Strategic Decisions by Council - February 9, 2026

Council Meeting Date: February 9, 2026

Public Meeting to Consider a Proposed Development Charges Background Study and By-law
A public meeting was held to allow the public to ask questions, provide comments, and make representations on the Development Charges Background Study and proposed by-law.  Council did not take any action on this report or by law at this time. 

Presentation & Announcements - MPP Joseph Racinsky
MPP Joseph Racinsky appeard to Council to announce that as part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing $1,086,040 to help Centre Wellington resurface Tower Street South from McQueen Boulevard to Union Street and Bridge Street from Union Street to Queen Street (Fergus). The funding is being delivered through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program, which helps maintain vital roads and bridges that connect people to good jobs, support the movement of goods and drive economic growth in rural and northern communities.

Consent Agenda Items

Designation By-law - 179 Victoria Crescent, Elora
Designation By-law - 64 Colborne St., Elora
Designation By-law - 7324 Wellington County Road 21, Pilkington

Strategic Decisions from Council

Confederation Park Revitalization Plan
Council has approved the Confederation Park Revitalization Plan, marking an important step toward preserving and enhancing one of the Township’s most valued community spaces. The plan outlines a phased approach that prioritizes ecological stewardship and safety improvements first, while allowing flexibility for future enhancements as community needs and funding evolve.

The Township retained GSP Group Inc. to lead a comprehensive community engagement process and develop a Concept and Revitalization Plan for the park. Listening was central to the project, with residents’ ideas and concerns gathered through ongoing engagement activities and interest-group interviews helping to shape the guiding principles for the plan.

The project recommends a phased approach, prioritizing foundational improvements in Phase 1 and enabling flexible integration of future enhancements based on evolving community needs and available funding.

Phase 1 – Land Stewardship (2026) 

• Ecological assessment and invasive species management plan. 
•  Removals of invasive species.
• Removal of the existing pavilion and the remnants of a former structure located in a wooded area on-site, which are in poor repair and could represent safety hazards.
• Sightline clearing through removal of invasive species and brush, with emphasis on the preservation of mature native trees.
• Replacement of a deteriorated boardwalk and creek crossing with an improved accessible structure.
• Adding educational and advisory signage, providing detail on the history of Confederation Park from the perspective of Indigenous Communities and more recent settlers.
• Enhancement of seating options.

For more information on the project and future phases, Report to Council

Bridge and Transportation Network Study: Preliminary Preferred Alternative for Bridges 21-WG, 29-WG and 30-WG
The Township has conducted a study of Bridges 21-WG, 29-WG and 30-WG to identify and evaluate alternative solutions to address the advanced deterioration of the aging infrastructure.

The existing bridges in the study are all narrow, single-lane structures that have exceeded their service life at an age approaching 100 years. Structures 21-WG and 30- WG have been closed to vehicle traffic due to their poor condition, decreased load-carrying capacity, and public safety concerns. Bridge 29-WG remains open; however, it has a load limitation of 5 tonnes and is in very poor condition.

Based on a detailed evaluation and considering the feedback received through the consultation process, the preferred solution is Alternative 8 – Replacement of Bridges 21-WG, 29-WG, and the removal without replacement of Bridge 30-WG. Council endorsed Alternative 8.

To review all alternatives and to learn more about the study, Report to Council