Strategic Decisions of Council - November 10, 2025

Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025 

Consent Agenda Items

2026 Budget Public Engagement Survey Results
Appointment to Wellington County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee

Strategic Decisions from Council

Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) License Amendment Agreement
Council executed a licensing amending agreement that will extend the Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) service within the Township to March 31, 2026, due to additional Provincial transportation funding.

The GOST service provides our community with a very affordable, twice-a-day option for travel north and/or south on Highway 6.

• Fergus to Guelph Central Station is $5.00 one way
• Fergus to Owen Sound Transit Terminal is $20.00 one way
• Elora to Guelph Central Station is $5.00 one way
• Elora to Owen Sound Transit Terminal is $20.00 one way

Report to Council

Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Zoning Regulation Update
Council adopted a zoning by-law amendment to regulate Additional Residential Units in Centre Wellington. 

The addition of one or more dwelling units to existing residences is a form of gentle residential intensification that has been permitted by municipal planning regulations for many years.

The Township prepared draft regulations for ARUs in accordance with the latest Provincial requirements and a statutory public meeting was held in April 2025.  Since the public meeting in April, Township staff have been reviewing ARU regulations that have been adopted by other municipalities. In addition, Township Building staff have been consulted regarding best practices from other municipalities, Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

Review the approved Zoning Amendment and the Report to Council

OLG Funding Allocation Policy
Staff brought forward a by-law to amend the OLG Funding Allocation Policy, to distribute the funds as follows: 

• 92% to Township Capital
• 4% to Community Impact Grants
• 2% to Heritage
• 2% to Economic Development 

After discussion, Council proposed and approved the following:

• Redirect the proposed 2% heritage allocation to the housing reserve for 2026

This change will be incorporated into the 2026 Budget, with review scheduled during the 2027 Budget process. 

Report to Council