Time stamps included in this post refer to the corresponding moments in the linked meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB3rUTqT8qg
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tiny Township Council moved forward on a wide range of infrastructure, funding, and community issues at its January 28 meeting, many of them tied to long-term costs rather than immediate tax changes. Council received confirmation of $4.16 million in provincial funding for a major water main replacement project but confirmed water rates will still rise as planned. The meeting also addressed Tiny’s lack of family doctors, winter road conditions, progress on a new administrative building, and several routine approvals — highlighting how essential services, infrastructure pressures, and resident frustrations are converging as 2026 budget decisions are finalized.
What Happened
Council received confirmation of $4.16 million in provincial funding covering 73% of a $5.71 million water main replacement project in Lafontaine, with the remaining 27% paid by water rate users.
Staff confirmed the funding will not reduce projected water rate increases, which remain built into the township’s five- and ten-year asset management plans.
Mayor Evans reported that Tiny has no family doctors, pushing the province to change rules that require a minimum of six physicians to form a Family Health Organization — a threshold Tiny cannot meet.
Council heard updates on winter road conditions, snow fence pilots, and reminders to residents not to push snow onto roadways, as crews continue operating under heavy snowfall.
Progress was reported on the new township administrative centre, now more than 50% complete, with construction moving into vertical phases this spring.
Routine business included approving an animal control contract renewal, a zoning change, recognizing a longtime volunteer, and reviewing upcoming recreation and community events.
Why This Matters
This meeting shows how many of the decisions that affect residents’ costs and services are happening outside of a single budget vote. Even with millions in provincial funding, residents will still see planned water rate increases, while long-term infrastructure costs remain locked into future budgets. At the same time, the township continues to face gaps in essential services like primary healthcare and ongoing winter maintenance challenges. Together, these discussions highlight the pressure rural municipalities face as they try to balance infrastructure needs, service delivery, and affordability — often with limited flexibility once plans are set.
FULL MEETING COVERAGE
Tiny Township council moved forward on infrastructure projects and routine business at its January 28, 2026 meeting, approving an animal control renewal and zoning change while receiving updates on millions in provincial infrastructure funding. The nearly two-hour meeting covered everything from honouring a late councillor to addressing resident frustrations with snow-clogged roads and the township's ongoing struggle to attract family doctors.
Remembering Former Councillor Gabe Brunell
The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Gabe Brunell, a former Tiny Township councillor from 1980 to 1985 who passed away the previous week. Brunell later served on Penetanguishene council in the early 2000s.
At 12:10, his son, current Councillor Brunell, thanked the township administration for sending a news release to the community, delivering flowers to his home, and lowering flags to half-mast. He noted his father worked alongside Mayor Morris Derby, one of Tiny's longest-serving elected officials, and Clerk Garice during his time on council.
Township Recognized for Seniors Programming
Mayor Evans reported that Tiny was one of 68 Ontario communities recognized at the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Recognition Ceremony during the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto. The township received a $22,000 provincial grant to launch Nature Connect, an outdoor adventure program for seniors.
$4.16 Million Provincial Grant Covers Most of Water Project
The township secured $4.16 million from the province's municipal health infrastructure program to upgrade aging water mains in Lafontaine covering 73 percent of the $5.71 million project. Water users will pay the remaining 27 percent through their rates.
Director Leech explained at 19:11 that the public works department applied for funding in June 2025 to replace the final section of undersized water lines in lower Lafontaine. The project upgrades Wolf Trail, Tall Pines, and Forest Circle from two-inch mains to six-inch mains, improving water pressure and adding new fire hydrants.
The work is nearly shovel-ready after pre-engineering from earlier phases. Design finalization happens this summer, with construction targeted to start in summer 2027. The deadline for completion is March 31, 2029.
Will the Grant Lower Water Rate Increases?
Councillor Walma asked at 22:36 whether the grant would reduce the projected 2.19 percent annual water rate increase outlined in the township's Asset Management Program.
Director Leech said no. The five-year plan already anticipated receiving this grant, so rates will remain as projected. Leech explained the township's infrastructure deficit will be addressed through the ten-year spending plan, which includes rate adjustments built into the projections.
"The five-year plan will remain as is. The grant award definitely is going to take a big heavy burden off of us when we put the five-year plan in place... but our infrastructure deficit will continue and we'll continue knocking it down."
No Family Doctors in Tiny: Mayor Pushes Province for Rule Changes
Tiny Township has nearly 21,000 residents but not a single family doctor practising within municipal boundaries. Mayor Evans took that problem directly to the Ministry of Health on January 27, asking the province to update regulations that make it nearly impossible for rural communities to attract physicians.
The issue comes down to provincial rules for Family Health Organizations (FHOs)—the primary care clinic model Ontario uses. FHOs require a minimum of six doctors: five working physicians plus one supervisor. They also prohibit practices from being established more than 5 km from a physician's home.
Evans explained those requirements don't work in rural areas.
"It's frankly difficult to attract doctors to rural environments. We don't have a lot of housing options in Tiny right now and what we do tends to be expensive."
Ontario Health estimates 3,000 of Tiny's 13,000 to 14,000 full-time residents have no primary care physician. Another 4,000 to 5,000 rely on doctors outside the region. Evans disclosed he's one of them—his own doctor is 120 km away.
One Rule Change Coming, One Not
The delegation produced mixed results. Starting April 1, 2026, residents can register on Health Connect—the provincial waitlist for family doctors—without having to leave their current physician first. Previously, patients had to drop their existing doctor before being considered for a new local one.
