The Corporation of the Township of Scugog

Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:30 P.m. - 8:30 P.m.

Council Chambers, Municipal Building

181 Perry Street, Port Perry

Members Absent:

• Mayor Wilma Wotten
• Regional Councillor Ian McDougall
• Councillor David LeRoy
• Councillor Janna Guido
• Councillor Robert Rock
• Councillor Harold Wright
• Councillor Terry Coyne

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1.

Call to Order

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

2.

Moment of Silence and Land Acknowledgement

The Mayor invited attendees to rise for a moment of personal reflection.

The Mayor acknowledged the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and recognized the contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples to the community, province, and country.

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature Thereof

No member declared a pecuniary interest.

4.

Announcements from Council and Staff

• Durham Regional Police Service is collecting formal wear donations for its annual Gowns for Grads program. Donations may be dropped off at North Division on Highway 12.
• The North Durham Pride Inclusive Skate event held on February 22, 2026, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre was well attended. Council thanked the Durham Region and Township Recreation staff for supporting this successful community event.

• Mayor Wotten recognized the Recreation Department for the well‑received Family Day event at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre on February 17, 2026, which saw over 1,000 registrants.

• Mayor Wotten also congratulated the Port Perry Agricultural Society for hosting an outdoor Family Day event at the fairgrounds that was enjoyed by the community.

• Fire Chief Matthews reported the completion of volunteer firefighter recruit training, welcoming two new firefighters: William Green (Station 61, Port Perry) and Kyle Simms (Station 62, Caesarea), both available for weekday daytime response. An additional 18 recruits have been selected for training and are anticipated that recruitment class will begin responding after July 1, 2026.

5.

Delegations

There were no delegations.

6.

Presentations

6.1

Presentation from Region of Durham Regarding, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC)

DAAC provided a local agricultural overview noting that Durham Region remains a strong agricultural area and one of Ontario’s largest apple‑producing regions. Members highlighted the sector’s significant economic contribution and DAAC’s role in informing local government.

Trends discussed included an increase in female farm operators and growth in on‑farm diversified uses, supported by streamlined site plan approvals. 

Key challenges identified were rising land prices, barriers to farm succession, and commercialization difficulties for new farmers to access markets. DAAC also emphasized its ongoing work with subject‑matter experts and the potential for expanded farm‑based tourism in Scugog.

Council raised questions regarding the consolidation of conservation authorities, food processing capacity in the region, and how rising farm costs contribute to increasing food prices.

 

• Moved by: Councillor Janna Guido
  Seconded by: Councillor Harold Wright

  THAT the presentation by the Region of Durham regarding the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee be received.  

  Carried

7.

Consent Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the items listed under Section 7, Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings be approved and passed under Consent Agenda save and except items 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.3.1, and 7.4.1.

  Carried

7.1

Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

7.1.1

Minutes of the Council Meeting - January 26, 2026

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held January 26, 2026 be adopted.

  Carried

7.1.2

General Purpose and Administrative Committee Meeting Minutes - February 2, 2026

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the General Purpose and Administrative Committee Minutes held February 2, 2026 be adopted.

  Carried

7.1.3

Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - November 7, 2025

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Scugog Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting held November 7, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

7.1.4

Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2026

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Scugog Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting held January 9, 2026 be received for information.

  Carried

7.1.5

Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - January 8, 2026

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Scugog Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting held January 8, 2026 be received for information.

  Carried

7.1.6

Scugog Memorial Public Library Board Meeting Minutes - October 16, 2025

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Scugog Memorial Public Library Board Meeting held October 16, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

7.1.7

Scugog Memorial Public Library Board Meeting Minutes - December 2, 2025

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT the Minutes of the Scugog Memorial Public Library Board Meeting held December 2, 2025 be received for information.

  Carried

8.

Items for Separate Discussion 

7.

Consent Agenda

7.2

Reports

7.2.1

CORP-2026-002 - Compliance Audit Committee Member Appointments 2026-2030

• Moved by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall
  Seconded by: Councillor Harold Wright
  1. THAT Report CORP-2026-02, be received; and,

      

  2. THAT Heather Allison, Danielle Knight, Mario Longo be appointed as members and that Richard Haydon be appointed as an alternate member of the Compliance Audit Committee serving the Township of Scugog, which is jointly established with the Townships of Brock and Uxbridge, for the 2026-2030 term of Council.

