Mayor Paterson opened the meeting with a remembrance message for Councillor Harold Fleet. He will be remembered for his outgoing nature and friendly personality as well as his service to Hanover though his volunteer work, community involvement and service on Council.
At its recent meeting, Hanover council received a presentation from Kevin Tremble of MNP LLP on the Town's audited 2025 financial statements. The audit confirmed the Town remains in a positive financial position. Council approved both the Town of Hanover Financial Statements and Trust Fund Statements for the year ending December 31, 2025.
Council approved a bylaw appointing Andrew Wilken as Hanover's next Chief Administrative Officer, effective October 13, 2026.
Several reports and information items were received through the consent agenda, including the 2026 budget monitoring report, investment update, committee and board minutes, Grey County council highlights, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority updates and correspondence related to municipal governance, planning matters and conservation issues.
Mayor Sue Paterson also issued a directive instructing staff to prepare a draft 2027 operating and capital budget, including a five-year capital forecast, for consideration by the incoming council following the municipal election.
Council supported a resolution from the Municipality of South Huron and the Town of Penetanguishene advocating for a provincial review of the longstanding "heads and beds" payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program for provincially owned institutional facilities.
A significant discussion focused on the future redevelopment of 276 10th Street, the former BiWay and Fields Department Store building in downtown Hanover. Community engagement has demonstrated a strong desire to see the property rehabilitated, occupied and returned to productive use as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, investment attraction and economic growth. Recent discussions with the property owner's representative have identified a significant opportunity to reposition the property as a catalyst for downtown renewal. The proposed adaptive reuse project would transform the vacant building into a multi-tenant commercial destination featuring retail, professional, medical, wellness, restaurant and personal-service uses. Recognizing the property's strategic location, longstanding vacancy and redevelopment potential, council supported the project in principle and identified the site as a priority redevelopment opportunity within Hanover's Downtown Plan and Community Improvement Plan framework.
Council also received the results of a review of council compensation. Following discussion, council approved adjustments to Deputy Mayor and Councillor remuneration to align with the 2026 market median plus a 2027 Consumer Price Index adjustment. The Mayor's remuneration will remain unchanged.
To preserve a longstanding community tradition, council directed staff to replace the iconic holiday tree in Heritage Square with a new live spruce tree this fall. The current tree, planted when Heritage Square was established, has been determined to be beyond recovery and will be removed. The replacement tree is expected to be approximately 18 feet tall. Based on recommendations from forestry experts, the tree will be given adequate space to establish itself naturally within its surroundings, providing the best opportunity for long-term growth and health.
Several infrastructure projects also advanced. Council approved a budget of up to $130,000 for replacement of the Civic Centre boiler and authorized staff to proceed with tendering and contract execution if pricing falls within the approved budget. The existing boiler is more than 35 years old and has become increasingly unreliable.
Council received a financial analysis regarding the proposed sidewalks on 22nd Avenue A and the rehabilitation of the former trail parking area on 24th Avenue. Following discussion, council approved proceeding with the sidewalk and parking lot work as detailed in the report and approved reallocating up to $14,000 from the approved tax levy commitment for the previous East End Trail project to complete the work.
Updates to the Cemetery Bylaw were approved to reflect the transfer of St. George's Cemetery into Town ownership following the recent boundary adjustment with West Grey.
Looking ahead, council approved the Terms of Reference for a Library Facility Investigation Ad Hoc Committee, which will be established following the 2026 municipal election. The committee will examine potential options for a new or renovated Hanover Public Library facility, including needs assessments, feasibility studies, partner engagement, funding considerations and final recommendations to council.
During good news and celebrations, council members recognized the success of several volunteer-led community events, including the Hanover, Bentinck and Brant Agricultural Society Fall Fair, Rotary Corn Fest and the Canadian Youth Lawn Bowling Championships.