Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated

THAT the minutes from the May 7, 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. AND THAT Council move into the Committee of Adjustment for the purpose of hearing Minor Variance Applications.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application A07-25, submitted by Wesley Donker for lands described as West ½ Lot 6, Concession 4, subject to WZ12746 (West Zorra), municipally known as 355320 35th Line in the Township of Zorra, as it relates to: 1. Relief from Section 7.2.1 – Minimum Distance Separation Requirements For Livestock Barns and Structures, to reduce the minimum distance separation requirement to the nearest Type A land use (residential dwelling located at 743906 Road 74) from 201 m (661 ft) to 160 m (525 ft) to facilitate the construction of a new (replacement) livestock (dairy) barn. 2. Relief from Section 7.2.2 – Minimum Distance Separation Requirements For Manure Storage Structures, to reduce the minimum distance separation requirement to the nearest Type A land use (residential dwelling located at 743906 Road 74) from 281 m (923 ft) to 160 m (525 ft) to facilitate the construction of a new manure pit to service the proposed replacement livestock (dairy) barn. subject to the following conditions: i) That the relief granted by the Committee regarding application A07-25 shall apply to a new livestock barn and manure storage facility at an approximate location as illustrated on Plate 3 of report No. 2025-154, to the satisfaction of the Township of Zorra. ii) That a survey sketch be provided, to the satisfaction of the Township Building Department confirming the measurements from the barn to the nearest neighboring dwelling.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment defer Application A08-25, submitted by Jake Bennett for lands described as Plan 87, Block G Lots 10 & A, ( Zorra), and are municipally known as 10 Victoria Street in the Township of Zorra, as it relates to: 1. Relief from Section 5.1.1.3, Table 5.1.1.3 – Accessory Use Provisions, to permit a residential accessory building within the required front yard; 2. Relief from Section 11.2, Table 11.2 – Zone Provisions, to permit a reduced front yard depth of 1.8 m (6 ft) whereas 10 m (32 ft) are required; To facilitate the legalization of an existing accessory structure within the required front yard in the ‘Residential Type 1 (R1) Zone’ in the Township of Zorra. 29-05-2025 Moved by Katie Grigg Seconded by Kevin Stewart To include "and the purpose of the deferral is to allow the applicant to work with staff to explore alternate locations on the subject property".

THAT Council move out of the Committee of Adjustment, and pursuant to the Planning Act that the public meeting be adjourned at 6:34 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT item 10(a) be received and filed for information purposes only.

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

WHEREAS “A living wage is the hourly wage an individual needs to earn to afford basic expenses and participate in their community.”; and, WHEREAS for example the Ontario Living Wage Network has calculated the 2024 living wage for London Elgin Oxford, was $19.50/hour; and, WHEREAS Zorra Township has seen the effects of affordability on residents including our own employees; and, WHEREAS one of the main contributors to affordability is a person’s ability to afford the increasing costs of goods and services; and, WHEREAS all Oxford municipalities have committed to the Safe and Well Oxford Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan which “Prioritizes social development and risk prevention and mitigation strategies, with a focus on causes. By proactively implementing evidence-based situational measures, policies, or programs to reduce priority risks to community safety and well-being we can improve outcomes and reduce crime, victimization, and harm”; and, WHEREAS Southwestern Public Health has identified a Living Wage as a tool to address social determinants of health, and as a result become a Living Wage Employer. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff return a report on the feasibility and budget and tax implications of Zorra Township becoming a Living Wage Employer.

THAT Council move into closed meeting session at 7:04 p.m. pursuant to Section 239.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

THAT By-law 21-25, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held May 21, 2025, be read a first, second and third time this May 21, 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 7:20 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the June 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.