Centre Wellington, ON

Council

Centre Wellington Council is meeting to consider several staff reports and routine consent items. Key items include an update on the Fire Master Plan, a proposal to authorize Brenntag Canada Inc. as the vendor of record for chlorine gas used in drinking water disinfection, and an information update on the land acquisition at 350 St Andrew St West in Fergus. The agenda also includes a closed session for matters related to property security, potential litigation, and solicitor-client privilege, as well as several presentations and recognitions.

• Fire Master Plan Update (Report CS2026-30)
• Vendor of Record for Gaseous Chlorine with Brenntag Canada Inc. (Report IS2026-17)
• Land Acquisition Update: 350 St Andrew St West, Fergus (Report CAO2026-21)
• Toll booth fundraising by-law for Belwood and District Lions Club on Wellington Rd 26, Sept 19, 2026
• Closed session for property security, litigation, and solicitor-client privilege

Centre Wellington Economic Development & Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (EDTMSC)

Heritage Centre Wellington

Council

Council

Heritage Centre Wellington

Heritage Centre Wellington

Council

Council

Heritage Centre Wellington

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two minor variance applications. The first seeks variances to allow a 4-storey hotel at 675 St. David Street North, Fergus, including reduced landscaping, parking, and setbacks. The second seeks a reduced minimum lot area for two new agricultural lots at 264 First Line, Elora. The agenda also includes confirmation of the July 16, 2026 minutes.

• A001-2026: 675 St. David Street North, Fergus - variances for hotel: reduced landscaped area (19% vs 20%), reduced parking (82 vs 83 spaces), reduced parking setbacks (1.2m from street, 0.8m from lot lines), increased building height (4 storeys, 15.9m vs 3 storeys/11m)
• A013-2026: 264 First Line, Elora - variance to permit reduced minimum lot area of 0.3 ha (vs 0.4 ha) to create two agricultural lots
• Public hearing for both applications at 3:00 pm in Council Chamber, 1 MacDonald Square, Elora

Heritage Centre Wellington

Heritage Centre Wellington will consider a staff recommendation to designate 195 Queen Street West in Fergus under the Ontario Heritage Act. Staff and the Properties Sub-committee found the property meets five of nine criteria, citing its historical ties to early settlement and industry, its limestone cottage architecture, and its role in the historic streetscape. The committee will choose between recommending designation or not, with the matter then going to Council.

• Heritage designation recommendation for 195 Queen Street West, Fergus (Report HCW2026-14)
• Property meets 5 of 9 Ontario Regulation 9/06 criteria for designation
• Built in 1852 as a one-and-a-half storey limestone cottage, linked to Johnston Brothers' tannery and Beatty Bros. Ltd.
• Committee to choose between two options: recommend designation or not

Special Council

The Township of Centre Wellington is deciding on several infrastructure and service contracts, including road asphalting and a community services fee study. Council will also consider a grant for urban forestry and the installation of decorative crosswalks for veterans.

• Award asphalting contract for various roads to Cox Construction Limited for $2,768,878.98
• Single source contract to Biodiffusion Technologies Inc. for road base stabilization on Sixth Line East for $250,000
• Award Community Services Fee Study to Watson & Associates Economists Ltd with a $75,000 upset limit
• Allocate $40,000 from General Capital Reserve for decorative veterans' crosswalks at Elora and Fergus cenotaphs
• Execute $89,160 grant agreement with Federation of Canadian Municipalities for urban forestry plans

[cancelled]Public Meeting Under the Planning Act

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will meet to review a minor variance application for a property in Elora. The body will decide if the requested changes to building area and retail use are permissible.

• A012-2026: Variance request for 459 South River Road, Elora to allow a home occupation in an accessory building
• A012-2026: Request to increase gross floor area by 40% and retail sales area by 65%
• A012-2026: Request to permit external display of goods

Council

Council will hold a closed session on litigation and solicitor-client privilege, then reconvene in open session to consider several reports and by-laws. Key items include directing staff to respond to the Province's expression of interest in a Water and Wastewater Public Corporation model, and a resolution supporting the permanent doubling of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. Council will also vote on by-laws amending the Clean Yards By-law, Property Standards By-law, Municipal Alcohol Policy, and 2026 Fees and Charges.

