Strategic Decisions of Council - September 28, 2026
Consent Agenda Items
Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) License Amendment Agreement
Strategic Decisions from Council
Cash-in-Lieu of Parking – 82 Metcalfe Street, Elora
Council has approved a cash-in-lieu of parking agreement for 82 Metcalfe Street in downtown Elora.
The property owner is repairing and renovating the building following a 2025 fire. The approved project includes four commercial units on the ground floor and five residential units above.
The Township’s zoning by-law requires five parking spaces for the residential units. Because there is not enough space on the property to provide parking, and previous off-site parking arrangements are no longer available, Council approved a cash payment in place of the required spaces.
The original staff report recommended a payment of $25,000, or $5,000 per parking space. Council approved a motion requiring the owner to pay the amount set out in the Township’s Fees and Charges By-law instead. This is $9,807 per space, for a total contribution of $49,035.
Staff will bring the revised amount to the property owner. If the owner agrees to the terms, they can proceed with a building permit for the approved repairs and renovations.
Funds collected through the agreement may be used toward parking facilities that serve the downtown commercial area.
650 Victoria Terrace - County Official Plan Amendment Endorsement (File OP-2025-09)
Council has endorsed an amendment to the County of Wellington Official Plan for 650 Victoria Terrace in Fergus. The amendment will redesignate the property from an Employment Area to a Delineated Built-up Area. This is the first step needed to consider redevelopment of the site for housing.
The proposed redevelopment would replace the existing industrial buildings with a cluster townhouse development. Following public, agency and staff feedback, the proposal was revised to:
- Reduce the number of townhomes from 192 to 180
- Remove the proposed commercial space
- Add a publicly accessible municipal park
- Increase tree protection and landscaped buffers
- Remove one vehicle entrance from Victoria Terrace
The site is surrounded on three sides by residential neighbourhoods, a school and other institutional uses. Planning studies found that the property is not well suited for long-term industrial use and that changing the designation would not affect the Township’s supply of employment lands.
The County of Wellington will now consider the Official Plan Amendment. If it is approved, Township staff will bring forward further reports on the local Official Plan Amendment and zoning changes required for the proposed development.
Detailed matters, including traffic, pedestrian safety, servicing, noise, tree protection, parking and site design, will continue to be addressed through future planning approvals.
Fire Master Plan Approval
Council has approved the comprehensive Fire Master Plan (FMP) that provides strategic direction for the delivery of fire protection services over the next ten years. The FMP was developed through a detailed review of community risk, population growth projections, emergency response performance, staffing models, facilities, apparatus, fire prevention services, training programs, and organizational governance. The plan identifies continued population growth, changing community demographics, increased development, intensity, volunteer firefighter recruitment pressures, and evolving emergency response expectations as key factors influencing future service delivery.
The FMP concludes that Centre Wellington Fire Rescue (CWFR) is currently providing an effective, professional, and valued service to the community. However, strategic investments in governance, staffing, fire prevention capacity, technology, leadership development, facilities, and long-term station planning are required to ensure the department remains aligned with community needs and emerging risks.
Bissell Park Multi-Use Pad Update
Council has approved the next phase of the Bissell Park Multi-Use Pad Replacement Project.
The existing pad has reached the end of its service life. The replacement will provide a renewed, more accessible space for a range of activities, including basketball, ball hockey, hockey, pickleball, lacrosse, fitness programs and community events.
The approved design includes:
- A new concrete multi-use pad
- New boards, netting, lighting, basketball hoops and court markings
- Improved accessible pathways and connections to the pavilion
- Landscaping, drainage and site improvements
- Underground piping and related infrastructure to support a possible future refrigerated ice surface
The project design was developed with input from the Bissell Park Working Group and the Wellington County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Staff will complete the detailed design, permits and approvals before issuing a construction tender. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, with the renewed facility anticipated to open in summer 2027.
Interim Control By-law - Data Centres
Council has approved an Interim Control By-law to temporarily prohibit new data centres in specified industrial zones across Centre Wellington.
The by-law applies to lands zoned Industrial (M1), General Industrial (M2), and Industrial Business Park (M2.BP). It is in effect for one year, beginning September 28, 2026. Council may consider extending it for up to one additional year, as permitted under the Planning Act.
During this period, the Township will complete a planning study to determine how data centres should be addressed in local planning policies and zoning rules. The study will consider potential impacts such as:
- Energy use and pressure on the electrical grid
- Water use and long-term drinking water supply
- Noise and lighting
- Other land-use planning considerations
The Township expects to report back to Council on the study findings and any recommended planning policy changes in the third quarter of 2027.
Municipal Accommodation Tax By-Law Amendment
Council has approved updates to the Township’s Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) by-law.
The MAT is a 5% tax on short-term accommodation stays of less than 28 consecutive days, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals. The tax will now begin on January 1, 2027, rather than September 1, 2026.
The change gives the Township and accommodation providers more time to complete the systems, registration and implementation work needed for a successful launch.
Accommodation providers will submit MAT reports and payments to the Township quarterly, rather than monthly. This approach is intended to reduce administrative requirements for both local operators and Township staff.
MAT revenue will be shared equally between the Township and the Centre Wellington Economic Development Municipal Services Corporation (EDTMSC), with funds supporting economic development and tourism promotion and related initiatives.
Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation Update
Council has approved the next steps to begin operations for the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation.
The corporation will support local economic development and tourism initiatives on behalf of the Township. Its Board will include the Mayor, one Council member, five community representatives, and non-voting Township staff representatives.
Council approved the corporation’s first by-law, which establishes its governance, Board structure, financial practices and accountability requirements.
Council also approved an agreement for the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). Under the agreement, 50 per cent of net MAT revenue will be provided to the corporation quarterly for tourism promotion and related activities in Centre Wellington. The agreement includes annual planning, reporting and audit requirements.
Council also approved using available 2026 economic development and tourism budget funds for a branding exercise. This work will develop the corporation’s identity, goals and communications tools, with community input and final approval from both the Board and Council.
The corporation’s first Board meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2026. Agenda items are expected to include:
- Director and Officer Appointments
- Approval of Bylaw 1
- Acknowledgement of the Sole Members (Township) Declaration
- Approval of the Administration Services Agreement with the Township
- Approval of the MAT Financial Accountability Agreement with the Township
- A EDTMSC Budget Overview for 2026
- Initiation of a Branding Exercise
- Next steps for recruiting an Executive Director
- A review of upcoming Board meetings
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