Special Council, Council and Committee of the Whole Highlights: January 21, 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 memo from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the Shared Fire Services Agreement – Mutual Acknowledgement for information.

Council

• Council had two residents participate in the Open Forum, where each were provided two minutes to speak about any municipal matter.
• Council held a Public Meeting regarding 106 Robert Street West. One member of the public provided comments in person, and multiple written submissions were received.
• Council presented the 2026 Budget Financial Contributions to Community Organizations. Cheques were presented to:
  • Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment ($10,000)
  • Community Reach – Transportation Linking Communities ($7,365)
  • Penetanguishene Curling Club ($1,500)
• Council adopted minutes from the Council and Special Council meetings held on December 10, 2025.
• Council received an update from the Director of Public Works and Engineering regarding Automated Speed Enforcement for information.
• Council received an update to the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law for information.
• Council approved the background to the Public Meeting concerning 106 Robert Street West, as presented. Staff were directed to respond to public comments in a future staff report.
• Council approved the Snow Removal Level of Service Policy in accordance with the staff report.
• Council approved the Environmental Assessment Act Changes – Municipal Project Assessment Process as presented and directed staff to respond to the Registry of Ontario with the identified comments.
• Council approved the False Alarm By-law Update 2 as outlined in the report.
• Council approved changes to the Draft Plan of Subdivision and the Draft Plan Conditions concerning 1145 Fuller Avenue.
• Council approved the Committee of the Whole Report dated December 10, 2025.
• Council received a Notice of Motion from Mayor Rawson 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. The motion will be debated at the February 11, 2026 Council meeting.
• Council passed 3 by-laws, including:
  • 2026-01 Fees and Charges for 2026
  • 2026-02 False Alarm Policy (Police)
  • 2026-03 Water and Wastewater Rates and Fees 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 Planner regarding the Peel Street Streetscape Design.

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

No Agenda Items.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Committee received the Trail Bridge Inspections report for information.
• Committee approved the Ice Rates for 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 as presented.
• Committee approved the draft agreement for day camp operations between the Town of Penetanguishene and BGC North Simcoe as outlined in the report.

PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

• Committee received a memo regarding a complete Zoning By-law Amendment application and an upcoming public meeting regarding 1500 Sandy Bay Road.
• Committee received a memo from the Director of Planning and Community Development regarding the 4th Quarter Planning and Community Development Department Update.
• Committee received a memo from the Planner regarding the Community Improvement Plans 2025 Annual Update.
• Committee received a memo from the Severn Sound Environmental Association Sustainability and Climate Action Coordinator regarding the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Milestone 4 – Implementation update.
• Committee received a notice of decision from County of Simcoe granting approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 1 pertaining to 200 Main Street.
• Committee approved the Peel Street Streetscape Design as outlined in the report and directed staff to proceed with tendering in accordance with the Town’s procurement policy.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

• Committee received a memo from the Director of Human Resources regarding OMERS Governance Changes and Bill 68 for information and directed staff to send a letter supporting AMO to the Ministry.
• Committee received a memo from the Interim Fire Chief regarding recent Fire and Emergency Services funding successes.
• Committee received a memo from the Director of Finance/Treasurer related to the 2026 OPP Billing Statement for information.
• Committee received a memo from the Director of Legislative Services/Municipal Clerk regarding an update to the 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Calendar.

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.