07 - April 14, 2026 County Council Agenda PackageElgmCounty
Elgin County Council
Regular Council Meeting
Orders of the Day
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON
Note for Members of the Public:
Please click the link below to watch the meeting livestream:
https://video.isilive.ca/elgincounty/live.html
Accessible formats available upon request.
Pages
1.
Meeting Call to Order
2.
Approval of Agenda
3.
Introductions, Recognitions, Memorials
4.
Adoption of Minutes
3
5.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
6.
Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations
6.1 Frank Schonberger, Member of the Public - Farmland Data
8
7.
Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole
7.1 Warden Giguere - ADM 26-12 - Recommendations from Committee of
31
the Whole — March 24, 2026
8.
Committee Recommendations
9.
Reports for Information and Immediate Consideration
9.1 Director of Community and Cultural Services - CCS 26-03 West Lorne
33
Library Expansion Update
9.2 Director of Engineering Services - ENG 26-08 Highbury Avenue — Upload
37
Request
9.3 Director of Planning and Development - PLN 26-04 Proposed Provincial
41
Planning Reforms under Bill 98 and the Build Communities Strong Fund
10.
Council Correspondence
10.1 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - Making Waves
55
Newsletter
10.2 Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) - March 2026 Newsletter
63
10.3 Volunteer Elgin Update - Strengthening Volunteerism in Elgin County
70
10.4 St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre - 2025 Annual Report
75
10.5 Letter to the Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, from the
98
London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) re: Trustee
Determination
10.6 Resolution from the Municipality of Chatham -Kent re: Food Insecurity
108
Emergency Declaration
10.7 Letter from Damella Group Limited re: Proposing Property Option at 154
111
Talbot Street West for Aylmer Library
10.8 St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce - Sponsorship Funding
113
Redirect Request
11.
Statements/Inquiries by Members
12.
Closed Meeting Items
12.1 Closed Meeting Minutes - March 24, 2026
13.
Motion to Rise and Report
14.
Consideration of By -Laws
14.1 By -Law No. 26-16 Confirmation
116
15.
Adjournment
Page 2 of 116
Elgin County Council
Regular Council Meeting
Minutes
March 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON
Members Present: Warden Dominique Giguere
Deputy Warden Grant Jones
Councillor Ed Ketchabaw
Councillor Mark Widner
Councillor Jack Couckuyt
Councillor Andrew Sloan
Councillor Todd Noble
Councillor Mike Hentz
Councillor Richard Leatham
Staff Present: Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Nicholas Loeb, Director of Legal Services
Brian Masschaele, Director of Community & Cultural Services
Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services
Mat Vaughan, Director of Planning and Development
Holly Hurley, Director of People & Culture
Joe Anne Holloway, Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Carolyn Krahn, Manager of Economic Development, Tourism &
Strategic Initiatives
Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative
Services/Deputy Clerk
Jenna Fentie, Legislative Services Coordinator
Stefanie Heide, Legislative Services Coordinator
Meeting Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with Warden Giguere in the chair.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by: Councillor Hentz
Seconded by: Councillor Noble
RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the March 24, 2026 County Council Meeting
be approved as presented.
Motion Carried.
3. Introductions, Recognitions, Memorials
None.
4. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Leatham
Page 3 of 116
RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the meeting held on March 10, 2026 be
adopted.
Motion Carried.
5. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
6. Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations
6.1 Mary Lou Tanner, Senior Partner, NPG Planning Solutions - Update
on Hospital Lands Development
Mary Lou Tanner, Senior Partner, NPG Planning Solutions, presented the
update on the Central Elgin Hospital Lands Development.
Moved by: Councillor Noble
Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones
RESOLVED THAT the presentation from Mary Lou Tanner, Senior Partner
of NPG Planning Solutions, be received and filed.
Motion Carried.
6.2 Danielle Nielsen, Acting Director of St. Thomas - Elgin Social
Services, and Brandon Sloan, Housing Accelerator Fund Coordinator
- Draft St. Thomas - Elgin 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan
2026-2036
Danielle Nielsen, Acting Director of St. Thomas - Elgin Social Services,
and Brandon Sloan, Housing Accelerator Fund Coordinator, presented the
Draft St. Thomas - Elgin 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 2026-
2036.
Moved by: Councillor Widner
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT the presentation from St. Thomas - Elgin Social
Services be received and filed.
Motion Carried.
6.3 Gary De Bock, Member of the Public - Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act
Gary De Bock, a member of the public, presented his concerns on Bill 21,
Protect Our Food Act.
Moved by: Councillor Noble
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT the delegation from Gary De Bock, member of the
public, regarding Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, be received and filed.
Motion Carried.
7. Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole
7.1 Warden Giguere - ADM 26-11 - Recommendations from Committee of
the Whole — March 10, 2026
Councillor Couckuyt left the Council Chambers at 9:44 a.m. and returned
to the Chambers at 9:46 a.m. Councillor Couckuyt did not participate in
the vote for item 7.1 Recommendations from Committee of the Whole.
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Hentz
Page 4 of 116
RESOLVED THAT items CW26-25-CW26-28 from the Committee of the
Whole meeting dated March 10, 2026, and the recommendations therein
be adopted.
Motion Carried.
8. Committee Recommendations
None.
9. Reports for Information and Immediate Consideration
None.
10. Council Correspondence
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Hentz
RESOLVED THAT Correspondence Item 10.1 be received and filed.
Motion Carried.
10.1 Resolution from the Regional Municipality of York re: Circular
Materials Ontario
10.2 Flag Raising Request from the YWCA St. Thomas Elgin Local
Immigration Partnership (STELIP) for Welcoming Week 2026
Moved by: Councillor Widner
Seconded by: Councillor Ketchabaw
RESOLVED THAT the flag raising, proclamation, and building lighting
request from the YWCA St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership
(STELIP) for Welcoming Week 2026 be approved for September 22,
2026.
Motion Carried.
10.3 Flag Raising Request from Childcan for Childhood Cancer
Awareness Month 2026
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Leatham
RESOLVED THAT the flag raising, proclamation, and building lighting
request from Childcan for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026 be
approved for September 8, 2026.
Motion Carried.
10.4 Proclamation and Building Lighting Request from Epilepsy
Southwestern Ontario
Moved by: Councillor Noble
Seconded by: Councillor Leatham
RESOLVED THAT March 26, 2026 be proclaimed Epilepsy Awareness
Day in the County of Elgin and that the Elgin County Administration
Building be lit in recognition of this day.
Motion Carried.
11. Statements/Inquiries by Members
11.1 Councillor Ketchabaw -North Shore Resilience Project Open Houses
3
Page 5 of 116
Councillor Ketchabaw welcomed all to attend the upcoming North Shore
Resilience Open Houses on March 24, 2026, at the Birds Canada Event
Room in Port Rowan, at the Port Stanley Arena on March 25, 2026, from
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and at the Rodney
Community Centre on March 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
12. Closed Meeting Items
Moved by: Councillor Hentz
Seconded by: Councillor Noble
RESOLVED THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in
accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss the following matters under
Municipal Act Section 239 (2):
Closed Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2026
Closed Meeting Item #2 - Human Resources Matter (verbal)
(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local
board employees
Motion Carried.
12.1 Closed Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2026
12.2 Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk - Human Resources Matter (verbal)
13. Motion to Rise and Report
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Leatham
RESOLVED THAT we do now rise and report.
Motion Carried.
Closed Meeting Item #1 - Closed Meeting Minutes - March 10, 2026
Moved by: Councillor Widner
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT the March 10, 2026 closed meeting minutes be adopted.
Motion Carried.
Closed Meeting Item #2 - Human Resources Matter (verbal)
Moved by: Councillor Noble
Seconded by: Councillor Hentz
RESOLVED THAT the confidential report from the Chief Administrative
Officer/Clerk be received and filed; and
THAT staff proceed as directed.
Motion Carried.
14. Consideration of By -Laws
14.1 By -Law No. 26-13 County Road System
Page 6 of 116
BEING a By -Law Adopting a Plan of County Road Improvement and
Establishing a County Road System in the County of Elgin and to Repeal
By -Laws 10-10, 17-27, 17-28, 17-29 and 17-30.
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 26-13 be now read a first, second, and
third time and finally passed.
Motion Carried.
14.2 By -Law No. 26-14 Reduced Load Limits
BEING a By -Law to Authorize Reduced Load Limits on County of Elgin
Roads, and to Repeal By -Law 98-10.
Moved by: Councillor Hentz
Seconded by: Councillor Leatham
RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 26-14 be now read a first, second, and
third time and finally passed.
Motion Carried.
14.3 By -Law No. 26-15 Confirmation
BEING a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the
Corporation of the County of Elgin at the March 24, 2026 Meeting.
Moved by: Councillor Couckuyt
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT By -Law No. 26-15 be now read a first, second, and
third time and finally passed.
Motion Carried.
15. Adjournment
Moved by: Councillor Widner
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 10:55 a.m. to meet again on April 14,
2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Motion Carried.
Blaine Parkin, Dominique Giguere,
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Warden.
5
Page 7 of 116
Dear Elgin County Council,
I'm a life long farmer from Norfolk County.
There have been recent reports in the media that Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland per
day mainly to urban sprawl and development.
The statistics used to claim of the loss of 319 acres of farm land each day are taken from the
2021 Statistics Canada (StatsCan) Census of Agriculture and compared to the 2016 StatsCan
Census
One only need go to the StatsCan Census for 2021 and read the notice on "changes in reporting
methods" to see that a comparison directly to the 2016 StatsCan report cannot be made in
some sections of the census. A change in reporting for 2021 was that only farms registering an
income from the sale of agricultural farming to CRA are reported in the survey.
Also, there is a significant difference in reported farm land area between StatsCan and
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) data which shows "an increase" in total
"taxable" farm land.
Note: The StatsCan defines Total Farm Area as all farm land owned, used and/or
controlled by active farmers.
MPAC defines Total Farm land as all land assessed for tax purposes even if that land is
not actively farmed.
The suggestion by some that all loss of farm land can be attributed primarily to Urban
development is a false narrative.
In Norfolk County, during the downsizing of the Tobacco industry many farms were, and
continue to be, purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) with land that has been
conserved and restored that total more than 8000 acres.
Farmers engaging in estate planning have also donated farmland area parcels for ecological tax
credits to the Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) in recent years. The LPBLT now owns 1200
acres of land in Norfolk County. There are 36 Land Trust affiliated groups active across Ontario.
Over 9000 acres of land in Norfolk has been dedicated to these conservation groups over the
last 30 years. This is significantly higher than the approximate 1,500 to 2000 acres that may
have been used for housing development by the county over the same period. Nature based
organizations along with numerous Land Trusts actively seek to acquire farmland areas with
woodlots wetlands and other natural areas across Ontario with grant funding from the Federal
and Provincial government.
Page 8 of 116
All these lands are now no longer in included in the StatsCan data collection.
Where investors (domestic and offshore) buy farm land and lease fields to farmers, only the
acreage rented for crop production is reported to StatsCan.
It is extremely important to note that acres for the production of crops have increased in
Ontario and across Canada. This is attributed to farm improvements such as tile drainage,
clearing of additional crop land to enlarge fields to better accommodate larger and more
automated farm equipment, and greenhouse operations. Farmers are a very resourceful group
and will always find ways to improve farm productivity. Increases in cropland acres, annual yield
increases resulting from improved variety development and new production methods will
ensure our agricultural output continues to increase every year. This article from the Fraser
Institute supports this point. https.Iltroymedia.com/business/loss-of-ontario-cropland-
exaggerated/
Other farm land losses are attributed to farm consolidation resulting in surplus dwellings and
related land being severed, also the introduction of new recreation areas, wind and solar farms,
etc.
The sheer size of today's modern farm equipment and economies of scale in agriculture make
ownership of marginal farm land areas that have small irregular shaped fields, a high
percentage of Woodlots, wetlands, rocky and rolling terrain less attractive for farm operators to
purchase. Non farm residents are more likely to purchase the marginal farm properties and rent
back a small portion of land to farm operators or plant the remaining open farm land back into
trees. These parcels remain classified as total farm area in the MPAC data and are not lost to
development.
An in-depth look at StatsCan numbers show minimal losses of total farm land in the Counties of
Wellington, Perth, Oxford, Chatham- Kent and Middlesex, due to lower acreages of woodlots,
wetlands and other non -tillable areas.
On the other side of the equation, there is huge potential for vast acreages of new land to be
cleared and made available for crop production in the great northern clay belt area surrounding
Temiskaming. Land clearing and tile drainage grants are available for agricultural development
in Northern Ontario. New Agricultural enterprises include Livestock and crop production
including small grains, hay, soybeans and even vegetable production are being established in
the region.
The following links are very helpful in understanding the actual amount of farm land loss due to
"development" (Official Plan Amendments and Urban Boundary expansions) versus the
conversion to "conservation".
Page 9 of 116
I encourage everyone review the study "Measuring Farmland Loss" by Dr. Wayne Caldwell and
Dr. Sara Epp and others, dated January 2021, University of Guelph
(https://www.waynecaldwell.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/volume-l-FlNAL.pdf)
where it concludes that due to Official Plan Amendments (OPA), for the period 2000 — 2017 (17
years compared to the StatsCan 5 years) there was approximately 30,000 ha of farmland lost.
This equates to a 12 acres per day loss of farmland in the most populated regions of Ontario.
From the same study showing farm land loss in Norfolk County -
htt s://www.wUnecaldwell.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Norfolk-County_ df
The following information/studies are also useful:
c.ca ti:oii ? ii&:::::321.001.!':.�301.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation data - https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/4864e831-
c859-4c00-blb0-7da3fclab805/resource/459b3eb3-d109-4df4-aebl-
8 12b62fd028e/download/ceag_and_mpac.xlsx
Land Trusts active in Ontario- �.�:1jp,—..://c�:.1:a:,.ca:�/f:�:p:.::::::2:::::.ap:�:::::.tr,ust::�.
Ontario Increases Investments including in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership -
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-
fundin „ ecolo gical-program.html
hqps:Hnews.ontario.ca/en/release/1003202/ontario-increasing-investment-in-the-greenlands-
conservation-partnership
bjjps:/���y.ca/]o..loIl. co1.1.1ty coll;�dor;/,
I encourage Elgin County Council to thoroughly and critically review the numbers and question
the data being presented by anyone proclaiming that we are losing 319 acres per day of
farmland in Ontario to development.
Best Regards,
Frank Schonberger
Page 10 of 116
There have been numerous reports in the media that suggest Ontario is losing 319 acres of
farmland per day to being paved over for development.
The basis of the claim of the loss of farmland in Ontario is the comparison between 2016
Statistics Canada (StatsCan) Census of Agriculture and and the 2021 census. Based on this
comparison many reports state urban development is the major contributing factor to the loss
of farmland in Ontario. What's being presented is misleading.
There is a significant difference in reported farmland area between the Statistics Canada
Census on Agriculture Data and Municipal Property Assessment Corporation data (2021 - 2016)
which shows an increase in taxable farmland in Ontario.
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The competing factors for total Farmland acres come from the following areas.
1. Farmers - expanding their operations in a more mechanized and automated agriculture
era are purchasing land to maintain viability as they compete in a global market. It is
common practice for a farmer, when amalgamating farm properties, to sever off surplus
dwellings. In doing so they contribute to the reported change of farmland figures with
the loss of the farm dwelling and the related acreage (house, barn, outbuildings)
2. Financial investment companies - Investment firms with portfolios of over $400 million
dollars are actively purchasing land then leasing it back to the farm operator (excluding
woodland wetland and non farm areas and in some cases buildings on the farm).
Statistics Canada would report a reduction in total farm area in the Census of
Agriculture data since only the farm operator would report actual farmed acres. It's has
been recently stated that Bonnefield owns 20000 acres of farm land area in Norfolk
County. There are 5 or more large investment companies purchasing farm land area to
lease back to farmers through out Ontario.
Page 11 of 116
3. Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) - a non profit group with chapters across Ontario Land
Trust receives significant funding from the Ontario Greenlands Conservation Partnership
Fund and private donors. OFT uses Farmland Easement Agreements (CEAs) to legally
protect farms permanently, without taking ownership. Ontario Farmland Trust also
accepts donations of farm land and takes full ownership of significant lands across
Ontario. There are another 36 Land Trust affiliated groups actively searching for and
acquiring land in Ontario. Since 2020, the Ontario government's Greenlands
Conservation Partnership program has helped protect over 430,000 acres of private
natural land across the province. In 2025 alone, Ontario and its partners added nearly
700,000 acres ofprotected and conserved land, the largest increase in decades (Google
search)
4. Nature Conservancy of Canada - a non profit group that receives funding from the
Greenlands Conservation Protection Fund along with Federal funding partners and
private donors, purchases significant natural and ecologically important properties
which may include farmland located in areas zoned Agricultural. The NCC and its
partners have contributed to the conservation of over 20 million hectares (about 49.4
million acres) of land and water across Canada since its founding in 1962. In Norfolk
County alone NCC owns 8000 acres of land much of it farmland purchased over the past
30 years. The Nature Conservancy groups actively purchase and acquire total farm area
across the province of Ontario in regions with significant forest cover, wetlands and other
significant natural areas.
5. Conservation Authorities (CA) —CAs own 150,000 hectares (370,658 acres) of land in
Ontario, making the CAs the second largest landowners in Ontario, after the province.
Within their holdings, the CAs also manage woodlots for profit, as well as, campgrounds
and tourist sites.
6. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - a non profit organization is a Canada wide group
interested in conserving wetlands found on farms and property across Ontario. They will
work with other nature groups such as NCC and OFLT and private landowners. Ducks
Unlimited has conserved more than 1,000,000 acres across Ontario. (Googlesearch)
7. Ontario Parks and Protected areas including Municipal areas: consist of land area that
may contain old growth forests, lakes rivers and wetlands, archeological sites and with
cultural values, habitat for rare or endangered species. These areas make up
approximately 10% of the total Province land area
8. Ontario residents purchasing Ontario farmland. The sheer size of today's modern farm
equipment and economies of scale in agriculture make ownership of marginal farm land
Page 12 of 116
areas that have small irregular shaped fields, a high percentage of Woodlots, wetlands,
rocky and rolling terrain less feasible for farm operators to purchase. Non farm residents
are more likely to purchase the marginal farm properties and rent back a small portion
of land to farm operators or plant the remaining open farm land back into trees. These
parcels remain classified as total farm area or managed forest area in MPAC data and
are not lost to development. Residents may enjoy the woodlot, wetland and natural
area while renting a small portion back to the farm operator.
9. Retired farmers :The average age of farmers has increased since the last Census. Many
farmers retire on the farm property they own. The farmer may choose to rent out their
crop land to farm operators. In these cases only the rented crop land portion would be
declared in the Census of Agriculture survey by the farm operator. Woodlots, wetlands,
hazard lands and other farm areas would remain unreported. Occasionally retired
farmers may decide to plant their farm land areas into trees and apply for the Managed
Forest Tax Incentive Program.
10. Urban development: Roads and aggregate mining, green energy (solar and wind),
telecommunication towers, parks and recreation would also take a portion of the land
being reported as lost farmland in Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture.
There is a huge potential for additional farmland acres to be created in the great northern clay
belt area near Temiskaming Ontario. With up 16 million acres of land that have potential to
establish more agricultural enterprises with products such as dairy, beef, pork and chicken
along with crops such as small grains, hay, soybeans, and now even vegetables.
f
Only category 1 will report data on agriculture to Statistics Canada. This may contribute, in
a minor way, to the loss of farmland total numbers by severing off surplus farm dwellings and
the related farmyard, barn(s) and outbuildings.
Categories 2 -10 all go unreported in Stats Can data and is a significant loss of acres of
woodlots, wetlands, unworkable and other farm areas.
Categories 1-10 are all included in MPAC data.
Category 8 Due to the size of today's farms, the loss of marginal farmland and small farm
ownership by farm operators is a significant factor towards the loss of total farmland area in
the Stats Can data. MPAC data still reports the farmland since it is still classed as farmland or
managed forest area for tax purposes and is not lost to development.
Page 13 of 116
Crop land area has shown an increase in acres over the 2016 - 2021 census period while
woodlands, wetlands and other farm areas have shown a decrease or loss in total farmland
area.
The 2021 vs 2016 Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture data from the Western Canadian
Provinces with a combined lower population than Ontario show a 600% higher loss of
farmland rate than Ontario census numbers show.
Statistics Canada changed the definition of a farm in the 2021 census.
Change in the farm definition:
An important and significant conceptual change to the main statistical unit used by Statistics
Canada's Agriculture Statistics Program was introduced for the 2021 Census of Agriculture:
a "farm" or an "agricultural holding" (i.e. the census farm) now refers to a unit that
produces agricultural products and reports revenues or expenses for tax purposes to the
Canada Revenue Agency.
Before 2021, a "farm" was defined as an agricultural operation that produced at least one
agricultural product intended for sale.
The change in the new definition may result in farms being classified differently across farm
types than in previous censuses. As a result, comparisons with earlier census results should be
interpreted with caution.
Note:
The Agricultural Census defines Total Farm Area reported here as all farmland reported by
farmers completing the Census. Ag Census Total Farm Area can consider the total land owned,
used and/or controlled by active farmers.
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) defines Total Farmland as reported
here as all landed assessed for agricultural purposes even if that land is not actively farmed.
MPAC total farmland should include most or all Ag Census land plus land that is not actively
farmed.
MPAC v.s. Census of Agriculture data:
Total Farm Area including woodlots, wetlands and other farm area not owned by farm operators
would be reported by MPAC as total farm area.
Page 14 of 116
Any open farm area,Woodlots, Lakes Rivers and Wetlands, archaeological sites and habitat for
rare endangered species being donated to or purchased by Ontario Parks, Municipalities,
Nature Conservancy's and Land Trusts groups would no longer be included in Total farm area
in StatsCan Census of Agriculture data.
MPAC Farm tax class
If your property is eligible for the Farm Property Tax Rate program MPAC will place the
farmland and associated outbuildings in the farm property tax class. The landowner would be
taxed at no more than 25 % of the municipalities residential tax rate.
Property owners must apply for the Farm Property Tax Class Rate Program with Agri -Corp.
Crop land area that is owned by non- farmers would be rented by farm operators however only
the crop land acres being rented by the farmer operator would be reported to the Census of
Agriculture while woodlots, wetlands and other farm areas not owned by the farm operator
would go unreported in the Census of Agriculture data.
Only farm operators who own farmland would report "total farm area" on the portion of land they
own to the Census of Agriculture.
Conclusions
A claim that the loss of agricultural farm area is directly related to "development" and has
doubled since the last StatsCan census of Agriculture in 2016 warrants further and thorough
investigation/clarification. The Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture may accurately
reflect changes in agriculture along with changes in land tenure in Ontario. The data does
accurately reflect the number of acres of farmland lost to urban development.
MPAC and other sites represent data in a more factual overview of farmland acres, and their
conversion (loss) in Ontario. MPAC would include farmland acres lost to nature conservancy
groups, land trusts and lands acquired by Ontario Parks, Conservation areas, Municipalities,
etc.
