Warwick public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Warwick Township Council meets December 11, 2023 to consider approving Community Improvement Plan grants totaling $40,000 for 517 Gold Street, award a $43,750 drain maintenance tender, and pass several drain and site plan by-laws. Council will also hold a Court of Revision for the Parker Drain and defer farm worker accommodation zoning amendments to 2024. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personal matters, land acquisition, labour relations, and legal advice.
- Structural Improvement Grant of $35,000 (20% funding) and Building Accessibility Grant of $5,000 for 517 Gold Street (Watford Veterinary Clinic), conditional on a Letter of Undertaking Agreement
- Higgins Drain maintenance tender awarded to McNally Excavating for $43,750 plus HST ($49,437.50 total)
- By-law 127 of 2023 to exempt Township-initiated projects from Site Plan Control
- Farm Worker Accommodations zoning by-law amendments deferred to 2024
- Cemetery grass cutting and caretaker contract: either issue a 3-year RFP starting Spring 2024 or negotiate a 1-year renewal with Keith's A Cut Above Lawncare
Special Council - 07 Dec 2023 - BUDGET
Warwick Township Council held a special meeting on December 7, 2023 to receive the proposed 2024 Budget presentation from Treasurer/Deputy CAO Trevor Jarrett. The proposal includes a 5% tax rate increase (about $34.73 per household per $100,000 of assessed value), a $583k operating shortfall to be drawn from reserves, and a $3,301,170 capital budget funded mainly by $2M in landfill host fees. Council also received a tender request for Watford Fire Station repairs, a verbal update on Heritage Creek subdivision sanitary infrastructure, and a resident request for streetlights on Industrial Drive. No decisions were recorded in the agenda beyond the confirming by-law.
- Proposed 2024 budget: 5% tax increase generating about $143k, plus $37k from growth, for $180k in new tax revenue
- 2024 capital budget of $3,301,170 funded by $2,000,000 host fees, $626,578 OCIF, $117,092 gas tax, and $557,500 reserves
- Tender approval requested for Watford Fire Station repairs (MTE presentation)
- Resident request from Colin & Jen Van Kessel of 79 Auto Shine Inc. for streetlights on Industrial Drive, Watford
- Awaiting decisions on $3.85M Housing Accelerator Fund and $50k Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Special Council
Warwick Township Council holds a special meeting on November 27, 2023 focused on fire services. Council will consider approving a Standard Operating Guideline for dual fire station response, fire department policy updates, and a status update on the Fire Master Plan. Council will also vote on awarding a drain maintenance tender to JLH Excavating Inc. for $32,970.35 including HST, and will meet in closed session regarding a personal matter about an identifiable individual.
- Proposed Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) for dual fire station response, presented by Chief Goodhill and Chief Sitlington
- Tender for Duncan and Brown-Jariott Drain maintenance awarded to JLH Excavating Inc. for $29,177.30 plus HST ($32,970.35 total)
- Report FIRE-04-23: proposed policies on Recruitment and Member Transition for the fire department
- Report CAO-31-23: status update on Fire Master Plan implementation, with council direction requested on next steps
- Verbal update on proposed changes to Lambton Shores Fire Area for Townsend Line coverage; By-law 119 of 2023 appointing a Community Emergency Management Coordinator
Special Council
Warwick Township Council held a special meeting to review matters related to the Twin Creeks Landfill, including a Waste Management presentation on a proposed landfill optimization project and a presentation from the Township's Technical Review Team on 2022 landfill operations. Council is being asked to confirm completion of its 2023 annual review of the landfill and direct staff and the TRT to follow up on outstanding items with WM and the MECP. A confirming by-law is also on the agenda.
