Council Updates

Monthly Update to Residents

The Town of Latchford Council has been hard at work over the past few months, and we want to keep residents informed and up to date on the decisions being made in our community.

January 13, 2026 Meeting
Council passed the 2026 Meeting Schedule and approved several important internal policies, including a Lieu and Overtime Policy, Hiring of Employees Policy, and Donation Policy. Council also passed the annual by-laws required to allow the Interim Tax Bills to be issued. In addition, the Town was fortunate to receive a Fire Protection Grant, which will fund the purchase of a dryer to help remove harmful toxins from firefighters’ gear.

February 10, 2026 Meeting
Council approved the establishment of an Administration & Corporate Services Ad Hoc Committee to assist in identifying and prioritizing policies affecting both residents and staff. The Terms of Reference for this committee were brought forward at the March 10 meeting, with Councillors Newell and McDonald expressing interest in serving on the committee.

Council also continues to work hard to move forward with the Marcotte Street Lots and remains hopeful that further progress will be made in the coming months.

A Waterfront Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee was also established, with Councillors Olson and Cole expressing interest in participating. The Terms of Reference for that committee were also brought forward at the March 10 meeting.

Other highlights from the February meeting included:

• Approval of the updated building fees and charges by-law following TMSA’s increase in fees for 2026
• Approval of a transfer payment agreement to receive $38,000 in funding for pothole prevention and repair, which will assist the Town in paying for paving work completed last year
• Appointment of Cory Block as Deputy Fire Chief

We are excited to see what Chief Livingston and Deputy Chief Block will accomplish for the department.

March 17, 2026 Meeting
The March 10^th Regular Meeting was rescheduled to March 17^th due to unforeseen circumstances.

Council approved the purchase of new playground equipment, which will be installed this summer at the beach playground. Council is excited to continue making improvements at the waterfront.

The Terms of Reference for both the Administration & Corporate Services Ad Hoc Committee and the Waterfront Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee were passed. Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity for residents to get involved with the Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee.

Council also scheduled a Budget Meeting for March 24, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. This will be the first budget meeting where staff present the proposed budget to Council.

In addition, Council passed the Town’s Asset Management Plan, which has been in development for several years. This plan will help guide capital projects and support the long-term stability of municipal infrastructure.

Council also adopted a new Council Code of Conduct, a legislated requirement for all municipalities in Ontario. This updated code will help ensure Council and board members continue to conduct themselves in a transparent and respectful manner. Staff are also working on an Employee Code of Conduct.

What’s Next
Council and staff are now focused on:

• the 2026 budget process
• exciting opportunities for resident involvement
• preparations for the upcoming Municipal Election

If you have any questions or comments regarding Council decisions, please email mrobinson@latchford.ca.

The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on April 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

📢 Monthly Council Update – April 14, 2026

At the Regular Meeting of Council held on April 14th, 2026, Council approved the following:

🌐 New Municipal Website

A new website is coming! This updated platform will better serve residents, visitors, and users looking for information about Latchford. It will include:

• Council agendas, minutes, meeting dates, by-laws, and policies

• A community calendar featuring local events, Council, and Committee meetings

🌊 Waterfront Strategic Plan Committee Appointments

Council appointed three community members to the Waterfront Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee:

• Debbie Burrows

• Colleen Tresidder

• Scott Green

Congratulations—we look forward to working with you!

💰 Budget Meeting Scheduled

A second budget meeting has been scheduled for:

📅 April 27, 2026

🕔 5:45 PM

📍 Town Office

🗑️ Garbage Collection Change

Garbage collection will move from Monday to Tuesday, effective April 21, 2026.

A collection schedule will be sent to all residents. To receive a copy by email, contact: mrobinson@latchford.ca

🏛️ Council Composition Update

Council received confirmation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that, due to the approved change in Council composition (By-law 2024-012 for the 2026–2030 term), Strong Mayor Powers will be revoked and the Town of Latchford will be removed from Ontario Regulation 530/22 under the Municipal Act, 2001.

🏖️ Beach House RFP

Council approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of the Beach House for the 2026 season. Stay tuned for more details!

🍗 Community Support

Council approved an in-kind donation to the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens Legion, Branch 629, providing use of the Community Hall for a free public Chicken and Rib Dinner.

🗳️ Election Recount Policy

Council passed By-law 2026-014 adopting the Recount Policy for the upcoming municipal election, as required by May 1, 2026.

