Clearview Council Meeting 2026-04-27 | Part 2

Council greenlights $119,500 pool filtration replacement at Stayner Centennial Pool

Infrastructure · Significant

Council approved sole-sourcing a pool filtration system upgrade to PPL Aquatic Fitness for $119,500 plus HST. The equipment will be replaced after the 2026 summer season to avoid disrupting public programming. Staff stressed the pool is "on borrowed time" and any major failure could close it earlier.

Council approved a $119,500 contract (plus HST) to replace the aging filtration system at Stayner Centennial Pool. The work will be sole-sourced to PPL Aquatic Fitness and Spa Group Inc., which already services the facility.

The equipment is roughly 40 years old—installed when the building was constructed—and has reached the end of its useful life. Terry Vachon, Director of Public Works, explained the existing system is incompatible with generic replacements: "It's very similar to having a Ford truck and putting a Chevy engine in it. You know, it can it go in? Perhaps, but it would be a lot of problems."

The project is the first phase of a multi-year capital plan presented before budget deliberations. Amanda Murray, Parks and Recreation, confirmed installation will happen in September, after the summer pool season wraps. She added a caveat: "We are on borrowed time for the facility. Pending any major facility repairs, this project will proceed."

Councillor Deneen asked directly whether this would keep the pool running for the summer. Murray's answer: yes, barring catastrophic failure. The 40-year-old pump may have some salvage value, but staff indicated it's not repairable.

The motion passed unanimously. No public tender was issued due to the specialized nature of the equipment and the need to match existing infrastructure.

It's very similar to having a Ford truck and putting a Chevy engine in it. You know, it can it go in? Perhaps, but it would be a lot of problems.
— Director of Public Works (Vachon)

We are on borrowed time for the facility. Pending any major facility repairs, this project will proceed.
— Parks and Recreation (Murray)

Creemore Arena dehumidification replacement approved—$89,430, pulling from tax stabilization reserve

Infrastructure · Significant

Council approved an $89,430 dehumidification system replacement for Creemore Arena, sole-sourced to the existing service contractor. The project came in over budget; the shortfall will be covered by the tax stabilization reserve. One unit is over 30 years old and parts are no longer available.

Council approved spending $89,430 plus HST to replace dehumidification equipment at Creemore Arena. The contract will go to J and L. Wilson and Sons (doing business as Carmichael), the township's existing service contractor for the facility.

The arena has two dehumidification units. One is over 30 years old; the other about ten. The older unit can't be repaired—parts are obsolete. Terry Vachon, Public Works, confirmed the contractor has been vetted: "They are fully qualified, an extensive background reference check was done with the company."

The original budget estimate was lower. Treasurer Kelly confirmed the cost overrun will be covered from the tax stabilization reserve "with no issues." Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen praised the decision to install dehumidification at Stayner Arena a few years back, noting it eliminated fog and improved conditions dramatically. He supported doing the same in Creemore.

Councillor Beelen asked whether the newer, working unit could be repurposed for the curling club. Vachon said staff hadn't yet had that conversation but would follow up.

The motion passed unanimously. The tax stabilization reserve exists precisely for moments like this—when capital projects exceed estimates and the money has already been budgeted in prior years.

They are fully qualified, an extensive background reference check was done with the company.
— Director of Public Works (Vachon)

Tourism building roof replacement awarded to lowest bidder at $55,932—22% under next bid

Infrastructure · Standard

Council approved a $55,932 contract to replace the steel roof on the Stayner Tourism building, awarding it to Above All Roofing despite the bid coming in 22% lower than the second-place quote. Staff said the contractor has been vetted and solar panels will be safely disconnected and reinstalled by a licensed electrician.

Council awarded a contract to replace the leaking steel roof on the Stayner Tourism building at 220 Huron Street. Above All Roofing and Contracting Inc. submitted the winning bid: $55,932.79 plus HST. The second-place bid was $71,000—22% higher.

