[0:00] Okay, we'll call this this meeting to order. Welcome everyone and we'll start

[0:04] with uh a moment of reflection.

[0:11] Let us be mindful of the needs of all our citizens and advance only those

[0:15] causes that will ensure peace and harmony in our community now and always.

[0:25] Our land acknowledgement, we'd like to begin by acknowledging the land on which

[0:29] we gather today is the land traditionally used by the Anishinaabe,

[0:33] Haudenosaunee, and the Chonnonton people.

[0:36] We acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and

[0:39] philosophies of the indigenous peoples with whom we share this land today.

[0:44] Are there any declarations of pecuniary interest in accordance with the

[0:47] Municipal Conflict of Interest Act? Seeing none.

[0:52] We have some minutes to approve. I'll need a motion that the following minutes

[0:56] be adopted as presented, the minutes of the March 10th,

[0:59] 2026 Council meeting, the March the minutes of the March 24th, 2026

[1:04] Committee of the Whole meeting, and the minutes of the April 7th, 2026

[1:08] Council meeting. A mover for that, please. Councillor Sebben, seconded by

[1:11] Councillor Wagner. Any discussion on the minutes?

[1:14] All in favor and that's carried unanimously. No petitions,

[1:18] presentations. We do have a delegation this evening.

[1:22] So, I need a motion that uh Abby Cooper from Hearts Open for

[1:27] Everyone with regard to Queen's Bush Settlement Mural Project and there's a

[1:32] donation request. And the motion is that if we accept Abby

[1:37] Cooper Abby Cooper as a delegation. Moved by Councillor Brick, seconded by

[1:41] Councillor Hergott. All in favor and that's also carried.

[1:45] And the podium is yours.

[2:20] Good evening, Mayor Noack and council members.

[2:23] Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

[2:26] My name is Abby Cooper and I'm the executive director of Hearts Open for

[2:29] Everyone, also known as Hope. And I'm here alongside our committee

[2:34] members, Karen Smart and Tracy Lee Johnson,

[2:38] to share a project that is putting our region on the map.

[2:43] The Queen's Bush Settlement Project Mural Project

[2:46] uh it's a story of endurance,

[2:48] collaboration, and a history that is literally under our feet in here in

[2:54] Wellesley. So,

[2:57] just going to move on to slide. There we go. Thank you.

[3:01] So, I'm Tracy Lee Johnson. Uh what is the Queen's Bush Settlement?

[3:06] To understand this project, we have to look back to the late 1830s. And at that

[3:11] time, this area was known as the Queen's Bush, a vast unorganized territory. And

[3:17] while the land was only recently opened, a community of 2,000 black pioneers,

[3:21] many seeking for freedom and a place to belong, carved out life in the

[3:26] wilderness. And these weren't just farmers. These

[3:29] were people of deep conviction and service. Many arrived having served in

[3:33] during the Mackenzie Rebellion and the border excursion of 1838

[3:38] looking to establish permanent roots. And while the settlement eventually

[3:43] expanded several modern municipal lines, most of the most significant early

[3:47] clearings and homes were located right here in Wellesley Township. This is a

[3:52] story of incredible endurance that has helped build the very foundation of this

[3:57] region. So, why Wellesley? Well,

[4:00] we're here because of the the local connection. That's why Wellesley.

[4:05] Because this is your history. For many years, the story of the Queen's

[4:09] Bush Settlement has been kept alive by dedicated groups, local groups, but it

[4:14] hasn't been wove into the shared regional legacy. When we look back at

[4:19] the origins of the farms in this area, we see a a story of incredible physical

[4:24] grit. Black pioneers cleared the dense forest and built the first homesteads

[4:29] near the border of the Haldimand Tract. As the landscape changed, a unique

[4:34] partnership emerged. We see records and agreements where blacks and white

[4:38] settlers worked in tandem. Black farmers with their expert expertise and labor

[4:44] often helped expedite settlements on the entire tracts of land.