- Waste Management presented on a proposed landfill optimization project to add up to ~14M m³ of airspace and extend site life by ~12 years (from 2032 to 2043)
- WM pays host community fees to Warwick of approximately $4M annually, over $33M since 2009
- TRT 2023 Annual Review confirms most but not all recommendations resolved; outstanding items relate to complaints and complaints procedures
- Council to consider releasing a $5,000 letter of credit for landscaping
- Public Information Session 2 on the EA set for November 29 and December 5, 2023 at Twin Creeks Environmental Centre, 5768 Nauvoo Road
Regular Council
Warwick Township Council will meet to consider several policy updates and service contracts. Key items include an extension of the police services contract and updates to the employee code of conduct and human resources policies.
- Proposed extension of Police Services Contract (By-law 113 of 2023)
- McKay Drain 2023 tender award to van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Limited for $87,190.00
- Contract for Animal Pickup Services with Sarnia District Humane Society
- Approval of Warwick Wayfinding Strategic Plan
- Sump Pump Disconnect and Backflow Installation Grant Program update
Special Council
Council is reviewing amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to allow up to two additional dwelling units (ADUs) per property. These changes align with provincial Bill 23 to provide more housing options like basement suites or garage apartments.
- Public meeting regarding Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) at 4:00 p.m.
- Approval of $1,390,500.00 contract for Public Works Salt Shed to Accuratus Design & Build
- Proposed $220,000 inclusion in the 2024 capital budget for the salt shed project
- Review of the Mixed Commercial Industrial (CM) Zone
- Discussion of Parker Drain-Jarriott-Tyler Drain Petition
Regular Council
The Council will consider awarding a $1,390,500.00 contract for a new salt shed and approving service agreements with two conservation authorities. Other items include updates on housing affordability and a discussion regarding the Parker Drain.
- Salt Shed Tender Award: $1,390,500.00 to Accuratus Design & Build
- Conservation Authority agreements: $3,461 total for ABCA and SCRCA services
- Employee Code of Conduct: Proposed policy updates
- Parker Drain: Consideration meeting and By-law 102 of 2023
- Housing Affordability Task Force: Verbal update from Treasurer/Deputy CAO
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing a minor variance application from A & J Straatman & Family Ltd. The applicant seeks to build a manure pad with a 30ft setback, which is less than the required 89ft Minimum Distance Separation. Planning staff recommend the committee deny the request due to potential land use conflicts and failure to meet provincial and local standards.
- Minor variance application A-03-23 for a manure pad at 7318 Zion Line, Watford
- Proposed setback of 9.1m (30ft) versus a required 27m (89ft) setback
- Staff recommendation to deny the application based on Planning Act and PPS 2020 standards
Special Council
The Council is reviewing the 2023 Technical Review Team Report regarding the Twin Creeks Landfill and its management by Waste Management of Canada Corporation. Additionally, a public meeting is being held to consider a zoning amendment to allow for surplus farm dwelling severances.
- Public meeting regarding Rural Severance Policy
- 2023 Technical Review Team Report for Twin Creeks Landfill
- By-law 99 of 2023: Zoning Amendment for Surplus Farm Dwellings
- Proposed updates to CAO/Clerk performance reviews
- Parks and Recreation Advertising Sponsorship Package approval
Regular Council
The Warwick Township Council will discuss the proposed Township Strategic Plan and several policy updates. The meeting also includes decisions on drain tenders and various municipal by-laws.
- Approval of the proposed Township of Warwick Strategic Plan
- Awarding the Eastman-Van Aert Drain 2023 tender to JLH Excavating Inc. for $49,188.90
- Awarding the Hagle Drain 2023 tender to JLH Excavating Inc. for $60,588.34
- Adoption of the Municipal Flag Policy and updated Municipal Notice Policy
- Court of Revision for the McKay Drain 2023
Warwick Township Cemetery Board
The Cemetery Board is meeting to discuss new business regarding an annual site visit to all cemeteries. The agenda includes a review of active and inactive cemetery locations within the township.
- Annual Site Visit to All Cemeteries
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a minor variance application for A & J Straatman & Family Ltd. The applicant seeks to construct a dry manure pad with a 30ft setback from the lot line, which is less than the required 89ft setback.
