Regular Council

THAT the agenda be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the minutes from the April 15, 2026 Council meeting be adopted as printed and circulated.

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:32 a.m. for the purposes of holding a public meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act.

THAT the Township of Zorra Committee of Adjustment approve Application A07-26, submitted by Brandon Twolan and Jacqueline Baker, for lands described as Part Lot 12, Concession 5 (West Zorra) Plan 41R7307, Part 1, and municipally known as 166 Argyle Street, Embro, in the Township of Zorra, as it relates to: 1. Relief from Section 5.1, Table 5.1.1.3 – Regulations for Accessory Uses; i. to increase the maximum permitted height for an accessory structure from 4.0 m (13.1 ft) to 6.0 m (19.6 ft); and ii. to increase the maximum permitted cumulative gross floor area for accessory structures from 100 m2 (1,076 ft2) to 168 m2 (1,808 ft2); to facilitate the construction of a structure accessory to a residential use on a property zoned ‘Residential Type 1 Zone (R1)’ in the Township of Zorra. Subject to the following condition: i. That the construction of the proposed residential accessory building be established in the general location as illustrated on Plate 3 of Report 2026-138, to the satisfaction of the Township of Zorra.

THAT pursuant to the Planning Act, the public meeting be adjourned at 9:48 a.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve-in-principle the zone change application submitted by Eric and Michelle Hutchison, whereby the lands described as West Part of Lot 3, Concession 5 (North Oxford), in the Township of Zorra are to be rezoned from ‘General Agricultural Zone (A2)’ to ‘Special General Agricultural Zone (A2-sp)’ to facilitate the construction of a single-detached dwelling on an undersized agricultural parcel.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve-in-principle the Zone Change Application submitted by Mike Hishon, whereby lands described as Pt. Lot 36, Conc. 5 (West Zorra), in the Township of Zorra, are to be rezoned from ‘General Agricultural Zone (A2)’ to ‘Special General Agricultural Zone (A2-sp)’ to permit a detached additional residential unit (ARU) on the subject lands with a maximum gross floor area of 162 m 2 (1,750 ft 2 ) and a maximum distance between an ARU and a principal dwelling of 170 m (557.7 ft).

THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:59 a.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 12:42 p.m. and the regular meeting of Council be called back to order.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve-in-principle the zone change application submitted by Michael Wilhelm whereby the lands described as Lot 30, Concession 1 (West Zorra) Township of Zorra are to be rezoned from ‘General Agricultural Zone (A2)’ to ‘Special Aggregate Industrial Zone (ME-sp)’ and ‘Open Space Zone (OS)’ to permit a new Category 1, Class ‘A’ (pit above water table) aggregate operation with a 0m setback from the pit to the immediate south, and to recognize the natural heritage/natural hazard lands located on the westerly portion of the subject lands; AND THAT Council direct Planning Staff to work with County Public Works to facilitate the proposed 60km/hr zone; AND THAT Council direct Planning Staff to engage with the applicant to consider including a tree screen as referenced in the Peer Review Summary.

THAT Report 2026-033 from the Director of Public Services be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Council approve an allocation of $60,000 from the Recreation Reserve in 2026 to fund the recreation storage building project overage, to be offset by the deferral of 2027 projects included in the 10 year capital plan;

THAT Council endorse Matheson Park as the desired future location of the Embro Dog Park as evaluated by the Embro Dog Park Committee.

THAT Report 2026-012 from the Manager of Recreation & Facilities be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2026-044 from the By-law Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2026-045 from the Tax Collector be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT Council approve by-law 21-26 to formally adopt the 2026 by-law for the 2026 Tax Rates.

THAT Report 2026-048 from the Deputy Treasurer/Financial Analyst be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT Council approve by-law 24-26 to authorize the collection of costs as part of the 2026 final tax billing, totalling $188,221.64, for municipal drain maintenance

THAT Report 2026-035 from the Manager of Financial Services be received and filed for information purposes; AND THAT Council authorize the transfer of the 2025 operating deficit of $52,656.69 from the Building Department Reserve in accordance with Section 7 of the Ontario Building Code Act.

THAT Report 2026-041 from the Chief Administrative Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT Report 2026-050 from Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations Officer be received and filed for information purposes only.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve Exemption to the Noise Control By-law submitted by Brunny's for an event located at 121 Dundas St. on May 15 10:00 a.m. - May 18 11:00 p.m., 2026, to allow for live bands and loud music; AND THAT Brunny's distribute an informative handout with the event information to all surrounding neighbours by May 8, 2026.

THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra approve Exemption to the Noise Control By-law submitted by Trumpet of Truth for an event located at 194817 19th Line on June 14, 2026, to allow for loud music from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; AND THAT Trumpet of Truth distribute an informative handout with the event information to all surrounding neighbours by June 7, 2026.

That Council direct Staff to partner with the County and prepare delegations for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference to request meetings with: The Ministry of Energy, regarding rebates for green initiative delivery costs; and The Ministry of Transportation, regarding the Rural Road Safety Program; AND THAT the Ministry of Energy meeting be given priority, followed by the Ministry of Transportation, as specified above.

THAT the correspondence from the Thamesford Business Association be received as information; AND THAT Council direct Staff to thank the Thamesford Business Association members for their support, initiative, and contributions to the community; AND THAT Council direct Staff to prepare a follow-up report on next steps.

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

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

THAT by-laws 21-26, 22-26, 23-26, 24-26, 25-26, 26-26 and 27-26 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 28-26, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council held May 6, 2026, be read a first, second and third time this May 6, 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 2:48 p.m. and the next meeting of Council be called for the May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Zorra Municipal Centre.