Clearview Council Meeting 2026-03-23 | Part 2

Fire department UTV purchase deferred after Council questions Chinese machine and trailer logistics

Infrastructure · Standard

Council pushed back a decision on replacing the fire department's aging Kubota UTV with a $41,746 CFMoto model. Debate centered on vehicle reliability, trailer compatibility, and whether to sell the old unit or transfer it to Parks & Rec.

The fire department asked Council to approve a 2026 CFMoto UTV to replace a seven-year-old Kubota with just over 300 hours. Chief Davidson recommended the CFMoto because it's six inches shorter than a comparable Polaris and will fit on the existing trailer once equipped with winter tracks.

Councillor Walker questioned the lack of performance history for the Chinese-made model and asked about warranty coverage for commercial use. Chief Davidson said the four-year powertrain warranty is one of the longest available and that parts are readily available from local dealers. Councillor Broderick raised concerns about the three-cylinder engine and shorter wheelbase affecting stability on hills, saying he lacked confidence in the machine.

Deputy Mayor Van Staveren suggested keeping the old Kubota for other township uses—trail maintenance, parades, emergency backup—rather than selling it for an estimated $15,000. Parks & Rec Director Terry Vachon confirmed his department could use it at the Eco Park and on trails. Treasurer Kelly McDonald noted any transfer should be at market value to credit the fire apparatus reserve, not zero-cost.

Councillor Walker asked whether staff had considered tendering for other UTV brands with an "or equivalent" specification to open bidding. Chief Davidson said the CFMoto's size was critical to avoid buying a new trailer. Deputy Mayor Van Staveren then suggested buying a new trailer to accommodate a larger, potentially more reliable machine, and deferring the whole decision.

Council voted unanimously to send the report back to staff for the April 27 meeting, asking for options on different UTVs and the cost of a new trailer. The Chief said the current model is in stock but may sell if not ordered soon.

The fire department needs the equipment ready for grass fire season. Council's deferral adds a month to the timeline, and if the in-stock unit sells, delivery could stretch longer.

The reason we chose CFMOTO ultimately was the overall size. Our goal was not to have to buy a new trailer.
— Fire Chief Davidson

I have a lack of confidence in this particular machine. I think we need something a little more, in my opinion, dependable.
— Councillor Broderick

I really believe that we should be keeping that used Kubota... it hasn't let us down yet. It's just aged out.
— Deputy Mayor Van Staveren

NVCA reports 100% drinking water compliance, but 10 metres of Carruthers Park restoration washed away in ice jam

Infrastructure · Significant

The township's six water systems scored zero non-compliances in the annual MECP inspection. Meanwhile, the conservation authority revealed that February's ice jam destroyed part of last year's $80,000 Mad River bank stabilization project at Carruthers Park.

Water compliance officer Warren Raven presented the 2025 annual drinking water quality report showing perfect compliance across all six municipal systems. MECP inspectors checked 420 to 500 points of adherence and found no violations. Raven credited operational staff knowledge, management support, and weekly bacteriological testing.

Councillor MacArthur called it "100%. There's no way to sugarcoat it." Deputy Mayor Van Staveren praised staff for handling four low-pressure incidents within an hour each, with no water safety implications. The Clearview Parks water system, still 18 months from completion, will be added as an expansion of the Stayner system with the same testing regime.

Separately, NVCA stewardship manager Don Little gave a 20-minute presentation on tree planting grants, managed forest tax incentives, and stream restoration projects. He said the conservation authority plants 100,000 trees annually and offers grants covering 60-88% of planting costs for properties over two acres.

Little highlighted the Mad River restoration work at Carruthers Park completed in 2023-2025, including 80 metres of bank stabilization with boulders and deep-rooting vegetation. But when Deputy Mayor Van Staveren asked how it held up during this year's ice jam, Little revealed that an upstream jam diverted flow through an agricultural field and "right through the middle of Carruthers Park," eroding 10 metres of the upstream end.

