Regular Meeting of Council

That the agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council of May 12, 2026 be approved as circulated with the following addition; Under 12,12.1 Closed Meeting the addition of a matter pertaining to 239; b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and; f) advice that is subject to solicitor - client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose:  Human Resources, Roads Department, as amended.

That Council for the Municipality of Highlands East approves the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of April 7, 2026.

That Council for the Municipality of Highlands East receive the delegation as presented by John Davidson regarding Dillman Trail at the May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting.

That Council receive the presentation as delivered by Gary Dyke, CAO/Clerk for the County of Haliburton, regarding the Haliburton Affordability and Governance Study; and That Council direct the Highlands East Council, CAO, and staff to participate in the consultation process and review the findings related to the Affordability and Governance Study; and That Council request that the County of Haliburton provide ongoing updates on the progress and related matters of the study with the Municipality of Highlands East as a whole.

That Council come out of the Regular Meeting of Council at 10:47 am for the scheduled Public Planning Meeting and it be declared open to discuss the following bylaw amendments made under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, cp 13 as amended pertaining to Applicants: Abbott and Henderson and Allen c/o Bishop Geyer.

That Council receive and accept the reports pertaining to Abbott and Henderson/Allen provided by the Municipal Planner and; That the zoning bylaw amendment for Abbott RZ-21-2025 be

That Council adjourn the Public Planning Meeting at 11:28 am and; That Council reconvene to the Regular Meeting of Council.

That Council receive and accept the Planning Department April 2026 Operations Report, as submitted by the Planning Technician, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the report, Shoreline Road Allowance Purchase - 1339 Billings Lake Road - Pitt-Lainsbury as prepared by the Planning Technician and; That Council approves in principle an application to close and purchase the shoreline road allowance and direct staff to forward to the Municipal Solicitor for circulation and further; That prior to rendering the shoreline road allowance surplus to municipal need and permitting the disposition of the shoreline road allowance: 1. The applicant applies for and receives a zoning bylaw amendment to recognize the non-compliant location of the existing dwelling, attached deck, and shoreline fixed aluminum deck which may require the dock to be illustrated on the plan of survey if requested by staff; and 2. The applicant removes or relocates the existing canoe rack to a compliant location.

That Council receive and accept the report Shoreline Road Allowance Purchase- 1127 Yellow Rock Drive- Benning as prepared by the Planning Technician, and; That Council approves in principle an application to close and purchase the shoreline road allowance from Benning and direct staff to forward to the Municipal Solicitor for circulation and further; That prior to rendering the land surplus to municipal need and permitting the disposition of the shoreline: 1. The applicants provide an up-to-date plan of survey of the shoreline road allowance in accordance with the Shoreline Disposition Policy for staff review; 2. That the applicants address all zoning non-compliance identified in the Bylaw report to the satisfaction of the Municipality, including those related to portions of the existing dwelling and attached deck located within the shoreline road allowance, the oversized shoreline detached deck, and the unauthorized guest cabin located in the shoreline setback. Non-compliant, unlawful or unauthorized buildings or structures shall be removed or relocated entirely onto the upland property. 3. In accordance with 3.3.17 of the Official Plan non-compliant buildings and structures may be recognized through the approval of a zoning bylaw amendment, subject to conformity with the Official Plan, support from the Planning Department and approval by Council. Should the applicant wish to consider a planning approval an application for a pre-consultation shall be required and shall be ac

That Council receive and accept the Shoreline Road Allowance Purchase- 1028 Coulson Lane-Choi-Hagt report as prepared by the Planning Technician and; That Council approves in principle an application to close and purchase the shoreline road allowance from Choi-Hagt and direct staff to forward to the Municipal Solicitor for circulation and further; That prior to rendering the land surplus to municipal need and permitting the disposition of the shoreline: 1. The applicants remove or relocate the shoreline shed to a compliant location.

That Council receive and accept this report and the recommendation in this report to declare surplus and approve the bylaw to Stop Up, Close and Convey the original shore road allowance at this meeting for; Applicant: Thatcher Description of Land: Con. 5, Pt. Lot 5, 1028 Contau Lake Road, Devil's Gap Lake, Roll # 4601-901-000-56200-0000.

