At its recent meeting, Hanover council approved minutes from the September 21 council meeting, September 14 Emergency Management Program Committee meeting, September 18 Economic, Tourism and Cultural Development Advisory Committee meeting, including Cultural Roundtable and Heritage Subcommittee minutes and the September 21 Age Friendly Advisory Committee meeting.
Several reports and correspondence items were received through the consent agenda, including updates from Ontario's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding Buy Ontario policies, the Grey Bruce Ontario Health Team annual report, Saugeen Municipal Airport Commission minutes and Community Safety and Well-Being Planning Committee minutes.
To ensure continuity of fire prevention services, council approved agreements with the Municipality of Brockton and the Municipality of Grey Highlands for the provision of fire inspection and enforcement services. The agreements provide Hanover Fire Department with expanded access to qualified NFPA-certified fire prevention personnel while the Town recruits and trains a replacement following the resignation of its Deputy Chief and Fire Prevention Officer. The agreements will help ensure the Town continues to meet its legislated responsibilities for fire prevention, inspections and enforcement.
Council also directed staff to prepare a bylaw appointing Lauren Chee-Hing of Gridin Advocates as the Town of Hanover's next Integrity Commissioner, effective January 1, 2027. Hanover's current Integrity Commissioner has provided notice of retirement, prompting a collaborative recruitment process among Grey County municipalities to identify a successor. Council was advised that Chee-Hing brings extensive experience in municipal governance, ethics, accountability, council conduct matters and conflict of interest legislation and currently provides Integrity Commissioner services to municipalities across Ontario.
During good news and celebrations, council members recognized the success of the recent Hanover Public Library Book Sale and thanked volunteers and community members who supported the event. Other highlights included a Chamber of Commerce business tour hosted by J. Switzer Properties, the opening of EH! Bistro as a new dining option in the community and the upcoming grand opening of the new Allin aircraft maintenance hangar at the Saugeen Municipal Airport on October 24. Council also noted the opportunity for residents to tour the facility during the opening celebrations.