Strategic Decisions by Council - September 29, 2025

Council Meeting Date: September 29, 2025 

Consent Agenda Items

Appointment of Municipal Law Enforcement Officers - Parking By-law
Elora Rocks - Alcohol Pilot Extension
Tourism Winter Experience Recipient Recommendation

Strategic Decisions from CouncilCouncil approved the following Heritage Designations:

Heritage Designation Recommendation - 219 Farley Road, Fergus
Heritage Designation Recommendation - 298 Union Street East, Fergus
Heritage Designation Recommendation - Melville United Church

 
Municipal Accommodation Tax Implementation Update
Council approved the next steps to move forward with the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and the creation of a new Municipal Service Corporation to support tourism and economic development.

Next steps are as follows:

• Approval of the New Corporation Structure: Council approved the proposed structure for a new organization that will manage tourism and economic development services, as outlined in a report by Linton Consulting Services.
• Community Engagement: The Township will now begin consulting with the community to gather input on the plan.
• Preparation Work: Staff will start preparing the required documents, including a case study, articles of incorporation, by-laws, and agreements needed to establish the new corporation.
• Increased Funding: Council approved additional funding to support the continued implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax project.
• Reporting Back to Council: Once the engagement and draft documents are complete, staff will report back to Council for final approval before the new corporation is officially created.

These steps will help ensure the MAT is implemented effectively and that local tourism and economic growth are supported by a dedicated organization working in partnership with the community.

Report to Council

Business Park House Demolition - 6518 First Line, Fergus
The Economic Prosperity & Growth Committee met on June 19, 2025, and requested Council's endorsement of the demolition of the house and outbuilding on the business park site, subject to consultation with Heritage Centre Wellington, as required by the Ontario Heritage Act. The property is also proposed to be removed from the Municipal Heritage Register.

Staff brought this item forward for consideration at the Heritage Centre Wellington Committee meeting on September 9, 2025, as required by the Ontario Heritage Act. After some discussion, the Committee concluded that, while the subject two-storey brick farmhouse exhibits design value in its craftsmanship as an Italianate style residence that is rare or unique to this area, the property does not meet any of the other criteria outlined in O. Reg. 9/06. As a result of the research and heritage assessment conducted, it can be concluded that the property does not meet the minimum two criteria as currently required under the Ontario Heritage Act to be considered worthy of designation. As such, the property is also proposed to be removed from the Municipal Heritage Register so that it can be demolished after issuance of the required demolition permit. The Committee passed a recommendation that it did not object to the demolition of the house and outbuilding in the business park, with an additional request that staff complete a Documentation and Salvage Plan before demolition. A site visit has been scheduled to undertake this work. 

Council approved the demolition of the house and outbuilding on the business park site.

Report to Council

Housing Needs Assessment Follow-Up Report
At the July 14, 2025, Council meeting, Council received report PLN2025-34 regarding the Township’s Housing Needs Assessment (“HNA”). The HNA findings determined that Centre Wellington has a deficit in housing supply that has not kept pace with the growing needs of the current population from a household affordability and availability perspective. The HNA recommended the adoption of several strategic initiatives to address the housing gaps, organized on the following themes:

• Planning for Long-Term Population Growth Across a Diverse Range of Age Groups and Income Levels
• Regulatory and Financial Tools to Support Housing Development
• Diversifying the Housing Base and Expanding Housing Affordability Supply Opportunities

It is clear that the Township of has a larger role to play in the supply of housing in our community, particularly to address affordability needs. Based on a review of practices in other municipalities, there are several initiatives the Township could consider:

• Expand the Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) permissions to allow up to four dwelling units per property.
• Enhance the available incentives for ADUs.
• Actively participate in the provision of housing by providing a financial contribution. Donate surplus municipal land, and/or create a housing reserve fund. Township staff are currently reviewing municipally owned land.
• Create a Housing Action Plan to define the Township's role in Housing going forward.
• Create a local housing advisory committee of local citizens to support the Housing Action Plan and actively promote the need for additional housing.
• Review development standards to reduce housing barriers such as minimum lot sizes and minimum parking requirements.
• Create a plan to apply for housing enabling funding from provincial and federal governments, as well as the County of Wellington’s new program that could provide up to $1 million for local housing initiatives. 

Council directed staff to include housing initiatives described above in the 2026 Budget and Business Plan. Specifically, the following is proposed for 2026:

1. Prepare a Township Housing Action Plan
2. Investigate the creation of a Township Housing Advisory Committee
3. Investigate potential applications to Wellington County for housing funding
4.  Consider staffing implications of a Township housing mandate moving forward

Report to Council

RZ05/24 Zoning By-law Enactment - 6235 Guelph Street, Nichol (Aypa Power BESS Facility)
Council has approved a zoning change for part of the property at 6235 Guelph Street in Nichol to allow for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility.

Back in May 2025, Council supported the project, but the zoning by-law couldn't be finalized until a related County-level approval was in place. That step is now complete—the County of Wellington officially approved the required changes to their Official Plan on September 25, 2025.

With both Township and County approvals now in place, the by-law has been passed to officially change the zoning and allow the project to move forward.

Report to Council