References;
Statistics Canada website
MPAC website
Page 15 of 116
Page 16 of 116
Remarque : Le Recensement de I'agriculture definit la superficie agricole totale declaree is
utilisees ou controlees par Ies agriculteurs actifs. La Societe devaluation fonciere des mun
Les terres agricoles totales de la SEFM devraient inclure toutes Ies terres du Recensement
Toutes les donnees sont en
acres Variation en pourcentage de 2016 a Variation en pc
2021
on
Comtes
Superficie
agricole totale
Superficie
agricole totale
Terres agricoles
totales MPAC
Superficie
agricole
totale
1
BRANT
-8.11 -10.09 -0.64
-7.41
1
----
CHATHAM-KENT
------------------------------
8.14 7.51 -0.16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.80
1
----
ELGIN
--------------------------------------------
6.72 3.18 0.07
------------------------------------------------------------
4.38
1
----
ESSEX
------------------------------
-6.13 -6.16 -1.11
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.39
1
HALDIMAND - NORFOLK
-4.93 -7.70 -0.11
-9.88
----
1
----
-------------------------------------------
HAMILTON
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-3.89 -8.14 -0.73
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-2.51
1
----
LAMBTON
------------------------------
-5.30 -7.00 -0.05
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-2.43
1
----
MIDDLESEX
------------------------------
2.72 2.06 -0.22
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.90
1
NIAGARA
-1.16 -4.51 -0.63
-0.44
----
1
------------------------------
OXFORD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-1.52 -2.56 17.73
6.85
----
----
------------------------------
Sud de ('Ontario
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-0.26 -1.98 1.31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.43
2
----
BRUCE
------------------------------
-3.69 -8.57 0.18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-3.33
2
DUFFERIN
4.30 0.51 0.24
-7.43
----
2
----
------------------------------
GREY
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-1.64 -9.54 1.52
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-4.42
2
HALTON
8.58 6.18 -1.83
-15.37
----
2
----
------------------------------
HURON
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-7.33 -7.37 -1.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-3.56
2
----
PEEL
------------------------------
19.29 14.69 -1.75
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.43
2
----
PERTH
------------------------------
3.30 2.94 -0.32
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.52
2
SIMCOE
0.20 -2.56 24.54
2.41
----
2
----
------------------------------
WATERLOO
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-3.04 -2.29 -1.48
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-4.18
2
WELLINGTON
14.62 12.33 -0.24
12.93
----
----
------------------------------
Ouest de ('Ontario
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.83 -2.03 2.70
--------------------------------------------------------
1.08
----------------
3
DURHAM
-2.25 -9.66 -1.70
-7.75
----
3
----
------------------------------
HALIBURTON
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-62.87 -39.90 2.42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-44.03
3
----
HASTINGS
------------------------------
3.43 -12.40 -10.21
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-8.86
3
----
KAWARTHA LAKES
------------------------------
-3.33 -10.22 -2.10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-5.14
3
----
MUSKOKA
------------------------------
-37.37 -42.43 4.63
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-49.66
3
----
NORTHUMBERLAND
-------------------------------------------
-3.36 -12.16 -0.17
-------------------------------------------------------------
-1.53
3
----
PARRY SOUND
------------------------------
-4.86 -18.27 4.62
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-15.07
3
----
PETERBOROUGH
------------------------------
-3.14 -10.81 -0.62
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-11.60
3
PRINCE EDWARD
-7.92 -11.94 -2.34
-14.32
----
3
------------------------------
TORONTO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-1.31 21.93 -15.26
0.00
Page 17 of 116
3 YORK
1.00
-5.73
-2.40
-8.48
--------------------------------
Centre de ('Ontario
•-------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
-2.60
--------------------------------------------------------•----------------
-11.43
-2.19
------------------
-8.00
4 FRONTENAC
--------------------------------
-12.87
--------------------------------------------------------
-20.05
1.96
-24.43
------------------
4 LANARK
--------------------------------
-6.30
--------------------------------------------------------
-17.47
0.12
-17.83
------------------
4 LEEDS AND GRENVILLE
--------------------------------
6.88
--------------------------------------------------------
-7.55
-0.59
-1.80
------------------
4 LENNOX ADDINGTON
2.30
-8.56
0.27
-9.11
-------------------------------
4 OTTAWA
--------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
-2.53
--------------------------------------------------------
-6.99
-0.33
------------------
-3.99
------------------
4 PRESCOTT AND RUSSELL
--------------------------------
7.15
--------------------------------------------------------
3.43
0.62
16.02
------------------
4 RENFREW
--------------------------------
2.57
--------------------------------------------------------
-9.26
-0.28
-5.45
------------------
STORMONT DUNDAS
4 GLENGARRY
6.26
0.72
0.00
11.22
------------- -------------------
Est de ('Ontario
-------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-6.16
0.13
1.02
5 ALGOMA
--------------------------------
-6.06
--------------------------------------------------------
-13.97
12.21
-27.82
------------------
5 COCHRANE
-------------------------------
1.94
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-24.46
-0.13
-29.24
5 GREATER SUDBURY
---------- ----------------------
2.92
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-15.11
-52.71
-8.03
5 KENORA
-24.03
-32.31
-2.86
-50.95
------------------------------------------
5 MANITOULIN
---------------- ----------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
-2.01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
-20.52
1.30
-22.37
5 NIPISSING
--------------------------------
6.77
--------------------------------------------------------
-9.51
11.01
1.14
------------------
5 RAINY RIVER
--------------------------------
10.78
--------------------------------------------------------
-6.60
0.16
-0.53
------------------
5 SUDBURY
--------------------------------
9.75
--------------------------------------------------------
-6.58
-2.53
10.29
------------------
5 THUNDER BAY
--------------------------------
-10.09
--------------------------------------------------------
-18.92
4.55
-22.81
-----------------
5 TIMISKAMING
-0.55
-7.10
2.44
1.73
--------------------------------
Nord de ('Ontario
-------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
0.82
--------------------------------------------------------
-12.97
-0.08
----------------
-9.76
----------------
Ontario
0.33
-4.72
0.67
0.05
Page 18 of 116
J comme toutes les terres agricoles declarees par les agriculteurs qui remplissent le recensement. La
icipalites (SEFM) definit les terres agricoles totales declarees ici comme toutes les terres evaluees a (
agricole, auxquelles on ajoute les terres qui ne sont pas activement exploitees, mais qui demeurent
)urcentage de 20061
A 2021 2006 Statistique Canada
Superficie agricole
Boises,
totale a laquelle on
Superficie
Terres
milieux
soustrait les boises,
agricole
agricoles
Terres en
Paturages
humides et
les milieux humides
totale
tota les MPAC
culture
totaux
autres terres
I et les autres terres
-11.21
-1.46
138,379
8,008
20,969
146,387
14.61
-0.23
517,600
8,492
27,677
526,092
-1.10
0.04
322,466
16,301
54,828
338,767
-0.35
-------------------------
-1.92
306,880
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4,309
18,587
311,189
-15.11
0.15
400,599
22,725
79,374
423,324
-11.36
-3.18
102,671
8,710
21,824
111,381
-6.66
-0.66
503,446
21,706
64,255
525,152
1.84
-0.85
516,840
35,744
64,674
552,584
-10.06
-0.59
180,200
11,617
39,911
191,817
4.03
-1.03
355,826
16,352
43,796
372,178
-1.75
-0.73
3,344,907
153,964
435,895
3,498,871
-16.75
-0.60
380,942
129,703
102,511
5101645
-17.43
0.88
132,138
30,474
27,995
162,612
-20.98
4.34
308,671
125,393
133,148
4341064
-17.97
-8.60
67,486
7,575
13,838
75,061
-5.81
-0.66
593,175
43,446
86,912
636,621
0.31
-6.31
73,481
9,388
12,420
82,869
7.04
-0.49
427,832
24,966
45,363
452,798
-9.44
0.08
364,861
81,297
87,595
446,158
-7.21
-3.91
177,072
16,245
33,067
193,317
7.83
-3.56
386,414
36,162
63,286
422,576
-7.61
-0.44
2,912,072
504,649
606,135
3,416,721
-19.03
-4.54
228,459
46,779
51,464
275,238
-53.21
7.12
1,626
5,308
8,375
6,934
-26.13
-4.23
141,009
74,651
85,527
215,660
-22.18
-2.20
171,467
115,004
70,475
286,471
-64.98
26.68
9,680
7,657
21,422
17,337
-15.64
0.59
151,617
41,853
47,689
193,470
-34.40
16.61
22,625
13,798
46,194
36,423
-27.69
0.40
120,578
65,713
63,138
186,291
-23.83
-3.88
92,451
22,010
31,149
114,461
Page 19 of 116
-19.55
-----------------------------------
-6.95
119,294
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18,430
29,352
137,724
-23.36
0.15
1,058,806
419,633
446,355
1,478,439
-37.97
-----------------------------------
0.42
81,645
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62,556
52,927
144,201
-33.71
-----------------------------------
1.91
86,510
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58,780
87,285
145,290
-22.18
-----------------------------------
-1.45
152,714
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70,385
104,941
2231099
-25.54
-----------------------------------
-1.82
91,669
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50,383
43,783
142,052
-17.15
-----------------------------------
-3.58
194,360
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40,863
48,143
235,223
6.75
-----------------------------------
0.49
232,228
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26,072
38,176
258,300
-23.48
-----------------------------------
-0.31
159,755
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104,701
123,275
2641456
-3.15
-----------------------------------
-2.58
351,531
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52,135
90,923
403,666
-16.99
-0.96
1,350,412
465,875
589,453
1,816,287
-33.28
-----------------------------------
99.42
38,292
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22,157
35,365
60,449
-45.25
-----------------------------------
161.52
28,437
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21,152
25,647
49,589
-35.62
-----------------------------------
-52.71
8,667
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,337
10,888
12,004
-50.93
-----------------------------------
-15.02
13,777
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,105
14,271
21,882
-36.95
-----------------------------------
10.71
34,279
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99,835
44,030
134,114
-25.85
-----------------------------------
17.94
35,411
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16,303
32,033
51,714
-29.02
-----------------------------------
-3.22
59,374
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79,270
72,981
138,644
-11.60
-----------------------------------
0.06
18,411
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,782
21,606
29,193
-35.48
-----------------------------------
1.64
29,420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,836
20,594
41,256
-20.20
-----------------------------------
0.89
114,118
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45,489
46,193
159,607
-30.41
22.94
380,186
318,266
323,608
698,452
-11.60
1.59
9,046,383
1,862,387
2,401,446
10,908,770
Page 20 of 116
superficie agricole totale du Recensement de I'agriculture peut tenir compte du total des terres pc
Jes fins agricoles meme si elles ne sont pas activement exploitees.
evaluees A des fins agricoles.
2006 MPAC
Superficie
Terres
Terres agricoles
Pourcentage
agricole
agricoles
totales excluant la
Terres en
PAturages
non agricole
totale
totales
fork amenagee
culture
totaux
0.13
167,356
174,124
172,484
137,543
5,271
0.05
553,769
538,540
538,112
513,961
6,848
0.14
393,595
403,072
399,513
299,585
12,592
0.06
329,776
345,947
341,393
307,574
3,212
0.16
502,698
580,532
573,662
385,896
18,526
0.16
133,205
169,724
165,416
104,622
7,127
0.11
589,407
609,215
608,138
513,043
18,088
0.10
617,258
661,009
659,599
519,046
27,754
0.17
231,728
273,848
272,576
182,081
7,041
0.11
415,974
432,166
420,635
341,114
13,724
0.11
3,934,766
4,188,176
4,151,528
3,304,465
120,183
0.17
613,156
687,566
662,161
382,155
114,687
0.15
190,607
262,596
252,778
120,956
24,974
0.23
567,212
785,989
730,007
280,499
102,937
0.16
88,899
117,153
111,474
61,673
6,232
0.12
723,533
752,323
745,079
605,875
35,903
0.13
95,289
122,620
111,888
74,193
8,288
0.09
498,161
500,032
498,688
442,972
18,309
0.16
533,753
632,908
595,064
363,436
72,345
0.15
226,384
234,248
232,566
179,312
13,211
0.13
485,862
532,542
509,552
402,894
29,982
0.15
4,022,856
4,627,978
4,449,258
2,913,965
426,868
0.16
326,702
402,435
375,773
209,570
42,626
0.55
15,309
186,394
25,665
1,896
4,374
0.28
301,187
545,710
394,614
136,308
67,785
0.20
356,946
455,605
443,216
162,574
105,138
0.55
38,759
120,891
35,538
8,359
5,764
0.20
241,159
316,937
310,894
154,349
38,832
0.56
82,617
184,156
124,721
23,076
17,148
0.25
249,429
372,828
329,646
117,392
56,990
0.21
145,610
180,291
178,786
86,317
19,414
Page 21 of 116
0.18
167,076
204,802
197,587
116,571
13,592
0.23
1,924,794
2,973,814
2,420,190
1,016,412
371,663
0.27
197,128
319,149
288,004
72,952
58,610
0.38
232,575
353,921
314,317
81,489
54,050
0.32
328,040
443,234
430,238
143,035
62,236
0.24
185,835
255,592
241,792
86,421
43,882
0.17
283,366
344,856
331,347
194,365
31,533
0.13
296,476
348,774
339,951
244,185
19,542
0.32
387.731
552.000
488.5691
154.088
106.563
0.18
494,589
601,336
583,623
357,758
38,615
0.25
2,405,740
3,218,861
3,017,841
1,334,293
415,031
0.37
95,814
136,732
120,899
32,390
18,031
0.34
75,236
135,281
115,963
24,317
21,010
0.48
22,892
105,791
38,466
8,024
2,684
0.39
36,153
53,275
51,670
10,032
8,306
0.25
178,144
267,968
248,600
33,289
94,440
0.38
83,747
132,841
123,860
34,518
16,647
0.34
211,625
225,473
224,855
57,426
83,435
0.43
50,799
99,181
84,968
16,363
9,531
0.33
61,850
70,990
64,222
29,663
9,638
0.22
205,800
252,166
245,488
114,791
36,099
0.32
------------------------
1,022,060
1,479,697
-----------------------------------------•-----------------------------------
1,318,990
360,813
299,821
0.18
13,310,2161
16,488,526
15,357,807
8,929,948
1,633,566
Page 22 of 116
)ssedees,
2011 Statistique Canada 1 2011 MPAC
Boises,
milieux
humides et
autres terres
Superficie agricole
totale a laquelle on
soustrait les boises, les
milieux humides et les
autres terres
Pourcentage
non agricole
Superficie
agricole
totale
Terres
agricoles
totales
Terres agricoles
totales excluant la
fork amenagee
17,925
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142,814
0.11
160,739
173,589
-----------------------------------------
171,838
25,806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
520,809
0.05
546,615
537,710
-----------------------------------------
537,326
49,019
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
312,177
0.14
361,196
402,771
-----------------------------------------
399,629
17,794
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
310,786
0.05
328,580
344,757
-----------------------------------------
343,499
75,733
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
404,422
0.16
480,155
581,896
-----------------------------------------
566,572
18,840
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,749
0.14
130,589
166,469
-----------------------------------------
163,346
60,731
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
531,131
0.10
591,862
607,413
-----------------------------------------
605,984
62,544
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
546,800
0.10
609,344
658,903
-----------------------------------------
655,919
33,789
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
189,122
0.15
222,911
273,429
-----------------------------------------
271,190
41,112
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
354,838
0.10
395,950
363,098
-----------------------------------------
350,857
403,293
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,424,648
0.11
3,827,941
4,110,036
-----------------------------------------
4,066,159
86,397
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
496,842
0.15
583,239
500,809
-----------------------------------------
472,699
26,414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
145,930
0.15
172,344
266,577
-----------------------------------------
245,450
107,271
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
383,436
0.22
490,707
793,135
-----------------------------------------
723,444
11,662
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67,905
0.15
79,567
113,891
-----------------------------------------
107,201
83,768
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
641,778
0.12
725,546
755,465
-----------------------------------------
744,408
11,362
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82,481
0.12
93,843
119,239
-----------------------------------------
108,464
45,010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
461,281
0.09
506,291
500,059
-----------------------------------------
498,281
74,803
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
435,781
0.15
510,584
493,295
-----------------------------------------
449,844
28,564
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
192,523
0.13
221,087
232,461
-----------------------------------------
229,333
66,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
432,876
0.13
499,176
528,037
-----------------------------------------
516,677
541,551
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,340,833
0.14
3,882,384
4,302,968
-----------------------------------------
4,095,800
32,138
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
252,196
0.11
284,334
178,832
-----------------------------------------
150,163
6,479
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,270
0.51
12,749
200,457
-----------------------------------------
24,476
75,170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204,093
0.27
279,263
560,113
-----------------------------------------
389,368
58,380
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
267,712
0.18
326,092
460,880
-----------------------------------------
442,428
11,420
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14,123
0.45
25,543
133,451
-----------------------------------------
33,233
47,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
193,181
0.20
240,881
316,001
-----------------------------------------
307,881
36,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40,224
0.48
76,987
198,835
-----------------------------------------
120,163
54,554
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
174,382
0.24
228,936
380,254
-----------------------------------------
325,899
25,040
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105,731
0.19
130,771
179,347
-----------------------------------------
177,940
0
0
0
1,571
1,558
Page 23 of 116
23,396
130,163
0.15
153,559
200,444
191,247
385,550
1,388,075
0.22
1,773,625
2,810,186
2,164,356
43,912
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
131,562
0.25
175,474
312,522
-----------------------------------------
278,385
71,959
135,539
0.35
207,498
353,717
307,538
92,046
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
205,271
0.31
297,317
439,191
-----------------------------------------
420,818
36,388
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
130,303
0.22
166,691
249,971
-----------------------------------------
234,444
42,427
225,898
0.16
268,325
338,628
327,723
34,939
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
263,727
0.12
298,666
345,123
-----------------------------------------
336,626
105.899
260.651
0.29
366.5501
553.268
480.618
81,234
396,373
0.17
477,607
591,694
581,696
508,804
1,749,324
0.23
2,258,128
3,184,115
2,967,848
30,584
50,421
0.38
81,005
265,302
121,545
23,420
45,327
0.34
68,747
360,016
114,330
9,360
10,708
0.47
20,068
105,791
38,466
10,369
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18,338
0.36
28,707
49,991
-----------------------------------------
49,400
30,359
127,729
0.19
158,088
266,685
245,117
27,953
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51,165
0.35
79,118
136,826
-----------------------------------------
123,213
49,799
140,861
0.26
190,660
228,830
228,368
20,088
25,894
0.44
45,982
101,830
85,489
19,771
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39,301
0.33
59,072
73,962
-----------------------------------------
65,619
34,511
150,890
0.19
185,401
248,810
245,298
265,524
660,634
0.29
926,1581
1838 ,,043
1,316,845
2,104,722
10,563,514
0.17
12,668,2361
16,245,347
14,611,008
Page 24 of 116
2016 Statistique Canada
Superficie agricole
Boises,
totale a laquelle on
milieux
soustrait les boises, les
Superficie
Terres en
Paturages
humides et
milieux humides et les
Pourcentage
agricole
culture
totaux
autres terres
autres terres
non agricole
totale
139,429
6,359
19,482
145,788
0.12
-- -------------
165,270
554,249
6,233
29,864
560,482
0.05
590,346
315,387
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,233
52,649
324,620
0.14
377,269
328,174
3,563
18,481
331,737
0.05
350,218
379,755
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,882
68,721
393,637
0.15
462,358
104,136
5,973
18,423
110,109
0.14
128,532
518,698
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12,615
60,278
531,313
0.10
591,591
527,841
24,463
63,602
552,304
0.10
615,906
181,507
6,245
30,499
187,752
0.14
218,251
386,041
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,465
46,636
397,506
0.11
444,142
--------
3,435,217
100,031
408,635
3,535,248
0.10
3,943,883
382,356
85,930
90,070
468,286
0.16
-- ---------------
558,356
117,272
18,034
21,287
135,306
0.14
156,593
299,952
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80,902
114,629
380,854
0.23
495,483
52,602
5,264
10,810
57,866
0.16
68,676
617,278
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29,539
88,879
646,817
0.12
735,696
67,408
6,961
8,970
74,369
0.11
83,339
453,605
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17,296
47,122
470,901
0.09
518,023
372,901
49,894
73,248
422,795
0.15
496,043
175,001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,618
29,356
185,619
0.14
214,975
380,733
22,460
63,207
403,193
0.14
466,400
2,919,108
326,898
547,578
3,246,006
0.14
3,793,584
215,608
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34,990
42,217
250,598
0.14
292,815
2,451
4,433
5,035
6,884
0.42
11,919
124,247
56,342
73,372
180,589
0.29
253,961
168,272
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81,870
59,263
250,142
0.19
309,405
7,780
4,229
11,566
12,009
0.49
23,575
154,488
29,395
47,723
183,883
0.21
-- ---------------
231,606
20,197
14,865
31,253
35,062
0.47
66,315
110,042
43,559
48,639
153,601
0.24
202,240
86,027
----------2,906-------------876-----------1,458----------------------3,782---------------
15,171
24,750
101,198
0.20
--
125,948
----------
5,240
Page 25 of 116
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108,102
11,748
22,735
119,850
0.16
142,585
1,000,120
297,478
368,011
1,297,598
0.22
1,665,609
70,814
44,971
37,164
115,785
0.24
152,949
75,864
45,866
65,076
121,730
0.35
186,806
140,315
48,249
87,559
188,564
0.32
276,123
81,447
33,965
35,915
115,412
0.24
151,327
191,447
23,924
37,052
215,371
0.15
252,423
251,453
17,245
37,311
268,698
0.12
306,009
147,277
83,676
95,982
230,953
0.29
326,935
367,943
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27,638
79,990
395,581
0.17
475,571
1,326,560
325,534
476,049
1,652,094
0.22
2,128,143
29,423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14,904
29,980
44,327
0.40
74,307
19,739
13,436
21,358
33,175
0.39
54,533
7,745
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,849
7,767
9,594
0.45
17,361
8,896
6,389
10,924
15,285
0.42
26,209
27,156
88,846
25,314
116,002
0.18
141,316
33,541
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,029
22,062
46,570
0.32
68,632
53,311
65,068
42,445
118,379
0.26
160,824
18,502
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,492
20,076
27,994
0.42
48,070
25,255
8,495
15,469
33,750
0.31
49,219
116,725
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26,285
33,763
143,010
0.19
176,773
340,293
247,793
229,158
588,086
0.28
817,244
9,021,298
1,297,734
2,029,431
10,319,032
0.16
12,348,463
Page 26 of 116
2016 MPAC
Terres
agricoles
totales
Terres agricoles
totales excluant la
fork amenagee
Terres en
culture
Paturages
totaux
Boises,
milieux
humides et
autres terres
Superficie agricole
totale a laquelle on
soustrait les boises, les
milieux humides et les
autres terres
172,688
170,804
128,124
3,672
16,794
1311796
538,194
537,474
599,381
4,869
30,431
604,250
402,957
399,367
336,577
3,603
49,080
340,180
343,117
341,668
308,072
2,258
18,304
310,330
582,028
564,534
361,034
10,639
55,080
371,673
165,532
162,818
100,089
5,715
12,266
105,804
605,441
603,821
491,190
5,477
53,501
496,667
656,825
653,002
542,188
21,965
64,439
564,153
273,956
269,770
179,404
2,622
26,388
182,026
363,304
350,739
380,190
10,351
42,215
390,541
4,104,042
4,053,997
3,426,249
80,275
359,394
3,506,524
682,212
657,118
368,261
64,916
77,300
433,177
264,281
--------------------------------------
239,697
122,320
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16,187
18,882
138,507
807,786
724,944
295,038
64,746
88,413
359,784
109,076
103,790
57,116
4,937
10,867
62,053
754,907
--------------------------------------
743,351
572,037
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25,525
83,914
597,562
116,925
104,604
80,409
5,581
9,593
85,990
499,187
497,449
468,573
13,800
50,871
482,373
508,595
455,044
373,658
46,599
63,093
420,257
228,466
--------------------------------------
226,736
169,677
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12,139
28,239
181,816
514,835
505,419
436,390
25,163
62,350
461,553
4,486,269
4,258,153
2,943,479
279,593
493,522
3,223,072
390,807
--------------------------------------
360,541
210,758
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20,352
33,408
231,110
194,945
--------------------------------------
22,805
910
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,455
2,798
4,365
582,042
380,403
128,509
43,720
50,252
1721229
455,115
433,426
162,662
65,678
49,453
228,340
146,366
--------------------------------------
31,132
4,873
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
918
7,782
51791
319,346
305,885
149,301
21,147
32,998
170,448
205,262
115,111
19,215
11,094
23,888
30,309
376,671
318,571
106,590
36,977
36,805
143,567
177,449
-------1.666
172,848
-----------------1.654
79,212
'----------
11,139
20,553
90,351
2.868-------------
309-----------
3.212----------------------
3.177
Page 27 of 116
195,261
------------------------------------
184,338
109,180
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,271
17,963
116,451
3,044,929
2,326,713
974,078
223,657
277,515
1,197,735
314,327
270,069
61,698
29,454
31,124
91,152
360,248
302,407
71,083
33,348
49,739
104,431
439,400
417,662
149,970
34,726
70,584
184,696
250,283
231,350
83,319
25,119
29,934
108,438
333,611
321,717
186,608
17,074
31,092
203,682
348,332
335,691
269,433
13,171
33,897
282,604
551.874
478.2811
151.055
68.093
77.526
219.148
585,849
574,421
390,962
23,211
64,826
4141173
31183,924
2,931,598
1,364,128
244,196
388,722
1,608,324
242,993
120,600
27,641
6,478
29,809
34,119
354,239
111,729
20,122
7,773
13,299
27,895
105,791
38,466
7,971
1,526
5,240
9,497
46,605
46,187
6,758
5,678
5,305
12,436
292,849
--------------------------------------
238,821
26,611
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67,775
17,929
94,386
141,135
122,352
35,813
9,118
17,171
44,931
217,859
217,263
59,060
58,413
32,736
117,473
101,820
86,132
20,306
10,059
14,543
30,365
69,008
--------------------------------------
60,660
22,708
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,858
11,342
28,566
248,364
--------------------------------------
245,191
116,087
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21,456
26,678
137,543
1,820,662
--------------------------------------•----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,2 7,4001
343,077
199,125
169,061
542,202
16,639,826
14,857,8601
9,051,011
1,026,846
1,688,214
10,077,857
Page 28 of 116
2021 Statistiaue Canad 2021 MPAC
Pourcentage
non agricole
Superficie
agricole
totale
Terres
agricoles
totales
Terres agricoles
totales excluant la
fork amenagee
Difference entre le total des
terres agricoles evalue par la
SEFM et la superficie agricole
totale activement exploitee selon
le Recensement de I'agriculture.
0.11
------------------------------------
148,590
171,589
----------------------------------------
169,600
22,999
-----------------------------------------
0.05
------------------------------------
634,681
537,326
----------------------------------------
536,190
-97,355
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
389,260
403,232
----------------------------------------
398,732
13,972
-----------------------------------------
0.06
------------------------------------
328,634
339,317
----------------------------------------
337,561
10,683
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
426,753
581,377
----------------------------------------
562,442
154,624
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
118, 070
164,319
----------------------------------------
161,187
46,249
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
550,168
605,164
----------------------------------------
603,045
54,996
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
628,592
655,387
----------------------------------------
651,619
26,795
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
208,414
272,223
----------------------------------------
267,926
63,809
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
432,756
427,724
----------------------------------------
426,154
-5,032
-----------------------------------------
0.09
------------------------------------
3,865,918
4,157,658
----------------------------------------
4,114,455
291,740
-----------------------------------------
0.15
------------------------------------
510,477
683,470
----------------------------------------
655,086
172,993
-----------------------------------------
0.12
------------------------------------
157,389
264,906
----------------------------------------
238,282
107,517
-----------------------------------------
0.20
------------------------------------
448,197
820,064
----------------------------------------
727,687
371,867
-----------------------------------------
0.15
------------------------------------
72,920
107,077
----------------------------------------
101,506
34,157
-----------------------------------------
0.12
------------------------------------
681,476
747,337
----------------------------------------
740,018
65,861
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
95,583
114,880
----------------------------------------
102,357
19,297
-----------------------------------------
0.10
------------------------------------
533,244
497,574
----------------------------------------
495,937
-35,670
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
483,350
633,384
----------------------------------------
575,510
150,034
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
210,055
225,088
----------------------------------------
223,494
15,033
-----------------------------------------
0.12
------------------------------------
523,903
513,604
----------------------------------------
503,244
-10,299
-----------------------------------------
0.13
-----------------------------------
3,716,594
4,607,385
----------------------------------------
4,363,121
890,791
-----------------------------------------
0.13
------------------------------------
264,518
384,149
----------------------------------------
352,199
119,631
-----------------------------------------
0.39
------------------------------------
7,163
199,663
----------------------------------------
22,095
192,500
-----------------------------------------
0.23
------------------------------------
222,481
522,632
----------------------------------------
367,681
300,151
-----------------------------------------
0.18
------------------------------------
277,793
445,572
----------------------------------------
417,975
167,779
-----------------------------------------
0.57
------------------------------------
13,573
153,148
----------------------------------------
30,064
139,575
-----------------------------------------
0.16
------------------------------------
203,446
318,793
----------------------------------------
302,401
115,347
-----------------------------------------
0.44
------------------------------------
54,197
214,739
----------------------------------------
103,988
160,542
-----------------------------------------
0.20
------------------------------------
180,372
374,320
----------------------------------------
313,150
193,948
-----------------------------------------
0.19
------------- ----
110,904
-----------6.38
173,297
168,294
----------------1.399
62,393
----------------------------------
0.50
9-----------1.412
4 9 7 7
Page 29 of 116
0.-13-
---------------------
134,414
190,568
----------------------------------------
181,491
56,154
-----------------------------------------
0.19
-----------------------
1,475,250
2,978,293
----------------------------------------
2,260,737
1,503,043
-----------------------------------------
0.25
-----------------------
122,276
320,481
----------------------------------------
261,136
198,205
-----------------------------------------
0.32
-----------------------
154,170
360,689
----------------------------------------
296,041
206,519
-----------------------------------------
0.28
-----------------------
255,280
436,813
----------------------------------------
411,947
181,533
-----------------------------------------
0.22
-----------------------
138,372
250,953
----------------------------------------
228,473
112,581
-----------------------------------------
0.13
-----------------------
234,774
332,525
----------------------------------------
318,757
97,751
-----------------------------------------
0.11
-----------------------
316,501
350,487
----------------------------------------
334,438
33,986
--------------------------------- --------
0.26
296.6741
550.307
468.679
253.633
0.14
-----------------------
478,999
585,835
----------------------------------------
569,787
106,836
-----------------------------------------
0.19
1,997,046
3,188,091
2,889,257
1,191,045
0.47
•-----------------------
63,928
272,668
----------------------------------------
150,372
208,740
-----------------------------------------
0.32
•-----------------------
41,194
353,792
----------------------------------------
235,757
312,598
-----------------------------------------
0.36
•-----------------------
14,737
50,031
----------------------------------------
12,156
35,294
-----------------------------------------
0.30
-----------------------
17,741
45,272
----------------------------------------
497
27,531
-----------------------------------------
0.16
-----------------------------------------------------
112,315
296,663
64,368
-----------
184,348
-----------------------------------------
0.28
•-----------------------
62,102
156,672
----------------------------------------
34,378
94,570
-----------------------------------------
0.22
•-----------------------
150,209
218,204
----------------------------------------
596
67,995
-----------------------------------------
0.32
-----------------------
44,908
99,243
----------------------------------------
16,058
54,335
-----------------------------------------
0.28
•-----------------------
39,908
72,151
----------------------------------------
11,632
32,243
-----------------------------------------
0.16
-----------------------
164,221
254,423
----------------------------------------
1,598
90,202
-----------------------------------------
0.24
711,263
1,819,120
527,411
1,107,857
0.14
11,766,0711
16,750,547
14,154,9811
4,984,476
Page 30 of 116
ElginCounty
Report to County Council
From: Dominique Giguere, Warden
Date: April 14, 2026
Subject: ADM 26-12 - Recommendations from Committee of the Whole — March 24,
2026
Recommendation(s):
THAT item CW26-32 from the Committee of the Whole meeting dated March 24, 2026,
and the recommendations therein be adopted.
