Gore Bay, ON

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Gore Bay Council's regular meeting includes delegations on backyard chickens and Eastlink, staff reports on grants and events, and a by-law for the Business Tax Capping Program. Council will also consider letters of support for provincial funding and a closed session on potential litigation.

• Delegation: Carmen Bertrand & Terry McNeely request for backyard chickens
• Business Tax Capping By-law (2026-27) for adoption
• Senior Active Living Program Grant report
• Breeze Around the Bay recap and 1st Annual Gore Bay Ball Fest Fundraiser reports
• Letters of support for sustainable provincial grant funding for fire services and return to property tax reassessment cycle

Special Council

Gore Bay's Special Council meeting on August 17, 2026, will consider a by-law establishing procedures for selling surplus land, as required by the Municipal Act. The by-law sets out methods of sale (tender, open market, or direct sale to non-profits), appraisal requirements, and public notice rules. Council will also enter closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

• By-law to establish procedures governing the sale of surplus lands
• Sale methods: sealed public tender, open realty market, or direct sale to non-profits
• Minimum deposit of $1,000.00 for offers to purchase
• Closed session under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act (personal matters about employees)

Development, Properties & Public Works

The Development, Properties & Public Works committee will discuss a proposed zoning amendment for 33 Meredith Street to allow a four-unit senior citizen housing building, review a draft water/wastewater servicing agreement with Gordon/Barrie Island, and receive updates on the Marina Building RFP and capital projects. The agenda also includes adoption of the July 15, 2026 minutes.

• Proposed zoning amendment at 33 Meredith Street from Core Commercial (C1) and Residential (R1) to Residential Multiple (R2) for a 4-unit senior housing building
• Draft Water and Wastewater Servicing Agreement between Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island, including rates, arrears collection, and capital reserve provisions
• Marina Building RFP posted on Biddingo and marina/boating sites
• Project updates: Splash Pad Washrooms open, West Bluff Waterline contract to be awarded to MCA, Medical Centre air exchange issue
• Committee previously directed staff to remove the 8 Dawson Street fountain

General Government

The Gore Bay General Government committee will consider adopting a revised vacation policy and overtime carry-over rules for municipal employees. The meeting will also review a draft corporate communications policy and discuss the renewal of the arena canteen lease.

• Proposed vacation policy: 15 days for 1 month to 4 years, 20 days after 4 years, 25 days after 9 years
• Proposed overtime carry-over: up to 2 weeks of banked overtime/vacation can carry into next year, unused hours paid out
• Draft Corporate Communications Policy for approval
• Authorization to proceed with Arena Canteen Tender for 2026–2027 ice season

Development, Properties & Public Works

The committee is reviewing the town's sanitary sewer system to address infiltration and capacity concerns. Updates were provided on the splash pad washroom delay, West Bluff waterline tender, and medical centre progress. Discussions also included water agreements with Gordon/Barrie Island and potential zoning amendments for 66 Meredith Street.

• Sanitary system inspection and cleaning estimated at $35,471.59
• West Bluff Waterline Phase 1 tender scheduled for June 11
• Proposed water agreement between Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island
• RFP/RFEOI development for 66 Meredith Street property
• Marina Building vacancy advertising

General Government

Le Comité du gouvernement général discutera des amendements proposés aux droits de vacances de la Ville et à la politique de banques d'heures supplémentaires, examinera le règlement existant sur les animaux exotiques et examinera un bail de cantine. Aucune décision n'est prévue ; les points sont destinés à la discussion et à l'information.

• Proposition de politique de vacances : 15 jours après 1 mois, 20 jours après 4 ans, 25 jours après 9 ans, 30 jours après 19 ans
• Augmentation de la limite des heures supplémentaires bancées de 40 à 80 heures avec des dispositions de report
• Examen du règlement 2021-16 régissant les animaux exotiques
• Négociation du bail de la cantine (aucun détail fourni)

Public Meeting- Natural Heritage System Strategy

The council will discuss adopting Amendment No. A‑3 to the Official Plan, which implements the Natural Heritage System Strategy for the District of Manitoulin. The amendment adds Schedule F and replaces Section D.4(a‑b) with new text covering natural heritage features. The meeting includes a public comment period on the proposed strategy before any decision is made.