• Heritage Permit HP2026-09 for alterations at 490 Tower Street South, Fergus
• Amendments to Clean Yards By-law and Property Standards By-law regarding naturalized gardens and vegetation maintenance
• Adoption of a Municipal Alcohol Policy via by-law 2026-58
• Confederation Park Restricted Donation Agreement (report CS2026-24)
• 2026 Fees and Charges By-law amendment (report FIN2026-16)

Heritage Centre Wellington

The Heritage Centre Wellington advisory committee will review two heritage permit applications in Fergus. Staff will recommend approval or refusal for a shed demolition at 490 Tower Street South and stone repointing at Emmanuel Christian High School. The committee will also receive updates from its properties, public relations, and bridge sub-committees.

• Heritage permit review for shed demolition at 490 Tower Street South
• Heritage permit review for stone repointing at 680 Tower Street South
• Properties sub-committee update on designation processes
• Public relations sub-committee feedback on Fergus Lions Home Show
• Next meeting scheduled for August 11

Council

Council will consider awarding a $1,777,490.28 contract for reconstruction of Smith Street and Victoria Crescent in Elora. Also on the agenda are heritage designations for two properties, a zoning amendment, a transit feasibility study endorsement, and several administrative items. A delegation will speak on the heritage designation for 8076 Wellington Road 19.

• Award $1,777,490.28 contract to Sousa Concrete for Smith St/Victoria Cres reconstruction
• Notice of Intention to Designate 250 Garafraxa St E and 8076 Wellington Rd 19 as heritage properties
• Decision on zoning amendment RZ05-2026 for 7010 Third Line (rezoning from A to A.28.9)
• Endorse Transit Feasibility Study and publish Notice of Completion
• Approve Joint Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference for 2026-2030

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on five minor variance applications. These include requests to reduce setbacks, lot frontage, and driveway width to facilitate residential subdivisions, a mixed-use development, and a new lot creation.

• A007-2026: Sorbara Storybrook GP Inc. seeks reduced rear yard setback from 7.5m to 6.4m at 392 Rea Drive, Fergus for a residential subdivision.
• A008-2026: Elora South Inc. requests various reduced setbacks at 6505 Wellington Road 7, Elora to facilitate development.
• A009-2026: A. Drimmie seeks reduced side yard setback from 1.5m to 0.9m at 165 John Street, Elora for an attached garage.
• A010-2026: M. & L. Tyers request reduced minimum lot frontage (7m vs 24.4m) and increased driveway width (45% vs 40%) at 128 Wellington Road 7, Elora to create one new lot.
• A011-2026: Tribute (Fergus) Limited seeks driveway width up to 62% of lot width (max 55%) for Phase 3A lots to allow two-vehicle parking.

Council

Council will consider a zoning amendment for two properties in Salem, review and approve the 2025 audited financial statements, and discuss amendments to the Administrative Monetary Penalty System bylaw. A resolution urging provincial action on road salt pollution and a tax increment grant update for Elora South Inc. are also on the agenda. The meeting includes a presentation on Groves Memorial Community Hospital and physician recruitment.

• Zoning amendment RZ07-2025 for 191 Wellington Road 7 & 290 South Street, Salem
• Approval of 2025 audited consolidated financial statements (KPMG)
• Amendment to Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) bylaw to update and expand framework
• Resolution urging Province of Ontario to develop limited liability legislation and best practices for road salt management
• Delegation of authority to amend Elora South Inc. Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Agreement for development phasing

[cancelled]Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee

Heritage Centre Wellington

Heritage Centre Wellington will consider two heritage permits for properties in Fergus and a recommendation on whether to designate 250 Garafraxa Street East under the Ontario Heritage Act. The committee may also approve up to $20,000 in grant funding for chimney restoration at 105 Queen Street West.

