MUNICIPALITY OF THAMES CENTRE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

-
Hybrid Council Meeting (Virtual and In-Person)
Municipal Office - Council Chambers
4305 Hamilton Road Dorchester, ON

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk's Department to make the request at [email protected]


  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the June 23, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda BE APPROVED as circulated. 

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires any member of Council declaring a pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof, where the interest of a member of Council has not been disclosed by reason of the member’s absence from the meeting, to disclose the interest at the first open meeting attended by the member of Council and otherwise comply with the Act.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. DR-007-25 prepared by the Drainage Superintendent, dated June 23, 2025, concerning a meeting to consider the Wakem-Weir Drain Branches 2025, BE RECEIVED for information;

    AND THAT the Drainage Report for the Wakem-Weir Drain Branches 2025, as prepared by Spriet Associates, dated May 30, 2025, BE RECEIVED AND ADOPTED;

    AND THAT the first sitting of the Court of Revision on behalf of the Wakem-Weir Drain Branches 2025, BE SCHEDULED for July 28, 2025.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. DR-008-25 prepared by the Drainage Superintendent, dated June 23, 2025, concerning a meeting to consider the Dorchester Road Drain, BE RECEIVED for information;

    AND THAT the Drainage Report for the Dorchester Road Drain, as prepared by Spriet Associates, dated April 3, 2025, BE RECEIVED AND ADOPTED;

    AND THAT the first sitting of the Court of Revision on behalf of the Dorchester Road Drain, BE SCHEDULED for July 28, 2025.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Council ADJOURN its regular meeting at X:XX p.m. and move into Public Meetings pursuant to the Planning Act, to consider applications listed on the June 23, 2025 Regular Council Agenda.

  • D. Lockie declared a conflict on this item. (I am a Director at ADS which is across the street from the property in consideration. ;)
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Consent B9-25 requested by McCutcheon Consulting Inc. for lands legally described as Part of Lot 15, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 21778 Nissouri Road (County Road 27) be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Certificate of Consent under Section 53(42) of the Planning Act be given within two years of the date of the notice of the decision. The request for the Certificate of Consent shall be accompanied by a written submission that details how each of the conditions of consent has been fulfilled and the required fee.

       

    2. That all applicable property taxes, municipal fees and charges be paid to the Municipality.

       

    3. That all outstanding work orders or by-law enforcement issues be resolved to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official.

       

    4. That the proponent provide evidence from an Ontario Land Surveyor which confirms that all structures will be compliant with applicable zoning by-law provisions on the lands to be retained.

       

    5. That the owner dedicate lands up to 18 m from the centreline of construction of both County Road 27 (Nissouri Road) and County Road 28 (King Street, Thorndale) across the severed and retained parcels to the County of Middlesex for the purposes of road widening if the right of way is not already to that width.

       

    6. That the necessary deeds, transfers and charges for certificates and /or instruments necessary for registration be submitted electronically to the Municipality, all of which are to be fully executed.

       

    7. That an electronic version of a deposited reference plan be submitted to legally describe the lands affected and in general conformity with this decision, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

       

    AND THAT Application for Consent B10-25 requested by McCutcheon Consulting Inc. for lands legally described as Part of Lot 15, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 21778 Nissouri Road (County Road 27) be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Certificate of Consent under Section 53(42) of the Planning Act be given within two years of the date of the notice of the decision. The request for the Certificate of Consent shall be accompanied by a written submission that details how each of the conditions of consent has been fulfilled and the required fee.

       

    2. That the necessary deeds, transfers and charges for certificates and/or instruments necessary for registration be submitted electronically to the Municipality, all of which are to be fully executed.

       

    3. That the owner dedicate lands up to 18 m from the centreline of construction of both County Road 27 (Nissouri Road) and County Road 28 (King Street, Thorndale) across the severed and retained parcels to the County of Middlesex for the purposes of road widening if the right of way is not already to that width.

