Regular Council Meeting Agenda 53 – March 19, 2026

Council Regular Meeting – February 19, 2026

PDF pages 6 to 12.

MinutesREGULAR AGENDA – AGENDA 52
CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
February 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Laird Township Council Chambers

Present: Mayor: Shawn Evoy

Councillors: Matt Frolick, Brad Shewfelt, Wayne Junor

Regrets: Todd Rydall

Clerk: Jennifer Errington

Treasurer: Rhonda Crozier

Senior Machine Op.: Ed Lapish

1. Call to Order

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

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

3. Agenda Approval

#29-26

Moved by: Wayne Junor

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby approves the February 19, 2026, agenda as presented with the amendment to include Closed session agenda item 11. d. Advice subject to solicitor-client privileges.

Carried.

4. Delegations and Presentations

5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

a. Council Regular Meeting – January 15, 2026

b. Recreation Committee Meeting – January 27, 2026

#30-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves minutes of the Regular Council meeting of January 15, 2026 and the Recreation Minutes of January 27, 2026;

AND FURTHER THAT, arising out of the Recreation Committee Minutes, Motion #4-26, Council approves the increase in hours for the Summer Experience Program (SEP) student from 217.5 hours to 280 hours, to allow for expanded summer programming, including five weeks of summer camp offerings and two Sports Day Camps at Hurley Park.

Carried.

6. Adoption of Accounts

a. General accounts to January 31, 2026

#31-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the general accounts to January 31, 2026, in the amount of $5,698.30.

Carried.

b. Roads accounts to January 31, 2026 and additions to December 31, 2025

#32-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approves the roads account to January 31, 2026, in the amount of $23,013.71 and the additions to close off year-end to December 31, 2025, in the amount of $30,530.13.

Carried.

7. Staff and Committee Reports

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

i. Road Superintendent Report – Verbal Report

#33-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Road Superintendent Report dated February 19, 2026, as presented and arising out of discussion, Council directs staff to set up a meeting with the Drainage Superintendent to discuss drains in the Township.

Carried.

ii. Memo: 5-Year Road Plan (2026 to 2030)

#34-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the updated 5-Year Road Plan (2026–2030) as presented;

AND FURTHER THAT Council approves the 2026 road work priorities outlined in the Plan and directs staff to participate in the Municipal Surface Treatment joint tender, submitting the surface treatment figures as presented and proceed with budget planning accordingly.

Carried.

iii. Council Q&A

35-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs staff to sell surplus tires stored at Municipal Garage in consultation with Road Superintendent.

Carried.

b. Clerk Administrator, Deputy Treasurer

i. Clerk’s Report – Verbal Report

#36-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Clerk’s Report dated February 19, 2026, as presented;

AND THAT Council authorizes the Clerk to attend the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) Election Training and Spring Meeting to be held May 6 – 8, 2026, in Sudbury, with registration and associated expenses to be paid in accordance with the Township’s Per Diem Policy;

AND FURTHER THAT Council directs staff to schedule a Special Budget Meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, for the purpose of reviewing the 2026 Budget.

Carried.

ii. Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log

iii. Concern/Information Log – Updates

#37-26

Moved by: Wayne Junor

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the February 19, 2026, Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log and the Concern/Information Log as presented.

Carried.

iv. Council Q&A

c. Treasurer’s Report

i. Memo: Committee and Boards Budget & Capital Requests

#38-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 2026 Draft Committee & Boards Budget and Capital Requests as presented and directs staff to incorporate the Committees and Board capital priorities into the 2026 Municipal Budget deliberations.

Carried.

d. Recreation Committee & Recreation Sub-Committees

i. G. W. Evoy Rink Sub-Committee Minutes - January 14, 2026

ii. Laird Hall Sub-Committee Minutes - January 20, 2026

iii. Bar River Community Centre and G. W. Evoy Rink Joint Meeting - January 28, 2026

iv. Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-Committee - January 28, 2026

v. Laird Heritage Sub-Committee - February 4, 2026

vi. Laird Fairgrounds Sub-Committee – February 10, 2026

#39-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shefelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the G. W. Evoy Rink Sub-Committee minutes of January 14, 2026, the Laird Hall Sub-Committee minutes of January 20, 2026, the Bar River Community Centre and G. W. Evoy Rink Joint Meeting minutes of January 28, 2026, the Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-Committee minutes of January 28, 2026, the Laird Heritage Sub-Committee minutes of February 4, 2026 and the Laird Fairgrounds Sub-Committee minutes of February 10, 2026;

AND FURTHER THAT arising out of the minutes that Council receives the budgets and updated Five-year plans and Council directs staff to submit Five-year plans to be included in updated Asset Management Plan;

AND FURTHER THAT Council acknowledges that the Finns’ Bay Wharf Sub-Committee will be holding the bi-annual Meet and Greet on August 23, 2026 and requests that the Sub-Committee consult with staff to ensure Algoma Public Health permits are submitted and for staff to advertise the event in the newsletter and Facebook page;

AND FURTHER THAT Council requests staff to gather updated quotes for service contracts for an electrician, plumber, furnace repairs, and handyman repairs;

AND FURTHER THAT Council authorizes the Heritage Sub-Committee to submit an application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for funding toward the future museum building;

AND FURTHER THAT Council authorizes the Laird Fairgrounds Sub-Committee to submit an application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for funding toward the gazebo kitchen project.

Carried.

e. Cemetery Board

f. Planning Board

g. Police Detachment Board

h. Algoma District Services Administrative Board

i. Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA)

i. Spring meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Sault Ste. Marie, at the City Centre, 99 Foster Drive. The draft agenda will be provided closer to the date. Please forward agenda items by March 27, 2026.

8. Unfinished Business

a. Memo: Naming the Municipal Garage in Honour of Roy Lapish

#40-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Township of Laird approve naming the Municipal Garage the Roy Lapish Memorial Garage in honour of the late Roy Lapish, recognizing his 22 years of service to the Township of Laird and his 13 years as Road Superintendent from 1989 to 2002;

AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to arrange appropriate signage.

Carried.

b. Memo: LIR Grant Opportunities

#41-26

Moved by: Wayne Junor

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the February 19, 2026, Laird International Raceway Grant Opportunities report from the Treasurer.

Carried.

9. New Business

a. Council Phone Poll Survey - January 29, 2026 Re: Rink Furnace Purchase

#42-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the recommendation of the G. W. Evoy Rink Sub-committee to upgrade the furnace to a two-stage, 80,000 BTU propane furnace, as the current unit is undersized, cannot maintain adequate heating, and is operating continuously; and

THAT Council approves the quote of DCR HVAC for the supply and installation of a Broock PG96VTAA48080B Two-Stage Propane Furnace at the G. W. Evoy Memorial Rink in the amount of $4,550.00 plus HST.