That Council receive and accept this report and approve the recommendations therein to declare the original shore road allowance surplus, and further; That Council pass the by ‑ law to Stop Up, Close and Convey the lands, including the passage of a Deeming By ‑ law, at this meeting, for; Applicant: Northey Description of Land: Con. 8, Pt. Lot 19, 1054 Samawasa Drive, Paudash Lake, Roll # 4601-102-000-03500-0000.

That Council receive and accept this report and the recommendation in this report to declare surplus and approve the bylaw to Stop Up, Close and Convey the original shore road allowance at this meeting for; Applicant: Nailor et al Description of Land: Con. 15, Pt. Lot 31, 1136 Hubbard & Montgomery Lane, Minnicock Lake, Roll # 4601-903-000-30800-0000.

That Council receive and accept this report and the recommendation in this report to declare surplus and approve the bylaw to Stop Up, Close and Convey the original shore road allowance at this meeting for; Applicant: Balgopal Description of Land: Con. 4, Pt. Lot 2, 1137 Tumble Down Rock Drive, Salarno Lake, Roll # 4601-901-000-47300-0000.

That Council receive and accept this report and approve the recommendations therein to declare the original shore road allowance surplus, and further; That Council pass the by ‑ law to Stop Up, Close and Convey the lands, including the passage of a Deeming By ‑ law, at this meeting, for; Applicant: Henderson & Allen Description of Land: Con. 13, Pt. Lot 16, Plan 464; Lot 24, Geographic Township of Glamorgan, 1068 Wolverine Drive, Koshlong Lake, Roll # 4601-902-000-77700-0000.

That Council receive and accept the report, "Request to Purchase Portion of Road Allowance - Lands of Shantz-Jones" prepared by the Planning Technician as information, and further; That Council accepts the proposed location of the road allowance as illustrated on the attached survey and directs that the following be completed prior to considering a by-law for disposition: 1. That Council accepts the disposition of the subject portion of the road allowance for nominal consideration in the amount of $10,000.00, with all costs associated with the transaction, including legal fees and any municipal expenses, to be borne by the applicants; 2. That the draft reference plan of survey be reviewed by the Municipality's solicitor prior to registration. 3. That the conditions related to the disposition of the original shore road allowance articulated through Resolution #2026-17 be fulfilled to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

That Council receive and accept the report "Request to Purchase Flooded Shoreline Road Allowance - Birney c/o Phillips" from the Planning Technician as information, and further; That Council renders the flooded portion of the shoreline road allowance located underneath the applicants' boathouse surplus to municipal need, and forward their request to the Municipality's solicitor, and; That the proposed disposition shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. That the property owner prepare an updated reference plan of the original shoreline road allowance to be purchased, including the flooded portion occupied by the existing wet boathouse having an area of approximately 250 ft2, together with a confirmation of the area by their surveyor, and; 2. That the property owner pay the assessed market value of $8.20 per square foot plus any applicable legal, survey, or consulting fees required to facilitate the disposition.

That Council receive and accept the report, "Request for Encroachment Agreement - Lands of Camp Can Aqua" as information; and Further that Council choose Option1, being; Council directs that they support the application in principle, subject to the following conditions: 1. A notice of the road allowance use be circulated to adjacent neighbours; 2. The applicant provide proof of insurance with comprehensive liability for use of the road allowance; 3. An agreement be brought forward for review and direction by the Council of the Municipality of Highlands East. The agreement will include: acknowledgement that the applicant shall not have exclusive use of the road allowance; acknowledgement that the encroachment will be limited to a 5-year timeframe at which time the encroaching structures will be relocated onto the applicant’s land, requirements for the maintenance of appropriate signage; indemnification of the municipality against liability or claims arising from the construction on or use of the road allowance; insurance requirements; maintenance requirements; as well as any other conditions deemed prudent by the solicitor acting for the municipality. 4. All of the above are at the expense of the applicant, as amended.

That Council receive and accept the Building Department April 2026 Operations Report, as submitted by the Chief Building Official, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the Bylaw Department April 2026 operations report as submitted by the Bylaw Officer.

