Regular Council Meeting

That the agenda be approved as circulated.

That Council hereby adopts the following meeting minutes as circulated; March 26th - Regular Council Meeting And the Confidential Minutes of the Closed Session held on March 26th, 2026.

That the presentation by Mikaela Pagotto of the Environment & Sustainability Advisory Committee be received for information.

That the delegation by Dr. Marieke Wevers with respect to item 9, "Consideration of Notices of Motion", be received for information.

That the delegation by Brad Lavery with respect to item 9, "Consideration of Notices of Motion", be received for information.

That report number W2026-02 “Town of Erin 2025 Risk Management Official and Municipal Annual Reports for Source Water Protection” be received for information.

That report number W2026-03 “Appointments for Risk Management Inspectors / Alternate Risk Management Officials” be received for information; And that Council pass By-law 26-21, to appoint Risk Management Inspectors and Alternate Risk Management Officials.

That Council directs the CAO and Director of Finance to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2026 Budget to identify potential savings, efficiencies, and deferrals in light of the 2025 deficit; And that the following be reported back to Council by May 15, 2026:  A clear recovery and control plan for 2026 with an explicit objective to restore the total deficit and replenish the Tax Stabilization Reserve which will be managed within the approved 2026 Budget and Reserve Policy using the newly implemented seven step process.

That Council hereby receives report number F2026-08 “Quarter 4 Variance Report Ending December 31, 2025” for information; And that a transfer of the balance from the Tax Stabilization Reserve plus an additional amount of $29,785 be recorded for a net zero amount for the year ended December 31, 2025; And that Council directs the CAO and Director of Finance to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2026 Budget to identify potential savings, efficiencies, and deferrals in light of the 2025 deficit; And that the following be reported back to Council by May 15, 2026:  A clear recovery and control plan for 2026 with an explicit objective to restore the total deficit and replenish the Tax Stabilization Reserve which will be managed within the approved 2026 Budget and Reserve Policy using the newly implemented seven step process.

Whereas, at the March 12, 2026, Regular Meeting, Council passed Resolution #26-45 directing staff to retain a consultant to undertake a planning justification report on whether extending the existing severance cutoff date of March 1, 2005, to allow for additional lot creation in Erin’s Secondary Agricultural Areas, could assist in addressing the Town’s 120-unit rural housing shortfall, and report back to Council; And whereas, upon further consideration, a more wholesome review is required to inform Council’s recommendations regarding rural growth; Therefore, be it resolved that the following motion be reconsidered: That Council receives report number PD2026-07 “County of Wellington Proposed Official Plan Amendment 131” for information; And that staff be directed to retain a consultant to undertake a planning justification report on whether extending the existing severance cutoff date of March 1, 2005, to allow for additional lot creation in Erin’s Secondary Agricultural Areas, could assist in addressing the Town’s 120-unit rural housing shortfall, and report back to Council; And that this staff report and Council resolution be forwarded to the County of Wellington.

Whereas, at the April 10, 2025, Regular Meeting, Council passed Resolution #25-71 which endorsed promoting Additional Residential Units (ARUs) to accommodate the additional units required to achieve the 2051 rural growth forecast; Therefore, be it resolved that Council reaffirms its previous position by promoting Additional Residential Units (ARUs) to accommodate the additional growth in Erin’s rural area; And that Wellington County be advised that the Town of Erin Council supports the reassignment of the 120 residential units to the Township of Puslinch through Official Plan Amendment No. 131.

That Council receives the Activity List for information.

That Council proceeds into a closed session at the hour of 4:44 PM to discuss the matter(s) under the following exemptions in the Municipal Act S. 239 (2) pertaining to: (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; with respect to an Ontario Land Tribunal matter.

That staff proceed as directed.

That the By-Laws numbered 26-21 and 26-22 are hereby passed.