Hearst, ON

Special Meeting of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Policy Committee

Finance Committee

Operations Committee

Planning Committee

Economic Development Committee

Parks and Recreation Committee

Regular Meeting of Council

James Bay OPP Detachment Board 1

The board will discuss road closures on Highway 11 and a stop sign at the corner of Gaspésie Rd and Highway 583 South. The meeting includes a report from the Hearst Detachment Commander covering January to October 2026.

• Stop sign at the corner of Gaspésie Rd and Highway 583 South
• Road closures on Hwy 11
• Hearst Detachment report for January to October 2026
• Closed meeting regarding trade secrets under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019

Conseil de la Bibliothèque publique de Hearst

The Hearst Public Library Board met to review operational statistics and policy revisions. The board approved expenditures for June through August 2026 and discussed a new literary project for Northern Ontario.

• Approval of $14,010.55 in expenditures (30 electronic fund transfers) for June, July, and August 2026
• Discussion of a literary project with Editions Prise de Parole to connect authors and francophone communities
• Request for staff to compile age-group and attendance statistics to evaluate opening hours
• Review of monthly circulation statistics for June (1,007), July (1,249), and August (982)
• Direction for the director to propose priority policies for revision

Regular Meeting of Council

The Town of Hearst Council will meet to discuss tax rebate requests during a public hearing. The meeting also includes the review of various committee reports and correspondence from other municipalities and regional associations.

• Public hearing regarding requests for tax rebates
• Review of reports from the Long-Term Care Committee and James Bay O.P.P. Detachment Board 1
• Review of reports from the District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board and Hearst Planning Board
• Correspondence regarding Highway 11/17 Expansion and Northern Highway Safety
• Correspondence regarding 2027 OPP policing costs and Northeastern Public Health municipal levies

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

The body is meeting to discuss downtown maintenance, seasonal events, and community collaborations. Key topics include the closure of rue George and a painting project with the Club Rotary.

• Correspondence regarding the closure of rue George
• Discussion of banner supports with an estimated cost of $40 per support
• Painting project in collaboration with the Club Rotary
• Planning for Christmas decorations and Halloween festivities
• Discussion of 'Magie de Minuit'

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is reviewing a staff report regarding air traffic at the René Fontaine Municipal Airport. The item is presented for information purposes only with no staff recommendation for action.

• Review of 2026 Year-to-Date Air Traffic Summary report from the Director of Airport Services

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is discussing requests from two local sports organizations for the free use of space at the recreation centre. Staff have recommended granting free storage space to the Hearst Minor Hockey Association for the 2026-27 season.

• Request from Hearst Minor Hockey Association for free use of basement storage at the Claude-Larose Recreation Centre
• Request from Hearst Figure Skating Club for free use of storage space and La Limite Hall at the recreation centre

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee is reviewing the approved Terms of Reference to begin an environmental assessment for the Hearst Waste Management System. The committee is also reviewing the water and wastewater system operation report for August 2026.

• Approval of Terms of Reference for the Hearst Waste Management System Environmental Assessment
• Water and wastewater system operation report for August 2026

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is reviewing a request from the Université de Hearst for a donation of municipal land at Kinsey Park. The body will also consider renewing an emergency information agreement and review building permit activities.

• Request from Université de Hearst for donation of municipal land at Kinsey Park (7th Street)
• Proposed renewal of agreement with Les Médias de l'épinette noire for emergency information broadcasting
• Review of building permit activities comparing September 2025 and September 2026

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is discussing a new Accountability and Transparency Policy for the Town of Hearst. The meeting also includes appointments for an election audit committee and a resolution regarding tax reinvestment.

• Proposed adoption of a new Accountability and Transparency Policy
• Proposed repeal of By-law No. 75-07 (Accountability and Transparency Policy)
• Proposed repeal of By-law No. 89-09 (Code of Ethics Policy)
• Appointment of members to the 2026 Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee
• Support for Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus resolution to reinvest non-refundable HST in local infrastructure

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss several administrative and financial matters. Key items include a snow removal contract renewal and a proposed incentive program for veterinarians.

• Renewal of snow removal service agreement with Les Entreprises Forma-Jeunes
• Tax rebates under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act
• Notice of motion for a Financial Incentive Program for veterinarians
• Free rental of municipal space used by Dépôt Gamelin
• Activity report for Centre Éducatôt Hub

Hearst Planning Board

The Hearst Planning Board is holding a regular meeting on September 23, 2026, to discuss ongoing business, including funding for the Official Plan Review, consent applications, and the 2027 review of the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law. New business includes a title validation for 5 Algoma in the Town of Hearst. The board will also consider emails from WSP Canada Inc. regarding zoning by-law provisions for trailers on seasonal residential lots and budget allowance for the Official Plan Review project, as well as a funding update from Municipal Programs (MMAH).