      

  Carried

7.2.2

CSP-2026-001 - Scugog Tourism Visitor Growth Plan Update

Council engaged in a discussion focused on tourism outreach and marketing effectiveness with Central Counties Tourism (CCT) Executive Director Chuck Thibeault. CCT noted that many visitors travel from 40+km away, with geolocation data providing insight into visitor origins and activities.

Council also reviewed the report’s action items and inquired into priority areas for Scugog. CCT recommended several foundational and high‑priority actions over the next three years, with Communications and Strategic Projects Department staff working with the Tourism Advisory Committee and seeking grant funding for enhanced implementation.

Mayor and Council thanked CCT, Township staff, and members of the community for engaging in feedback. 

• Moved by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall
  Seconded by: Councillor Terry Coyne
  1. THAT Report CSP-2026-001, Scugog Tourism Visitor Growth Plan Update, be received for information; and,

  2. THAT the Scugog Visitor Growth Plan is endorsed.

  3. THAT staff be directed to lead the implementation of the plan, strengthen and seek cross-sector partnerships to deliver on the actions and assist with grant opportunities.

  Carried

7.3

Correspondence

7.3.1

Council Memo - RE: Report FIN-2026-002

• Moved by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall
  Seconded by: Councillor Harold Wright

  THAT the Council Memo correspondence regarding, Report FIN-2026-002, be received for information.  

  Carried

7.4

By-Laws

7.4.1

06-26 - Repeal By-law 04-26 being a by-law passed pursuant to the provisions of section 50(7) of the Planning Act, to exempt certain lands from Part Lot Control, being Block 197, Plan 40M-2250, in the Township of Scugog, Region of Durham

Council reviewed the technical correction and noted that an updated by-law will be brought forward at a later date.

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall

  THAT By-Law 06-26 be read and passed this 23 day of February, 2026, and the Mayor and Clerk are hereby directed to sign same and affix the Corporate seal thereto.

  Carried

9.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature Thereof in Closed Session

No member declared a pecuniary interest for Closed Session.

10.

Closed Session

• Moved by: Councillor Robert Rock
  Seconded by: Councillor Janna Guido

  THAT this Council enter into a closed session to discuss items 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3.

  Carried

10.1

CONF-2026-006 - Blackstock Agricultural Society Lease Renewal

Shawna Cornish, Manager of Parks & Recreation
To discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board pursuant to Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, with respect to the Lease Renewal Request from the Blackstock Agricultural Society and; a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (2); 2017, c. 10, Sched. 1, s. 26., pursuant to Section 239(2)(k) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

10.2

CONF-2026-007 - Appointment of Library Board Member

Sarah White, CEO, Scugog Memorial Public Library
To discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal employees pursuant to Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding the Library Board Member Recruitment and Appointment. 

10.3

Closed Minutes of the Council Meeting - January 26, 2026

11.

Rise from Closed Session (7:32 P.M.)

• Moved by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall
  Seconded by: Councillor David LeRoy

  THAT this Council rise from Closed Session.

  Carried

12.

Matters from Closed Session

Mayor Wotten highlighted that Council deliberated on the matters of closed session including:

• 10.1, CONF-2026-006 Blackstock Agricultural Society Lease Renewal Report was received for information, the Mayor and Clerk have been authorized to execute the lease agreement for the land at 3416 & 3440 Church Street in Blackstock with the Blackstock Agricultural Society. Staff have been directed to bring forward a by-law to authorize the approval of the lease agreement at the next meeting of Council.
• 10.2, CONF-2026-007, Council approved the appointment of Madalyn Calzavara to the Scugog Memorial Public Library Board for the remainder of this Council term.

13.

Notice of Motion

There was no notice of motion.

14.

Confirming By-Law - 07-26

• Moved by: Councillor Harold Wright
  Seconded by: Councillor David LeRoy

  THAT By-Law 07-26 confirming the proceedings of the regular meeting of Council held Monday, February 23, 2026, be read and passed this 23 day of February, 2026, and the Mayor and Clerk are hereby directed to sign same and affix the Corporate seal thereto.

   

  Carried

15.

Adjournment (7:34 P.M.)

• Moved by: Councillor Terry Coyne
  Seconded by: Regional Councillor Ian McDougall

  THAT this meeting be adjourned.

  Carried