13 - June 23, 2026 Public Meeting MinutesElginCounty
Elgin County Public Meeting
Minutes
June 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON
Members Present: Warden Dominique Giguere
Deputy Warden Grant Jones
Councillor Ed Ketchabaw
Councillor Mark Widner
Councillor Jack Couckuyt
Councillor Todd Noble
Councillor Mike Hentz
Councillor Richard Leatham
Members Absent: Councillor Andrew Sloan (with notice)
Staff Present: Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer
Nicholas Loeb, Director of Legal Services
Brian Masschaele, Director of Community & Cultural Services
Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services
Mat Vaughan, Director of Planning and Development
Holly Hurley, Director of People & Culture
Joe Anne Holloway, Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Katherine Thompson, County Clerk/Manager of Administrative
Services
Stefanie Heide, Executive Performance Coordinator
Lindsay King, Policy Planner
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Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. with Warden Giguere in the chair.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
Reports of Staff or Consultants
3.1 Policy Planner - Clovermead Official Plan Amendment
The Policy Planner presented a report providing planning analysis and a
recommendation regarding Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 01-
26 for lands municipally known as 11302 and 11460 Imperial Road,
located in the Township of Malahide. The application proposes to amend
the Elgin County Official Plan to permit a site -specific large-scale agri-
tourism use associated with the existing Clovermead Adventure Farm
operation within lands designated Agricultural.
Moved by: Councillor Noble
Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones
RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Clovermead Official Plan Amendment"
from the Policy Planner dated June 23, 2026 be received and filed.
Motion Carried.
4. Public Comments
Chris Hiemstra, owner of the Clovermead Adventure Farm, spoke about his
business and how it evolved gradually from an apiary into an Adventure Farm.
Mr. Hiemstra's application is requesting this amendment to the County Official
Plan so that his business can grow in a well -planned manner. He expressed how
much he enjoys living and building a business in Elgin and that he wants to
continue to run an attraction that Elgin County can be proud of. He thanked
Council for their consideration.
Ruchika Angrish, from The Angrish Group provided an overview of some of the
proposed upgrades. replacements, and repairs that would be able to move
forward should the OPA be approved. These include upgrades to existing
pedestrian and traffic flows, washroom upgrades, and interactive educational
facilities to enhance farm experiences. Ms. Angrish also outlined the reports and
studies completed as part of the process including:
• Planning Justification Report
• Scoped Agricultural Impact Assessment
• Proposed Site Plan
• Minimum Distance Separation Report
• Hydrogeological Assessment
• Traffic Impact Assessment
• Functional Servicing Report
• Stormwater Management Report
5. Closed Meeting Items
None.
6. Motion to Rise and Report
None.
7. Adjournment
Moved by: Councillor Leatham
Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones
RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 9:52 a.m.
Motion Carried.
FAA =�JYIVO �"WOA - I M t WAAAM"R_20
County Clerk/Manager of
Administrative Services.
DominiquAeCG i e,
Warden.
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