• Adoption of Amendment No. A‑3 to the Official Plan (Natural Heritage System Strategy)
• Addition of Schedule F (Natural Heritage System) to the Official Plan
• Replacement of Section D.4(a‑b) with updated natural‑heritage policies
• Public comment session on the Natural Heritage System Strategy
• Discussion of development restrictions in wetlands, alvars, wildlife habitats, and other natural heritage areas

Public Meeting 2022-24ZBL-26-02

The council will discuss Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022-24ZBL-26-002 for the property at 30 Meredith Street (Water Street) to permit three residential rental units in the former Lambac office building. The amendment seeks to adjust the north‑side yard setback for two accessory structures to 2.0 m while keeping the Core Commercial zone designation. The report notes no concerns from consulted agencies and recommends council may approve the amendment.

• Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022-24ZBL-26-002 for 30 Meredith Street – permits three residential rental units in former commercial office building
• Requires reduced north‑side yard setback of 2.0 m for accessory shed and deck (primary building setback 3.5 m)
• Current zoning Core Commercial (Cl); proposed zoning remains Core Commercial
• Building permit GB‑02‑2025 issued in October 2025 for conversion to three‑unit multiple dwelling
• No concerns received from Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Hydro One, and other consulted parties

Regular Council

La réunion ordinaire du conseil du 22 juin comprend une délégation présentant les états financiers préparatoires de 2025, des rapports de la direction sur le Plan stratégique du musée, une subvention d'Experience Ontario, une délégation de pouvoirs et des caméras de sécurité. Le conseil examinera et votera sur des règlements visant à modifier le Plan officiel et le règlement de zonage. Une séance à huis clos est prévue pour des questions personnelles.

• Présentation des états financiers préparatoires de 2025 par Marc Belanger de Baker Tilly
• Examen du règlement d'amendement au Plan officiel 2026-21
• Examen du règlement d'amendement de zonage 2026-22
• Rapport de la direction sur le Plan stratégique du Musée de Gore Bay 2026-2030
• Rapport de la direction sur l'installation de caméras de sécurité dans les installations municipales

Public Meeting 2022-24OPA-26-002

The Town of Gore Bay Council will consider Official Plan Amendment No. 2022‑24OPA‑26‑002, which seeks to permit three residential rental units for senior and non‑senior citizens in the Core Commercial Area at #30 Meredith Street. A simultaneous Zoning By‑law Amendment (File No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑002) would allow those units as the primary use and reduce the north‑side yard setback to 2.0 m. The application was submitted by 1905130 Ontario Inc., represented by Kurtis Noble, and no concerns were received from consulted Indigenous groups, provincial ministries, or utility providers. Council will decide whether to approve the amendment based on the planning report and recommendations.

• Official Plan Amendment No. 2022‑24OPA‑26‑002 to permit three residential rental units at #30 Meredith Street
• Simultaneous Zoning By‑law Amendment File No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑002 to allow the units as primary use and adjust setbacks
• Property comprises Part Lot 2 on Water Street and Meredith Street, approx 1,590 sq m
• No objections received from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, UCCMM, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Hydro One, and other notified parties
• Council to vote on approval of the amendment per the planning board’s recommendation

Development, Properties & Public Works

Le comité Développement, Propriétés et Travaux publics examinera les options de développement pour le 66, rue Meredith, incluant des bâtiments à usage mixte et résidentiel totalisant jusqu'à 24 unités, ainsi qu'une stratégie d'intensification visant à doubler la population de Gore Bay d'ici 2045. Ils discuteront également de l'appel d'offres (RFP) pour le Marina Building concernant l'ancien espace du CYC, de mises à jour de projets et d'un accord sur l'eau avec Gordon/Barrie Island.

