Regular Meeting

That the presentation be received for information and further, that staff be authorized to enter into an agreement with GrantMatch.

That the minutes of the January 21, 2026 meeting be adopted as circulated.

That all items under the Consent Agenda be received and filed for information purposes.

That Council approves Community Improvement Program Application No. 2026-01 for:  Program 2: Planning Fees and Building Permit Grant in the amount of $6,950.00,  Program 3: Tax-based Redevelopment Grant with a cap and increments specified in Appendix A; Further, directs staff to prepare the necessary documents and to submit a request to SDG Counties for consideration of a matching tax-based redevelopment grant for the County levy.

That Council approve the transition from quarterly to bi-monthly water and wastewater utility billing, effective March, 2026 and direct staff to implement the revised billing cycle.

That Council approve providing $6,000 in support to the Ontario SPCA Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic for 2026, funded from the Animal Control Reserve; and further, that staff be directed to include the annual $6,000 contributions for years 2 through 5 in future budgets.

That Council approve the 2026-2027 Municipal Insurance Program Renewal for an 18-month period, February 18, 2026 to August 17, 2027 with a proposed premium total of $579,324 plus applicable provincial tax and further, that the CAO be authorized to execute any required agreements and documentation.

That Council authorize the Director of Infrastructure Services, to sign all documents required to finalize and implement the contract arising from the tender process for Tender 27-2025 Upgrades to the Long Sault Regional Water Treatment Plant to Nordmec Construction Inc. in the amount of $6,276,277.00 excluding HST, in accordance with approved budgets and procurement policies.

That Council accepts the recommendations made by the Volunteer Appreciation Committee (VAC) for the selection of the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, and the 2025 Fran Laflamme Volunteer of the Year Award.

That By-law No. 2026-006, being a by-law to adopt and levy the 2026 tax rates, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 11th day of February, 2026.

That By-law No. 2026-007, being a by-law to amend By-law No. 2025-082, Water and Wastewater budget, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 11th day of February, 2026.

That By-law No. 2026-008, being a by-law to adopt the rates for the supply of water and wastewater services in 2026, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 11th day of February, 2026.

Whereas Council is committed to the health and safety of its employees through all levels of the Corporation; Now therefore be it resolved that Council approves the renewal of the Township’s Health and Safety Policy Statement and further, that By-law No. 2026-010, being a by-law to amend By- law No. 2022-053, Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 11th day of February, 2026.

Whereas housing affordability remains a critical issue in Ontario and across Canada, with the national average home sale price at approximately $675,000, making homeownership increasingly difficult for first-time buyers; And Whereas under the current Ontario Land Transfer Tax regime, first-time home buyers may receive a rebate of up to $4,000 toward provincial land transfer tax, which fully offsets the tax only on homes valued up to approximately $368,000, a level substantially below the current average home price; And Whereas at a home purchase price of $675,000, the provincial land transfer tax before any rebate can exceed $8,000, meaning that even with the current maximum $4,000 rebate first-time buyers must pay a significant tax burden at closing that undermines housing affordability. Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Township of South Stormont formally requests that the Province of Ontario consider amending the Land Transfer Tax Act to: 1. Increase the value threshold at which the first-time home buyer rebate fully offsets provincial Land Transfer Tax to a level that reflects current housing market realities (for example, to no less than $675,000, aligning with the 2025 national average home price); and 2. Increase the maximum rebate amount available to first- time home buyers accordingly (such as to a minimum of $8,000, or a proportional figure tied to the new threshold) to meaningfully reduce upfront tax costs for first-time purchasers. Be it further

That By-law No. 2026-009 to adopt, confirm and ratify matters dealt with by resolution, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 11th day of February, 2026.

That Council adjourn this meeting at 6:37 PM and return to the call of the chair.