The Council receive and accept the Clean and Clear Bylaw Update Report, as submitted by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, for information purposes, and further; That Council direct the amended bylaw be forwarded to the municipal solicitor for review prior to passage at a future meeting.

The Council receive and accept the Recreational Vehicle Bylaw Update Report, as submitted by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, for information purposes, and further; That Council direct the amended bylaw be forwarded to the municipal solicitor for review prior to passage at a future meeting.

That Council receive and accept the Short Term Rental Licensing Report- April 2026, as submitted by the Short Term Rental Clerk, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the Short-Term Rental Licensing Report- Public Survey Results Summary, as submitted by the Short Term Rental Licensing Clerk, for information purposes, and further; That Council direct staff to provide revisions to the bylaw for Council consideration and; That Council direct staff to make recommendations for changes within Granicas and the use of the dashboard, as amended.

That Council receive and accept the Fire Department May 2026 Monthly Operations Report, as submitted by the Fire Chief, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the Establishing and Regulating Fire Department Bylaw Update Report, as submitted by the Fire Chief, and further; That Council accepts and approves the amended Establishing and Regulating Bylaw for the Municipality of Highlands East.

That Council receive and accept the Parks, Recreation and Facilities April 2026 Report as submitted by the Property Supervisor, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the report Notice of Motion – Herlihey Park Shuffleboard Court as information only and; That the park project proceed in accordance with the previously approved plan for the current year and further; That any proposed additions or modifications—including the installation of a shuffleboard court—be considered during the next term of Council as part of the annual budget deliberation process.

That Council receive and accept the report Community User Group Follow Up as prepared by the CAO/Treasurer, for information purposes only.

That Council receive and accept the Environmental Department- May 2026 Operations Report, as submitted by the Environmental Supervisor, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the Public Works Monthly Update as submitted by the Public Works Manager, for information purposes only.

That Council receive and accept the Economic Development April 2026 Report,as submitted by the Economic Development Coordinator as information only.

That Council receive and accept the CAO Monthly Report- May, 2026 as submitted by the CAO/Treasurer, as information only.

That Council receive and accept the Human Resources Monthly Report - May 2026 as submitted by the HR/Payroll Coordinator, for information purposes only.

That Council receive and accept the report - Election Update as provided by the Municipal Clerk, as information.

That Council receive and accept the report titled “Appointment of the Joint Compliance Audit Committee 2026-2030 Term of Council” and the update regarding the Haliburton County Joint Compliance Audit Committee and; That Council appoint the recommended members to the Joint Compliance Audit Committee and approve the associated Terms of Reference and Procedures and; That the Municipal Clerk, in consultation with the lower ‑ tier Clerks, be delegated the authority to present directly to Council any future bylaws required to appoint additional member(s) or alternate member(s) to the Joint Compliance Audit Committee and; That Council approve a bylaw appointing the members to the Joint Compliance Audit Committee, approving the Terms of Reference, and delegating authority for the appointment of an auditor to conduct compliance audits.

That the Council for the Municipality of Highlands East receive and support the correspondence from the Town of Plympton-Wyoming regarding OPP Sustainable Services Funding and ratifies as follows: Whereas Ontario municipalities are required to maintain a police service or detachment board; and Whereas policing is a provincially legislated responsibility, yet municipalities are bearing the brunt of rising costs to implement provincial mandates; Whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has asserted that the fiscal framework enabling municipalities provided critical policing and public safety services is broken, and AMO requests an urgent update of the provincial-municipal fiscal relationship; Whereas double digit increases in municipal annual Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) budgets are unsustainable, especially as Ontario municipal police services tackle provincial responsibilities such as mental health, addictions, and homelessness challenges that place police resources under enormous financial strain; Whereas municipalities across Ontario are experiencing increased police operating and capital costs directly related to new compliance and operational standards required under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (the Act); Whereas the costs of other measures such as providing provincial court security are increasing and are not part of providing core, adequate and effective municipal policing; and Whereas rural municipalities are especially negatively i

