Council Highlights for September 16, 2026

Council Highlights for September 16, 2026

The Town of Pelham's regular council meeting was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Pelham Municipal Building at 20 Pelham Town Hall. 

2026 Pavement Condition Index Study

Council received report #2026-0197, Town of Pelham 2026 Pavement Condition Index Study, for information, as well as a presentation on the study presented by Ms. Shila Khanal from Applied Research Associates Inc. The Town’s overall pavement condition index is 66, an increase of one point from the last time this study was completed in 2023. This improvement is attributed to significant work completed by the Town’s public works department on the municipality’s urban and rural roadways in the last three years. The information presented in this report informs the municipality’s asset management plan and future direction of work.

Summary of Work Towards a Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan

Council received a presentation from Environmental Coordinator Adam Kelly and received report 2026-0192-Planning “Summary of Work Towards a Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan,” for information. Council also reaffirmed the direction for staff to produce a Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan. This presentation and report outlined the findings of work completed by consultant Walter Fedy, including the development of a corporate greenhouse gas emissions inventory and the collection of data to assist in the future development of a Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan.

Protecting Pelham’s Trees Annual Update

Council received report 2026-0208 “Protecting Pelham’s Trees Program Update,” for information, and celebrated the property owners who successfully nominated trees for inclusion in the Protecting Pelham’s Trees program. In the first year of the program, the Town received 10 nominations and successfully designated four trees as significant community trees.

Hydro One Density Reclassification Update

Council received memorandum 2026-0214, “Hydro One Density Reclassification Update”, for information. In 2026, Council, led by Councillor Hidlebrandt, directed staff to pursue the reclassification, which would lower the amount users in more populated areas of Pelham are charged for electricity delivery. Hydro One’s delivery rates are based on customer density, which its website explains is because it costs less to deliver electricity to customers in urban density areas, as less infrastructure is needed. These efforts were successful, with approximately 4,000 customers in Pelham being reclassified from medium density to urban density. The anticipated monthly cost decrease of $1.53 per average user in the impacted areas of Pelham. Customers affected by this migration should be notified before the end of 2026.

Traffic Calming Petition for Hurricane Road

Council received a formal petition from residents living along Hurricane Road requesting that the Town of Pelham immediately initiate a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Investigation between Station Street and Lorimer Street. Council directed staff to extend the investigation area to the whole length of Hurricane Road. Staff will complete the requested investigations and return to Council with a report no later than quarter two of 2027.

Fonthill Cemetery Historical Guided Tours

Council received memo 2026-0213 “Fonthill Cemetery Historical Guided Tours” for information and designated the event and reception to be a Municipally Significant Event. Residents attending tours will encounter actors portraying historic residents, who will share stories of the collective history of Pelham. Additional information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found at www.pelham.ca/culture.

Potential Installation of a Peace Pole

Council received report 2026-0160 “Potential Installation of a Peace Pole,” for information, and directed staff to partner with the Rotary Club to work towards determining a location for the pole, either in Peace Park or the future Ron Leavens Memorial Park. This direction follows a request on July 8, 2026, from the Rotary Club of Fonthill for a partnership with the Town to install a Peace Pole and commemorative plaque in Peace Park.

Town of Pelham Sacred Fire

Council received report 2026-0202 “Town of Pelham Sacred Fire,” for information and directed staff to work with NPCA and Indigenous partners to develop plans for a Sacred Fire and Indigenous Park in the E.C. Brown Conservation Area. Sacred Fires are lit by Indigenous people who gather for ceremonies, celebration, prayer, gratitude and personal healing. Funding for this project will be included as part of the 2027/2028 budget process, and the Town will seek additional grant funding to support the cost of creating a Sacred Fire and Indigenous Park.

Building By-law – Final Report

Council referred report 2026-0211 “Building By-law – Final Report,” back to staff and directed staff to return to Council with a presentation outlining the changes from the existing by-law to the proposed by-law. The proposed by-law update would formalize current administrative practices and provide updated provisions related to permit applications, required documentation, inspections, permit revisions and transfers, alternative solutions, prescribed forms and electronic technologies.

Noise Control By-law

Council voted in favour of deferring consideration of By-law 46-2026 - Being a By-law to amend Town of Pelham Noise Control By-law No. 4454(2022). Staff were directed to return with a staff report that includes additional options related to the “noise at point of reception” standard on January 27, 2027.

Notice of Motion for Traffic Calming Measures at North Pelham Park

Councillor Brunarski brought forward a notice of motion for the implementation of traffic calming measures around North Pelham Park. A full motion will be brought forward at the next Council meeting on October 7, 2026.

Notice of Motion for Removal of the American Flag from the MCC

Mayor Junkin brought forward a notice of motion that the American flag be removed from the MCC in symbolic protest of US Trade policy and US trade actions, and not be raised again until an effective trade deal is reached. Council will discuss the motion at their next meeting on October 7, 2026.

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