The Corporation of the Town of Grand Valley

Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, 5 Main Street North, Grand Valley

Council Present:

• Mayor Steve Soloman
• Deputy Mayor Philip Rentsch
• Councillor James Jonker
• Councillor Paul Latam

Council Absent:

• Councillor Lorne Dart

Staff Present:

• Meghan Townsend, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
• Matthew Bos, Director Public Works
• Steven Freitas, Director of Finance/Treasurer
• Mark Kluge, Manager of Planning
• James Allen, Recreation Facilities Manager
• Brad Haines, By-Law Enforcement Officer
• Donna Tremblay, Deputy Clerk/Communications Coordinator

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1.

Call to Order and Roll Call

Mayor Soloman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Mayor Soloman announced that the meeting is being live streamed and publicly broadcast with the recording of the meeting to be available on the Town's website.

2.

Adoption of Agenda

• Resolution: 2026-01-16
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopts the Regular Council Meeting agenda dated Tuesday, January 27, 2026 as circulated.

  CARRIED

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

No pecuniary interest was declared.

4.

Closed Meeting 

There was no closed meeting.

7.

Approval of Previous Minutes

Council discussed the minutes.  There were no requests for amendments.

7.1

January 13, 2026 Council Minutes

• Resolution: 2026-01-17
  Moved by: J. Jonker
  Seconded by: P. Latam

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the January 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting be approved as circulated.

  CARRIED

8.

Announcements

There were no announcements.

9.

Deputations/Presentations

• Resolution: 2026-01-18
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave be given to Mike Derkinderen, on behalf of the Grand Valley Fire Fighters Association, to address Council.

  CARRIED

9.1

10:00 a.m. - 2025 Grand Valley Campground - Year End Operational Report - Michael Derkinderen, on behalf of the Grand Valley Fire Fighter's Association

Mike Derkinderen appeared before Council on behalf of the Grand Valley Fire Fighter's Association to present the 2025 Grand Valley Campground Year End Operation Report. Mr. Derkinderen stated the association has received positive feedback on the 2025 season and are requesting to continue managing the campground for the 2026 season. He requested the Town's assistance with signage and access to the Town's booking platform. 

Deputy Mayor Rentsch arrived at 10:10 a.m. 

Council discussed the presentation and the association assuming campground grass cutting for 2026. Council requested the Association work with Town staff regarding signage and access to the booking platform.

• Resolution: 2026-01-19
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the 2025 Grand Valley Campground Year End Operational Report and presentation from Mike Derkideren, on behalf of the Grand Valley Fire Fighters Association.

  CARRIED

10.

Public Questions

There were no public questions.

11.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

12.

Staff Reports

12.1

CAO/Clerk 

12.1.1

Council Memo - Well 3 Funding Approval, 2026-022

Meghan Townsend, CAO/Clerk presented the memo. 

Council discussed the memo and requested the Town review the funding for the water system users.  Staff advised this will be reviewed.  

• Resolution: 2026-01-20
  Moved by: J. Jonker
  Seconded by: P. Rentsch

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Council Memo - Well 3 Funding Approval for information. 

  CARRIED

12.1.2

Private Well Interference Report and Recommendation, 2026-023

CAO Townsend presented the report. 

Council discussed the report. Discussions included the tendering process, engineering costs and a cost sharing agreement. 

• Resolution: 2026-01-21
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: P. Latam

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report – Private Well Interference Report and Recommendation

  AND FURTHER THAT Council directs staff to work with RJ Burnside and Associates and the property owner to have the well replaced and the old well decommissioned as soon as possible, as required for Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) compliance.

  AND FURTHER THAT Council directs staff to include the necessary expenses in the Town’s drinking water system 2026 budget.

  CARRIED

12.1.3

County of Dufferin Road Rationalization and Asset Transfer, 2026-010

CAO Townsend presented the report including a summary of the bridges, structures and County Roads which will be assumed by the Town.  

Council discussed the report. Discussions included County of Dufferin funding, shared asset agreements with neighbouring municipalities and a name change for Dufferin County Road 15.

