Council Highlights – December 8, 2025

Council Highlights are a summary of key topics discussed during each session of the Town of Shelburne Council.

Council Highlights – December 8, 2025

Below are the highlights from the Council meeting held on Monday December 8, 2025. The Council meeting is on the Town's YouTube Channel.

Watch the YouTube video for the Council Meeting held December 8, 2025.

By-Laws

Council approved By-law 53-2025 being a by-law to provide for the levy and collection of rates or taxes required for the Town of Shelburne for the interim levy for the year 2026 and to provide for the mailing of notices demanding payment of taxes for the interim levy for the year 2026 on all classes of property.

Council approved By-law 54-2025 being a by-law to amend user fees and charges for municipal services, programs and facilities.

Reports

Council discussed Report LS2025-13 from the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk regarding Procedural Bylaw Updates and directs staff to bring back an amendment to a future meeting.

Communication

Council discussed communication #10

Correspondence from the City of Welland regarding A Call to Action: Standing Together for Justice and the Protection of Canada’s Children

Council of the Town of Shelburne supports the City of Welland regarding a Call to Action: Standing Together for Justice and the Protection of Canada's Children.

Council discussed communication #12

Correspondence from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario - Policy Updates

·         New Procurement Requirements, Bill 30 Advocacy, 2025 Federal Budget Infrastructure Investments

·         Advocacy on Bill 60, Data Standards, Blue Box and Conservation Authority Consolidation

Council Resolution

WHEREAS Ontario’s Conservation Authorities are essential to watershed management, environmental protection, flood mitigation, and public safety; and

WHEREAS Bill 68 proposes significant amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act that would change governance structures, decision-making authority, and municipal participation; and

WHEREAS these changes were introduced within an omnibus bill, without a dedicated legislative process that would allow for full public input, stakeholder consultation, or sufficient review of long-term environmental, financial, and public safety impacts; and

WHEREAS municipalities are critical partners in watershed management and must retain meaningful representation to ensure local knowledge, priorities, and risks are considered; and

WHEREAS the proposed amendments may increase risks related to flooding, erosion, natural heritage loss, and environmental degradation if not fully evaluated;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of The Town of Shelburne urges the Provincial Government of Ontario to withdraw all sections of Bill 68 related to the Conservation Authorities Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any proposed changes be re-introduced as a standalone bill and proceed through the full legislative process—including Committee review, public consultation, and stakeholder submissions—to ensure transparent assessment of impacts on watershed management, environmental protection, and public safety; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any future governance framework for Conservation Authorities include strong, clearly defined municipal representation, recognizing municipalities as essential partners in watershed protection; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT this motion be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, local MPPs, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, and all Ontario municipalities and Conservation Authorities.

Upcoming 2026 Council Meeting Dates

January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 23, April 13 & 27 (Virtual), May 11 & 25, June 1 (virtual) & 22 (Virtual), July 13 & 27, August 24, September 14 & 28, October 5 and December 14.

Meetings commence at 6:30 p.m.