Introduction:
Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole are considered formally for adoption
at the next regular meeting of County Council.
Background and Discussion:
At the meeting held on March 24, 2026, Committee of the Whole recommended the
following to County Council:
CW26-32 THAT the Unscheduled Closing of County
Facilities Policy as attached as Appendix A Moved: Councillor
to the report titled "CCS-26-02 Ketchabaw
Unscheduled Closing of County Facilities Seconded: Councillor
Policy Approval' from the Director of Widner
Community and Cultural Services dated Motion Carried.
March 24, 2026, be hereby approved.
Additional Notes:
�M
Financial Implications:
1"M
Page 31 of 116
Advancement of the Strategic Plan:
The initiatives outlined in this report are integral to the County's day-to-day operations,
supporting effective governance and the efficient delivery of services to Council and the
public. Together, they enhance organizational efficiency and reflect the County's
ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Local Municipal Partner Impact:
1"M
Communication Requirements:
None.
Conclusion:
Recommendations from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on March 24, 2026,
are included in this report for Council's consideration.
All of which is Respectfully Submitted
Dominique Giguere
Warden
Approved for Submission
Blaine Parkin
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Page 32 of 116
ElginCounty
Report to County Council
From: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services
Date: April 14, 2026
Subject: CCS 26-03 West Lorne Library Expansion Update
Recommendation(s):
THAT the report titled "CCS 26-03 West Lorne Library Expansion Update" from the
Director of Community and Cultural Services dated April 14, 2026 be received and filed
Introduction:
The Municipality of West Elgin recently approved a tender to proceed with renovations
to expand the West Lorne Library. This report provides County Council with an
overview of the project, associated timelines and matters for future consideration.
Background and Discussion:
At the September 10, 2024 meeting, County Council approved the following
recommendations:
"THAT Elgin County Council affirms support in principle for an expansion to the West
Lorne Library in the West Lorne Community Complex of up to one thousand square feet
and in the space adjacent to the Library's current location, subject to the terms and
conditions of the County of Elgin's Library Branch Construction Policy; and,
THAT staff be directed to work with the Municipality of West Elgin to supply further
information to County Council as part of a "Letter of Intent" from the Municipality of West
Elgin as outlined in the County's Library Branch Construction Policy for formal adoption
at a later date."
West Elgin Council approved a tender to proceed with these renovations at their March
12, 2026 meeting. The following is an overview of the project:
Renovations will be proceeding at the West Lorne Community Complex where
the West Lorne branch of the Elgin County Library is located. The branch
currently comprises 1,793 square feet of assignable library space. This project
Page 33 of 116
will result in an expansion of approximately 1,000 square feet, resulting in
approximately 2,800 square feet of assignable library space. A plan of the area
to be renovated is attached to this report.
Renovations include demolition of a partition wall, flooring replacement and
general building upgrades. Renovations may take up to six months, with
occupancy anticipated to be no later than the end of October 2026.
Renovations are also proceeding to create accessible washroom facilities and
upgrades to West Elgin's Council Chamber also located in the building.
However, these projects are not encompassed in the assignable lease space for
the library.
The full scope of this project means that there will not be any space available to
facilitate temporary library service on site. Therefore, the branch will need to close at its
current location for a period of up to six months in 2026. Staff are currently exploring
alternate service options which may involve a temporary increase to service at the
Rodney Library and/or a temporary location in West Lorne.
Financial Implications:
Funds have been approved in Elgin County Library's 2026 budget allocation to
encompass costs associated with this project as follows:
An increase of approximately $18,500 annually for leasing costs upon project
completion. Discussions are underway with the Municipality of West Elgin
regarding the suspension of lease payments while the branch is closed to the
public and in light of costs being experienced by the County such as storage of
equipment and collections. An update on this matter will form part of a future
report to County Council.
An increase of 8 hours per week towards staffing in anticipation of increased
hours of operation once the project is completed. Full implementation is
expected in the 3rd quarter of 2026. Recommendations on revised hours of
operation will be the subject of a future report to County Council.
Up to $85,000 in capital funds for temporary storage, shelving, furniture,
technology and collections throughout the space. Expenditures will begin in the
2nd quarter of 2026.
Advancement of the Strategic Plan:
Strategy #1 — Collaborative Engagement and Communication
Goal 1: Strengthen Relationships with Local Municipal Partners. This project
strengthens the partnership between the County of Elgin and Municipality of West Elgin.
Strategy #5 — Community Well-being and Inclusivity
Tactic 5.3: Increased access to all health and wellness services, through increased
utilization of our library system. This project will increase library service to County
residents.
Page 34 of 116
Local Municipal Partner Impact:
West Elgin Council's commitment to proceed with these renovations through a tender
award satisfies the major criterion in the County's "Library Branch Construction Policy"
to be eligible for an interest -free loan of up to $100,000 of project costs repayable over
a ten-year period. West Elgin's construction costs associated with library renovations
will be approximately $200,000 plus architectural fees. It is anticipated that the
Municipality of West Elgin will be making a formal request for such a loan to County
Council. This matter, along with the need for a revised lease to encompass the
expanded premises, will be the subject of future reports to County Council.
Communication Requirements:
The County's communications team and library staff will be providing the public with
regular updates on the project's progress and impacts to library service on a continual
basis and through all available channels. Regular communications with the
Municipality of West Elgin will also form part of this plan.
Conclusion:
This is an exciting project that will result in expanded space and enhancement of library
services at the West Lorne branch. The increase in space is justified according to the
library's planning guidelines and relative to recent growth in the catchment area being
served by the branch. This project marks the first increase in library service in West
Elgin since the West Lorne branch was re -constructed after a fire that occurred in 2006.
County Council can also expect further reports related to this project on matters such as
required lease revisions, the possibility of an interest -free loan to West Elgin to support
associated costs, revised hours of operation and general project updates. Staff will also
be engaging in a user survey to assess the types of services, collections and hours
residents would like to see once the new space opens to the public.
All of which is Respectfully Submitted
Brian Masschaele
Director of Community and
Cultural Services
Approved for Submission
Blaine Parkin
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Page 35 of 116
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Report to County Council
From: Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services
Date: April 14, 2026
Subject: ENG 26-08 Highbury Avenue — Upload Request
Recommendation(s):
THAT Highbury Avenue is an important economic corridor connecting the City of St.
Thomas and its Power Co. development to the City of London and Highway 401
corridor, and;
THAT the Province's Southwestern Ontario Transportation Planning Study has
identified Highbury Avenue as part of the regional Strategic Goods Movement Network,
that supports the needs of businesses and employees, that moves goods and services
reliably and safely and that facilitates economic drivers, and;
THAT the transportation master plans of the County of Elgin and City of London have
identified that Highbury Avenue will exceed its 2-lane capacity, necessitating widening
from two to four lanes in the next 10 years at an estimated cost of $150 million requiring
multi -jurisdictional coordination and complex planning, and therefore;
THAT the County of Elgin requests that the Provice of Ontario accept the transfer of
jurisdictional authority over Highbury Avenue at no cost, with the respectful request to
collaborate with the County to ensure this important asset accommodates the region's
needs.
Introduction:
Highbury Avenue (CR 30) has been acknowledged as an important strategic corridor by
the County of Elgin, City of St. Thomas, City of London and Province of Ontario in their
respective master transportation plans and studies. This 2-lane roadway is expected to
reach operational capacity within the next 10 years and will require expansion to a 4-
lane highway design. The cost of this future project exceeds local government's ability
to fund and therefore this important regional transportation asset is best suited under
the Province's jurisdiction.
This report presents a recommendation, with Council's support, to request that the
Province of Ontario assume jurisdiction over the County of Elgin's portion of Highbury
Page 37 of 116
Avenue, and between Ron McNeil Line and Webber Bourne, being a total distance of
5.7km.
Background and Discussion:
The County's Transportation Master Plan has identified Highbury Avenue (CR 30) will
exceed its 2-lane capacity, necessitating widening from two to four lanes in the 2035-
2045 timeframe. This outcome aligns with the City of London's Mobility Master Plan
which recommends the same improvements along this corridor. The Province's
"Southwestern Ontario Transportation Planning Study, 2025" has also identified
Highbury Avenue as part of the region's strategic goods movement network.
Delivering these upgrades will require significant multi -jurisdictional coordination
between the County of Elgin, City of London, City of St. Thomas and Province and cost
an estimated $150 million to create a four -lane roadway between the City of St. Thomas
to Highway 401.
Recognizing the scale, cost, and regional importance of upgrading Highbury Avenue in
support of PowerCo, its supply chain, and the broader Yarmouth Yards development
exceeds what local governments can reasonably deliver on their own.
Uploading Highbury to the Province would:
o Support Ontario's significant investment in PowerCo and the growing
manufacturing ecosystem
o Improve goods movement efficiency across the region
o Relieve unsustainable financial pressure on municipal taxpayers
o Strengthen both regional and provincial economic resilience
o Enable and support population growth for commuters, residents and
visitors
The City of London requested a delegation at the Good Roads conference in Toronto at
the end of March to advance this file. Representatives from the City of London, County
of Elgin and City of St. Thomas met with Parliamentary Assistant Hardeep Singh Grewal
(MPP-Brampton East) to request that the Province assume jurisdiction over Highbury
Avenue. The meeting was successful in delivering the message of need and the
delegation was subsequently requested to provide formal resolutions from each
respective municipality stating the ask of the Province formally as next steps. Once all
three municipalities obtain resolutions from their respective Councils, they will be sent to
the Province.
Financial Implications:
Staff recommends to offer the transfer Highbury Avenue (CR 30) at no cost to the
Province, and respectfully requests the Province for ongoing collaboration to ensure
upgrades meet the needs outlined in our TMPs.
Advancement of the Strategic Plan:
Page 38 of 116
This initiative supports the responsible maintenance and management of County assets
as laid out in the Asset Management Plan. This work reflects the County's ongoing
commitment to maintaining safe, functional, and efficient facilities and infrastructure.
Local Municipal Partner Impact:
None.
Communication Requirements:
A copy of the resolution endorsed by Council will be sent to the Province, seeking their
response.
Conclusion:
The County's Transportation Master Plan has identified Highbury Avenue (CR 30) will
exceed its 2-lane capacity, necessitating widening from two to four lanes in the 2035-
2045 timeframe.
Recognizing the scale, cost, and regional importance of upgrading Highbury Avenue in
support of PowerCo, its supply chain, and the broader Yarmouth Yards development
exceeds what local governments can reasonably deliver on their own and a request to
upload the asset to the Pronvince.
Following a delegation with the P.A. Grewal, this report provides a resolution for
Council's approval and to be sent to the Province to advance this request.
All of which is Respectfully Submitted
Peter Dutchak
Director of Engineering Services
Approved for Submission
Blaine Parkin
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Page 39 of 116
Report to County Council
From: Lindsay King, Policy Planner
Date: April 14, 2026
Subject: PLN 26-04 Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms under Bill 98 and the Build
Communities Strong Fund
Recommendation(s):
RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to prepare comments on the proposed reforms
under Bill 98 and the Build Communities Strong Fund, in accordance with Council
direction; and
THAT staff be directed to submit these comments to the Province during the
consultation period for open Environmental Registry of Ontario postings, as detailed in
the report titled "PLN 26-04 Proposed Provincial Planning Reforms under Bill 98 and the
Build Communities Strong Fund."
Introduction:
This report provides an overview of recent Provincial and Federal initiatives related to
housing supply and infrastructure delivery, including proposed legislative changes under
Bill 98: Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and
associated postings on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), as well as the
announcement of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
Bill 98 proposes a series of legislative amendments intended to accelerate housing
development and streamline infrastructure approvals in Ontario. The proposed changes
are supported by multiple ERO postings, which outline potential regulatory tools such as
standardized development permissions and reduced approval barriers.
Separately, the Federal and Provincial governments have announced the Build
Communities Strong Fund, a joint infrastructure funding program intended to support the
delivery of housing -enabling infrastructure, including water, wastewater, transportation,
and transit systems.
While both initiatives are aligned in their objective of increasing housing supply, they
operate through distinct mechanisms. The proposed legislative changes under Bill 98
would establish new planning and development frameworks, whereas the Build
Page 41 of 116
Communities Strong Fund represents a discretionary funding opportunity to support
infrastructure investment. This report outlines the key components of these initiatives and
identifies potential implications for Elgin County, including impacts to planning policy,
infrastructure planning, and coordination with its Local Municipal Partners.
Background and Discussion:
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The province of Ontario has introduced Building Homes and Improving Transportation
Infrastructure Act, 2026 as part of its broader strategy to increase housing supply and
support economic growth. The proposed legislation includes a range of amendments
intended to streamline planning approvals, reduce regulatory barriers, and improve
coordination between land use planning and infrastructure delivery. These changes are
consistent with recent Provincial efforts to accelerate housing development and
standardize planning processes across municipalities. If enacted, Bill 98 would enable
the Province to introduce new or amended regulations under the Planning Act, the
Municipal Act, and related legislation. These proposed regulatory changes have been
released for public consultation through postings on the Environmental Registry of
Ontario (ERO) and will be open for comment until April 29, 2026 — May 14, 2026,
depending on the specific ERO.
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In support of Bill 98, the Province has released multiple ERO postings outlining proposed
regulatory changes intended to facilitate housing development and infrastructure delivery.
Key themes emerging from these postings include:
• Establishing standardized development permissions (e.g. minimum lot size, non -
municipal servicing criteria);
• Streamlining planning approvals and reducing administrative barriers;
• Enhancing coordination between land use planning and infrastructure systems;
and,
• Supporting digital modernization and data -driven planning processes.
Since these postings are currently subject to public consultation, they may be revised
prior to implementation.
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In addition to the proposed legislative changes, the Federal and Provincial governments
have jointly announced the Build Communities Strong Fund. The funding program,
announced by Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford, represents an $8.8 billion
investment over 10 years, with contributions shared between the Federal and Provincial
Page 42 of 116
governments. The Build Communities Strong Fund is intended to support the delivery of
infrastructure required to enable housing development including:
• Water and wastewater servicing,
• Transportation infrastructure; and
• Transit and related systems.
To access the Build Communities Strong Fund, municipalities must reduce their
Development Charges by up to 50%. While further details regarding program eligibility,
intake processes, and funding criteria have not yet been released, the program is
expected to be application -based and focused on projects that facilitate housing growth.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is not part of the ERO process and is not contingent
on the passage of Bill 98. It does, however, align with the Province's broader objectives
of accelerating housing supply by supporting the infrastructure necessary to enable
development.
Financial Implications:
From a financial perspective, the impact of the proposed Development Charges (DC)
reductions and proposed planning policy changes may introduce both opportunities and
risks to Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners.
Opportunities:
• Potential funding to support infrastructure and reduce upfront development costs
• May help accelerate growth and expand the tax base
Uncertainties:
• Funding details, timing, and eligibility are still unclear
• Uncertain if funding will fully replace lost Development Charge revenue
• Legislative and regulatory changes will require updates to policies and procedures,
with unknown staff resource implications
• DC reductions could create short-term revenue gaps
• Non -municipal servicing could lead to long-term financial liabilities
Collectively, these changes may alter how growth -related infrastructure is financed,
requiring careful coordination between Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners to
balance development with long term financial sustainability.
Advancement of the Strategic Plan:
This review and analysis of the proposed legislative changes and federal -provincial
funding initiative align with Elgin County's Strategic Plan by supporting informed,
coordinated, and forward -looking decision making in the face of evolving provincial policy.
This work advances Strategy 1 (Collaborative Engagement and Communication) through
ongoing coordination with Local Municipal Partners and monitoring of provincial
initiatives, while also supporting Strategy 3 (Service Excellence and Efficiency) by
identifying opportunities to improve infrastructure planning and service delivery through
new funding mechanisms. The assessment of financial implications, infrastructure needs,
and growth management impacts further align with Strategy 4 (Sustainable Community
Page 43 of 116
Growth), ensuring that development is planned in a way that balances housing supply
objectives with long-term financial and infrastructure sustainability.
Policy Analysis:
The following sections outline the proposed legislative changes as per Bill 98. Building
Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, followed by an analysis of
the implications for Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners.
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The Province is proposing significant structural reforms to Ontario's land use planning
system through ERO postings 026-0300 and 026-0315, both released on March 30, 2026,
with a commenting deadline of April 29, 2026. These proposals represent a shift toward
a more centralized and standardized Official Plan framework, with implications for both
local and upper -tier municipalities.
Under ERO 026-0300, the Province is proposing to require municipalities to adopt a
prescribed Official Plan structure and standardized land use designations. This would
fundamentally change how municipalities prepare and organize their Official Plans,
moving away from locally tailored policy frameworks, and towards a uniform, province -
directed format. ERO 026-0315 proposes to redefine the role of upper -tier Official Plans
by limiting their scope to broad, regional -scale policy matters, and reducing or eliminating
site -specific and detailed land use policies. Specifically, the Province proposes simplifying
land use designations, such as consolidating multiple designations (e.g. Neighbourhoods,
Commercial, Mixed Use) into broader categories like "Community Areas". This ERO
would also clarify and expand the use of secondary plans, which would no longer require
Ministerial approval and would not constitute Official Plan Amendments. Lastly, this ERO
proposes to restrict the ability of municipalities to impose requirements for green building
standards, sustainable design elements, or enhanced development standards through
Official Plan and Zoning By-laws, including requirements for electric vehicle charging
stations. These changes are intended to streamline planning processes and reduce
duplication between upper -tier and local planning documents.
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The proposed changes have several key implications for Elgin County in its role as an
upper -tier municipality;
• Reduced Upper -Tier Planning Authority
o Greater focus on regional -level policy
o May limit the County's ability to influence site -specific land use decisions
o Existing detailed or prescriptive policies may need to be reviewed, removed,
or restructured
• Standardized Official Plans:
o Will require updates to the Elgin County Official Plan
o May involve restricting the Plan and renaming or consolidating land use
designations
o Will require additional staff time and resources once details are finalized
Page 44 of 116
• Changes to Secondary Plans:
o Removal of Ministerial approval may allow for more flexible and timely local
planning
o May reduce the role of secondary plans as integrated policy tools
o Increases reliance on Local Municipal Partners' Official Plans
o May limit County oversight of secondary planning frameworks
• Expand Ministerial Powers:
o Increased use of Minister's Zoning Orders (MZOs) and exemption authority
o May reduce municipal certainty and increase provincial intervention in
planning decisions
Overall, these changes reinforce the need for strong, clear regional policies, close
coordination with Local Municipal Partners, and ongoing monitoring of provincial
decisions that may impact local planning authority.
The Province is proposing changes to Parkland Requirements through ERO 026-0312
(posted on March 30, 2026, with a comment period ending May 14, 2026) introducing a
more standardized and provincially guided approach to parkland dedication under the
Planning Act. The proposal would allow developers to identify and propose parkland as
part of a development application, rather than municipalities selecting the lands, with
municipalities required to evaluate these proposals based on provincially prescribed
criteria. It would also expand the types of eligible parkland to include certain encumbered
lands (excluding financially encumbered lands) and privately owned publicly accessible
spaces (POPs).
The regulation would establish clear criteria for ineligible lands, including contaminated
lands, hazardous lands such as floodplains, lands that cannot function as parks,
financially encumbered lands, and lands that are not publicly accessible. It would also
identify conditionally acceptable lands, such as those adjacent to natural heritage features
where no negative impacts would occur, as well as lands within the Greenbelt Plan Area,
Oak Ridges Moraine, and Niagara Escarpment Plan areas, subject to applicable
constraints. The proposed process would require municipalities to accept or refuse
proposed parkland within 20 days, with any refusal requiring written reasons and notice
of appeal rights. Where a decision is appealed, municipalities would be required to
forward the complete record to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 15 days, including all
submission materials, the staff report, and the notice of refusal.
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The proposed changes may have several implications for Elgin County and Local
Municipal Partners responsible for parkland dedication:
• New Parkland Dedication Options:
o Introduction of privately owned publicly accessible spaces and other non-
traditional parkland forms
o May require more complex legal agreements
• Increased Administrative Demands:
Page 45 of 116
o Greater staff resources needed to review, negotiate, and administer new
dedication arrangements
• Potential Increase in Parkland Supply:
o Broader dedication options may result in more parkland secured in urban
areas
• Impacts on Funding Models
o Reduced reliance on cash -in -lieu contributions
o May affect how municipalities fund and plan for parkland dedication in the
long term
Overall, these changes may increase flexibility in parkland provision but will require
additional administrative capacity and adjustments to existing funding and planning
approaches.
ERO 026-0310, posted on March 30, 2026, with a comment period ending May 14, 2026,
proposes significant reforms to Site Plan Control under the Planning Act. The Province is
seeking feedback on a range of potential changes intended to streamline the
development approval process and reduce timelines. The proposal outlines both a more
extreme option and several moderate reform options. The most significant option under
consideration would be the elimination of Site Plan Control entirely, representing a
fundamental shift in how site -level development is regulated in Ontario.
Alternatively, the Province is considering a series of more targeted changes to streamline
the process while retaining Site Plan Control in a modified form. These include limiting
applications to a maximum of three circulation rounds, after which a mandatory meeting
would be required to resolve all outstanding issues. The Province is also proposing to
define and standardize the scope of Site Plan Control by prescribing what matters
municipalities may review.
Additional proposed changes include the introduction of mandatory timelines, with
applications potentially proceeding to arbitration if those timelines are not met. The
Province is also considering a tiered approach to Site Plan Control, whereby full review
would be limited to more complex developments, while simpler applications would be
streamlined or potentially exempt from the process altogether.
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The proposed reforms have significant implications for Elgin County and its Local
Municipal Partners:
• Reduced Municipal Control:
o Elimination of Site Plan Control would limit oversight of site -level design
o Impacts ability to address building placement, landscaping, grading,
servicing, and urban design
• Standardized Submission Requirements:
o Provincially prescribed requirements may limit scope of municipal review
o Reduces ability to respond to site -specific conditions and local priorities
Page 46 of 116
Administrative and Process Changes:
o Local Municipal Partners may need to update Site Plan Control By-laws
o Revisions may include application requirements, circulation processes, and
internal review procedures
Potential Efficiency Gains:
o Intended to streamline approvals and accelerate development timelines
o May reduce staff time per application and increase predictability for
applicants
Trade -Offs:
o Efficiencies may come at the cost of flexibility
o Reduced ability to address complex or site -specific issues.
While the changes may improve approval timelines, they could significantly limit municipal
oversight and the ability to ensure site -specific planning outcomes.
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The Province is proposing a series of reforms to complete application requirements
through ERO postings 026-0305, 026-0313, and 026-0314, all released on March 30, 2026,
with comment periods ending May 14, 2026. Collectively these proposals are intended to
standardize and streamline how planning applications are submitted, reviewed, and
deemed complete across Ontario.
ERO 026-0305 proposes to fully enable electronic submission of planning applications
and notices. Under this proposal, original or certified hard copies would no longer be
required, and notices related to public meetings, open houses, and complete applications
could be provided electronically to the Province.
ERO 026-0313 proposes standardizing the information and materials that municipalities
may require as part of a complete application. This would be achieved through a
provincially prescribed "master list" of submission requirements consisting of:
• Core Studies which would generally be permitted to all applications; and
• Contingent studies which could only be required where specific criteria or triggers
are met (e.g., archaeology or environmental studies).
ERO 026-0314 proposes to expand the list of "prescribed professionals" whose technical
studies must be accepted as part of a complete application. In addition to engineers
(currently the only "prescribed professionals"), this list would include professions such as
landscape architects, environmental professionals, hydrogeologists, and transportation
planners. Municipalities would effectively be prohibited from deeming an application
incomplete based on concerns with studies prepared by these prescribed professionals.
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The proposed changes represent a significant shift towards greater provincial
standardization and reduced municipal discretion at the application staged:
• Reduced Municipal Discretion
Page 47 of 116
o Provincially prescribed list of permitted studies may limit ability to request
additional or site -specific information
o May constrain ability to address rural, agricultural, or environmentally
sensitive contexts
• Risk to Application Quality:
o Requirement to accept studies upfront may limit early resolution of technical
issues
o Technical issues may be deferred to later stages, including appeals
Digital Submission Requirements:
o Full transition to electronic submission may improve efficiency
o Minimal impact for Elgin County, which already accepts digital applications
Policy and Process Updates:
o May require updates to County and local Official Plans (application
requirement sections)
o Coordination with Local Municipal Partners will be needed to ensure
consistency
Overall, these changes may streamline application intake but could shift complexity and
risk further into the review process, reducing opportunities for early issue resolution.
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The Province has proposed a Projection Methodology Guidelines (PMG) document through ERO
026-0304 that introduces a more structured and standardized approach to growth
forecasting and land needs assessments across Ontario. Municipalities would be required
to base their forecasts on Ontario Population Projections prepared by the Ministry of
Finance, with the potential ability to modify these projections were deemed appropriate.
The proposed guidance is organized around four key components: establishing municipal
population projections, developing housing needs forecasts, developing employment
forecasts, and undertaking land needs assessments. Together, these steps are intended
to support planning for a 20- to 30-year horizon, ensuring sufficient land is available to
accommodate anticipated growth. The PMG is intended to improve consistency across
municipalities and the province, to incorporate current data, and to better plan for growth.
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The proposed updates to growth forecasting methodologies introduce a more
standardized and data -driven approach for Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners.
