Centre Wellington public meetings in 2025
33 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
Council will consider the formal adoption of the 2026 Budget, an interim tax levy, and temporary borrowing. The meeting also includes a proposal to transition to an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for parking.
- Adoption of the 2026 Budget
- Establishment of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for parking
- Notice of Intent to Designate 179 Victoria Crescent, 64 Colborne Street, and 7324 Wellington County Road 21 as heritage properties
- 2026 Interim Tax Levy By-law
- Approval of the Community Engagement Charter and Strategy
Heritage Centre Wellington
Heritage Centre Wellington will discuss whether to recommend that Council designate 7324 Wellington Road 21 in Pilkington under the Ontario Heritage Act. Planning staff have determined the property meets six of nine prescribed criteria for designation based on its design, historical, and contextual value.
- Designation recommendation for 7324 Wellington Road 21, Pilkington
Council (Budget)
The Council will consider and vote on the 2026 Draft Budget, including waiving remaining amendment and veto periods to deem it adopted. It will also review and act on several supporting items such as the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law, the Business Park Pricing Policy, the Bissell Park Multi‑Use Pad design, and the proposed Levels of Service for Business Improvement Area catchments.
- Adopt the 2026 Draft Budget by waiving amendment and veto periods (Report COR2025-78)
- Pass the 2026 Fees and Charges By‑law and repeal by‑laws 2024-82, 2025-15, and 2025-34 (Report COR2025-77)
- Continue the 2025 Business Park Pricing Policy for 2026 with a base price of $450,000 per acre (Report PLN2025-55)
- Direct staff to proceed with detailed design of the Bissell Park Multi‑Use Pad project (Report CS2025-40)
- Endorse the proposed 2026 Levels of Service for BIA Catchments (Report CS2025-39)
Council
The Council will approve the 2025 water and wastewater rate study and the accompanying financial plans, and direct that the proposed rates be incorporated into future draft budgets. It will also receive a progress report on the Transit Feasibility Study and consider several heritage designation by‑laws and a Part Lot Control exemption by‑law. Additionally, the Council will approve the consent agenda items, including appointments to the Elora Business Improvement Area Board of Management.
- Approve 2025 Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Financial Plans
- Designate 219 Farley Road, 298 Union Street East, and 300 St. Andrew Street West as heritage properties
- Part Lot Control exemption by‑law for Block 19 and parts of Blocks 16, 21, 22 of Registered Plan 61M‑227
- Appointments to the Elora Business Improvement Area Board of Management
- Receive progress report on the Transit Feasibility Study
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment will consider two applications for minor variances. One request (A017-2025) seeks to add an addition to an existing machine shop at 6542 East‑West Garafraxa Townline. The other request (A018-2025) proposes to modify Schedule ‘A’, Map 50 to extend the C1 Commercial zone at 6505 Wellington Road 7 for redevelopment of the parcel.
- A017-2025 – variance to permit an addition to the existing machine shop at 6542 East‑West Garafraxa Townline.
- A018-2025 – variance to modify Schedule ‘A’, Map 50 and extend the C1 Commercial zone at 6505 Wellington Road 7 for parcel redevelopment.
- Draft 2026 Hearing Date Schedule (item 6.1).
- Confirmation of minutes from the October 16 2025 Committee of Adjustment meeting.
Heritage Centre Wellington
The Heritage Centre Wellington will present recommendations to the Township Council on whether to designate two properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. The properties are 64 Colborne Street and 179 Victoria Crescent in Elora. The Centre will also consider a demolition request for 511 James Street in Salem, with an option to oppose demolition or to recommend designation to protect the property. The agenda also includes a heritage plaque presentation and sub‑committee updates.
- Designation recommendation – 64 Colborne Street, Elora – Notice of Intention to Designate under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act
- Designation recommendation – 179 Victoria Crescent, Elora – Notice of Intention to Designate under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act
- Intent to demolish – 511 James Street, Salem – recommendation to not oppose demolition or to recommend designation to protect the property
- Heritage Designation Plaque Presentation (item 5.1)
- Sub‑committee updates: Properties, Public Relations/Education, Bridge
Council
The Township of Centre Wellington Council will discuss updating zoning regulations for additional residential units and amending the OLG funding allocation policy. The meeting includes a review of 2026 budget public engagement survey results and a licensing agreement for transportation services.
