Community Update
OCTOBER 6, 2017 | THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER | 25
Centre Wellington Council approved five priorities through a Strategic Planning Process. These five priorities set the direction and priorities of Council and staff, drive alignment, give us the ability to communicate efficiently to our residents and set the stage for the future of Centre Wellington.
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Reliable Infrastructure
Healthy Growth
Pride of Place
The Township will manage and upgrade the community’s infrastructure assets in an environmentally responsible way.
The Township will plan now for its inevitable growth, so that we retain a vibrant and accessible community and our high quality of life in the future.
The Township will support community initiatives that foster pride in our community and enhance its amenities.
The Township will complete a growth strategy for the development anticipated by the year 2041.
The Township will develop a policy requiring community partnerships for all sports, parks, recreation, arts, culture, and heritage projects.
• A DRAFT Growth Management Strategy (GMS) – Land Use Planning was presented to Council in late May 2017 by Stantec Consulting. The report is now out for review by the community and a public meeting will be held in conjunction with other master plan engagement meetings this fall for final public input. A final report will be presented to Council in the fall.
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The Township will replace or reconstruct four bridges by 2019. Bridges Completed to date § 8th Line bridge (21-P) crossing Carrol Creek
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Heritage designated Irvine St. Bowstring bridge (9-N)
Approved 2% Capital Levy provides funding for the following bridge replacement/rehabilitation prior to 2019. 2017 bridge projects
2018 bridge projects
• Replacement of Sideroad 20 Bridge (27-WG) over the Irvine Creek • Third Line Culvert Replacement 32-WG • Replacement of the eventh Line Bridge (9-WG)
• Replacement of the Fourth Line Bridge (10-P) • Victoria Street Pedestrian Bridge replacement • St David St Bridge replacement
The Township will undertake a Transportation Master Plan in order to anticipate transportation infrastructure needs until 2041.
The final Community Initiated Project Guideline was approved by Council and are posted on the Township website.
On the basis of this community project partnerships policy, during this term of Council, the Township will be particularly prepared to respond to: § proposals that enhance the natural environment and the appreciation of our natural environment by residents and visitors § proposals that enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety § discussions now taking place among Centre Wellington’s community cultural organizations toward a potential cooperative cultural resource centre § programs which support local entrepreneurship
Through its annual construction budgets, the Township will undertake a steadily enhanced program of repaving roads throughout this term of Council. • In 2015, $125,000 of pavement management projects were completed
• WSP has been selected to work with Township in developing the Transportation Master Plan with a public survey currently underway and further public engagement beginning this fall. The Master plan is scheduled for completion in 2018.
• In 2016, $175,000 of pavement management projects were completed
The Township will prepare a Fire Service Master Plan in order to anticipate fire service facility and equipment needs until 2041.
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• Dillon Consulting presented a DRAFT Final Master Plan report to Council in June 2017 which is now out for public review and comment. A final master plan report will be presented to Council based on feedback received by Council and the public.
On the basis of this community projects partnerships policy, the Heritage Committee will be asked to identify and prioritize potential heritage conservation projects for the remainder of the term and beyond
The Township will identify and prioritize sports facilities which will be needed to accommodate a growing population until 2041, as well as update the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan accordingly.