Carried.

b. Memo: Plotter (Model iPF670) – Offer from Township of Tarbutt

#43-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Memorandum dated February 19, 2026, regarding the Plotter (Model iPF670) – Offer from the Township of Tarbutt;

AND THAT Council declines the offer to accept ownership of the iPF670 plotter;

AND FURTHER THAT Council suggests that costs be split four ways with the other Townships and care and control remain with the Township of Tarbutt and the Planning Board.

Carried.

c. Memo: User Fees for Services By-law

#44-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the memorandum dated February 19, 2026, from the Clerk regarding the User Fees for Services By-law;

AND THAT Council directs staff to incorporate equipment rental rates comparable to those adopted by Tarbutt Township into Schedule C – Roads Services of the draft User Fees for Services By-law;

AND FURTHER THAT staff finalize the draft by-law for Council consideration.

Carried.

10. Notices of Motion

11. Closed Session

#45-26

Moved by: Brad Shewflet

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council proceed into closed session at 8:13 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 (2) (d) labour relations or employee negotiations, Section 239 (2) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and Section 239 (2) (f) Advice subject to solicitor-client privilege.

Carried.

a. Approval of closed meeting minutes of January 15, 2026.

b. Labour relations or employee negotiations.

c. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees

d. Advice subject to solicitor-client privilege.

#46-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council come out of closed meeting session at 8:29 p.m. and continue with the Regular Council Meeting.

Carried.

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

#47-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize a wage increase of 2.4% for all staff, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2025, retroactive to January 1, 2026.

Carried.

#48-26

Moved by: Wayne Junor

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoint Ed Lapish, Senior Machine Operator, as Acting Road Superintendent effective immediately;

AND THAT Council authorize compensation for Ed Lapish in his role as Acting Road Superintendent retroactive to December 1, 2025, at step 5 of the scale.

Carried.

#49-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Brad Shewfelt

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to forward the updated draft 2026 Fire Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement, including the solicitor’s recommended

clauses and the insurance limits once received, to Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional Council for review and consideration of acceptance;

AND FURTHER THAT Council confirms its satisfaction with the additional recommendations beyond the Indemnification clause.

Carried.

12. Communications and Correspondence

a. Laird Fair, RE: Thank you for your donation, January 16, 2026.

b. Township of St. Joseph, RE: Provincial Contributions to Algoma Public Health Levy Increases, January 16, 2026.

#50-26

Moved by:

Seconded by:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Laird support the correspondence from the Township of St. Joseph regarding Levy Increase to Algoma Public Health and the Provincial Portion;

AND THAT Council suggests that if the Province does not intend to fund the Public Health mandate properly, they should consider modifying the current mandate scope.

AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities within the Algoma District, the Minister of Health, the Premier of Ontario, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), and the Algoma District Municipal Association (ADMA).

Carried.

13. Mayor and Council Comments

14. By-laws

a. 2071-26 Appoint Integrity Commissioner By-law

#51-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2071-26, being a by-law to repeal By-law 1010-19 and to appoint an integrity commissioner for the Township of Laird.

Carried.

b. 2072-26 Culvert Installation and Entrance By-law

#52-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2072-26, being a by-law to repeal By-law 1017-19 and to govern the installation, size, placement, and payment of culverts in Township ditches within the Township of Laird and to provide entrance signage.

Carried.

c. 2073-26 Waste Disposal Site Recycling Designation By-law

#53-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2073-26, being the Waste Disposal Site Recycling Designation By-law, which designates the recycling depot at the Township of Laird Waste Disposal Site located at 1606 Government Road for residential use only and prohibits the acceptance of non-eligible Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (IC&I) Blue Box Materials effective December 31, 2025.

Carried.

d. 2074-26 Knox Presbyterian Church Municipal Heritage By-law

#54-26

Moved by: Wayne Junor

Seconded by: Matt Frolick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2074-26, being a by-law to designate the Knox Presbyterian Church as a municipal heritage building.

Carried.

e. 2075-26 Conformity By-law

#55-26

Moved by: Brad Shewfelt

Seconded by: Matt Folick

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts By-law 2075-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the meeting of Council held on February 19, 2026.

Carried.

15. Adjournment

#56-26

Moved by: Matt Frolick

Seconded by: Wayne Junor

BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Council shall now adjourn to meet again on March 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or until the call of the chair.

Carried.

Mayor – (blank) Shawn Evoy

Clerk – (blank) Jennifer Errington

Back to the agenda

Recreation Committee Meeting – March 1, 2026

PDF pages 13 to 14.

MINUTES

LAIRD RECREATION COMMITTEE

March 2, 2026, at 7:00 pm

Laird Township Council Chambers

Present: Shawn Evoy, Rhonda Crozier, Noah Crozier, Suzanne Evoy, JoAnne Entwistle and Joanne North

1. Call to Order

Acting Chair Shawn Evoy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

3. Agenda Approval

#6-26

Moved by: Jo-Anne Entwistle

Seconded by: Noah Crozier

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Recreation hereby approves the March 2, 2026 agenda as presented.

Carried

4. Delegations and Presentations

5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

a. Recreation Meeting – January 27, 2026

#7-26

Moved by: Joanne North

Seconded by: Noah Crozier

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Recreation approves Recreation Committee minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2026, as presented. Carried

6. Committee Reports

a. Bar River Hall – The hall is holding a Pasta Supper later in March.

b. G. W. Evoy Rink – Family Carnival was a success. Approximately 37 kids attended. Bum slide was the best!

c. Heritage – Waiting on plans from Clifford Orr and hoping to get the building framed this year.

d. Laird Hall – Office staff is wanting to have the hall drain run under the driveway to prevent slipping.

7. Adoption of Accounts

a. Recreation accounts for January 2026

#8-26

Moved by: Suzanne Evoy

Seconded by: Noah Crozier

BE IT RESOLVED that the Recreation Committee approves the accounts for January 2026 in the amount of $5053.88, as presented. Carried

8. Unfinished Business

a) The secretary reported that we are still waiting for a reply for the Capital Grant application to NOHFC for Laird Hall Improvements and council has approved to complete a grant application to NOHFC for the Laird Fairgrounds Kitchen and the Heritage Building.

9. New Business

a) The secretary reported that council approved additional summer program hours and she reported on the Kids Summer Camps available and the Baseball and Soccer Programs available.

