FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Here are the highlights from the South Dundas Council meeting held April 29, 2026.
For more information, contact Tia Orendi, Community Development and Communications Coordinator at torendi@southdundas.com
Iroquois Matilda Lions Club - Iroquois Beach Play Structure Legacy Project
The Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club presented a proposal to Council to partner on building a new children's playground at Iroquois Beach. The Lions Club, approaching its 80th anniversary, plans to lead fundraising efforts targeting $40,000–$95,000, while the Municipality would contribute through site preparation, installation, and its Capital Funding Program. The total project is estimated to cost between $65,000 and $120,000. The accessible, modular playground would serve children ages 2–12, with a grand opening planned for Summer 2027.
South Branch Community Fund Grants Approved
Council approved $30,000 in grants through the 2026 South Branch Community Fund, an annual fund provided by South Branch Wind Farm Limited Partnership. The Matilda Memorial Recreation Committee will receive $5,000 for community events and $5,000 for repainting pickleball courts. The Municipality of South Dundas will receive $20,000 toward roof replacement and upgrades at Matilda Hall. The funding has no impact on the municipal tax levy.
Advance Voting Dates and Locations Set for 2026 Municipal Election
Council approved the advance voting schedule for the 2026 Municipal Election, with Election Day set for Monday, October 26, 2026. Residents will have six opportunities to vote early at five locations across South Dundas, including Morrisburg, Williamsburg, Brinston, and Iroquois. Both in-person and electronic voting will be available through the municipality's voting provider, Voatz Canada Ltd. Residents may vote at any location, they are not restricted to a specific one based on where they live. A special reduced-hours voting session for residents of Chartwell Hartford Retirement Residence in Morrisburg is also scheduled for October 20.
Council Adopts Social Media Policy
Council approved a new Social Media Policy establishing clear guidelines for how the Municipality of South Dundas communicates online. The policy sets expectations for staff, Council, and the public, and confirms that the municipality's website at southdundas.com remains its primary online presence. Residents are reminded that social media is not the official channel for submitting complaints or concerns, those should be directed to the municipality by phone, email, or through the website.
Clean Yards By-Law Updated to Address Outdoor Rodent Infestations
Council approved an updated Clean Yards By-Law after a rodent complaint in Morrisburg revealed a gap in the municipality's enforcement tools. The existing by-law only addressed indoor infestations, leaving staff without the authority to compel property owners to deal with outdoor rodent problems. The updated by-law now requires property owners to keep their yards free of rodent infestations and allows the municipality to investigate and enforce compliance, including engaging a licensed pest control professional if needed. Costs incurred by the municipality to carry out the work can be recovered from the property owner.
2026 Municipal Tax Rates Approved
Council approved the 2026 municipal tax rates for South Dundas. The municipal portion of the residential tax rate increased by 3.71% compared to 2025, a smaller increase than last year's 5.45%. Property taxes will be due in two equal installments, June 30 and September 30, 2026. A penalty of 1.25% applies to any unpaid amounts after each due date.
Water Connection Fee Updated
Council approved a housekeeping amendment to update the Water Connection Fee to $6,150 per unit, bringing it in line with the wastewater connection fee increase that was approved in December 2025. The update corrects an oversight where the older water connection fee by-law had not been updated to reflect the change.
Plaza User Fees – Council Direction
Staff presented a summary of feedback received at public meetings held April 15 and 16 regarding a proposed Plaza User Fees Policy. While there was an appreciation for the municipality's goal of identifying the cost to taxpayers of its involvement at the plazas, the general sentiment at both meetings was opposition to the proposed fees, with a preference for maintaining the status quo. A petition on the matter was also received.
Council decided not to move forward with the proposed Plaza User Fees. Instead, staff have been directed to create a Level of Service Policy for the Morrisburg and Iroquois Plazas. This policy will clearly outline what the Municipality is responsible for, so businesses know what to expect from staff. Presently, there is no anticipated change to the services municipal staff currently provide; the goal is to document current practice and create a clear process for how future service improvements can be requested by business owners.
ATV By-Law Review – Next Steps
Staff presented a report on next steps following a delegation from the Nation Valley ATV Club, which requested that South Dundas loosen or remove restrictions on ATV use within the municipality's road network. Currently, ATVs are permitted on all municipal roads north of Highway 401, but are restricted on most roads south of the 401, limiting access to communities like Morrisburg and Iroquois. The Nation Valley ATV Club's goal is to allow riders to access local businesses for fuel, food, and accommodations. Staff are supportive of loosening the existing restrictions, noting the potential benefits for outdoor adventure tourism and local businesses, and recommended that any changes be followed by engagement with the ATV Club and SDG Counties to identify safe, well-marked routes. Council directed staff to return to Council to repeal the existing by-law in it’s entirety.
Proactive Spring Property Standards Inspections Underway
Staff presented a report informing Council that in addition to the municipality's usual complaint-based approach to by-law enforcement, proactive property inspections are being conducted this spring under the Clean Yards By-Law, Property Standards By-Law, and related legislation. The goal is to encourage property owners to maintain safe and clean properties, and to help bring longstanding non-compliant properties into compliance. Staff will work with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance before pursuing formal enforcement measures.
Upcoming Regular Council Meetings
- May 13, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- June 10, 2026
- July 8, 2026
- August 5, 2026
Upcoming Committee of the Whole Meetings
- May 8, 2026