Brockton Council Meeting — Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Data centre resolution Council unanimously endorsed a resolution backing the Municipality of Concartness’s recommendations to Ontario on the proposed Data Centre Playbook, ahead of the province’s September 12 comment deadline. The resolution calls on the province to give all municipalities a meaningful role in data centre approvals, protect prime agricultural land from loss or fragmentation, and require proponents — not existing taxpayers — to cover all costs for water, wastewater, roads, and emergency services. The motion was forwarded to the province with copies to Bruce County and all member municipalities. Councillor Elphick cautioned that the resolution’s “large-scale” qualifier may be insufficient, as no clear provincial definition of that threshold exists.

Eastridge Business Park land sale Council entered closed session at 7:42 p.m. to consider an Offer to Purchase for the Eastridge Business Park, then enacted Bylaw 76 — the East Ridge Business Park Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Scott Street pedestrian review Council received a staff report recommending no new formal crosswalk measures on Scott Street. OPP recorded zero pedestrian-related accidents on the corridor in two years; daily traffic runs 1,200–1,500 vehicles. Staff noted the 100-metre stretch in front of the post office already functions as a de facto crosswalk given full-length parking, making a mid-block crossing non-standard under TAC and MTO guidelines. Sign improvements were flagged as an immediate action; a traffic island is a longer-term option to be revisited at full reconstruction.

Debt repayment capacity CFO Peabody reported Brockton’s annual debt servicing sits at approximately 8% of its legislated 25% repayment limit, down sharply from 17.01% in 2023 following retirement of roughly $3.25 million in loans, including the Easteridge Business Park loan. Several councillors cautioned that any new borrowing should be accompanied by a full fiscal discussion and a responsible repayment plan.

2027 Fees and Charges — Bylaw 74 Council unanimously adopted the 2027 fees and charges schedule via Bylaw 74, with most adjustments in the $0.50–$1.00 range across a 45-page document.

IPM vendor fee waiver Council unanimously waived business licensing fees for 16 food vendors at the International Plowing Match (September 22–26), foregoing roughly $4,200 in revenue. The IPM was also declared a Significant Event in the Municipality of Brockton.

Housing growth report directed Following a letter from resident Mr. Hallam — present in the gallery — council directed staff to compile a report on housing growth and service capacity. The Mayor noted Brockton has added approximately 345 units this council term, representing roughly 510 new residents. Several councillors raised concerns about coordination gaps between municipal, county, provincial, and Ontario Health planning bodies.

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