- Zoning by-law amendment to regulate Additional Residential Units (By-law 2025-70)
- Amendment to the OLG Funding Allocation Policy (By-law 2025-71)
- Licensing amending agreement for Guelph Owen Sound Transportation service (By-law 2025-72)
- Removal of Aetna Pest Control as a preferred contractor for Sentricon products
- Appointment of Scott Wylde to the Wellington County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss a draft by‑law to license, regulate and govern short‑term rental accommodations and bed‑and‑breakfasts in the township. Topics include the definition of a responsible person, limits on the number of rentals, licensing fees, inspection requirements, parking and distance rules. Input will be gathered to shape the final by‑law before council decides on adoption.
- Review of the draft short‑term rental licensing by‑law (By‑law 2025‑_____)
- Discussion of responsible‑person definition and response requirements
- Consideration of caps on the number of STRs per property and overall township limit
- Proposals for license fee structure to cover administration and enforcement costs
- Examination of inspection, parking, distance‑between‑STRs, and occupancy rules
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is considering a policy regarding the use of Indigenous-themed names, logos, and imagery on Township properties. The meeting includes a proposal for a permanent contextual display at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre.
- Proposed Use of Indigenous-Themed Names, Logos and Imagery Within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy
- Proposed permanent contextual display for the Jefferson Elora Community Centre
- Multi-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study and Business Plan
- Allocation of $20,000 from the DEI Capital Project for the Reconciliation-Focused Policy Pathway
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee
The Healthy Communities Advisory Committee will receive a notice of commencement for the Transit Feasibility Study (Report HCAC2025-18) and an invitation to participate. The committee will also hear a presentation on the Confederation Park Revitalization Project. Updates include a $6.8 million grant for water and wastewater services to South Fergus and information on the Sportsplex Office Retrofit and Multi‑Use Recreation Facility feasibility studies.
- Transit Feasibility Study notice and invitation to participate (Report HCAC2025-18)
- Confederation Park Revitalization Project presentation by GSP Group
- $6.8 million grant for water and wastewater servicing to South Fergus
- Sportsplex Office Retrofit report (HCAC2025-16) for information
- Multi‑Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study report (HCAC2025-16) for information
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a workshop to review input gathered for the Township’s Community Engagement Strategy. Council will work with the consultant to refine the strategy’s goals, guiding principles and commitments. The session will also cover the township’s engagement experiences, maturity level, effective practices and roles. No formal decisions are recorded; the meeting is for discussion and planning.
- Call to Order
- Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Community Engagement Strategy workshop to refine goals, principles and commitments
Council (Budget)
The Township of Centre Wellington Council approved the 2025 Economic Development & Tourism Strategy and directed staff to include its programs in budget deliberations. It received and accepted the 2025 Emergency Management Programme report and the updated Municipal Emergency Response Plan. The Council pre‑approved a $980,000 budget top‑up for the Belwood Hall Renovation Project, with $400,000 funded from grants, donations and community partnerships. It also delegated authority for the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Grant Program, approved a $77,598.75 award to Behr Integrated Solutions Inc for the Fire Master Plan, and authorized by‑laws for internet/telephone voting and an amendment to the Elora Business Improvement Area.
- Belwood Hall Renovation top‑up of $980,000 (including $400,000 from grants, donations, partnerships)
- Approval of the 2025 Economic Development & Tourism Strategy (Report CAO2025-20)
- Delegation for Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Grant Program
- Award of RFP#68-25 to Behr Integrated Solutions Inc for the Fire Master Plan ($77,598.75 exclusive of taxes)
- By‑laws authorizing internet/telephone voting for the 2026 municipal election and amending the Elora Business Improvement Area
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to decide on a minor variance application for a property in West Garafraxa. The applicant is seeking permission to build an accessory structure before a main building is established and to exceed the standard height limit.