       

    4. That the Owner’s solicitor provide an undertaking for the registration of the maintenance and access agreement on title of the lands to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

       

    5. That all applicable property taxes, municipal fees and charges be paid to the Municipality.

       

    6. That an electronic version of a deposited reference plan be submitted to legally describe the lands affected and in general conformity with this decision, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

       

    AND THAT Application for Consent B11-25 requested by McCutcheon Consulting Inc. for lands legally described as Part of Lot 15, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 21778 Nissouri Road (County Road 27) be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Certificate of Consent under Section 53(42) of the Planning Act be given within two years of the date of the notice of the decision. The request for the Certificate of Consent shall be accompanied by a written submission that details how each of the conditions of consent has been fulfilled and the required fee.

       

    2. That the necessary deeds, transfers and charges for certificates and/or instruments necessary for registration be submitted electronically to the Municipality, all of which are to be fully executed.

       

    3. That the owner dedicate lands up to 18 m from the centreline of construction of both County Road 27 (Nissouri Road) and County Road 28 (King Street, Thorndale) across the severed and retained parcels to the County of Middlesex for the purposes of road widening if the right of way is not already to that width.

       

    4. That the Owner’s solicitor provide an undertaking for the registration of the maintenance and access agreement on title of the lands to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

       

    5. That all applicable property taxes, municipal fees and charges be paid to the Municipality.

       

    6. That an electronic version of a deposited reference plan be submitted to legally describe the lands affected and in general conformity with this decision, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

       

    REASONS

    • The application is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement.
    • Conformity with the County Official Plan and Municipal Official Plan would be maintained.
    • The requirements of the Zoning By-Law would be satisfied.
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Consent B8-25 requested by Daniel and Heather Monteith for lands legally described as Part of Lot 14, Concession 4 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 21584 Fairview Road be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Certificate of Consent under Section 53(42) of the Planning Act be given within two years of the date of the notice of the decision. The request for the Certificate of Consent shall be accompanied by a written submission that details how each of the conditions of consent has been fulfilled and the required fee.
    1. That the applicant obtains a rezoning approval to prohibit any new residential use on the lands to be retained being the remnant farm parcel.
    1. That the severed lands be transferred to Elliott Grain Ltd. or another farming operation that qualifies for a surplus farm dwelling severance, to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
    1. That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule in accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with such costs to be paid in full to the appropriate engineering firm, all to the satisfaction of the Drainage Superintendent.
    1. That all applicable property taxes, municipal fees and charges be paid to the Municipality.
    1. That all outstanding work orders or by-law enforcement issues be resolved to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official.
    1. That the proponent provide evidence from an Ontario Land Surveyor which confirms that all structures will be compliant with applicable zoning by-law provisions on the lands to be severed.
    1. That the proponent provide evidence from an Ontario Land Surveyor which confirms that the existing onsite sewage system and well are wholly contained and compliant with applicable setbacks from property line, as required by the Ontario Building Code, on the lands to be severed.
    1. That the necessary deeds, transfers and charges for certificates and /or instruments necessary for registration be submitted electronically to the Municipality, all of which are to be fully executed.
    1. That an electronic version of a deposited reference plan be submitted to legally describe the lands affected and in general conformity with this decision, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

    REASONS 

    • The application is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement.
    • Conformity with the County Official Plan and Municipal Official Plan would be maintained.
    • The requirements of the Zoning By-Law are capable of being satisfied through the requested rezoning. 
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Zoning By-law Amendment Z14-25 requested by Daniel and Heather Monteith for lands legally described as Part of Lot 14, Concession 4 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 21584 Fairview Road be APPROVED;

    AND THAT the implementing by-law be CONSIDERED as included in the by-law portion of the agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Consent B7-25 requested by John and Bonnie Ross to dispose of a dwelling surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm consolidation for lands legally described as Part of Lots 17 and 18, Concession 3, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 22037 Fairview Road be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

    1. That the Certificate of Consent under Section 53(42) of the Planning Act be given within two years of the date of the notice of the decision. The request for the Certificate of Consent shall be accompanied by a written submission that details how each of the conditions of consent has been fulfilled and the required fee.