Alignment with Provincial Methodology:
o Existing forecasts remain valid until future Official Plan updates
o Future updates must align with Ministry of Finance projections and
provincial guidance
o Increased focus on tenure, type, affordability, and suppressed demand
Reduced Local Flexibility
o Limits ability to apply locally derived assumptions or alternative growth
scenarios
o Shifts toward a more provincially driven approach to growth modeling
Page 48 of 116
o May necessitate future updates to County and local Official Plans
• Enhanced Housing Needs Assessment:
o Requires more detailed, data -driven analysis
o Greater emphasis on intensification assumptions
o May require additional staff capacity, data collection and consultant support
Overall, these changes strengthen consistency and analytical rigor but will require
additional resources and may limit flexibility in local growth planning.
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ERO 026-0311 proposes a regulatory approach to establish a minimum residential lot size
of 175 square metres (approximately 1,900 square feet) for fully serviced lands within
settlement areas and outside of the Greenbelt. The proposed regulation would apply
specifically to zoning by-laws. While zoning provisions would be overridden where the
conflict with minimum lot size requirements, the subdivision approval process would
continue to apply. Applicants would retain the ability to propose larger lots, as well as
smaller lots.
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The proposed minimum lot size regulation introduces several implications for Elgin
County and its Local Municipal Partners-
- Reduced Zoning Authority:
o Limits ability to establish minimum lot sizes above the provincial standard
(175 m2)
o Conflicting zoning provisions (i.e. for minimum lot frontage and lot depth)
would become unenforceable
o Will require updates to local Zoning By-laws
o Potential impacts on other zoning standards (i.e. parking and setbacks)
remain unclear and require further review
- Increased Development Intensity:
o Enables smaller lots, supporting infill and intensification in serviced areas
o May improve land use efficiency and infrastructure utilization
o Could introduce development pressure in areas not historically planned for
higher density
- Community and Policy Alignment:
o Smaller lot sizes may not align with existing community expectations or
Council direction
o May represent a shift from traditional development patterns
Overall, the regulation may support housing supply and efficiency objectives but will
require zoning updates, infrastructure planning, and careful consideration of local context
and community expectations.
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The province is proposing significant changes to the governance and delivery of water
and wastewater services through ERO postings 026-0301 and 026-0302, both released
Page 49 of 116
March 30, 2026, with a comment period ending April 29, 2026. ERO 026-0301 proposes
amendments to the Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2002 to enable
municipalities to deliver water and wastewater services through publicly owned corporate
entities. These corporations would be separate legal entities, fully publicly owned, and
responsible for the provision of water and wastewater services.
The proposed framework includes several measures to ensure continuity and public
control. New corporations would be required to remain 100% publicly owned, with no
private equity participation permitted. Where a municipality transfers services to such a
corporation, existing employment contracts, collective agreements, and insurance
arrangements would remain in place, and employee rights, including successor rights and
pay equity protections, would be preserved. Municipal debt related to water and
wastewater services would not be transferred to the new entity. Despite the governance
shift, these systems would continue to be regulated as municipal drinking water systems
and remain subject to existing legislative and compliance requirements. This proposal
would effectively formalize a public utility model, whereby water and wastewater services
are delivered by a municipally owned corporation operating at arm's length from Council
and governed by a board of directors.
ERO 026-0302 proposes changes to facilitate the use of private or communal water and
wastewater systems, particularly in situations where municipal servicing is unavailable.
The Province has identified a key barrier to development is the lack of municipal servicing
and municipal reluctance to approve alternative systems.
Under this proposal, municipalities would be required to grant consent for private or
communal systems where prescribed provincial criteria are met. The Province would
establish standardized requirements related to technical design, financial capacity, and
submission materials, while municipalities would retain a role in verifying compliance and
issuing decisions. Applicants would be required to demonstrate financial capacity,
including reserve funds for long-term system maintenance. Municipalities would be able
to impose conditions; however, these would be limited to prescribed areas related to
safety and sustainability. In addition, amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002
are proposed to ensure that municipal consent provided under the Municipal Act would
automatically satisfy approval requirements under drinking water legislation.
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The proposed changes represent a significant shift in the governance and delivery water
and wastewater services for Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners:
• New Service Delivery Models:
o Introduction of municipally owned service corporations
o May improve flexibility and efficiency
o May reduce direct municipal oversight and alignment with land use planning
• Reduced Municipal Control Over Servicing:
o Requirement to permit private or communal systems where criteria met
o Limits ability to use servicing as a tool to manage growth
o May increase development pressure in un-serviced or rural areas
Page 50 of 116
• Financial Risks-
• Risk of system failure or insufficient long-term maintenance funding
• Potential for municipalities to assume responsibility, creating financial
liabilities
• May require more complex agreements for ownership, operation,
monitoring, and contingency planning
• Increased administrative burden for review and oversight
Overall, while the changes may introduce more flexible servicing options, they also
present significant risks related to growth management, financial liability, and long-term
infrastructure oversight.
Federal -Provincial Partnership to Build Homes, Transit and Communities:
On March 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint funding
initiative titled the Canada -Ontario Partnership to Build Homes, Transit and Communities. The
partnership commits approximately $8.8 billion in cost -sharing federal and provincial
funding over 10 years to support housing -enabling infrastructure, with a primary focus on
increasing housing supply and improving affordability across Ontario.
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The central component of the initiative is the provision of funding to offset reductions in
municipal development charges (DCs) with participating municipalities expected to
reduce DCs by up to 50% for a period of three years. This measure is intended to lower
upfront development costs and accelerate housing construction. Municipal participation
is required to access funding and expected to contribute to reducing barriers to
development.
In addition to infrastructure funding, the initiative includes significant tax relief measures
aimed at homebuyers, including the temporary removal of the provincial portion of the
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on new homes within specified price thresholds. This is
anticipated to reduce purchase costs and stimulate housing demand and supply.
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While the Canada -Ontario Partnership to Build Homes, Transit and Communities
represent a significant investment in housing -enabling infrastructure and development
charge relief, key program details remain undefined. As identified by the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario, uncertainties include the extent and implementation of DC
reductions, the timing of funding relative to revenue impacts, eligibility criteria, and the
treatment of municipalities without development charges. From a land use planning
perspective, the initiative signals a shift toward accelerated housing delivery through
reduced upfront costs and targeted infrastructure investment.
For Elgin County and its Local Municipal Partners, this may reduce reliance on
development charges as a growth management tool, increase pressure to advance
development approvals and require more strategic coordination of infrastructure planning.
At the same time, potential financial risks and uneven impacts across municipalities
Page 51 of 116
highlight the need for continued monitoring and intergovernmental coordination as
program details are finalized.
Potential financial risks include the possibility that the development charge reductions
may be implemented in advance of funding being received, creating short-term revenue
gaps, as well as the risk that provincial and federal funding may not fully offset lost
revenues or may be conditional on project eligibility or timing. Uneven impacts may also
arise across municipalities, as those with higher growth and development charge
revenues may experience greater financial exposure but be better positioned to access
funding, while smaller or rural municipalities may have limited ability to benefit from the
program.
Proposed Legislative Changes:
The proposed changes under Bill 98 would amend the Development Charges Act, 1997,
Municipal Act, 2001, and Planning Act, 1990, the Building Code Act, 1992, the Water and
Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.
Collectively these changes intend to reduce the development costs, streamline approvals,
and increase provincial control over planning and infrastructure.
Key changes include:
• Development Charges Act, 1997:
o Exempts non-profit retirement home developments from development
charges
• Municipal Act, 2001:
o Establishes a framework for non -municipal communal water and
wastewater systems
o Requires municipalities to approve applications where prescribed criteria
are met, limiting discretion
• Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025:
o Introduces municipally owned service corporations
o Allows transfer of services, staff, and agreements without disruption
o Preserves existing rights and restricts transfer of long-term municipal debt
• Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002:
o Ensures these corporations are regulated as municipal systems
o Streamlines approvals by aligning consent requirements with the Municipal
Act
• Planning Act, 1990:
o Introduces standardized Official Plan structures and land use designations
o Removes requirement for climate change policies
o Expands Ministerial authority, including exemption from upper -tier
conformity
o Reduces notice requirements for Minister's Zoning Orders
o Limits municipal authority on enhanced development standards
Building Code Act, 1992:
o Clarifies municipal authority to regulate environmental protection and
conservation through by-laws
Page 52 of 116
Overall, Bill 98 represents a broad restructuring of Ontario's planning and infrastructure
framework, with increased provincial direction and reduced municipal discretion.
Local Municipal Partner Impact:
The proposed legislative changes and funding initiatives are expected to have a direct
and operational impact on Elgin County's Local Municipal Partners, as they retain primary
responsibility for site plan approvals, zoning approvals, servicing, and development
charge implementation. Collectively, these changes may reduce local discretion in key
areas such as application submission requirements, site plan control, parkland
dedication, and servicing decisions, while increasing pressure to accelerate development
approvals and align with provincially prescribed processes. Local Municipal Partners may
also need to update their Official Plans, Zoning By-laws and internal procedures to reflect
standardized provincial requirements. Financially, potential reductions in development
charges and reliance on conditional funding may introduce infrastructure financing
challenges, while servicing reforms could increase exposure to long-term operational and
financial risks.
Communication Requirements:
As these proposed legislative and regulatory changes are currently in the consultation
phase through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), Elgin County's formal
opportunity to provide input is limited to the prescribed comment period, which is currently
slated for the next two to four seeks, depending on the ERO, prior to the second reading
of the legislation. Currently, staff are seeking Council direction on the County's position
to inform the preparation and submission of formal comments to the Province on the
proposed changes.
Conclusion:
The proposed reforms under Bill 98, associated Environmental Registry postings, and the
Canada -Ontario Partnership to Build Homes, Transit and Communities collectively
represent a significant shift in Ontario's land use planning and infrastructure framework.
These changes are intended to accelerate housing delivery, streamline approval
processes, and align infrastructure investment with growth objectives; however, they also
introduce new considerations related to municipal autonomy, financial sustainability, and
the coordination of planning and servicing. For Elgin County and its Local Municipal
Partners, the proposal highlights the need for continued collaboration, proactive policy
alignment, and collaboration. As many elements of these initiatives remain under
development, it is important for the County to actively participate in the consultation
process and advocate for approaches that reflect local priorities and support long-term
community outcomes.
All of which is Respectfully
Prepared by
Page 53 of 116
Lindsay King
Policy Planner
Reviewed and submitted by
Mat Vaughan
Director of Planning and Development
Approved for Submission
Blaine Parkin
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Page 54 of 116
GREAT LAKES AND
v r a s v e �; i,iiewsIIIetteiiII
i4r';1f;li" g �fl'/,,,, e , Gn.,,./ ,tif I ul'ti.,z unf,St I wn.,, l ftl,./ I Ut)Infl'fly I f!,./ ,.:fl F""'
r)n (rd I , ,atin anf, ;audvt,,,./;,z adonrd 1,lffll IrnUx)1,(i%I"1( afYf,.J 11 �a?f,ti.Sz
fl!)I"(i(' I11 t!"2 Icy nf,.
DEED 11 Boll I J fl„ i s sG,„ g e
Dear Members and Partners,
In early March, a delegation of 20 Cities
Initiative members gathered in Washington,
DC, to advocate for our 2026U.S.. IFedeiral
Pirlioirlitlies as part of Great Lakes Day. In
meetings with 22 Members of Congress and
their staff, along with senior officials at the
U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and the
Ontario and Quebec offices in Washington, we
Page 55 of 116
called for the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Clean
Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. We also put forward measures to
build a strong and thriving Fresh Coast Economic Corridor.
This annual event has become an inspiring
testament to our collective impact on matters
of economic development and trade,
infrastructure renewal, and freshwater
protection. Thank you to all our Members
who joined us in Washington this year!
With Great Lakes Day behind us, we're advancing our work with AquaAction and
the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence Governors andPremiers on this year's binational
........,gg.B.I .6. Kiirng.....11°nalleng — details are in this newsletter.
We're also in the final stretch of planning for our .........irn.irn..ual....Conference, taking place
May 6-8 in Hamilton. Centered on our Fresh Coast Economic Corridor vision, the
conference will focus on practical strategies to implement our .I;.,,„irn„„irmn,ii,,,„
'.ilr6.i�.6..ir,I!.6.�.1i„.,ip............::�.ii.,.,irn.....l.11.8.i�. and advance responsible, water -centered regional
growth.
economicHamilton offers a firsthand look at a model Fresh Coast city, balancing ambitious
development with lan• and water stewardship.by April 15 tir
save 1% with our Early Advantage
We hope to see you in Hamilton this May as we celebrate our region's economic
dynamism and as we chart its future for the next ten years and beyond.
Warm regards,
Jonathan Altenberg
President and CEO
Upc oli,u IIIIII g EveII /
The Seaway's Inland Advantage — March 25, 2026, Montreal, QC — We are
partnering with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation for a day of
dialogue and touring marine operations in the Montreal region. Join us and learn
more and engage around the Seaway's priorities around expanding container
shipping in the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence, developing an Eastern energy corridor,
and expanding the Seaway's shipping season. Please contact Gabriel Alves
at gg!lyp§@g!l§1lp1t1ies..org to express your interest in participating.
Page 56 of 116
Annual Conference — May 6-8, 2026, Hamilton, ON — We're excited to bring our
network to Ontario next spring, where we'll gather to discuss building the Fresh
Coast Economic Corridor of freshwater -based industries and implementing our
Economic Transformation Action Plan. Register by April 15 to get 20% off with our
Early Advantage rate. 11 earin more and IR today.
U.S. Water Leaders Summit - November 12, Cleveland, OH - Save the Date
Great Lakes -St. Lawrence River Binational AquaHacking - The Great Lakes and
St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to co -host this year's AquaHacking
Challenge led by AquaAction, and we're inviting municipalities across the region to
help spread the word.
Aqual-lacking is a 7-month entrepreneurship development program offered
completely free to students and aspiring innovators.
We're asking our Member communities to support AquaHacking by sharin,r
zi
the opportunity through your own communication channels —including city
websites, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach —and by helping to
connect AquaAction with local universities, colleges, and innovation hubs, so
students don't miss out.
1111111�1 :11:11c,: i;�1:111:11111 1111111mJ111111111111111111 1111111
I Y3Y I 1 3. '- I
Lech engagement and showcase event for their community —at no
cost. Please act fast. Registration closes April 6.
I a s In t, 'B u III III et i In
Page 57 of 116
- We are pleased to welcome three new staff members to the Cities Initiative to
• Calantha Elsby joins us from Norfolk County, Ontario as the Ontario
Program Manager leading the development and rollout of new
programs in Ontario.
• Emily Kuzmick joins us from Sandusky, Ohio as the U.S. Coastal
Programs Manager leading our expansive coastal resilience efforts
across the eight Great Lakes States.
• Farzana Rahman joins us from Mississauga, Ontario as the
Operations and Programs Coordinator supporting water quality and
economic transformation programs with our Canadian members.
The Resilient Coastal Projects Initiative will kick off final engineering an4
design in three member communities this spring, bringing projects in Two
Harbors, MN; Cheboygan, MI; and Macomb County, MI to shovel -ready
status.
U.S. Conference of Mayors — The Cities Initiative
team attended U.S. Conference of Mayors'94th
Winter Meeting in late January in Washington, DC,
along with Mayor Ryan Sorenson of Sheboygan, WI,
and Mayor Mat Siscoe of St. Catharines, ON. We
met with Mayor Sean Ryan of Buffalo, NY, who
agreed to join the Cities Initiative and our Great
Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership.
• Lake Erie West Outreach — In late
January, the Cities Initiative team also
attended Lake Erie West Regional
Council's Annual Meeting in
Perrysville, OH, just outside of Toledo.
President and CEO Jon Altenberg
and Executive Chris Ronayne of Cuyahoga County, OH, spoke at the event,
touting the Cities Initiative's 'coo is Transformation Action Plan and our
vision for the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor.
t dlevv `//IeI I� i b e Ir s
Page 58 of 116
Buffalo, NY
Mayor Sean Ryan
"The City ofBuffalo is proud to join the Great Lakes
and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and stand
alongside more than 425 mayors committed to
protecting our shared waters. Lake Erie has always
been at the heart of our community — driving our
ecoOorny, sustaining our residents, and providing
opportunities for recreation and natural beauty.
Tbd@y, however, our communities face growing
challenges from environmental pressures and aging infrastructure - and meeting
these challenges will require purposeful collaboration with cities across our region."
Read prps5re!Ipase.
Elgin County, ON
Mayor Dominique Gigubre
"The County DfElgin is thrilled to join the Great
Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and work
with other like-minded partners toprotect our
freshwater resources, while also supporting local
economic growth. AS 8 community situated directly
on Lake Erie, safeguarding our |8keShoRaand
waterways iSvital Umthe health, prosperity, and well-
being of our residents. Being part of this network
helps us explore forward -thinking solutions that ensure communities along the Great
Lakes waterways continue to flourish." IR''el''a''Id'', 1p,!rggigi EgIpla''Is''Iel''.
'VA, e �m���- ����t N~����
- � --m�- -
Mayor Patrick P61oquin of Sorel -Tracy:
committed to preserving 400 years of our
maritime heritage! Sorel -Tracy is located at the
confluence of the St. Lawrence River and the
Richelieu River. Acity of3O,OOOresidents, our
economy has developed around the maritime
industry. The area iShome UD majorindustries, four
private ports, oshipyard that built the reputation cf
our city, as well as large marinas that attract tourists from Quebec and the United
It's safe to say that water iSpart ofour identity!
Page 59 of 116
bgives USaccess U3major g|Ob8|1raud8nDU18sd7Et sustain our industries, while also
connecting us to the exceptional natural environment that surrounds us. Indeed,
Sorel -Tracy is the gateway to the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Lake Saint -
Pierre, which is celebrating the 25th anniversary ofits designation this year. With its
archipelago Df1O3 islands, itiSthe largest heronry in North America and an area of
extraOrdin8rybiOdiversib/
We have a duty to protect this heritage!
Thanks to the expertise of the Centre for Industrial Ecology Technology Transfer, an
applied research centre o1the C' epde Sore|-Tracy,our economic development is
now guided by the principles of the circular economy.
In other words, the vv8818 outputs of one company b8COnle the raw nl818hBls Of
another. Several local businesses are already applying this principle, generating
economic activity while optimizing our resources.
At a time when we must both combat and adapt to climate change, the City of Sorel -
Tracy is also committed to creating 8 resilient territory. TO this end, we established
an Environment Office, B U88m of three specialists who guide our d8CiSiOn-m8hing,
collect scientific data, and implement environmental protection initiatives. |Dparallel,
the city has also appointed a Chief Scientific Advisor who volunteers to conduct
research and propose strategic directions.
Asyou can see, Sorel -Tracy iSalready well engaged inpreserving its industrial and
environmental heritage. Yes, the challenge is significant. But science can help Us
bring industry and ecology together.
�������K�������s
__- _�_ -
To support our member communities in their efforts to remove and replace lead
service lines while preserving residents' access Um Safe and affordable water, the
Cities Initiative is pleased to highlight "Filtered Drinking Yvateir
8[8SDUrCe developed bvthe
/F`PC\. This brief equips policyrnshers with best practices, funding tools,
community testimonials, and case studies for administering effective filter programs
to address public water contamination within their districts and states. It outlines key
strategies to protect public health, reduce plastic pollution, and rebuild trust iD public
VVote[
����^��NNN�����es
_ �- -_�_ -
Page 60 of 116
Washington D.C.
•SCOTUS Decision — On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against
the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to
impose sweeping tariffs on several countries, including Canada. While this
ruling invalidated the 35% tariffs on select Canadian goods, the United States
subsequently instituted a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the of the
Trade Act of 1974 that applies to these goods for the next 150 days. However,
like the IEEPA tariffs, the Section 122 tariffs will have a limited impact on
cross -border trade since approximately 90% of Canadian exports to the
United States are exempt from tariffs under the United States -Mexico -Canada
Agreement. The sectoral tariffs that have been imposed under Section 232 of
the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — including 50% on steel and aluminum and
25% on cars/auto parts — remain in effect and continue to impact our regional
economy.
a United States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA) —The Canadian
American Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and nearly 70
industry groups sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer
encouraging the United States to extend the USMCA. This letter broadly
aligns with the resolution recently approved by the Cities Initiative's Board of
Directors, which also called on Canada and the United States to preserve and
strengthen the USMCA.
Please get in touch with Travis Wheeler at -twlheelleir@g!l511pli.tlies..oirg if you have any
questions.
Ottawa
In March 2026, the Government of Canada launched a new call for
proposals under the 1E_,uJn,dJ a $5-billion
federal program aimed at strengthening Canada's supply -chain
infrastructure and improving access to global markets. The program
supports projects that enhance the efficiency and resilience of ports,
transportation corridors, and intermodal logistics networks across the country.
These investments are intended to reduce transportation bottlenecks and
Page 61 of 116
improve the movement of goods between Canada and international markets.
This federal funding opportunity could be particularly relevant for
municipalities and port authorities across the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence
Seaway, where investments in port modernization, marine infrastructure, and
multimodal connections could support regional economic development and
cross -border lade. Phase get in touch with Gabriel Alves at
if you have any questions.
'Together we're Ilop ectriif,,) the Mat W,,(,es 'for to ce,�r['Ie. Stay
C o 1-111 and be a voWe for our waters.50HOW LJJS 0111 ,on rredHa to sltay
engaged and take acton",
Cheat Lakes and St. Lawmnce (Aties Inkiabve 1 110. Box 1332 11 INew 11 enox, 11 60451. US
Constant
Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
Page 62 of 116
Outlook
Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus March 2026 Newsletter
From Western Ontario Wardens Caucus <info@wowc.ca>
Date Fri 3/27/2026 1113 AM
To Jenna Fentie <jfentie@ELGIN.ca>
EVISMSMSTIM I--*
WOWC Sf,',ater"ineint oii i, dhe 2026 Ointairk,':i, IIBi1),dget
Page 63 of 116
\N F S T E R IN i IN 7' A R l D
....... . .. . .
commitment to strengthening the economic foundation
of our communities while recognizing the growing
pressures facing municipalities. Investments in small
business tax relief, health care, and strategic economic
development are important steps in supporting growth across Western, Ontario.
The historic reduction of the small business tax rate by 30% will directly support
entrepreneurs and local employers across our region, helping drive investment and job
creation. At the same time, the new $,4 billion Protect Ontario Investment Fund will
help drive investment, support local employers, and position Western Ontario for
continued growth. The increases to the Ontario Transit Investment Fund of $15 million,
along with additional investments in community infrastructure of $300 million for the
Community Sport and Recreation, lnfrastructure Fund, are meaningful steps toward
strengthening the livability and connectivity of our communities.
For our region, these measures must be paired with targeted investments in
infrastructure, including a dedicated: rural component of the Building Faster Fund,
expanded supports -through the Homelessness Prevention Program, and meaningful
progress on regional rural transit.
As Western Ontario continues to power the province's economic engine, aligning
provincial investments with, municipal capacity on the ground will be critical to ensuring
sustaiinable growth and strong, resilient communities.
Western Ontario Municipal Conference
Friday, October 16, 2026
Page 64 of 116
Sponsored Ly , ',ENBRIDGE
The Western Ontario Municipal Conference returns on Friday, October 16th, 2026 at the Delta Conference
Centre in Guelph, ON.
Watch for updates ,here.
OHQW us -'ere
Page 65 of 116
A 4,
UNIVERSITY OF e J^
HEAR
Z.
WGUELPH
TIIT'df 11IJ V T
the The HEAR Initiative (Health, Economy, Adaptation in Rural Communities).
well-being, and environmental adaptation, HEAR provides an unprecedented, place -based understanding of
how rural communities experience and respond to change.
At the core of HEAR is one of the larAest rural household surveoir efforts ever undertaken in Ontario, Everktwo-
years, the initiative will reach 300,000 rural residents across Ontario —approximately 20% of the province's
rural population. Surveys are co -designed with rural stakeholders and administered in accessible formats to
ensure participation from communities often excluded by digital or geographic barriers. Survey data are then
securely linked with administrative, geospatial, and environmental datasets to create a powerful, integrated
evide-ice *ase.
KIDNIMMMI,
The Rural Symposium is an annual opportunity for
their rural research.
I 11WA. rmy. 11Q_W1 W111 I
the Government of Ontario.
, t
the Ontario Agri -Food Innovation Alliance, and the
School for Environmental Design and Rural
Development.
April 29 to May 1, 2026
Join your Parry Sound hosts to experience the beautiful surrounds of their town and the OSUM Executive as
they offer curated programming and networking events to support Ontario's small urban municipal leaders and
colleagues in the emerging political, economic and social environment of today.
Page 66 of 116
111
11fIIIIIIII
f, '� • �'. �,
Sarah Fencott (she/her) is from Waterloo, Ontario, located on
the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and
Haudenosaunee peoples. This area is situated on the
Haldimand Tract, the treaty territory belonging to the Six
Nations of the Grand River, which includes six miles on each
side of the Grand River and is within the lands protected by the
Dish with One Spoon Wampum.
Sarah holds a degree in Environment and Business with a
minor in Environment, Resources and Sustainability, as well as
a diploma in Environmental Assessment. Her professional
background includes field -based conservation and species at
risk management, including work with Ontario Parks and
collaboration on applied recovery initiatives such as the
reintroduction of the Mottled Duskywing butterny to Ontario.
Through this work, she has supported habitat restoration,
monitoring, and on -the -ground implementation of conservation
actions informed by regulatory and assessment processes.
Through the Municipal Climate Internship Program, Sarah is
working with Bruce County to better understand how
municipalities translate climate and sustainability goals into
practical action. She is particularly interested in using the
business case for sustainability to support meaningful engagement with rights holders, community members,
and local decision -makers, advancing plans that are grounded in community priorities and create lasting, place -
based impact.
Learn more about the I"')juiII I I
Government Gouvernement
Ontario Q of Canada du Canada
FedDev Ontario invests over $1.6 million for
Announcementsin the Region MVA Stratford and Aro Tool to adopt
Page 67 of 116
competitiveness
Canada has one ofthe most productive and
innovative automotive sectors inthe world,
supported byahighly skilled workforce, astrong
industrial base, and decades nfleadership in
advanced manufacturing. Tosustain that
leadership, the Government ofCanada iefocused
onsupporting the suppliers and manufacturers
who form the backbone ofthis sector —helping
them navigate tariff pressures, strengthen their
operations, and enhance competitiveness ina
rapidly evolving global market.
This includes anover $886.00Oinvestment in
Canadianmanufamtuner8VA Stratford, to
modernize its core production lines through the
adoption nfnew specialized equipment that will
strengthen competitiveness and position the
company 10explore opportunities beyond the
U.S. market.
London -based manufacturer, £rIo Tool, is
receiving aninvestment of$75O.UO0toenhance
its tooling and manufacturing capabilities, which
will bring diversification opportunities innew
markets.
