Notes from the regular Council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Staff Reports
Protective Services Department monthly report for March
The report, prepared by Drew Davidson, Director of Protective Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Protective Services Department.
- Princeton Station #81 Construction update
Davidson told Council that staff had been working alongside the contractor and project engineer to support the completion of the new Princeton Station #81, noting that the construction has officially entered the final phase.
Once the final interior and exterior details are completed, the department will start moving trucks over to the new building, and planning for a formal grand opening event has already begun.
- Rail Safety Training
Davidson said that staff, along with firefighters from Drumbo Station #82, participated in an information session with a representative from CP Rail.
The session focused on railway safety and provided information around working collaboratively with railway personnel during emergencies taking place near rail lines. According to his report, the information presented was highly informative and reinforced safe operational practices for CP rail infrastructure, as well as all rail systems within the township.
“It was very informative because it wasn’t just for CP,” said Davidson. “There were some components we could apply when we’re working on the CN tracks [as well]; last year we had some fires along the tracks so we went over who to contact, what they’re looking for and communication.”
- Emergency Management 300 Training
At the end of March, staff took part in the Emergency Management 300 course delivered by Field Officers from the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
According to his report, the course is the final certification required for individuals serving as a primary or alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator within the township.
Noting that this particular training had not been offered locally in a number of years, the course was well attended by senior officials from neighbouring municipalities and provided “an excellent environment for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and discussion of best practices. Participants exchanged ideas and strategies to enhance preparedness and improve coordinated responses to major incidents affecting residents and visitors.”
Following the presentation of his report, Councillor Nancy Demarest inquired about the number of calls throughout March, specifically in regards to multi-vehicle collisions.
“There actually seems to be a lot more calls in March 2026 over March 2025, are we seeing that because of the weather this year and all the multi-vehicle collisions?” she asked. “I find this data really interesting because I think last year’s numbers started to normalize a little bit after COVID, but it seems like things are starting to spike up again.”
Davidson confirmed that while there was one more structure fire than last year, the rise in call volume was due to car accidents.
The report was then received as information.
Building Department monthly report for March
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 March the building department issued a total of 16 building permits, totaling to a construction value of $2,027,750
Belanger told Council that it was good to see that things were picking up a bit for the department.
Councillor Bruce Banbury then asked a question in regards to an Oxford County report.
“I was reading in that report from the County, and they’re anticipating we should maybe have 35 homes built every year for the next 30 years,” he said. “Do we know how many we’re going to be building?”
Belanger said that it depends on the economy, noting that both the federal and provincial governments have offered incentives to build new homes in Ontario.
“I’ve already received numerous calls from some home builders, but to build 35 homes this year… I don’t think I’ve ever had 35 homes in my six years here,” he said. “We’re certainly ready for it and if we do, it would certainly be welcome.”
Councillor Tina Young, then said that if people are looking to acquire renovation permits, they should explore the Township website for information.
“We have all that good information and numerous guidelines on our website,” added Belanger. “Of course, I’m always there if people wish to call via telephone.”
The report was then received as information.
Community Services Department, Drumbo Accessible Playground Project
Trevor Baer, Blandford-Blenheim’s Director of Community Services, requested that Council accept a tender for the supply and install of accessible flooring and features for the accessible playground project at Drumbo Park.
Supported through funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation ($200,000), the Drumbo Lions Club ($40,000) and the Township of Blandford-Blenheim ($56,000), the total cost for the project is $295,243.61.
Earlier this year, Township staff put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) and a total of six companies submitted bids. Each provided different concepts and approaches to improve accessibility.
Staff and the members of the Drumbo Lions Club reviewed the submissions, evaluating them based on the number of elements.
“The evaluation considered experience with similar projects, understanding of the project scope, design and age-appropriate features, accessibility components and warranties, and overall project cost,” read Baer’s report. “All firms scored very closely, demonstrating strong experience, quality submissions, and a clear understanding of the project requirements. The proposals ranged in cost from approximately $200,000 to $349,000, reflecting different design options and feature inclusions. Some components of the project will also be completed by Township staff to maximize overall value.”
Of those six submissions, staff ultimately recommended that Council accept the design from Henderson Recreation Equipment Ltd.
“Every tender was pretty good,” Baer told Council. “We felt the value of the tender that we picked was the most efficient for the funding that we were putting towards it.”
The proposed design includes the installation of accessible playground rubber surfacing and wood chips, a new accessible carousel, and a new play unit that incorporates accessibility features designed for children aged five to 12-years-old. Additionally, there will be a seesaw, and an accessible swing added to the swing set.
Existing playground components will also be improved, including repairs to the toddler play unit with new panels and upgrades to the current play structure for five to 12-year-olds. A sensory play board will also be installed to support inclusive play. The design will feature inclusive representation elements within the park including benches recognizing the Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities as well.
Staff brought the project design to the Oxford County Accessibility Advisory Committee for review and input, and the group expressed that they were in support of the project.
As far as when the project will be completed, Henderson Recreation indicated that it’s expected to be done within approximately ten to 11 weeks from the time of order and approval, noting that the timeline is subject to weather conditions and site readiness.
Overall, Baer said the accessible playground project will be a great addition to Drumbo Park.
“I think it’s a great upgrade for the park, and it’s great having the Drumbo Lions Club be involved and are willing to put funding towards this,” he said. “It’s another good community project.”
Councillor Tina Young said that as someone who sits on the Oxford County Accessibility Advisory Committee, she was excited to see the project coming to fruition.
“I did send an email earlier this week just saying how well our Township does in terms of trying to do better when it comes to accessibility, and there’s always going to be things to improve, but kudos to Trevor and your team because this is going to be wonderful,” she said. “…What’s really neat to see about this proposal is that when you look at accessibility, it’s not just about mobility, it has things that would appeal to people who have vision impairments too because it has music pieces and it has sensory pieces with that sensory board. It’s really just awesome and exciting for our township.”
The report was then received and the vote to accept the recommendation of Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited to supply and install accessible flooring and features for the Accessible Playground Project at the Drumbo Park, was carried.
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.
