Township of Selwyn Municipal Council Update: Comprehensive Zoning Overhaul, Lakefield Watermain Phase 2 Expansion & Key Real Estate Decisions! 🏘️🌊💧
Keeping our community informed on local government decisions and upcoming council proposals is essential for protecting your property investments and local lifestyle! 🌲🏡 Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key decisions officially passed at the recent October 13, 2026 meeting, followed by the major staff reports and proposals being presented to Council today, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
Here is what you need to know as a Selwyn Township homeowner, buyer, or seller! 👇
📜 Part 1: Official Decisions Passed at the October 13, 2026 Council Meeting
(Note: These items represent finalized decisions officially voted on and passed into law by Council during the October 13, 2026 regular meeting.)
🏢 1. Multi-Residential Re-zoning Approved for 949 8th Line (Smith Ward)
What Happened: Council officially adopted By-law 2026-079, approving a Zoning By-law Amendment for 949 8th Line in Bridgenorth following a planning update by DM Wills. The property has been officially re-zoned from Residential Type One (R1) to Multiple Residential (R3).
Why It Matters: Multi-residential zoning in Bridgenorth supports higher-density housing options near core services, meeting the growing demand for local housing diversity.
Property Impact: 📈 Boosts surrounding land values by establishing higher-density residential potential along the 8th Line corridor while expanding local rental and multi-family housing supply.
🏠 2. Commercial to Residential Conversion at 8 Burnham Street (Lakefield Ward)
What Happened: Following a public planning meeting, Council passed By-law 2026-078, re-zoning 8 Burnham Street from Local Commercial (C2) to Residential Type One Exception 630 & 631 (R1-630 & R1-631). This supports a provisionally approved consent application (B-52-25) to allow a new single-detached home on the severed parcel while retaining the existing single-detached home on the retained parcel. Clearances were confirmed from Hydro One, Enbridge, County Engineering, and ORCA (with Clean Water Act requirements).
Why It Matters: Reclaiming unused commercial property for residential infill helps revitalize Lakefield's residential footprint without expanding municipal boundaries.
Property Impact: 🏡 Increases high-demand single-family residential inventory in the heart of Lakefield Village while replacing underutilized commercial zoning.
🚜 3. Industrial Zone Holding Symbol Lifted (Hwy 28 / 15th Line)
What Happened: Council passed By-law 2026-077, lifting the holding symbol on Part Lot 42, Concession 14(Hwy 28 / 15th Line) in the Smith Ward, moving it from Rural Industrial Exception 147 holding (M1-147(h)) to active Rural Industrial Exception 147 (M1-147).
Why It Matters: Unlocks commercial and industrial site development along Highway 28, allowing business construction to proceed.
Property Impact: 🏗️ Strengthens local economic growth and industrial land utility along the Highway 28 commercial corridor.
🚰 4. Burnham Street Watermain Replacement Tender Awarded
What Happened: Council received a staff report from Public Works Manager Adam Tobin and passed By-law 2026-080, awarding the Burnham Street Watermain Replacement tender to Behan Construction Limited for $208,955.04 (excluding HST and contingency).
Why It Matters: Replaces aging underground water infrastructure in Lakefield before major commercial construction begins.
Property Impact: 💧 Ensures reliable municipal water service, prevents costly future pipe breaks, and safeguards village real estate values.
👔 5. New Manager of Development Services Role Created
What Happened: Council approved a staff report from CAO Jennifer Moore adopting a new organizational chart that creates a dedicated Manager of Development Services position and department. Related costs will be built into the draft 2027 municipal budget.
Why It Matters: Consolidates planning and building operations into a streamlined department to process development applications faster.
Property Impact: ⏱️ Reduces wait times for building permits, site plan approvals, and re-zoning applications for local property owners and developers.
📋 6. Municipal Governance & Financial Updates
What Happened: Council passed By-law 2026-081 appointing Jennifer Moore as Treasurer effective October 31, 2026, repealed Local Authority Services (LAS) as closed meeting investigator effective December 31, 2026 (By-law 2026-082), and officially proclaimed October 18–24, 2026 as Local Government Week in Selwyn.
Why It Matters: Maintains clear administrative oversight and fiscal management across all township operations.
Property Impact: 🛡️ Protects taxpayer dollars through administrative stability and sound municipal oversight.
🔮 Part 2: Staff Reports & Proposals Before Council Today (Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 1:00 PM Meeting)
(Note: The following topics are staff reports, tenders, and recommendations scheduled for discussion and endorsement on today's Council agenda. Unless explicitly noted from past minutes, these represent staff recommendations under consideration today.)
🏕️ 1. Lakefield Campground: $200K+ Net Revenue & 2027 Expansion Plan
Staff Report: Recreation Services Manager Mike Richardson is presenting the 2026 season review and 2027 recommendations for the Lakefield Campground.
2026 Highlights: Since taking operations in-house on November 1, 2025, the campground generated over $459,000 in total revenue and over $200,000 in net profit. Boat rentals doubled budgeted figures, transient rentals exceeded budgets by 40%, and a 24-person waiting list was created for seasonal sites.
2027 Recommendations: Staff recommend:
Adding 17 new seasonal sites in the "blue area" to accommodate demand, projected to generate at least $60,000 in additional guaranteed revenue (bringing forecasted net profits to $275,460).
Authorizing major electrical grid upgrades in the 2027 Draft Capital Budget to replace the failing 50-year-old system.
Property Impact: ⛵ Exceptional municipal asset management keeps local property taxes low while strengthening Lakefield’s waterfront tourism and economy.