Community Futures Middlesex (CF0iddlemax) ispassionate about helping entrepreneurs grow and
succeed, thereby strengthening our community. Offering loans, planning and advisory services, workshops,
and much more, we exist to support entrepreneurs in Middlesex County. We understand our communities,
our rural culture and values. These insights help us see our clients differently and make loan decisions right
here at home. Funded and backed by FedDev Ontario, you can trust CIF Middlesex for support through the
full life cycle mfyour business.
The Board of Directors is looking to recruit a passionate, innovative and creative individual to provide
leadership toour team oflocal business support and lending professionals. The General Manager is
responsible for the supervision of staff, monitors all programs administered by the Corporation so that client
needs and program goals are met; oversees accounting procedures and governmental reporting;
implements investment policies for loans, monitors all matters about the management of internal investment
funds; promotes and builds awareness for the Corporation within the communities served and oversees the
general administration ofthe Corporation.
Page 68 of 116
Westenri Ontario Wardens Cwxt.js 1I '789 Broadway St Box 3000 1I WYOMIJ11g, OIN NON.1 1 0 CA
1� Pir�ofile I Cp taint Contact Data INotiice
. ......... ................................. ............... 1.5 ............................................................................................................................................................
CConstarit
Contact
Try email marketing for free today!
Page 69 of 116
March 26'2O26
VV8K1en Dominique GigU6[8
Elgin County
450Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ONN5R5VI
Dear Warden GigU6n3:
Re: Strengthening Volunteerism in Elgin County - Volunteer Elgin Update
With 2O26recognized 83the International Year 0fVolunteers, and with National VolUDteerVVSek
taking place April 2O-2G'|aOOwriting tOensure that you and members 0fcouncil are aware 0f
Volunteer Elgin and its growing impact iDsupporting volunteerism across Elgin County.
Volunteer Elgin iS8vO(Unteep[uO'county-wide non-profit th3teXid3tOSt[eDQ1heDV0lUnte8[iS[D
by connecting residents with meaningful opportunities to contribute in their communities, while
supporting local organizations iDrecruiting the volunteers they need t0deliver programs,
services, and events.
Our VVeb3ite'Vo[unteerE|gin.Org, provides 3centralized online hub where organizations can pO3i
volunteer opportunities and residents can easily discover ways to get involved. The goal is
straightforward: to make it easier for those who wish to contribute their time and skills tOconnect
with organizations that rely 0nvolunteers t0support community life across the county.
Volunteer Elgin has emerged iOresponse tO8growing challenge shared bVmany communities:
organizations are finding it increasingly difficult tn recruit volunteers, while rD8Py residents are
seeking meaningful ways tOengage. Bwproviding shared volunteer infrastructure, Volunteer Elgin
is helping to strengthen the capacity of community organizations across Elgin County.
We have recently become aware that the Volunteer Elgin portal i68tt[@CtiDg.iDt8rest beyond the
county, with other communities informally exploring it as a potential model for connecting
residents with local volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Elgin has also become a member of
Voiunteer Canada, -connecting the initiative to a national network of volunteer centres and
organizations that support volunteerism across the country.
Page 70Of116
During Nation a[ Volunteer Week, Volunteer Elgin wi hbe raising awareness across the county,
including hosting a Volunteer Fair at the St. Thomas Public Library on April 25, a [on g with
information displays in Aylmer and Dutton throughout the week.
As community leaders, you and members of council are often in conversation with residents,
organizations, and community groups. Where it feels natural, we would welcome your help in
simply pointing people toward Volunteer Elgin as a place to explore opportunities to get involved.
Even small moments Ofawareness can make 8meaningful difference iDconnecting people to
their communities.
Enclosed is a brief overview of Volunteer Elgin, along with information about our upcoming
Thank you for the leadership you provide across Elgin County. |would be pleased tOconnect if
you would like any additional information.
Cathe I'll E'meHarrison
Communications Chair
Volunteer Elgin
VO}unh2erE[gin.0[g
Page 71Of116
About Volunteer Elgin
Volunteer Elgin is a community -based initiative dedicated to strengthening volunteerism
across Elgin County, Ontario.
The organization connects residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities while
supporting local non-profit and community organizations in recruiting volunteers and
promoting volunteerism across the county.
Volunteer Elgin was re-established in 2024 by a volunteer leadership group representing
several local organizations committed to strengthening the county's volunteer infrastructure.
The initiative is entirely volunteer led, with work supported by membership dues and an
initial grant from the Elgin -St. Thomas Community Foundation, which funded the
development of the website.
Volunteer Elgin currently includes 15 member organizations and continues to grow across
Elgin County.
Leadership and operations are supported by a working committee with representatives from:
• Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas
• Family & Children's Services St. Thomas Elgin
• Southwestern Public Health
• St. Thomas Public Library
• Town of Aylmer
• VON Middlesex Elgin
Volunteer Canada Membership
Volunteer Elgin is a member of Volunteer Canada, the national organization dedicated to
promoting volunteerism and strengthening volunteer centres across the country.
Page 72 of 116
Key Initiatives
Volunteer Opportunity Portal: VolunteerElgin.Org
Launched in late 2024, the Volunteer Elgin website provides a centralized portal where
residents can browse and apply for volunteer opportunities with organizations across the
county. Member organizations manage their own profiles and can post unlimited volunteer
opportunities.
Volunteer Fair
The Volunteer Elgin Volunteer Fair brings together community organizations and residents
interested in volunteering. The event provides a welcoming environment where people can
[earn about local organizations, meet volunteer coordinators, and explore ways to get
involved.
Launched in 2025, the Volunteer Fair has expanded in 2026 to include displays in Aylmer and
Dutton during National Volunteer Week.
Volunteer Week Outreach
During National Volunteer Week, Volunteer Elgin promotes volunteerism through community
outreach activities, displays, and events designed to highlight the impact of volunteers and
encourage participation.
2026 Priorities
Volunteer Elgin's focus for 2026 includes:
• Expanding public awareness of volunteer opportunities through increased
advertising, social media and traditional media outreach
• Increasing membership among community organizations
• Enhancing our community network by forging stronger relationships with key
stakeholders across Elgin County
Volunteer Elgin believes that strong volunteer networks help build healthier, more connected,
and more resilient communities.
More information is available at:
www.voki e r I
. ..... .............. ....
Page 73 of 116
...... ..... ....... .. .
Volunteer Elgin
As a member of Volunteer Canada, Volunteer Elgin is helping
to put Elgin County on the map
Use the mapping too] below to find a Volunteer Center in your community.
Map' SateMW
. ... . . . Volunteer
. . .➢.. .. I Elgin
IAr
lnfo@volunteetelgin.org
Q) https-#volunieefelgin.org
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Volunteer C In W U�,r t Vruv f i r{ DONATE TODAY
ul B6n6voles Cvv, J,fln (hfl New,Jod,,r
Canada Mernbvvdflp voh[nu,et vihu HInq
x a 0 Charitable Registration Number: 898232343 RR0001
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Page 74 of 116
E
Our VI'IsIllan
w ii ir°.n IFl u bl ii (l- Airy °:sir°.n . ire its a Ih i g [-illy �° �:� II �i e d arid . re s p) �° � �� t ,,%I �:� i�..t
it n ire � Ih a t ii s a c)(' �..� II 1� o ii ir°.p.t . o it � Ih � .t , ..I..Ih o irri a s arid vw� ii ir°.nir° n ii t, ..�..I�r � r t
Cem°.n.tire its dediir"ated to famster-iir°.ng a e IIr"Oir"Y"Iliiir°.ng, eir°.nriirl-I["niiir,.nr� (m°n�:� � it°.n1� %w) iiit°.nry,�
e in ii iro in it ri e in.11. of art a n d c. ire a Ir ii ii Ir .11.lirvnd1. ii ins Ism rii Tres, c 'i a II II e in :des and ed U C I.:l.11.eac
our audiieirm.n(es,
Our Mandalte
w i tn :lum1 ir� ir.� rrr� CA t°n dat ed tae>h i bit, preserve arid
Ipror-note v i su dI arts arid to 1provide e>m h ii bii tii o ir.n ri b t ed
Our MllssIllan
I he n o...hh e St. ..I.. I� r o irrl a s... BI g ii it°.n IFu b1 ii rl- Airt is to e it°.n r o u ire. ,
Ism r ro ir.r i &1 e an q, larec. i a Ir ii o in for and s u lam r 1po r..t .11.lirvn e Ism r ra c. Ir ii c. e o.f.Ir li'ie vii su d arts in
St. Ph o r-n a s arid Elg ii ir.n Co u m,.n.ty .hh ro u g [-i a variety of e>mJh i bii tii o r.n s a r.l d
edu("atiior.ndI 1prograr.r.rs arid �. i w I["n �I�"n�° prer Ise"�°atic) n of a �I�"nr�;m����:,
Ipe rir.r n a ir.n e r.n t r cm II II i Cm ir° n ,
Our Address
3011 ..l..dbo t Shreet, St. I.. Ih o ir.r.n a s, O ir.n t a irii cm 1t,,11 �� IF1 11 II 1
We iml &u IIII IIII , acknoWIedge l°II " iim"Im l iiii iin ued support 0 °l°II i ly & St. Fhom-
as,m
the a iinl , & II :IIII iiii iin, and our vdIued donors, iimembers, and supporlers.
Your iim"Im iiii iim"Im iim er iiil , endbIIIes lihe Art iim"Im l ire l conllnue offerfing"it
l iiii ,iresponsive, and enriching:Iperiiii iim"Im " for the communily.
J NI ,,
T
1� F41 o R
f�f,y;t, ,.?ff II- �W1�18�wti�wa",w 1
CARM u..
Page 76 of 116 ANNiJA �... R (D R 1 2025 2
a
IL
I h e S t. I h o m cis Elgh Flu Idi(,-, itt C En On! is rNEMSEW to prEIS E, ryt Us
2025 A['l['ILJCA IRE 1park a rEIill EICK(Al A a year s[-iqr)ed Iby (,-,rElOtiVity(mmmWIRY
Enry0yJamEerit, arid its IUTTIE,W to hhe visudl arts. I hroug[-iout 2(.)25, hhe
Art (",eritre (,-,oritirwed to Iprovide rneariirigfuIl (,-,Lflhjrdl e)qr)erieri(,-,es,
WSWrEld IpartriersIhips cmrass St. I horrias arid Elgiri (.",ourity, arid shrerighherled its
r-de as a dynarnic; spown for Warning (:(Dnrkec�.Non, and artishcl E)XprEISSI a n.
Page 77 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 3
St. Fii masd:IIII iiiiii IIPII I!c Art Centre 2025 ism nudI Report Summary
n 2025, Ilhe St. PubHc M Cenhe conlklUed Ilo slmngIhen Hs rde cis ci vHbcirfl
u I I u �cl I ..nuu b ci r n d I ci I ci ir I s i n s H I u H a r i f o I v I o n'r ci s ci r n d IIIIII I g r n C c) j r n I y v As ci c IIh a rita I�b I e, , iin o iin
�Ip rofit IIp u IIb 11 c art c e, iin tre, err; it e n'r ci ii r n e d d e e f:) I y o n'r n'r ii I I e d I o ii I s irrriissiiorn ref e r no ( j it ci g ii r n g ci f:)
fcn cind sulf:q:)cxdHng 1lhr.n of he viisucfl cuk, fosI&dng a:-,�mcflrve engcigen,rerfl
,v:",ross cflHI ciges cind ciL)HkHes, f:)msenHng �-dgh clucflEy exhWUHans cuKI f:)irog��cm,rsIlhcfl mIl&:-,J
boIh cx:,;cfl cuHslk:,, vok:,�es cind Ilhe f:)msewciHon of Nre f:)&nn,rcmerfl a:-,,dl&:-,�Hon.
Exhibillans & Curaliris dI IIFllghIIlghls
I"J0UgI`l0(AI I'le YEW lhe PuLflk:,Aid Cerflire hosled ci sedes of dyncm,rk:,� exhHbHkms shom:xls
�ng ci Wde rcmq]e of cirtisk perspectives, II fighkghk iina:-,duded A C'ovenord of'Redprodfy by
.Jeff Suclak, (:�,onrl )Eflkrlg E)Xlr.:)lU(AHU'l Of 10 flf`)E; n('llu
rd vmdd vvhk:,�h iinvHed ho(4-flf(AI a:-,;on,rn,runHy cficflogue cind engcigen,rerfl. AddHoncif exhii
Mons. suck cis the Annual Aded IIIA-dL)HHon "In ViEW C)f IhEArtist, " cind "BE:"IWE"Em IhE"
B(.)(.,x-ds", a:-,�onHnued Ilo s�f:)oHkg�-fl en,r&rJng cind esIciL)Hshed cuHsk cind miinfon:-,�e IIhe Aid
(..'EX'A[E)'S IdE(::is pkflfonnr f0l (�JEXAHVE) E)Xlr XE)SSfU'). T)E) IIIAM: Air l CEM'A[E) Oul
mcv:-,�h wHh fE40jecls Hke Ark Ilmes 8. k�cflk, exlencfing Ilhe mcv:-,;h of v�sucfl cvd 1beyond Nre Aid
a:-,,erflm wcflls cind iirflo cx:-,;cfl f:)(Atdk:,; s�f:)cves.
Educallan & Community Engagement
2025 e�,iw robust porRopoHon hi PLAW: Arl CE;nITEPS classes and woirkshqps fcn a:-,�hHcften,
YOLAI'l, CldLAHS cind serdom , ref f&dng ci a:-,�mcflrve erMironn,rerfl whem iindMdLJC]k (�-,�C)Ud exlf:flom
cuHslk:,, f:)olenHcfl cind deveky) new Ms. In 2025. vve vrem ev:,;Hed II0 C]Ljm:-,�h in Sfudio, ci wd
wArry] dayHn,re f:)irog��cm,r desiigned fcx� ciduHs nyho and to expkge MY weaW
Y, Ibr.riilld new sl,dls, cind conned vwHh oIhem iin cin iins�f:)iiidng erMi�onn,rerfl, I hese f:)irogrcln,rs
sImngIhened a:-,on'rn'lUnHy a:-,�onneclbns and supporied a:-,�mcflrve exlf:)Icncflkm cd cfll evek,
SpecldI Events & I'undralsfing
A Ikey everd SLJ(�-,;I`l CIS II he Annual FuH At AucHan r=dded an oppodunHy for pakuns cmd
SUlrm:)lrm)U I E)[S 10 EX'lg(AgE) W Ilan I hE) (11 IS, (�,EdEANKAI cowHAN, und suppor I ME) PAW: Arl CEMI NIPS
onl3oing f:)irog�cm,rninqy I his and cWher evenis nol only qgen&cfled fUnds Ibu.rll Cflso miin
fon:-,;ed CAM itdIe cis cl (�-,JAHLRCfl gcflh&dng I:flcv:-,�e cind
CdIlIecllans & CUIlurdI VdIue
I he II"Utdk:,, AirI Cen fm a:-,�on Hmjed sIewcudshj) of Hs expandinll penn-ranen I Wedion, vdich
inomprises sgrdfk:,;cirfl worl,,s Iby Ilcx:,;cfl, mjoncfl, cind nciHoncfl cuHsk, f:)ms&Mng cvd h&Tcige
ond mokhrry] it C]CXlE)Sdbk) 10 flhE) T)E) Ad (A(.�MHE)S [`)Efllr)E)(J SUS(A41 SL
Rhomos' CILAturd Axxm(:;�y lo Al broadEx loudsnr, E)(Orionr
k:,� cmds�:-,;cq:)e of II he mjon.
Page 78 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 4
BoIr II Directors
D a in g I i o II' re s li d e in �
S e za nine 3�cidnr 1Ias � Ireslidein
Jenny C:or use Viice Ire siideinr �
Meaglncin Vreirricin I recise wer
441 f5bed Secmkx-y
S1evein Mc-,J cvIy f:::Iaysoin
CIaUn Mc-,J���veinue
Sue FoAn Sm[Hn
-61nin Allen
Andrew SnEdsdnger
I ynn Clad l es
K6HIn Mayer
Kevrn Morrell
Doirndnllcjue Ggu6re (C:ouindy of ]gdn Rep.)
01=111
I aura Woeunke EAec:u I Ne Dbec ky / CON or
&Iner6 Howard 11":Irogrcirn N-e(.-Aor
Bad (Dr) �ekd e/ I dffainy C:a4-ins AsslisPcind
ArainNci Arreaza insiruc-Aor Iresc�Inool :::It."asso
AM Men Adainldrclhon AuNkA
Kendal Goodhue Surnamm SWEN GaHery Al 1eincicind
KW3 Ballold Surnamm 01 IlIrogrcirrrs Illrms, ruc-Aor
\Nkna Pheau Suirnirner Arl Irogrcirn inslruc-Aor Assi slain�
Jukanne Bryans Ins1ruclor %mr-ner IIIrogrcirns / Vkxk
shc;ps
Acquisitions Convailtte,e,
Onafir Kevrn Morrell
Be Hhany Gm;ein
S1evein Mcd cvIy f:::Iaysoin
I aura Woeunke
II Fundralsfing Ins II
CIaUn Mcdveinue
Andrew SnEdsdnger
Finance Canvnififee
Wal Dang W)
Jenny C.or use
I rease wer Meaglnain Vreirricin
I aura Woeunke
MentbersIII lIp Ins II
Chat Sue Fodn Sat In
II uI II Resource Canvnifffee
Wal Dang W)
Megain Vreimain
Jenny C.or use
SIpansarsIII lIp CIns nifffee
Andrew SnEdsdnger
I aura WoEmmke
Dang I k)
Governance Canvnifffee
Uhe govemmnce ccmnmdhee is commilied to nnodenniz-
ding Ilfmdllllicies aind dinvestding hn compliance InMatives to
enme aligmmeint, willhi ctjuirreinf' reSpidatioins aind bed"
piraCtiCeS. This skalegic approach a0vto eiinillhiaiinice
out organizationdliMegrHydpromiote transparenCyr
aurn d support a culme of accowdWWMyaAMmatWy
sdegucuding our aind fosleding
trumt, willhiIli n'llhe coinninnumnIli ty.
Chat Doirnrrtcp ue G�g� u6re
Meagnain Vreirricin
[king Ono
Seve' in Mc-,J cvIy 1:::Iaysoin
bled fhjber1
I aura Woeunke
JackPot Tihme VIII[ unteers
Cha4- Kevdn Morrell
SUZcxnne Baehr
Jenny C�or �se
Dang I k)
bled fhjber�
Aincirew SnEdsdnger
Vdlunteers
lrein� Hoff, (DlMa Hoff, Chloe O-osby, 3�eHnainy Green,
Andrew SnEdsdnger, Suzanne 3�adnr, -61nin Allen, Slevein
Mcd cx1y II�::Iayson, Jenny Wusn Dcmnni Dowson, DeNkIn
RoUnwin, Mley Doan, AdeHe AMR Sydney King
Wan Aubrey Krngs1oine, IIIresley lycaInyimdd, Ayanina
Ganda, Yasaine Audc Sarah Tayloc If Barjendci
CIciUn Mc-,J!veim ue� Woerirrfl(eMd(e Irneciu ,
I ara Mc,,C.ar Mey, Kevdn Morrell, Avery IIIaylrme, Josee
C:oudu, Maffinew C.oburin, bled HuberP, Meaglncin
Vreirricin, ArdyHne Anderson, KciHnerdne [�ourinoer, -Irrn
C:oburin, &Inaroin Uffie, Joan Deianiis,
Totdl VIII[ unteer IIHours: 476.5
Page 79 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 c 1 01. M", MP
2,�2
II n 2025, hhe St. I hcn-nas-Elgiri Art (eritre (,-,c)nQILJEICJ to cyffirrn -HO ElssenticY
rdle hhat arts and c-,Ulture pby iri life. t,,Iatianal rEISEaOrch hig Vill] VItEld
41 WEI Artmor,ks reIr)ort shows W a t Canadians are drawri to arts Iparti(,-,iIr)atiori
bec-,ause it fosters offers rIE)VV rXersrXec-Jives, sh.re righheris beIlonginvy
and SUpports vvdlkbeirig. t,,IotdbIly, 75% of Canadicaris IbeII iieve hhat atteridirig
arts and (0turEe everits positiveIly i�rn�r)acts WESS(erise of belarillng W Canada.
z2s
43"19 Exhibitian Visitars
520 parficipants
TOUrs SOCCarIII munIII ty Outreach
25"1
Addit Program Participants
852
Children & Youth Participants
lilt
it t C#?,i)
I I 124
Special Even't Attendees
000 146
0 Actil IIMembers
ED-0-ON
Lr,
O"V
loop
51VIO
Page 80 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 6
Message from ell IExecutive Director
As we relIec:J on 2025, l cml f:)rouc� IIo share ci yecir cefinec� Iby c:�recflivHy, resHienc:�e, cinc�
n-�eciningfUl c:;onnec:,Jion cd he SL l hon.as Bgin PuLflic:; Aid Cerflrev l his l:)cisIl yecir, we
shrenglhenecour roe as ci vHbrcirfll c:;UH(Jrcfl hUb for our c:;on-m-nunHy, weIc:�on-�ing visHors ofcflI
c ,iges o exlf:flore, ecun, cincexpedence 11ne rcinsforn-ncflive f:)ower of Ilne visucfl ads,
(:)ur exhiL)Hions showc:cisecci cyncvn-nic:rcmq]e of artislic: local ancc� regioncfl arHsIs, eaa h c:�on
rHbuHng IIo a onverscflions hcfll resoncfle cvross our c:;on-m.nunHy. We c�eef:)enec� our c:;on-m-mH
n-�erfll o eckjc:xilion Imulf expandeCI arl progIrcirn s. haMs on worl,,Shqf:)s for youlh, cickjIHs
c ,inceniors, cincf:)cvdnershilf:)s llnllIIIIorec, us b reach new audienc:�es. l hese iniHcflives re
c ,iffirn-r our b6ief hcfll ac:,c:;ess o Ilfne visucil OdS is eSseNicfl for ci hecflHhycinc.Il.hriving c:;on-m-ru
nHy.
ll,lreserving cincc:�cvring for our f:)ern-ncinerfll c:�oIIec:,Jion ren-�cflnec� ci c:;ornerslone ofour worl,,. Ilr.n
2025, we c:�orflinuec� in-q:)cxdcirfl a onservcflion effor1s cinchn-q:)rovec� ac:�c:�ess IIo he c:�cflIec:,Jion
hrough exhiL)Hions cincour cfigHcfl c�cflciL)cise. hese efforIs honour our
c ,I r CC) f c:; u l l u r cl ED r ci g ED ci r n cED r n s u r ED Ilf..nII f u l u r ED g ED r n ED r ci o r n s c:; ci r ED ci r r n fr o n-r ci r n c� ci f:) f:) r ED c:� i ci l ED
l hese works.
',4one of his wc)UcIbe f:)ossiLfle Mhou�l he c�ecfic:. cflion cincerfldmjsicmn-� of Ilhe ll'uLflic:Aid
COMER Nxim. VVE) EOXIEMICI !"PEOCACY IhcV')kS 10 Sf)E)IId l lOW(II(J f0l f)E): [ UIr')W(AVE)I14')g
o llhe ll:,IuLflic:id Cerflre, her f:)cission for c�eHvering Irnnr.nciningfU, high ex
pedenCeS. ancIlhe c:�cvre she shows in n-�cfldng every feel weIc:�n-neccincvcfluecL
to o u r n-� ED n-nb ED r s, c� o r n o r s, v a 4 j rd ED ED rs. c o m m u n H 1, p ci r l r n ED r s, ci r n cl f- n ED l3 o ci r co f l") i r ED hors llf..nr;irnllr
you. Y a u r b ED l i ED f i r n 11fnr. v ci l u ED of S IIv l o n-� ci s llll l g i r n f,'u b l i c:; A r l C ED r n l r ED s u s l ci i r n s o ( j r n-n o n-� ED r j n-�
c ,incinsIf:)ires our ongoing worl,,.
As we look cihecid we Ire n-�cfln c:;on-m-nHHec� o fosering
c:,recflivHy, inc:JusivHy, cinca onnec:,Jion. 11 he yecir IIo
c:;on-ne f:)ron-nises new collabo&icnn, expandecl pro
grcm-ming, cincc:�orflirujecqf:q:)or1uniHes IIo c:�EDIEDL)rcfle
he roIe of IIfne visual ads in our c:�on-munHyv ogeIher,
we will buHcon lhe sucynesses of 2025 arKI continue
shcq:)ing ci IbrIigh l fu l ure for l he S l v l hon-�cis lll]gin lllultflic:;
Aid Cerflre.
Mh grcflHuce,
Laqxra Woeiraike,
lllxec:�Hve Illl`)irec:, lor
S l v l f- n o n-ci s II:II g i r n ll' u Ib l i c:r l C ED r n l r ED
Page 81 of 116
ANNI-W 2025 7
lhe SI. lhoirm.:ls ''Ijin ArI CeinIre preseinIec.:J c.:i rk-,,h
c.:iind vcxied ekNUHon s(.-,,hec.:Jule Ihc.:fl (.-,,elebraIed arHsHc,
exc'elleiric'e. rejoinc.:fl NsIory. c.:inc.J (z,,ornir-nuinfly coininec,
Hoin. lhe yeah 's lDirogirairn oinchxlecl A Fliclure is Worth—
lhe Irnportance of F)reservingj Artwork, WNch INcalhlocalJuPed
Ihe value of sIewardshiip ainc.:J (:x.x-e iin Ipreserviiir g culIural
herflage, aloingsk:le group ekNUHons sucis, Ontario
Society of Artists (WesIerin Hub) and sir-naller ekNUHons
suc.:is Beyond I lorizons- Williarn St. lhornas Srnith, salon
styled in our (,-jcjllery three,
I he ekNUHon s(.-,,hec.:Jule c.:flso fec.:flurec.:1 Between the
Boards asu a spec-Jal ekNUHon, IluiicllhliiclhrHing Ihe arIwork of
a gircm,qD of airhsk IIIIrcWll IlDairlloco Dcflecl iin he '13eWeein Illhe
3�oards :n Ipl6in a4- even I I ha I I ook Iplace iin 2024.
