Strategic Decisions made by Council - December 16th

Council Meeting Date: December 16, 2024 

Strategic Decisions from Council

Consent Items

Township Response to Contaminant Discharge to the Storm Sewer in Belwood
Heritage Designation Recommendation - 249 Garafraxa Street East, Fergus
Heritage Designation Recommendation - 525 Union Street East, Fergus
Heritage Designation Recommendation - 6475 Second Line, West Garafraxa
Heritage Permit - 250 Hill Street West, Fergus
Update on Implementation of an Administrative Monetary Penalty System
Quarterly Procurement Report Q3 - 2024
Operating Results - September 30, 2024
Electric Vehicle ChargeON Grant Application Update

By-law to Restrict the Weight of Vehicles Passing Over Certain Bridges in the Township
Structure 29-WG
Council adopted a by-law to restrict the weight of vehicles passing over Structure 29-WG on Sideroad 15,  During fall 2024 inspections, the Township's bridge engineers, K. Smart and Associates Limited, determined that Structure 29-WG on Sideroad 15 of former West Garafraxa Township has deteriorated significantly since the multiple-unit, truck type, load limit posting of 15-28-39 tonnes was imposed in 2023. Based on the findings of the structural engineer's evaluation a reduced load posting of 5 tonnes and a vehicle height limitation of 3.0 metres maximum is required to keep the bridge open for light vehicle traffic.

3-N and 26-P
These two structures are to have minor increases in load restrictions as a result of recent capital bridge improvements. Bridge 3-N on Beatty Line is to increase as a multi-load, truck type, posting of 10-18-26 tonnes from the current 10-tonne limit. Bridge 26-P on the First Line of former Pilkington Township is to increase to 30 tonnes from the current 15-tonne posting.

2-WG, 8-WG, 9-N and 26-N
All these structures were inspected in 2024, following the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, which states that load restrictions must be reviewed within two years of implementation. Each structure is in advanced states of deterioration and ranges in age from 82 to 99, and it will uphold the current load restrictions.

Click here to learn more about Centre Wellington bridges with existing load restrictions

Development Charge Deferral Agreement - Jefferson Elora Corporation
Jefferson Elora Corporation was established in Centre Wellington in 1996. They are a Tier 1 automotive parts supplier to Honda and Toyota. The company is the largest employer in the Township with over 640 employees. 

The company is planning a building expansion of their stamping department with new state-of-the-art metal forming equipment which will create 30 jobs. They plan to start construction in the spring of 2025. Council approved a Development Charge Deferral Payment Agreement, allowing development charges to be paid in 5 annual installments. 

Report to Council

Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law Update
Following further consultation with the public and the Economic Prosperity & Growth Advisory Committee, staff presented comments to Council on the report MacLaren Municipal Consultants presented for the September meeting.  Council directed staff to bring forward a draft licensing by-law to regulate short-term rental accommodations and a draft implementation plan for review at a future meeting. 

Report to Council

2025 Budget By-Law
Council authorized the execution of the By-Law to enact the 2025 Budget.  The 2025 Budget document represents the culmination of staff efforts throughout much of 2024, considering public input, and specific direction of Council during the budget deliberation process.

Report to Council