"The remaining 70 metres fared pretty well," Little said, noting the rocks and vegetation withstood the unnatural flow direction. The conservation authority received a report last week and is considering repairs. The Mayor noted the park remains closed due to flood damage and snow-packed access roads.

Little's presentation also covered livestock exclusion fencing, wetland creation, and side channel projects that mimic natural braided stream systems. Three 2025 tree planting events at Carruthers engaged 92 volunteers and planted over 1,000 trees.

The Mayor asked whether NVCA does pre-winter planning to identify ice jam risks and clear obstacles. Little said he wasn't aware of such work. The Mayor stressed that flooding "becomes very personal very quickly" and urged better coordination with the township and county to move ice proactively.

This report is just one of the ways we try to demonstrate a commitment to providing safe drinking water to the residents of Clearview.
— Water Compliance Officer Warren Raven

That ice jam diverted the stream flow basically through an agricultural field, right through the middle of Carruthers Park, and it caused head cutting right at the top end of that bank stabilization project.
— NVCA Manager Don Little

Flooding becomes very personal very quickly. When the river comes into your basement, you're left on your own.
— Mayor

Council approves $30,600 in first-round grants, bumps Creemore Horticultural to $1,500

Delegations · Standard

Thirteen organizations received funding from the 2026 community assistance grant program, with the Mayor successfully amending the motion to increase support for the Creemore Horticultural Society. Council also directed staff to explore creating a $1,000 township scholarship for graduating students.

Council approved the first intake of the 2026 community assistance grant program, distributing $30,600 of the $65,000 annual budget. Deputy Mayor Van Staveren, who led the committee with Councillor Denine, noted applications were lower than in past years, leaving $34,400 available for the September intake plus COVID-era reserves.

The Mayor moved to increase funding for the Creemore Horticultural Society from $1,000 to $1,500, matching the amount awarded to Stayner Horticultural. He said the Creemore group is in a "growing phase" with new volunteers and the Village Green park gaining momentum. Council passed the amendment unanimously.

Councillor Walker questioned Fifth Street Creative Initiatives, which received funding despite being Collingwood-based. Councillor Denine explained it's a registered charity focused on youth theatre, multiculturalism and social inclusion, offering free arts workshops and subsidized programs for vulnerable families. Walker also asked whether Home Horizons, which supports at-risk youth including CCI students, provided numbers on Clearview participants. Denine said privacy rules likely prevent that.

Other recipients include Creemore Agricultural Society ($2,000), Sunnidale Agricultural Society ($5,000), Nottawasaga Quilters' Guild ($500), and several halls and community groups. RAAYS Place received $1,500.

After approving the grants, the Mayor noted RAAYS distributes significant scholarships at CCI graduation—some as high as $20,000—but Clearview Township offers none. He proposed the township create its own $1,000 annual scholarship for a graduating student attending post-secondary.

Councillor Walker suggested consulting the CCI guidance department to identify a suitable category. Deputy Mayor Van Staveren recommended RAAYS administer the scholarship on the township's behalf, since Clearview students now attend six or more high schools across the region. Council passed a motion directing staff to research options and report back. Councillor Denine noted timing is tight if the scholarship is to be awarded in June.

Treasurer Kelly McDonald confirmed the $65,000 budget can absorb a scholarship without affecting the tax rate, as grants are funded from reserves.

I think that the Horticultural Society is now in a quote-unquote a growing phase... I want to support them with a level of equality between that and the Stayner Horticultural Society.
— Mayor

We didn't receive as many applications as we anticipated as in other years.
— Deputy Mayor Van Staveren

It's interesting to stand and note that we want to create a better partnership with the school board and support our students that are right here in our community.
— Mayor

Agricultural Advisory Committee approved with five-member start

Procedural · Standard

Council established a new Agricultural Advisory Committee to begin after the November election, keeping the initial membership at five rather than seven. Councillor MacArthur said three residents have already inquired about joining.