• 66, rue Meredith : deux options de développement avec 20 ou 24 unités résidentielles, usage commercial mixte au rez-de-chaussée, nécessitant des amendements au Plan officiel et au zonage
• Stratégie d'intensification : la zone d'étude comprend Water St, Meredith St, Phipps St et la propriété de Manitoulin Lodge ; potentiel de base de 35 maisons unifamiliales plus des unités additionnelles
• RFP du Marina Building : demande de propositions pour l'espace anciennement loué par le CYC, échéance le 29 mai
• Accord sur l'eau Gore Bay-Gordon/Barrie Island : besoin d'un nouvel accord juridique pour les raccordements d'eau au-delà du mandat actuel du conseil
• Mises à jour de projets : construction des toilettes de la aire de jeux (achèvement le 20 juillet), pont de Kinney Street (prêt pour le coup de pelle), appel d'offres pour la conduite d'eau de West Bluff (automne 2026)

Special Council

Council will consider a request from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514 to extend its liquor licence for Canada Day celebrations on June 27. The meeting will also include a closed session and a confirmatory by-law.

• Canada Day liquor licence extension request for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514
• Closed session to discuss personal matters
• Confirmatory by-law 2026-20 to ratify previous council proceedings

General Government

Le Comité du gouvernement général examinera les propositions de modifications de la politique de vacances de la ville, notamment un nouveau calendrier d'attribution des vacances basé sur les années de service et une limite combinée de report de 80 heures pour les vacances et les heures accumulées. Le point fait suite à des discussions précédentes et à un rapport du personnel sur la politique.

• Attribution de vacances proposée : 15 jours (1 mois–4 ans), 20 jours (après 4 ans), 25 jours (après 9 ans), 30 jours (après 19 ans)
• Un maximum combiné de 80 heures de vacances et de temps accumulé peut être reporté à l'année civile suivante
• Une clause de circonstances exceptionnelles permet le report au-delà de 80 heures avec l'approbation du gestionnaire de la ville (Town Manager)
• D'ici le 1er octobre, le personnel doit planifier le temps excédentaire ou être payé selon un calendrier de versements échelonnés ou une somme forfaitaire d'ici le 31 décembre

Public Meeting Official Plan Amendment 2022-24OPA-26-001

Council will hold a public meeting to consider an Official Plan Amendment application from Maggie's Apartments Limited. The proposal seeks to increase allowable lot density to 41.9 units per hectare to permit a semi-detached dwelling for senior housing.

• Official Plan Amendment No. 2022-24OPA-26-001 for senior housing at Part Lot 3, East Side of Phipps Street
• Proposed density increase from 35 to 41.9 units per hectare
• Simultaneous zoning by-law amendment (File No. 2022-24ZBL-26-001) for increased lot coverage (30% to 38.82%) and reduced setbacks
• Requirement for a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment due to proximity to Lake Huron
• Consultation with United Chiefs and Council of Mnidoo Mnising and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Regular Council

Le conseil de Gore Bay procédera à l'assermentation d'un nouveau conseiller, examinera plusieurs règlements municipaux, y compris des amendements au plan officiel et de zonage, et passera en revue les rapports du personnel concernant l'appel d'offres pour le carburant de 2026, la politique de vacance de postes et les rampes de la marina. La réunion comprend également un règlement déléguant l'autorité au directeur municipal durant la période de transition (lame duck) et le remplacement du poste de conseiller vacant.

• Assermentation de la nouvelle conseillère Deanna Lewis
• Appel d'offres pour le carburant 2026 (contrat d'approvisionnement)
• Rapport sur les anciennes rampes de la marina et réparations potentielles
• Règlement 2026-16 pour modifier le plan officiel
• Règlement 2026-17 pour modifier le règlement de zonage

Public Meeting- Zoning Amendment No.2022-24ZBL-26-001

The council will consider Municipal Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022‑24ZBL‑26‑001 submitted by Maggie’s Apartments Limited. The amendment seeks to raise lot coverage from 30 % to 38.82 % and reduce front‑yard and side‑yard setbacks for a proposed semi‑detached dwelling on Lot 3, East Side Phipps Street. A simultaneous Official Plan Amendment would increase residential density to 41.9 units per net hectare for senior housing on the same site. Council will decide whether to approve the zoning changes and the related Official Plan amendment.