10. Adjournment

#9-26

Moved by: Noah Crozier

BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Recreation Committee shall now adjourn the meeting and will meet again March 31, 2026. Carried

Acting Chair – (blank) Shawn Evoy

Secretary – (blank) Rhonda Crozier

Back to the agenda

General accounts to February 28, 2026

PDF page 15.

Township of Laird

General Cheques for February 2026

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

Back to the agenda

Roads accounts to February 28, 2026

PDF page 16.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

Road Department

VOUCHER LISTING

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

Back to the agenda

Memo: 2026 Annual Road Tour

PDF pages 17 to 18.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
REPORT TO COUNCIL

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Jennifer Errington, Clerk & Ed Lapish, Acting Road Superintendent

Subject: 2026 Annual Road Tour

Background/Overview

Traditionally, Council, the Clerk, and the Road Superintendent conduct an annual Road Tour in the spring. This tour typically includes areas of the Township that the Road Superintendent has identified as areas of concern, as well as locations brought forward by ratepayers regarding road and ditch issues.

At this time, no requests have been received from ratepayers to review specific areas within the Township.

The Clerk and Acting Road Superintendent have discussed the timing and overall benefit of conducting the Road Tour after the Joint Tender process and budget have been finalized. As Council traditionally meets in late spring, it may be more beneficial to schedule the Road Tour in early fall.

Holding the tour in September would allow Council to:

• Inspect road work completed during the summer months
• Review the quality of contractors’ surface treatment work
• Assess how crushed asphalt roads are performing
• Examine roads planned for resurfacing in 2027

This timing would provide Council with a clearer understanding of staff recommendations when updating the Five-Year Plan and preparing the Joint Tender submission for the Township. It would also support more informed decision-making regarding future road work requirements.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council schedule the Annual Road Tour in September of each year. This would allow Council to review completed summer road work and assess priority areas for the upcoming year prior to budget deliberations.

This approach will support informed decision-making when amending the Five-Year Plan in alignment with the Asset Management Plan and current road conditions.

Recommended Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 2026 Annual Road Tour report dated March 19, 2026;

And Further That Council schedule the Annual Road Tour for September of each year to review completed road work, assess future priority areas, and support budget and Five-Year Plan deliberations.

Back to the agenda

2025 Annual Report

PDF pages 19 to 23.

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

from Mayor, Council, Committees and Staff

In 2023, the Township of Laird Council proposed the initiation of an annual report in order to communicate the workings of the Township, as well as the work of our many volunteer committees, with the residents of Laird Township.

In order to properly manage the Township, meet our legislative and legal requirements, and maintain our road network and our community facilities, there are over 60 scheduled meetings per year. These include Council, Recreation, Recreations sub-committees, the OPP Sault Ste. Marie Detachment Board, the Planning Board, the Cemetery Board, and Emergency Management, with at least one member of council attending, and often chairing, each of these meetings. Staff are also heavily involved in nearly all these meetings, as well as the many, many volunteers. Even though most of these meetings have formal minutes which are posted on the Laird Township website for those interested in the details, actions, and recommendations of these committees and boards, not everyone has the time for this.

On behalf of Council, Staff, and the Committee volunteers of the Township of Laird, we would like to provide some highlights of our activities during the past year, 2025, which we hope communicate the efforts, outcomes, and achievements of the 40-plus individuals that work cooperatively to keep the Township of Laird functioning effectively.

Council and Staff:

Over the past year, Council has adopted several by-laws and policies for the Township of Laird, including both new enactments and revisions to existing documents. All by-laws and policies are available for public review at the Township Municipal Office and on the Township’s website at lairdtownship.ca .

Please note that a Conformity By-law is passed at the conclusion of each Council meeting to formally confirm the proceedings, as required under the Municipal Act, 2001 . These by-laws are not listed below.

By-laws and Policies

law 2064-25

Building Permits

The total number of Building Permits issued for 2025 was 36. This number includes 5 new single-family residences, 1 seasonal cottage, 8 new sheds & garages, 7 additions/renovations, 1 demolition(barn), and 4 permits for windows/siding/shingles.

Budget

The 2025 Budget was approved at the April 20, 2025, Council meeting, with a 4.1% increase. A pie chart below shows how funds were allocated.

The Treasurer manages the Township’s budget, reports annually on financial activity, and informs Council of any budget variances or recommendations. This information is included in Council meeting agendas and minutes for transparency.

2025 BUDGET

General Government & Admin 17%

Recreation Heritage 8%

17%

20%

Transportation 17%

Capital Roads 8%

Roadwork Completed in 2025

In 2025, Council shifted from subcontracting all ditching and roadside brushing to performing the work in-house. This allows better control and management of recurring costs. To support this, Council approved the purchase of a wheeled excavator and brushing equipment, and staff were reallocated to carry out the work.

1) Surface Treatment:

• Bar River Road (Tracks to Cemetery Road): 3,600 m
• Calabogie Road (Lakeview to Lakeshore): 1,000 m
• Neebish Road (Highway to MacDonald Drive): 1,600 m

All received single surface treatment .

2) Ditching: Ditching work was completed on Cemetery Road and Riverside Drive, with Lake George Road East started and scheduled for completion in 2026.

3) Surface Treatment Prep: Lake George Road received 40 loads of gravel in preparation for future surface treatment.

PDF page 20 also includes a picture or diagram that is not reproduced here. Open PDF page 20.

4) Brushing: Road Department staff self-performed approximately 40 km of roadside brushing, focusing on Cemetery Road and Pumpkin Point Road West.

5) Equipment: The Township purchased a wheeled excavator, brushing equipment, and disc mower for roadside cutting.

6) Roadside Cutting: Approximately 160 kms of roadside grass cutting was completed throughout the Township.

7) Surface Treatment Patching: The majority of the surface treatment patching was completed on Neebish Road, Government Road, and Bar River Road, along with maintenance patching throughout the Township.

8) Culvert Replacement: A cross culvert was replaced on Cemetery Road.

Recreation Committee

The Laird Recreation Committee oversees seven volunteer sub-committees: Bar River Community Centre, G.W. Evoy Memorial Rink, Laird Fairgrounds, Laird Hall, Pumpkin Point Park, Finns’ Bay Wharf, and Laird Heritage.

In 2022, Council and the Recreation Committee encouraged the revitalization of these sub-committees, a process that continued in 2025 with many new volunteers joining. Council has also requested that each sub-committee submit a five-year plan, including suggested capital

expenditures, with their annual budget requests prior to final budget

deliberations.

The Recreation Committee’s 4th Annual Pumpkin Fest experienced

significant growth this year and was very well attended. The Giant

Pumpkin Grand Champion weighed 593 lbs., and donations were

collected for the local food bank.

