Township of North Stormont Council Meeting Highlights
Regular Council Meeting – November 10, 2026
The Township of North Stormont Council held its Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, starting at 6 PM.
The meeting included several important decisions relating to municipal infrastructure, winter maintenance, financial policies and service delivery, along with updates from municipal departments.
Key Council Decisions
Water and Sewer Capital Connection Fees
Council approved an increase to municipal water and sewer capital connection fees from $5,000 to $8,000 each, based on the Development Charges Report prepared by Watson & Associates.
A "grandfather clause" will allow for payment of connection fees at the 2026 rates for those open projects with existing allocations which have been granted prior to December 31, 2026, to be extended until March 1st, 2027. Any "grandfathered" connection fees not paid as of March 1,2027 will be subject to the increase reflected in the 2027 connection fee rate. Any allocations or projects granted after January 1, 2027, will have this new 2027 fee structure applied.
Snow Clearing Contracts Awarded
Council awarded the 2026–2027 winter snow-clearing contracts for municipal facilities:
• EC Works Ltd. will provide services at Crysler Community Centre, TBO Place and Crysler Fire Station.
• Outbuilt Construction Inc. will provide services at Moose Creek Community Centre and North Stormont Place.
Moose Creek Lagoon Upgrades
Council approved the award of the Moose Creek Lagoon Upgrades contract to Beaudoin Construction at a cost of $6,955,340 plus HST. The Township applied for a Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) grant in late 2024 to upgrade the capacity of the Moose Creek Lagoon to enable full development and growth in North Stormont. The Township was successful in obtaining the grant with 73% being provided by the Province and 27% being financed by the Township.
2027 Fees and Charges
Council approved the recommended changes to the Township's Fees and Charges By-Law for 2027, included the recommended changes to the water and sewer connection fees.
Property Tax Collection Policy
Council approved the revised Property Tax Collection Policy, which will be formally adopted through municipal by-law at the December 8th regular meeting.
Public Works Equipment Investment
Council pre-approved $20,000 in the 2027 budget toward the purchase of a used 2012 Trackless Sidewalk Plow, including plow blade, salter and blower attachments.
Departmental Updates
Municipal Law Enforcement – Animal Control and By-Law Activity
The Municipal Law Enforcement Department continues to address animal control concerns, particularly involving dogs running at large and owners failing to clean up after their pets.
Between January and October 2026, the department recorded:
• 40 dogs off-leash/loose occurrences opened, with 7 ongoing and 47 resolved.
• 10 poop-and-scoop occurrences opened, with 3 ongoing and 7 resolved.
During October alone, 2 new dogs off-leash/loose occurrences and 2 new poop-and-scoop occurrences were recorded.
To respond to increasing animal control complaints, the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is adjusting work hours to accommodate evening and weekend enforcement. Additional training is also underway in canine bite assessment and the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
Fire Services – 145 Calls So Far in 2026
North Stormont Fire Services reported 145 total calls between January 1 and October 31, 2026, including 17 calls during October.
Year-to-date incident statistics include:
• 32 vehicle accidents
• 25 false alarms
• 23 ambulance assists
• 17 open-air control calls
• 8 structure fires
• 7 vehicle fires
The Fire Department also reported issuing 164 Open Air Permits to date.
The department completed station-level assessments to verify firefighter accreditation in accordance with Ontario Regulation 343/22. Preparations continued for a collaborative project involving firefighters from the Townships of South Glengarry, North Dundas, South Dundas and North Stormont, with a recruit firefighter graduation ceremony scheduled for November 14 at the Crysler Recreation Centre.
Fire Services is also coordinating volunteer firefighter support for traffic control during the CPCK Holiday Train event scheduled for November 28.
Building Department – Construction Activity Continues
The Chief Building Official reported 173 building permits issued in 2026 through October, representing:
• 99 total units.
• Approximately $52.7 million in construction value.
• $341,276.54 in total permit value.
• $252,710.55 in permit revenue received.
During October alone, 14 permits were issued, representing 16 units and approximately $3.33 million in construction value.
The department also completed 95 inspections by the Chief Building Official and 8 inspections by the building inspector during the reporting period.
Public Works – Roads, Facilities and Winter Preparations
The Public Works Department reported progress on several municipal projects and seasonal maintenance activities throughout October.
