Centre Wellington public meetings in 2024
32 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment is meeting to consider four minor variance applications, including requests for detached additional residential units, lot creation variances, an accessory building height increase, and a commercial farm-animal veterinary service use. The agenda also includes confirmation of previous meeting minutes from November 21, 2024.
- Application A022-2024 for 7116 Sideroad 14, Pilkington: Variance to permit a detached additional residential unit (ARU) located up to 140m from the main building and an accessory building up to 9.1m in height.
- Application A023-2024 for 30 McNab Street, Elora: Variances for reduced Minimum Lot Area, Minimum Rear Yard, Minimum Lot Frontage, and a projecting covered porch to facilitate a new residential lot from County Land Division Application B84/23.
- Application A024-2024 for 335 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus: Variance for an accessory building with a maximum height of 6.4m to facilitate a detached accessory residential dwelling unit.
- Application A025-2024 for 6087 Fourth Line East, Pilkington: Variance to permit veterinary services limited to farm animals as a permitted commercial use.
Council
The Council of the Township of Centre Wellington will meet on December 16, 2024, to finalize the 2025 municipal budget and associated tax levies. The agenda also includes several heritage designations for local properties and a review of infrastructure and environmental policies, including bridge weight restrictions and electric vehicle charging station locations.
- Approval of 2025 Budget and Interim Tax Levy by-laws
- Heritage designation notices for 249 Garafraxa Street East, 525 Union Street East, and 6475 Second Line
- Approval of Heritage Permit for 250 Hill Street West
- Endorsement of revised electric vehicle charging station locations at Bissell Park West
- By-law to restrict vehicle weights on specific township bridges
Heritage Centre Wellington
Heritage Centre Wellington will review three designation reports and one heritage permit application. The committee will decide whether to recommend that Council designate 525 Union Street East, Fergus, under the Ontario Heritage Act, and will also consider designations for 6475 Second Line and 249 Garafraxa Street East. A decision on the front vestibule at 495 Union Street West, deferred from November, is also on the agenda.
- Heritage Permit Application 2024-18 - 495 Union Street West, Fergus (Craighead) - Front Vestibule
- Designation Report - 525 Union Street East, Fergus (HCW2024-34)
- Designation Report - 6475 Second Line, West Garafraxa (HCW2024-35)
- Designation Report - 249 Garafraxa Street, East, Fergus (HCW2024-36)
Budget Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to review and deliberate the Township of Centre Wellington's 2025 Draft Budget. The agenda includes presentations on the staffing strategy, operating and capital budgets, and the 2025 Business Plan. The committee will also consider reports regarding a new Township Operations Centre, a new Fleet Policy, and the 2025 Fees and Charges By-Law.
- 2025 Fees and Charges By-Law to repeal by-laws 2023-95, 2024-29, and 2024-45
- New Township Operations Centre Class C construction cost estimate and grant application
- New Fleet Policy effective December 31, 2024
- Fergus and Elora Business Improvement Area (BIA) 2025 budget presentations
- Approval of the 2025 Business Plan and 2025 Budget
Council
Council held a statutory public meeting to consider a zoning amendment application for a Battery Energy Storage System facility at 6235 Guelph Street. The meeting also covered board appointments, advisory committee minutes, emergency management updates, and procedural housekeeping items.
- Zoning amendment public meeting for Aypa Power Battery Energy Storage System at 6235 Guelph Street
- Appointments of Howard Dobson, David Elloway, and Richard Wright to the Groves Memorial Community Hospital Board of Directors
- By-law passed to remove the holding zone from Centre Wellington Business Park North Fergus lands
- Approval to create a permanent Community Connect Program
- Adoption of the new Community Investment Fund Policy to replace the former Community Impact Grant Policy
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment is meeting to consider a minor variance application for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 7248 Wellington Road 21. The committee will also review draft 2025 hearing dates.
