Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the minutes from the April 16, 2025 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:31 a.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act. AND THAT Council move into the Committee of Adjustment for the purpose of hearing a Minor Variance Application.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application A05-25, submitted by Robin Kozelman & Dan Hedges-Wood for lands described as Lots 4-5. Plan 917, municipally known as 256497 Sunova Crescent in the Township of Zorra, as it relates to: Relief from Section 9.2, Table 9.2 – Zone Provisions, to i) Decrease the minimum required rear yard depth from 7.5 m (24.6 ft) to 3.49 m (11.4 ft); to facilitate the construction of a new (attached) garage addition on the subject lands. subject to the following condition: i) That the relief granted by the Committee regarding application A05-25 shall apply to a garage addition at an approximate location as illustrated on Plate 3 of report No. 2025-130, to the satisfaction of the Township of Zorra.

THAT pursuant to the Planning Act the public meeting be adjourned at 9:43 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve the proposed Zoning By-law amendment to amend the existing ‘Special Limited Agricultural Zone (A1-3)’ provisions to permit an animal kennel with a maximum of 30 dogs on the subject property, described as Pt. Lot 17, Concession 4 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra, municipally known as 356006 35th Line.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve the zone change application submitted by Amy & Scott Lichti, whereby the lands described as Part Lot 28, Concession 4 (West Zorra), Township of Zorra to amend the provisions of the ‘Special General Agricultural Zone (A2-28)’ to recognize the garden suite on the property as a temporary use for an additional three (3) year period, expiring May 7, 2028.

THAT council direct staff to include for consideration in the 2026 Budget: the expanded rooftop solar project to projected 100% usage generation; other recommended systems/improvements proposed in the delegation from Crescent Ridge to best utilize the existing system to reduce purchased electricity pressures.

THAT Report 2025-050 from the Director of Public Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-049 from the Manager of Recreation & Facilities be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council deny the fee waiver request from Westminster Church; AND THAT Council direct the organization to apply to the Community Grant program this fall if the Beaty Room is still the preferred location following their trial at Westminster Church .

THAT Report 2025-051 from the Fire Chief / Manager of Emergency Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-052 from the Fire Chief / Manager of Emergency Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-035 from the Chief Building Official / Drainage Superintendent and Building Services Coordinator be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2025-047 from the By-law Enforcement Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council enact by-law 17-25 to formally adopt the 2025 Tax Rates

THAT item 11(a) be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council support the resolution from Oxford County regarding Changes Passed in COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 - Bill 197 ; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Ontario Premier.

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

WHEREAS the Council of the Township of Zorra recognizes, as referenced in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, the importance of a fiscally sustainable community by creating opportunities for growth in our core agri-business sector as well as diversifying our business community; AND WHEREAS Council and staff have made significant efforts to increase residential density within our serviced villages and need to compliment the incoming growth with increased opportunity for business in our Village Cores; AND WHEREAS the County of Oxford Planning Department has resources allocated to partner with municipalities to complete planning studies, but a scope of work needs to be more accurately defined; AND WHEREAS the Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (“ROEDC”) has identified that: proactive Secondary Planning to prepare rural townships for smart commercial/industrial growth as Oxford County’s population is projected to increase +47,000 by 2046; Municipally-owned “shovel ready” land for sale in 1-2 acre commercial/industrial parcels and; overlaying commercial/industrial development zoning on parcels abutting settlement area boundaries (where practical) are potential options that County and Township staff should consider to foster economic growth; AND WHEREAS the ROEDC has also identified that current policy which restricts On Farm Diversified Uses to being able to only employ 2 people who do not live on-site is a barrier to business growth; AND WHEREAS all established, growing and

THAT by-laws 17-25, 18-25, and 19-25 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 20-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held May 7, 2025, be read a first, second and third time this May 7, 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 12:32 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the May 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.