Roads and Municipal Facilities
• Installed the new Moose Creek village sign.
• Completed roadside mowing.
• Completed work at Crysler Park in support of the Recreation Department.
• Procured new tablets for Public Works patrol vehicles.
• Prepared sidewalk plows for winter operations.
The department also closed its Request for Quotation process for snow-clearing services for the 2026–2027 winter season.
Water and Wastewater
• Continued sludge removal at Crysler Lagoon.
• Repaired catch basins on Crysler George Street.
• Repaired the storm drain on Mill Street.
• Continued preparations for a generator installation at the Crysler Pump Station.
• Planned installation of new hydrant markers throughout the Township's villages.
The Township's water and wastewater operator, OCWA, reported that all treated and distribution samples collected from North Stormont's drinking water systems tested negative for total coliform and E. coli. Fall flushing of the Township's water distribution systems was also completed.
OCWA also addressed a blockage in the Moose Creek Lagoon splitter box, bringing in Hydrocam to remove the obstruction. On October 27, OCWA toured Township facilities with CIMA+ as part of the ongoing master servicing plan project.
Looking Ahead
Public Works is continuing preparations for winter operations, including the installation of plow harnesses and the stocking of stone dust and salt.
Planned work also includes:
• Tree removal at the Avonmore Communal Septic property.
• Fall yard waste collection.
• Continued winter operations preparations, including onboarding two new, Seasonal Public Works Operators.
Recognizing Long-Standing Employee Danny St-Pierre
Council took a moment to recognize Danny St-Pierre for his outstanding dedication and many years of service to the Township of North Stormont.
Danny began his career with the Township in September 1989 as an operator with the Recreation Department. From early mornings during the week to weekends and holidays, Danny could always be counted on to operate the ice resurfacer and ensure the ice at the Finch Arena was polished, safe, and ready for hockey tournaments and public skating.
Over the decades, Danny became a familiar and much-appreciated face at the arena, helping welcome generations of hockey players, families, and community members. His dedication and commitment have made him an integral part of the Finch Arena and the memories created there.
Mayor François Landry expressed Council's appreciation, stating:
“Through countless hockey seasons, tournaments, public skating sessions, and community events, Danny worked behind the scenes to ensure our arena was ready to welcome residents and visitors alike. Whether it was late nights, early mornings, weekends, or holidays, Danny could always be counted on to keep things running smoothly.
His commitment, dependability, and strong work ethic have helped make the arena an important gathering place for generations of families, athletes, and community members. Danny’s contribution extends far beyond the building itself. His dedication has helped create the experiences, memories, and community spirit that have made our arena such a valued part of North Stormont.”
Council extends its sincere thanks to Danny for his many years of service and for the lasting impact he has made on the Township and its residents.
Best Wishes to Councillor Alison MacDonald
Council took a moment to recognize Councillor Alison MacDonald as she prepares to step away from her role on Council to pursue a new opportunity as Project Executive for the new Eastern Lake Ontario Conservation Authority.
In her closing remarks, Councillor MacDonald reflected on her time serving the community, describing it as both an honour and a privilege. She acknowledged that while she anticipated challenges and opportunities when she first joined Council, she had not fully appreciated just how much she would learn through the experience.
She also reflected on the importance of civility and mutual respect in municipal government, particularly at a time when public discourse and political debate can often become divisive.
“While we don’t always agree on every issue, I’ve always respected the commitment and sincerity that each member has brought to our Council table,” she remarked, expressing her gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to work alongside her fellow members of Council.
Council expressed its sincere appreciation for Councillor MacDonald’s contributions, dedication, and service to the Township of North Stormont, wishing her every success in this exciting new chapter.
Fellow members of Council also looked ahead to the future, expressing their enthusiasm for continuing their work together over the next four years. They welcomed incoming Councillor Marcel Lafrance and reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively, respectfully, and thoughtfully in support of municipal initiatives and community priorities.
Upcoming Council Meetings
• November 17, 2026: 2026–2030 Council Inauguration
• December 8, 2026: Regular Council Meeting
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about Township decisions, projects and upcoming meetings by visiting the Township website and following the Township of North Stormont on Facebook.
Township of North Stormont – A Good Place to Grow.