A resident, Dave Witzke, raised concerns in written public participation about the gap and questioned whether the contractor was qualified to handle the solar panels on the roof. Terry Vachon, Public Works, confirmed: "They are fully qualified, an extensive background reference check was done with the company. Yes, the solar panels will be removed. Yes, there will be a licensed electrician on site."

The roof is roughly 40 years old, installed by a previous owner before the township purchased the building. A 2024 consultant's report identified extensive damage and estimated repair costs at $120,000 to $130,000. Staff delayed the project on the advice of Scott Haw (the township's facility coordinator), who recommended tendering in early 2026 to capture lower pricing. The gamble paid off—the approved contract is half the consultant's estimate.

The new roof is expected to last at least 15 years. The mayor noted steel roofs often exceed their rated lifespan and pressed staff on fastener quality and installation standards to avoid future leaks.

The motion passed unanimously. Councillor Van Staalduinen, a solar-system owner, offered to connect staff with qualified installers if needed.

They are fully qualified, an extensive background reference check was done with the company. Yes, the solar panels will be removed. Yes, there will be a licensed electrician on site.
— Director of Public Works (Vachon)

Council backs call for stronger protections for snow plow operators

Bylaws · Standard

Council unanimously endorsed a letter to the province requesting legislative protections for municipal snow plow operators and contractors. The letter, drafted by the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors, asks for recognition of plow operators as essential workers during storms and stronger penalties for harassment and interference.

Council passed a resolution supporting provincial legislation to protect snow plow operators and contractors from harassment, threats, and obstruction. The motion was brought forward by Dan Perrault, Director of Public Works, at the request of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS).

The resolution calls on the province to recognize municipal public works staff and contractors as essential service providers during weather emergencies, impose penalties for interference, and direct police to respond proactively to incidents. Letters will be sent to the Ministers of Labour and Municipal Affairs, Premier Doug Ford, AORS, and neighbouring Simcoe County municipalities.

Perrault said Clearview has been fortunate—only one police-involved incident in recent years—but other municipalities are seeing increased violence. Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen cited a recent Dufferin County case where someone called 911 because they couldn't pass a snow plow. Councillor MacArthur said driver impatience is getting worse: "You see them every day, not just in the city, but you see them around here."

The mayor read the full, multi-clause resolution aloud. It passed unanimously. No debate. This is what happens when a resolution is well-written and the problem is obvious.

When we saw last winter what happened in Dufferin County where a person had the nerve to phone 911 because they couldn't get around a snow plow that was plowing the road, it tells you the need for more support like this from the province.
— Deputy Mayor (Van Staalduinen)

Myself being on the road quite a bit and whatnot, and you just see the impatience of drivers is getting worse and worse every year.
— Councillor (MacArthur)

Stayner settlement boundary expansion approved—planning study to add roughly 1 km around town

Planning · Major

Council directed staff to begin a two-year planning process to expand Stayner's urban settlement boundary by roughly one kilometre in all directions. The study will determine land needs, servicing requirements, and phasing to unlock developer infrastructure funding. The expansion area includes agricultural land north to County Road 7, south to the Hoffman Sideroad, and west to Airport Road.

Council unanimously approved a resolution launching a comprehensive planning study to expand Stayner's settlement boundary. The study area extends roughly one kilometre beyond the current urban edge—north to County Road 7, south to the Hoffman Sideroad (24th Sideroad), and west to County Road 42 (Airport Road). The existing boundary was set in 1993.

The work will be led by GSP Group and R.J. Burnside and Associates at an estimated cost covered by developer contributions. Steve Weaver of GSP told council the study will address land use, transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, natural heritage, and agricultural impacts. It will culminate in a secondary plan—a detailed, area-specific amendment to the township's official plan.

CAO John Ferguson said the expansion is tied to three signed development agreements. Developers agreed to fund major infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer) but will not pay until the settlement boundary is expanded. "It's an economic issue for the township to move towards expanding the settlement boundaries as soon as possible," Ferguson said.

