Strategic Decisions of Council - November 24, 2025

Council Meeting Date: November 24, 2025

Consent Agenda Items

Designation By-law - 219 Farley Road, Fergus
Designation By-law - 298 Union Street E., Fergus
Designation By-law - Melville United Church, 300 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus
Intent to Demolish - Listed Property, 511 James Street, Salem
Appointments to the Elora Business Improvement Area Board of Management
Part Lot Control Exemption By-Law, Block 19 & Part Blocks 16, 21,22, Registered Plan 61M-227
Capital Project Status - September 30, 2025
Operating Results - September 30, 2025

Strategic Decisions from Council

Transit Feasibility Study - Progress Report
Council received an update on the Transit Feasibility Study, which consists of the following objectives:

• Review of background information and existing transit options, policy context, jurisdictional review, and demographic assessment.
• Develop and implement a creative community consultation and engagement plan.
• Develop a ridership forecast and identify future transit service opportunities.
• Establish evaluation criteria, evaluate alternatives and identify the recommended transit alternative.
• Develop a list of required capital projects and associated Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) project schedules as/if applicable or future permits/approvals required.
• Complete a detailed financial assessment for the preferred alternative including capital and operating budgetary requirements.
• Completion of a comprehensive TFS Project File Report in general conformity with the latest version of the MCEA document.
• Provide a high-level implementation plan and capital plan for the preferred solution.
• Project management and coordination with Township staff, including administrative support and documentation

The update included an update on the consultation and engagement with members of the public to date, and identified next steps, including a second round of community engagement in early 2026.

Review Community Feedback highlights and next steps.

2025 Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Financial Plans
Council approved the 2025 Water and Wastewater Rate Study and directed staff to incorporate the rates into future draft budgets for consideration.   

The Township prepares a Water and Wastewater Rate Study & Financial Plans (Rate Study) in conjunction with water license renewals that occur every 5 years. 

The Township has been conducting water and wastewater rate studies for 25 years, following legislative requirements and progressing towards rates that represent full cost recovery. While progress has been made over the long-term, the Township's 2025 Asset Management Plan indicates that water and wastewater assets are at approximately 60% of annual optimal investment levels. This report indicates that the Township can continue to progress to full cost recovery rates by implementing relatively minor rate increases annually.

The water (and wastewater) financial plans are a requirement for renewing the Township's water license every 5 years. They will be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) as part of that process. The financial plans intend to illustrate that the Township's water and wastewater systems are financially sustainable over the long term. 

Report to Council

Community Engagement Charter and Strategy
Council received the Community Engagement Charter and Strategy for information, with a final report to come forward for approval on December 15, 2025.

The Draft Community Engagement Charter sets out the Township’s vision for community engagement, including when and how we will engage with our community, and the circumstances in which engagement may not be required. It also clarifies the respective roles of Council, staff, and the community in decision-making. The Charter is supported by a Community Engagement Framework, which provides a step-by-step approach to ensure engagement processes are meaningful, consistent, inclusive, and equitable. The Draft Community Engagement Strategy is how we turn our commitment of meaningful engagement into action. It sets out a clear, consistent and coordinated approach for the Township to engage with our community. It’s about building trust, being more inclusive and making sure everyone has an opportunity to help shape Centre Wellington’s future. 

View the draft Community Engagement Strategy Charter and Strategy and the What we Heard engagement report.

2026 Draft Budget Debt Requirements and Capacity
Council approved the staff-prepared projection of debt requirements and a calculation of debt capacity and repayment limits.  This analysis will be included in the 2026 Staff Draft Budget.

Report to Council

Paid Parking Program Update
Staff provided Council with an update to the Downtown Elora Paid Parking Program, which is set to begin on January 5, 2026. 

The Paid Parking Program will include two distinct parking zones:

• Zone 1: Paid parking with high turnover (3-hour time limit).
• Zone 2: Paid parking for longer-term parking (current by-law: up to 24 hours).

Only visitors to Downtown Elora will have to pay for parking.  All residential property owners and residential tenants in Centre Wellington are eligible to register up to two vehicles per residence at no cost.  Commercial business owners in the Central Business District can register up to 10 non-resident employees. 

While residents who have registered their license plates continue to park for free, all users must still follow the parking rules and time limits for each zone. The Township’s year-round Parking Enforcement Program will remain in effect, and paid parking will be enforced seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn more about the program and register your license plate here