400000 |
| Industrial Occupied | .00676846 | .004400000 |
| Industrial Vacant | .00439950 | .004400000 |
| Farmland | .001731775 | .000191250 |
| Managed Forest | .001731775 | .000191250 |
| Aggregate Extraction | .00550754 | .002555000 |
BT Shortline Railway Right-of-Way .059075000
2. Interim taxes shall become due and payable in 2 installments as follows: 50% of the interim levy shall become due and payable on 20 th day of February, 2026.
50% of the interim levy shall become due and payable on 17 th day of April, 2026.
3. A percentage charge of one and one quarter per centum (1 1/4%) shall be imposed as a penalty for non-payment of and shall be added to the tax instalment or part thereof remaining unpaid on the first day following the said due date and one and one quarter per centum (1 1/4%) shall be imposed and shall be added to the tax instalment or part thereof remaining unpaid on the first day of each calendar month in which default continues up to and including December of the tax year.
4. The Tax Collector not later than 21 days prior to the date that the first instalment is due, shall mail or cause to be mailed to the address of the residence or place of business of each person taxed a notice setting out the payment required to be made pursuant to this by-law, the date by which it is to be paid to avoid penalty, and the particulars of the penalties imposed by this by-law for late payment.
- 2 -
5. Taxes shall be payable to the Corporation of the Township of Laird. All taxes are payable by mail, electronic transmission, or at the office of the Tax Collector.
6. The Collector and Treasurer be and are hereby authorized to accept part payment from time to time on account of any taxes due and to give a receipt for such part payment provided that acceptance of any such part payment shall not affect the collection of any percentage charge imposed and collectible under Section 4 in respect to non-payment of taxes or of any instalment thereof.
READ and passed on Open Council this 15 th day of January 2026.
Mayor (blank)
Shawn Evoy
Seal
Clerk (blank)
Jennifer Errington
2068-26 Borrowing By-law
PDF pages 35 to 36.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2068-26
Being a By-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current
expenditures of the municipality for the year ending December 31,
2026.
Whereas the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001, S. O. 2001, c. 25, Section 407, permit a municipality to authorize temporary borrowing, until the taxes are collected and other revenues are received, of the amount the municipality considers necessary to meet the current expenditures of the municipality for the year;
AND WHEREAS the total amount borrowed at any one time plus any outstanding amounts of principal borrowed and accrued interest, except with the approval of the Ontario Municipal Board, is limited;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Laird hereby enacts as follows:
1. At any time during a fiscal year, the Head of Council and the Treasurer may authorize temporary borrowing, until the taxes are collected and other revenues are received, of the amount the municipality considers necessary to meet the current expenditures of the municipality for the year, including amounts required in the year for:
a) sinking and retirement funds;
b) principal and interest due on any debt of the municipality;
c) school purposes;
d) other purposes the municipality is required by law to provide for; and,
e) the amount of principal and interest payable by a person or municipality primarily liable for a debt, if the municipality has guaranteed the debt and the debt is in default.
2. Except with the approval of the Ontario Municipal Board, the total amount borrowed at any one time plus any outstanding amounts of principal borrowed and accrued interest shall not exceed:
a) from January 1 to September 30 in the year, 50 per cent of the total estimated revenues of the municipality as set out in the budget adopted for the year; and,
b) from October 1 to December 31 in the year, 25 per cent of the total estimated revenues of the municipality as set out in the budget adopted for the year.
3. Until the budget is adopted in a year, the limits upon borrowing under Section 2 shall temporarily be calculated using the estimated revenues of the municipality set out in the budget adopted for the previous year.
4. In Sections 2 and 3, estimated revenues do not include revenues derivable or derived from:
a) arrears of taxes, fees or charges; or,
b) a payment from a reserve fund of the municipality, whether or not the payment is for a capital purpose.
5. The lenders from whom amounts may be borrowed under authority of this By-law shall be Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and such other lender(s) as may be determined from time to time by resolution of Council.
