Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated; AND THAT item 9.4(a) be considered following item 7(c).

THAT the minutes from the December 17, 2025 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT Council support-in-principle the Reading Circle project proposal as presented by Harrington and Area Community Association at the January 22, 2026 Council meeting pending completion of and compliance with a Capital Project Grant application (as per Policy 500-10) for the 2027 intake and budget process.

THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a report outlining the next steps regarding the permanent closure of 33rd Line by Amrize (previously Lafarge).

THAT Report 2026-008 from the Manager of Recreation and Facilities be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT Council approve the purchase of a replacement floor scrubber for the Embro Arena, to be funded through projected savings from the Embro parking lot repair project in the 2026 capital budget.

THAT Council appoint Spriet Engineers Limited as engineer to review and prepare a report for lands within the Slater Drain 2025.

THAT Council pass a by-law to abandon the McLellan Drain 1963.

THAT Council pass a by-law to abandon the Manzer McLellan Drain.

WHEREAS Council acknowledges that expenses related to amortization are excluded in the 2026 budget; AND FURTHER THAT expenses related to landfill closure and post-closure are excluded from the 2026 budget as this function is not within the Township's jurisdiction; AND THAT expenses related to post-employment benefit expenses are not applicable to the Township; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Zorra accept the excluded expenses of the 2026 budget as per Ontario Regulation 284/09.

THAT Council receive Report 2026-004 entitled “Safe and Well Oxford - Plan Update” as information; AND FURTHER THAT Council approve the updated Safe and Well Oxford Plan as attached to this report as Attachment 1; AND FURTHER THAT Council continue to endorse Oxford County to lead the implementation of the Safe and Well Oxford plan on their behalf, with the addition of a full-time equivalent position as added to the County budget for 2026.

THAT Report 2026-001 from the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator be received and filed for information purposes.

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

THAT by-laws 01-26, 02-26, 03-26, 04-26, and 05-26 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 06-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held January 22, 2026, be read a first, second and third time this January 22, 2026; 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 11:26 a.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the February 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.