Smooth Rock Falls council reviews OPP cost-sharing, orders housing incentive review, sets ROMA delegations, passes by-laws
Smooth Rock Falls council met on November 3, 2025, reviewed OPP cost-sharing for the James Bay East Detachment Board, directed administration to examine housing incentives, approved 2026 ROMA delegation requests, and passed by-laws on building appointments and snow and ice removal.
The items affect how policing costs are shared among neighbouring municipalities, steps the Town may take to attract residential development, and winter maintenance rules.
Council reviewed correspondence and the 2025 invoice from the James Bay East OPP Detachment Board. After analyzing the Board’s cost-sharing models, council concluded the current Equal Share Model places a disproportionate financial burden on smaller municipalities. Administration was directed to collaborate with Moosonee and Cochrane to review options and agree on a model that better reflects population, assessment, and service demand factors for each municipality.
Council received a report titled “Results for Residential Housing Development Opportunities.” Administration was directed to review terms and explore incentives or partnerships aimed at attracting residential developers to Smooth Rock Falls. Recommendations will be brought forward at a future meeting.
Council approved submitting delegation requests for the 2026 ROMA Annual Conference. The Town will seek a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure to discuss sustainable infrastructure and asset management in small northern municipalities. It will request a meeting with the Solicitor General to address rising policing costs. It will seek a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to advocate for keeping small municipalities affordable and sustainable. It will also request a meeting with the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth for updates on NOHFC projects and to discuss potential new applications.
Council gave final reading and passed two by-laws. By-law 2025-77 appoints a Building Official and Inspectors under the Building Code Act, 1992. By-law 2023-72 regulates the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, highways, and municipal rights-of-way.
During question period, a resident asked whether administration had discussed the possibility of an RV dumping station with the future truck stop owner. Administration said the owner is exploring feasibility and that council will be updated when more information is available.