🚨 Funding Announcement

The Town has been approved for $41,234 in funding to purchase:

• A backup generator for the Town Office

• A community alerting system

This system will support emergency communication (wildfires, flooding, boil water advisories, etc.) and improve how we share important information with residents. Stay tuned for details on how to sign up and ensure your contact information is up to date!

📢 Latchford Council Meeting Highlights – May 26, 2026

🏗️ Spring Operations Update
Council received a Public Works report outlining ongoing spring maintenance and operations.

💰 Budget Approved
Council passed the 2026 Municipal Budget:

• Operating: $2,062,465.12
• Capital: $421,119.00

🌊 Beach House Operator Selected
A contract was awarded to Sherry Neill to operate the Beach House for 2026, with renewal options for 2027–2028.

🤝 Supporting Regional & Provincial Initiatives
Council expressed support for:

• Greater Sudbury Special Economic Zone
• Bill 97 (Plan to Protect Ontario Act)

🗳️ Election Policies Adopted
New by-laws approved for:

• Use of corporate resources during elections
• Election signs rules

🏡 Land & Governance

• New Disposition of Land Policy adopted
• Committee resignation accepted with regret

✨ Big picture: Council focused on approving the 2026 budget, setting election policies, and advancing key local operations and partnerships.

📢 Latchford Council Meeting Highlights – June 16, 2026

✅ Planning for the Future
Council approved moving ahead with an RFP for a new Official Plan & Zoning By-law, a key step in guiding future growth and development.

🏗️ Public Works Update Received
Council reviewed the latest Public Works report to stay informed on infrastructure and operations.

🏢 Zoning Review in Progress
Council is consulting with the MTO and Planner before making decisions on a proposed used car lot at 31 Main St., ensuring proper review and compliance.

🤝 Support for Municipal Issues
Council backed resolutions calling for:

• Fairer municipal funding models
• Sustainable fire service funding
• Review of OPP policing costs

📊 2026 Taxes Approved
Council passed by-laws setting:

• Tax rates & ratios for 2026
• Water & sewer rates were tabled for further consideration

🌐 Website Update
Staff have been working on a new municipal website, with a goal to launch late July / early August.

🕒 Next Meeting
📅 July 14, 2026

✨ Big picture: Council focused on long-term planning, financial oversight, and advocating for fair provincial funding.

📢 Latchford Council Meeting Highlights – July 14^th, 2026

The Council of the Town of Latchford met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Below are some of the highlights from the meeting.

💧 Water Treatment Plant Update

Council received an update on the recent Water Treatment Plant shutdown.

The planned maintenance was completed successfully, including the replacement of four gate valves and three check valves. Following the work, a precautionary Boil Water Advisory was issued and lifted after two consecutive days of satisfactory water testing.

Staff also reported that a section of the distribution header pipe has significant mineral buildup and will require replacement in the future as part of long-term infrastructure planning.

💰 Budget Amendment Approved

Council approved a budget amendment to fund:

• One summer student
• One casual part-time Public Works employee

Additional funding will come from the Public Works Reserve budgeted amount, no additional amounts have been added to the budget. The addition of Melissa and Addison allows additional support during the busy summer construction and maintenance season.

📋 Official Plan & Zoning By-law Update

Staff advised Council that there has been strong interest from planning consultants in the Town's upcoming Official Plan and Zoning By-law Review, with at least four firms expressing interest.

Council remains optimistic that several competitive proposals will be received once the Request for Proposals closes.

🌊 Waterfront Strategic Plan

Council approved the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Waterfront Strategic Plan.

The project will guide the future development of the Town's waterfront and provide a long-term vision for recreation, tourism, economic development, and public spaces.

🚛 Highway 11 Noise Concerns

Council directed staff to send a formal letter to the Ministry of Transportation requesting changes to pavement markings along Highway 11 through Latchford.

The goal is to reduce excessive noise created by heavy commercial trucks travelling over manholes located in front of residential properties.

🎉 Noise By-law Exemption

Council approved a Noise By-law Exemption for a private event at 95 Empire Street on August 1, 2026 until 2:00 a.m.

Neighbouring residents will be notified in advance.

🏛 Supporting Rural Municipalities

Council passed several resolutions supporting municipal advocacy efforts across Ontario, including:

• Improved funding for emergency shelters serving women and children experiencing intimate partner violence.
• Support for proposed Planning Act amendments that would strengthen municipal by-law enforcement.
• A review of the Ontario Land Tribunal to provide greater deference to municipal planning decisions.
• Increased investment in Highway 11 and 17 rest stops and traveller services.
• Requesting additional Provincial funding to assist small rural municipalities with Official Plans, Zoning By-laws, and planning studies.