- Application A021-2024 for 7248 Wellington Rd 21, Inverhaugh (Pilkington) by W. & L. Feenstra to permit a detached accessory apartment with an increased size of 151m2 and a height of 5.7m
- Review of Draft 2025 Hearing Dates
Heritage Centre Wellington
The committee will review three heritage permit applications for properties in Fergus and Elora. These applications involve proposed alterations to designated heritage properties, including additions and renovations. The committee is tasked with evaluating these proposals against conservation standards and providing recommendations.
- Heritage Permit for 250 Hill Street West, Fergus (addition and garage demolition)
- Heritage Permit for 27-43 West Mill Street, Elora
- Heritage Permit for 495 Union St. W., Fergus (Craighead Cottage renovations)
Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee
The Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee will consider a report on short-term rentals (STRs) in Centre Wellington, including public consultation results and potential by-law provisions. The report follows a survey and workshops and discusses options like licensing, regulation, and limits. The committee will also receive updates from the Chamber of Commerce and economic development working groups.
- Short Term Rentals in Centre Wellington report from Maclaren Municipal Consulting
- Survey results: 631 responses, 70% concerned about loss of long-term rental housing
- 57% of survey respondents support licensing and regulating STRs
- Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce update
- Economic Development Update (EPG2024-02)
Council
The Centre Wellington Township Council will meet to consider a range of municipal business, including updates to cemetery fees, urban forestry, and business park agreements. Council will also review a My Main Street grant for Fergus and authorize a service financing agreement for the Storybrook Subdivision. Additionally, the agenda includes routine approval of prior meeting minutes and four municipal by-laws.
- Designation By-law for 6550 Gerrie Road, Elora under the Ontario Heritage Act
- Cemetery Product, Services and Fees Review report and 2025 rate recommendations by LEES+Associates
- My Main Street grant agreement with FedDev Ontario for Fergus night markets, twilight events, and façade lighting
- Updates to the standard form of Agreement of Purchase and Sale for the Centre Wellington Business Park
- Early Payment and Service Financing Agreement for the Storybrook Subdivision regarding Colborne Street realignment
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will receive reports on the Community Investment Fund policy and the draft Culture Action Plan. The committee is asked to support revisions to the fund policy for Council adoption. The agenda also includes updates on the Indigenous-themed logos working group and other routine items.
- Community Investment Fund policy revisions: renamed from Community Impact Grant, one grant per organization, remove capital stream, restructure streams
- Proposed funding split for OLG funds: 40% Community Impact, 40% Arts & Culture, 20% Inclusive Community (pending Council approval)
- Draft Culture Action Plan report (DEI2024-06)
- Working group update on Indigenous-themed logos in sporting facilities
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee
The Healthy Communities Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on the Residential Toilet Rebate Program, the 2024 Urban Forestry program, the Community Investment Fund Policy, and the Draft Culture Action Plan. The committee will also hear working group updates and departmental reports.
- Residential Toilet Rebate Program: $75 rebate per toilet, capped at 100 rebates, launched Oct 28, 2024
- 2024 Urban Forestry Update: 2025 budget of $375,000 for ash removal, tree planting, and community events
- Community Investment Fund Policy report
- Draft Culture Action Plan report
Committee of the Whole (Budget)
The Committee of the Whole will hold a road tour of capital project sites followed by a meeting to discuss the 2025 draft budget. Key items include an update on the new Township Operations Centre, including a $34.75 million Class D construction estimate and a proposed exterior design. Council will also review debt capacity, inflation impacts, and a new funding allocation policy.
- Endorsement of 'Material Option 1' (red brick) for the new Operations Centre exterior
- Review of $34.75 million Class D construction budget for the Operations Centre
- Approval of 2025 Draft Budget Debt Requirements and Capacity
- Amendment of the OLG Funding Allocation Policy
- Review of 2025-2034 Preliminary Capital Forecast
Council
Council will consider endorsing recommended settlement area boundary expansions for Fergus and Elora, which would be forwarded to the County of Wellington for official plan amendment. They will also vote on a motion to reconsider the Bissell Park multi-use pad decision and potentially approve a new roofed pad design. Other items include telecommunications tower concurrence requests, by-law updates, and heritage designations.
