January Strategic Decisions by Council

Council Meeting Date: January 26, 2026

Consent Agenda Items

Victoria Park Seniors Centre Advisory Board Appointments
Public Highway Dedication By-law
Appointment of a Deputy Clerk
Intent to Demolish, Listed Property - 27 Broken Front Path Pvt., Elora

Strategic Decisions from Council

 2026 Community Investment Fund Recommendations
Council approved the Community Investment Fund allocations as recommended by the Healthy Communities Advisory Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.  These funds support community organizations, initiatives and events that contribute to community well-being, cultural vibrancy and economic development. 

A total of $128,642 was requested across 35 applications. Of the requested funding, $105,102 is considered eligible and was approved for award in accordance with the 2026 budget allocations. 

For a list of Applicants and Financial Requests, view the Report to Council 

Use of Indigenous-Themed Names, Logos and Images within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy
Council approved the bylaw to adopt the Use of Indigenous-Themed Names, Logos and Images within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy.

In 2018, the Ontario Human Rights Commissioner sent a letter to the Township of Centre Wellington requesting that the Township address the use of Indigenous names, logos, and images within Township facilities by non‑Indigenous groups. In response, the Township developed the Use of Indigenous‑Themed Logos and Imagery Within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy.

This policy was drafted by the DEI Advisory Committee’s Indigenous Logos Working Group, with meaningful involvement and guidance from Indigenous partners as well as representatives from local lacrosse organizations.

Among other provisions, the policy allows the banners to be reinstalled once a Permanent Contextual Display has been installed. This display will explain the banners' historical and cultural context and outline the Township’s commitment to ongoing learning and meaningful relationship building with Indigenous communities. Staff have been working 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 the draft Permanent Contextual Display.

To learn more about the policy, the contextual display and the artist, view the Report to Council  

Stormwater Management Facility By-law
Council approved a by-law to regulate and prohibit activity in and around stormwater management facilities (SWMF) within the Township.

The by-law regulates certain activities around the Township's stormwater management facilities. The primary purpose of SWMFs is to protect our community from flooding and pollution. SWMFs include specialized landscaping and maintenance access routes which serve as recreational trails. When people enter, disturb, or use SWMFs in ways they are not designed for, such as dumping waste, riding motorized vehicles, or damaging vegetation, it can negatively affect the system and may result in safety hazards from flooding and/or damage to private property and the environment. 

Learn more about how to stay safe an ensure the SWMFs remain effective in preventing flooding and protecting water quality in our creeks, streams, and rivers by reviewing the Report to Council

Downtown Elora Traffic Study
Elora has experienced significant growth in recent years, causing noticeable traffic congestion in the downtown core at certain times of day. With the Township’s population expected to grow to 58,100 by 2051, new development plans in progress, and tourism-related visits to the community, traffic and pedestrian volumes in downtown Elora are anticipated to continue to increase. To accommodate additional vehicles and pedestrians, new strategies are needed to enhance traffic flow and provide all road users with safe and efficient travel. 

Council approved the staff recommendation that a study be completed to assess current traffic conditions in the downtown core and provide strategies to address congestion. Township staff will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP), seeking to retain a qualified consulting firm with expertise in traffic management and impact assessments to complete this assignment. This project, led by the Township, will be completed in partnership with Wellington County. 

Report to Council

Craighead Cottage Lease Agreement with Groves Memorial Community Hospital
Council approved a Lease Agreement between Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) and the Township for the use of 495 Union Street West, Fergus, for Healthcare Professional Recruitment accommodation.

At the April 24, 2023, meeting, Council approved the use of the farmhouse located at 965 Gartshore Street, Fergus, as accommodation for health‑care professionals. With the development of the new Township Operations Centre at that site, an alternative location was required. Township staff identified Craighead Cottage, located at 495 Union Street West in Fergus, as the new accommodation facility.

On May 12, 2025 Council approved funding to renovate Craighead Cottage in support of the Township’s healthcare recruitment partnership with Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH). Renovations have since been completed, and GMCH has taken occupancy of the property.

This important partnership demonstrates the Township’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare recruitment and retention—an essential priority for maintaining strong, accessible, and sustainable health services for our community.

Report to Council