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 May 26, 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.

K. Glew will be in attendance to provide some information on National AccessAbility Week May 25 to May 31, 2025

C. Robinson

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT the presentation by C. Robinson regarding Great Lakes Canadians and Dorchester Minor Baseball BE RECEIVED for information.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. PW-DR-006-25 of the Drainage Superintendent, dated May 26, 2025, concerning a request received for drainage improvements, BE RECEIVED for information;

    AND THAT the request for improvements submitted, under Section 78 of the Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, for new drainage works, in relation to the property located inside CON 3 E PT LOT 9 RP 33R9298 PART 1(former township of West Nissouri) BE RECEIVED AND ADOPTED;

    AND THAT Mr. S. Brickman, of Headway Engineering, BE APPOINTED as the Engineer to investigate and prepare the necessary drainage report.

  • 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 May 26, 2025 Regular Council Agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Consent B4-25 requested by Lynalwood Farms Ltd. for lands legally described as Part of Lots 6 and 7, Concession 5, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 20664 Heritage 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 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 applicant be required to remove the eastern portions of the storage shed 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 would be satisfied.
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Report No. for Consent B05-25 requested by Guildwood Farms Inc. for lands legally described as s Part of Lot 11, Concession 7 SRT (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 18126 Wyton Drive 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 applicant obtain a rezoning approval to prohibit any new residential use on the lands to be retained, being the remnant farm parcel.

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

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

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. That the applicants obtain a road entrance permit to the satisfaction of the applicable road authority.

    8.That the applicants obtain a new municipal address for the lands to be retained, including providing the applicable fee for a new 911 address sign and post.

    9. 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.

    10. 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 B6-25 requested by Morning Star Farms Ltd. to sever a parcel of land to dispose of a dwelling surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm consolidation having an area of approximately 0.63 hectares (1.56 ac) and a frontage of approximately 47 metres (154 ft) for lands legally described as East Part of Lot 25, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 17043 Plover Mills Road (County Road 16) 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 applicants provide a road widening dedication to the County of Middlesex across the frontage of the lands to be severed and the lands to be retained measuring up to 18 metres from the centreline of County Road 16 (Plover Mills Road) if the right of way is not already to that width.

    3. That the applicant obtain a rezoning approval to prohibit any new residential use on the lands to be retained being the remnant farm parcel.

    4. 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.

    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 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.

    8. 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.

    9. That the applicants obtain a road entrance permit from the applicable road authority and construct a new entrance from the roadway for access to the lands to be retained being the remnant farm parcel, to the satisfaction of the applicable road authority.

    10. That the applicants obtain a new municipal address for the lands to be retained, 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 Z12-25 requested by Morning Star Farms Ltd. to rezone the balance of the farm (retained lot) from the Agricultural (A) Zone to the site-specific Agricultural (A-45) Zone for lands legally described as East Lot 25, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, and known municipally as 17043 Plover Mills Road (County Road 16) 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 21064 Rebecca Road, for a temporary period not to exceed three (3) years, as filed by Duane Hiemstra (Z11-25);

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

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Official Plan Amendment O1-25 requested by CBM Aggregates to redesignate a portion of the subject property from Extractive Industrial to Agricultural for lands  legally described as East Part of Lot 2, Concession 5 (geographic Township of West Nissouri) designated as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 33R-4683 and East Part of Lot 1, Concession 5, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre BE ADOPTED;

     

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

     

    AND THAT Application related Zoning By-law Amendment Z9-25 requested by CBM Aggregates to rezone a portion of the subject property from the Extractive Industrial (M3) Zone to the Agricultural (A) Zone to revert the lands back to agricultural uses on the property, for lands legally described as East Part of Lot 2, Concession 5 (geographic Township of West Nissouri) designated as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 33R-4683 and East Part of Lot 1, Concession 5, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre BE APPROVED in principle;


    AND THAT the implementing by-law be brought forward at a future Council meeting for  consideration once the Official Plan Amendment is approved by the County of Middlesex.