Coirnirnuinfly eingageirneirfl reimckned ceirflircfl Ilo Illhe yeair's
prograimirniiing I hrou ugh ekNUHons suc.:is In View of the
Artist, Illhe Airll Cr einhre's Aininucfl Juiroecl xhoLJHoin, WNch
showc,ased Ihe IaleinI of pc.x-Ik.-Jpc.:iNng c.xflsk, c.:iind Ihe St.
lhornas and District Horticultural Society Florcjl Interpreta
tion, WNch encouraged creaHve c:fialogue beIweein vis
ual arI and floral desiigin. Under the Sarne Sky Selec,
tions frorn the F)errnanent Collection h urhher eirrphasozed
he shreinghh of Illhe Airll Cr einhre's c6lechoin aind Hs r6e iin
preserviiing c.:iind shc:viing works of IasF.I.iiir g r u..ulIuur<fI siiginiH
I he year h uc.:Jec.:J wiI h I he c.:i lwc.:iys an I k.-Jpc.:i I ec.J Minia
f ure S h o w a n a S a , e . 11 W."ll u UO< ugll H [OgEMI uECR HSIS„ SuIp
porIers, ainc.:J iin a celebraHoin of c.:iind accessiibflHy. logehher Ihese ekNUHoins r6inforced
Ihe SI. lhoirnas II jin ��IuLflHc Air�� Ceinhre's r6e as a vHcfl cuHuircfl hu�b, offeir�ing rneainingh,fl ex��Deir�einces hcfll coin
inec'Ied arI, herflage, and coirnirnuinHy IhroughouI 2025
"A Picture is Worth... The lni;>ortance of Preserving Artwork"
S6ecHons fmrn Ihe )&manenCoHecHon
Novemb& 1 C Io '"ebma�y 16, 202
GaHe6es One and JrWo
In a w&d enundaled waltz fleeHng Images and ephem&a� conlen�, the I-xes&vaHon of ar wok slands as a less
1amen� 10 the endu6ng pow& of ceaMy and expessson. ''A tu. e Is Wor ffill expoc �s the ssgNf!cance of
safeguado ng aHsHc creaHons foffie4 !nt6-)sec vaue, nac raHve rdchness, and cuhjraIegacy.
A Quiel, Conversation
Sele(z,'Hoins froirn IIh IIlerirmsc.iineinI Collec'Hoin
Janua�y I I 10 '"ebruay 1 a1, 202
GaH&y jr[)ree
jr[)e aHsts feaus d !n ffibs exNbAHon, uH5ze a va6e�y of tec[)Nques and slyles, fmrn lrad!Hona� reahm to b6d
abst=Hon, 10 NgNghthe !nteq,-)lay o lugh, co�oc , and textu. jr[)rotjgI) ffie4 wok ffiey challenge us 10 see
beyond the suface, 10 expoc e ffie emoHons and memo6es thac olojects hoc d, and 10 reflect on ouG p&sona�
re&onsNps watt) the wold amund us.
Page 82 of 116 ANNI-W Rl 2025 8
Ontario Society of Artists (Western Hub)
Ontario
Group E'xhibifion
Society elory 22 Po April 52025
of Artists Galledes We arxi Two
Ontario Society of AHIN (Wesfem f4b) birsxgN logehher a dyncirnic seleclion of
work by odish aNded mMh one ch Canada's cflclesll i:oirofessIoincfl airll oirgcunIzcflIoins.
Rqprevo Hing a range of approachev mai edals, ancl visr cfl lciingr uages, Phis gror up
exhlibMan xTec I ed I he bmiadih of caleirnporary cxlisIc, IPraC,HC,e across Sorflhwesp
onlaria Society of
G,..p EAffiffl— QW-t.,. Hub) erin (Dink.:vro. CollecHvely, lhe works spoke lo lhe cyngoling re levaince of observcflioirl,
20,25
and Individual expression, while underscoring Phe value ofarHsHc,
cfialogue vvii P hin a shared professional coirnirnruinfl y.
Beyond the horizon: A Salon of Williarn St.7hornas Sinith
S6ecffons fmrn fhe )&manenCol ecHon
ebi,uuy 22 fo Api,fl 5, 2025
Garr &y I Nee
Beyorxl Horlorm VMRvn SL lhorrms SQUi feaPr..ured evoc."a P Ive seascapes Phac cap
lured lhe bearily, powec and changling rYKXXJS of irrsariiPiiirrse NNn Blending resibr-n
aind IirnlP:niressIoir)Isw SmH W s mW hvH ed Keweirs Il o reflec oin Il he vas I ness of: Il he
oceson and lhe hHmale cham3cler of coaslal onvir-swirnen1s.
Between the Boards
GmuxNbAHon
Api,fl 12 fo June 7, 2025
Api,fl 12,2025, Awards izxesenac fon
Ga��e6es One and Iwo
Between the Boards Iruiicflruliicflru ed hhe co;YANE; c0cornes of a c,'ollciborsAive projec-,J
Iinsli:�Iirecl by cunclsccq:�e, f:flace, aind Ilhe egacy of: C. llairk M�; )ougcfll's IirfleirIoir bairin
ps:AnNngsa irnerglng firsyrn lhe Between Hie Boamls Iprcrjec,P IJueld In AugusP 2024, phe
Wbilbn showcased innovalive c1ppixxiches and unique arHsHc, Iperspec-,Jives
shaped by lAxed expedence, observalion, and cmialNe exchcinge. lhe exhiloflion
cilso refles.'Jecl lhe Ilrnpsxls:inc-,,e of corna"mily pcvlinership, wflh Phciinks k.) cin 3�egg far
Phe Inspiring loccflioin cind award suppsyk and k) Phe projec-,J judges Cac [)&ne
Show, Cab h Mcq venue and i(evin Mue, far 1heir (.-,,oinPribuHoins.
Echoes of the Posh Clmk hlcDoupAll Sams
Seles-,Jioins forirn Plh IIlerirrsciinerlu.ollec'Hon
April '12 Po,lune 7, 2025
Wery Three
[choes of the Flast: C"Jark Mcl)ougall's Bams Wiled Wors lo eNplore n urcfl IE!I�]Jin Cor uin�y Phror ugh a selecJIon of
warks firoirn Ilhe Aii (;.ein ll ire's P:�eirirnaineirfl ccflleclIoin. [he exhILJlIoin Nghllg[flecl M6)ougcfll's cfislIinclIve
WANly k) docurnenl famMy Knins nal any as physlical sNuchn-ev oul also as syrnbols of herflage� irneIrnOry, ancl
c,oirnirnunHy. 1hrough Wne works, Phe exhibflioin reflec-,Jed on lhe Wangling rurcil lciinclss-,,cipe ciincl Phe enduring
Wes of hhe farndils who shaped Elghn Winly.
Jel Suchak
A Covenant of Reciprocity
Galleries (Dine & Iwo
.Ame 14 lo Augnl A OM25
A C'overxvi of Reciprocity, fecfluirIing iNhcflogirap% by Jeff Sudiak, Iinvflecl vIsfloirs Iles iref91eccsirs hurnainfly's r6a
lIoinship wflh Phe nahud world cfl a Prue of Increasing einviroinirneinki change and clirricfle cfisrupPIoir . lhrough
c,'oneirnpIcAive inages In bolh Min cind chgHal WWI lhe Wbilbn encorn-aged a sense & wanden ai leirl
PIoin, and reflec-,JIon, asking audiences lo conslider renevvil, sPewardship, and a deeper sense of rec,,Iprocfly
Wh hhe Isarrd.
Page 83 of 116 ANNli 2025 9
Floral Interpretation
Selections frorn the Permanent Collection
Krangements by the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society
June 25 1 a 28, 2025
Gallery I nree
HoiraIlliini,l"eirllpire,l"a,l"ioiini c'elebr-cfled a creaHve padiner-shiip bEdweein HneSl. Thcxmias 8gh F%bk: Ad CAn-dr-eand Me
SI. Thcymias and E)Wricl HadicuHur-cil Soc-,,oEdya insp4-ecl by selecIed works frorn Me perirnciineinP collec'Hoin, Hne ex
Wbin poked MoK arangemenh vMh AW ar1JQnHghHing Hne shared creaHvfly, aind corn
mundy spWI of WO horlYuNwaINIs and arlkls. Pne exhiiUHoin aho demonsPrcfled Me krpodainc-,,e of c-,,oir-nir-nuinHy
padinershiips Ni expcincling audlences, fosleding co!IabomHoin, cind enricTing Ihe codlural Nfe ofSI. ThCYTK3S cind
]Jin Couuin ya
00 In View of the Artist
Annual luried E'xhibition
in viem, or Augus16 Po (DcJober- 32025
THE ARTiIST
Wkdes One arxi Two
in Viiew of Hne AOL Ihe SI. Thcymias jin f�IuLflHc Aid (; ein 11 ire's aininucfl juiroecl ex[dlbflHoin,
showc,ased Hne crealWy, OR and dNeme IperslK ec,,Hves of arflsPs worlding across a
range of medh uns and s KyIev Thirauah a P Med se1ec Han piraces, Me exhlbMan
IniighHghPecl boHn eir-ner-jing aind esk:ibHshed ar-Hss, reflec'Hing Me breacflh ofcoin
Ompor-ary arINHc, pr-ac-,,Hc-,,e ni Me regIcyn and beyond. Pne exhiiUHoin reciffir-ir-necl Hne
Ad Cinke's =rnnImeni lo suppoding OHMS, enCowaghg excdIence, and
sPreingHneiniiing coininec,,Hoins bEdweein ad aind coirnirnuinHy.
Under the Sarne Sky
Selections frorn the Permanent Collection
GuuesD n-cflor- (,eincicil Goodhe ue
Noveimber 15 k) f ebn uary 21
Galleries (Dine aind Iwo
Under the Sarne Sky. coiraled by cquuessl coiralor Kenda! GoodhuEn oroughl logeMer.
seleclkyns Nam Me SL Mcymias 19jin RAW Ad Cknk&s pneirirnaineirfl ccfllecHoin iin airs
exhlbMan McA RiAled refIecHan an shcm-ed eNperienc,'e. pIcx.-,,e, cincl c-,,oininec-,,Hoin.
Diravding frvymi works across Me collec'Hoin, Me exhiiUHoin offer-ecl ciucfieinces a i n op
poOrty Io consIder how a0h, across We cand pempecHve, respoinclecl k.) Me
YvarId amm ind I Wmi vvhfle reirnc:Aniiing Hinked by coirnirnoin IInu. irnain experienc,'e.
rhimugh Undhue's kioug[flh,fl cuircfloiricfl approacK IhAer the ,Sane Sky lIniglhliighl�
ed Hne sPreingHn of Me per-ir-naneird ccAecHoin cind revealed new relaHoinshps be
Pweein adworks, Hneimes, aind Viiewers.
Ainiinitjialinilattiiire &how aind SaIe
Noveim ber 15 � o Dec'ern ber 21 � 2026
Weiry Three
The SI. Thcymias Elpin PubHc Ad Cenke's Annmfl Wnicfluire Show and Sde We�bircflecl cirecdWfly oin a sirncfll
scaIEn bdingling logehher a dNerse coMmAlan of orijina! adworks Ni ain iirdkncfle aind accessble for-ir-ric.A. flnough
moclesp ni size, Me vmdu demansh-aled rOTIoTaUe ImayAnalkyn, OR and variely, WHAg Wors k) experienc,'e
now Ipowerfu,ul ar-HsHc, expressk)in c-,,ain be wfl Iniin a sir -nailer frairne.
flne Ipu,urpose of Hne Annual IWink:flure Show aind Scle was Io supporl allNN We enc:ourayfing ad collet yWing
WhRi Me cx)a=uinHy. By o0ding orillinal works al a mare accessible sze aind pric'e IpcArt Hne exhUHoin c-,,r-ecfl
ecl oppoduiniiHes for bolh new and experienced c-,,oIIec-,Jor-s k.) pumhase ad and eingcige ir-nore c-,,IoseIywflh o
ccfl aind rejoincfl airHsls. II II akc) r6rnoircecl Illhe Aid (,.enke`s comirrOlnenHo foseir�ing cqzq:�ireccflHoin foir oirojincfl
aid, Ipniroirmsmssllomsg airHwok, id flng aid we�corn�ing aind cflHcfina�b�e.skmdg
Page 84 of 116 ANNIi 2025 '10
TheS I. ThcYrrias [�!Igiin IIlublic, Ad Cholke rernahs coakAlled I a cmuhng opporhmA I les for connec I to, belcyng
ing, car cl pc:arIic-JpcAic)in Hlnrough I he Am ml ads. Ibis corrumq I meird nelps shcipewhy Me ��:lublic, Ad C.eirdre pre
seirds spec-,'Icil exhilollicyns boo in horne and oH MY By offering exhibiHoins wiHnin Me carl c'eirdre cas well cas in
c,ornimunHy based loccflioins, Me Ad Clenke Is able x) reach lorcmder cNiclerices, reduce barriers lo padicipa
Hoin, cand bring arl hlo spaces where people already galher, learn, and coininecl. Pnese efforIs help Wend
!he COnNe's knpacll beyond Hs ;Wls, rncddnyy lhe cyls mCge visible, oppoochaLfle, aind r6evcmHo peoOe of:
varied cages, bacl(gror ainds, and lived experienc'es.
in Ipar.Plrrershiip wiHn CWHA Fhainnes VaIley Addic,floini & Meinifa��
Healh Services and CnOIlrsrmllrsrmum nifl° IIHIinnes'Foir Oppoirfumnifly, Me SI.
flnoirricis �:�]giin :::I�bllc Ad Choke hosIecl can exhibiHoin oin Mairchi
28 and 2t =25ahowcasling c:v-Iwcxl(s crecfled by padicipairds
Hlnrough Meir involveirneird iiln Me prograirn. :Alnibfliing Hnese wul(s
in Me sIucfiowcis an Irnpoilcard acd of mcogn!Hco and hchnion,
offering Me opporIunfly Ic) shcire Mel perspecilves and cimmAlvi
ly w10 Ihe widercoammHy. Me EmNbHbn demonsimPed how
access lo Ihe arh can Vlow coinficleince, coinineclioin, and a
sense of belonging, while of firr-ning Pne vc:b ue of ir-ricfl(iing space
ky votes and expedences I no< care nc)� always visible Iiln P radi
Hoincil c-,,uIIurc:fl seffings.
The tarp AsIallahon al Barde FamMy Hospice In Me ReHecHoini
Space and Ad, Galeiry broughl Talp-emoce of ad kdo a selling
cenked an coalpasslom Kwullng, cancl in sharing
carlwul( wiHnin Mis ppacEn Me SL Pnoirricis Igiin f::lublic, Ad C:enke
hQed fosler can envionmenl of cornkyl and qukd reflecIbin
for IpaHeirds, fciirnilies, cand caregivers. Prue iinsIallcflioin specfl(s Io
Me Ipower of arl lo cifer solace, cliginfly, cai c-,,oinineclion, while
r61nfoir6ng Illhe (ein ll ire's
c,oimimflimeird Ic) mcfldng rnecaningful culIural experreiric'es accessible
HInroughord Hlnecoirnirnunfly.
The AdIrees aind Firafls iinflicflive cookwed lo exlend IKE, reac:h of oe SI.
I noirricis :]giin II u..uF:rllc Ad Choke by bringing ir-riciges f roirn Pne peirinna ineinil,
coHecHonink) coan"mPly walH(iing paHns aincl pcxl(s. Unrough Hnese ord
door iinsIallcflioins, adwals becarne pad cl everyday pulolk: liife, Anviling
maidenh and AsHors lo ericarinler local ad illn accessible cand unexpecled
ways. This ongoing wcA( skengoened coinineclioins beIweein arI, place
cai c-,,c)irnirnuniIy, while einc-,,ouragiing refleclion, exploraHoin, and eingage
rneird beyoncl Me lublic, Ad Ceirdre walls. Po6ding forwcarcl Me lublic, Ad
C.eirdre, iilrr IparInership wiHn Me P ree cai Young If::lress will expcancling Me
iinflicflive ndo ]giin Courdy wiHn addiHoincil wcxl(s ciciclecl Ic) :lcxl SIcanley.
Genemudy hmided by Hhe Esfafe o,f IIDoiiniiinia Veira IIEvainis Ilhjishi&l.
Page 85 of 116
ANNli 2025 .1 .1
In 2025, Me SI. I hoims:is llllgin ll:lublic, Ad C.einlre coirdiinued lo grow as a YvEdccxyqngg where
peqple of a I ages c add kwurn, cirealon and coninec-A lhrough arl. I hrough sc."hool visfls, early years Iprograirn
ir-ning, sludein� prograirns, irder-generahonal expedences, Ipadnersuhiops, ans:1 welliness foc'used inflisAives, lhe
Choke allwed UnNive and engaging cypporhmilies lhcA inur-lured crealivily, eiricour-aged conineclion, and
einric,hed coirnirnuhii ly well being.
SchoIII[ Programs
School prugirsamis remained a slirung arid
voted pad of Me Ckinke's educdkWl
u flreach in 2025, cA lracliing cdasses froirn
sx.-,,ross S l. I hoims:is ans:1 lllIgin C:u uirl ly.
I hrouugh guuided exhibilion louurs s:iind hands
on slu udio worI(shops, slu udeinls eingaged
wHh AW ad In ways lhcA
lhe Oinfairio currIcuW arxi exiched cKs
roorn les:vrniing. I hese experiences suuppod
ed crealivily, crilical lhrnldng, and visual
Her-ac'y while Iproviidiing youuing learners wilh
meaninghd opporbrAks lo connesd vAM
original worI(s of ad in an inspir-ing and in
chnive enAmnmenl.
lhe ll:lublic, Ad C�eirdre alsowelcoirries:1
lesx.-,,hers froirn sx.-,,ross lhe Phainnes Vac Iey
area fora speckd PA Day leanSIng cyppor
My By opening 1h doom lo edWairs,
lhe ll:lublic, Ad C�eirdre s-r-es:flesJ spsx.-,,e for
iinspirs:flioin, shared learning, s:iind crealive
exc,hainge. Teacheirs had Me cyppodurAly
lo par-lic-Apale in ad based experiences.
I[ds iinflkfldve r61nfoirced Illhe (;�ein l ire's r6e
nal any as a desIxAbn ky shder-dj bfl
also as a valuable par -liner for-educalors
worIding lo foster s-,,r-esAivfly s:iind cullural
learning in schools Plrur<.ru..ugh<.ru..uP Phe region.
Sidenh hum FVI(side Collegiale Ilir slilule also had lhe opporbxAN lo AsH lhe Ad C.einlre lhrough lheSpecial
NI High SMUs Major (SHSM) IIpirogirainn, crealing anniningful conneckans Adweeri ads edUCalkyn and fulure ca
reer psAhws:iys. ]be& W hhudus-,,esJ lheirn lo lhe gallery as boM a cruNive and 1pr<siessii<srr<fl spsx.-,'e. offering
hsighP ndo lhe ir-ricany rules, skills, and cypporlunikes coninecled lo Me ads and cuHure seck)r Expedences Bill e
Mis hElp young 1people see lhe arh nal any as a forms of eNWession, bd also as a meaningful Ipad of lheir fu
lure educalioin, eir-riployr-neiril, s:iind coirnirnuinfly life
The Public Arl Chinke deeparies:1 s-,,ollabor-allans vdhh secoins:ls:iry s:ins:1 posPsecondsxy WNW in 2025. Vahri
leer and suir-nir-ner ampbymeinr oppor-lunflies allowes:1 sWdenh lo engage diredly in MUM pmpairsAbn,
1public, Ipr< grair-nir-ning, adir-ninis P ra I Ne w jpyxK and coirnirnuhii ly <ruuPreaclh. I hese IparPr er-ships Iruelp cu fl liva le Phe
i gener-alion of arts professionals and advocales.
Jud a few off' ke Ilpairfiiicipaffing Schio6lsfoir 2025: IINew Sairtiiinn IINaull4 Hc SchWl,r IILockes IIRtaullUllic Schi06l,r IItva C'Iirc6,,-
Me French Invuershin PWW!c Schi06l,r Mflchi&Il Hepbunn PubHc Schi06l,r IIEIllSjhiurri C,otiiid, IIRt,ullUllic Schi06l,r aind Rairkside
COMIgNe
Page 86 of 116 ANNIi RIllIll'(DRI 2025 12
The Pubk Arl Cenke allemd cKwo and
warn shcIps for chikkert aduk and senlars
P Inror ughor P PIne year, provk:fiing welc'oirniiing
,paces for people of c.:A c.:iges k.) lec.:vin,
cand canneCl. ["roim begrniner ftreindly cwl expe
dences la mom focGay: d skfll bflkfiing oppul uu
NHes, Hnese prograirns eincouraged c'reaHvHy,
c,oinfk1eiric'e. aind self expressk)in WInfle ir-ric:flding
Me arls cin accessoble pcwl of everyday cmi
rnunHy kfe.
On addHbn la Hs regular prograirnsOne Clenke
also preseinec.:J new spec-Jal classes aind eveink
PIna bror ugh new energy and unQue cmQ Ne
cypoodukles lo park-Jpaink. IlIraqjmws SLKVh as
Valeirdline's IIEat, IIDirlink & Cireate offered a fun
and sacki wmay k) eingage wflh c:vl, WInfle Illiini
ShmIlo vvillh Shea! IIHBaird ainc.:] Lau�ira Woeirinrike
gave parHc-Jpains One c'hainc'e k) learin (.:mind
expkxe creative proc'esses it a r-nore iiinHirnc:fle,
soc-ial aind iiinsp4iing se iiing.
ChIldirein's IIpurogiraimmG°oIlrirmecl to be espedul-
�lly IIpIIpmaulllc°ir,, willhi dasses uregum laiHy Iirea:illrlllillrmsjfijulIl
capacity at 12 or Ilnnoire pairticipaints, per ses-
sloin, aurn d often generating walHurn g Rsts. This
strong response ureflects'llhe girowling deinnaind
for creative expeirleincesfoir youmnig IIpeqpe
aind IIhighlights'Ehe IIPubIliic Airl Ceirdire's Env-
portontrole hqproviding accessiblejMgY
qm,udlty arts 11piroSliraiinriiinriiiiniSl,dour dhilklirein aind
f0mIII les.
Rreschodl IlRicasso (18 Mord hs 3 Yecus)
A sensory rk-h k) c:vl desogined far kx:ldlers aind caregiver-s. This pragmarri ealphaskes expBullan,
Pexhwe, colour, ainc.:] (.-"re(.:lHVe pl(.:lY, supporHing ec.w-ly developmen5l still flls WInfle iinr roc.:Ju(.-,'rng young c'hfldrein k) a
gallery elr v4-orrlrrre inr Hlnrough geinHe, Iru<mlrrdsuoIrr ac'Hvfloes.
FA4Wuary5to26 101011:30
Mairchi 11 9to Apirfll I? 11 0:30-111 :30
Noveniber 10 to Decendber 10 IMIKOK30
Elp,ne,ntairyIII; xIli hire sslmin (Grcldes Y", )
An engaging prograirn rnr roduc'rng foundaHoinal cwl c'oinc'epls lhrouyjh pkiyful aindgdded
c'reaHvfly. Sudeink explored c'olaur, lexlure, and bask-,' desigin prrn(.-Jples.
Febirtmiry 11 to 22 (ainn aind pinn sessions)
Apirfll 26to May 17
Octobeir 111a t IINoveinrmll4 eir 8 (ainn aind pinn sessions)
Page 87 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 13
Dry Bill (Grades 5-8)
A sPruc-,Jurect sell fll based Iprograirmn focused on devel
opiiing observa P k)incil clrc.:Wing P echin�Cj� uE�S, COir-rposii
Hon, and creaHve probleirn soMing. AcJMHes iiirlcdud
ed skek-,,INing, Hheir-ncAk.-,, ckc.:Wing challeinges, and
g k:led Pechiniicp ue louuflcfiing exercAses.
Febiruiairy 11 to 22 1-3pinn
October 4to ll1 12:30-3:00pinn
Ret, IPortrc it's IINoveirnribeir 115to 29 10:00-12:00
�I Ida y WoIrkshqps (Grades J11-4)
is Dc.:iy workshops for chfldrein offerecl c,'reciHve,
hciinds on oppcxlunPlies foryoung parHcApainh.k.) ex
plore cwt expedirnein� wflh i rncfledals, and express
Pheimselves iin ci f uwi and suppod ve einv4-oinirnein L
I hese Ipop.ular prograir-ris Iprovii<led eingajing ad ex
pedeiric'es clu ning school breaks whfle gMing chfldrein
a chaince k) learin, crecfle, and coninec-A cfl Hhe Ad
,laurn uiairy 17 9:00ainn,-3:301pinn
Apirfl1 111111 9:00ainn,-3:30pinn
May 30 9:00ainn,-3:30pinn
October 10 9:00ainn,-3:30pinn
Noveinribeir 14 9:00ainn,-3:30pinn
Sqxnvaieir Classes and WoIrkshqps fo�r Chlldre,n
SUMIMET prograims cA Hhe Ad Ceinr re Iprovii<led chill
drein cind yodh wflh eingajing oppcxluniiHes k) explore creaHvfly, bufld i skflls, ancl enjoy irmneairriiingFu..ul cv-Hs
Hc, expedeiric'es cluding Hhe surnirner irmsoirrhhs. I ed by iinsPruc-,Jors (Jera 3cflzold ancl Wflirncl IfIneau, hhese pro
grain-ris offered a welc'olrniiing and iiinsp4iing einv4-oinirnein� wh&-e parHcApaink could expedirnein� wHh a varkdy of
rncfledals and Pechiniicjues whfle developiiing c-,,c)nHdenc-,,e and self expressk)n hhrough cvt
.kjdyT-ll,, 2025 9 ainn'to 3:30 IIpurnn Ages 4-9 years
.ludy 14-18, 2025 9 ainn'to 3:30 IIpurnn Ages 4-9 years
2025 9 ainnto 3:30 IIpurnn Ages 4-9 years
.ludy 21-25, 2025 9 ainn'to 3:30 IIpurnn Ages 4-9 years
9ainn'to3:30pinn Acles4-9yeairs
11hp, Ilew e assrooInY aIre,a fin Galleiry llftre'(" c."recflecl (.:I (.Je(.Jk.-"(.Ae(.J s1K: c1c."e k.)eingage
i deeply wHh ad Hhrough focused leariniiing and hands on creaHve acHvHy. Desgined k) suppod i cicl
vainced rDirojeds mind cHscussk)in, 1111rs anew airea shreinghheined 111he Ceinhre's cdbdHy Ilc) offeir age cippropicfle pro
grciirnir-ring for yodh whfle expaincfiing oppcxluniiHes for sulk fll developir-neirt creaHve exploraHon, and irmneairrirlg
ful eingageirnein� wflhiin Hhe gallery seffing.
Let's IIFace [t: Roirtira lttju ire
.ludy 8-10, 2025 12:00to 3:00pinn Ages: 9-14 years hinistiruictoir ludlainine IlBiryanis
�IFaliry Gaircleinis ludy 15-17, 2025 10:00to 1:00pinn Ages: 9-14 years Annie Steveini
Coinnics ludy 29-31, 2025 12:30to 3:30pinn Ages: 9-14 years Wflinna IIRlinieatau
3�ac,k by 1poIpu..ular deir-ricincl, P.Ihne Cursive, Ilrlll"tIIIII Ilpro, rani reuirinecl ions 2025 air was inn oved Ilc) 1111re Ceinhre's
ir-ricin gallery space k) iinc-,,recnecl einrollirneinP and growiiing iiiNeresL I ed by Sherri Howard, HNs
Well rec'6ved Iprograirmn provk:led shudeink wflh Hhe oppodunfly k.) bufld handmiHing skflls iin a creaHve and sup
porHve einv4-oinirneirt reflec'Hing Hhe sroing coir-nir-nunHy respoinse k) spec,clued leariniiing oppcxluniiHes cA Hhe Ad
Cein�re.
