The Rural Municipality of Dufferin approved its 2026 taxation bylaw, advanced several recreation and infrastructure projects and later approved the purchase of a new excavator during meetings held April 14 and May 12.
Council gave second and third reading to By-law No. 2041 during its April 14 regular meeting, formally adopting the municipality’s 2026 financial plan and setting the rates and levies for the year.
Council also approved more than $1 million in accounts, totalling $1,046,375.08.
Several utility and recreation matters were discussed during the meeting, including approval for three new water line installations at properties in the municipality and nearby Roseisle.
“The RM continues to see steady growth in rural water servicing demand, averaging approximately 10 new connections each year,” CAO Sharla Murray said. “Most of these connections are associated with newly built homes within the municipality.”
Council also approved the Carman Minor Soccer Phase 1 project proposal, estimated at $270,000, with the project to be fully funded through the organization’s fundraising efforts.
“Carman Minor Soccer is currently in the fundraising stages for the future development of two new soccer pitches,” Murray said. “The Phase 1 approval supports the project moving forward once fundraising goals have been achieved.”
Additional recreation-related decisions included approving a grounds maintenance agreement for the Memorial Hall for the 2026 season and hiring Jay S. Asuncion as a full-time recreation labourer at a starting wage of $19.88 per hour.
“The position was filled to replace a previous employee who had left the organization,” Murray said.
Council also approved a subdivision application from Oak Ridge Holdings Ltd. to create an approximately 8.89-acre parcel from a larger property in the northeast quarter of Section 12-7-7W, subject to a variance approval from the Carman Dufferin Grey Planning District.
During the May 12 special meeting, council heard a presentation from representatives of Brandt John Deere regarding excavation technology and the potential benefits of 3D ditching systems for municipal operations.
The presentation outlined how GPS- and GIS-based excavation systems can improve ditching accuracy, reduce operator training requirements and help avoid damage to underground infrastructure by tracking culverts and ditch elevations.
“The RM is looking to replace its existing excavator, which is nine years old and lacks built-in technology capabilities,” Murray said. “Newer equipment options include integrated 2D systems, with the potential to upgrade to 3D technology separately.”
“Regardless of the final unit selected, the updated technology is expected to improve the municipality’s ditch maintenance programs and operational efficiency,” she added.
Council later approved the purchase of a CAT 320-07 excavator for $388,000 plus taxes, including a 60-month or 4,000-hour warranty package. The municipality will trade in its 2017 CAT 320F excavator for $125,000 plus taxes as part of the agreement.
“The new excavator includes technology expected to improve training, efficiency, and accuracy of completed work,” Murray said.
“The RM will continue focusing on its ongoing maintenance program, including drainage and ditch maintenance throughout the municipality,” she added.
Council also approved a Fire Safety Emergency Manager contract during the special meeting and accepted financial statements covering January through April 2026.
Several items remained tabled, including amendments to the municipality’s 2025 waterline connections bylaw, the industrial park development agreement and an estimate related to the Carman Concrete Bridge PIER Phase 2 project.
