Strategic Decisions by Council - October

Council Meeting Dates: October 14 and 27, 2025

Consent Agenda Items

Appointment to Wellington County Joint Accessibility Committee Report
Heritage Permit - 66 Moir Street, Elora
Sportsplex Office Retrofit – Update
Amendment to the AMPS By-law
Quarterly Procurement Report Q2 - 2025 (April 1 - June 30, 2025) Report
Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Grant Program Report

Strategic Decisions from Council

Transit Feasibility Study - Notice of Study Commencement and Invitation to Participate
Council received for information the Notice of Study Commencement and Invitation to Participate for the Transit Feasibility Study (TFS).  The purpose of the study is to identify a preferred transit solution that considers population and employment growth in the Township to the 2051 timeframe. The TFS will determine the conditions, financial and otherwise, under which it may be feasible to initiate a transit service for the Township. The study will assess current and future opportunities to provide transit services, potential connectivity to transit hubs in neighbouring communities, and identify a recommended transit solution.

Report to Council

Economic Development & Tourism Strategy Report
Council approved the Economic Development & Tourism Strategy, and directed staff to bring forward programs, studies, projects, and policies included in the strategy for consideration in budget deliberations. 

The strategy is a 20-year vision with a 10-year implementation plan to support sustainable economic growth, attract meaningful investment, enhance livability, and position the Township for long-term success. 

The strategy is comprised of seven interconnected strategic pillars, developed based on the situational analysis and identified priority areas. Each pillar includes recommendations and actions to guide the Township over the next ten years and beyond:

1. Capacity
2. Economic Growth & Resilience
3. Workforce & Livability
4. Investment Readiness & Infrastructure
5. Destination Development & Visitor Management
6. Placemaking
7. Brand Identity, Marketing & Communications

The approved final report can be found here

Belwood Hall Renovation – Update
The Belwood Hall Renovation Project is a key investment in a well-used and valued community facility that supports a wide range of local events, programs, and gatherings. The proposed upgrades will modernize the space, improve accessibility, and extend the life and functionality of the building for years to come. 

At the June 26, 2025, Council meeting, staff presented a Class D construction estimate for the project. The Township recently received the Class B construction estimate which provides a more informed, accurate, updated pricing that reflects the full design scope of the project. Developed in collaboration with ATA Architects, the Class B construction estimate is based on detailed design development and current market conditions, including materials, labour, and contingencies. This level of budgeting offers a more realistic understanding of the total project cost and allows the Township to refine planning, assess funding needs, and identify potential risks before entering the construction phase of the project. 

Council approved the budget top up of $980,000 as part of the 2026 Capital Budget, with $400,000 of this top up funded from grants, donations, and community partnerships. 

Project Timing:

• Council Approval – October 2025
• Final Construction Design Development – October 2025
• Permits and Approvals – Fall 2025
• Procurement - Fall 2025/Winter 2026
• Construction - Spring 2026

Report to Council

2026 Preliminary Capital Forecast: 2026 to 2029
Council approved the inclusion of the 4-Year Capital Forecast, the Bridge and Major Culverts 10-year Plan, and Vehicle, Equipment and Facilities Replacement Schedules as outlined in the Draft 2026 Budget. 

Report to Council

2026 Staff Draft Budget Update
Staff provided Council with an update on several ongoing initiatives being conducted in parallel to ensure timely adoption of the 2026 Budget for the Township of Centre Wellington - most notably:

• Public Engagement Survey
• Strong Mayor Powers
• 2026 Budget Schedule & upcoming meetings

On September 2, 2025 Mayoral Direction number 2025-001 was issued where the Mayor directed the Chief Administrative Officer and Township Managing Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer to prepare a 2026 staff budget in accordance with Staff report numbers COR2025-30, and COR2025-40. Further direction suggested the 2026 staff budget update report prepared in accordance with this directive be considered by the Mayor in October 2025 and subsequently issued as the Mayor's draft budget for public feedback and engagement, inclusive of any amendments made by the Mayor to the staff budget update. 

Staff are in the process of developing the 2026 Staff Draft Budget utilizing the following points for consideration:

1. Maintain a 2026 tax rate increase equal to or less than 2.5% excluding asset and termite management allocations.
2. That staff maintain an increase equivalent to a 2% increase in taxation during the 2026 Draft Budget process to generate the required funds to mitigate the funding gap within specific asset types identified in the Township's 2025 Asset Management Plan.
3. That staff maintain funding in the 2026 Draft Budget process to ensure sufficient Termite Management program funding.
4. Assume 2026 assessment growth equal to 2.5%, to be used to fund budget increases considered to be growth in nature, with assessment growth figures to be updated in November, when received.
5. Increase fees and charges for 2026 by 2.5%, other than where pressure on rates indicates an alternate rate change.
6. Maintain a 3-year funding average of approximately $1,900,000 in growth-related capital projects to be funded by development charges within the Draft Ten-Year Capital Forecast.
7.  Allocate the following funding to the Draft Capital Budget:
1. $7,050,000 in combined General Capital Reserve, Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), OLG Funds, and Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF).
2. An increase in funding to the tax-supported Equipment, Vehicle, and Facility Replacement Reserves to support budgetary needs.

Learn more about the 2026 Staff Draft Budget here



Fire Master Plan
Council approved awarding the Fire Master Plan RFP to Behr Integrated Solutions Inc. 

A Fire Master Plan serves as a roadmap for managing resources, identifying community risks, and ensuring that fire services are aligned with current and future needs. The Township completed its last 10-year Fire Master Plan in 2017. In 2019, Ontario legislated the requirement for every municipality, and every fire department in a territory without municipal organization to finish and review a community risk assessment (CRA) and use its assessment to guide decisions on the delivery of fire services. The Township of Centre Wellington is anticipating significant growth up to 2051, and with the revised urban boundaries, a new Fire Master Plan is warranted. 

Report to Council

2026 Municipal Election - Alternative Voting Methods
Council approved moving forward with the use of internet/telephone voting for the 2026 Municipal Election. 

With internet/telephone voting, Voter Instruction Letters (VIL) are mailed to eligible electors on the Voter’s List, with instructions on how to vote. Upon receipt of the VIL, eligible voters may vote online, using a smartphone, tablet or gaming device or a computer and any accompanying assistive devices or software, along with their date of birth, unique PIN and qualifying information, to access the internet address or telephone number provided in their Voter Instruction Letter. Electronic Voting, including the use of the internet and/or telephone voting, has been increasingly implemented across Ontario municipalities. Electronic voting modernizes the election experience for voters. It offers a convenient, accessible, and secure way to cast a vote without the need to attend a physical voting location and inherently offers flexible voting times. In addition to the ease of casting a vote, it is also easy, quick, and secure for election administration staff to issue new PIN letters should voters not receive or misplace their original. Electronic Voting offers benefits such as the integration of accessible technology, and enables the voter to verify their selections prior to casting a ballot.

Report to Council