- Settlement Area Boundary Expansion recommendation (PLN2024-38) with delegations from developers
- Bissell Park multi-use pad: motion to rescind Oct 15 decision and endorse new roofed design at $2,377,000
- Telecom tower concurrence: 65 m tower at 7646 Colborne St, Elora (SLI Towers) and 25 m monopole at 800-840 Tower St S, Fergus (Rogers)
- Heritage designations: 101 St Andrew St W, 250 Union St E, 6717 Sixth Line, 177 Chalmers St
- By-laws: zoning amendment (2024-64), procedure by-law (2024-65), outdoor water conservation (2024-66), speed limit (2024-67)
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment is meeting to consider minor variance applications for properties located at 1 Clarke Street in Elora and 6175 Sideroad 6 N in Nichol. The applications involve requests for reduced lot frontages, areas, and rear yard setbacks to facilitate new residential lots, as well as an increased size allowance for a detached additional residential dwelling unit.
- Variance application A019-2024 for 1 Clarke Street, Elora, to permit reduced lot frontages (16.2m and 14.3m), reduced lot areas (520m2 and 495m2), and a reduced rear yard setback (2.0m) for two new residential lots and a retained lot.
- Variance application A020-2024 for 6175 Sideroad 6 N, Nichol, to permit a detached additional residential dwelling unit with a size of 230m2 in lieu of the maximum 186m2.
Council
Council will discuss a proposal for a $5.7 million refrigerated multi-use surface at Bissell Park, contingent on securing a 50% provincial grant. Additionally, Council will vote on adopting a new Termite Management Subsidy Program and review reports regarding settlement area boundary expansions and infrastructure grant applications.
- Proposed $5,700,000 Bissell Park Multi-Use Pad project with a $700,000 top-up in the 2025 Draft Capital Budget
- Adoption of By-law 2024-61 for the Termite Management Subsidy Program
- Development Charge Deferral Agreement for Jan Tjerks Reality Inc.
- Grant applications for Colborne Street reconstruction and South Fergus Secondary Plan water systems
Committee of the Whole Economic Development and Tourism Strategy Workshop
The Centre Wellington Committee of the Whole is holding an Economic Development & Tourism Strategy Workshop on October 15, 2024, at the Fergus Fire Hall. The agenda consists of a presentation by Catherine Oosterbaan of Oosterbaan Strategy and Terrilyn Kunopaski of Tante Consulting, followed by breakout sessions.
- Workshop presentation by Catherine Oosterbaan and Terrilyn Kunopaski regarding economic development and tourism
- Breakout sessions for the Committee of the Whole
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will hear a presentation on the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy from consultants, review minutes from September, and receive updates on Indigenous-themed logos in sporting facilities and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The meeting is largely informational and advisory.
- Presentation on Economic Development and Tourism Strategy by Oosterbaan Strategy and Tante Consulting Inc.
- Update on Indigenous Themed Logos in Sporting Facilities working group
- Update on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
- Approval of September 5, 2024 minutes
Special Council
The Council of the Township of Centre Wellington considered a request to support a three-year extension to the draft plan approval for the Storybrook West subdivision (Plan 23T-16003). Staff reported that two phases of the development have been registered, a third is nearing completion, and an extension is needed before the October 9, 2024 lapsing date to prevent the developer from having to re-apply. Council considered the report and a confirmatory by-law to finalize the meeting's actions.
- Considered a three-year extension to draft plan approval for Plan 23T-16003 (Storybrook West)
- Passed By-law 2024-60 to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting
Heritage Centre Wellington
Heritage Centre Wellington is meeting to consider a cultural heritage evaluation for four bridges, including Bridge 3-E, and to review two heritage permit applications for a designated property at 12 Sunnybrae Crescent, Fergus. The committee will also receive updates from its sub-committees.