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• In 2017, $ 225,000 of pavement management projects were completed • By 2019, this funding will increase to $300,000 annually Through its annual construction budgets, the Township will do more to connect existing neighbourhoods for pedestrians and cyclists, by means of sidewalks, trails, cycling routes and/or parks. • Improvements to Trestle Bridge trail from Bridge St to South River Road will occur this fall • Staff successfully applied to the County of Wellington for grant funding of $50,000. The Township will conduct a feasibility study in 2016 to examine the business case for meeting the emergency power need at the Sportsplex by means of an energy co-generation solution. • In June 2017 Council approved a Power of Purchase Agreement with Centre Wellington Energy Innovations Inc. (CWEI) to design, implement, and manage a hybrid combined heat and electrical generator and backup generators to provide green energy to the Sportsplex, to be operational in 2018 Throughout the term, the Township will implement a Tree Management Program • Staff presented to Council the Emerald Ash Borer program and have allocated funding in the capital budget to address the removal of affected ash trees and plant new trees throughout the community. • In Spring 2017, an Urban Forestry Project Manager was hired on a 3-year contract who will; § Develop a draft Public Forest Policy which will go out for public engagement during the fall of 2017. The Township will lobby the Ontario Government that commercial water-taking should not be permitted unless there is clear and publicly available scientific evidence that there will be no significant impact on the quality and quantity of our local water supply • Mayor Kelly Linton, CAO Andy Goldie, Managing Director of Infrastructure Colin Baker and the Township’s Hydrogeologist Ray Blackport, joined by MPP Ted Arnott on two occasions met with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Glen Murray and Ministry staff at Queens Park to discuss the Nestlé’s water taking permit and acquisition of the Middlebrook Well property. The Township was seeking assurance for the long term protection of our water supply in regards to quality and quantity to meet our future growth requirements.
Monteith Planning has been hired to undertake the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan with public engagement beginning this fall.
• The MOECC has placed a moratorium on all new and existing water taking permits for water bottling companies taking from ground water until January 1, 2019. • The GRCA, in partnership with the Township, are currently undertaking a “Scoped Tier 3 Water Study” which will be completed in 2018. • The MOECC has released new regulations and increased fees in regards to water taking permits for bottled water. • The Township’s Long Term Water Supply Master Plan will begin in the fall of 2017 and be completed by end of 2018. Information and data from the Scoped Tier 3 study will be used as part of this master plan.
Heritage Centre Wellington is currently working on the following initiatives: § The Municipal Register of Heritage Properties § Council approved the designation of the Belwood School House (24 North Broadway Street) and Township-owned Craighead (495 Union Street West) § Developed a Heritage Brochure
Economic Prosperity
Good Government
The Township will help the business community to excel and expand, and to create jobs, so that Centre Wellington’s economic vitality keeps pace with its population.
As a government, the Township will make wellinformed decisions, operate efficiently, get results, communicate openly and engage the public in all important decisions.
A campaign will be launched to market the plentiful supply of property in Centre Wellington for new industrial and commercial businesses.
The Township will prepare a plan for open and frequent communication with the public, and will initiate and sustain throughout the term a high level of service in communicating with the public
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• The Township has provided comments on the Nestle well pumping permit through the Province’s Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). • The Township continues to work with the MOECC and GRCA in regards to long term water quality and quantity protection for our community.
With the approval of the Community Initiated Project Guidelines staff will begin to undertake this work.
Council approved the hiring of Watson & Associates to prepare a Business Case Assessment which explores the potential return on investment (ROI) and net fiscal impact of developing one or more municipal fully-serviced industrial business parks in Centre Wellington. The Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) has created a Properties Working Group to look at current barriers to remediation and redevelopment of high priority brownfield and underutilized properties and make recommendations to Council regarding these sites.
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Committee of the Whole and Council meetings are live streamed on the Township’s website.
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The Township is now on social media. Facebook and Twitter are tools for fast, two way communication about programs, services and news affecting our community.
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www.ConnectCW.ca launched, a website whereby residents will be able to review key project reports, ask questions, and provide feedback on major planning projects. Launched in June 2017 staff will be using this new tool to assist in seeking out public engagement on various projects like the Transportation Master Plan, Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan, Long Term Water Study, Urban Forestry Plan, and Fire Master Plan.
The Economic Development Task Force was requested to explore and recommend appropriate action in several areas such as: •
Programs for promoting entrepreneurship and for coaching and training new local entrepreneurs, including young entrepreneurs. § The Township has partnered with Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre to create The Business Advisor in Residence Program. § The Township of Centre Wellington is the first municipality in the County of Wellington to launch the BizPaL online licensing portal.
The Township will review and clarify its intended role in the enforcement of Township bylaws •
Staff is currently reviewing various bylaws which require re-writing, researching bylaw services at other municipalities including expenditures/ revenues, staffing levels, and enforcement practises, in order to present Council with options to provide Municipal By-law Enforcement services in 2018.