Hanover council heard a delegation and made several funding and policy decisions during its May 4 meeting.
Resident Alina Rehkopf appeared before council to express support for the East End Trail System as originally planned within a natural setting. The presentation addressed concerns previously raised during a March 16 delegation and included a petition from residents advocating for the trail’s original design.
Council also considered correspondence from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee and additional residents requesting reconsideration of council’s March 16 direction regarding the east end trail section through Saugeen Cedar Heights West (SCHW) subdivision. Council directed that further deliberation be deferred until a staff follow‑up report is received. The upcoming report will outline options related to council’s direction to use sidewalks within the SCHW subdivision as part of the trail network.
Several reports were received through the consent agenda, including a staff report on 2026 donations to organizations, the 2025 Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit financial statements, the 2025 Nuclear Innovation Institute annual report, Downtown Improvement Area minutes from March 12, Grey County Council highlights from April 9 and 23 and additional correspondence related to the east end trails.
Council approved several motions, including funding the replacement of the P & H Centre wading pool sand filter at an estimated cost of $34,912 plus HST, to be funded through reserves. The replacement was deemed necessary to maintain daily pool operations.
Council also approved funding of up to $25,000 from general reserves to support the recruitment and hiring of the Town’s next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Waterhouse Executive Search has been retained for the process, with the position posted on April 30.
Additional approvals included a new election sign bylaw regulating the placement, timing and removal of election signage, as well as revisions to the Town’s discharge of firearms bylaw. The revisions were made to the discharge of firearms bylaw to ensure it reflects the characteristics and use of properties within the boundary adjustment area and to minimize disruption to established activities and routines.
Minutes from the April 20 council meeting, the CAO Ad Hoc Recruitment Committee, the Age Friendly Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee were reviewed and approved.
Before adjourning, council members shared several good news items and community updates, including the Hanover Lawn Bowling Club being selected to host two championship tournaments in 2026, the Western Ontario Drama League Festival hosted by the Hanover Community Players and the recent production of Unnecessary Farce. Additional highlights included McHappy Day on May 6, benefitting Ronald McDonald House and area foodbanks, the over 50-year reunion celebration of the Hanover Legion Oldtimers hockey team and $51,000 raised through the Hike for Saugeen Hospice on May 3. Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society’s You Make the Difference workshop, the grand opening of Flexx Gym and communication provided to property owners newly included within Hanover’s boundary as of May 1 was also shared.
Residents are reminded that the next regular council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 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.