6. The lender is not responsible for establishing the necessity of temporary borrowing or the manner in which the borrowing is used.
AND FURTHER, THAT this By-law shall come into force and take effect upon the first day of January, 2026.
Enacted and passed this 15 th day of January 2026.
Mayor (blank)
Shawn Evoy
Seal
Clerk (blank)
Jennifer Errington
2069-26 Shared Services Agreement with Tarbutt Township By-law
PDF pages 37 to 44.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2069-26
A BY-LAW authorizing the Clerk to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with The Township of Tarbutt to establish a framework for mutual assistance for roads operations.
WHEREAS pursuant to section 2 (5) subsection (3) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c 25, as amended, the power of the Council of the Corporation of The Township of Laird shall be exercised by By-Law; and
WHEREAS Section 10 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that a single tier municipality may pass by-laws respecting accountability and transparency of the municipality and its operations and of its local boards and their operations, for services and things that the municipality is authorized to provide; and for the protection of persons and property; and
WHEREAS The Township of Laird desires to enter in agreement with The Township of Tarbutt for shared services of the Roads Departments, to provide coverage and assistance for certified employees, and for the occasional provision of equipment, materials, and other such goods or services that may be required in the interest of public safety;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of The Corporation of The Township of Laird enacts as follows:
1. THAT the Clerk of the Corporation of The Township of Laird be hereby authorized to execute the Agreement between The Township of Laird and The Township of Tarbutt, being attached hereto as Schedule “A”.
2. THAT at any time in this By-law or the attached Agreement, “May” shall be construed as permissive, and “Shall” shall be construed as imperative.
3. THAT any previous by-law or resolution, or any section, clause or policy which conflicts with this by-law be and is hereby repealed.
4. THAT the Clerk shall have the authority and direction to execute the above noted Agreement, including any renewal agreements or administrative amendments.
5. THAT this Agreement shall come into force and take effect on December 18, 2025.
READ and passed in Open Council this 15th day of January 2026 .
Mayor (blank)
Shawn Evoy
Seal
Clerk (blank)
Jennifer Errington
SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT
Between:
The Corporation of The Township of Laird
Herein known as "Municipality A"
And
The Corporation of The Township of Tarbutt
Herein known as "Municipality B"
1. Purpose
The parties wish to establish a framework for mutual assistance whereby one municipality may provide personnel, equipment, and/or services to the other to support municipal operations (including, without limitation, winter road maintenance and snow/ice control), planned or emergency.
This Agreement provides a clear framework to ensure a consistent, coordinated and timely response in providing mutual aid.
2. Authority
This Agreement is entered into under the general powers of Section 10 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 , as amended, which permits single tier municipalities to pass by-laws respecting the health, safety and well being of persons, and for the protection of persons and property.
In accordance with Sections 19 and 20 of the Municipal Act , as amended, a municipality may enter into an agreement with one or more municipalities or local bodies, as defined in section 19, or a combination of both to jointly provide, for their joint benefit, any matter which each of them have the power to provide within their own boundaries.
A municipality may provide the matter in accordance with the agreement anywhere that any of the municipalities or local bodies have the power to provide the matter. Where assistance relates to emergency response, the parties acknowledge the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and each party’s Emergency Response Plan.
Refer to Schedule “C” attached hereto for the conditions under which a request may be accepted or declined.
3. Definitions
“Assisting Municipality” means the party providing personnel, equipment, or services.
“Assisted Municipality” (or “Requesting Municipality”) means the party receiving personnel, equipment or services.
“Assistance” includes municipal personnel, vehicles/equipment, materials, and related services.
“Clerk” means the appointed Clerk, or Deputy Clerk, of either The Township of Laird or Tarbutt. “Employees” means the permanent employees of either one municipality or the other, hired to perform work in the Roads Department and adequately licensed and insured to do so.
