Council considering changes to the Heritage Days celebration.

The Township of Schreiber Council and Committee of the Whole met on March 24, 2026, to address infrastructure updates, policy adjustments, and community programming. The meeting moved through several administrative resolutions, including the approval of previous minutes, expense reports, and amendments to previous financial resolutions.

Council approved several critical measures for the water treatment system, including a coagulant study conducted by the Walkerton Clean Water Center. They also accepted a quotation from the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for filter media replacement at the water treatment plant. Staff clarified that while work will continue through the spring, the system will maintain enough capacity to keep the municipal splash pad operational during the summer months.

Due to the absence of a Recreation Programmer, the CAO proposed shifting Heritage Days away from a “carnival” style toward a history-focused celebration. The new vision emphasizes Schreiber’s railroad roots and Italian heritage, potentially featuring narrated museum tours, storytelling at the beach, and traditional Italian children’s games rather than high-liability attractions like bouncy castles.

Council passed a resolution strongly opposing potential provincial changes that could reduce or eliminate locally elected school trustees. Members expressed that rural and northern communities rely on these representatives to reflect local priorities and advocate for students. A formal letter will be sent to the Minister of Education requesting a government pause and a province-wide consultation on school board governance.

The Director of Operations presented updated Emergency Evacuation Plans, which now include protocols for various emergencies beyond fire, such as chemical spills. Additionally, the Fire Department reported that call volumes decreased in 2025 and noted a rare year with zero fire calls.