Notes from the regular Council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Plattsville and District Heritage Society Correspondence
Council received correspondence from Denise Tew, chair of the Plattsville and District Heritage Society, in regards to putting up a permanent eight-foot by eight-foot tile mural on the outside of the Plattsville Arena for the community’s upcoming 175th anniversary.
During the meeting, Councillor Nancy Demarest said that while the society still has some research to do in regards to the longevity of the mural, she hoped they could make a decision about it sooner rather than later.
“To me, it’s pretty simple, and I kind of feel like we can just talk about it here and make the decision, as opposed to making a big to-do about it,” she said. “They’re under a little bit of a time constraint here and so they kind of need to know if they can do a fundraiser so they can sort of kick this whole thing into high gear.”
Councillor Tina Young, who represents the community of Plattsville, agreed.
“I’ve seen these types of murals in communities, both in person and online, and they’re beautiful,” she said. “They’re a great piece to bring people together, and I’ve often thought about how we can make some of these things happen in our community. …It’s costing us as a Township, nothing really other than our space, so I think it’s great.
Mayor Mark Peterson also shared similar sentiments, saying “I think it’s a great idea as well.”
A short while later, a motion was moved and approved to allow the Plattsville and District Heritage Society to put up the mural, noting that its members will be in charge of its upkeep.
Staff Reports
Building Department monthly report for December
The report, prepared by Ray Belanger, Chief Building Official, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Township’s Building Department.
In December, the building department issued a total of seven building permits, totaling to a construction value of $1,159,000.
Building services continue to ensure compliance with the Building Code Act through education, consultation, oversight and enforcement.
Community Services Department monthly report for December
Trevor Baer, Blandford-Blenheim’s Director of Community Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Township’s Community Services Department.
Baer shared with Council that the Plattsville Arena remained a focal point for community activity throughout the month of December.
“We had six free skates, and we had lots of sponsors that showed up and provided hot chocolate and some snacks for the community, and they were well attended,” he said.
He added that while the arena’s operations continued smoothly overall, there were some cancellations due to winter conditions, but that staff worked closely with user groups to communicate closures and schedule changes efficiently.
There was also a minor issue with a brine pump failure in the compressor room that month, however, Township refrigeration mechanics responded promptly, and the issue was repaired the same day.
We did have to cancel one group because of it, but it was a late night group,” said Baer.
The director went on to say that Christmas trees that were put up in the month of December will be coming down once weather allows for it, but that staff have already begun talking to some baseball groups about the 2026 season tournaments.
Financial Services – Temporary Borrowing
The report, prepared by Denise Krug, Director of Finance, asked that Council pass a by-law authorizing the temporary borrowing for the Township of Blandford-Blenheim in 2026 at $1 million.
The borrowing is intended to address short-term cash flow requirements, and will be used solely for approved municipal purposes, remain within legislated limits and be used to support the municipality’s financial operations and stability.
“This annual borrowing by-law is sort of a statutory responsibility of the treasurer that bridges us until the budget is passed,” explained CAO Josh Brick.
Council then voted and passed the by-law allowing for the temporary borrowing up to $1 million.
Clerk’s Report – Cemetery By-law
Sarah Matheson, the Township’s Director of Corporate Services and Clerk, brought forward a report in regards to changing Blandford-Blenheim’s Cemetery by-law to meet legislative requirements, and to respond to economic and market conditions for memorialization.
According to her report, any cemetery by-law amendment must be sent as a request to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) Licensing Officer assigned to by-law review. The licensing officer will consider the full by-law submission to determine if the proposed change is minor, i.e. administrative in nature and does not alter any rights or responsibilities, or negatively affect interment rights holders, purchasers, or the public.
“Staff sent a request through in early December,” said Mattheson. “In late December, staff met with a memorialization company to discuss potential updates to the Cemetery By-law and ensure language was conducive to market trends and longevity of the memorialization. Staff are recommending to significantly change the memorialization portion of the by-law for ensuring structural integrity and to clear up ambiguity within the current by-law.”
As part of staff’s recommendation, it was suggested that the cemetery by-law be amended to change the minimum thickness for the die of an upright monument from eight inches to six inches for monuments under 48 inches.
Mattheson explained that they’ve had several requests from monument companies to accommodate the thinner upright monuments due to market and economic conditions, and that the companies have ensured that the structural integrity and longevity of the memorials will be upheld at the six inch thickness as long as they’re 48 inches in height.
“This proposal is the result of many monument companies requesting special provision to sell upright monuments that are six inches in thickness,” she said. “… In consultation with the BAO, some portions of By-law 1727-2012 are now outdated, requiring amending as per the BAO’s sample wording. As such, some changes with the language of the by-law are being proposed. As a result, staff are requesting to repeal Cemetery By-law 1721-2012, completing a first and second reading of a new Cemetery By-law, then proceeding with the submission procedures for a by-law amendment.”
The by-law was later read a first and second time, and approved.
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.