🏛️ 2. Heritage Designation Proposed for 76 Queen Street, Lakefield
Staff Report: Deputy Clerk Tania Goncalves and the Municipal Heritage Committee are recommending that Council issue a Notice of Intention to Designate 76 Queen Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Historical Significance: Built in 1888 by renowned local builder Abel Hendren, this Italianate buff-brick residence features wide eaves, a two-storey bay, and a wrap-around verandah. It served as the residence and medical surgery for long-serving local physician Dr. J.R. Fraser (who practiced for over 50 years) and later his son, Dr. Alex Fraser.
Property Impact: 📜 Preserves historic architectural charm along Lakefield’s main corridor, elevating neighbourhood aesthetic and surrounding residential property values.
🚧 3. Expansion Proposal: Burnham Street Watermain Phase 2
Staff Report: Public Works Manager Adam Tobin is recommending executing an addendum to expand the Burnham Street Watermain Replacement project currently being completed by Behan Construction Limited.
Project Details: Phase 1 (Queen St to Charlotte St) is currently two weeks ahead of schedule. Staff recommend expanding the scope immediately down Burnham Street to Water Street in 2026 at an estimated cost of $430,000(funded from the Lakefield Water Reserve).
Why It Matters: Completing the entire stretch now avoids tearing up the street twice and ensures a continuous asphalt base is laid before the new Home Hardware construction is finalized.
Property Impact: 🚜 Eliminates multi-year road construction headaches for residents, lowers long-term municipal costs, and secures brand-new utility infrastructure for local businesses and homes.
🚜 4. Public Works Equipment Purchase Endorsements
Staff Report: Public Works Manager Adam Tobin is seeking Council endorsement for two key equipment purchases funded through OMPF project savings:
Self-Contained Wheel Loader Boom Mower: $134,800 + HST. Eliminates annual equipment rentals of $30,000/year, delivering a full return on investment in 5 years on a 12-year asset.
Box Plow & 6-Yard Snow Bucket: $72,000 + HST. Doubles snow-clearing capacity for municipal lots and cul-de-sacs, cutting truck loading times in half.
Property Impact: ❄️ Ensures faster, more efficient winter snow removal and proactive rural roadside clearing to keep local roads safe and clear.
🌊 5. Conservation Authority Consolidation (ELORCA) & Board Appointments
Staff Report: Council is reviewing correspondence regarding the provincial consolidation of 7 local conservation authorities (including Otonabee Conservation and Kawartha Conservation) into the new Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (ELORCA) effective February 1, 2027.
Key Changes: Led by Project Executive Alison McDonald, governance and levy billing will shift from lower-tier municipalities (Selwyn) to upper-tier municipalities (Peterborough County) starting with the 2028 budget.
Immediate Recommendation: Staff recommend that Council authorize Deputy Mayor Ron Black and Councillor John Boyko to continue serving as Selwyn’s representatives on the ORCA Board of Directors through January 31, 2027 to ensure smooth leadership continuity.
Property Impact: 🏞️ Centralizes regional watershed management and shoreline protection rules across the Kawarthas.
📑 6. Additional Agenda Items Under Consideration Today
2379 Chemong Road Subdivision Extension (Hubble): Staff recommend supporting a 3-year extension of draft plan approval (15T-17001) to Peterborough County for the residential development at 2379 Chemong Road.
2027 OPP Detachment Board Budget: Recommendation to include Selwyn’s share of $6,225 (a 3.9% increase) in the 2027 police governance budget.
Ennismore Waterfront Park Presentation: Evan Miller (Trent University placement student) is presenting updates on new waypoints and interactive story maps for Ennismore Waterfront Park.
Routine Disclosure Policy & Volunteer Recruitment: Council is considering By-laws 2026-084 and 2026-085 to streamline public record access and standardize volunteer background checks.
💥 The Big News & Controversy: What This Means for Everyday Locals!
The biggest takeaway for Selwyn residents from these combined meetings is the major transformation of local land use, waterfront management, and village infrastructure.
The Comprehensive Zoning Rewrite (2026–2028): With Jp2g stepping in to rewrite Selwyn’s Zoning and Site Plan By-laws, every single property owner in Smith, Ennismore, and Lakefield will be impacted over the next two years. Whether you are looking to build a secondary suite, expand a waterfront dock, or construct an outbuilding, these upcoming open houses are your chance to protect your land rights!
Lakefield’s Infrastructure Push: Between the Phase 2 expansion of the Burnham Street water main and the heritage designation of 76 Queen Street, downtown Lakefield is undergoing significant modernization while preserving its historic roots.
Conservation Authority Amalgamation (ELORCA): Shifting conservation oversight to a regional body (ELORCA) means big changes in how environmental levies and watershed permits are managed across Peterborough County starting in 2027.
🌲 The Local Perspective: Protecting the Kawarthas Lifestyle
From the shores of Chemong Lake and Stony Lake to the quiet rural roads of Ennismore and Smith Ward, these council updates directly touch our daily lives:
Lake Health & Parks: Projects like the Ennismore Waterfront Park story map and strong municipal oversight of Lakefield Campground showcase our community's commitment to outdoor living and waterfront enjoyment.
Roads & Winter Services: Investing in high-efficiency box plows, snow buckets, and boom mowers ensures our rural routes remain clear and safe through tough winter conditions.
Small Business & Downtown Vitality: Fast-tracking water main work on Burnham Street minimizes downtime for local merchants, and paving the way for the new Home Hardware build keeps Lakefield thriving.
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