🗳️ Wollaston Township Council Deep Dive: What Residents & Property Owners Need to Know! 🏞️✨
Welcome to your comprehensive public service update on the upcoming November 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting and a recap of the official decisions made at the October 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting for the Township of Wollaston!
🏛️ Agenda Preview: November 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Below is a detailed look at every report, proposal, and recommendation scheduled for discussion at the November 10th meeting.
Note: The following items represent recommendations and proposals presented to Council. In accordance with strict municipal governance standards, these remain proposals until formally voted upon by Council.
1. 🎖️ Temporary Road Closure for Remembrance Day (Highway 620)
Bullet Staff Report & Recommendation: The Clerk submitted a report recommending a temporary closure of Highway 620 immediately east and west of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 581) in Coe Hill on November 11, 2026, from 10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. to ensure public safety during the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.
The Big News / Context: A 20-minute temporary closure coordinated with the OPP and local emergency services to safely honour Canadian veterans.
Local Perspective: Highlights the strong community connection and public respect for local veterans in Coe Hill.
Property Impact: Minimal impact on local traffic; residents should plan for a brief 20-minute delay if traveling through Coe Hill during that window.
2. 🌊 Regional Conservation Authority Amalgamation (ELORCA Transition)
Staff Report & Recommendation: Deputy Mayor Sheila Currie submitted an update regarding the provincial consolidation of 36 conservation authorities into 9 regional bodies. Locally, Crowe Valley Conservation (CVCA), Quinte Conservation, Kawartha Conservation, Otonabee Conservation, and others are merging into the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (ELORCA) effective February 1, 2027.
The Big News / Controversy:
Governance Shifts: Upper-tier municipalities (Hastings County) will now appoint Board members and manage levy billings starting with the 2028 budget, taking over the direct invoicing role from lower-tier townships like Wollaston after 2027.
Clean Water Act & Source Protection: Proposed provincial regulatory amendments under the Clean Water Act (ERO 026-1070) will transition ELORCA to act as the Source Protection Authority supporting local committees.
Local Perspective: Protects our pristine lakes and drinking water sources without changing local CA boundaries or closing regional offices.
Property Impact: Waterfront and rural landowners will experience no immediate changes to planning permit services or setback regulations, maintaining shoreline stability and property desirability across Wollaston Lake and surrounding waters.
3. 🌲 Nellie Lunn Park & Police Services Board Handover Report
Staff Report & Recommendation: Outgoing Councillor JD Fentie provided a final handover report detailing ongoing work at Nellie Lunn Park and updates from the Bancroft Police Services Board.
The Big News / Detailed Highlights:
Park Successes: Over 2 km of trails were cleared by volunteers, 2 new boardwalks (including a 120-foot stretch) were built, and Derecho deadfall was cleared at zero cost by Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini (KMM). Total municipal outlay for materials was under $5,000 thanks to community support and lumber pricing from Freymond Lumber.
Trail Rerouting Needs: Recent surveyor markings indicated that a portion of the active trail marginally strays onto private land at the margins. A reroute has been mapped out to address adjacent landowner concerns and will be finalized in coordination with potential management direction from the Kawartha Land Trust.
Policing Updates: Highlights the need for better communication regarding OPP contract cost increases to ensure transparency for municipal budgets.
Local Perspective: Reopening Nellie Lunn Park expands public outdoor recreational access, fishing derby opportunities, and eco-tourism in the area.
Property Impact: Resolving trail boundaries protects private property rights while securing public recreational assets, which enhances overall rural land values and community appeal.
4. 🔒 Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Policy & Procedural By-Law Review
Report & Recommendation: The Clerk presented a draft Privacy Impact Assessment Policy (effective January 1, 2027) mandated under MFIPPA, alongside a notice to review the Township's Procedural By-law prior to formal consideration by the incoming Council in January 2027.
The Big News / Context: Establishes formal risk-screening protocols, administrative safeguards, and a centralized PIA Register to protect personal information collected across municipal services.
Local Perspective: Strengthens transparency and privacy protection for residents interacting with digital municipal portals and local administration.
Bullet Property Impact: Ensures sensitive ratepayer data, permit applications, and personal property documentation are handled with high-level cybersecurity and privacy standards.
5. 🗳️ 2026 Wollaston Municipal Election & Accessibility Summary
Staff Report & Recommendation: The Clerk submitted official election results and the 2026 Post-Election Accessibility Report.
The Big News / Detailed Highlights:
Voter Turnout: Wollaston saw a 40.32% voter turnout (825 of 2,046 eligible electors), surpassing the 2022 provincial average of 32.9%.
Official Results:
Mayor: Michael Fuerth (419 votes).
Deputy Mayor: Janet Whiteway (484 votes).
Councillors: Roxanne Lambert (559 votes), Teresa Van Dyk (535 votes), and Jeanne Gibson (476 votes).
Accessibility Improvements: Details successful remote internet/telephone voting and the in-person Voter Help & Revision Centre at the Municipal Office. Recommends future contractual enhancements for telephone system response speeds and improved exterior signage.
Local Perspective: Strong democratic engagement reflects a community deeply committed to local governance and civic leadership.
Property Impact: A stable, highly engaged municipal council ensures consistent governance, predictable property tax policy, and sound long-term planning.
6. 🛠️ Public Works Department Updates (October 2026)
Staff Report & Recommendation: Public Works Superintendent Matt Kehoe provided an operational summary of roads, public space upkeep, and waste site operations.
The Big News / Operations Breakdown:
Road Infrastructure: Routine grading, gravel placement, bridge/guidepost vegetation clearing, and beaver dam clearance. Complete transition of all town lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures, oil undercoating of equipment, and winter plow calibrations.