- Bridge & Transportation Network Study for four bridges in former Eramosa and West Garafraxa Township, including Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for Bridges 2-WG, 3-E, 5-E, 7-E
- Heritage Permit for rear addition at 12 Sunnybrae Crescent, Fergus (HCW2024-29)
- Heritage Permit for window and door replacement at 12 Sunnybrae Crescent, Fergus (HCW2024-30)
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee
The Healthy Communities Advisory Committee will meet to consider the draft concept design for Farley Park, a new neighborhood park in Fergus. The committee will also receive a verbal report regarding the Veterans Park riverbank stabilization and retaining wall removal project, and hear a presentation on the township's Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
- Endorsement of Farley Park concept drawings (71 Farley Rd)
- Verbal report on Veterans Park riverbank stabilization and retaining wall removal
- Presentation on Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
Council
Centre Wellington Council will consider several key items, including endorsing a preferred growth scenario for urban boundary expansions in Fergus and Elora-Salem, receiving a draft report on regulating short-term rentals, and deciding on an Official Plan and zoning amendment for 22 Park Road in Elora. The agenda also includes routine approvals, appointments, and a pilot to allow alcohol service at Elora Rocks hockey games.
- Endorse Scenario 3 for land needs and urban boundary expansion in Fergus and Elora-Salem
- Receive draft Short-Term Rentals report and direct preparation of a regulating by-law
- Approve Official Plan Amendment 16 and zoning change from M1 to C2 at 22 Park Road, Elora
- Approve 2023 audited financial statements and Asset Retirement Obligations Policy
- Approve $5,000 budget top-up for Housing Needs Assessment public engagement
Public Meeting Under the Planning Act
The Township of Centre Wellington is holding a public meeting to receive input on two proposed zoning by-law amendments. One proposal concerns a farm dwelling surplus severance at 6829 Fifth Line, while the other seeks to rezone 750 St. David Street North to permit a 12-unit stacked townhouse development.
- RZ003-24: Zoning amendment for 6829 Fifth Line to facilitate farm surplus severance
- RZ04/24: Zoning amendment for 750 St. David Street North to allow 12 stacked townhouses
Committee of the Whole (Budget)
The Committee of the Whole (Budget) will consider two reports: one on the Downtown Parking Strategy, including a 2025 implementation plan and potential paid parking pilot, and another on the 2025 Preliminary Draft Capital Budget. The parking report recommends approving the strategy and implementation plan, subject to budget approval, and delegating contract-signing authority. The capital budget report directs staff to include the preliminary capital budget in the 2025 draft budget.
- Approve Draft Municipal Downtown Parking Strategy Final Report
- Approve 2025 Parking Implementation Plan, subject to 2025 Budget approval
- Delegate authority to sign parking implementation contracts to Managing Director of Corporate Services & Treasurer
- Include 2025 Preliminary Draft Capital Budget in 2025 Draft Budget
- Parking enforcement revenue $110,600 (2023) offset enforcement costs $103,300 (2023)
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment is holding a public hearing to consider three minor variance applications for properties in Elora and Fergus. The requests involve variances for lot area, frontage, dwelling separation distance, and accessory building height to facilitate new lot creation and building construction. The meeting also includes the confirmation of minutes from the August 15, 2024 meeting.
- Application A016-2024 (23 Gilkison Street, Elora): Variance to permit a reduced minimum lot area of 0.28 ha (in lieu of 0.4 ha) and a reduced lot frontage of 9 metres (in lieu of 30 metres) to facilitate a new lot creation under County application B31-24.
- Application A017-2024 (459 South River Road, Elora): Variance to permit an additional residential dwelling unit located 116 metres from the main dwelling.
- Application A018-2024 (14B Sunnybrae Crescent, Fergus): Variance to permit an increase to the maximum permitted height of an accessory building to facilitate a detached garage.
Council
Centre Wellington Council is meeting to consider several reports and delegations, including a proposal for municipal development of attainable housing, a termite management subsidy program, and a $50,000 interest-free loan to the Elora BIA for Christmas lights. The agenda also includes routine consent items, by-laws, and a closed session for land acquisition discussions.