• Funding for Official Plan Review
• Consent applications
• Review of Official Plan and Zoning By-Law (2027)
• Title Validation (5 Algoma)
• Email from WSP Canada Inc. re: Opinion on Zoning By-Law Provisions - Trailers on Seasonal Residential Lots

Regular Meeting of Council

Hearst Council's regular meeting on September 22, 2026, will hear a presentation of the Town's 2025 consolidated financial statements by Kevin Gosselin of Baker Tilly HKC, and an update on the community veterinary clinic project from the Hearst Veterinary Services Committee. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from August 25 and September 4, 2026, and reports from the Operations, Planning, and Parks and Recreation Committees. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Presentation of Town of Hearst 2025 consolidated financial statements by Baker Tilly HKC
• Update on community veterinary clinic project by Hearst Veterinary Services Committee
• Adoption of minutes from regular meeting August 25, 2026 and special meeting September 4, 2026
• Adoption of Operations Committee report dated September 17, 2026
• Adoption of Planning Committee report dated September 17, 2026

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

The Centre-ville Hearst Downtown committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss ongoing and new business, including banner installation, a painting project with the Rotary Club, and Halloween festivities. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or financial items detailed.

• Discussion on banner installation supports with Raymond Joanis
• Update on painting project with the Rotary Club
• Planning for Halloween celebration
• Approval of July 2026 cheque list
• Recruitment of members

Economic Development Committee

Parks and Recreation Committee

Conseil de la Bibliothèque publique de Hearst

The Hearst Public Library Board is holding a regular meeting on September 16, 2026. The agenda includes routine items such as adopting the agenda, approving the minutes of the June 18, 2026 meeting, and receiving reports. The board will also discuss ongoing policy revisions, new business items including a 'Médiation littéraire' project and services for newcomers, and receive various reports on finances, statistics, and inspections.

• Policy review: list of policies to revise, including BEN-01 (volunteer program), CF-01 to 04 (financial control), CIR-01 to 06 (loans, fines), COL-02, COL-06, COL-08 to 10 (collections), OPE-04, OPE-05, OPE-09 to 11, OPE-13 to 17, PC-03 to 05, PRO-01, PRO-02, RH-01 to 05
• New business: 'Médiation littéraire' project
• New business: services for newcomers
• Reports: verification balances for August 2026, statistics for June-July-August 2026, list of disbursements for June-July-August 2026, monthly inspection for July-August-September 2026, summer report 2026, director's report
• Other: article from Le Nord newspaper, August 6, 2026, titled 'La Bibliothèque sort au parc'

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee is receiving updates on the Front Street rehabilitation project, the Blais, Roy and McNee roads stabilization project, and reports on the drinking water system and water/wastewater operations. The Front Street project is essentially complete, with only a sensor installation at 15th and Front streets remaining. The committee is also reviewing the annual drinking water system inspection report and monthly operations reports for June and July 2026.

• Front Street rehabilitation project (Connecting Link) update: essentially complete, sensor installation pending at 15th and Front streets
• Blais, Roy and McNee roads stabilization project update
• Hearst Drinking Water System annual inspection report
• Water and wastewater systems operations reports for June and July 2026

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is recommending that Council authorize the sale of a municipally owned parcel (approx. 45 ft by 140 ft) west of 918 Piper Street to Lisa and Patrice Dallaire, subject to the applicant relocating a municipal drainage ditch at their own expense and completing the disposition within one year. The committee also discusses a pergola roof project at the Hearst Place Pavilion, appointment of volunteer firefighters, and a building permit summary. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Request to purchase municipal land west of 918 Piper Street (approx. 45 ft x 140 ft) by Lisa and Patrice Dallaire
• Staff recommendation: authorize land disposition subject to drainage ditch relocation at applicant's expense and 1-year completion deadline
• Pergola roof project at Hearst Place Pavilion (staff report dated Aug 25, 2026)
• Appointment of volunteer firefighters (admin report dated Sept 10, 2026)
• Building permit activities summary (July and August 2025 vs 2026 comparison reports)

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is meeting to discuss three items: renewing the license agreement with Imperial Oil for the land at 616 Front Street, supporting the Town of Latchford's resolution on sustainable funding for Official Plan and Zoning By-law reviews, and appointing directors to municipal boards. The committee will make recommendations to the Municipal Council.

• Renewal of license agreement with Imperial Oil for land at 616 Front Street
• Support for Town of Latchford resolution on sustainable funding for Official Plan and Zoning By-law reviews
• Appointment of directors to municipal boards

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing the Town of Hearst's consolidated and non-consolidated financial statements for 2025, with a recommendation to approve them and appoint Baker Tilly HKC as auditor for 2026. The committee will table its recommendations at a public council meeting.