    2. That the lands to be severed being the remnant farm parcel be transferred to Elliott Grain Ltd. or one of its affiliated farm holdings with Jane Elliott and/or Pat Elliott being the principal, to ensure farm consolidation.

    3. That the lot area for the lands to be retained be limited to approximately 0.81 hectares (2 ac) to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

    4. That the applicants obtain a rezoning approval to prohibit any new residential use on the lands to be severed being the remnant farm parcel.

    5. That all applicable property taxes, municipal fees and charges be paid to the Municipality.

    6. That all outstanding work orders or by-law enforcement issues be resolved to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official.

    7. That the applicants provide evidence from an Ontario Land Surveyor which confirms that all structures will be compliant with applicable zoning by-law provisions.

    8. That the applicants provide evidence from an Ontario Land Surveyor which confirms that the existing onsite sewage system and well are wholly contained and compliant with applicable setbacks from property line, as required by the Ontario Building Code, on the lands to be retained.

    9. That a consent for easement purposes be obtained to establish a right-of-way through the neighbouring lands at 21975 Fairview Road in favour of the remnant farm parcel (severed lands) to ensure legal access to and from the remnant farm parcel.

    10. That the applicants obtain a new municipal address for the lands to be severed, being the remnant farm parcel, including providing the applicable fee for a new 911 address sign and post.  

    11. That the necessary deeds, transfers and charges for certificates and /or instruments necessary for registration be submitted electronically to the Municipality, all of which are to be fully executed.

    12. That an electronic version of a deposited reference plan be submitted to legally describe the lands affected and in general conformity with this decision, all to the satisfaction of the Municipality.

      REASONS
    • The application is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement.
    • Conformity with the County Official Plan and Municipal Official Plan would be maintained.
    • The requirements of the Zoning By-Law are capable of being satisfied through the requested rezoning.
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Zoning By-law Amendment Z13-25 requested by John and Bonnie Ross for lands legally described as Part of Lots 17 and 18, Concession 3, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 22037 Fairview Road be APPROVED;

    AND THAT the implementing by-law be CONSIDERED, as included in the by-law portion of the agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the Municipality of Thames Centre Comprehensive Zoning By-law 75-2006 be AMENDED to permit two single unit dwellings on the property municipally known as 5242 Marion Street for a temporary period not to exceed three (3) years, as filed by Stewart Findlater on behalf of Fred Jamieson and Susan Jamieson (Z10-25);

    AND THAT the Temporary Use Agreement BE CONSIDERED, as included in the by-law portion of the agenda;

    AND THAT the implementing zoning by-law BE CONSIDERED, as included in the by-law portion of the agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the Planning Public Meetings ADJOURN at X:XX p.m. in order to sit as Committee of Adjustment under the Planning Act, to consider Minor Variance Application A5-25, as listed on the June 23, 2025 Regular Council Agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Minor Variance Application A05-25 requested by JC Green Inc. to permit a reduced front yard setback of 9.1 metres in the Agricultural Commercial (AGC-5) Zone for lands legally described as Part of Lot 6, Concession 5 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), and designated as Parts 1 to 4 on Reference Plan 33R-21305, Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 17406 Evelyn Drive be APPROVED.

