FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2026
Here are the highlights from the South Dundas Committee of the Whole meeting held May 8, 2026.
For more information, contact Tia Orendi, Community Development and Communications Coordinator at torendi@southdundas.com
Council Reviews Municipal Fleet to Improve Long-Term Planning
South Dundas Council received a detailed information report on the state of the municipality's fleet and equipment, presented by CAO Benjamin de Haan and department directors.
The municipality operates approximately 64 pieces of equipment across five departments; Public Works, Fire and Emergency Services, Recreation, Building/Bylaw, and Water/Wastewater, with a combined replacement value of $15.2 million.
Using repair data going back to 2016, staff assessed whether existing replacement timelines remain appropriate. Light-duty vehicles are performing well beyond their current six-year replacement schedule, and staff recommended extending that interval to ten years. Plow truck repair costs were found to roughly double between early service and the eight-to-twelve year range, with several units flagged for elevated costs. Fire apparatus, while expensive to replace, proved inexpensive to maintain, supporting a strategy of extending service life where certification standards allow.
The most significant near-term pressure on the reserve is the anticipated replacement of two Williamsburg fire units at a combined estimated cost of $2 million, which will push the reserve into deficit by 2028. Without those replacements, the current $800,000 annual contribution is sufficient for the rest of the schedule.
Council Addresses Pre-Amalgamation Streetlights on Stampville Road
Council considered a report from Director of Transportation Jeff Hyndman regarding a long-standing streetlight arrangement on Stampville Road that predates amalgamation.
Prior to amalgamation, the former Matilda Township assumed responsibility for streetlights on Stampville Road, including lights installed on private residential properties that serve no pedestrian or road traffic purpose. That responsibility carried over to the Municipality of South Dundas. Several of those lights are no longer functioning, prompting resident inquiries about repairs.
Following the discussion, Council advised staff to identify which lights are currently operational and to advise the affected residents accordingly. Once lights stop working, they will not be restored.
Council Receives Update on 15 Surplus Municipal Properties
South Dundas Council received an update on 15 municipal properties that are no longer needed for municipal purposes, presented by Community Development and Communications Coordinator Tia Orendi, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities David Jansen, and CAO Benjamin de Haan.
The properties range in size and type across the municipality, each at a different stage from early assessment to completed sales. Three properties have been sold to adjacent owners: Vacant Land on County Road 8, Carr Road, and the Hanes Road allowance. A fourth property, 10718 West End Terrace, is currently listed for sale.
Staff are preparing a draft Request for Proposals for the Coyle Drive Park property, which will include a requirement for a public park. An Expression of Interest document has been prepared for the Hadley Street Lockmaster Property, and properties on County Road 16 and County Road 18 are being surveyed in advance of going to market.
The Morrisburg Lagoon Property has not been declared surplus; a Record of Site Condition and file search will be completed to determine its suitability for future development or disposal.
Upcoming Regular Council Meetings
- May 13, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- June 10, 2026
- July 8, 2026
- August 5, 2026