- Minor variance application A-03-23 for 7318 Zion Line
- Proposed manure pad setback of 30ft (9.1m) vs required 89ft (27m)
- Public hearing scheduled for September 5, 2023, at 4:00 PM
Special Council
Council will receive an update on the municipal response to the August 23, 2023, flooding event. The meeting includes a request to the province to activate the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program and a discussion on terminating the current emergency declaration.
- Request to activate the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program
- Potential termination of the emergency declaration once Zion Line and other roads are assessed/reopened
- Update on municipal operations including road repairs and waste management at Twin Creeks Landfill
- Discussion of Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) for local residents
- By-law 96 of 2023 for confirmation
Special Council
Council met to receive a presentation of the draft Strategic Plan for the current term. The plan outlines six strategic pillars, including economic development, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. The presentation was provided by StrategyCorp Inc. to provide direction for Council.
- Presentation of the draft 2023-2026 Strategic Plan by StrategyCorp Inc.
- Discussion of six strategic pillars: Economic Development, Intergovernmental Relationships, Communications, Environmental Stewardship, Financial Stewardship, and Infrastructure.
- Review of By-law 94 of 2023.
Regular Council
Warwick Township Council will review proposed updates to the Animal Control By-law and discuss financing for the East Lambton Community Complex. The meeting includes a tender award for the Miner Drain and presentations regarding economic development and food recycling programs.
- Awarding Miner Drain 2023 tender to Van Bree Drainage & Bulldozing Ltd. for $116,729.00 total
- Proposed updates to the Animal Control By-law (Responsible Pet Ownership By-law)
- Financing options for the East Lambton Community Complex (ELCC)
- Court of Revision for the Eastman-Van Aert Drain (By-law No. 71 of 2023)
- Court of Revision for the Hagle Drain (By-law No. 72 of 2023)
Warwick Township Cemetery Board
The Cemetery Board is discussing a groundwater testing summary report for Watford Cemetery. Members will also review the 2022 annual report submission to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario and the financial status of cemetery accounts.
- Groundwater testing summary report for Watford Cemetery
- 2022 Annual Report submission to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario
- 2023 Watford Cemetery Decoration Day scheduled for August 27, 2023
- Correspondence from RWDI Air Inc. regarding groundwater monitoring
- Review of 2023 annual operational budget allocation of $38,405
Special Council
This special meeting focuses on a review of the 2023 Township budget and expenditures through the end of Q2. Council will receive updates on capital budget projects, operating budgets, and long-term debt. The agenda also includes a tender award for concrete pads and discussions on financing for the East Lambton Community Complex.
- Approval of $53,100 quote from McCann Brothers Concrete for two reinforced concrete pads
- Review of 2023 Capital Budget Projects, noting 17% of the budget spent to date
- Discussion on long-term financing options for the East Lambton Community Complex (ELCC)
- Presentation on Watford 150th event budget allocations versus actual expenditures
- Passage of By-laws 88, 89, and 90 of 2023 regarding drain maintenance
Special Council
Warwick Township Council is meeting for education and training purposes regarding the development of an updated Strategic Plan for the 2022 to 2026 term. The meeting includes a closed session to facilitate this training.
- Education and training for the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan
- By-law 87 of 2023 to confirm previous Council resolutions and motions
Regular Council
The Warwick Township Council is reviewing a 2% cost of living wage adjustment for employees and several drainage-related by-laws. The meeting also includes updates on economic development and a presentation regarding the MobileCare Community Health Outreach Program.
- 2% cost of living wage adjustment for employees effective August 1
- By-law 80 of 2023 regarding McKay Drain
- By-law 81 of 2023 agreement with Sarnia Police Services Board for Dispatch Services
- By-laws 82-85 of 2023 regarding Archer, Falconer-Ramsay, Cleland, and Kersey Drains
- MobileCare Community Health Outreach Program presentation
Special Council
Warwick Township Council will hear a presentation from WM managers regarding excess soils at the Twin Creeks Landfill. The meeting also includes an in-camera session for Council training related to the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.