Pumpkin Fest Giant Pumpkins – Grand Champion weighed 593 lbs.

Laird Fairgrounds

The Laird Fairgrounds Gazebo was well-used in 2025. Improvements to the electrical system and outdoor lighting were completed, along with improvements to the water system and LIR washroom.so completed.

The fairgrounds and facilities remained highly active, hosting a variety of events and activities, including:

Pumpkin Point Park

The Pumpkin Point Park Sub-Committee oversees Centennial Park, located at the south end of Point Drive. On August 10, 2025, the Sub-Committee hosted the Pumpkin Point Park Meet and Greet, providing members of the public with an opportunity to connect with fellow residents and enjoy the Township’s waterfront park.

Bar River Community Centre (Hall)

After an extensive rehabilitation, the Bar River Community Centre reopened in March 2025 with a sold-out community dinner. Pub-night returned and was well attended, and rentals for weddings, receptions, dance classes, and birthday parties remained steady. The Hall Sub-committee also hosted a fall community supper and a Christmas dance.

G.W. Evoy Memorial Rink

The G.W. Evoy Memorial Rink operated as usual, with repairs completed to the sewage lift station. In February, the Rink Sub-committee, together with the Bar River Hall Sub-committee, hosted the annual Winter Carnival, featuring a fan-favourite obstacle course.

Heritage Museum

The Township of Laird has been without a museum for several years, with artifacts in storage while the Sub-committee developed a plan. The museum foundation is now complete, and construction of the building shell is scheduled for 2026, followed by additional phases.

Over the past few year, the Heritage summer student digitized and cataloged many historic Township documents, including Council minutes and past by-laws. The Laird Township Heritage Center Virtual Museum is a valuable resource for preserving and sharing local history: www.lairdheritagecentre.ca A new Facebook page, “Bar River and Laird History,” has also been launched and currently has over 100 followers.

The Wharf

The Wharf Sub-Committee continues to work on improvements to the property, following a five-year plan to enhance amenities for the community.

Laird Hall

Laird Hall is in need of a significant renovation, and Staff and the Laird Hall Sub-committee have been actively working on grant applications to support these improvements.

Hall use the last year:

• Floor curling for seniors. - Senior Exercise
• Supported the annual Sylvan Circle and - Dog training classes held a “Sylvan Circle Coffee Break” at - Private rentals for family gatherings, Laird Hall raising money for future birthday parties, baby showers, and improvements. banquets
• Yoga classes

Police Board

A new joint Police Board, the OPP Sault Ste. Marie Detachment Board, was established in partnership with MacDonald Meredith and Aberdeen Additional Township and the Ontario Provincial Police to facilitate communication regarding township concerns, crime statistics, and public safety matters.

Planning Board

Established in 1998, the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board makes decisions on consent applications under Sections 50 and 53 of the Planning Act. In 2025, the Board approved one consent for Laird Township, creating an additional building lot, and also approved three lot additions. The Board continues to work toward a Joint Official Plan for the four member municipalities—Johnson, Tarbutt, Laird, and Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional—which is expected to be finalized in 2026.

Cemetery Board

The Cemetery Board continues to make improvements, with a focus on updating the plot map and permanent survey markers for the layout out of existing lots. Grave marker maintenance was completed on nearly one-third of the upper cemetery, and further marker maintenance is planned to continue in 2026 and beyond. Additionally, the Township has an agreement to acquire property along the east property line to facilitate a larger access road.

Closing Message

In closing, it is the hope of Council, Staff and our volunteers that this report and the information presented above help to inform the residents of Laird Township of the myriad Township activities that are being performed behind the scenes. This report intends to assist in fulfilling our commitment to provide transparency and access to more detailed information, which can be found on the Township website “transparency” tab.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our many active volunteers for all the work they put into our Committees.

Regards,

Shawn Evoy

Mayor, Laird Township

Back to the agenda

Task Summary Sheet & Recent Activity Log

PDF pages 24 to 26.

TASK SUMMARY SHEET RECENT ACTIVITY LOG

TASK SUMMARY SHEET RECENT ACTIVITY LOG

TASK SUMMARY SHEET RECENT ACTIVITY LOG

DATE MOTION # TASK CATEGORY CONTACT STATUS TARGET DATE

19-Feb-26 49-26 Council direct staff to forward the updated draft 2026 Fire CLERK JE IN PROGRESS APRIL Protection Cost-Sharing Agreement to MMAA Council for

review and consideration of acceptance.

Note: with MMAA Council for review.

Back to the agenda

Concern/Information Log – Updates

PDF page 27.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

Registered Concern/Information Log

DATE CONCERN ACTION COMMENTS IN RETURN

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

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Memo: Building Permit Annual Report for 2025

PDF pages 28 to 29.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

MEMORANDUM

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Rhonda Crozier, Treasurer

Subject: Building Permit Annual Report for 2025

PURPOSE:

The Ontario Building Code Act, SO 1992 C23, as amended, Section 7(4) prescribes that

a municipality is required to prepare a report every twelve (12) months that contains

information about fees prescribed for the application and issuance of permits, for

maintenance inspections and orders and costs of the municipality to administer and

enforce the Act in its area of jurisdiction.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Recommendation:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the report on Building Permits 2025.

Back to the agenda

Memo: Financial Investment – Update Jan. – Dec. 2025

PDF page 30.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
REPORT TO COUNCIL

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Treasurer, Rhonda Crozier

Subject: Financial Investment – Update Jan. – Dec. 2025

Background/Overview

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The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the municipality’s investments and confirm compliance with the municipal investment policy and applicable legislation.

Information

As of December 31, 2025, the municipality held total investments of $1,026,803

Investment Type Amount

I.P.C. Portfolio 1,026,802.98

The investment activity though 2025 is as follows:

$115,121

RECOMMENDATION

At the next council meeting I like to discuss an investment for this year.

Recommended Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the report on Financial Investment Update Jan. – Dec. 2025 from the Treasurer as information.

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Memo: Tax Collection Report

PDF page 31.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
MEMORANDUM

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Rhonda Crozier, Treasurer Deputy-Clerk

Subject: Tax Collection Information

Background/Overview:

Council adopted the Tax Collection Policy through By-law 1078-23, which requires the Treasurer to report to Council at the time of budgeting on the allowance for doubtful accounts—including outstanding taxes, penalties, and interest—as well as the status of tax collection efforts.

Information:

30 properties in arrears (2+ years):

• 18 on payment plans
• 4 in tax registration
• 8 with payment plan agreements due March 20 or proceeding to tax registration

Recommendation:

Be it resolved that the Tax Collection Information Report from the Treasurer-Deputy Clerk be received.