Public Spaces & Rec: Winterization of town flower displays and weekly pickleball facilitation at the school gymnasium. Added fresh protective sand around playground structures.
Waste Operations: Weekly waste collection and successful removal of multiple 40-yard bulk recycling/fiber bins and scrap metal loads.
Local Perspective: Smooth winter road maintenance and upgraded lighting keep rural travel safe throughout the cold season.
Property Impact: Well-maintained roads, reliable waste management, and quality park maintenance directly boost property appeal and protect rural real estate values.
7. 🏠 Chief Building Official (CBO) Report
Staff Report & Recommendation: CBO Kelsey Smith delivered the monthly building and by-law enforcement performance report.
The Big News / Numbers:
5 new building permits issued in October (including 1 seasonal dwelling, 1 extensive renovation, and 3 septic permits).
October Construction Value: $389,000.00 (Bringing Year-to-Date construction value to $1,301,240.00).
Permit fees collected in October totaled $9,627.08 ($24,096.88 YTD).
Local Perspective: Sustained residential development and structural upgrades highlight continued investment in local property stock.
Property Impact: Strong building activity signals high buyer demand for both year-round homes and waterfront cottage upgrades, bolstering resale equity across the region.
8. 🚒 Fire Chief Operational Report
Staff Report & Recommendation: Acting Fire Chief Scott Reid provided updates on emergency responses, firefighter certification, and risk assessments.
The Big News:
Bullet Responded to 2 emergency calls in October (1 rubbish fire, 1 automatic alarm).
Active roster of 20 firefighters; celebrated an additional firefighter achieving Firefighter II certification.
Progressing on the municipal Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and conducting school fire safety education visits. Surplus gear is being donated to Firefighters Without Borders.
Local Perspective: Strong local emergency services provide vital safety assurances for isolated rural and waterfront properties.
Property Impact: High standards of fire protection readiness and ongoing firefighter certifications support reliable emergency response times, helping maintain favourable property insurance rates for homeowners.
9. 💵 Treasury & Financial Administration
Staff Report & Recommendation: Treasurer Matt Walker presented the October 2026 Treasury Report, GL, and Paylist by Fund.
The Big News / Financial Highlights:
Tax arrears notices mailed; warning letters issued for properties at risk of 2027 tax sales due to 2024 arrears.
Major expenses explained: $43,765.99 in legal fees (Templeman LLP) regarding Nellie Lunn Park matters, $10,346.40 for snowplow wear parts, and $16,231.32 for pavement line marking.
Recurrent provincial funding received: $281,600.00 OMPF transfer.
Local Perspective: Transparent tracking of municipal spending ensures tax dollars are managed responsibly while building municipal reserves.
Property Impact: Strong municipal financial health prevents unexpected tax surges, maintaining market stability for prospective home buyers.
10. 📜 Key By-Laws Proposed for Consideration (Nov 10, 2026)
By-Law 2026-77 (Donation Policy): Establishes formal CRA-compliant rules for municipal donations; gifts under $3,000 determined by Treasurer, over $3,000 acknowledged by Council.
By-Law 2026-78 (Employee Attendance Policy): Standardizes work hours, punctuality, and absence reporting for municipal staff.
By-Law 2026-79 (ESRI Enterprise Agreement): Authorizes a multi-jurisdictional GIS software agreement with Hastings County at no additional software licensing cost to Wollaston, enhancing municipal mapping capabilities.
By-Law 2026-80 (By-law Enforcement & Complaint Policy): Establishes a transparent, risk-based priority matrix (High/Medium/Low) for investigating municipal complaints while enforcing property inspection standards under provincial law.
By-Law 2026-81 (Bancroft Waste Transfer & Disposal Agreement): Formally enacts a 3-year waste agreement with the Town of Bancroft to handle local municipal solid waste transfer.
📑 Summary of Decisions: Official Minutes of the October 13, 2026 Meeting
For complete accuracy, the following items represent formal decisions voted on and passed by Council during the October 13, 2026 meeting:
Consent Application B34_26 (Bosnjak): Council voted NOT to approve Consent Application B34_26 and formally requested Hastings County to deny the application until all site plan aspects for the benefiting property are satisfied (Motion Carried; Mayor Fuerth opposed).
Shore Road Allowance Application (Adams - 141 Beach Lane): Council approved in principle the application to purchase the shore road allowance at 141 Beach Lane, subject to legal restrictions.
Town of Bancroft Waste Agreement & Bins: Council approved entering into a 3-year waste transfer agreement with the Town of Bancroft, authorized purchasing two (2) 40-yard steel bins funded from General Reserves, and directed staff to draft the implementing by-law.
Tall Pines Rally By-Law 2026-72: Council passed By-law 2026-72 authorizing the annual road use agreement with the Maple Leaf Rally Club.
Corporate Policies Passed: Council officially enacted By-law 2026-73 (Expressions of Sympathy Policy), By-law 2026-74 (Records Check Policy), and By-law 2026-75 (Misappropriation of Resources Policy).
📌 Summary of Key Takeaways for Residents
Municipal Waste: Secured 3-year transfer partnership with Bancroft and added two 40-yard steel bins to streamline solid waste operations.
Waterfront Rights: Active processing of Shore Road Allowance applications allows eligible cottage owners to buy their shoreline frontage, securing land boundaries.
Conservation Mergers: ELORCA regional merger will centralize watershed governance under Hastings County representation without reducing local conservation programs.
Community Infrastructure: LED street lighting upgrades completed across town and winter roads equipment fully prepared.
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