Council Meeting

THAT the draft agenda presented to Council and dated the 13th day of January, 2026 be adopted as prepared.

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 9th, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

THAT Council for the Municipality of East Ferris accepts the resignations of Lisa Dupuis and Donna St. Martin from the East Ferris Public Library Board, effective immediately; AND THAT staff be directed to advertise the vacancies on the East Ferris Public Library Board, noting that the positions are effective for the remainder of the Council Term.

That Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of East Ferris direct staff to prepare amendments to the subdivision policies in the East Ferris Official Plan, specifically section 5.5.6, and bring them forward to the East Ferris Planning Advisory Committee for review.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to levy Interim Tax Rates and Charges, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-01; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to authorize temporary borrowing from time to time to meet current expenditures during the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2026, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-02; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a by-law to set 2026 Tax Ratios for prescribed property classes, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-03; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to authorize a temporary use under Sections 34 and 39 of the Planning Act, RSO 1990, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-04; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to appoint David G. Boghosian as the Integrity Commissioner for the Municipality of East Ferris, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-05; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a by-law to to authorize an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of East Ferris and His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as represented by the Office of the Fire Marshal, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-06; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

THAT the Council of the Municipality of East Ferris supports the Municipality of Magnetawan, urging the Province of Ontario to revise its grant funding criteria to recognize and accept alternative servicing methods as eligible infrastructure, and to ensure that rural and northern municipalities lacking municipal gas, water, and wastewater systems are not excluded from support. AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

THAT Council approve the Correspondence and Information as circulated with the agenda of January 13th, 2026.

WHEREAS the following conferences are being held in 2026: Rural Ontario Municipal Association: Sheraton Centre, Toronto, January 18th - 20th, 2026 Good Roads: Fairmont Royal York, March 29th - April 1st, 2026 Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities: Timmins, May 11th - 13th, 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario: Westin Ottawa, August 16th - 19th, 2026 AND WHEREAS Council uses these conferences as opportunities to liaise with federal and provincial government officials, network with similar municipalities and learn about opportunities available to East Ferris; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all members of Council be approved to attend the 4 conferences listed above in 2026.

THAT Council approves the 2026 Memberships Listing as circulated.

THAT Council approve the general accounts for the Municipality of East Ferris as indicated in the cheque register(s) dated January 13th, 2026 in the amount of $987,250.05.

WHEREAS Council for the Municipality of East Ferris deems it expedient to pass three readings of the following by-law at this session; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT a By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council from December 9th, 2025 to January 13th, 2026, BE READ a first, second and third time, passed and numbered 2026-07; AND THAT said by-law be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and sealed with the Seal of the Corporation.

THAT we do now adjourn at 6:25 p.m. and meet again on January 27th, 2026.