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Memo: 2026 Roads Department Budget Requests

PDF pages 31 to 39.

This document begins part-way through PDF page 31, which is shown in the previous section.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
MEMORANDUM

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Rhonda Crozier, Treasurer

Subject: 2026 Roads Department Budget Requests

Overview

The Township of Laird Roads Department 2026 budget outlines the anticipated operating costs, maintenance requirements, and capital projects necessary to maintain the Township's roads infrastructure. The budget reflects ongoing maintenance needs, equipment requirements, and priorities identified through the Township’s 5-Year Plan.

The 2026 total roads budget is $814,124 , which includes operating expenses, maintenance activities, capital improvements, and reserve allocations. This represents a decrease compared to the 2025 projected total of $851,900 .

Revenue

Total projected revenue for 2026 is $32,036 , which includes:

• Transportation Road Department Revenue: $14,200
• Capital Roads Government Bridge Reserve: $17,836

This reserve allocation will assist with planned bridge-related infrastructure improvements.

Operating Transportation Maintenance & Overhead

The Transportation Maintenance and Overhead operating budget for 2026 is $490,124 , compared to $411,880 in 2025. The increase reflects rising costs for materials, fuel, shop operations, and expanded work under the Township’s 5-Year Plan.

Major operational categories include:

Bridges & Culverts

2026 Budget: $27,700

Key activities include:

• Bridge Inspections
• Culvert replacement on Reids Road
• Ongoing culvert maintenance and installation

The increase in this category reflects proactive infrastructure maintenance to prevent road failures and drainage issues.

Roadside Maintenance

2026 Budget: $68,600

This includes brushing, ditching, tree removal, roadside cutting, and water control activities.

Additional brushing and ditching work have been scheduled as part of the 5-Year Plan , including work on:

• Government Road
• Reids Road
• Birch Point Drive
• Lake George Road East
• Neebish Road West

These projects are intended to improve drainage, visibility, and road safety.

Hardtop Maintenance

2026 Budget: $74,000

Work includes:

• Surface treatment patching and spraying
• Street sweeping and road cleaning
• Labour related to surface treatment and capital road work

This category maintains paved roads and helps extend pavement life.

Loose-top Maintenance

2026 Budget: $12,200

This covers maintenance of gravel roads, including:

• Grading operations
• Dust control applications
• Maintenance of gravel stock

W inter Control

2026 Budget: $110,000

Winter operations include:

• Snow plowing
• Sanding and ice control
• Culvert thawing

This category remains one of the largest operational costs due to equipment, labour, and material requirements during winter months.

Safety

2026 Budget: $28,000

Safety costs include:

• Road safety materials and inspections
• Staff training and required certifications
• Safety meetings and compliance requirements

Storm Response

2026 Budget: $9,000

Storm response funding allows the department to address unexpected weather events such as windstorms, fallen trees, and road debris.

Overhead Operations

Overhead costs include shop operations, road patrols, administration, and other operational expenses.

Key areas include:

Shop Operations: $38,500

Includes heat, power, equipment time, and labour.

Road Patrol: $19,000

Routine roads inspections and monitoring.

Road Administration: $20,500

Administrative work related to asset management, reporting, and planning.

Miscellaneous Costs: $75,324

Includes insurance, payroll obligations, streetlights, grants, and legal costs.

Operating Projects (2026)

Minor operating projects planned for 2026 include:

• Purchase of a new welder
• Installation of a new man door on the old garage
• Repairs to garage exterior trim

Total operating project cost: $4,500

Capital Projects – 5 Year Plan

Capital infrastructure projects scheduled for 2026 total $111,000 , including:

• Garage window replacement
• Heat trace system installation
• Generator purchase
• Old garage painting and lighting upgrades
• Brush-hog head replacement
• Backhoe snow blade purchase
• Grader Repairs Already Completed

These projects support equipment reliability and facility improvements.

Capital Transportation Projects

Total Capital Transportation Budget for 2026: $230,000

Major projects include:

Road Surface Treatment

• Cloudy Lake Road
• Government Road
• Lake George Road East
• Rydall Mill Road

Asphalt Recycling and Gravel Resurfacing

• Lapish Road
• Isbester Road
• Cemetery Road
• Riverside Drive
• Lakeshore Drive

Culvert Infrastructure

• Installation of two cross culverts

These capital projects address road surface deterioration, improve drainage, and maintain safe road conditions throughout the Township.

SUMMARY

The 2026 Roads Department budget focuses on:

• Maintaining existing infrastructure
• Addressing drainage and culvert needs
• Completing road surface improvements
• Investing in equipment and facility upgrades
• Implementing the Township’s long-term 5-Year infrastructure plan

While operating costs have increased in some areas due to rising materials and equipment costs, the overall budget reflects careful planning to maintain service levels while addressing priority infrastructure needs.

Total 2026 Roads Budget:

$814,124

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receives the 2026 Roads Department Budget report for information and directs staff to include the Roads Department Budget within the overall 2026 Municipal Budget for Council’s consideration during the upcoming budget deliberations.

Recommended Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 2026 Roads Department Budget Report as presented;

AND THAT staff be directed to incorporate the Roads Department Budget into the draft 2026 Municipal Budget for Council’s consideration at the Special Council meeting scheduled for April 2, 2026.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

ROADS BUDGET

OPERATING REVENUE

2025 2025 2026

Description Budget

MISC. REVENUE OPERATING

HARDTOP MAINTENANCE

2025 2025 2026

Description Budget

OVERHEAD

Shop Materials (2026 Includes Heat & Power Approx. $20,000) 8,000 22,636 28,000

2025 2025 2026

Description Budget

Capital 5 Year Plan Projects

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ADSAB Meeting Minutes - January 8, 2026

PDF pages 40 to 44.

Minutes - Regular Board Meeting
Virtual

January 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Members Present: Marcel Baron

Rick Bull

Charles Flintoff

Cheryl Fort

Sally Hagman

Blair MacKinnon

Norman Mann

Melanie Pilon

Harry Stewart

Lynn Watson

Jacqui Nagel

(blank)

1. Opening of Meeting

The Board Chair opened the meeting and welcomed Board Members and staff.

2. Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

3. Opportunity for Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

4. Minutes

Moved by: Blair MacKinnon

Seconded by: Jacqui Nagel

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the minutes of the November 27, 2025, regular Board Meeting as distributed.

CARRIED

5. Approval of Agenda

Moved by: Charles Flintoff

Seconded by: Lynn Watson

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the agenda of the January 8, 2026, regular Board Meeting as distributed.