The mayor emphasized the long timeline: the Cubitt farm, now home to a Foodland and McDonald's, took 33 years from boundary inclusion to development. "This is a decision that will last for 30 to 60 to maybe 90 years," he said. He walked council through the map on-screen, identifying the northern and southern expansion zones.

The study will include at least two public information centres per phase. Agricultural impact assessments will calculate setbacks from livestock operations and prioritize lower-quality farmland where possible. The process is expected to take 24 months, though some components may be implemented sooner.

Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen stepped aside briefly due to a technical conflict—his property straddles the boundary—but returned and voted in favour. No public delegations spoke. The resolution passed unanimously.

This is growth planning on a generational scale. The boundary won't be built out in this council's lifetime, but the decisions made now will determine where Stayner grows for decades.

It's an economic issue for the township to move towards expanding the settlement boundaries as soon as possible.
— CAO (Ferguson)

This is a decision that will last for 30 to 60 to maybe 90 years, maybe longer, who knows.
— Mayor

Tribute Creemore subdivision tweaked—68 townhouses swapped for 47 single-detached homes

Planning · Significant

Council approved zoning changes for the Tribute Creemore subdivision, replacing a 68-unit townhouse block with 47 single-detached homes. The change reduces total units by 21 (to 474) and adjusts lot sizes to permit a broader range of housing. No further public meeting was required; the original 2023 consultation stands.

Council approved a zoning amendment and minor revision to the draft plan of subdivision for Tribute Creemore Limited. The change replaces a townhouse block in the southern portion of the development with single-detached homes, reducing the total unit count from 495 to 474.

Derek, the township's planner, explained the amendment adjusts minimum lot frontages, lot areas, and lot coverages to accommodate a wider range of single-detached dwellings. The smallest proposed lot is 9.8 metres wide. Councillor MacArthur noted the subdivision has been in the works since 2007—he found a newspaper clipping from a 2007 OMB hearing on the same project.

The mayor raised concerns about snow storage on narrow lots, especially after the heavy snowfalls of recent winters. Derek said the design has been tested in other Ontario municipalities and should work for 8 to 9 months of the year. Dan Perrault, Public Works, acknowledged narrower streets and intensification create challenges but said snow removal equipment and strategies can adapt. The mayor countered: "We don't let people build in flood plains because it's only going to flood for 2 or 3 weeks a year."

Councillor Walker pressed for design approval authority over driveways, noting larger homes will have more cars. "We're going to have more families living together. All of a sudden, our two-car driveway needs to be for four cars."

Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen reminded council that garbage and recycling bin placement has been a major complaint in Wasaga Beach's narrow-lot subdivisions. "It's not just the snow, it's the other things we have to deal with."

The motion passed unanimously. The mayor acknowledged the developer's redesign reflects Creemore's character but said the snow-storage problem will persist as subdivisions intensify.

We don't let people build in flood plains because it's only going to flood for 2 or 3 weeks a year.
— Mayor

The bigger the homes, chances are the more cars are going to be in the driveway. And you're going to have more families living together. So, all of a sudden, our two-car driveway needs to be for four cars.
— Councillor (Walker)

Skydive Clearview lease approved for parachute landing zone at Klondike Park water tower site

Other · Minor

Council approved a five-year lease with Skydive Clearview (formerly Wasaga Beach) to use township-owned land at 1585 Klondike Park Road as a parachute landing area. The site is also home to the new water reservoir. Staff worked with the township's solicitor to strengthen indemnity language after input from the county's risk manager.

Council approved a five-year lease allowing Skydive Clearview to use a portion of township land at 1585 Klondike Park Road as a parachute landing area. The site is adjacent to the new Klondike Park water reservoir. The business, formerly known as Skydive Wasaga Beach, presented a delegation to council in February.

