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Bruce County Council Highlights for April 2, 2026
Bruce County Council met on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026. The complete agenda and video of the meeting is available on our Agendas and Minutes webpage.
These are highlights of the meeting:
Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) 2026-2030
Council was in receipt of a report, presentation and delivery of the draft Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) 2026-2030.
The draft ESAP organizes around four environmental pillars:
- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
- Stewardship and Forest Conservation
- Waste Management
- Sustainable Transportation and Mobility
These pillars establish goals, objectives, and phased actions that will guide County initiatives for the next four years.
Next steps include Council taking time to review the draft ESAP and provide their feedback. Staff will receive Council’s input, make amendments to the draft, and return to a future Council meeting to seek endorsement of the plan.
2025 Financial Statements – Unaudited Results
Council received a report on Bruce County’s 2025 unaudited financial results, which shows a year‑end operating surplus of $138,000 (0.07% of total expenditures). This reflects careful management of operating budgets throughout the year.
In addition, there is a $5.9 million surplus, the result of a one-time investment gains realized through the sale and reinvestment of County funds. These returns are not part of the annual budget due to their unpredictable timing.
When excluding these investment gains, the County’s annual operating result is close to being in balance, with a surplus of $138,000 (0.07%). This reflects careful management of operating budgets throughout the year.
The presentation of audited financial statements to Council will occur at a future meeting.
EDI Strategic Plan – Progressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Across Bruce County
A report and presentation resulted in Council’s endorsement of a new Strategic Action Plan. Building on a commitment to create a welcoming, innovative, and thriving workplace, Progressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Across Bruce County Strategic Action Plan (2026-2028) centers on strengthening internal policies, practices and culture as a foundation for long-term, sustainable progress.
Bruce County’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and the Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan intentionally align with EDI efforts.
The Plan will first focus on efforts for collectively creating a workplace where people feel welcomed, supported, respected and able to contribute meaningfully before expanding EDI efforts within the community.
New Bruce County Official Plan Changes for Direction
Bruce County staff continue working on the Draft New Bruce County Official Plan, delivering a report with more options for Council’s consideration.
Staff will continue to work through the comments from municipal partners and the public, refining the draft plan and returning to future Council meetings for further direction.
Other Items Discussed
Delegations
Reports
- 2026 CAO Performance Evaluation Timeline
- Tax Increment Equivalent Agreement (TIEF) Funding Grant with Brocton for WT Lands
- Response to Invitation for Comments on the Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Initial Project Description
- Ontario Regulatory Registry Consultation Northern Rideshare Pilot
- All-Terrain Vehicle Agreement with Huron Shores and South Bruce Peninsula ATV Clubs
- Proposed Changes to Ontario’s Archaeology Program through Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) Posting
What’s Next?
The next Bruce County Council meeting is April 23rd, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
For a complete schedule of Committee and Council meetings, along with agendas, recordings and minutes for meetings, please visit our Agendas and Minutes webpage.