Cuirsive Wififfing Auicluist, 5,,-'7,, 2025 12:30to 2:30pinn Ages: 9-14 years
Page 88 of 116 ANNIi Rl 2025 14
AdtAt cind Senior IlPiroginnirns / Warldhops
"lie seciirc�h (-:oinhinues Ilo show hcfl paidk-Alip(1
it iin h:)rk h:)ind h:)(-,:Hvfly suppork rnein
k:)Il w&l L)61ng, h:)ind (-,:oirnirnuinfly [se
oinjing."
Souirce: CA:)inh:)d:) Clouin(-,T�br II [-he ArkII I
SIn:Aejes,
I c.md Well Being, 2021
hini Stuidlo
auns-,,hecl cis pcirl of Hhe SL I hoir-ricis II''''Ijin Iubkc, A rl
Ceirfl ire's cc) rnirnflirneirfl Ilse) carni-nuinfly we I b6ing, Illurni
Stuidlo brings k)gehher- peopleart and soc-Jal con
inec'Hoin iin a supporflve and creaHve eirMroinirneinL
I ed by iiinsPruclors Sherri IIHowaird ancl IlLauihra
Woeirinrike, hhe Iprograirms offers gdded arl ir-naking
sessk)ins HhcA eincourage relaxaHoin, per-sonal re
flec,,Hoin, and ir-neaiNingful iiiNerac,,Hoin air-noing Ipar..
HcJpaiNs. Desiiginecl k.) proirnc.Ae welliness hhrough
ar-HsHc, expressk)in, Illurni StuffdlIhas becoirne an kn
porlaiN spsx.-,,e for fosPeriing cx)irnirnunfly carere
ducing iss)IaHoin, cind suppor-Hing rneink:fl well being
hhrough Hhe arks.
Febiruiairy 5 to 1119, 2025 1-3pinn
Apirfll 16 to 30, 2025 1-3pinn
October 8-22, 2025 1-3pinn
E,at,, IlDirlink & Cireate offered par-HcJpainh� ci relcixecl ciii
sos-Acil opporlunHy k.) eingcige wflh cirl iin a welcoirniiing gal
ery seffing. Phrough irnu..ulPiilple Ihaincls on c,'reciHve sx.-AMHE�S,
ciloing wflh casual refreshirneinh� and sinacks, hhe Iprograirn
enc,ouraged parflc-Jpainhk) unMnd, cx)ininecl wflh ohhers,
and enjoy Hhe Arl Ceinr re iin a fun and acx-,,essoble way.
Febiruiairy7, 20267:00-9:30pinn
October 3, 2026 7:00-9:30pinn ilk
Moveinribeir 28, 2026 7:00-9:3011E inn
Wateircolouir, IfIthinate IIRegfinineir's. Ied by Rat, IlDuivvyin, of
ferecl cin sx.-,,s-,,essiibIe and eincourajing iinr roduc,,Hoirl k)
wcflerc,olour- IpcfinHing for i leerirrers. PNs cx)ur,SEWCIS
desiigined for edher Hhe u flHir-ricAe bejininer-, soirneoine iinr er-
esPed od unsure �f hhey wainPed k) pursue wcflercolour-, or
a seasoinecl cvflsk who vvIshecl k.) recicickess Hhe bask-,,s of
wcAerc,olour. Octdbeir'Ato28,2025
Fuiesdays 5:00-8:00pinn
Masteirling The IlBiruish, Illurnistiruictoir Maksyinn Nechyt6lo
Raliniffing workshops IIIed Illy Maksyinn Medhiytaflo iinvfled
par-HcApaink k.) explore a rainge of pcfinHing ir-ricAerials,
mehhods, ancl s-,,r-es:IHVe cipprosx.."hes. 1hrough Ihciincls on
wflh cfiffereinP Ip<Ar~nk cind pechinicjues,
par-HcApaink expainclecl hh6r- skflls, developed c-,,onHsJenc-,,e,
and cfiscovered i ways of expressiiing hh6r- kleas
Phru ugh arl.
Firlday, .1ainuiairy 311 t IIFebiruiairy 21, 2025 5:30,--7:30pinn
Page 89 of 116 ANNIi RI 2025 15
COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPSIOUIREACH
CMHA I nairnes Valley Addiclion & Meirda I Heallh Servic'es
Coinninnumnifly i-foinnes'Foir Oppoirfumnify
We believe in Me lm3nsfC)UYK:IliVe Ipower of cirl as a means of faslering
menk! well being. Ow Nee ad Iprograirns are designed lo suppod Me
Caincicficiin Meinki fKalth Assacialioin by Iproviidiiing iindivideuals wilh a
c,realive odlkd la eNoress PIneirn selves, lou ild coinineclions, and pro
rnole Inealiirng. Pnrou..ugh Hnese Iprograimss, we cairn lo einhaince Hne over
all well being of Me parlicipairds cind oun- coirnirrwinily. logelher . we
can, mm011ed la nwhiring rneirilcil Ifuecillh cind inspiring resilienc'e
P nrouugh arl.
Coinninnumnifly IlLiviiinig (Caminimmidy Access IIProgirainn) I nese sessions of
food Nee ad prograirns is dedicx3led 70 PrOrTICANg ammki heaMn
and well being by Iprovidiirng ci c,'reci Hve aN Wd far set eNoression and
nealing. Pnrou..ugh sessional ad aclivilies, Iparliciipairdsu explored Me ir-nalerials while lou ildiing coinineclions wilh
olhers. We believe Mal ad has Me 1power lo inspire, uplifl, and Winsfanmi liNesu, ir-riciking H ain esseinlicil lool in s�p
porling rneirdal Ifneallh in oun- coirnirrwinily.
Wi FW& SpIng Voum weeks eachi sessioin)
SL Joeslpnh's l Hgh Scho6l 21nd Aininuidl Gids Nighif, Oud, airf-based vv&Iiniess sessioini (off sile)
2nd Annuidl Gids Nighif, Out Vered sludeirds ain ad based welliness session led by Sherd Howaimi cmahng a wel
c-,,oirning space for crealivily, coinineclion, and relaxalion. flnrou..ugh a gk:Jed ac."livily and shared experienc'e
Me prograirn eincawaged set eNpressicyn while suppaiding well being Mrouah Me ads.
The SI. 1.hCNTK3S l:Igiin Ad Cloke canHnued la save as a welmOng galhering plac'e for coirnirrwinily
gimmips and CNIM31NEI Andividuals, cifering space for coinineclion, learining, and exchainge. Ilan 2025, Me
Clenke was pleased k) hospHneIlDowinfowini III ev&lo;pnnenI- Bomml Aninuidl Geineirdl Meeffing, welk.."oli-ne PoEd
�lReirl IIHayesmfora book signing J'ebnuary 28). aincl Iprovo<fed a loun- aincl preseirilcilion ( "llebin )airy 25) for Hne
Gddeini IIK IIICiiiwaurnhism. PheSe CICINIHes refled he Aid (;.ein l ire's iirn
paAnd rde as a shcm-ed carrmunHy space where cvealWy,
conversallan, and civic: lofe CCXne lagehher.
AOisrn Ordairio Wne 11, 2025 6 9li McDouiSIdIl ILaindsmcalp es
vvi'llhi Wafeirc6louir iii pcirlic-Jpcirds cages 12 and up lo explore
lainclsc-,,cipe pairding lhrou.ugh a walercoloun- workshop inspired
by Me work of Clark Mc-,,Dou.ugall led by Sherri Howard. 3giin
ning wilh a brief loun-, Hne progircarri cifered can enlyallng Alm)
dickm lo W[DmugcflI's airHsHc cqzq:�iroach before lxnirHdlixn irfls
c,'recilec] Hneir owin cincisc,'cipe slu .files in ci gk.:Jecl slu cfic) session.
I ne progrciirn Iproviclecl cin cx.-,,c-,,essible and inspiring oppod u. infl y
for lllhe gircx,q:� o coinined wflh Ilhe. (,�ein l ire's ccflIecHoin 11lfnresuugh
nainds oin lecirining.
The Siblic Arl Cenke also provided a vc:Auable galhering
spac,e for Elgiini Couinly SWdh Tout aidlds k) immeh conned, and
skenglhen relallanships w1hNin Me local crealive cx)irnirnutifly.
Page 90 of 116
ANNIi RlllIll'(DRI 2025 16
On Apirfll 25, Hhe gallery spac'e WeIC."or-ne(J Hhe IIElllglliuwni Writers Guifld IIRoefIry IlNk hit, offering an iinviiNng
sEd Hing for I flerary expressbin, unHy coininec, Hon, and shared creaHve experien c'e. 3�y IhossHlrg
hNs eveinP . Phe A rl CeinP re coinNm ued k) supporl a broad rainge of arflsHc, Iprac, Hces ainc.:J provk:le
spac,e where wrflers� readers, anc.J hhe wk.Jer- (.-,,oirnirnuuinfly cu fld gahher- k) c'e I ebr-c:fl e creaHvfly iin Hs ir-nany for-ir-ris
iin IlDownitown Il ev De bp inneusrt IIand eveinh� c.:n IIRuinripkiini Pirowl,
Tthomas, whk-"h WeIC."olryle(J Irml<sre Phc.:iin 800 Sjuiests, and Light, Up Fdlbolplayed an iiir-rporlain
down ownirde iin eAencHing 111he Aid Ceinhre's coirnirnuinfly lDireseince 1beyoInd it wcflk. lhese
IFE � Ir 167 m-F 4 T -8-0—A 'R, 'ID pop flk:v- Ip eveinhoffered vah uable opporh uinoHes k) eingage wflh fairnflkes, resii
cleink, aind v�sfloirs ilin feshve cund accesskde seI Hings, hdll:n'iing ircuse awaireiness of Illhe Ceinhre's IlDirogircnlrns aind iin
vflHing new coininechoins wflh Illhe aids. invdveirneirfl it in Ilhese dowirflowin iinflkflHves cflso refleds Illhe Aid Ceinhre's
c,oimimflimeinP k) coimimunfly parlinershiip, (z,'Mc, Iprlide, anc.J (.-,,oinPribuNng k)a vbrainP and coininecled culhwal Iliie
in S L I hoirnas.
On IINoveisribeir 27, iin parlinershiip wflh hhe IIElllglliuwni Counnity Muiseuiinn, hhe Arl CeinPre wEdc-,,oir-ne(.J
shudeink froirn IItva Clirc6-C6,16 IIFureurnichii Illurrmunneirssmloini IIRuullUlllc SdhiodI for
Hhc.:fl (.-,,oininecled young lec.w-iners wHh art Nskxy, and coirnirnunHy culhweI hese collaboraHve
vlisfls Iprovi<led shudeink wHh eingajing, Ihalr~nds on experienc'es Hhc:fl encouraged
C-"uriosfly, C-"reaHvfly, and a deeper coninec'Hoin k) local her-flage hhrough Irmlealr~niilr~ngfuul cross
iiins P ii P u P bina I learrniiing.
lhe SL lholrnas ''''Ijin IlIublkc, Arl Ceinr re coinHinued k) serve as an iiir-n
porlain� parliner Ulm hhe City of St. Thoirnas's Public Aura Coinviniffee, Ihel1p
iiing gdde hhe selec'Hoin of Ipuubl c, arl Hhc:fl einhainces shared c-,,Mc, spac,
es cund Irefleds 111he coirnirnuinfly's kleirflfly. Illy bidinjing aids kinc)Wedge
c.:inc.:1 perspec-"Hve k) Hhe proc'esshhe C&Nre supporled hhe
hhoughffifl iiincdusbin of arlworks Hhc:fl coinPribde k) c-,,Mc, pride, culhwal
viisbflfly, and a sProinger- sense of plac'e. PNs work Nghlkghh� hhe Arl
Ceinhre's irde Incfl oinly as a gcdleiry, Lx,d cdso as a Illruusplled cuHuircfl ire
sour-(.-,,e iin shc.:ipiiing hhe viisuc.:fl c.:inc.J lime of Hhe (.-,,fly. Ill~n June, Hhe (.-,,fly i n(.-,,Iuc.Jec.J c.:i inewwork by blacksir-nHh
(,yle I hor-inley.
IL 0 I"A D 0 NI
T[��fOAAA`15`
ASS,C)CIATION OF
REAL"IrORS100
1hroughoO 2025� hhe SL lhoirnas 'Ijin Iublkc, Arl CeinPre coinNnued k) welcoime
c,oimirn �infly orgain�zc:flbins �ink) fls spaces for rneeNngs, eveink, and spec-Jal gaHh
erings. I Ns uincdh uded Wirapair ounnid on May 28, Loindoini St. Phoinnas Assoc latloini of
Redloirs on Septeinribeir
1T St. Phoinnas Elk " � g iii iini
Medlcd� Assoc latloini on
moveinn'beir 11 . and Phe
Swaiirvadn °E
,at Usm,cWhm 0 Klinisinneini Cludb o,f St.
Thoinnas on IllNoveursrmllk eir
Kin Cawlsadal3'r 2025. � y opeiniiing fls
13A.Thonlas c.:Joors iin hNs wc.:iy, hhe Arl
F
-e sPreingHheined fls Kir ismilenCkk Cein�r
role as a shared C."olrylirn
nHy space Hhc:fl supporls collaborc:flbirl, coninecIbin,
and hhe ir-nany ways people coirne k)gehher- iiirl SL lhoirn
CIS.
Page 91 of 116 ANNIi R1 2025 17
C "I All,
IF RKII MCDO I , i , rrG I S I it
M&DotjigaII S&h6airshilp
ac,h year, I ne S I. I noirricis I]grn ArI C:ein I re awarded I he A& II ougaUI
S&h6airshilp Io a gm3dualky; N& school sIeucleird froirn SI. I noirricis I]Jin Ipr n-se ing
posI secoincicary shmiles in hhe carls. Ilia 2025, Hne rec-Jp�IeinI was Gabirl&la Oinnairl, a
gmaclUd"le of St. JOSe�Ph'S IIHiiigh Schod, who begciin cAIenching OC',ND Uinilvensly !in
Hne fall. Pne Ad C.enlke exWnded 1h congrahWalons lo Gabdeb ori h1nis 01
porIcanI cx.-INeveirneinL
h 2021 one of I he Iwo avallable $1,000 sch16airshilps was appliied for cai
clwcarclecl. Ic) Inelp Prc)Iec-I cai suskin hNs SporIcanI ecJuc-,,cAk.)inaI opporIunfly for
sIudeinIs iiin SI. Pnoirnas I]Jin, Hne Ad C;eirdre also esIablHshed a new iiin IrusI
accouirfl clecficcflecl o secuirrng funds for he schcflairsho�I:n's h,fluire.
I L I 1DRAIS11 I
Mop& AcouAc Jami
PIRIII; III: Cii °v ii i ui iii t IIEve,nt
I cas I Sci I un-ciciy of I Ine rnoin I lIn
I ne moin I In ly IlDirop4 in AcouMc Jainn, Inelcl oin I ne Icas I Sci I un-ciciy of eadn
moirdh froim 1:00to 3:00 p.inn- offered a YvEdccxyqny) cyppodurAly for rymjsii
Kins and cmimmunHy rneirnbers lo CgAher, Sham; m0c, cind conneCI !in
ain rrhoir-ncfl seIHing. ffns I:nirogirt vn added IIo he Aid (;.eirflire's ir6le
cas a vbraird coimirnuuinfly IN b and wii I I coinHim ue ndo 2026.
WE ELEPHANT
The Whle Stphant Bazaar was a pop up fundmiser held In CRUery thiree, binjing Io BAZAHITAR mm.nms
gehher a Iplayfu..ul aqx of v4dage Mindi CLOOMIN, handrnade How and creaHve IreasureS� A.-
pp-.p -kt F., th.
-11--d-ml-
Desiigined cas a ir-ricxI(Ed for Hne c'urkmis and vvy3lNe. Hne eveinI rrivHecl vosHors Io browse,
discover unexpecled gerns, cai supporI Hne Ad Choke In a Un and engaging wc, Rm
fundmiser added energy lo Me gaHery space Me enc-ouragrng coirnirnuinHy paricApa
Han and cimmANe emAKmge.
In 2025, Me SI. flnoirricis I]Jin ArI C:einIre was pleased Io bejin a
new fundmKing opporIunfly Hlnrough IackpotTlinne, czealing can addilkynal
sowce ch siypod Q Me (,.ein ll ire's eANLJHoins, ecluccflbin, aind coirni-nuinfly
progymmminyl PNs new pcvtnershiip represeirds ca vcflucible way Io sIreingHln
ein fuinclrcfls�ing effoids aind buflcl ongdng m,q:qx)id for he Aid (,.ein ll ire's woid<.
We exIencl or n- sincere Ihanks lo Hne orgainiizaHoin for HNs oppcxt uinHy cai
c)6( forward Io wcx1ding IogeHlner rn Hne fuIure
SD�
Page 92 of 116 Aii 2025 '18
Annual Fall Pwt AucHoiini
May November T 2025 Mpinn
(Dr w Aininr. al Ad A� c,,Hoin, a vibrcxd celebration & czeahvHy wippoided by lakoled
oc,al ancl rejoinal cx-HMs, decficcfled coHectors, and generous donors was Irueld on
Friday, Vdaveryber T IhIs evenl SnOWCased a diverse array of a0vok high%§hVing
Hrue rricrecfible k:i I einwfllNin or w coirnirnrunHy ancl beyoncl. We exPeincl or w ruearffe I �
,jahMe Io orw sponsors and pcxtc,ipaink and orw ariclicyneen Steve PeWn, whose
c,oinr ribuHoins made HhIs eveird possibW Yaw uppod noonly eirvictues our arHsHc,
and scape WI also heos us proirnoe and susk:fin Hrue vosual ads rn our coirnirnuinfly.
GE Shop
rhe Ad C�eirflire's GIFI, Shqp conRnued Io serve as loolh a vahable hindixSer and cin
knpodain� way k.) sr ppod ocal ancl rejoinal cvflss. IE,y offerrng r�uaindcraHed Heirris,
cxIwcxI(, and ruincp ue jHs, Hrue slruop crecfled oppcxt uinflues far vosflors k) Ipr wctl ase
rneairingful, occflHy irnade woir�< Mifle cHirecHy coirfliroLx,dHing Ilc) die (;,eirflire's suslcflina
bflfly. I[ds clucfl r6e slireingH[ieins die Ad Unke's coininecHoin Ilc) Rie cireaHve coirnirnu
My and heos celebWe W k:flein� of cxtss across Hrue rejoin.
COLLEC110
Reirinnaineint, C,61ectloini
in 2025, Hrue SL I r�uoimcis �Igrn �'�IuLflHc Aid (;.ein hire's poeir
maneird coHeWoin reirricAned an rrrpodairl� coriner
Wine of Hs wcxI(, preservrny; and Snading; Me aHNIV,
egac,y of .Hrue rejoin far c,r wreinP and Fr flr we genera
Scyns. The coHecAlan, wNch consists & 2173 works o,f
airt, reflecJs Hrue creaHve INsukxy, kleinfly, ancl c-,,uHurc:fl
rriernory of S 1. Thairricis ancl ]gin Cor wi y. Ioc-,,al per
maneird coHeWoins pIciy a vflal role wi ensuding H-ucfl
Me slodes, arINK and callsic: achievements of a com
rnuinfly cire c,'cirecl forsPucfied, ancl ir-ricicle cx.-,,c-,,essiibIe
over. Hime, duelprng k) sreingHein a slr�ared sense of
plac'e ancl belonjing.
Wrufle no new wcxi(s were n1k) Hr e coI
VVIon h ID21 Me Choke con1wed Wnporkwil col
ec'Hoins rnciinageirnein� wcxI( wHlr Katlhi Goocihitjie, rn
chicling cyngoing dcflabase developirnein� and Hrue
compkMin of coincfiHoin repods far sole c.Jed adwcxi(s.
This benind Me sceines wc.xi( is essenHcil k.) Hrue oing
Perirn sPewardslNp, and preservaHoin
of Hhe coHecHon. I rue Ad C.einr re also o6(s fcxWard k)
a Iplairrirred doinaHoin by cxtsP IIRoseirnairy Soot, ) 2026,
WNW W Other enkTHhe coMcHon and ojpyxl Hs
oingc.Ang growHr as a coirnirnuinHy resorffc",,e
Page 93 of 116 ANNIi 2025 '19
P ME,MBE 11
N �ID III U A iL
Ainill I\AcjrklcjlrIck,
I YIIIIII DN:15rowe
Jo�: n i Moil "i
10arc,Ia lonsa
DCjnc DoI:�)Soi! I
Jailic Arr'nsiroing
Rol:�)crl lorillo
Down Dockcr
Jail ic A isoil i M ii le
Mcc lrI(,,c Verr-rimflon
Jail ic I cjrky Brock
Rol:D�iri Baralia
(11 icryI Radford
1Susain I orlIn Srn�lh
I Ila BaHe"WIH
I/cjI::)clh Raven
I ed CN,,I: irN
CNVIcj BM
&.wainilic Rogers
[ flocin Crrlrnky
Icier Bbc,�:,i Hainsain
Join Row
Rol:DIiri C. rIilickl y
I I/cjH:�)cHli Bourque
[ cainor Ryder
Kale & M Cru i r-nain i's
IVRI c Brouse
Joscr-A: I scjwlck,�
[,4 c u �:!�) c r
ClhrNlInc BueclNcr
On &: iouUcc
Mail i & On I ft,qIi )Soil "i
I YIIIIII Cloales
,,,uscjiIi iurNl
Daginy ingcAsrud
Scjrcj�:,i ClowFilig
Roser-nary Sbol
cin I uH
( " 1,
11 irN I )cjil iccy
,
Inc i S
Duncall 1 10
On [ )ougcjs I lcjrrNoil i
ickI Slewcjrl
10aril i a 10 o IC I! I
Johnin Duinin
u S CA I!, I f o I CA I!, I i o I!, I
Slevoin 10cl arly laysoin
IaVc,Icj Duvvyili
lcji Bakor & oiIiySlcj(,,�,,-)o6c
a i c r l ill i c [,4 k,'
10ark, I rns
rcMs Hhor"rq,-)soiIi
Roweria Sy,,-)crsrud
Doil ia ld I orgusoil i
&.welle lorry
Andres & CaHhcrInc VMar
BM I osior
Joser-Ai1a Vain con Ankcr
Brocca Kovany &Slq,,-)hcn Wookcy
I ON I ucli is
I\Accjg�: iail i Vrer-nail i
S U IIIIII 0 RT'III Wp G
&.lscjil i Crcjrrlil ig loil i
ICA i M IIle
Agilics Bork'o
I Na Crcrrcjrd
DeI:orcjl:,i Worsf6d
Joinilly ("OUSO
BIYH,lc ("',corge
I aininy Yeager
lcjl & Bol,) C.r.11rlN
lcji Cr )SOIII
FAMLY
Joyce I orgusoin
BeHICArly (-,rccili
R6:")ccccj Kc�Hli & Aincrow Acarns
Bcjr") & Bruce (-,rccili
Cla iy Crou lx
10ary Jailic & Jorry oHlilis
Ka Hilly [ iagerr-nain
)CAIng I o
I arry C. ookc
Silic [ ler6d
Jo�, n i 1\/k,,I\Acj�: ioil i & CaH: icrlil ic Clrcjg
la lrk,,Icj JoIi H! )Sol! I
I\Acjrioili Hurnrnc
Q & Jorry u l liilig
Wayine & I\Acjxiilic Keriliner
Broilica [ luininiford
NR,,k,y [ )ecorle
F/cjI)cH I Kusinsk,�
10ary inivoin WaHace
Jirn & Rla [ ferl )cr
)cjilli & Wericy I
DeI:�)rcj Jack'soin Joilics
JoFc III 1 II lavoll Ig I ockc
1\Acjk,,cAr-n & 10oilklue Wood
Bcjrl)cjrcj I ainds irce
JocI Kccilflcysicc
10kai'lac< C1 I uco
&RQMSOR�HMG
I
i I yil ic,�: I'll1\10kc
[ )CA1111 & f
cjHlicr�ilic [VoBr�cjil
k� c 11 1 ( Y11 1c, I
& )all I Iilicscjy
Joail iii ic I orgusoil i
!I I I I
Jo�: n iii icil ic 10accNoil i
Ainill & Bol) I ow
Broilica I r.flhrrncjili
RoI )cr l 10ar liil i
Bricjili & KaHliy I yk�
&: iaroil i it ll<
Bricjil i 10asscl iac c
I iiliccj 10askcH Ilcr<circj
ain
Kcviili I\AorrcH
KcH,i 10ayer
I cill Rul:�)y & Raegaill I He
S U STA ��� N N G
ScjincI\A(,,(Icjl )O
Aincrow Silic Kinger
SuICIIIIII)c BCJ611ir
a r a 10 cjuHy
Jeff & susall )I! )CA lak,
Cl'cjr� & I )e�:�)rcj Bcjgs�:IlCjw
a is y 10(,, 10 a 1, 1 'ir"na i
ain Becla
Jcjilicl I\Accyili
CQMTIRIHBUTIHMG
Bricjin &'10ary [ Hein Bo
lcjl I NcjrlweH 10cl cain
ArcyHlic & I red Aincersoin
Bc< ly BurrcH Beaucry
10ak'syrn
& Jcjnc� BaHaillyine
Downlown Devcb�,,-)rncnI Board
O'Docl
Arnainda cMweH
a ill i d y 10 (,, 10 a 1, 1 'ir"na ill i
Jo : n i Orxeci
DarroH & JOCIIII Doinill'is
Page 94 of 116
ANNIl RI 2025 20
The St. Vhonna&qSgbn PtidNic Aid, Ceinfire extends H's If ecirtf6l, lrncllvlcltmI�s,, Fairinflies, 11btimllilinesses,
foundations, and comnmmly arganhalions whose genwoWty rinade 2025 a stxcemhO and InspMng YeUL Your
support endWes the Ceake to povide rineaninghO cUbmal expedences, Ilpireseirve otjuir Reirinnaineint, C61ectlolimp,
offeir accessflNe educatloWI Ilpirogirairins, and swve as a creative IIIhimaull4 'Foirthe ewWe region.