- Delegation from Segal Construction proposing municipal residential development of attainable housing, funded via municipal bonds and federal/provincial funding
- Interest-free loan of $50,000 to Elora BIA for replacement downtown Christmas light features
- Termite management update: staff directed to develop subsidy program, sign agreements with Aetna Pest Control and Orkin Canada
- Request for liquor licence exemption for Wellington County Museum & Archives and other civic spaces
- Green Space Donation for Improvements Agreement with Kat Florence Canada Corporation Ltd.
Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee
The Centre Wellington Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee meets to discuss economic development and tourism. The agenda includes a presentation on an Economic Development and Tourism Workshop by Catherine Oosterbaan and Terrilyn Kunopaski.
- Economic Development and Tourism Workshop presentation by Catherine Oosterbaan and Terrilyn Kunopaski
Heritage Centre Wellington
The Heritage Centre Wellington advisory committee meets to consider heritage designation recommendations for four properties, including 101 St. Andrew Street West, 250 Union Street East, 6717 Sixth Line, and 177 Chalmers Street. The meeting agenda also includes approval of previous minutes from July 9, 2024, and updates from five sub-committees.
- Designation recommendation for 101 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus (Marshall Block / Rafferty building)
- Designation recommendation for 250 Union Street East, Fergus
- Designation recommendation for 6717 Sixth Line, Belwood
- Designation recommendation for 177 Chalmers Street, Elora
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting to receive presentations regarding the Township's Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The committee will discuss engagement strategies to ensure these planning processes address the needs of marginalized and under-represented community members.
- Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan presentation by Adam Gilmore
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation by McQueen Galloway Associates
- Working group update on Indigenous Themed Logos in Sporting Facilities
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee
The Centre Wellington Healthy Communities Advisory Committee met to discuss updates on the Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The agenda also included reports on ongoing infrastructure and community services projects, alongside working group updates. Additionally, the packet includes past minutes from June 5, 2024.
- Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan Update presented by Adam Gilmore, Manager of Engineering
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update presented by Pat Newson, Managing Director of Community Services
- On-going Infrastructure Projects Update
- On-going Community Services Projects Update
- Working Group Updates covering active transportation, health and wellness, Bissell Park Pad, community impact grants, and Pierpoint
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two minor variance applications. One seeks to reduce the minimum distance separation for a new dwelling at 7046 Seventh Line, Belwood, and the other for a new barn at 7548 Fourth Line, Nichol. Staff recommend no objection to both, and the public can attend or submit comments.
- A014-2024: Variance to reduce MDS from 595m to 300m for new dwelling at 7046 Seventh Line, Belwood
- A015-2024: Variance to reduce MDS from 397m to 243m and side setback from 30m to 22m for new barn at 7548 Fourth Line, Nichol
- Delegation by Melaine and Evan Moyer for A015-2024
- Public hearing at 3:00 pm, Council Chamber, 1 MacDonald Square, Elora
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment will review a sign variance application for 94 Wellington Road 7 in Elora to permit four fascia tower signs above the first storey. The agenda also includes the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting on June 20, 2024.
- Sign Variance S002-2024 for 94 Wellington Road 7, Elora (2247377 Ontario Inc.) to permit four fascia tower signs above the first storey of a building.
Council
Council will consider several administrative and planning reports, including a heritage designation for 6550 Gerrie Road and a funding agreement for the Fergus Grand Theatre. The agenda also covers lease agreements for the Fergus Tennis Club and Highland Rugby Club, as well as a policy update regarding Indigenous-themed sports logos in township facilities. Additionally, Council will review a feasibility report on child care and recreation in Belwood.
- Heritage designation for 6550 Gerrie Road, Elora
- Fergus Grand Theatre renovation grant application with $8,000 budget top-up
- Lease extension for Highland Rugby Club at 160 Albert Street West, Fergus
- Fundraising toll booth for Fergus Firefighters on Tower Street, September 14, 2024
- New interest-free loan agreement with the Elora Centre for the Arts