• Zoning amendment to increase lot coverage to 38.82 % and reduce front‑yard setback to 3 m and side‑yard setback to 0 m for a semi‑detached dwelling on East Side Phipps St.
• Official Plan amendment to raise residential density to 41.9 units / net hectare for senior housing on the same lot
• Requirement for four parking spaces per two‑unit dwelling, with council invited to consider a reduction to two spaces
• Hydro One confirmed a minimum 4.8 m horizontal distance from the outermost power line, satisfied by the revised front‑yard setback
• Mayor’s letter supporting final processing of the applications and noting no archaeological assessment completed

Gore Bay Museum Board

The Gore Bay Museum Board meeting will consider the proposed 2026 operating budget, which lists projected revenues of $79,561.38 and expenditures of $73,653.52, showing a surplus of $5,907.86. The board will also discuss a student/senior volunteer call‑out program, tenant matters, and the possibility of installing solar panels. These items are listed under New Business on the agenda.

• Review of 2026 museum operating budget (revenues $79,561.38, expenses $73,653.52)
• Discussion of student/senior volunteer call‑out program
• Discussion of tenant issues
• Consideration of solar panel installation for the museum

Development, Properties & Public Works

Le conseil examinera un amendement de planification pour Phipps Street qui augmente la densité résidentielle à 41,9 unités par hectare net et augmente la couverture des lots à 38,82 %. Il examinera également l'appel d'offres pour louer l'espace commercial riverain de 4 051 pieds carrés au 30 Water Street, les propositions devant être déposées avant le 29 mai 2026. Les autres points incluent un rapport des travaux publics (AIR-26-031), des mises à jour de projets (AIR-26-029) et une discussion sur la politique de l'eau Gore Bay-Gordon Barrie.

• Amendement de planification pour Phipps Street : augmentation de la densité d'unités résidentielles à 41,9 unités par hectare net et de la couverture des lots à 38,82 % (Official Plan Amendment File No. 2022-24PA-25-001; Zoning Amendment File No. 2022-24ZBL-25-002)
• Appel d'offres pour le bâtiment de la Marina pour louer l'espace commercial de 4 051 pieds carrés au 30 Water Street, date limite de dépôt des propositions le 29 mai 2026 à 16 h 30 HNE
• Rapport des travaux publics (Agenda Item Report – AIR-26-031)
• Rapport de mise à jour de projets (Agenda Item Report – AIR-26-029)
• Discussion de la politique de l'eau Gore Bay-Gordon Barrie

General Government

Le comité du gouvernement général discutera de la dotation de bureau et de la gestion du travail, de la politique de vacances issue du Manuel des relations avec les employés (révision 2024), ainsi que d'un projet de règlement municipal sur la politique de communications. Aucun vote ou décision n'est prévu ; il s'agit uniquement de sujets de discussion.

• Discussion sur la dotation en personnel et la gestion du travail au bureau
• Examen de la politique de vacances (Manuel des relations avec les employés, révision 2024)
• Considération d'un règlement municipal sur la politique de communications

Regular Council

Le conseil de Gore Bay examinera un règlement de procédure visant à rétablir deux comités permanents (Gouvernement général et Travaux publics, propriétés et développement). Ils discuteront également d'un poste de conseiller vacant, d'une demande de propositions et de divers articles de correspondance, incluant une demande pour le Carp Derby et une proposition d'amélioration du front de mer. La réunion comprend l'adoption des procès-verbaux précédents et un règlement de confirmation.

• Règlement de procédure 2026-11 pour rétablir les comités permanents
• Poste de conseiller vacant (article 6.2)
• Demande de propositions (article 6.1)
• Demande du Carp Derby pour l'utilisation des installations municipales (article 8.1)
• Proposition d'amélioration du front de mer de Gore Bay par Manitoulin Streams (article 8.2)

Regular Council

The Town of Gore Bay Council will consider a Notice of Motion to amend the Procedural By-law, re‑establishing two standing committees—General Government and Public Works, Properties and Development—each meeting on the first and second Tuesday of the month. The motion also calls for dissolving the Planning and Development Task Force and moving the full Council meeting to once per month on the fourth Monday starting May 25. Additional agenda items include adopting the March 23 minutes, reviewing water and wastewater capacity reports, and directing staff to study capital water and sewer charges for new connections outside town limits.

