At its recent meeting, Hanover council received a presentation from Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority water quality specialist Emily Williamson, who provided an overview of the Authority’s Water Quality Program. The presentation highlighted local water quality monitoring results, trends within Hanover and opportunities for continued collaboration to protect and improve water quality throughout the community.
Council approved minutes from its June 15 regular meeting, June 16 special meeting, as well as recent Hanover Police Station Ad Hoc Committee and Age Friendly Committee meetings.
Several reports and information items were received through the consent agenda, including updates on Buy Ontario legislation, a bi-annual statistical report detailing online citizen requests, bylaw enforcement and fire department activity and minutes from local boards and committees. Council also received information related to planning applications, accessibility initiatives, property assessment advocacy and resident correspondence regarding the East End Trail.
Council approved a new Municipal Technical Rescue Agreement between the Town of Hanover and the Township of Howick. Under the agreement, Hanover Fire Department will provide specialized technical rescue services to Howick Township on a fee-for-service basis.
Following several months of discussion and analysis, council received a final report on the East End Trail project. After considering updated cost estimates and options, council directed staff to proceed with the installation of concrete sidewalks between 22nd Avenue A and 24th Avenue, along with construction of a new parking lot within the Saugeen Cedar Heights West subdivision.
Council also approved Hanover’s contribution toward safety improvements at the Hanover Dam. Through funding support secured by Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, the Town will provide its share of project costs to complete safety fencing and tree retention measures aimed at improving public safety and erosion protection around the site.
To improve operational efficiency within the Municipal Office, council approved renovations to create additional workspace on the lower office level. Funding for the project will come from general reserves and be replenished through building permit revenues that exceed budget projections.
Council also authorized staff to issue a tender for the replacement of the Civic Centre boiler. The existing boiler is more than 35 years old and has experienced increasing maintenance issues and reliability concerns. A report with tender results will return to council for consideration.
An update on Hanover’s Official Plan five-year review was also provided. Council endorsed a revised approach that will focus first on incorporating the previously approved Mutual Prosperity Lands into Hanover’s settlement area, while broader growth and land needs considerations will be reviewed in conjunction with Grey County’s upcoming Official Plan update.
Council approved a new Commemorative Recognition Policy that establishes a consistent process for memorial trees, benches, plaques and other commemorative features located on Town-owned properties.
To support future recreation improvements, council endorsed an application to the Build Communities Strong Fund for upgrades at the Kinsmen Ball Park and soccer facilities, including a pavilion, LED ball diamond lighting and parking lot improvements.
Additional approvals included awarding the P & H Centre partial roof replacement project to Nedlaw Roofing Ltd., increasing the budget for the Town’s server replacement project and funding the purchase of seven new laptops for the next term of council.
During good news and celebrations, council members highlighted Legion Branch 130’s upcoming 100th anniversary celebration, the recent Welcoming Communities annual general meeting held in Hanover, preparations for the Hanover, Bentinck and Brant Agricultural Society’s Fall Fair and Hanover Rotary Club’s Cornfest events scheduled for August 7 to 9.
Residents are reminded that the next regular council meeting will take place on Monday, August 10 at 4 p.m. Members of the public may attend in person or join virtually via the Town of Hanover Facebook page. Meeting agendas are posted online by 4 p.m. on the Friday prior to each meeting and are also available for viewing at the Hanover Public Library. Printed copies of Hanover Briefs are available at the P & H Centre, Hanover Public Library and Civic Centre Town Office.