• Heritage permit decision for chimney restoration at 105 Queen St W, Fergus (eligible for $20,000 grant)
• Heritage permit decision for alterations at 199 Garafraxa St E, Fergus
• Recommendation to designate 250 Garafraxa St E, Fergus under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

Healthy Communities Advisory Committee

[cancelled]Public Meeting Under the Planning Act

Council

Council will hold a public hearing on a zoning by-law amendment for 7010 Third Line in West Garafraxa to restrict residential uses. They will also vote on setting the 2026 tax rates, amending fees and charges, and awarding a $67,640 demolition contract for the Centre Wellington Business Park. Several heritage designations and a transit feasibility study are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing for zoning amendment at 7010 Third Line to restrict residential uses
• 2026 tax rates to be adopted by by-law
• Demolition of structures at Centre Wellington Business Park awarded to Bellamy Contracting for $67,640
• Heritage designations for 6275 Wellington Road 26 and 27/32 Broken Front Path, Elora
• Declaration of surplus land parcels for potential sale

Special Council

The Centre Wellington Council will consider a motion to relax its rules during a facilities and road tour of major capital projects. It will also introduce By‑law 2026‑34 to confirm the proceedings of this meeting. The agenda includes a tour of Craighead House, the Operations Centre, the Sportsplex and Bissell Park, with updates on construction progress and future design plans.

• Motion to relax council rules during the facilities and road tour
• By‑law 2026‑34 to confirm the proceedings of the May 21, 2026 meeting
• Road tour stops: 495 Union St W (Craighead House), 965 Gartshore St (Operations Centre), 550 Belsyde Ave (Sportsplex), 23 Melville St (Bissell Park)
• Construction update: projects are 60% complete, with substantial completion targeted for December 2026
• Project plan for a new indoor multi‑use recreation facility (MURF) at the Sportsplex, with design work through 2028 and opening slated for 2029/2030

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is hearing three minor variance applications: a garage height/setback at 37 Sideroad 18 Fergus, a 4-storey mixed-use building at 15 East Mill Street Elora, and a staircase setback for an additional residential unit at 91 Revell Drive Fergus. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes.

• A004-2026: Variance to allow 6.8m height and 0.6m side setback for a detached garage with loft at 37 Sideroad 18, Fergus
• A005-2026: Variance to permit 15.6m height (4 storeys) for a mixed-use building addition at 15 East Mill Street, Elora
• A006-2026: Variance to allow staircase 0.6m from interior lot line for a basement additional residential unit at 91 Revell Drive, Fergus

[cancelled]Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee

Heritage Centre Wellington

The Heritage Centre Wellington committee will consider five heritage permit applications for properties in Elora and Fergus. Decisions involve approving or refusing alterations to designated heritage buildings, including stone repointing and other work.

• Heritage permit for stone repointing at 17 Henderson St, Elora (McLean House)
• Heritage permit for alterations at 177 Chalmers St, Elora
• Heritage permit for alterations at 64 Colborne St, Elora
• Heritage permit for alterations at 12 Sunnybrae Cres, Fergus
• Heritage permit for alterations at Melville United Church, 300 St Andrew St W, Fergus

Council

The council will vote to award the municipal watermain construction tender on Douglas Crescent to James Thoume Construction Ltd. for $1,052,620.87. It will also adopt the Inclusive Community Policy, replacing the Municipal Flag Policy. Additional routine items include appointing a Deputy Municipal Clerk and approving recent meeting minutes.

• Award Request for Tender #25-26 for watermain on Douglas Crescent to James Thoume Construction Ltd. ($1,052,620.87)
• Adopt Inclusive Community Policy, replacing Municipal Flag Policy effective June 1, 2026
• Appointment of Deputy Municipal Clerk (Rachel Cannon) by By-law 2026-32
• Approval of minutes from Council meeting April 27, 2026 and Public Meeting Feb 25, 2026
• Receipt of Legislative Update report on Bill 98, Bill 100, and Canada‑Ontario Partnership to Build

[cancelled]Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

Healthy Communities Advisory Committee

The committee will hear a presentation on a Transit Feasibility Study, provide input on Climate Adaptation Planning, and vote on endorsing a Water Softener Rebate Program and concept plans for three neighbourhood parks.

• Presentation on Transit Feasibility Study by Dillon Consulting
• Input sought on climate adaptation planning and forming a Community Climate Resiliency Team
• Endorsement of Water Softener Rebate Program (details not specified)
• Endorsement of concept plans for Granwood Gate Memorial, Wilkie, and Webster Parks

Council

The Council will vote on a series of by‑laws that amend the 2009‑045 Zoning By‑law for short‑term rental accommodation, create a licensing regime for short‑term rentals and bed‑and‑breakfasts, and establish a Municipal Accommodation Tax. It will also appoint a new Municipal Clerk and a new Fire Chief. Consent agenda items, financial reports and updates on the shuttle bus program and other projects will be approved for information.