CARRIED

6. Election of Board Chair for 2026

The CAO reviewed the election procedures with the Board Members. Norman Mann was the only nomination.

Moved by: Lynn Watson

Seconded by: Melanie Pilon

RESOLVE THAT: Norman Mann is hereby appointed as Chair of the Algoma District Services Administration Board for the year 2026.

CARRIED

7. Election of Board Vice Chair for 2026

Lynn Watson was the only nomination.

Moved by: Jacqui Nagel

Seconded by: Harry Stewart

RESOLVE THAT: Lynn Watson is hereby appointed as Vice Chair of the Algoma District Services Administration Board for the year 2026.

CARRIED

8. Correspondence

8.1 MMAH - Priority Projects for Municipalities - Request for Project Business Case

The CAO provided an overview of the correspondence and noted it would be discussed further in camera.

9. Other Business

9.1 Paramedic Services - Ambulance Ordering 2027 The CAO noted that the order window for 2027 ambulances was open and would be closing soon. ADSAB normally orders two ambulances per year to maintain the fleet.

Moved by: Lynn Watson

Seconded by: Cheryl Fort

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the purchase of two ambulances for 2027 to be included in the 2027 budget.

CARRIED

9.2 Board Committees for 2026

Moved by: Lynn Watson

Seconded by: Cheryl Fort

RESOLVE THAT: The Board approve the 2026 Committees as follows: Audit/Finance Committee: Harry Stewart, Melanie Pilon, Marcel Baron, Cheryl Fort, Jacqui Nagel

French Language Services Committee: Marcel Baron, Melanie Pilon, Cheryl Fort

Personnel Committee: Sally Hagman, Blair MacKinnon, Lynn Watson, Charles Flintoff, Rick Bull

CARRIED

9.2.1 Audit / Finance Committee

9.2.2 French Language Services Committee

9.2.3 Personnel Committee

9.3 Conferences for 2026

Moved by: Rick Bull

Seconded by: Sally Hagman

RESOLVE THAT: The Board approve the attendance of: Chair and Vice Chair or designate to the FONOM Conference Chair and Vice Chair or designate to the NOSDA Conference Chair or designate to the AMO Conference

2 Members of the FLS Committee to the AFMO Conference

CARRIED

9.4 ADSAB Meeting Calendar for 2026

Board Member, Cheryl Fort, requested to change the November meeting date prior to November 15th, when new councils take over as it is an election year.

The November meeting date was changed to November 12th.

Moved by: Cheryl Fort

Seconded by: Charles Flintoff

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the 2026 ADSAB Meeting Schedule as amended.

CARRIED

9.5 ADSAB Borrowing By-Law for 2026

Moved by: Lynn Watson

Seconded by: Sally Hagman

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the Bylaw 01-26 for $2,700,000 as follows

BYLAW NUMBER 01 - 26

A Bylaw To Authorize The Borrowing Of $2,700,000.00

Whereas the Directors of the Algoma District Services Administration Board (hereinafter called the "ADSAB") deemed it necessary to borrow the sum of $2,700,000.00 to meet, until the current revenue by way of grants and municipal levies are received, the current expenditures of the Association for the year.

Therefore the Directors of the Algoma District Services Administration Board hereby enact as follows:

1. The Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the ADSAB are hereby authorized on behalf of the ADSAB to borrow from time to time by way of promissory note from the CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE a sum or sums not exceeding in the aggregate of $2,700,000 to meet the current expenditures of the ADSAB for the year until the current revenues are received, and to give on behalf of the ADSAB to the Bank a promissory note or notes under the Corporate Seal signed by the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the monies so borrowed, with interest at such rate as may be agreed upon from time to time with the Bank.

2. The Chief Administrative Officer or Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to apply in payment of all sums borrowed as aforesaid, together with interest thereon, all the monies hereafter collected or received for the current year and preceding years or from any other source.

CARRIED

10. Open Question and Answer

11. In Camera Session

Moved by: Rick Bull

Seconded by: Jacqui Nagel

RESOLVE THAT: the Board move into closed session.

CARRIED

11.1 Housing Services - Blind River Housing Project

11.2 Housing Services - Property Acquisition - Elliot Lake - Update

11.3 Children's Services - New Child Care Centre - Update

11.4 Paramedic Services - Thessalon Ambulance Base Renovation

12. Return to Open Session

Moved by: Cheryl Fort

Seconded by: Marcel Baron

RESOLVE THAT: the Board return to open session.

CARRIED

Moved by: Jacqui Nagel

Seconded by: Blair MacKinnon

RESOLVE THAT: the Board approve the tender from Mike Moore Construction Ltd. in the amount of $2,023,076 for the addition and renovation of the Thessalon Land Ambulance Base.

CARRIED

13. Adjournment

Moved by: Marcel Baron

Seconded by: Harry Stewart

RESOLVE THAT: the regular Board Meeting of January 8, 2026, be adjourned.

CARRIED

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Memo: User Fees and Charges By-law

PDF pages 45 to 47.

TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD
MEMORANDUM

Date: March 19, 2026

To: Mayor Evoy and Council

From: Jennifer Errington, Clerk

Subject: User Fees for Services By-law

Background/Overview

At the February 19, 2026 Council meeting, staff requested Council’s direction regarding Schedule “C” – Roads Services of the draft User Fees and Services By-law.

Council directed staff to incorporate equipment rental rates comparable to those adopted by Tarbutt Township into Schedule “C” of the draft by-law and further directed staff to finalize the draft by-law for Council’s consideration.

During the finalization of the draft by-law, staff identified several fees that required adjustment to better reflect the cost of providing the service and to remain consistent with fees charged by neighbouring municipalities. In addition, several services currently provided by the Township do not have associated fees and are recommended to be added.

The following fee adjustments and additions are recommended:

Tax Certificate

The current fee is $30.00. Staff recommend increasing the fee to $50.00 , which is consistent with neighbouring municipalities.

An expedited tax certificate , required within 48 hours, is recommended to be $100.00 .

Scanning and Emailing Documents

The Township currently does not charge a fee for scanning and emailing documents. Based on a review of neighbouring municipalities, a fee of $3.00 per document is recommended.

NSF Cheque Service Charge

The Township currently charges $32.00 for an NSF cheque. This amount is lower than many neighbouring municipalities and does not fully reflect the administrative time required to process the returned payment. Staff recommend increasing this fee to $50.00 .

Replacement 911 Sign and Post

The Township does not currently charge for the replacement of 911 entrance signs or posts. While it is standard practice not to charge for signage installed for new entrances, many neighbouring municipalities charge for replacements when signs are lost or damaged.