• Resolution: 2026-01-22
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report – County of Dufferin Road Rationalization and Asset Transfer,

  AND FURTHER THAT Council directs the CAO to proceed with negotiating road management agreements with neighbouring municipalities,

  AND FURTHER THAT Council directs the Treasurer to create a reserve in which the funds from the County will be kept for future work related to the downloaded assets.

  AND FURTHER THAT Council requests that the road be named Concession 10-11, if it aligns with the County's road naming framework. 

  CARRIED

12.2

Director of Finance/Treasurer

12.2.1

Treasurer’s Update, 2026-019

Steven Frietas, Director of Finance/Treasurer presented the report. 

Council discussed the report. Discussions included the Library's cancellation of the RFP for the expansion feasibility study.  

• Resolution: 2026-01-23
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report – Treasurer’s Update for information purposes.

  CARRIED

12.3

Manager of Planning 

12.3.1

Building Services for Grand Valley, 2026-018

Mark Kluge, Manager of Planning presented the report which included an outline of Town's options for Building Services.

Council discussed the report.  Discussions included partnership with other municipalities for the provision of building services.

• Resolution: 2026-01-24
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report No. PLN2026-018 dated January 27, 2026;

  AND FURTHER THAT Council defers the decision regarding building services;

  AND FURTHER THAT staff explore a third-party service either with another building department from surrounding municipalities or contractor like Amaranth has.

  CARRIED

12.3.2

2025 Year End Planning Report, 2026-007

Mark Kluge, Manager of Planning presented the report.

• Resolution: 2026-01-25
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report No. PLN2026-007, 2025 Year End Planning Report dated, January 27, 2026.

  CARRIED

12.4

By-Law and Property Standards Enforcement

12.4.1

Grand Valley and District Public School Parking Concerns, 2026-013

Brad Haines, By-law and Property Standards Enforcement Officer presented the report including a summary of recommendations to address the school parking concerns. 

Council discussed the report. Discussions included crossing guards, enforcement of the Traffic and Parking By-Law, School Board Cooperation, amendments to parking along Rainey Drive and Spruyt Avenue, fire hydrant location and school drop off zones.

• Resolution: 2026-01-26
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: P. Rentsch

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report – Grand Valley and District Public School Parking Concerns for information purposes and staff be directed to make the following changes to the Traffic and Parking By-law 2019-72

  1. No parking on Northside of Rainey, as discussed.
  2. No Parking on Northside of Spruyt, as discussed.
  3. Amend parking on Southside of Rainey.

  AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to present an amendment to the Traffic and Parking By-Law for adoption by Council at a future council meeting.

  CARRIED

12.4.2

By-law Enforcement Status Update –December 2025, 2026-003

Brad Haines, By-Law and Property Standards Enforcement Officer, presented the Report. 

Council discussed the report. Discussions included development of a Fire Hydrant By-law to address snow removal and a community volunteer snow removal program.

• Resolution: 2026-01-27
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report – By-Law Enforcement Status Update –December 2025, for information purposes.

  CARRIED

12.5

Parks and Recreation

12.5.1

Council Memo - Ball Diamond Update, 2026-017

James Allen, Recreation Facilities Manager, presented the report. 

Council discussed the report. Discussions included maintenance costs, diamond availability, establishing a non-resident rental fee and rental insurance. 

• Resolution: 2026-01-28
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: P. Rentsch

  BE IT RESOLVEDTHAT Council receive the Council Memo - Ball Diamond Update for information.

  CARRIED

12.5.2

Recreation Update January 2026, 2026-016

James Allen, Recreation Facilities Manager, presented the report and provided a verbal update on the status of the Community Centre renovations. CAO Townsend advised staff are working on securing a date for the Grand Opening Ceremony.  

Council discussed the report and requested the Town promote the new recreation programs offered at the Grand Valley Public School. 

• Resolution: 2026-01-29
  Moved by: J. Jonker
  Seconded by: P. Latam

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Report Recreation Update January 2026 for information purposes.

  CARRIED

15.

Correspondence

15.1

Community Centre Rental Fee Waiver Application - Rebecca Dart - Girl Guides Weekly Meetings

Council discussed the Community Centre Rental Fee Waiver Application received from Rebecca Dart for Girl Guide Weekly Meetings.