Sponsms !an Begg
Arable Revival Cancly IMc-,J\Aciiniirnciin
S I UcTo
AySer II pmns
I erg ison Dkneo Iawyers
DOU!, TCMTy I laq I ed
]Jin Coirdrcic,'Hing and Il esk)rcflioirl
Geerkinks Horne licirclwcire
(jamm Scd I Bnns
(,e l le Creek IancIsc,'ciping
I.ocke IIIrmsa irciince
Railway Cl: y I oeirisirn
AimntmIII Giving
Glen Whfle Illnveshmenh I W
SpecWI Pirogirairins
I he of lMcvjorie IMc-,,Doincflcl
!an Begg
AccIthsifloins IlFinauurnicf
!an Begg
M&Dotjgalll Sch6airshlp IlFmuornicf
kmeoh Addley
IF; WWbMourns s
!an Begg
Onlado Scx:kdy of Adish Vknkmn
fbib
Swmmer Emloll oymeint, IlDourn atlourns
!an Begg
Doe ig I arry I ioir-nes 1 I D
GeineiraIII IlDoinatloini
Tony Slacpaole
Jens Thielsen
�liini Meinnoiry of Illaiini IlRoss
3�ob and lMary Anne Hecflh
dinsplire a Slxjucleinl'
Cenlennict Spods CCIeib of SL I Ihoirn
as AK
]Jin Coirdrcic,'Hing and Resk)rcflioin
I W Kinunen Cl ib of S L I hoirricis
Iions Cle ib of :Icxl S k:iirdey
I Ws Chb & SL Thoams
I albo< I rail (DpHirnisCleib in I n iM
NMams Hirawal Home I Id.
lMalc,olim ancl lMoinicp ie Wood
Giffs lin-Kiind
Jay Abbcd l
Ged n ide Ainc-,,kaed
Ad EW
l a e of 3reinecfic, I I irmsen
,5m Cobeirin
Jenny Coeise
IMic,hael Craine
Diane DoWyn
IM a rg a re � D ei in in
I es FeMs
Jair-nes I ieighes
(Mary Illrmlven Wallac'e
-aWe Udine
]aiine II<elrmlrmedy
Nainc,y (,eininiingk)n
ldizabehh KuMnld
Raegain I H l le
Johnineine IMadcfisoin
lMic,hael lMadcfisoin
Williaim ancl IRe..0 h IMciincheser
(,eflh lMayer
IizabeHh Iily IMcy`Edy
(,evin lMorrell
David Noad
Gerald Iecjros
�MaHhew ��:Iecjros
Roberl II oirier
!Mal Rachar
Jane Ray
]einor Ryder
Hains cind lMargcv-Ed Schoffie
John A. SchweHzer.
Ccflheriine Shciw
Genn EXmqp
Shirley i"cly
Andrew Sloan
Rowena Spersmid
Iaeil S evenson
kxb Thielsen
Jens I hielsen
Travis PAmpson
Aidan WTihad
IMciry Ioe iise "Mile
Howaird and A' Ice WEllairins IIFm,uornicf
willhilurns III Sjlurn ,-Sf. Phoinnas Coinnirintiurn ity
Fouurns dcam till ourns
G� iiclecl by direr: ion Iprovil<fed in
Hheir es I a I e, I his h ind has a facy is on
spec,ific, charfl ies eindEj- a general
Hheime.
Page 95 of 116 ANNI-W 2025 21
fifrt°Ih Ilhearl°fIII[t °l°Ilhfnks, we dbse2025 firl°Ilh deep apprecialionfor the ffmany
IlpeqpIIIe who conlinue l supportthe t °Flh ii m -- II : IIII iiii iin II II IIII tiffc Art Cenlre.To our
members, donors, funders, sponsors, vdValeers, arlists, finsiruclors, partners,
IIboard members, ff IIIIIIII who visiledand Ill fr°l°fiffcfifflll led fin our IIprograms, °l°Ilhfn
you for hdIpfing m IIN the rt Cenlre a vlbrmnt and wdtomfingIII IIbcfor
ire l iiii iii l , and communily.
Your support m a It possE6Ie for °1°1h r fnlre t o cfn li° ff ff Tiff ff 111 tiff frfing Iearnfing,
connection, n, fnd cIllltufr IIII engagement across St. Thomas fn I' IIII lhn ('.'ounty. We
are fml&OII for dlI lllhal �hieved logeli m fr fin 2025 nd bok forward to
II a fill IIII tiff ff on °l°Ilh iiii ffm fm ff l fm fin °the year dhead.
Page 96 of 116 ANNi.W... ff ff ff C::)ff 1 2025 22
Page 97 of 116 ANNi.W 2025 2
ffl
LONDON DISI'RICT
Catholic School
OAR
March 31, 2026
Hon. Paul Calandra
Minister of Education
51" Floor, 438 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M7A 2A5
I irflistteir.edu a oinnttairlio.ca
Dear Minister Calandra,
CATHOLIC EDUCATION CENTRE
5200 WeaN ngton Road S. London, Ontario N6E 3X8 Canada
T 519...663-2088 F 519-663-9250
The London District Catholic School Board has reviewed the attached report regarding trustee
distribution for the upcoming 2026 municipal and school board election. The results of that
review are:
1. That the London District Catholic School Board's electoral population for the 2026
Election is 108,828;
2. That there are no low population areas for the 2026 Election;
3. That the lead municipalities for the 2026 Election are the City of St. Thomas (Elgin); the
Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (Middlesex); the City of Woodstock (Oxford); and the
City of London;
4. That the number of trustee members to be elected in the 2026 Election, in accordance
with the Education Act, is eight (8);
5. That the eight trustee members shall represent each of the areas of distribution as
follows: Elgin County; Middlesex County; Oxford County; and City of London Wards 1 and
14; Wards 2, 3 and 4; Wards 5, 6 and 7; Wards 8, 9 and 10; and Wards 11, 12 and 13.
Sincerely,
s�
Vince Romeo
Director of Education
/mh
Encl.
117."PI,r cl b)
Paae 98 of 1 1 6
Population of Electoral
Groups
Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
County/Mun:
3202 - NORWICH TOWNSHIP
Ward
English French English French
Prot -Sep Other
Public Public Separate Separate
01
0 0 401
0
0 0
02
0 0 96
0
0 0
03
0 0 131
0
0 0
04
0 0 146
0
0 0
3202 - Total: 0 0 774 0 0 0
County/Mun: 3204 - TILLSONBURG TOWN
Ward English French English French Prot -Sep Other
Public Public Separate Separate
00 0 0 2,423 0 0 0
3204 - Total: 0 0 2,423 0 0 0
County/Mun: 3211 - SOUTH-WEST OXFORD TOWNSHIP
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
100
0
0
0
02
0
0
98
0
0
0
03
0
0
89
0
0
0
04
0
0
102
0
0
0
05
0
0
155
0
0
0
06
0
0
165
0
0
0
3211 -Total: 0 0 709 0 0 0
County/Mun: 3218 - INGERSOLL TOWN
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
580
0
0
0
02 0 0
399
0
0
0
03 0 0
637
0
0
0
3218 - Total: 0 0
1,616
0
0
0
Page 1 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 99 of 116
Population of Electoral
Groups
Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
County/Mun:
3227 - ZORRA TOWNSHIP
Ward
English French English French
Prot -Sep Other
Public Public Separate Separate
01
0 0 200
0
0 0
02
0 0 290
0
0 0
03
0 0 254
0
0 0
04
0 0 87
0
0 0
3227 - Total:
0
0
831
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3238 - EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK TOWNSHIP
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
51
0
0
0
02
0
0
59
0
0
0
03
0
0
174
0
0
0
3238 - Total: 0 0 284 0 0 0
County/Mun: 3242 - WOODSTOCK CITY
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
885
0
0
0
02 0 0
2,888
0
0
0
03 0 0
712
0
0
0
04 0 0
787
0
0
0
05 0 0
469
0
0
0
06 0 0
388
0
0
0
3242 - Total: 0 0 6,129 0 0 0
County/Mun: 3245 - BLANDFORD BLENHEIM TOWNSHIP
Ward English
French
English
French Prot -Sep Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
00 0
0
519
0 0 0
3245 - Total: 0
0
519
0 0 0
Page 2 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 100 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
County/Mun: 3401 - BAYHAM MUNICIPALITY
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
96
0
0
0
02 0 0
118
0
0
0
03 0 0
151
0
0
0
3401 - Total: 0 0
365
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3408 - MALAHIDE TOWNSHIP
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
114
0
0
0
02 0 0
121
0
0
0
03 0 0
71
0
0
0
04 0 0
84
0
0
0
05 0 0
153
0
0
0
3408 - Total: 0 0
543
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3411 - AYLMER TOWN
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
144
0
0
0
02 0 0
249
0
0
0
03 0 0
99
0
0
0
3411 -Total: 0 0
492
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3418 - CENTRAL ELGIN MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
181
0
0
0
02
0
0
361
0
0
0
03
0
0
279
0
0
0
04
0
0
332
0
0
0
05
0
0
155
0
0
0
3418 - Total:
0
0
1,308
0
0
0
Page 3 of 9 February 10, 2026
Page 101 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
County/Mun: 3421 - ST THOMAS CITY
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
00 0 0
4,956
0
0
0
3421 - Total: 0 0
4,956
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3424 - SOUTHWOLD TOWNSHIP
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
00 0 0
491
0
0
0
3424 - Total: 0 0
491
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3429 - DUTTON/DUNWICH MUNICIPALITY
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
01 0 0
136
0
0
0
02 0 0
254
0
0
0
3429 - Total: 0 0
390
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3434 -WEST ELGIN MUNICIPALITY
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
00 0 0
965
0
0
0
3434 - Total: 0 0
965
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3902 - NEWBURY VILLAGE
Ward English French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public Public
Separate
Separate
00 0 0
22
0
0
0
3902 - Total: 0 0
22
0
0
0
Page 4 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 102 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID:
38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
County/Mun: 3906 - SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
216
0
0
0
02
0
0
196
0
0
0
03
0
0
161
0
0
0
3906 - Total:
0
0
573
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3916 - STRATHROY-CARADOC MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
2,782
0
0
0
02
0
0
1,418
0
0
0
3916 - Total:
0
0
4,200
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3926 - THAMES CENTRE MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
392
0
0
0
02
0
0
601
0
0
0
03
0
0
693
0
0
0
3926 - Total:
0
0
1,686
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3936 - LONDON CITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
5,321
0
0
0
02
0
0
5,621
0
0
0
03
0
0
5,294
0
0
0
04
0
0
6,624
0
0
0
05
0
0
5,472
0
0
0
06
0
0
2,181
0
0
0
07
0
0
6,612
0
0
0
08
0
0
4,327
0
0
0
09
0
0
6,522
0
0
0
10
0
0
6,200
0
0
0
11
0
0
4,315
0
0
0
Page 5 of 9 February 10, 2026
Page 103 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
12
0
0
6,587
0
0
0
13
0
0
3,190
0
0
0
14
0
0
5,875
0
0
0
3936 - Total:
0
0
74,141
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3939 - MIDDLESEX CENTRE MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
727
0
0
0
02
0
0
315
0
0
0
03
0
0
225
0
0
0
04
0
0
1,077
0
0
0
05
0
0
691
0
0
0
3939 - Total:
0
0
3,035
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3946 - ADELAIDE METCALFE TOWNSHIP
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
00
0
0
555
0
0
0
3946 - Total:
0
0
555
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3954 - NORTH MIDDLESEX MUNICIPALITY
Ward
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
01
0
0
187
0
0
0
02
0
0
64
0
0
0
03
0
0
281
0
0
0
04
0
0
213
0
0
0
05
0
0
247
0
0
0
3954 - Total:
0
0
992
0
0
0
County/Mun: 3958 - LUCAN BIDDULPH TOWNSHIP
Ward English French English French
Public Public Separate Separate
01 0 0 232 0
Page 6 of 9
Prot -Sep Other
0 0
February 10, 2026
Page 104 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
02 0 0 304 0 0 0
03 0 0 293 0 0 0
3958 - Total: 0 0 829 0 0 0
Page 7 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 105 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID: 38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
Summary Total
County/Mun
English
French
English
French
Prot -Sep
Other
Total
Public
Public
Separate
Separate
3202
0
0
774
0
0
0
774
3204
0
0
2,423
0
0
0
2,423
3211
0
0
709
0
0
0
709
3218
0
0
1,616
0
0
0
1,616
3227
0
0
831
0
0
0
831
3238
0
0
284
0
0
0
284
3242
0
0
6,129
0
0
0
6,129
3245
0
0
519
0
0
0
519
3401
0
0
365
0
0
0
365
3408
0
0
543
0
0
0
543
3411
0
0
492
0
0
0
492
3418
0
0
1,308
0
0
0
1,308
3421
0
0
4,956
0
0
0
4,956
3424
0
0
491
0
0
0
491
3429
0
0
390
0
0
0
390
3434
0
0
965
0
0
0
965
3902
0
0
22
0
0
0
22
3906
0
0
573
0
0
0
573
3916
0
0
4,200
0
0
0
4,200
3926
0
0
1,686
0
0
0
1,686
3936
0
0
74,141
0
0
0
74,141
3939
0
0
3,035
0
0
0
3,035
3946
0
0
555
0
0
0
555
3954
0
0
992
0
0
0
992
3958
0
0
829
0
0
0
829
Total
0
0
108,828
0
0
0
108,828
Page 8 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 106 of 116
Population of Electoral Groups Report
School Board ID:
38 - LONDON DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
Summary
Total
School Board -
Grand Totals
School
English
French English
French Prot -Sep Other Total
Board ID
Public
Public Separate
Separate
38
0
0 108,828
0 0 0 108,828
Total
0
0 108,828
0 0 0 108,828
Page 9 of 9
February 10, 2026
Page 107 of 116
,�iil IIIIII
Goa:vvt 7i,'3III°uiouiiq.. tic) 5lhofiiijuie
March 20, 2026
The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
Via email: �ir7rn(x.iir7rn G4,4:,
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
Via email: 110 � irk iru� ir7rnuu°; li�� Il x � irll a a,a
The Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Via email:
The Honourable Sylvia Jones
Minister of Health
Via email:Il�u��ir��,s
Darrin Canniff
Mayor/CEO
P 519-436-3219
ckmayor@chatham-kent.ca
Dear Prime Minister Carney, Minister Michel, Premier Ford and Minister Jones:
Re: Food Insecurity Emergency Declaration
The following motion was passed by Council declaring food insecurity an emergency in our
community. This declaration reflects our growing concern about the impact of food
insecurity on the health and well-being of residents across Chatham -Kent.
In passing this motion, we have joined other cities in Ontario who have declared food
insecurity an emergency and hope it will initiate collaborative action and policy development
at the provincial and federal levels of government.
"Whereas food insecurity is defined as, the inadequate or insecure access to food due to
financial constraints, a marker of material deprivation (poverty), and a serious public health
problem because it increases the risk of non -communicable and infectious diseases, and
premature death.
Whereas chronic stressors like disability, precarious work, and acute shocks like COVID-19,
illness or eviction, make it more difficult to afford life's basic needs and live free from
poverty. Whereas income -based policies are necessary to effectively reduce household food
insecurity, which Chatham -Kent Public Health reports is experienced by at least 1 in 5
households in Chatham -Kent. Whereas the income provided through provincial and federal
programs has not kept up with rising costs of food, housing and other basic needs.
Cont'd...
www Illh,°ui "'fIllh°uu iiii ....III<:eiii°°iii"'f o°i Page 108 of 116 ul @1 @ ii iurfld K
2
Whereas Ontario Works rates have been frozen since 2018: the maximum single person
monthly benefit for basic needs is $343 and $390 for shelter, totalling $733 per month.
Whereas Chatham -Kent Public Health reports a single person on Ontario Works spends
-134% of their income on food and rent. Whereas the Municipality of Chatham -Kent
provides programs and services that decrease the impacts of poverty and income inequality
and provides participants with a better quality of life which can positively improve health
and well-being.
Whereas the number of individuals using Chatham -Kent Outreach for Hunger has increased
by -38% from 2022 to 2024, from 2781 unique individuals in 2022, to 3752 unique
individuals in 2024, with a -51% increase in families with children.
Whereas the number of households using the food assistance program within the Village
Pantry has increased by -124%, from 76 unique households in 2022, to 170 unique
households in 2024.
Whereas the number of meals served to under -housed people by Reach Out Chatham -Kent
has increased by -17% from 2022 to 2024, from 43,594 meals in 2022, to 51,313 meals
2024.
Whereas Hope Haven has already had 4000 more visits in 2025 compared to 2024.
Whereas poverty costs Ontario around $27.1 - 33 billion dollars per year: justice system
$1.1 billion; health care $3.9 billion; lost income $19.4 - 25 billion; lost tax revenue $2.7 - 3
billion.
Whereas the provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy's (Building a Strong Foundation for
Success: Reducing Poverty in Ontario (2020-2025)) primary measure of success is that more
social assistance recipients move into employment, despite people with employment income
being one of the fastest growing groups at food banks.
Whereas the Chatham -Kent Food Policy Council's mission is to lead in the development of
relevant policies and to advocate for our local food system, and values that all people should
have physical and economic access to healthy, culturally diverse, local food.
Whereas the Chatham -Kent Food Policy Council's Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 highlights
the need to advocate for government -level policies that impact food systems, and
specifically, to advocate for income -based solutions to food insecurity to provide families
with more agency in food choices.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Mayor and Council support the advocacy of the Chatham -
Kent Food Policy Council by declaring food insecurity an emergency in the Municipality of
Chatham -Kent.
Cont'd...
WWW c Ill 1'ii11 af Illh°°'iiu iiii iui .....IIII °: iiii iu f cia Page 109 of 116 Vu iiir°gym iii. lii c IIII
Darrin Canniff
jj �u
��� �lu I���������„�' �'li�����.��„����,�� Mayor/CEO P 519-436-3219
uu7�r� �.poa:k�F��t117i, ""` w�wuickmayor@chatham-kent.ca
IIl�. ���� ��wllhw��w�uia:
And that Mayor and Council request the Provincial Government focus its upcoming 2026-
2030 Poverty Reduction Strategy around reducing measures of material deprivation, such
as food insecurity.
And that Mayor and Council request the Provincial Government immediately raise social
assistance rates to meet life's basic needs.
And that Mayor and Council request the Provincial and Federal Governments to address the
causes of food insecurity by establishing a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income for those living
in poverty.
And that Mayor and Council request the Provincial and Federal Governments to increase the
rates of income support programs to ensure they are adequate to address the basic needs
of individuals and families.
And that Mayor and Council request that the Provincial and Federal Governments include
the reduction of food insecurity as a component of all appropriate government policies.
And that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Association of Local Public Health
Agencies (ALPHA), Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Federation of
Municipalities of Canada (FCM), Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA), all
Ontario Municipalities, all Members of Provincial Parliament and Parliament, The Right
Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, all federal party leaders, the
Honourable M.P.P. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia
Jones, and the Federal Minister of Health Marjorie Michel."
Sincerely,
4
Darrin Canniff, Mayor/CEO
Municipality of Chatham -Kent
C: All Members of Provincial Parliament and Parliament
Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa)
Federation of Municipalities of Canada (FCM) Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA)
Ontario Municipalities
www Illh°°uu "'fIllh°°uu IIII°" ....III<:eIII°"Iii"'f o°i Page 110 of 116 Vl @1 @Illr°°luiii ar liic ' IIK
uamella Group Unifted
Warden Gigu&e and Members of Elgin County Council Elgin County
450 Sunset Drive,
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 5V1
Dear Warden Giguere and Mernbers of Elgin County Council:
Re: AY.!rnqr.P4rA.rY_= Propqrty. Pp jjqq.;kt ..4 T,Mat..51're.etmWe,st
I have been following the discussion around the future of the Aylmer Library and understand that: no
formal commitment has been made, with the decision ultimately resting with the incoming council. With
that in mind, i am writing regarding my downtown property at 154'Talbot Street West, Aylmer that
addresses many of tile concerns raised in the diSCLAssions.
This property has been explored for library use before. In 2019, the 'Town of Aylmer and Lamella Group
Limited executed a fornizO Letter of Intent signed by the sitting mayor for a 20-year lease of the property,
including building renovations to prepare for library occupancy (see attached rendering). "The deal did not
proceed due to a tenancy matter at the time. That situation has since been resolved, and the property can
be made available for library use.
The building offers:
0 Approximately 13,000 sq ft of usable space (9,000 r-nain level 1. 4,000 basement) with room for
expansion
0 A downtown location, a short walk from the current library, with ample parking
0 A substantially lower cost to taxpayers than the downtown expansion Currently Linder consideration,
with significant private investment in the renovation
• A purpose-built renovation that would significantly improve the building's street presence
• A long-term lease arrangement ... • the 2019 L01 was as 20-year lease with extension options
• No displacement of existing recreation prograrnming
I respectfully request that Council consider this property. Given the upcoming elections, we wanted to
surface this so that decisiori makers are aware of all options. I would welcome the opportunity to provide
any additional information, or work with the County as it explores this furt�her.
Respectfully,
Da74-irnited
a Group I
X,
61n Ribeiro
General Manager,
2536 Herlinnford Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 4117
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131" 1"Ilw4CI)IMPS 6k II'.":III,, �.rruN::,'r
Chanil'xr
OF COMPAIERICE
10 1 -750 Talbot Street
St. Thomas ON, N5P 1 E2
519.631.1981
Friday, March 27, 2026
Due to the timing of the funding approval for the ElevateHER event occurring after the event
had already taken place, we were unable to fully recognize Elgin County's support through
event promotion and partnership visibility.
As a result, we are respectfully requesting approval to redirect these funds toward our upcoming
Social Issues Are Business Issues event on June 16, 2026.
This event aligns closely with the County's priorities, focusing on key social challenges such as
housing, mental health, and workforce development, while engaging a broad cross-section of
the community. It also provides enhanced visibility opportunities through both in -person
attendance and a livestreamed and recorded format.
We would be proud to recognize Elgin County as a valued partner in this initiative.
The details of this initiative are as follows:
Outline where this project, program/service, or event will fake place. If you are applying for
event funding, please indicate the anticipated event attendance. If you are applying for
program/service funding, please indicate how many people from the County of Elgin use this
service.
The Social Issues Are Business Issues event will take place at CASO Station in St. Thomas on
Tuesday, June 16, 2026. This centrally located venue provides accessible space for attendees
from across Elgin County.
We anticipate approximately 120-150 in -person attendees, including business leaders,
community organizations, municipal representatives, and residents, many of whom live or work
within Elgin County.
In addition to the in -person event, the session will be livestreamed free of charge, allowing for
broader participation from across the County and beyond. A recording will also be made
publicly available following the event on Rogers TV and YouTube, extending its reach and long-
term value.
This hybrid format ensures meaningful local engagement while also amplifying Elgin County's
leadership in addressing social and economic challenges to a wider audience.
Please provide a clear description of the project, event, or program/service and detail how the
funds will be used. Please include key dates of scheduled activities and the target audience.
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This hybrid event will bring together business leaders, non -profits, government representatives,
and community members to explore how social challenges such as housing instability, mental
health, and workforce shortages directly impact economic growth and business sustainability.
The event will feature an expert panel, facilitated discussion, and opportunities for cross -sector
collaboration. It will be a ticketed in -person experience (approximately 120-150 attendees), with
a free livestream available to participants across Elgin County, Ontario, and beyond. The session
will also be recorded and shared for ongoing public access.
Funding will directly support venue rental, audiovisual production and livestreaming, speaker
honorariums, catering, and event materials. These elements ensure both an accessible and
high -quality experience, while expanding reach beyond those physically in attendance.
How does your project, event, or program/service fill a need within the community? Please
describe how your project, event, or program/service enhances the community to achieve a
positive impact.
This forum responds to a critical and growing need within the community: the intersection of
social challenges and economic stability. Businesses across Elgin County are increasingly
impacted by issues such as housing availability, workforce retention, and mental health, yet
there are limited spaces where these conversations happen collaboratively across sectors.
Our region has emerged as a leader in addressing complex social issues through coordinated,
community -driven solutions. Building on this momentum, including recognition from the Ontario
Chamber of Commerce with the 2025
Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award, this event creates a platform to share proven
strategies, reduce stigma, and align efforts between business and social sectors.
The impact of this initiative is both immediate and long-term: strengthening partnerships,
increasing awareness, and equipping attendees with practical, scalable solutions. By making
the event accessible through livestream and recorded content, its benefits extend well beyond
a single day, supporting continued learning and engagement across the province.
If this is not a new project, event, or program/service, please explain how County support will
help enhance your existing initiative to boost participation and/or volunteer involvement.
This event builds on the success of previous forums led by the Chamber, which have
demonstrated strong community engagement and measurable impact. County support will
allow us to significantly enhance both the reach and quality of the initiative.
Specifically, funding will expand access through professional livestreaming and recorded
distribution, ensuring participation from rural and underserved areas across Elgin County. It will
also support a more robust event experience, including higher -calibre production, stronger
speaker engagement, and improved attendee accessibility.
Additionally, this support will help deepen cross -sector participation by reducing financial
barriers and enabling broader outreach. By strengthening the delivery of an already successful
model, County investment directly contributes to increased participation, stronger collaboration,
and greater overall community impact.
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Please describe the financial need of your organization and the reasons for requesting this
support. Indicate other forms of sponsorships/funding that have been applied for or received.
As a non-profit organization, the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce relies on a
combination of sponsorships, ticket revenue, and grant funding to deliver high -impact
community programming. While this event will generate some revenue through ticket sales
(estimated at 50 ticket holders at $50 each) and confirmed sponsorship support (including
$2,500 from Steelway Building Systems), there remains a significant funding gap.
Total event costs are projected at approximately $13,500, with major expenses including
production ($2,500), venue rental ($1,500), and catering and materials. To ensure accessibility -
particularly through free livestream access - and maintain the quality and reach of the event,
additional funding is essential.
We are actively seeking approximately $8,500 in additional sponsorships and grant support. We
have applied for another funding grant through the Municipality of Central Elgin as well. County
funding would play a critical role in closing this gap, enabling us to deliver an inclusive, high -
quality event that benefits the broader Elgin County community.
Page 115 of 116
COUNTY OF ELGIN
By -Law No. 26-16
"BEING A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM PROCEEDINGS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN AT THE
APRIL 14, 2026 MEETING"
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O.2001, c.25, as
amended, the powers of a municipality shall be exercised by its Council;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as
amended, the powers of every Council shall be exercised by by-law;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient that the proceedings of the Municipal Council of
the Corporation of the County of Elgin at this meeting be confirmed and adopted by by-law
NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin
enacts as follows:
THAT the actions of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin,
in respect of each recommendation contained in the reports and each motion and
resolution passed and other action taken by the Municipal Council of the Corporation
of the County of Elgin, at its meeting held on April 14, 2026 be hereby adopted and
confirmed as if all such proceedings were expressly embodied in this by-law.
2. THAT the Warden and appropriate officials of the Corporation of the County of Elgin
are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the
actions of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin referred to in
the preceding section hereof.
3. THAT the Warden and the Chief Administrative Officer, or alternate, are authorized
and directed to execute all documents necessary in that behalf and to affix thereto the
seal of the Corporation of the County of Elgin.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 14T" DAY OF
APRIL 2026.
Blaine Parkin, Dominique Giguere,
Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Warden.
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