Council and Committee of the Whole Highlights: February 11 2026

Council Highlights provide a brief overview of noteworthy decisions and presentations made at Town of Penetanguishene Council meetings. Upcoming meetings including agendas and minutes from the meetings are available on our website. This meeting is available for viewing on our YouTube Channel. 

Special Council: Open Session – Council did not convene in a closed session.

• Council received a staff update regarding ongoing matters related to 78 Main Street.
• Council received the 2025 Legal and Insurance Claims Update.

Council

• Council had 2 residents participate in the Open Forum, where each were provided two minutes to speak about any municipal matter.
• Council held a Public Meeting regarding 1500 Sandy Bay Road. Three members of the public provided comments in person, while a few written submissions were received.
• Council received a presentation from Monteith Brown Planning Consultants regarding the Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy.
• Council received a presentation from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the 2025 Year-in-Review.
• Council adopted minutes from the Council and Special Council meetings held on January 21, 2026.
• Council approved the background to the Public Meeting concerning 1500 Sandy Bay Road, as presented. Staff were directed to respond to public comments in a future staff report.
• Council directed staff to send a letter of support to Ontario Good Roads Association regarding the regulatory changes to the Buy Ontario Act.
• Council approved the Notice of Motion from Mayor Rawson as amended regarding confirmation of ownership of 111 Robert Street West, 151 Fox Street, 2 Robillard Drive, and 175 Church Street, and the Town’s interest in pursuing the potential for a new Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Centre facility within the Town.
• Council passed 5 by-laws, including:
  • 2026-05 BGC North Simcoe Day Camp Agreement
  • 2026-06 Appoint MLEO Officers (M Langridge & M. Sobey)
  • 2026-07 Appoint Property Standards Officers (M. Langridge & M. Sobey)
  • 2026-08 Appoint Weed Inspectors (M. Langridge & M. Sobey)
  • 2026-09 Appoint a Fire Chief and CEMC

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole (Committee) facilitates the decision-making process of Council. The Committee is comprised of all members of Council who fully participate in debate and forward recommendations to Council for final decision. Items that are discussed in Committee of the Whole are to be ratified at Council’s next meeting.

• Committee received a presentation from the Georgian Bay General Hospital and Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation.

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

• Committee received the Water and Wastewater Operational Review Update for information.
• Committee received the Proposed 5 Year Preventative Road Maintenance Plan for information.
• Committee received the Proposed 5 Year Sanitary Maintenance Plan for information.
• Committee received the Proposed 5 Year Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Plan for information.
• Committee received the 5 Year Stormwater Maintenance Plan for information.
• Committee approved an easement for an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station at 26 Main Street.
• Committee approved the Maintenance Standards for Municipal Roads Policy Revision as outlined.
• Committee approved the implementation of the Traffic Calming Measures and the Road Safety Initiatives Fund.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Committee received the Museum and Heritage Committee meeting minutes for information.
• Committee received the Trails Committee meeting minutes for information.
• Committee received the Penetanguishene Public Library meeting minutes for information.
• Committee received a memo regarding the Older Adults Centres’ Association of Ontario Grant Funding for information.
• Committee received the Fee Waiver Requests 2025 for information.
• Committee received the Charles Scott Playground Subsidy report for information.
• Committee approved the Ice User Groups Agreements as outlined.
• Committee approved the Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy as outlined.

PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

• Committee received the Economic Advisory Committee meeting minutes from October 6, 2025 and January 12, 2026 for information.
• Committee received the Complete Application and Public Meeting ZA 2/2026 for the property 138 Robert Street East.
• Committee received the Complete Application and Public Meeting ZA 1/2026 for the property 15 Sheffcote Street.
• Committee approved the By-law Department Procedure and Policy Updates as outlined.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

• Committee received the ROMA 2026 Conference Delegation follow-up for information.
• Committee received the Electronic Document and Records Management System Project update for information.
• Committee approved the 2026 work plans for Advisory Committees and Boards as presented.
• Committee did not support the staff‑recommended Automated Menu (Auto Attendant) call‑handling option as part of the transition to the Microsoft Teams telecommunication platform.

Committee Upcoming Meetings and other community events are listed on our website.

The Town of Penetanguishene publishes Council Highlights after meetings. Council encourages its residents, businesses and stakeholders to stay abreast of Council news. Council Highlights briefly describe items of interest to the public.  To view detailed information visit www.penetanguishene.ca or Connect Penetanguishene