“Fully Burdened Hourly Rates” means a fixed amount of money earned for each hour of work which, in the case of this Agreement, covers the base salary plus indirect expenses such as taxes, benefits, vacation, insurance and equipment rates.
“Indemnifying Party” is the requesting municipality that agrees to compensate the Assisting Municipality for any losses, damages or liabilities which may occur in the application of this agreement.
“Invoice” means a statement of goods or services that have been provided to the Requesting Municipality stating the amount due to cover the expense of the request.
“Minimum Maintenance Standards” (MMS) means the minimum standard for road maintenance as set out by Ontario in O. Reg. 239/02 for municipal highways.
“Road Superintendent” means the senior member of each Roads Department appointed by either Municipality to direct work at the site and coordinate operations.
“Term” means the duration or period of time during which this reciprocal agreement may be implemented.
4. Scope of Services
4.1 Assistance requested or provided may include, but is not limited to:
- Operation of plow trucks, graders, loaders, dozers, and other road maintenance equipment;
- Application of sand/salt and ice control materials;
- Other municipal operational support as mutually agreed in writing.
4.2 The parties will comply with applicable laws, by‑laws, Minimum Maintenance Standards, Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, and each municipality’s standard operating procedures including workplace health and safety policies.
4.3 Priority will be given to the maintenance or operation of each municipality’s roads, equipment or employees first in the event of a situation in which both municipalities are impacted.
5. Requesting and Activating Assistance
5.1 The Municipality requesting assistance may contact the Road Superintendent of the Assisting Municipality or make a written or electronic request to the Clerk (or designate) of the Assisting Municipality outlining the equipment, materials or human resources being requested.
5.2 The Assisting Municipality may accept or decline in whole or in part, subject to staffing and resource availability and operational priorities.
5.3 The Road Superintendent, or designate, of the Assisted Municipality will coordinate and provide site‑specific directions consistent with applicable law and health and safety requirements.
5.4 Schedule “C” attached hereto includes forms on which will be recorded the date and time of the request, resources requested, locations and estimated duration.
6. Supervision and Control
6.1 While operating within the Assisted Municipality, personnel of the Assisting Municipality remain employees of the Assisting Municipality for all employment, WSIB, and supervision purposes.
6.2 Operational direction on site will be given by the Assisted Municipality’s Road Superintendent or designate; however, the Assisting Municipality’s employees may refuse unsafe work in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
7. Health & Safety, Training, and Qualifications
7.1 Each party warrants that employees provided under this Agreement are properly licensed and trained to fulfill assigned duties and operate equipment.
7.2 Each party will ensure compliance with OHSA, traffic control requirements, and road safety standards, including winter operations protocols.
8. Insurance
8.1 Each party shall, at its own expense, maintain throughout the term:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance with limits not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence, including bodily injury, property damage, contractual liability, and cross liability;
- Automobile Liability insurance for owned, leased, or operated vehicles with limits of no less than $5,000,000 per occurrence;
- WSIB coverage in accordance with applicable legislation.
8.2 Certificates of insurance evidencing the above coverage shall be exchanged annually and upon request, showing the other party as additional insured with respect to liability arising from this Agreement, subject to insurer approval.
8.3 PRIMARY AUTO COVERAGE: The parties acknowledge that the registered owner’s automobile policy is primary for liability relating to ownership, use, or operation of that vehicle. Non‑Owned Automobile Liability of the other party, if applicable, shall respond in excess of the owner’s policy.
8.4 Each party shall maintain coverage or endorsements for hired/non‑owned automobiles as appropriate for operations under this Agreement.
9. Indemnification and Liability
9.1 Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party, its officers, employees, and agents from and against claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) to the extent caused by the negligent acts or omissions of the Indemnifying Party in carrying out assistance under this Agreement.
9.2 Third‑Party Property Damage:
- Damage to public infrastructure, roads, or property within the Assisted Municipality caused by the operations of the Assisting Municipality shall be addressed by the Assisting Municipality’s applicable insurance coverage, subject to fault allocation and applicable law.