But the six-doctor minimum for Family Health Organizations remains unchanged. For a rural township struggling to attract even one or two doctors, that threshold is effectively impossible to meet.
The minister suggested alternative healthcare professionals instead—nurse practitioners and dieticians—and indicated municipalities can now provide financial support to attract them. At 29:20, Evans said many healthcare workers want to avoid "the daily humdrum business" of running a practice: leasing space, billing, staffing, and administration. The township could subsidize those tasks to make Tiny more attractive.
"Right now if you have a problem you're going to a hospital... you're sitting in the waiting room for eight or nine hours… There's a lot of other things that people don't need to go to a hospital for and we can make their lives easier, more healthy, if we can provide alternatives."
Twanchi Ball Diamond Gets Named for Longtime Volunteer
Council recognized Larry Patnode's decades of volunteer work with a permanent dedication sign at Twanchi Baseball Diamond. The sign will be mounted on the snack bar at Twanchi Playground.
At 31:58, Councillor Walma said Patnode was there for all his "firsts" in minor softball, from age six or seven through adult leagues.
"He exemplifies what it is to be a team player, a coach, a community member, and a builder"
Before municipal recreation departments ran park programs, volunteers built the facilities. Patnode and others—including Fred Patterson and Councillor Walma's grandfather—raised funds through countless bingo nights at the Angel Gate bingo hall. That money installed the ball diamond lights and sprinklers.
Patnode holds numerous medals from the Ontario Amateur Softball Association across all age divisions and still stays active in the sport.
Winter Carnival and March Break Events
Director Palace outlined upcoming recreation programming. Winter Carnival runs Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Perkinsfield Park, featuring an inflatable snow maze, s'mores, free pancake lunch from Phil's Catering, snowshoeing with Free Spirit Tours, public skating, and a performance by the Penetanguishene Skating Club.
March Break programming includes a full camp program plus drop-in events: zoo shows March 18 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ($10), laser tag March 19 for ages 8+ ($10), and a princess tea party March 14 featuring character performers, decorations, and food. Tickets are selling quickly for all events.
New Administrative Centre Over 50 Percent Complete
Director Leech reported construction on the new township administrative centre is ahead of schedule despite winter weather. Foundations and footings are over 50 percent complete.
Next steps before bird nesting season include clearing the hydro corridor in line with archaeological studies and species-at-risk protocols. After May 1, once spring road restrictions lift, vertical construction begins with structural elements becoming visible.
The township continues working with its construction manager to compare all bids against original cost estimates, looking for savings while maintaining quality. An ad hoc committee continues gathering public feedback on design elements, with staff engagement sessions planned to collect workspace input.
Winter Roads: Don't Push Snow Onto the Street
Director Leech reminded residents not to push snow onto township roads or across the street to neighbours' driveways. When snow gets pushed across the road, plows just move it to someone else's entrance, creating a cycle of problems.
The township is issuing letters to residents who don't comply. With continued snowfall, roads are getting narrower and cooperation is essential.
Leech thanked plow drivers working around the clock and their families, noting,
"Somebody's got to shovel the driveway and a lot of the time it's not the plow driver that's shovelling the driveway, it's somebody at home."
He also recognized water department staff maintaining systems through storms and parks workers getting three public rinks operational in freezing conditions.
Snow Fence Trial Shows Promise
When asked about the township's first-year snow fence pilot, Director Leech said early results are positive. The township installed 125 meters of fencing on Concession 6, 125 meters on Baseline Road, and 250 meters on Concession 11 East. Plow drivers report both locations are working.
At 47:10, Leech noted the township has over twice as much snow this year compared to last. Salt becomes ineffective below minus 10 degrees Celsius—it melts snow that then immediately refreezes. The township uses a 10 percent salt-to-sand mixture with crews continuously applying product.
Crews are also testing the sidewalk machine to cut back snow banks in areas like Palm Beach where two-lane roads narrowed to one lane. The approach is showing effectiveness.
Council previously approved $15,000 for 2027 to expand snow fencing by approximately one KM using the existing fence as installation base. The township is considering taller fencing for new sections based on this year's snow volumes. Areas will be selected based on plow driver feedback about worst spots.
Why Not Plant Trees Instead?
Councillor Walma asked why the township doesn't require roadside tree planting instead of installing fences.
Director Leech explained at 50:40 that effective snow barriers need significant setback from roads to slow snow before it reaches pavement. Requiring property owners to plant trees far enough back to be effective would consume agricultural land farmers need for crops. Snow fencing allows farmers to harvest normally while still providing wind breaks.
School Funding Advocacy Coming
At 55:00, Councillor Walma gave notice he'll bring forward a motion asking council to develop an advocacy presentation with local partners requesting additional provincial funding for schools. The presentation would go to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and appropriate ministers. Debate happens at the next meeting.
Upcoming Key Dates
February 18, 2026 — Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 14, 2026 — Tiaras and Teacups Princess Tea Party, TTCC, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
March 18, 2026 — Zoo Shows, TTCC, 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
March 19, 2026 — Laser Tag, TTCC, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
April 1, 2026 — Health Connect rostering changes take effect allowing patients to register for new physicians without leaving current doctors
May 1, 2026 — Vertical construction begins at new administrative center
Summer 2027 — Lafontaine water main replacement construction targeted to commence
March 31, 2029 — Lafontaine water main replacement project completion deadline
Source Note
This analysis is based on the January 28, 2026 Regular Council Meeting and supporting documents. All quotes, timestamps, and figures are drawn directly from official meeting transcripts.