Port Hope council covered a full agenda at its October 21 meeting, ranging from housing and public safety to recreation and accessibility.
Youth Councillors Emily and Mason opened the evening by highlighting local events, including Breakfast Television’s recent live broadcast downtown, and encouraged residents to stay alert for children during Halloween celebrations.
Council received an update from Mary Catherine O’Neill and Anthony Dew of the Inter-Municipal Taskforce on Housing. Following the presentation, Council endorsed the Taskforce’s ongoing efforts and authorized senior staff participation in upcoming intermunicipal meetings to identify policy changes and streamline housing development. The Mayor was also directed to issue a letter of support recognizing the collaborative approach to addressing regional housing needs.
Several other key items were approved, including the concept for a year-round tennis facility at the Town Park Recreation Centre, with staff now negotiating a lease and user agreement with the Port Hope Racquet Club. Council also directed the Police Services Board to find additional cost savings in its 2026 budget and report back by November 4.
In other business, Council adopted revised Terms of Reference for the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee, enacted a new Civic Address By-law to improve emergency response, and appointed Devanne Kripp as Deputy Clerk.
Council also received updates on the Garden Hill Dam from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority and the Safe Community Project Zero Campaign, which will distribute 198 carbon monoxide alarms to vulnerable households.
The Noise By-law review was deferred to November 18 to allow additional public engagement.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)