📜 New Municipal Policies & By-Laws Adopted

Council approved several new governance policies, including:

• Delegation of Authority (Lame Duck Council)
• Water & Sewer Rates By-law
• Accountability and Transparency Policy (required under Section 270 of the Municipal Act, 2001)
• Public Notice Policy (required under Section 270 of the Municipal Act, 2001)
• Closed Session Policy

These policies strengthen municipal governance and ensure continued transparency and accountability.

🔒 Closed Session

Council met in Closed Session to conduct the annual CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Performance Review, as permitted under the Municipal Act.

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Meeting of Council will be held on:

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 6:00 p.m.
Town of Latchford Council Chambers

Residents are always welcome and encouraged to attend Council meetings.

📣 Council Meeting Highlights – August 18, 2026

Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for its Regular Meeting. Here are some of the key decisions and discussions:

📋 Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Council selected Fotenn Planning & Design to prepare the Town’s new Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law for $55,360 plus HST. The project will be funded through the Modernization Reserve and will not have a negative impact on Rate Payers.

📊 2025 Financial Statements
Steve Acland of Kemp Elliott & Blair presented the Town’s 2025 Financial Statements, which Council accepted as presented. Once the Financial Statements have been signed, copies will be posted on the website and available for pick up at Town Hall. A summary of the Financial Statements is at the end of this Council Meeting Update.

🚧 Public Works & Water Treatment/Sewage Treatment Plant Update
Council received an update from Roger Clark and Rico Guindon on road maintenance, roadside brushing, tree removal, gravel hauling, the Municipal Office generator, beach washroom improvements and repairs required at the Water Treatment Plant and sewage pumping station.

👩‍💼 Municipal Intern
Council approved proceeding with the recruitment of a Municipal Administration and Strategic Projects Intern at $20 per hour, subject to final NOHFC funding approval. Up to $35,000 of the employment costs are anticipated to be funded by NOHFC for the 12-month internship.

🏡 Municipal Land Request
Council declared a municipal property adjacent to 53 Hillview Street surplus and directed staff to complete the required valuation and due diligence. The final purchase price and conditions will return to Council for approval.

❌ North Rib Lake Cottagers Association
Council defeated the motion requesting that the Town pay a $5,000 Ontario Northland Railway bill on behalf of the North Rib Lake Cottagers Association. The payment was not approved.

🏅 Memorial/Recognition Board
Council discussed the Memorial/Recognition Board at the playground. The CAO/Clerk-Treasurer will look into the matter and bring information and options back to Council at the September 8, 2026 meeting.

📣 Municipal Advocacy
Council approved resolutions supporting traffic-calming and speeding-mitigation measures, requesting provincial funding for Official Plan and Zoning By-law reviews, and requesting the Ontario Northland Railway to paint and maintain its railway bridge along Highway 11.

💧 Project Updates
Council received updates on the Water and Sewer Rates Project and the Town’s new website. The CAO/Clerk-Treasurer is comparing our rates and

All motions presented during the meeting were approved except Item 7.1.5 regarding the North Rib Lake Cottagers Association.

The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

September 8th Council Meeting Update

Council met on September 8, 2026, and all motions presented were carried.

Here are the highlights:

🛣️ Highway 11 Pavement Markings
Council formally requested that the Ministry of Transportation reinstate the pavement markings that were in place before 2011, as shown in the roadway layout provided to Council.

🏞️ Memorial and Recognition Board
Staff presented three options for a Memorial and Recognition Board at the playground. Pricing will be obtained and brought back to Council in October.

🚛 Surplus Equipment
Council declared the Town’s 2010 dump trailer surplus. Sealed bids will be accepted until September 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a minimum bid of $2,500.

⚾ Community Recreation Funding
Mayor Gadoury-East shared a vision for a Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund application that could include paving the boardwalk and installing lighting at the ballfield. These improvements would support more local recreational and sporting opportunities.

🚒 Fire Protection Grant
Staff submitted an application to the Fire Marshal’s Office for a second round of fire protection funding. Council also requested that the Fire Chief provide quarterly reports as previously discussed.

📋 By-laws Approved

• A new Procedural By-law governing Council, local board and committee meetings
• A lease agreement for operation of the Beach House during the 2027 and 2028 seasons
• An agreement with FedNor

💰 Municipal Expenses
Council approved accounts payable totalling $22,853.13 and payroll expenses of $35,333.00.

The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

🕒 Next Meeting

📅 The next Regular Meeting of Council is scheduled for October 13, 2026, and will be held at the Community Hall.