Mayor Sue Paterson opened the October 19 council meeting with a message of condolences following the tragic events at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, Alberta, on October 17. On behalf of council, staff and the community, Mayor Paterson extended sympathy to the Canadian Armed Forces community, the families and loved ones affected, and all those grieving the loss.
Council approved minutes from the October 5 council meeting, September 28 Finance Committee meeting, October 6 Cultural Roundtable meeting and October 6 Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee meeting.
Several reports were received through the consent agenda, including quarterly updates for the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant, progress reports on the Civic Centre Boiler Replacement and Hanover Police Station projects, Grey County council highlights, Downtown Improvement Area minutes and Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit Board minutes.
Council awarded the Civic Centre Boiler Replacement project to KDG Plumbing Ltd. at a cost of $89,950.43 plus HST. The existing boiler, which heats the Municipal Office, Council Chamber and Hanover Public Library, had reached the end of its service life and required replacement to ensure reliable operation.
Council also received an update on the new Hanover Police Station project. Following a competitive tender process that attracted five bids, the project was awarded to Domm Construction Ltd. at a cost of $10.18 million plus HST. The total project budget, including construction, consulting, engineering, furniture, permit and legal costs is $11,247,961, which remains within the approved maximum budget at $11.30 million. The new facility is planned for the former fire hall property at 443 10th Avenue.
To support long-term financial planning, council approved a new Long-Term Financial Sustainability Framework. The framework is intended to guide future decisions related to municipal services, infrastructure, growth and financial policies while maintaining fiscal responsibility and financial resilience.
Council also adopted a Legacy Fund Policy, establishing a governance and investment framework for a potential fund created through proceeds from the sale of the Town's Westario shares. The policy is intended to preserve capital, generate sustainable investment income and provide long-term financial benefits for current and future residents.
Council approved a Community Improvement Program Tax Increment Equivalent Grant agreement for the redevelopment of the former Dickies Canada building at 612 10th Avenue. The project will see the long-vacant property converted into a 39-unit apartment building with resident amenities. The incentive supports redevelopment by phasing in municipal property tax increases resulting from the property's increased assessment, helping bring a key site back into productive use while adding new housing supply in Hanover.
During good news and celebrations, council members highlighted the newly planted Heritage Square holiday tree, the Hanover and District Hospital Foundation's upcoming Bingo Bash event, the downtown Trick or Treat Trail on October 30, the Lions Club Disco Inferno fundraiser and reminders about municipal election voting and help centre hours.
