Southgate Council — Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Flato/Flat Out subdivision securities drawn — In the meeting’s most contentious item, council voted 6–0 to draw approximately $3 million in securities from Flat Out Developments (also referred to as Flato) under Finance report 2026-033, citing default on subdivision agreements across phases dating to roughly 2018. Triton Engineering will administer RFPs and supervise completion of outstanding work — incomplete sidewalks, boulevard grading, and backyard drainage — with staff warning that concrete installation season ends around mid-October. Developer representative Mr. Evruta addressed council and attributed delays to real estate market conditions; Paul Arruda of Flato also appeared during open forum to request a two-week extension on a related council resolution to allow the company to finalize a work plan.
Elevation subdivision advances — Council approved three measures enabling Signature Homes’ Phase 9 subdivision in Dundalk — rebranded “Elevation” from Edgewood Greens — to move forward. A water and wastewater capacity allocation passed by voice vote. Removal of the holding designation (PL 2026-048) and a request to extend the County’s draft plan approval lapsing date (PL 2026-058) each carried 5–1 on recorded votes, with Councillor John casting the sole dissenting vote on both. Signature has posted $4.5 million in securities and is current on all township accounts.
Integrity Commissioner named — Council appointed Ms. Chi-Hing as Integrity Commissioner, succeeding the outgoing incumbent, following a joint county recruitment process. She was also appointed Closed Meeting Investigator — a new dedicated role replacing the Ontario Ombudsman — allowing her to advise members and staff directly on closed meeting questions. Confirming by-laws will come to the next meeting.
2027 Multicultural Day supported — Council voted to back YMCA Grey Bruce Immigrant Services hosting a Multicultural Day celebration in Dundalk on June 26, 2027, with anticipated attendance of 500–700. No financial commitment was set; funding will be pursued through grants, the 2027 economic development budget, in-kind support, and sponsorships.
Community Foundation update — Community Foundation Grey Bruce reported the Southgate Community Fund — seeded by a council commitment of $30,000 annually beginning in 2020 — has grown to over $165,000. The broader foundation surpassed $25 million in assets and distributed more than $1 million in grants over the past year. The 2026 neighbourhood small grants pool of more than $2,500 was shared among five local groups; a separate $5,000 grant supported the Hopeville Kite Festival.
Other items — The Side Road 21 upgrade tender was awarded to Robust Farm Service at no cost to the township, fully funded by the consenting property owner. Council also passed resolutions supporting a doubling of the Ontario Small, Rural and Northern Infrastructure Fund and urging the province to regulate e-scooters, with MPP Paul Vickers added to the correspondence list.