• By‑law 2026‑31 to amend Zoning By‑law 2009‑045 for short‑term rental accommodation
• By‑law 2026‑30 to regulate and licence short‑term rentals and bed‑and‑breakfast establishments
• By‑law 2026‑32 to establish a Municipal Accommodation Tax
• By‑law 2026‑28 to appoint Tyler Sager as Municipal Clerk
• By‑law 2026‑29 to appoint Jason Benn as Fire Chief

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hear application A003-2026 for 12 & 14 Stumpf Street, Salem, seeking a reduced rear yard setback from 7.5 m to 3 m and exemption from Section 2.6.6 of the zoning by-law to allow an addition to the existing dwelling after lot consolidation. Staff recommend approval, subject to confirming lot consolidation. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes.

• Variance to reduce rear yard setback to 3 m (required 7.5 m) at 12 & 14 Stumpf Street
• Request to exempt consolidated property from Section 2.6.6 of Zoning By-law 2009-045
• Staff recommend approval subject to lot consolidation
• County Planning and GRCA have no objections
• Minutes from February 19, 2026 to be confirmed

[cancelled]Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee

Council

Council will vote on consent agenda items that include a $32,637.47 expenditure for emergency shelter supplies for the Fergus Sportsplex and Jefferson Elora Community Centre and a drone for the Centre Wellington Fire Department. The council will also approve demolition of the structure at 22 Carlton Place, remove it from the Municipal Heritage Register, and implement the Heritage Memo recommendations. Additional actions include endorsing Councillor Barbara Lustgarten‑Evoy’s nomination to the OSUM Executive Committee, approving a service financing commitment for extending municipal services to the South Fergus Lands, and adopting a new Donation, Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy by‑law.

• $32,637.47 purchase of emergency shelter supplies and a drone for the fire department (Consent Item 7.2)
• Approval of demolition of 22 Carlton Place and removal from the Municipal Heritage Register (Consent Item 7.4)
• Endorsement of Councillor Barbara Lustgarten‑Evoy’s nomination to the 2026‑2028 OSUM Executive Committee (Consent Item 7.5)
• Service Financing Commitment Agreement for detailed engineering design to extend services to South Fergus Lands (Report 8.5)
• Adoption of a by‑law to implement the amended Donation, Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy (Report 8.3, By‑law 2026‑25)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The DEI Advisory Committee will consider endorsing an updated Inclusive Community Policy, revised after Working Group feedback. They'll also receive presentations on the Climate Change Action Plan and Active Transportation Amenities Plan, and discuss a new Events Policy.

• Endorsement of updated Inclusive Community Policy (report DEI2026-06)
• Presentation on Climate Change Action Plan by Climate Change Coordinator
• Discussion on Events Policy
• Receive Active Transportation Amenities Plan (report DEI2026-05) for information
• Update on Indigenous Themed Logos in Sporting Facilities

Healthy Communities Advisory Committee

The Healthy Communities Advisory Committee will consider endorsing a Water Capacity Buy-Back Program offering up to $10,000 for large water users who implement efficiency upgrades. They will also receive the Active Transportation Amenities Plan for information and discuss the Municipal Alcohol Policy. Working group updates and departmental reports are also on the agenda.

• Endorse Water Capacity Buy-Back Program: up to 50% of retrofit costs, max $10,000, based on $1000 per cubic meter saved
• Receive Active Transportation Amenities Plan for information
• Discuss Municipal Alcohol Policy and provide responses to questions
• Updates from Active Transportation, Health & Wellness, Bissell Park Pad, and Community Investment Fund working groups

Heritage Centre Wellington

The Heritage Centre Wellington will receive report HCW2026-03 on an intent to demolish the listed property at 22 Carlton Place, Elora. Members will consider two options: not opposing the demolition request, or recommending that Council designate the property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act to protect it. The Centre's recommendation will be forwarded to Council for further action.

• Report HCW2026-03: Intent to demolish 22 Carlton Place, Elora
• Option A: Do not oppose the demolition request
• Option B: Recommend Council designate the property under the Ontario Heritage Act
• Heritage plaque presentations for local landmarks
• Sub‑committee updates (Properties, Public Relations/Education, Bridge)