- Presentation on excess soils at the Twin Creeks Landfill by WM representatives
- In-camera session for Council training regarding the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan
- By-law 79 of 2023 to confirm previous Council resolutions and motions
Regular Council
The Warwick Township Council is reviewing several major infrastructure projects and contract awards. The meeting includes discussions on new by-laws for littering, dumping, and parking, as well as updates on fire dispatch services.
- Birnam Line Asphalt Replacement contract award to Sevcon Paving for $794,799.50
- Purchase of two 4WD Crew Cab Pickup Trucks from Watford Ford for $130,281.00
- Proposed Littering and Dumping By-law with fines via the Provincial Offences Act
- Culvert 41 Rehabilitation contract award to Theo Vandenberk Construction Inc. for $35,110.00
- Woolvett Drain 2022 tender award to Van Bree Drainage & Bulldozing Ltd. for $76,329.86
Special Council
Warwick Township Council is reviewing a temporary use by-law to allow Twin Creeks Greenhouse Inc. to construct farm worker accommodations. This temporary measure would permit four buildings until the township's permanent zoning by-laws are updated. The council is also discussing a façade grant for Shanahan Realty and a public engagement plan for the township's strategic plan.
- Temporary Use By-law for farm worker accommodation at 8060 Zion Line
- Façade grant request from Shanahan Realty for 5308 Nauvoo Road, Watford
- Public engagement plan for the Township of Warwick Strategic Plan 2022-2026
- Site Plan Deposit Policy discussion
- AMO Delegation Request deadline of June 9, 2023
Special Council
Warwick Township Council is meeting for education and training purposes regarding the development of an updated Strategic Plan for the 2022 to 2026 term. Part of this meeting will be held in a closed session pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001.
- Education and training for the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan
- By-law 67 of 2023 to confirm previous Council resolutions and motions
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider a minor variance application from Kelsey and James Pugsley. The applicants seek to construct a shed with a 3m rear yard setback, which is less than the 7m required in the Agricultural 1 (A1) zone.
- Minor variance application A-02-23 (Pugsley) regarding a rear yard setback at 7074 Confederation Line
- Proposed reduction of rear yard setback from 7m to 3m for a new shed
Regular Council
The Warwick Township Council will meet to hear updates on Enbridge's natural gas expansion and the East Lambton YMCA. The agenda includes the consideration of multiple drainage maintenance by-laws and a development charge waiver for 425 Ontario Watford Developments.
- Enbridge update on Natural Gas Expansion and Renewable Natural Gas Project
- East Lambton YMCA update
- Site Plan Deposit discussion with Colin and Jen Van Kessel
- Proposed waiver of Development Charges for 425 Ontario Watford Developments
- By-laws 37 through 66 covering various drain maintenances and local improvements
Special Council
Warwick Township Council will consider a request from the owner of Watford Home Hardware to reduce a required site plan deposit. The meeting will also address whether to modify the current policy, which requires deposits of 50% of estimated improvement costs, for future applications.
- Exemption request for Watford Home Hardware at 7885 Industrial Drive
- Discussion on Site Plan Deposit Policy application for future developments
- East Lambton Community Complex (ELCC) construction progress report
- Confirmation of By-law 36 of 2023
Special Council
The Council will meet to discuss municipal negotiations in a closed session. The meeting also includes the passing of By-law 35 of 2023 to confirm previous council resolutions.
- In Camera session regarding municipal negotiations under Section 239(2)(k)
- By-law 35 of 2023 to confirm previous council resolutions and motions
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing proposed changes to the animal control services model and dog licensing fees. The meeting also includes discussions on landfill optimization, drainage improvements, and several infrastructure tender awards.
- Proposed changes to animal control services and dog licensing fees
- Award of $161,077.23 to VanDriel Excavating for culvert rehabilitation
- Award of $230,864.44 to Gillier Drainage Inc. for Industrial Drive extension
- Approval of $23,500 for Old Firehall Museum hose tower repairs
- Approval of $1,344.00 for Watford downtown sidewalk cleaning
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will meet on April 4, 2023, to consider minor variance applications. Items include a Bell Canada proposal for structural support at 211 Warwick Street and an application from Van Aert.
