Council Highlights for May 20, 2026

Council Highlights for May 20, 2026

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The Town of Pelham's regular council meeting was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Pelham Municipal Building at 20 Pelham Town Hall. 

Mayoral Budget 2027

Marvin Junkin, Mayor of the Town of Pelham, directed the Chief Administrative Officer and the Treasurer (or their designate) to prepare the following budget components in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. The components include the 2027 Capital Budget, 2027 Operating Budget and 2027 Water and Wastewater Budget. This direction is issued for the purpose of administrative continuity and timely budget preparation and shall be subject to review, amendment, or replacement by the incoming Mayor following the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election. www.pelham.ca/budget

Winter Operations Report

Council received report 2026-0094 “2025 – 2026 Winter Operations Report,” for information. The report was prepared to inform Council on winter maintenance to date in 2026 and the impact on the 2026 Winter Control Budget. From January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, the Town recorded 204 cm of accumulation and performed 54 winter weather response operations involving four or more snowplow units. The total budget approved for winter control in 2026 is $737,490, and the total spending to March 31, 2026, for winter maintenance is $746,559, which is approximately 101% of the total 2026 budget. In previous years, per the approved reserve policy, overages have been funded through the Roads Reserve. A budget review will be done in 2027 to accommodate changes for the climate change impacts that have been experienced during the winter season.  www.pelham.ca/winter

Building Fee and By-law Study

Council received memo 2026-0108 “Building Fee and By-law Study,” for information. On November 5, 2025, Council directed staff to retain a qualified consultant to prepare a Justification Report for the Town's building fees. This review is part of a regular 5-year cycle to ensure the Town adheres to the Building Code Act, which requires that fees do not exceed the anticipated reasonable costs of administering and enforcing the Act. The Town awarded the contract to Watson & Associates Economist Ltd who is currently working with Town staff for the data collection and reporting stage. In addition, public engagement sessions will take place at the Meridian Community Centre in early June. A statutory Public Meeting will also take place on June 17, 2026, in council chambers and a final report will be brought to Council on July 8, 2026. www.pelham.ca/buildingfeeandbylawstudy

Employment Areas and Affordable Housing Study

With the adoption of the 2026 new Official Plan, Town staff will begin working with a consultant on the Council-approved Employment Area and Affordable Housing Study. An Employment Area and Affordable Housing Study Request for Proposal (RFP) will be initiated in the coming weeks and the study is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2026.

South Fonthill Secondary Plan Update

Council received memo 2026-0101 “South Fonthill Secondary Plan Update,” for information. The South Fonthill Secondary Plan (settlement boundary expansion area) is a priority project for 2026. The memo outlined the background and next steps for completing the associated planning policy framework. Town staff have met with Upper Canada Consultants, who represent property owners within the expansion area, as well as a newly formed landowners’ group, to explore the possibility of entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU would allow for reimbursement of study work required under the Secondary Plan process. Once the South Secondary Plans are underway, staff will work with a consulting firm to complete only the land-use policy. Upon completion of all required background studies and the drafting of the land-use policies, staff will initiate the OPA public process. A further update will be provided to Council as the process moves through to the next steps.

Municipal Property Assessment

Council requested that the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Finance direct the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to promptly resume the regular property assessment cycle. Property assessments have not been completed in Ontario in over a decade. The prolonged pause has created distortions in assessed values, resulting in inequities among property classes. Reassessments are designed to be revenue neutral for the municipality, ensure fairness in taxation, maintain public confidence in the property tax system, and support long-term municipal financial planning.

Hydro One Density Classifications

Council received report 2026-0111, “Hydro One Density Classifications for Town of Pelham”, for information and Council directed staff to continue pursuing possible reclassification. Staff will continue to liaise with Hydro One to determine whether more information can be obtained to confirm the line density analysis, and monitor OEB proceedings so the Town can request status to participate in the next rebasing application. Hydro One is regulated by the Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”). The OEB advised that when Hydro One brings its next rebasing application for the 2028-2032 term, the Town may seek intervenor status.

Town of Pelham Official Plan, 2026

Council received report 2026-0110 “Recommendation Report – Town of Pelham Official Plan, 2026,” for information and adopted By-law 26-2026 to adopt the Town of Pelham Official Plan, 2026. Council declared to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the approval authority for the Town of Pelham Official Plan, 2026, that the Official Plan meets the requirements of Section 26(1), clauses (a), (b), and (c) of the Planning Act, as amended. Town of Pelham Council further directed staff to forward the adopted Official Plan to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. www.pelham.ca/officalplanupdate

Leah Letford, Manager of Communications and Government Relations | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca