Council & Committee of the Whole Highlights: May 13, 2026

14 May 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. 

Council

  • Council had one resident participate in the Open Forum, where they were provided two minutes to speak about any municipal matter.
  • Mayor Rawson made the following proclamations:
    • May 2026 Museum Month, in support of our Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives
    • May 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month
    • May 4 – 10 as Children’s Mental Health Week
    • May 17 – 23 as Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) week
    • June 12 – 20 as Pollinator Week
  • Council held a Public Meeting regarding a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 2 Beck Boulevard.
  • Council presented the École Secondaire Le Caron – Junior and Senior Tennis Teams as the 2026 Youth Endowment Fund recipient. Funding will support enhanced training opportunities and competitive experiences for student‑athletes, strengthening tennis development and encouraging excellence both on and off the court.
  • Mayor Rawson recognized Councillor Leroux, Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose, and Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Lees on their years of service with the municipality.
  • Council received a presentation from the Georgian Bay Geopark.
  • Council adopted minutes from the Council and Special Council meetings held on April 8, 2026 and May 5, 2026.
  • Council approved the Summary of Proposed Bill 98 – Building homes and improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 as presented and directed staff to provide feedback to the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
  • Council received the background to the Public Meeting report concerning 2 Beck Boulevard for information and directed staff to report back at a future meeting in response to comments.
  • Council approved the pre-qualification of four (4) engineering consulting services for municipal projects as presented.
  • Council approved the proposed AMO Conference Delegation topics for the 2026 AMO Conference as presented.
  • Council approved the appointment of Sandra Baldwin to the Economic Advisory Committee for the remainder of the term.
  • Council approved the Draft Procedure By-Law Update as presented, with the direction to hold a Public Information Session to solicit feedback on the proposed amendments.
  • Council passed 2 by-laws, including:
    • 2026-17 Adopt Budget Estimates for 2026
    • 2026-18 Set the Rates of Taxation for 2026

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 Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives regarding the Museum Activities Report in 2025.
  • Committee received a presentation from Hemson Consultants regarding the Planning and Community Development Fee Review.

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

  • Committee received the Midland Penetanguishene Transit ridership quarterly update from Q1 2026 for information.
  • Committee received the procurement implications of new Provincial and Federal Buying Acts for information.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

  • Committee received the Wellbeing and Accessibility Committee meeting minutes of March 5, 2026 for information.
  • Committee received the Museum and Heritage Committee meeting minutes of March 12, 2026 for information.
  • Committee received the Penetanguishene Library Board meeting minutes of February 23, 2026 for information.
  • Committee received an update on the Wharf Sink Hole for information.
  • Committee received the 78th Annual Winterama Post Event Report for information.
  • Committee approved the Museum Activities report as presented
  • Committee approved the Framework to Truth and Reconciliation as outlined and directed staff to report back to Council annually.
  • Committee approved the Access to Affordable Recreation Policy update as presented.

PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

  • Committee received the Planning and Community Development 1st Quarter memo for information.
  • Committee received the Committee of Adjustment meeting minutes of March 23, 2026 for information.
  • Committee received the Economic Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 2, 2026 for information.
  • Committee approved the Extension of Draft Plan Approval for 2 Beck Boulevard as presented.
  • Committee received the results of the Public Meeting on the Official Plan Amendment for the Town Dock Secondary Plan and Master Plan and approved the recommendation from the Town Dock Technical Advisory Committee to approve the plans.
  • Committee approved the planning and Community Development Department Fee review as presented.
  • Committee approved the St. Andrew’s Lake Village Subdivision Agreement for as presented.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

  • Committee received the 2025 Draft Year-End and 2026 Quarter #1 Financial Summary for information.

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

Sarah Dusome

Communications & Technology Coordinator

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