Derek, the township planner, said staff worked with the company, the township's solicitor, and senior management to finalize the agreement. Additional language was added to strengthen risk management and indemnity provisions based on input from the county's risk manager. Derek said the changes don't materially affect the business but protect the township's position.

Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen praised the application as a strong economic development opportunity with minimal impact on township lands. He noted the company's name change—from Wasaga Beach to Clearview—as a branding win for the municipality. Councillor MacArthur declared a conflict (a company he co-owns bid on a separate township contract) and stepped aside, though it's unclear why that conflict extended to this item.

The mayor joked about the staff report's reference to "a parachute landing area," clarifying he hoped people would be attached to the parachutes when they land. The motion passed unanimously (with MacArthur absent).

No details on lease rates or insurance requirements were discussed publicly, though the staff report indicates those terms are outlined in the agreement.

From an economic development point of view, especially with the name being changed, we think it's a very strong opportunity for Clearview, and it's a very little impact on our own lands.
— Deputy Mayor (Van Staalduinen)

Fire department awarded $42,233 Polaris UTV contract—councillor votes against, cites 10% local-bid threshold

Staff · Standard

Council approved a $42,233 (including HST) purchase of a Polaris UTV for the fire department, choosing a bid from J&R Cycle that included a five-year warranty. Councillor MacArthur voted against, arguing a $37,000 bid from an out-of-township supplier was more than 10% cheaper and should have been preferred under a local-procurement principle.

Council approved purchasing a 2026 Polaris UTV from J&R Cycle for $42,233.47 including HST, choosing it over five other bids. Fire Chief Scott said the Polaris met all specifications and J&R's bid included a five-year warranty; the next-closest bidder offered only two years. Adding a five-year warranty to that bid would have brought the total to roughly $43,800.

Councillor MacArthur voted against. He argued the lowest bid—$37,000 from DT Powersports in Uxbridge for a CF Moto—was more than 10% cheaper. "We kind of throw a 10% figure around in some of our discussions when we come to procurement. This is beyond that 10%," he said. The chief acknowledged the CF Moto had a five-year warranty but said the Polaris had slightly better ground clearance, towing capacity, and horsepower.

Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen countered that service matters: "I can't support having to go to Uxbridge for repair." The chief confirmed the Polaris dealer is local; the CF Moto dealer is not. Councillor Broderick recused himself—his company submitted a bid.

The mayor raised a separate question after the vote: what happens to the old UTV? Public Works Director Vachon said his department could use it for trail maintenance, park events, and garbage pickup, but staff need to figure out how to offset the fire department's lost trade-in value. The CAO said he'd bring back a recommendation.

The motion carried with one opposed. Delivery is expected in about a month. This is a useful reminder that "lowest bid" and "best value" are not always the same thing—and that council's informal 10% local-preference rule has no formal policy behind it.

We kind of throw a 10% figure around in some of our discussions when we come to procurement. So, this is beyond that 10%.
— Councillor (MacArthur)

I can't support having to go to Uxbridge for repair. You know, I can't if we have to send a machine down whether it's warranty or not, we got to go to Uxbridge. That doesn't work for me.
— Deputy Mayor (Van Staalduinen)

Council remains status quo on bring-your-own-alcohol events—no bylaw, no change

Bylaws · Minor

Council received an information report on updated provincial regulations allowing bring-your-own-alcohol events in municipal parks and chose not to pass a bylaw enabling them. Staff recommended staying status quo; the deputy mayor said the township shouldn't take on liability with no clear benefit.

Council voted to remain status quo on bring-your-own-alcohol events in municipal parks and facilities, effectively choosing not to participate in a new provincial program. Clerk Sasha confirmed that without a bylaw designating specific parks for alcohol consumption, the events cannot proceed under the new Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario rules.