Staff recommend the following fees:

• Replacement 911 Sign: $40.00
• Replacement 911 Post: $20.00

Confirmation Letters

The Township currently charges $25.00 for confirmation letters. These requests often require significant staff time to review records and prepare documentation. Staff recommend increasing this fee to $50.00 , which is consistent with neighbouring municipalities.

Minor Variance and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications

The Township currently charges $200.00 for these applications, a fee that has remained unchanged since 1980.

Under Section 69 of the Planning Act , municipalities are permitted to establish fees that reflect the anticipated cost of processing applications. These applications typically require significant staff time for review, preparation of notices, reports, and meeting coordination.

Based on staff experience and a review of comparable municipal fees, staff recommend the following:

• Minor Variance Application: $900.00
• Additional Variance on the Same Application: $200.00
• Zoning By-law Amendment Application: $1,800.00

Transfer of Interment Rights

The Township currently does not charge a fee for the transfer of interment rights. Staff are working on establishing a formal process for these transfers, which requires verification of records and administrative review.

Based on neighbouring municipalities, staff recommend a fee of $75.00 .

Disinterment Charges

The Township does not currently have established fees for disinterment services. Based on a review of neighbouring municipalities, the following fees are recommended:

• Full Burial Disinterment: $2,500.00
• Cremains Disinterment: $500.00

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the additional amendments to the Draft User Fees for Services By-law and consider adoption of By-law 2077-26 as presented in the March 19, 2026, Council agenda, section 14. b.

Recommended Resolution

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the memorandum dated March 19, 2026, from the Clerk regarding the User Fees for Services By-law.

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Amalgamated Request for Quotes – Bi-annual OSIM Bridge Inspection 2026

PDF page 48.

RFQ 2026-01

Amalgamated Request for Quotes – Bi-annual OSIM Bridge Inspections 2026

Bids were opened at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 by Liisa Cotnam and Line Webster at the Township of Plummer Additional municipal offices. Plummer is in favour of the quotes from R&R Engineering https://www.rrengineering.ca/ I will call Shuniah Township for whom they have done bridge inspections for a reference. The submission from Omnia Engineering is disqualified as they did not provide proof of qualifications as required in the RFQ.

The actual quotes were sent password protected and will be sent to you if requested.

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Dr. Harold S. Trefry Memorial Centre, RE: Municipal Partners with March for Meals, March 2, 2026.

PDF page 49.

March 2, 2026

Dear Mayor and Council,

The Dr. H.S. Trefry Memorial Centre is a member of a group called Ontario Community Support Association. The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. “March for Meals” is an annual campaign that raises awareness and strengthens community engagement with the Meals on Wheels program.

Ontario’s most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities continue to face alarming levels of food insecurity. As the demand for nutritious, affordable meals grows daily, Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers remain unwavering in their commitment to serving those in need. Each year, Meals on Wheels delivers over 3.3 million meals to 68,000 Ontarians , ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities have access to the food they need to live well at home. This “March for Meals” they recognize the dedication of thousands across the province who make this critical service possible.

OSCA is encouraging local leaders to join meal deliveries to raise awareness and advocate for seniors and people with a disability.

We at the Dr. H.S Trefry Memorial Centre would like to work with your Council together to bring awareness of this service in your community. If you have a local leader/volunteer that would be interested in delivering meals on wheels for a day in March, to your community members, please call our office or email for more information. We would love to promote this campaign through social media photos and/or stories (with client permission) from your delivery day and encourage you to do the same.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive, accessible services for residents in need. Your support makes a meaningful difference.

Warm Regards,

Marcy Clark

Manager

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Support Resolution: Township of Assiginack, RE: Retain Lifelabs locations in Northern Ontario, January 20, 2026.

PDF page 50.

TOWNSHIP OF ASSIGINACK

REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL
IN CHAMBERS

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 07:00 PM Moved BY: Councillor Elliott Resolution # 013-01-2026 Seconded BY: Councillor Bowerman

THAT the Township supports all efforts to retain Lifelabs locations in northern Ontario;

AND THAT we ask FONOM and NOMA to lobby for this position on our behalf. ()

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Bar River/Echo Bay United Church Outreach Committee, RE: Thank you for continued support, February 25, 2026.

PDF page 51.

PDF page 51 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 51, or contact the Township office for an accessible format.

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Crime Stoppers, RE: Thank You for Supporting Crime Stoppers in 2026, February 18, 2026.

PDF pages 52 to 53.

PDF page 52 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 52, or contact the Township office for an accessible format.

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Globe and Mail Article “We can’t afford to wait: The Northern Ontario mayor pushing for a safer Trans-Canada Highway”, March 3, 2026 FONOM requested that the Globe and Mail Article on the state of Northern Highways be shared with the Mayor, Council and Senior Staff.

PDF pages 54 to 58.

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Support Resolution: Township of McNab/Braeside, RE: Ontario Heritage Organization Development Grant Advocacy, February 17, 2026.

PDF page 59.

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2076-26 Appointment of an Additional Weed Inspector

PDF page 60.

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

By-law Number 2076-26

BEING A BY-LAW TO APPOINT AN ADDITONAL WEED INSPECTOR FOR
THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD.

WHEREAS Section 6 (1) of the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. W.5 , provides that the Council of a municipality shall by by-law appoint one or more persons as area weed inspectors to enforce this Act;

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

1. That Ed Lapish is hereby appointed as an Area Weed Inspector for the Corporation of the Township of Laird.

2. That this appointment is in addition to any other Weed Inspectors previously appointed by Council.

3. That this By-law shall come into force and take effect upon final passing.

READ and passed in Open Council this 19th day of March 2026.

Mayor (blank)

Shawn Evoy

Seal

Clerk (blank)

Jennifer Errington

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2077-26 User Fees and Charges By-law

PDF pages 61 to 71.

CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

By-Law No. 2077-26

BEING A BY-LAW TO ESTABLISH FEES AND CHARGES FOR SERVICES
AND THE USE OF PROPERTY IN THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD.

WHEREAS Subsection 391(1) of the Municipal Act , 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 , as amended authorizes municipalities to pass by-laws to impose fees or charges on persons,

a) for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of the municipality;

b) for costs payable by it for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of any other municipality or local board; and

c) and for the use of its property including property under its control.