• Amend Procedural By‑law to re‑establish General Government and Public Works, Properties and Development committees
• Water/Waste Water Capacity report; staff directed to obtain a consultant proposal for a wastewater capacity assessment
• Report on New User Water Connection Fees and Capital Levy; staff to investigate capital water and sewer charges for connections outside town limits
• Approval of Water Financial Plan 2026‑2033 with a suggested 6% annual increase
• Passage of Confirmatory By‑law 2026‑29 (first, second, and third readings)

Regular Council

The Council will review a water financial plan for 2026-2033 and consider new user water connection fees and capital levies. The meeting also includes reports on water/wastewater capacity and a nuisance by-law.

• Water Financial Plan 2026-2033
• New User Water Connection Fees and Capital Levy
• Water/Waste Water capacity study
• Nuisance By-law Report
• Community Hall damage deposit requirements

Regular Council

The Gore Bay Council will meet to discuss staff reports regarding splash pad washrooms and firefighter fitness memberships. The body is also considering a by-law to establish a Community Spirits & Events Group.

• By-Law 2026-07 to establish a Community Spirits & Events Group
• Staff report on Splash Pad Washroom Facilities
• Staff report on Firefighter Fitness Centre Memberships
• Gore Bay WTP 2025 Annual Report
• Confirmatory By-Law 2026-08

Regular Council

Gore Bay Council will discuss a proposal to lease space at the Gore Bay Memorial Arena for a VR theme park pop-up trial from June to September. The staff report recommends approval of a lease at $500 per month plus hydro costs. The meeting also includes reports on community hall deposits, a nuisance by-law, and a confirmatory by-law.

• VR Theme Park Pop-Up Trial at Gore Bay Memorial Arena
• Community Hall Damage Deposit
• Introduction of Nuisance By-law
• Confirmatory By-law 2026-06
• Closed Session regarding land acquisition

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss a 2026 tax policy review that recommends eliminating tax reductions for vacant land and adjusting the commercial and industrial tax ratio to 0.95. Staff also presented the 2026 Draft Operating and Capital Budget.

• Recommendation to eliminate vacant and excess land tax reductions
• Recommendation to adjust commercial/industrial tax ratio to 0.95
• 2026 Draft Operating Budget of $1,487,233
• 2026 Draft Capital Budget of $33,300
• Municipal levy increase of 1.29% to $1,520,533

Regular Council

The Gore Bay Council adopted the minutes from the January 12 meeting, approved the CANSail Youth Sailing Program with free marina slip and use of the McQuarrie Pavilion and Harbour Centre, and adopted new rates for Community Hall workshops ($50 for two hours, $60 for three hours, $15 per additional hour plus HST). The council also passed By‑Law 2026‑02 as a confirmatory by‑law and directed staff to draft a municipal communications policy.

• Approval of CANSail Youth Sailing Program (free two‑week marina slip, use of McQuarrie Pavilion and Harbour Centre)
• Adoption of Community Hall workshop rates: $50 for two hours, $60 for three hours, $15 per extra hour plus HST
• Passage of By‑Law 2026‑02 (confirmatory by‑law) with first, second, and third readings
• Directive for staff to draft a municipal communications policy
• Council continues not to support the Natural Heritage System Strategy as drafted (dated Nov 19 2024)

Regular Council

Council will review a proposed Natural Heritage System Strategy from the Manitoulin Planning Board. The meeting also includes discussions on the Cansail Youth Sailing Program and community workshop rates.

• Manitoulin Planning Board Natural Heritage System Strategy
• Cansail Youth Sailing Program report
• Community Workshop Rate report
• Public Works Activity Report (Nov 20, 2025 to Jan 20, 2026)
• Proposed Communications Policy

Regular Council

The regular council meeting will consider routine items such as opening, agenda changes, disclosures and adoption of minutes. Staff reports will be presented on the Kinney Street Bridge, Splash N Go Adventure Park, a half‑ton truck acquisition and other projects. A correspondence motion will be used to adopt a Communications Policy, and a confirmatory by‑law will be passed.

• Adopt Communications Policy via Correspondence Motion/Agenda
• Staff report on Kinney Street Bridge project
• Staff report on Splash N Go Adventure Park
• Staff report on 2026 Half‑Ton Truck Acquisition
• Pass Confirmatory By‑law 2026‑01