Bruce County Council Highlights for June 4, 2026

Bruce County Council met on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Bruce County logo. TEXT: Council Highlights

Bruce County Council met on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The complete agenda and video of the meeting are available on our Agendas and Minutes webpage. 

These are highlights of the meeting:

Museum and Archives Information Report – June 2026

Council received a report for information highlighting the activities of the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre throughout May 2026.

Across April and May, the Archives featured the historical significance of Bruce County’s furniture factories through social media content.

An update to the exhibits included enhancements to the permanent Kayoshk Display. The temporary exhibit Inspiring Nature, Inspired Technology – Biomimicry and Transport had it’s grand opening on May 14. The They are Loved exhibit ran from May 1 to 30, 2026, appropriately aligned with Metal Health Awareness Month.

The report also gave a look ahead to upcoming events and programming including the Woodland People exhibit featuring the artwork of Saugeen First Nation artist Taylor Cameron and Museums are a Drag – An Evening of Drag.

Federal Consultation on Getting Major Projects Built in Canada Discussion Paper

Council received a report about the federal discussion paper on speeding up approvals for major projects and presented Council with a draft feedback response. The County supports efforts to streamline reviews, as long as the process stays clear, coordinated and include early and on-going engagement of Indigenous communities and municipalities.

Citing experience as a host for major energy projects, the feedback emphasizes the key role municipalities play in supporting projects through infrastructure, services and community preparedness. The recommendation is to include municipalities as core partners, involving them earlier in the process and stressing the need for funding, resources and clear timelines.

Overall, the reforms will encourage strong collaboration, early engagement and recognition of community readiness.

Council supported the draft response as written.

Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Expression of Interest

A report to Council describing the Province’s Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative explains plans to have the County act as the lead applicant.

The program would run for 18-months beginning mid-2026. It builds upon earlier pilot efforts to help communities fill ongoing labour shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers and supporting their path to permanent residency. This is a strong opportunity to support economic growth by addressing workforce gaps, helping local businesses expand, and attracting skilled newcomers. 

The County will work closely with partners including local municipalities, employers, settlement agencies, and workforce organizations. Engagement with Bruce Community Futures Development is already underway, as the organization has expressed interest in playing a key role in program delivery.

Council directed staff to submit the Expression of Interest before the June 5, 2026, deadline.

Notice of Motion – Request for Mildmay Settlement Area Expansion

Council received a Notice of Motion requesting an expansion of the Mildmay Settlement Area be included in the new draft County Official Plan. 

The Municipality of South Bruce requested the inclusion of specific lands, identified as #31 and #32 Mildmay South East, in expansion areas within the new draft Official Plan. South Bruce Council endorsed this request and identified light industrial and commercial employment lands as a top priority, followed by residential lands.

The current draft Official Plan does not include these lands, as outlined in related County reports and correspondence. 

Council directed that staff include lands #31 and #32 Mildmay South East in the settlement boundary area within the new County Official Plan to reflect South Bruce’s priorities and support future growth.

Announcements

Delegations

Reports

What’s Next?

The next Bruce County Council meeting is June 18, 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.