AND WHEREAS Subsection 391 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a fee or charge imposed for capital costs related to services or activities may be imposed on persons not receiving an immediate benefit from the services or activities but who will receive a benefit at some point in the future;

AND WHEREAS Subsection 398(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended provides that fees and charges imposed by a municipality or local board on a person constitute a debt of the person to the municipality or local board, respectively;

AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 398 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 fees imposed pursuant to this by-law constitute a debt of the owner to the Municipality and may be added to the tax roll of the property to which the fees relate, and the owner of which is responsible for paying the fee or charge and shall be collected in like manner as municipal taxes;

AND WHEREAS Subsection 23.1(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended authorizes a municipality to delegate its powers and duties to a person subject to the restrictions set out in that Part;

AND WHEREAS Subsection 69(1) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 , provides that the council of a municipality may, by by-law, establish a tariff of fees for the processing of applications made in respect of planning matters, which tariff shall be designed to meet only the anticipated cost to the municipality or to a committee of adjustment or land division committee constituted by the council of the municipality;

AND WHEREAS Section 7 of the Building Code Act, R.S.O. 1992 , as amended provides that the council of a municipality may pass by-laws requiring the payment of fees for applications for and issuance of permits and prescribing the amounts thereof, and providing for refunds of fees under such circumstances as are prescribed;

AND WHEREAS the council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird is desirous of establishing user fees and charges to recover some of the costs for services and facilities provided by the Corporation;

NOW THEREFORE The council of the Corporation of the Township of Laird hereby ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:

1. That the user fees, charges and rents as specified in Schedules “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, and “H” attached to this by-law shall be charged by the Corporation of the Township of Laird for services and activities provided by the Corporation, for costs payable by it for services or activities provided

by or on behalf of another municipality or local board, and for the use of property owned or under the control of the Corporation.

2. All fees and charges set out in this by-law shall be payable prior to the provision of the service unless an agreement in writing is made to the contrary and approved by a municipal official.

3. In the event any fee or charge imposed herein remains unpaid after provision of the service or is otherwise in arrears in excess of 30 days, such fees or charges may be added to the Tax Roll for any real property in the municipality, the owner of which is responsible for paying the fee or charge and shall be collected in like manner as municipal taxes.

4. Council hereby delegates to each Department Head of the Corporation of the Township of Laird, the authority to administer such fees and charges and approve such forms and procedures as may be required for the efficient administration of the fees and charges.

5. Any person who is required to pay a fee for the processing of an application in respect of a planning matter may pay the amount of the fee under protest and thereafter appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal against the levying of the fee or the amount of the fee by giving written notice of appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 30 days of payment of the fee.

6. The Ontario Land Tribunal shall hear an appeal made under Clause (5) and shall dismiss the appeal or direct that a refund payment be made to the appellant in such amount as the Tribunal determines.

7. The fees set out in the by-law shall be reviewed on an annual basis prior to the adoption of the current budget and Where there is a conflict between fees listed in this by-law and those listed in any other by-law, the fees contained in this by-law shall prevail.

8. That the following schedules attached hereto shall form part of this by-law: Schedule “A” Administration and Corporate Services Fees Schedule “B” Facility Rental Fees

Schedule “C” Public Works and Road Services Fees Schedule “D” Protective Services Fees

Schedule “E” Planning and Development Fees

Schedule “F” Building Permit Fees

Schedule “G” Waste Disposal Site Fees

Schedule “H” Cemetery Fees

9. That any previous by-law or amendments thereto respecting fees and charges in the Township of Laird be hereby repealed and replaced.

10. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this by-law and any other by-law, the provisions of this by-law shall prevail.

11. This by-law shall come into force and effect on the date of passing, or as otherwise specified in the schedules attached hereto.

READ and passed in open council this 19 th of March, 2026.

Mayor (blank)

Shawn Evoy

Seal

Clerk (blank)

Jennifer Errington

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “A” – ADMINISTRATION AND CORPORATE SERVICES FEES

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “B” – FACILITY RENTAL FEES
Hall Rental

Laird Fairgrounds

Horse Arena Rental

Laird Fairgrounds Storage

Other Fairgrounds Fees

Deposit required for fairgrounds rentals: 50% of the rental fee (non-refundable).

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “C” – PUBLIC WORKS AND ROAD SERVICES FEES
Equipment and Operator

Note: The equipment and operator fees are to be used for the purpose of the Shared Service Agreements.

Culverts and Entrances

Civic Addressing

BY-LAW #2077-26
SCHEDULE “D” – PROTECTION SERVICES FEES
Animal Control

Note: SPCA refers to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.

By-law Enforcement

Fire and Emergency Response

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “E” - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FEES

All planning application fees are established pursuant to Section 69 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990 . Fees are intended to recover the anticipated cost of processing applications. Fees are non-refundable, regardless of approval or denial. Additional costs incurred for planning peer review or legal notices are charged to the applicant at actual cost.

Note: All consent applications will be taken to the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board which is located at 27 Barr Rd. Desbarats, Ontario

BY-LAW #2077-26
SCHEDULE “F” – BUILDING PERMIT FEES

e) commercial buildings $100.00 per sq. ft.

f) industrial buildings $100.00 per sq. ft.

g) Renovation of:

i) house exterior, siding, windows or doors $100.00 per permit

ii) house minor interior alterations $100.00 per permit

h) installation of solar panels $50.00 per sq ft.

i) roofing permit $75.00 per permit (includes one free load to disposal site, permit number to be used at waste disposal site)

Note : Commercial & Industrial rates may be determined by consultation with the Chief Building Official, Council.

3. The determination of whether a permit is required and what class of permit is required is at the discretion of the Chief Building Official.

4. The building permit fee for any building or work begun prior to the issuance of a building permit for such building or work shall be double (i.e. 2 times) the regular permit fee.

5. Any project $500,000.00 and over will have the fee set by Council and the Chief Building Official.

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “G” – WASTE DISPOSAL SITE FEES

Municipal Residential Waste

Commercial/Industrial/Institutional/ Residential

General/Usual Waste:

Hauled by contractor or self-hauled, apportioned accordingly by:

Scrap Metal

Tires

BY-LAW #2077-26

SCHEDULE “H” – CEMETERY FEES

Interment Rights – Full Size Burial Plot

Disinterment Charges

Opening and Closing

Marker Installation

Notes: 100% of marker installation fees are allocated to the Care and Maintenance Fund in accordance with Ontario Regulation 30/11 under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 .

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2078-26 Conformity By-law

PDF page 72.

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LAIRD

By-law Number 2078-26

BEING A BY-LAW to confirm proceedings of the meeting of Council, March
19, 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 March 19, 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 19 th day of March 2026.

Mayor (blank)

Shawn Evoy

Seal

Clerk (blank)

Jennifer Errington

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