     

    REASONS

    • The applications are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement.
    • Conformity with the County Official Plan and Municipal Official Plan would be maintained through the requested Official Plan Amendment.
    • The requirements of the Thames Centre Comprehensive Zoning By-Law are capable of being satisfied through the requested rezoning.
  • 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 a Minor Variance Application listed on the May 26, 2025 Regular Council Agenda.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Application for Minor Variance A3-2025 filed by Tom Johnstone on behalf of Meghan Williamson to permit the expansion of a legal non-conforming use, being a mobile home having an area of 161 m2 and an interior side yard setback of 1.2 metres for a property municipally known as 216 Main Street in the Municipality of Thames Centre, be APPROVED.

    REASONS

    • The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan would be maintained;
    • The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law would be maintained;
    • The effects of the variance are considered minor in nature; and
    • The variance is desirable for the appropriate use and development of the land.
  • 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 May 12, 2025, BE APPROVED as circulated.

Items listed under Consent Agenda are RECEIVED for information in one motion. Council members may request that one or more item(s) be separated for further action.

  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT Consent Agenda Items 11.1 through 11.9 BE RECEIVED for information. 

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 12.1 through 12.5 BE APPROVED as presented.

Moved by: D. Lockie
Seconded by: M. Mundy


THAT Report C-TCSEC-02-25 be RECEIVED for information;


AND THAT the donation to the Dorchester & District Lions Club for the fireworks on Canada Day, be increased to $2000.00 in 2025.

Carried.

Moved by: J. Kraft
Seconded by: A. Marr


THAT the hours of CornFest on September 6, 2025, be 10:00am-10:00pm.

Carried.

Moved by: C. Bontje
Seconded by: M. Little


THAT Councillor Heeman be APPOINTED Chair for the Thorndale Lions Community Centre Ad Hoc Committee.

Carried.

Moved by: M. Little
Seconded by: M. Sorensen


THAT N. Jary be APPOINTED Vice Chair for the Thorndale Lions Community Centre Ad Hoc Committee.

Carried.

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


THAT the Terms of Reference for the Thorndale Lions Community Centre Ad Hoc Committee be RECEIVED for information;


AND THAT the Terms of Reference be AMENDED to include fundraising as an additional purpose.

Carried.

Moved by: D. Reiche
Seconded by: J. Baribeau


THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee SUPPORT a Monster Walk Event in Thames Centre.


Carried.

Moved by: D. Reiche
Seconded by: S. McMillan

THAT Report No. C-EDAC-002-2025 BE RECEIVED for information;


AND THAT the Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. BE RESCHEDULED to Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.


Carried.

Moved by: S. McMillan
Seconded by: D. Reiche


THAT the Thames Centre Council Resolution regarding U.S. Tariffs BE RECEIVED for information;


AND THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee RECOMMENDS that a letter be sent to the local MP and MPP on behalf of the Municipality detailing the impacts of tariffs in Thames Centre, including in the automotive industry;


AND THAT this letter also be sent to the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC), Western Ontario Wardens Caucus (WOWC), Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).


Carried.

Moved by: D. Reiche
Seconded by: S. McMillan


WHEREAS the County of Middlesex is no longer a member of the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC);


AND WHEREAS the Economic Development Advisory Committee sees value in the Municipality of Thames Centre becoming a member of SCOR EDC; 


NOW THEREFORE the Economic Development Advisory Committee RECOMMENDS that the Municipality of Thames Centre join SCOR EDC at a approximate annual cost of $4,500 (no tax);


AND THAT this membership BE INITIATED for the remainder of 2025 and onward and BE FUNDED from the “Memberships and Associations” budget line.


Carried.

Moved by: J. Iglesias
Seconded by: J. Baribeau


THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee SUPPORT the Mayor hosting an Economic Roundtable event.


Carried.

Includes other business items requiring direction.

16.

 
  • Recommended Motion:

    THAT By-laws 40-2025 through 43-2025 be read a first, second and third and final time and BE ADOPTED.

Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Temporary Use Agreement relating to the property at Part of Lots 9 and 10, Concession 2 and designated Parts 7, 8, 9 of Reference Plan 33R7571 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), now in the Municipality of Thames Centre.

East Part of Lot 2, Concession 5 (geographic Township of West Nissouri) designated as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 33R-4683 and East Part of Lot 1, Concession 5, (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, 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 East Part of Lot 25, Concession 3 (geographic Township of West Nissouri), Municipality of Thames Centre, in the County of Middlesex.

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

Monday, June 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 

  • Recommended Motion:

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

No Item Selected