- Damage caused by the Assisted Municipality’s direction that is negligent or contrary to law may result in shared or sole responsibility of the Assisted Municipality to the extent of such negligence.
9.3 Nothing in this Agreement limits any statutory defences or immunities available to municipalities.
10. Cost Recovery, Rates and Invoicing
10.1 The Assisted Municipality shall reimburse the Assisting Municipality upon receipt of an invoice for reasonable costs, including:
- Labour at fully burdened hourly rates (wages, benefits, statutory remittances);
- Equipment hourly rates (as per the Assisting Municipality’s current fee schedule);
- Fuel, materials (salt, sand), parts, repairs, and consumables;
- Travel time and mobilization/demobilization as applicable.
10.2 The Road Superintendent, or designate, who is the senior operator involved as the Assisting Municipality, shall determine the time spent, materials used and other expenses, and so provide this information to the municipal staff responsible for invoicing.
10.3 Invoices shall be issued within thirty (30) days of completion of assistance, with payment terms of net thirty (30) days unless otherwise agreed.
11. Records and Reporting
11.1 Each party will maintain logs of equipment hours, materials used, locations serviced, and incident reports, and will provide copies upon request of the other party for audit or claims handling.
12. Term, Renewal and Termination
12.1 This Agreement takes effect on the day of passing of the enacting by-law and continues until either party provides written notice to the other municipality, providing a minimum of sixty (60) days advance notice of termination.
12.2 The Agreement shall be renewed for successive years unless written notice is provided as to the contrary, as noted in section 12.1 above.
12.3 Either party may terminate this Shared Services Agreement without cause upon sixty (60) days’ written notice. Ongoing assistance at the time of notice and until termination shall continue in accordance with this Agreement unless otherwise agreed.
13. Dispute Resolution
13.1 The parties shall first attempt to resolve disputes through good‑faith negotiation s between the Senior Administrative Officers.
13.2 Failing resolution, the parties may proceed to mediation with a mutually selected mediator prior to litigation, unless urgent injunctive relief is required.
14. Notice
14.1 Notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, courier, or email to:
Municipality A: Jennifer Errington, Clerk, The Township of Laird
3 Pumpkin Point Road
Echo Bay, ON P0S 1C0
clerk@lairdtownship.ca
Municipality B: Carol Trainor, Clerk
The Township of Tarbutt
27 Barr Road South
Desbarats, ON P0R 1E0
clerk@tarbutt.ca
15. Confidentiality and Privacy
15.1 Each party agrees to protect confidential information and personal information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and applicable privacy laws.
16. Assignment or Amendment
16.1 Neither party may assign this Agreement without written consent of the other.
16.2 Amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.
17. General
17.1 This Agreement shall be enacted by By-law passed by each of the parties.
17.2 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior understandings on the subject matter.
17.3 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force.
17.3 This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario.
SIGNATURES:
(blank) (blank) Jennifer Errington, Clerk Carol O. Trainor, Clerk The Township of Laird The Township of Tarbutt
Date: (blank) Date: (blank)
Schedule A: Rates & Costs
- Hourly labour rates (positions/classes).
- Equipment rates (make/model; hourly charges).
- Fuel/materials charges; administrative overhead (if any).
- Invoicing format and supporting documentation.
Schedule B: Insurance Certificates
- Certificates evidencing CGL and Auto Liability (limits; additional insured wording).
- WSIB clearance.
- Any endorsements for hired/non‑owned auto coverage.
Schedule C: Request and Acceptance Form
- Standardized request form (date/time; resources requested; locations; estimated duration).
- Acceptance/decline and conditions (resource availability; special instructions).
2070-26 Conformity By-law
PDF page 45.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
By-law Number 2070-26
BEING A BY-LAW to confirm proceedings of the meeting of Council,
January 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 January 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 15 th day of January 2026.
Mayor (blank)
Shawn Evoy
Seal
Clerk (blank)
Jennifer Errington