Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the minutes from the April 2, 2025 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 6:01 p.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act.

THAT pursuant to the Planning Act, the public meeting be adjourned at 7:00 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra deny the application for Zone Change, File No. ZN5-24-11, submitted by the David Kittmer and Lloy Wylie for the lands legally described as Part of Lot 30, Concession 14 (East Nissouri), Township of Zorra to rezone the subject lands from ‘General Agricultural (A2) Zone’ to ‘Special General Agricultural (A2-sp) Zone’ to permit a reduced lot area of approximately 8.2 ha / 20 ac for lands proposed to be severed by a future consent application. AND FURTHER THAT the Township of Zorra Council advise County Council that the Township does not support the application for Official Plan Amendment, File No. OP24-15-5, submitted by submitted by the David Kittmer and Lloy Wylie for the lands legally described as Part of Lot 30, Concession 14 (East Nissouri), Township of Zorra to add a special policy to the County’s Official Plan Agricultural policies to facilitate a future consent application which would permit an undersized agricultural lot of approximately 8.2 ha / 20 ac, rather than the required 30 ha / 74.1 ac.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve-in-principle the proposed Zoning By-law amendment to rezone the subject property to ‘Special General Agricultural Zone (A2-sp)’ for the purpose of permitting an animal kennel, accommodating up to 25 dogs, on the subject property, described as Pt. Lot 21, Concession 1 (North Oxford), Township of Zorra, municipally known as 434886 43rd Line.

THAT Report 2025-048 from the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator be received and filed for information for purposes only.

THAT items 12(a) - (c) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council waive the need for notice and allow for the motion as presented by Deputy Mayor Grigg.

WHEREAS the Ontario government has proposed expanding the “strong mayor” powers to 169 additional municipalities under the proposed legislation, which would grant mayors in these municipalities more authority, particularly concerning the control of municipal budgets and planning decisions; AND WHEREAS this proposal has raised significant concerns regarding the centralization of power, erosion of local democracy, reduced accountability, and the potential for the abuse of power; AND WHEREAS the proposed expansion of strong mayor powers undermines the collaborative nature of municipal governance, and diminishes the role of elected municipal councillors in representing the diverse interests of the community; AND WHEREAS concerns have been raised about the negative impacts on public trust, democratic participation, and municipal decision-making processes, if mayors are given the ability to bypass council decisions without adequate consultation or oversight; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra opposes the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers; AND THAT the Council formally expresses its opposition to the Ontario government’s proposal to expand Strong Mayor Powers to preserve local democracy, transparency, and accountability; AND THAT the Council encourages advocacy for democratic principles and for municipal governance systems that prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and democratic engagement; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a copy of this motion be for

THAT by-law 06-25 be taken as read a third time and finally passed; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the same and affix the corporate seal thereto.

THAT by-law 15-25 be taken as read a first, second and third time and finally passed; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the same and affix the corporate seal thereto.

THAT By-law 16-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held April 16, 2025, be read a first, second and third time this April 16, 2025; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the same and affix the corporate seal thereto.

THAT this session of Council be now adjourned and herewith closed at 8:08 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the May 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.