Hanover council addressed several infrastructure, planning and governance matters during its May 19 meeting.
Council received several reports through the consent agenda, including quarterly operational updates for the Town’s water and wastewater treatment plants, April minutes from the Hanover Police Service Board, Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes and a County of Bruce notice of consent decisions related to Candue Homes on Bruce Road 10.
Mayor Sue Paterson also highlighted a restructuring order issued by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing affecting the Town of Hanover and the Municipality of West Grey.
Council received four pieces of correspondence from residents regarding the proposed East End trail loop, with submissions expressing support and providing feedback related to council’s March 16 direction to explore sidewalk options in place of a natural trail section.
Council approved the decommissioning and removal of the 7th Avenue water tank, originally constructed in 1957, awarding the work to IQ Environmental Inc. at a cost of $336,315, excluding HST.
Part lot control exemptions were also approved for several properties on 18th Street to facilitate the creation of rights-of-way. Council also approved amendments to the Town’s fence bylaw to ensure it reflects the installation and maintenance of fences within areas affected by recent boundary adjustment.
A detailed staff report provided an update on the new Hanover Police Service station planned for 443 10th Avenue. The project has reached approximately 80 per cent design completion, with the current proposal outlining a 15,500-square-foot, two-storey building that includes additional space requirements due to site, adjacent building layout and accessibility considerations, including an accessible public washroom on the east side of the police station, as recommended in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The project team along with the consultant team has a design that meets the department’s needs of today with the ability of expansion in future years. The updated Class B/C cost estimate for the project is $11.3 million, including non-recoverable HST, an increase from the previously approved $8.59 million estimate for a smaller facility. Council approved the revised budget and authorized staff to proceed with tendering. Staff were also authorized to award the contract during a potential “lame duck” period, provided costs remain within the approved budget. The annual impact remains in line with the Town of Hanover’s long-term financial plan.
Council approved April 27 finance committee minutes and passed bylaws related to part lot control, fence bylaw amendments and confirmation of council proceedings.
Before adjourning, council members shared community highlights, including recognition of the Hanover Community Players for hosting the Western Ontario Drama League Festival, a successful Hanover Public Library fundraiser supported by Canadian Tire and the upcoming opening day of the Hanover Raceway’s 2026 season on June 6.
Residents are reminded that the next regular council meeting will take place on Monday, June 1, 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.
