Strategic Decisions of Council - May 11, 2026

Council Meeting Date: May 11, 2026

Consent Agenda Items
Appointment of a Deputy Municipal Clerk

Strategic Decisions of Council

Legislative Update - Bill 98, Bill 100, and the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build
Staff brought forward the report to provide Council with an overview of Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, Bill 100, Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, and the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build.

• Bill 98 proposes wide-ranging amendments to multiple statutes, including the Planning Act, Municipal Act, 2001, Development Charges Act, 1997, and Building Code Act, with the stated intent of accelerating housing supply and reducing development costs.
• Associated Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) postings introduce proposed changes that may significantly affect municipal planning authority, including Official Plan standardization, restrictions on sustainable and enhanced development standards, proposed minimum urban lot sizes, reforms to Site Plan Control, and limits on municipal information and study requirements.
• Several proposed measures would reduce municipal discretion in areas such as site design, parkland dedication, servicing decisions, and development review processes, with potential implications for implementing local planning priorities. 
• Bill 100 proposes changes to regional governance structures, including appointed regional chairs and enhanced powers for certain upper-tier municipalities; however, no direct impacts to the Township of Centre Wellington have been identified.
• The Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build is an $8.8 billion funding initiative focused on housing-enabling infrastructure and development charge (DC) reductions, with funding prioritized for municipalities demonstrating sustained DC relief.
• Participation in the funding program may present future infrastructure opportunities, though details regarding eligibility thresholds and required DC reductions continue to evolve.

The report was provided for information purposes only to ensure Council is aware of the scope, timing, and potential implications of these initiatives.

Report to Council

Inclusive Community Policy
Council approved the Inclusive Community Policy which will replace the Municipal Flag Policy and provides an overall clear framework for how the Township recognizes communities, cultures, commemorations, and awareness initiatives in Township-owned or operated public spaces. It brings together the Township’s approach to flag displays, half-masting, illumination, recognition in public spaces, and the Township Diversity Calendar into a single, publicly accessible process. 

Report to Council