Township Initiatives

The Inclusive Community Program supports a more coordinated approach to recognizing community identities, cultural observances, and public space requests.

Initiatives connected to this program include:

• Community flags.
• Illumination of public spaces.
• Public display.
• Diversity Calendar

Learn more about the Inclusive Community Program

DEI Advisory Committee

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee (DEIAC) is a citizen committee established by Council to provide input and recommendations on how the Township can address systemic barriers and promote DEI in all aspects of municipal life.

Mandate

• Apply a DEI lens to Township policies, services, programs, and events
• Promote racial acceptance, multicultural education, decolonization, and anti-oppression
• Advise on strategic plans, communications, and community outreach
• Ensure alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code

Areas of Focus

The Committee works within a framework that includes:

• Gender identity and expression
• Sexual orientation
• Racial and cultural equity
• Accessibility and disability inclusion
• Socio-economic justice
• Indigenous reconciliation and representation

We aim to dismantle systemic inequities and build inclusive systems through education, policy change, and community engagement.

Committee Structure

The DEI Advisory Committee includes:

Voting Members (7–10):

• Community members who reflect the diversity of Centre Wellington
• Indigenous representation as a permanent seat

Non-Voting Members:

• Council representative
• Staff liaison (Community Development)
• External partners as needed (e.g., Human Rights advisors, community organizations)

How We Work

• Meetings: Monthly public meetings (view schedule on Township calendar)
• Annual Work Plan: Reviewed and updated each year with goals, actions, and metrics
• Reporting: Annual updates to Council on progress and recommendations
• Community Engagement: Opportunities for residents to provide input or attend open forums

Resources

• DEI Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (PDF)
• Application Form to Join the DEI Committee (PDF)
• Access DEI Advisory Committee Meeting Schedules, Agendas, Minutes, Reports & More

A public education series supporting Indigenous appreciation, learning, and reconciliation.

Learn more about Two Rows Together: An Appreciation Series

In 2018, the Human Rights Commissioner sent the Township of Centre Wellington a letter requesting the Township to address the use of Indigenous names, logos and images in Township facilities, by non-indigenous groups. Among other provisions, the policy allows the banners to be reinstalled once a Permanent Contextual Display has been installed.

This display explains the banners' historical and cultural context and outline the Township’s commitment to ongoing learning and meaningful relationship building with Indigenous communities. Staff have worked closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee’s Indigenous Logos Working Group, the Riverhawks, the Elora Hawks, Indigenous partners and artist Kory Parkin to create this Permanent Contextual Display.

The permanent contextual display is approximately 19.5 feet long and 39 inches tall. The display is located in the Jefferson Elora Community Centre, directly above the doors to the lobby from the pad. This location is adjacent to where the Lacrosse banners hang.

Learn more about the Permanent Contextual Display