- Application A016-2025: Request to build an accessory building at 6541 Third Line prior to a main building
- Application A016-2025: Request to increase accessory building height to 5.3 metres (limit is 4.6 metres)
- Staff recommendation: No objection to the requested variances
Council
The Township of Centre Wellington will discuss funding for winter lighting in Elora and a new parking by-law effective January 1, 2026. Council will also receive updates on a transit feasibility study and the Operations Centre construction.
- Funding of $11,835 from General Capital Reserve for Elora Green Space lighting
- By-law 2025-61 to set AMPS Parking By-law effective date to January 1, 2026
- Heritage Permit Application HP2025-10 for 66 Moir Street, Elora
- Appointment of Scott Wylde to Wellington County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Endorsement of water quantity policy amendments for the Grand River Source Protection Plan
Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee
The Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee is considering a recommendation to Council for the adoption of a new Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. The body will also review a feasibility study and business plan for a Multi-Use Recreation Facility.
- Recommendation for adoption of the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (EPG2025-12)
- Review of Multi-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study and Business Plan (EPG2025-11)
- Presentation on Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Service Corporation
- Updates from the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
- Reports from Economic Development, Downtown, and Growth Working Groups
Heritage Centre Wellington
The Heritage Centre will receive staff report HCW2025-18 on a heritage permit application for 66 Moir Street, Elora, and will recommend either approval or refusal of the proposed alterations. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, agenda corrections, conflict‑of‑interest disclosures, minutes adoption, presentations, delegations, sub‑committee updates and information items.
- Heritage Permit application HP-2025-10 for 66 Moir Street, Elora – staff report HCW2025-18 to be received and recommendation to approve or refuse
- Properties Sub‑Committee discussion of additional funding for large‑scale institutional buildings in the Heritage Grant Program
- Bridge Sub‑Committee – no update
- Public Relations / Education Sub‑Committee – no update
- Information items: Walser Chimney update (6505 Wellington Road 7, Elora) and Craighead Cottage update
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will consider a feasibility study and business plan for a new Multi-Use Recreation Facility. The body will also receive updates from working groups regarding inclusive programs and Indigenous-themed logos.
- Review of Multi-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study and Business Plan
- Update on Indigenous Themed Logos in Sporting Facilities
- Update on Diverse and Inclusive Programs Working Group
- Update on Pierpoint Community Working Group
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee
The Healthy Communities Advisory Committee will consider a plan for supportive amenities at active transportation hubs and review multi-use recreation facility studies. The committee is asked to provide feedback on the hub locations and prioritize amenities.
- Receives Township Amenities Plan for Active Transportation and Mobility (Report HCAC2025-17)
- Receives Multi-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study and Business Plan (Report HCAC2025-15)
- Receives Sportsplex Office Retrofit report (Report HCAC2025-16)
- Working Group updates for Active Transportation, Activity/Health, Bissell Park Pad, Community Investment Fund, and Pierpoint
- Information items include Infrastructure and Community Services departmental updates
Council
The Council will consider a series of consent items and by‑laws, including heritage designation notices for three properties, the appointment of municipal law enforcement officers for parking enforcement, and a zoning amendment for 6949 Wellington Road. Additional items include an extension of the Elora Rocks alcohol pilot, a $186,173.74 purchase of an articulated sidewalk tractor, and actions on the municipal accommodation tax and housing needs assessment. The meeting will also address a farmers market alcohol sampling exemption, a demolition request for 6518 First Line, and a zoning amendment for a battery energy storage system at 6235 Guelph Street.
- Approval of $186,173.74 purchase of one articulated sidewalk tractor (by‑law 2025‑58)
- Appointment of Alpha Technology Systems employees as municipal law enforcement officers for the Parking By‑law (by‑law 2025‑56)
- Extension of the Elora Rocks Sr. Hockey Club alcohol pilot at Jefferson Elora Community Centre (item 10.6)
- Heritage designation notices for 219 Farley Road, 298 Union Street East, and 300 St. Andrew Street West (items 10.2‑10.4)
- Zoning amendment RZ05/25 for 6949 Wellington Road 7 to allow agricultural‑related use (item 11.3)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will meet to review a minor variance application for a property in Eramosa. The body will decide if a building addition can exceed current floor area limits.