The clerk's report noted the province is pushing the program for tourism but warned it transfers full responsibility to municipalities. Events would need to be deemed "culturally and municipally significant," and the township would bear enforcement and liability risk. Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen said he saw "déjà vu from last year" and noted no benefit to existing businesses. "It's throwing the full responsibility onto this council."

Councillor Walker asked whether a formal bylaw prohibiting the events was needed. The clerk said no—by not passing an enabling bylaw, council is already opting out. The township's existing special occasion permit process, used for events like the Kinsmen music market, works well and involves actual licensed sales, not bring-your-own setups.

The motion passed unanimously. The mayor said he'd raise the issue at an upcoming OPP board meeting. Several councillors pointed to successful, well-controlled events already happening under the current system and saw no reason to add complexity or risk.

I see déjà vu from last year. It's throwing the full responsibility onto this council. I haven't seen anything in this report that tells me to change our decision.
— Deputy Mayor (Van Staalduinen)

Gallon Park baseball dugout project approved—Mountain Ridge Homes to fund and build as donation

Infrastructure · Standard

Council approved adding a ground-level dugout project at Gallon Park to the trustee lease agreement with Mountain Ridge Custom Homes, to be fully funded by community donations. The project will proceed in fall 2026 or spring 2027, following the bleacher project already underway.

Council approved a second phase of improvements at Gallon Park: ground-level dugouts to accompany the bleachers already being built by Mountain Ridge Custom Homes as a community donation. The project will be fully funded through donations, with construction happening either in October 2026 or early spring 2027 to avoid disrupting the baseball season.

CAO John Ferguson said the developer wants to move quickly but the trustee lease and construction agreement won't be finalized until after council reviews it—likely at a special meeting. Donations will flow through the township to allow tax receipts; the township pays first, then donors reimburse with a receipt issued. The bleacher project is budgeted at $125,000; the dugouts at $100,000.

Councillor Walker asked whether council would see engineering drawings and design approvals. Ferguson confirmed that details—design, services, whether water is needed—will come back to council as part of the lease agreement. Councillor MacArthur joked the first game should be council vs. staff, with Walker as umpire. Walker agreed, on the condition it's slow-pitch.

The motion passed unanimously. The mayor thanked the community for fundraising and said the recreation department would likely budget for new sand or gravel to finish the site once construction wraps.

This is private money building public infrastructure. It's also a reminder that even donations come with process.

Building permits up slightly in Q1 2026—revenue, construction value ahead of last year

Staff · Minor

The building department reported 94 residential permits and 346 total permit activities in the first quarter of 2026, slightly ahead of 2025. Revenue and construction value are also up year-over-year. Staff highlighted updated farm-building training and the success of the septic re-inspection program.

Clearview's building department issued 94 residential permits in the first three months of 2026, part of 346 total permit activities. Building Chief Scott said the township is "a little ahead of last year" in permit counts, revenue, and construction value—a modest rebound after two years of deficits driven by the economic downturn.

The 2025 annual fee report, also presented, showed the department ran a deficit last year, as expected, drawing from reserves that now sit at $1.4 million. Deputy Mayor Van Staalduinen noted the reserves exist for exactly this reason: "Now's the time we need it, and now's the time we have it."

Scott highlighted two departmental priorities: updated training on farm building code changes (three staff have completed it; one more scheduled for fall) and the septic re-inspection program. The most recent cycle just wrapped. Scott credited residents for cooperating and making minor repairs that extend system lifespans: "The success really sits with the residents that have participated and cooperated and done the necessary repairs."

Councillor Walker asked how Clearview compares to neighbouring municipalities. Scott said he meets monthly with other Simcoe County building officials and most saw similar downturns last year. Clearview's Q1 numbers are stronger than expected—better than the final quarter of 2025.

Both reports were received for information. No motions required. This is administrative housekeeping, but it's also a useful check-in on whether the construction sector is stabilizing. Answer: maybe.

The success really sits with the residents that have participated and cooperated and done the necessary repairs to make those systems functional.
— Building Chief (Scott)