Special Committee of the Whole Highlights (Budget Draft 2): November 19, 2025

Council Highlights provide a brief overview of noteworthy decisions and presentations made at Town of Penetanguishene Council meetings. Upcoming meetings, including agendas and minutes, are available on our website. This meeting is also available for viewing on YouTube Channel. 

Special Committee of the Whole (Budget Draft 2) 

• Committee received a presentation from Community REACH North Simcoe, regarding the Transportation Linking Communities 2026 budget ask of $7,865. 
• Committee received a presentation from the Guesthouse Shelter regarding the 2026 budget ask of $5,000.  
• Committee received a presentation from the Penetanguishene Curling Club regarding the $1,500 funding request for the banquet event when they host the U18 Provincial Championships, January 14-18, 2026. 
• Committee received the Charles Scott Playground Report and Letter of Support and the 2024 Fire Master Plan Status Update for information.  
• Committee approved the Aerial Fire Truck replacement, specifying that the aerial apparatus be deferred by up to five (5) years in the final draft capital plan, contingent on continued compliance with NFPA 1911 inspection, maintenance, and testing requirements. 
• Committee approved the transition of a permanent part-time Facility Operator to a full-time position and the transition of a full-time Facility Operator to a Facilities Lead Hand position with an increased operating budget of $41,919 in the 2026 final draft budget. 
• Committee defeated the transition of a full-time Communications and IT Coordinator position to a full-time Communications Coordinator position with an increased operating budget of $61,362. 
• Committee made the following changes to Budget Draft 2: 
• • Approved a 3% increase over the 2025 contribution to Community REACH North Simcoe in the amount of $7,365. 
  • Defeated the $5,000 funding request from the Guesthouse Shelter be included in the 2026 final draft budget. 
  • Approved the funding request from the Penetanguishene Curling Club in the amount of $1,500. 
  • Defeated the removal of the Charles Scott Playground project from the 2026 capital budget. 
  • Approved the removal of the Fire Master Plan project from the 2026 capital budget in the amount of $50,000. 
  • Approved the removal of the Council Chambers upgrade project from the 2027 capital budget in the amount of $45,000. 
  • Approved the utilization of the tax rate stabilization reserve and policing reserve to decrease the Town tax impact by 1%. 
• Committee approved that staff amend the Budget as directed and present the Final Draft of the Budget at the Council meeting on December 10, 2025.  

The Town of Penetanguishene publishes Council Highlights after meetings. Council encourages its residents, businesses, and stakeholders to stay up to date with Council news. Council Highlights briefly describe items of interest to the public.  To view detailed information about the topic, visit www.penetanguishene.ca