    REASONS

    • The variance is considered minor in nature.
    • The variance is an appropriate use of the land.
    • The variance maintains the intent of Thames Centre’s Official Plan.
    • The variance maintains the intent of Thames Centre’s Zoning By-law.
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the Committee of Adjustment ADJOURN at X:XX p.m. and Council RECONVENE its Regular Meeting.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council, held on June 9, 2025, BE APPROVED as circulated.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. CSF-008-25 BE RECEIVED for information;


    AND THAT Council APPROVE the recommended allocation of the 2024 Operating Surplus of $1,350,705.30 with the following:

    1. $95,489.88 from interest earned related to Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund be allocated to the OCIF Deferred Revenue;
    2. $69,292.56 from interest earned related to Canada Community Building Fund be allocated to the CCBF Deferred Revenue;
    3. $10,000 be allocated to the “Council Election” operating reserve;
    4. $791,468.17 be allocated to the “Tax Stabilization” reserve to replenish funds utilized for the 2025 parkland purchase; and
    5. $384,454.69 be allocated to the “Community Services” capital reserve.

    AND THAT Council APPROVE the recommended allocation of the 2024 Rate Program Surplus of $626,495 with the following:

    1. $56,018 to the “Water Services” operating reserve;
    2. $548,475 to the “Wastewater Services” operating reserve; and
    3. $22,002 to the “Storm Water Management” operating reserve.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. CSF-007-25 BE RECEIVED for information;
    AND THAT the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget be developed with associated tax levy and service rate options for Council to consider;
    AND THAT the 2026 budget timelines be tentatively scheduled, as outlined in this report, in order to achieve approval prior to the beginning of the 2026 fiscal period.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. CS-003-25 BE RECEIVED for information;
    AND THAT Council APPROVE proceeding with the project which is being funded by a $1,000,000 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. BE RECEIVED for information;

    AND THAT these lands be DECLARED SURPLUS to the needs of the Municipality;

    AND THAT the proposal and sale of the said lands be SUBJECT TO By-law No. 65-2022, being a By­law to govern the sale of surplus lands;

    AND THAT an appraisal BE UNDERTAKEN by a qualified professional to determine the fair market value of the lands;

    AND THAT Council AUTHORIZE staff to NEGOTIATE a Conditional Agreement of Purchase and Sale to be brought back to Council for its consideration;

    AND THAT all applicable costs related to survey and legal work as well as the sale price of the lands being subject to HST be at the expense of the purchaser and due at closing;

    AND THAT the net proceeds of the sale of the subject lands be BROUGHT FORWARD for consideration during the 2026 Budget review process.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. CS-002-25 BE RECEIVED for information;

    AND THAT Council APPROVE extending the partnership with Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada – Ontario Branch (VON) as per the attached Facility Lease Agreement;

    AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute the Facility Lease Agreement, substantially in the form of the attached Agreement, as included in the by-law portion of the agenda.

Items listed under Reports of Committees are APPROVED by Council in one motion. Council Members may request that one or more item(s) be separated for further action. 

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Reports of Committees Agenda Items 13.1 and 13.2 BE APPROVED as presented.

Moved by: K. Carter
Seconded by: N. Abra


THAT the Thames Centre Special Events Committee RECOMMEND hosting two (2) "Monster Walk" events in both Dorchester and Thorndale, where participating local businesses in Thames Centre can engage in handing out candy to young children;


AND THAT this event take place in both Dorchester and Thorndale on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.;


AND THAT Dorchester's event also include a centralized spot for businesses to gather to hand out candy, located in the green space south of the Skate Park along Dorchester Road;

AND THAT staff BE DIRECTED to advertise and invite local businesses to participate in these events.


Carried.

Moved by: N. Abra
Seconded by: A. Marr


THAT the Thames Centre Special Events Committee RECOMMEND that staff be directed to purchase one light structure in the shape of a snowflake at a cost of $775 + HST.


Carried.

The Committee recommended that staff prepare a sponsorship proposal for the next meeting to outline the new light structures for Festival of Lights.

Moved by: M. Little
Seconded by: N. Jary


THAT the Thorndale Lions Community Centre Ad Hoc Committee RECOMMEND that the Request for Proposal (RFP) be accepted, with modification to Section 13 to be more specific and to add an interview stage.