- Application A015-2025: Request to increase maximum floor area from 3,900m2 to 4,540m2 at 5953 Sixth Line, Eramosa
Council
The Township of Centre Wellington Council will consider a $2.8 million contract for water meter replacement, delegate authority for a $130,000 road repaving grant application, and vote on a by-law regulating election signs. The meeting also includes a public presentation on community safety and a report on indoor recreation facility priorities.
- Award of RFP#42-25 water meter replacement contract to Neptune Technology Group Canada Co at $2,838,901
- Delegation of authority to submit Connecting Links grant application for Tower and Bridge Street repaving in Fergus
- Authorization to execute Community Benefit Contribution Agreement with Elora BESS LP
- Consideration of two options for prioritizing indoor recreation facility construction in the 2026 capital forecast
- Approval of By-law 2025-54 regulating election sign placement and assembly
Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee
The Economic Prosperity and Growth Advisory Committee will receive an update on the Development Charges Background Study and Stormwater Rate Study from Dan Wilson, CAO, and Watson & Associates. It will also consider the Tourism Winter Experience Recipient Recommendations report. Additional information items include updates from the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and several working groups. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Presentation on Development Charges Background Study and Stormwater Rate Study (update)
- Review of Tourism Winter Experience Recipient Recommendations report
- Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce update
- Economic Development update
- Updates from Downtown, Growth, and Economic Development Working Groups
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will consider a report updating the Township’s policy on Indigenous‑themed names, logos and imagery for facilities and will recommend that Council endorse the policy. The committee will also hear a delegation request for veteran‑honour crosswalk paintings in Elora. Routine items include approval of previous minutes, disclosures of pecuniary interest, and updates from working groups.
- Recommendation to Council to endorse the Use of Indigenous‑themed Names, Logos and Imagery within Township Facilities and Properties policy
- Delegation request from the Elora Legion for veteran‑honour crosswalk paintings in Elora
- Approval and adoption of the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes
- Disclosure of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Working group updates: Indigenous Themed Logos, Diverse and Inclusive Programs, Pierpoint Community
Heritage Centre Wellington
The Heritage Centre Wellington will receive report HCW2025-14 on a proposed demolition at 6518 First Line, Fergus. The committee will decide whether to not oppose the demolition request or to recommend that Council designate the property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Additional designation recommendations for Melville United Church (300 St Andrew Street West) and 219 Farley Road, Fergus will also be considered.
- Review of report HCW2025-14 on demolition at 6518 First Line, Fergus – option to not oppose demolition or recommend designation
- Designation recommendation for Melville United Church, 300 St Andrew Street West, Fergus – issue Notice of Intent to Designate or not
- Designation recommendation for 219 Farley Road, Fergus – issue Notice of Intent to Designate or not
- Walser Chimney update – report from Elora South Inc. (6505 Wellington Road 7, Elora)
- Craighead Cottage update – report from Planning Services
Council
Council will hold a public meeting regarding a zoning amendment for 6949 Wellington Rd 7 to allow a farm drainage equipment repair shop. The body is also considering several contracts, including a growth phasing strategy and a generator for The Grand 101 FM.
- Zoning amendment application RZ005-2025 for 6949 Wellington Rd 7, Nichol
- Single source contract for Growth Phasing Strategy with Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. including a top-up up to $29,000
- Agreement with The Grand 101 FM for a generator at 7447 Wellington Road 18, Elora
- Rescinding surplus declaration for Strathallan Park at 220 Strathallan Street, Fergus
- Application for Rural Ontario Development Program funding for Belwood Hall Renovation
Committee of Adjustment
The Centre Wellington Committee of Adjustment will consider two minor variance applications. Application A013-2025 seeks reduced Minimum Distance Separation setbacks at 7187 Sideroad 11, Pilkington to allow a detached additional residential unit. Application A014-2025 seeks increased floor area, height, lot coverage and reduced setback at 547 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus to permit a detached additional residential unit. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, land acknowledgement, and confirmation of minutes.
