Special Committee of the Whole Highlights, October 29, 2025

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

Public Consultation – 2026 Budget

Two public consultations for the 2026 Budget took place, prior to the start of the Committee of the Whole meeting, one at 3:00 p.m. and one at 6:00 p.m. More information on the 2026 Budget process is available online: 2026 Budget Process | Connect Penetanguishene

Special Committee of the Whole (Budget Draft 1)

• Committee received the Tourism Information Centre Staff Sharing Agreement for information.
• Committee approved that the following 2026 financial requests remain in Draft 2 of the Budget:
  • $538,150 for the Penetanguishene Public Library
  • $45,640 for the Huronia Airport Commission
  • $141,930 for the Severn Sound Environmental Association
  • $10,000 for Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment
• Committee approved that the following 2026 financial request be included in Draft 2 of the Budget:
  • $15,000 for Boats & Beyond Committee
• Committee requested that the following organizations present their financial requests at the November 19 Special Committee of the Whole budget meeting :
  • Community REACH – Transportation Linking Communities ($7,865)
  • The Guesthouse Shelter ($5,000)

• Committee approved that a net increase of $7,944 be included in Draft 2 of the Operating Budget to transition the current part-time Cashier/Receptionist to a full-time position.

• Committee approved that a net increase of $17,734 for a By-Law Enforcement Officer, summer student position be included in Draft 2 of the Operating Budget.
• Committee defeated the request for a net increase of $64,000 to replace the 6-month OIT contract with a full-time Distribution and Supply Operator.
• Committee approved that a net increase of $98,396 for a full-time Engineering Technician be included in Draft 2 of the Operating Budget.
• Committee defeated the request for a net increase of $93,912 for a full-time Wastewater Treatment Operator.
• Committee referred net increases of $9,241 and $32,678 to transition a current Facility Operator position to a Facilities Lead Hand position and transition a permanent part-time Facility Operator position to full-time back to staff. Committee requested additional information for including the library in centralizing facilities management. The staffing requests will be presented at the November 19, 2025 Special Committee of the Whole budget meeting.
• Committee directed staff to draft a report outlining options for the Charles Scott playground replacement project to be presented at the November 19, 2025 Special Committee of the Whole budget meeting.
• Committee removed the Lucy Street extension project from Jeffery Street to Edward Street from the capital plan.
• Committee approved that staff amend the budget as directed and present Draft 2 at the Special Committee of the Whole budget meeting on November 19, 2025.

Special Council

• Council approved the transition from a part-time shared Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief role to a full-time role with a net increase of $95,000 along with the engagement of a professional third party recruitment firm to assist with filling the role.