[4:48] And they lived and worked as neighbors building the literal foundation of

[4:54] Wellesley together. So, this isn't just about the past. It's

[4:58] about acknowledging that black excellence has been the foundation of

[5:01] this Township identity for almost 200 years.

[5:05] And through this mural, we're finally honoring that story and that has been

[5:10] under our feet this whole time. And just to add a little extra onto that, so I am

[5:15] a descendant of one of those people. Thank you.

[5:22] So, the project, it's a landmark in Wellesley. Our vision is a large-scale,

[5:27] professionally curated mural and earthscape play in Wellesley located on

[5:32] one of their prominent street-facing buildings. Our advisory committee brings

[5:37] an incredible wealth of expertise. I am from the Mapleton Historical Society and

[5:41] Tracy, as she mentioned, is a fifth-generation descendant of the

[5:45] original Queen's Bush families. Alongside our black, Mennonite, and

[5:49] indigenous members, we ensure every detail is rooted in historical truth.

[5:54] We've already secured internationally recognized artist Kalkidan Assefa to

[5:59] lead the design. He has already delivered the first of three

[6:03] collaborative drafts. However, the remains of the pro that

[6:07] this remains a project created by the community, not just for it. This was

[6:12] evidenced just this past Friday at our successful workshop where descendants

[6:17] and residents came together to share the specific stories and symbols that they

[6:21] want to see immortalized on that wall. We aren't stopping there. We've been out

[6:26] at local events, hosting a second workshop to build momentum for the

[6:30] reveal, and maintaining an active online forum for ongoing community input. We

[6:35] are doing the work to ensure this mural is a permanent, accurate landmark that

[6:40] our entire region can be proud of when we reveal it on August the 15th.

[6:56] There you go. >> [laughter]

[7:00] » So, the project is a major driver of regional tourism.

[7:04] We've already secured the support of RTO4, Explore Waterloo Region,

[7:08] Wellington County, and Guelph Tourism because they recognize the high value of

[7:14] historical tourism. To give you an idea of the scale and the

[7:18] emotional pull of this project, we already have descendants from across

[7:22] United States planning their travel to Wellesley

[7:25] for the reveal event in August. So, this translates into heads in beds,

[7:31] customers in our local shops, and visitors at our farm stands.

[7:36] In a recent presentation to the regional council, it was shared that the

[7:40] neighboring Kissing Bridge Trail saw 193,000

[7:44] visits in 2025 alone. These are mostly tourists from Guelph

[7:49] and Toronto, specifically cycle tourists looking for a local culture and history.

[7:55] By placing this mural on Line 86, we're creating a high-visibility, accessible

[8:00] destination. Earthscape is proactively setting up the space specifically for

[8:05] visitors, including dedicated parking spaces and a

[8:09] thinking bench for reflection. There will be a large interpretive sign

[8:14] with a QR code that connects visitors to an interactive map on our website.

[8:18] This digital experience will also guide tourists to other sites of interest,

[8:23] local businesses, and historical landmarks throughout Wellesley

[8:27] and the surrounding area. We aren't just creating art, we're building a gateway

[8:32] that invites people to stop, reflect, and spend

[8:37] time in our Township. And um

[8:42] by placing this mural on Line 86, we're capturing a fraction of those 193,000

[8:50] trips and giving them a reason to stop and reflect out in Wellesley.

[8:55] We're we're not just hoping that they show up, we're building a landmark

[8:58] alongside an existing corridor that already brings nearly 200,000 people

[9:03] through our backyard every year.

[9:10] So, we're incredibly proud of the public-private partnership driving this

[9:13] vision. Our partner Earthscape Play is dedicated uh dedicating $30,000 toward

[9:20] the artist and site infrastructure. So, [snorts] the remaining 36 36,000 of

[9:25] our uh $66,000 goal covers the critical work

[9:30] managed by Hope and the advisory committee, which includes deep-dive

[9:34] historical research, extensive community outreach, and a landmark reveal event,

[9:40] which is August the 15th. While we're currently seeking $30,000 of

[9:45] this through federal grants, we're moving forward with full confidence in

[9:49] the project's scale and significance. We've already secured $6,000 from our

[9:54] regional tourist partners and Hope is currently backstopping the remaining

[9:58] costs with our own internal funds to ensure we stay on schedule for the

[10:03] August reveal event. We're currently seeking support from

[10:07] every municipality connected to this history, including Wellesley, Mapleton,

[10:12] Woolwich, Wellington County, and the region.

