Notes from the regular Council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Staff Reports
Protective Services Department monthly report for August
The report, prepared by Drew Davidson, Director of Protective Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Protective Services Department.
1. Equipment Testing
Davidson shared that apparatus equipped with onboard pumps at each of the Township’s fire stations have gone through their annual testing per the requirement, and that mandatory ladder testing that occurs every two years has also been completed.
The Fire Chief said that while there were a few minor issues identified, all have been rectified and the testing went smoothly.
2. Burn Permits and Fire Bans
Davidson told Council the department received several inquiries about fire bans throughout the months of July and August, and during the meeting he provided some clarification on how the bans are determined.
“When somebody takes out a burn permit they’re saying they will follow our Burn By-law,” said Davidson. “[That by-law says] if there is an alert from Environment Canada, whether it’s smog, heat, or severe weather, they’re not allowed to burn and we don’t have to contact them and tell them that they are not to burn at that point. Now, the question that came up was, ‘well, what about a burn ban?’”
Davidson explained that when a special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada, or on days that the Township has issued a ban, all open-air burns and fire permits are suspended. It was also noted that if a total fire ban is implemented, campfires are not allowed.
“We follow the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and we talk to our partners and other municipalities to see what they’re doing,” he continued. “We don’t just do this on a whim, we watch [the Wildland site] every day, especially in those dry areas.”
3. Upcoming events for September:
- Ontario Farm Show September 9 to September 11
- Drumbo Fall Fair: September 20 to September 21
Building Department monthly report for August
The report, prepared by Ray Belanger, Chief Building Official, informed Council members that the building department issued 16 permits throughout the month of August, many of which were residential permits.
Public Works Department monthly report for August
The report, prepared by Jim Borton, Director of Public Works, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Public Works Department.
1. Capital work
- Princeton Pond Expansion project:
Borton told Council that fill from the Romano Pond is still being moved to land owners within the Township and that staff will soon be starting to remove fill from the Gissing Street pile.
- Princeton phase 4 (south section):
The storm sewer trunk has been completed on Main Street from Emma Street to Railway, and most of the underground work has been completed on various side streets like Railway Street east, Wonham Street, Victoria Street east, Elgin Street east, Church Street and Emma Street.
“Just the south section from Emma Street to Highway 2 is to be completed, which will be starting on Monday, September 8,” said Borton.
- Bridge 24 Environmental Assessment:
Staff and KSmart are continuing to work with Indigenous partners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism in order to keep the project moving forward.
- Road Resurfacing and Gravel Conversion:
Walker Industries has finished installing the FibreMat on Oxford-Waterloo Road, and has started on Canning Road. Canning Road and Township Road 5 should be completed in early September.
The conversion from gravel to hard surfacing on Oxford-Waterloo Road, from Washington Road to Hofstetter Road (Wilmot section) and Blandford Road from Oxford Road 8 to Township Road 12 has all been completed.
2. Drainage
- Borton said that as fall approaches and crops start to come off the fields, more drain repairs and cleanings will be completed.
- Workers are continuing to identify and mark areas where underground pipes and wires are for drains and street lights.
3. Other
Borton told Council that Public Works has been:
- Busy preparing Blandford Road for gravel conversion, patching roads for the FibreMat application, trimming roadside grass and brush, working on culvert replacement and removing high shoulders from gravel roads.
- Working to approve road permits that would allow Xplorenet to use the Township right of way to run fibreoptic cable in the Township.
- Working with MESH, the Public Works service coordinator, Community Services and the Drainage Superintendent to create an on-line check list for equipment inspections and patrols.
- Working with the Drainage Superintendent on finding suitable dump sites for the excess soil from the Princeton Drain project.
- Meeting with land owners at outdoor sites to discuss ditch or road issues.
- Coordinating with the contractor for fill to build up Township Road 12 (Trussler-Blenheim), and
- Coordinating the removal of fill from the Romano Pond.
Community Services monthly report for June
The report, prepared by Trevor Baer, Manager of Community Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Community Services Department.
- Plattsville Arena
Baer told Council that arena staff have been working to prepare for another hockey season and that a number of interior projects have been completed in advance of reopening. In the meantime, staff will continue with deep cleaning during the ice-making process.
- Parks
Two major tournaments were held in Township parks in August including the annual Harvest Carnival men’s tournament in Drumbo, and the provincial U11 tournament in Princeton.
“Both events were highly successful and reinforced the value of Township parks as spaces for activity, celebration, and community pride,” read Baer’s report.
Baer also said that contractors are currently completing warranty repairs at the Princeton Park playground, and that the Plattsville Park playground is also under review.
Once this work is completed and finalized, both playgrounds will be reopened for public use.
- Cemeteries
The Princeton Cemetery held its annual Decoration Day on August 17.
“The event was well attended, with families and community members gathering to reflect, honour loved ones, and contribute to the upkeep of the cemetery grounds,” said Baer. “Volunteers played a key role in organizing and preparing the site, and their efforts are greatly appreciated in ensuring that this community tradition continues to be meaningful and respectful.”
- OTF Funding
Baer announced that Blandford-Blenheim was awarded a $200,000 grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funding will help to support accessibility upgrades at the Drumbo Park playground.
“This funding, combined with contributions from the Drumbo Lions Club and Township capital budget allocations, will enable the installation of accessible and inclusive features to ensure that all residents, regardless of ability, can enjoy recreational opportunities without barriers,” said Baer. “Staff will be meeting with the Drumbo Lions Club in September to review project plans in detail. This initiative demonstrates a strong community partnership between the Township, OTF, and the Lions Club, and reflects the Township’s commitment to building inclusive and vibrant community spaces.”
According to Baer’s report, the Drumbo Lions Club will be contributing $35,000, and that the Township has also allocated $16,000 in the 2025 Capital Budget to support the project.
Moving forward, staff will prepare and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply and installation of the accessible playground equipment and associated upgrades. A report will come back to Council once with a recommendation for approval of the selected contractor once the submissions have been reviewed.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