- Application A-01-23: Bell Canada request for a 0.661m exterior yard setback at 211 Warwick Street
- Application B-01-23: Van Aert minor variance application
- Public hearing for Bell Canada regarding structural steel reinforced system installation
Special Council
Warwick Township Council will hear a presentation regarding a Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Twin Creeks Landfill. The meeting includes a scheduled closed session to discuss litigation, solicitor-client privilege, and negotiations. Council will also consider passing By-law 21 of 2023 to confirm previous resolutions.
- Presentation on Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Twin Creeks Landfill
- Closed meeting regarding litigation and solicitor-client privilege
- By-law 21 of 2023 to confirm Council resolutions and motions
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several infrastructure and service contracts, including road maintenance and water system reports. Key discussions include zoning amendments, development charge updates, and strategic planning services.
- Zoning amendment for 7785 Confederation Line
- Zion Line asphalt repairs and replacement contract for $522,793.50
- Wayfinding Signage and Marketing Strategic Plan quote for $19,517.50
- Gravel tender for unpaved roads at $18.40 per tonne
- Calcium tender for unpaved roads at $0.104 per litre
Committee of Adjustment - 07 Mar 2023 - Training Session
The Committee of Adjustment conducted a training session covering general procedures and Lambton County planning services. The session provided instruction on minor variances, land consents, and the legal obligations of committee members.
- Training on Committee of Adjustment hearing procedures
- Review of Lambton County planning services and roles
- Instruction on minor variance and consent application processes
- Discussion regarding the Property Standards Appeal Committee
- Overview of committee remuneration at a rate of $162.53 per meeting
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several drainage infrastructure tenders and discussing a proposed amendment to the Parking By-law. The meeting also includes updates on the 2022 Development Charges Study and a request regarding Canada Post addressing in Watford.
- Awarding drainage tenders: Gilliland ($106,852.97), Holbrook-Fenner ($467,265.17), Kilmer ($343,215.13), and Moffatt Branch 7 ($42,465.40)
- Proposed $108,220.00 capital project for tennis court resurfacing and adult fitness equipment
- Proposed amendment to remove on-street parking permits by November 15, 2023
- Request for Canada Post to adopt civic addressing in the Watford urban boundary
- Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for the Watford 150th Anniversary
Special Council - 27 Jan 2023 - BUDGET
The Special Council meeting will focus on the presentation and potential approval of the 2023 Operating and Capital Budget. Council will also discuss extending health benefit coverage to members and hear a delegation regarding Zion Line repairs.
- Approval of the proposed 2023 Township of Warwick Budget
- Discussion of Council Health Benefit Plan coverage via Green Shield Canada
- Delegation from Don Jones regarding Zion Line repairs
- First, second, and third reading of By-law 14 of 2023
- Review of Zion Line road upgrades including crack sealing and asphalt replacement
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing a zoning amendment for 7023 Egremont Road and discussing a resolution to urge the Ontario government to open Phase 3 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program. Staff will also provide updates on Canada Post mailing changes and a generator need at the Watford Fire Station.
- Zoning amendment for 7023 Egremont Road to convert a former church to a single detached dwelling
- Resolution urging the Government of Ontario to open Phase 3 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program for Warwick Village
- Consideration meetings for Gilliland, Holbrook-Fenner, Kilmer, and Moffatt Drain - Branch 7
- Approval of By-law 10 of 2023 (Consolidated Appointment By-law)
- Discussion of emergent need for a generator at the Watford Fire Station
Special Council
This special meeting is held to provide training and education to Council regarding the history and operations of the Twin Creeks Landfill. The session includes a closed meeting to discuss litigation, solicitor-client privilege, and negotiation instructions.
- Training on Twin Creeks Landfill history and operations
- In Camera session regarding litigation and solicitor-client privilege
- By-law 9 of 2023 to confirm previous Council resolutions