Strategic Decisions of Council - March 23, 2026

Council Meeting Date: March 23, 2026

Public Meeting to Consider a Zoning Amendment
The meeting was held to modify the by-law provisions related to overnight accommodation, including hotels, motels, short-term rental accommodation, and bed and breakfast establishments. 

Consent Agenda Items

Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) License Amendment Agreement

Agreements of Purchase and Sale and Temporary Access Agreements for the Replacement of Structures 32-P and 33-P
OFM Fire Protection Grant Transfer Payment Agreement
Fergus and Elora WWTP Performance Reports, CLI ECA Sanitary and Storm Annual Report

Fergus BIA Amending By-law

Treasurer's Statement of 2025 Council and Committee Remuneration & Expenses

Treasurer's Annual Statement: 2025 Investments

Treasurer's Annual Statement: 2025 Interest Free Loans

Strategic Decisions from Council

Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Service Corporation Update Report 

Council approved and adopted the Business Case Study for the establishment of the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (MSC).  The MSC model will bring together economic development and tourism services under one organizations, providing a more flexible and responsive structure to support local businesses, attract investment and manage tourism.  It will also support the future implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) where tourism helps fund tourism-related services and other Township projects and initiatives.

The MSC will be governed by a Board of Directors, including Council representatives and Township staff, with additional public members to be recruited using a skills-based approach.  An Executive Director will also be recruited to lead the organization.  Council will continue to receive updates and maintain oversight through reporting. 

Extensive community engagement took place with the Elora and Fergus Business Improvement Areas, the Chamber of Commerce, a public open house and resident survey, Airbnb meeting and Local Accommodation Provider Information Session.  Information has also been shared on Connect CW throughout the process.

To review the thorough Report to Council, click here

Development Charges Background Study and By-law
Council approved the Township’s updated Development Charges Background Study and Development Charges By‑law, which sets out how growth‑related infrastructure will be funded as Centre Wellington continues to grow.

Development charges are fees paid by new development to help fund infrastructure required to support growth, such as roads, water and wastewater services, parks, recreation facilities, and fire services. These charges are intended to ensure that growth contributes to the cost of growth, helping to limit impacts on existing taxpayers.

The approved by‑law is based on a provincially required Background Study that reviews growth forecasts, infrastructure needs, updated capital costs, and reflects recent legislative changes affecting what can be funded through development charges. Council approved:

• A six‑month development charges rate freeze, keeping existing (January 1, 2026) rates in place until September 30, 2026
• A development charges deferral policy, allowing eligible developments to make payments over six years
• A phase in of development charges rate increases, with fifty percent of the increase effective October 1, 2026, and the remaining increase effective April 1, 2027
• A partial 25% development charges exemption for medium and high-density intensification developments (housing more dense than single and semi-detached homes)
• An updated Local Service Policy

The updated Development Charges By-law will govern how development charges are applied to new residential and non-residential development in the Township moving forward.

Report to Council

Annual Posted Speed Limit and Traffic Calming Review
Council approved the recommendations from the Township’s Annual Posted Speed Limit and Traffic Calming Review, which identifies locations where speed limit changes and traffic calming measures are needed to improve road safety.

The review is completed annually and is based on resident concerns, traffic data, and the Township’s Speed Limit Policy and Technical Approach. As part of the 2026 review, staff assessed 21 road segments across the Township and recommended speed limit reductions on five road segments, including reductions in both urban and rural areas. In addition, traffic data confirmed speeding concerns on several roads, resulting in the approval of additional traffic calming measures.

Approved measures include updated speed limit signage, digital speed display signs, and the installation of flexible bollards in locations where speeding has been identified. These changes are intended to help slow vehicle speeds, improve safety for all road users, and respond to ongoing community concerns.

Report to Council

Update on Proposed Use of 965 Gartshore Farmhouse
Council received an update on the proposed future use of the Gartshore Farmhouse at 965 Gartshore Street in Fergus, located on the site of the new Township Operations Centre.

The historic farmhouse is being retained for potential future use, and Council approved funding of up to $25,000 to complete studies needed to assess building upgrades required for a use change. While earlier discussions had focused on potential community use, staff have also identified the option of converting the building for township office space to support near‑term growth and operational needs within the Community Services Department.

Regardless of its eventual use, upgrades to the building will be required. The approved funding will allow staff to better understand the scope and cost of necessary improvements and report back to Council with recommendations on the most appropriate long‑term use of the farmhouse, including any financial impacts.

Report to Council