• Resolution: 2026-01-30
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Community Centre Rental Fee Waiver Application from Rebecca Dart - regarding Girl Guide Weekly meetings; 

  AND FURTHER THAT Council accepts $1,500 rent from January to December 2026.

  CARRIED

15.2

Association of Municipalities of Ontario - OMERS Governance Changes and Bill 68

CAO Townsend provided background regarding the OMERS Governance Changes and Bill 68. 

Council discussed the OMERS governance changes. 

• Resolution: 2026-01-31
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives information from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario regarding OMERS Government Changes and Bill 68 

  AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Grand Valley does not support the legislative changes to the OMERS Act contained in Bill 68 and requests that the Government of Ontario reconsider the advisability of proceeding with these changes;

  AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Grand Valley Council supports the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in calling on the Government of Ontario to maintain the current OMERS governance model, with two corporate Boards, as the structure that would best deliver on the long-term interests of municipalities, taxpayers, and employees.

  AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be circulated to:

  • The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs;
  • The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance;
  • Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin Caledon; and
  • The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
  CARRIED

15.3

Grand Valley Lions Club - 2026 Duck Day Request

Council discussed the Town's resources and request for additional garbage bins and pick up. CAO Townsend advised staff would investigate supplying a large bin in place of additional garbage bins.  

• Resolution: 2026-01-32
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Grand Valley Lions Club - 2026 Duck Day request; 

  AND FURTHER THAT Council approves/denies the club's request for free use of Hereward Park for the event; 

  AND FURTHER THAT Council directs parks and recreation staff to work with the club regarding their request for additional garbage bins and pick-up; 

  AND FURTHER THAT 

  CARRIED

16.

County Council Report

Deputy Mayor Rentsch advised at a recent County Council meeting staff presented amendments to the County's Procedural By-law which included a 2-year term for Warden appointments and the use of Consent Agendas and that County Council will meet to discuss the 2026 County Budget at a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 29th.

17.

Council Updates

Councillor Latam's update included his recent attendance at the ROMA Conference in Toronto where he and CAO Townsend delegated to Laura Smith, Thornhill MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Town's growth related financing challenges. 

Councillor Jonker's update included his attendance at the January 13th Grand Valley Public Library Board budget meeting. 

CAO Townsend advised that on January 29th, the OPP requested the Town  open an Emergency Centre. Shelter Volunteers attended at the Community Centre and with supplies in the emergency trailer they were able to open an Emergency Centre. Councillor Latam requested staff time be submitted to the County for reimbursement.   

18.

Boards and Committees

Council discussed the board and committee minutes. 

18.1

Minutes

• Resolution: 2026-01-33
  Moved by: J. Jonker
  Seconded by: P. Latam

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Board and Committee Minutes listed on the Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Council Agenda. 

  CARRIED

19.

New Business

Medical Dental Center Wifi

Mayor Soloman's new business included a concern he received that the Medical Dental Centre does not have Wifi. 

Main Street South - Deaf Child at Play Signage 

Councillor Jonker requested staff investigate removal of the "Deaf Child at Play" signage from Main Street South, as he believes this child has moved from the area and so the sign is no longer required. 

Dufferin County Road 25 

Deputy Mayor Rentsch and Mayor Soloman will raise snow drifting concerns with Dufferin County ,given the recent accident resulting in the highway's closure. Discussion will include a suggestion that the County engage in a conversation with the farm property owner to plant a living fence to reduce the drifting. 

20.

Notice of Motion

There were no notices of motion.

21.

By-laws

There were no by-laws.

22.

Confirm Proceedings

22.1

2026-XX Being a By-law to confirm the Proceedings of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Grand Valley at the Regular Meeting held on January 27, 2026.

• Resolution: 2026-01-34
  Moved by: P. Rentsch
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave be given to introduce a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Regular Council Meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and that it be given the necessary readings and be passed and numbered as By-Law 2026-07.  

  CARRIED

23.

Adjournment

• Resolution: 2026-01-35
  Moved by: P. Latam
  Seconded by: J. Jonker

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn this Regular Council Meeting at 12:35 p.m. to meet again for a Regular Council Meeting on February 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or at the call of the Mayor. 

  CARRIED