• Approval of independent auditor's report and consolidated financial statements for year ending Dec 31, 2025
• Appointment of Baker Tilly HKC as auditor for 2026
• Review of non-consolidated financial statements and engagement report
• Statements cover town corporations including Foyer Hearst-Mattice Soins de santé, Hearst Housing Corporation, Hearst Energy Services, Hearst Public Library, Hearst Connect, Hearst Development Corporation, and Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

Comité sur les soins de longue durée de Hearst et de la région

The committee met to review the mandate of the long-term care group and discuss new business. Discussions included updates from various healthcare providers and local municipalities regarding regional care services.

• Foyer des Pionniers reported a 55-person waiting list, including 19 in crisis and 17 in the hospital
• Review of the Committee on Long-Term Care mandate
• Discussion regarding Vieillir chez soi
• Discussion regarding Santé Ontario à domicile
• Discussion regarding Équipe de santé familiale Nord-Aski

James Bay OPP Detachment Board 1

The James Bay OPP Detachment Board 1 is reviewing road safety matters including Highway 11 closures and heavy vehicle parking. The board is also discussing potential air patrols between Hearst and Longlac and a stop sign installation at Gaspésie Rd and Highway 583 south.

• Discussion of road closures on Hwy 11
• Proposed air patrol blitz between Hearst and Longlac
• Proposed stop sign at the corner of Gaspésie Rd and Highway 583 south
• Discussion regarding mobility scooters
• Request for a Tow Zone Program for Highway 11 North

Special Meeting of Council

The Town of Hearst Council will vote on creating two full-time municipal positions: a Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer and a Building Inspector/Project Coordinator. The proposal follows a review after the former combined role was vacated, aiming to improve service delivery and reduce operational risk. Council will also consider reallocating budgeted funds for HR and health & safety resources.

• Creation of Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer position
• Creation of Building Inspector/Project Coordinator position
• Reallocation of budgeted funds for HR and health & safety resources
• Amendments to Salary Administration Program and salary grid proposed
• Closed session to discuss personal matters under Municipal Act Section 239(2)(b)

Regular Meeting of Council

This is a standard procedural meeting with no public hearings or delegations scheduled. Council will adopt minutes from July 28 and August 11, 2026, and review a list of correspondence. The agenda contains no specific motions, contracts, or decisions to be voted on.

• Correspondence from the Solicitor General regarding 2027 OPP Municipal Policing Costs
• Correspondence from CDSB regarding a new transitional housing development in Hearst
• Correspondence from NOMA regarding dedicated funding for municipalities that do not collect development charges
• Correspondence from the Town of Kapuskasing supporting a review of a restricted towing zone for the Highway 11 Northern Corridor
• Correspondence from Township of North Stormont supporting the permanent doubling of the OCIF

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

This is the agenda for the regular meeting of Centre-ville Hearst Downtown on August 24, 2026. The board will elect a new president following the resignation of Marie-Hélène Lanoix-Verreault, discuss a potential article in Le Nord, and consider Christmas decoration proposals. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the July cheque list and a painting project with the Rotary Club.

• Election of a new president after Marie-Hélène Lanoix-Verreault's resignation
• Discussion of a potential article in Le Journal Le Nord about downtown projects and issues
• Proposals for Christmas decorations
• Approval of July 2026 cheque list
• Painting project with the Rotary Club (deferred from previous meeting)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss two items: the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and an information fair for new residents. Staff recommend that the municipal council adopt Option 1 for the challenge, which would alternate between French and English schools in different years. The committee will also review a report on the information fair.

• Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge: staff recommend Option 1, alternating between French and English schools each year
• Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge includes workshops, mentors, and a final pitch to 'Dragons de Hearst'
• Information fair for new residents: administrative report dated August 11, 2026
• Meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM in Town Hall Conference Room

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on August 13, 2026, to receive two informational reports from the Director of Parks and Recreation: one on activities at the Claude-Larose Recreation Centre for August and September, and another summarizing the department's summer work. The agenda includes details on ice installation at the Giroux and Ndur surfaces, as well as pool transition schedules. No formal recommendations are made; items are for information only.

• Activities at Claude-Larose Recreation Centre for August and September
• Summer work summary for Parks and Recreation Department
• Ice installation at Giroux surface to be ready by August 24
• Ice installation at Ndur surface to be ready by September 21
• Hearst Minor Hockey Association camp starts August 24

Planning Committee

Operations Committee

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will discuss three items: funding two elected officials to attend the 2027 ROMA conference, a proposal to reduce landfill operating hours to 40 per week year-round and replace two part-time staff with one full-time attendant, and an update on property standards activities from 2024 to 2026. The committee will make recommendations to the Municipal Council.

• Proposed $12,900 budget allocation for two elected officials to attend the ROMA 2027 conference (Jan 24-26, 2027)
• Landfill hours reduction from current 64 (summer) / 59 (winter) to 40 hours per week year-round, with two options in Appendix A
• Replace two part-time Assistant By-law Officers with one full-time Landfill Attendant, saving an estimated $38,112 to $48,235 annually
• Property standards activity report covering 2024-2026, including cases under By-law No. 37-2020 (yards, outdoor storage, landscaping, etc.)