Carried.

  • Recommended Motion:

    WHEREAS The need to prepare for growth includes having a firm understanding of the Municipality’s ability to support an increased population and the associated investments required;

     

    AND WHEREAS Many studies have already been undertaken, including a Water/Wastewater Rate Study, Long-Term Water Supply Study, Storm Water Rate Study, DC Charge Study, Fire Masterplan, Community Services and Facilities Masterplan, Trails Masterplan, Asset Management Plan, Official Plan and others, inclusive of the recent population growth projections from Middlesex County;

     

    NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Thames Centre Council DIRECT staff to prepare a consolidated ‘Growth Related Financial Assessment’ document made of recommendations from existing approved plans and which will identify ways to sustain growth including associated financial costs;  

     

    AND FURTHER, it is REQUESTED that this document be available for the FY26 budget cycle.

  • Recommended Motion:

    WHEREAS The need to ensure the safety of children is paramount;

     

    AND WHEREAS As the community grows in population, there is an associated increase in traffic and traffic related incidents, including those involving pedestrians;

     

    AND WHEREAS there are roads in front of elementary schools in Thames Centre that are Middlesex County roads;

     

    NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Thames Centre Council REQUESTS Middlesex County Council to designate the roads in front of elementary schools in Thames Centre as Community Safety Zones;

     

    AND FURTHER, that Thames Centre Council REQUESTS a reduced speed limit and increased fines in those areas along with adequate road painting and signage to clearly identify them as Community Safety Zones.

Includes other business items requiring direction.

17.

 
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT By-laws 48-2025 and 49-2025 be given FIRST and SECOND reading;
    AND THAT By-laws 50-2025 through 58-2025 be read a first, second and third and final time and BE ADOPTED.

FIRST AND SECOND READING ONLY


Being a By-law to provide for drainage works in the Municipality of Thames Centre and the County of Middlesex for the borrowing on the credit of the Municipality of Thames Centre, the sum of $70,900.00 being the amount to be contributed for the completion of the same.

FIRST AND SECOND READING ONLY


Being a By-law to provide for drainage works in the Municipality of Thames Centre and the County of Middlesex for the borrowing on the credit of the Municipality of Thames Centre, the sum of $636,000.00 being the amount to be contributed for the completion of the same.

Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 75-2006, as amended, insofar as it relates to the lands located at Part of Lots 17 and 18, Concession 3, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Temporary Use Agreement with Frederick Jamieson and Susan Jamieson relating to the property at Part of Lot 11, Concession 3, NRT and designated as Part 1 on Reference Plan RP 33R21614 (geographic Township of North Dorchester), in the Municipality of Thames Centre.

Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 75-2006, as amended, insofar as it relates to the lands located at Part of Lot 11, Concession 3, NRT and designated as Part 1 on Reference Plan RP 33R21614 (geographic Township of North Dorchester), Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 75-2006, as amended, insofar as it relates to the lands located at Part of Lot 16, Concession 2, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), designated as Part of Part 1 on Reference Plan 33R16912 Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 75-2006, as amended, insofar as it relates to the lands located at West Part of Lots 9 and 10, Concession 2 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), and designated as Parts 7, 8 & 9 on Reference Plan RP 33R7571, Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 75-2006, as amended, insofar as it relates to the lands located at South Part of Lot 14, Concession 4, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Treasurer for The Corporation of the Municipality of Thames Centre.

Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Facility Lease Agreement with Victorian Order of Nurses Canada – Ontario Branch-VON Middlesex-Elgin for the rental of a portion of the FlightExec Centre located at 2066 Dorchester Road, Dorchester, Ontario.

Being a By-law to adopt, confirm and ratify matters dealt with by resolution of the Municipality of Thames Centre

Monday, July 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 
Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (if needed)
Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

  • Recommended Motion:

    RESOLVED THAT the Regular Council Meeting ADJOURN at X:XX p.m.

No Item Selected