Council approved terms of reference for a new Agricultural Advisory Committee, capping initial membership at five instead of the standard seven. Staff recommended the smaller size, with the option to expand later if interest warrants.

The committee will advise Council on agricultural issues, land use planning, economic development, and emerging challenges. Councillor MacArthur said the timing is "timely" given the ongoing radar facility debate and other pressures on farmland. He reported three residents have already asked when they can apply.

Deputy Mayor Van Staveren said some residents suggested future commodity-specific representation—beekeepers, dairy, grain, etc.—but he supports starting with a non-generic group representing all farmers. "We can always help it grow later," he said.

The committee won't be struck until after the November 15 municipal election. The Clerk said recruitment will begin for the new term of Council, with appointments likely in December or January. A bylaw finalizing the terms of reference will come to the April 13 meeting.

The Mayor praised the report as thorough and clear in defining the committee's advisory role. The five-member structure is smaller than the township's other committees, all of which have seven members under the procedural bylaw.

I've already heard of three or had three inquiries as to when they sign up. So I don't think we're going to have any trouble filling this committee.
— Councillor MacArthur

I like the idea of how it's starting right now that it's a non-generic group. It represents all farmers in our community and we can always help it grow later.
— Deputy Mayor Van Staveren

Noise bylaw updated with stronger enforcement and new set fines

Bylaws · Minor

Council received an updated noise bylaw adding orders to comply and revised set fines. One quirk: wood chipping establishments are the only activity explicitly prohibited on Sundays.

Bylaw officer Joe Paddock presented the first update to the township's noise bylaw since 2022. The overall restrictions remain the same, but the bylaw now includes orders to comply and updated set fines for violations.

The Mayor noticed wood chipping establishments are the only activity explicitly banned on Sundays and asked why chainsaws weren't similarly restricted. Clerk Sasha Russell clarified the bylaw targets businesses that regularly chip wood—arborists, landscapers—not residential chainsaw use.

The Mayor suggested a future amendment might be warranted but said the distinction is "interesting." Deputy Mayor Van Staveren asked whether agricultural operations like grain elevators are exempt when farmers are combining late into the evening. Paddock confirmed all agricultural and horticultural operations are exempt from the bylaw.

The updated bylaw will come back for final approval at the April 13 Council meeting. No public concerns or objections were noted.

This report presents an updated version of the township's noise bylaw, which has not been reviewed since 2022.
— Bylaw Officer Joe Paddock

The activity is not just the activity of wood chipping, it's a wood chipping establishment. It's something where that is a regular occurrence at that property.
— Clerk Sasha Russell

Township joins county-run election compliance audit committee for 2026 and beyond

Procedural · Minor

Council approved participation in a joint compliance audit committee administered by Simcoe County for the 2026 election and all future elections. The county-level structure avoids conflicts and expands the pool of potential committee members.

Clerk Sasha Russell presented a report continuing Clearview's participation in a joint compliance audit committee facilitated by Simcoe County. The township has used the arrangement since 2018 and clerks across the county agreed to formalize it for future elections.

The county-level committee provides arm's-length oversight of campaign finance compliance and avoids drawing from the same small pool of residents in neighbouring municipalities. Russell said recruiting a committee of three to seven members can be difficult at the local level.

The joint committee will hear audit applications for municipal and school board elections. Council must still pass a bylaw before August 1 in each election year to establish terms of reference and appoint members, but those members won't necessarily be from Clearview.

Councillor Beelen asked how many Clearview members would sit on the committee. Russell said the township contributes to the pool but doesn't guarantee local representation—applications come from all participating municipalities and the best-qualified residents are appointed.

The report differs from past elections in one key way: it covers "future" elections, not just 2026, based on the county's offer to facilitate the committee indefinitely. Council approved the arrangement unanimously with no debate.

It's nice to have an arm's length for a joint compliance audit committee and as well it's nice that we are not taking from the same pool from neighboring municipalities.
— Clerk Sasha Russell