- A013-2025 – variance to reduce MDS I setbacks (270 m from manure storage, 210 m from livestock barn) at 7187 Sideroad 11, Pilkington for a detached additional residential unit
- A014-2025 – variances to increase maximum floor area, height, lot coverage and reduce setback for a through lot at 547 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus to permit a detached additional residential unit
Council
Council will consider endorsing Councillor Bronwynne Wilton to serve on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors for the remainder of the current term. The meeting will also include a confirmatory by-law for the proceedings of the August 13, 2025, session.
- Endorsement of Councillor Wilton to FCM Board of Directors
- Confirmatory by-law for Council proceedings
- Councillor Conferences and Learning allocation covers expenses
Committee of the Whole
The Centre Wellington Council will meet in a closed session to conduct an educational or training session and discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. After the closed session, the Council will reconvene in open session to address any matters arising from the closed session and then adjourn.
- Closed session for education/training and personal matters (per Municipal Act 2001)
- Disclosure of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Addendums and corrections to the agenda
- Reconversion to open session and consideration of matters arising
- Adjournment
Council
The Council will consider and vote on several reports and items, including large well‑drilling contracts totaling $3.688 million. It will also receive updates on housing needs, climate action, and solar panel installation, and will approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Plan. Additional by‑law motions cover speed limits, fund‑raising toll booths, and an Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
- Approve Request for Tender #50-25 for well drilling to Aardvark Drilling Inc. at $1,188,850.00 (contingency included, excl. HST)
- Approve Request for Tender #51-25 for well drilling to Lotowater Technical Services Inc. at $2,499,601.24 (contingency included, excl. HST)
- Authorize competitive bids for a solar panel system at the new Operations Centre up to $1.2 million
- Approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Plan, including the Parks Plan and Needs Assessment
- Pass By‑laws 2025‑44 through 2025‑47 establishing toll‑booth fund‑raising, speed regulation, and an Administrative Monetary Penalty System
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a workshop on the proposed Multi-Use Recreational Facility. Representatives from McQueen Galloway Associates and MJMA Architecture & Design will present. Attendees will participate in breakout sessions to explore design concepts. No formal decisions are scheduled.
- Presentation by McQueen Galloway Associates and MJMA Architecture & Design
- Workshop breakout sessions on the Multi-Use Recreational Facility
- Lunch provided in Veteran's Hall A and B at the Municipal Office
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will meet to discuss a minor variance application for a property in Elora. The applicant is seeking to increase the permitted height of an accessory building to facilitate a new residential unit.
- Application A011-2025: Request to permit an accessory building height of 6 metres instead of 4.6 metres at 19 Aqua Street, Elora
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will consider two endorsement recommendations: the Parks and Recreation Plan Draft Report and the Indigenous themed logos and naming policy for township facilities. A presentation on the Active Transportation and Mobility Plan will also be given. Working group updates and the next meeting date will be noted.
- Endorse Parks and Recreation Plan Draft Report (DEI2025-01)
- Endorse Indigenous themed logos plan and draft policy (DEI2025-06)
- Presentation of Active Transportation and Mobility Plan by Adam Gilmore
- Working group updates: Indigenous logos in sporting facilities, Diverse and Inclusive Programs, Pierpoint Community
- Information item: next meeting scheduled for September 4
Heritage Centre Wellington
The Heritage Centre Wellington committee will discuss commemorative measures for three bridges in former West Garafraxa Township. The body will also consider whether to recommend municipal heritage designations for two properties and a cladding change for another.
- Commemoration of Bridges 21-WG, 29-WG, and 30-WG including interpretive plaques and original shape imprints
- Designation recommendation for 298 Union Street East, Fergus
- Designation recommendation for 27 Broken Front Path Pvt., Elora
- Heritage Permit HP-2024-018 cladding material review for 495 Union Street West (Craighead)
- Presentation on the Active Transportation and Mobility Plan