That the Council for the Municipality of Highlands East receive and support the correspondence from the Township of Terrance Bay regarding reduced rate distribution of library resources and ratifies as follows: Whereas public libraries play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to information, literacy, education, and culture for all residents; And Whereas inter-library loan services are an essential component of public library operations, particularly for small and rural communities with limited local collections; And Whereas reduced postal rates for library materials have historically enabled libraries to share resources efficiently and affordably across Canada; And Whereas recent amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act have removed the legislative requirement to provide reduced postal rates for library materials, creating uncertainty for the continued delivery of this essential service; Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the Municipality of Highlands East calls upon the Government of Canada to maintain and protect reduced-rate postal distribution for library materials through legislation; and Further That Council requests that the Minister responsible for Canada Post ensure continued, affordable postal access for libraries and inter-library loan services; and Further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and our local MP and MPP.

That the Council for the Municipality of Highlands East receive and support the correspondence from Town of Halton Hills regarding a request for review of provincial- municipal framework and ratifies as follows: Whereas municipalities, including the Municipality of Highlands East, play a critical role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that support growing and evolving communities; And Whereas municipalities are increasingly contributing to areas that intersect with provincial responsibilities, such as housing, social services, and certain capital obligations, placing additional pressure on property tax-based revenue systems; And Whereas municipal revenue tools, particularly property taxes, are limited in their ability to keep pace with growth, inflation, and the expanding expectations placed on local governments; And Whereas the Municipality of Highlands East continues to invest in critical infrastructure, including roads, water, stormwater, emergency services, and recreation, to support both existing residents and future growth; And Whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities have identified opportunities to better align municipal funding tools with the realities of modern service delivery and growth pressures; And Whereas ensuring long-term financial sustainability for municipalities is essential to maintaining service levels, supporting housing targets, and protecting affordability for residents; Now

That the Council for the Municipality of Highlands East receive and support the correspondence from Municipality of Wawa regarding a request amend land transfer tax act and ratifies as follows: Whereas housing affordability remains a critical issue in Ontario and across Canada, with the national average home sale price at approximately $675,000, making homeownership increasingly difficult for first-time buyers; and Whereas under the current Ontario Land Transfer Tax regime, first-time home buyers may receive a rebate of up to $4,000 toward provincial land transfer tax, which fully offsets the tax only on homes valued up to approximately $368,000, a level substantially below the current average home price; and Whereas at a home purchase price of $675,000 the provincial land transfer tax before any rebate can exceed $8,000, meaning that even with the current maximum $4,000 rebate first time buyers must pay a significant tax burden at closing that undermines housing affordability; and Whereas the Council of the Municipality of Highlands East acknowledges and applauds recent efforts by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to improve housing affordability, including measures to reduce or rebate GST/HST on new housing construction and purchases; and Whereas the vast majority of residential real estate transactions in Ontario, including both resale and hew homes, are subject to provincial Land Transfer Tax, meaning that enhancements to the Land Transfer Tax rebate wo

That Council receive and file the resolutions from other municipalities/levels of government, as submitted for the Regular Meeting of Council, May 12, 2026.

That Council receive the correspondence as submitted at the May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council.

That Council moves out of the Regular Meeting into the Closed Meeting in order to discuss matters pertaining to 239: (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;  Weigle  Gander Road with the addition to the agenda the following; b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and; f) advice that is subject to solicitor - client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose:  Human Resources, Roads Department, as amended.

That Council rise from the closed meeting and report the following: Council discussed the items listed on the Regular Meeting agenda and provided direction to staff, being instruction to the solicitors, to carry out all actions approved in the May 12, 2026 Closed Meeting of Council.

That Bylaw's 2026-43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54 and 55 (Section 14.1 to 14.8 and 4.10 to 14.13) (removal of Bylaw #2026-51) be received, approved and enacted at this May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting, as amended.

That Bylaw #2026-56, being a bylaw to confirm the proceedings of Council at its Meeting of May 12, 2026 be received, approved and enacted.

That Council adjourn the May 12, 2026 meeting at 3:33 pm and; to meet again on June 23, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for the Regular Meeting of Council.