[10:15] It's a collective opportunity for our local governments to stand together in

[10:19] recognizing a chapter of our past that's been underrepresented for far too long.

[10:25] We initially approached this through a CIP application as the project directly

[10:30] aligns with Wellesley's goals for facade improvement,

[10:34] » [snorts] >> placemaking, and accessibility.

[10:36] While we understand the township's discretionary donation fund is limited,

[10:41] we ask council to consider the consider the regional significance of this

[10:45] project when determining its allocation. So, beyond financial support, in-kind

[10:51] contributions contributions such as assistance with permitting staff

[10:56] Sorry, with permitting, staff coordinated coordination, or

[11:00] township-led promotion would make a tangible difference. To have Wellesley

[11:05] Township as our partner ensures the story is told with the dignity and reach

[11:10] that it deserves. Thank you. It's a very exciting project. Any

[11:16] questions from staff or council?

[11:22] Yeah, Councillor Wagner. If I understand this correctly, this is

[11:26] at Earthscape, and Earthscape is in Woolwich Township. It's not in

[11:31] Wellesley. It's not in Wellesley Township. No, it's it's not in Woolwich

[11:34] Township. Um Earthscape? Mhm. Is Mapleton? Yeah, so it's kind of

[11:41] split between Wellesley and Mapleton. Their property tax is Mapleton.

[11:46] Okay. I mean

[11:51] another question. So, how much has the region have we approached the

[11:56] region of water of all? Um we have applied for grants throughout throughout

[12:02] the region. Yeah. And just remind me where you're at right now with funding.

[12:07] What you did >> Um so, we're still waiting on um

[12:11] the the the results from from the applications we've submitted.

[12:16] You have a federal application, did you mention? Yes. Okay. Okay.

[12:21] Um thoughts? Yes, Councillor Okay.

[12:26] Eric, uh thank you for that. I think it's an interesting project. I think it

[12:30] it would be a really really interesting if it was right in Wellesley in the

[12:32] community, but I think it's a good project that way. Um it might be a

[12:35] question for Tim about the CIP part of it. So, you guys mentioned that you

[12:40] looked at that as a starting point. Um I don't know, Tim, does this fall within

[12:45] our CIP anywhere? Is it because of its location outside of that?

[12:52] Yeah, thanks, Councillor Brick. Um Yeah, unfortunately, like it this this

[12:57] ticks all the boxes in our CIP. Like it like if this was a property located

[13:02] within the township, like there'd be multiple things that we could apply

[13:06] here. Unfortunately, it's across the street,

[13:09] and um that like from a staff level perspective, like it's it's a it's a

[13:15] fantastic project. Our job as staff is to apply

[13:20] the the rules that we have in Wellesley. It doesn't mean that you guys can't do

[13:23] something different than that. Um but I guess what we would need if if you

[13:27] did want to um consider it as part of the CIP is

[13:30] some type of resolution um that would require that. That would be

[13:34] unprecedented, I think. Um so, I mean, my um

[13:40] suggestion to you would would be um to consider it as a donation

[13:45] line item um if if you were in fact looking to support it. And and I'll

[13:50] point out, too, that we've um through uh the CAO's office and through

[13:55] Sam, like we're we're totally uh happy to also help um

[14:00] get the word out, share on social media, all that kind of stuff, which we've

[14:04] we've done already for some of the some of the things that they've sent to us,

[14:07] and um um

[14:09] so, I I I would suggest I would suggest through that avenue.

[14:14] Um otherwise, we could it's a bit of a slippery slope on the CIP if if um if

[14:20] others come to ask for similar type things, so.

[14:24] And I and I don't want to diminish any of the

[14:27] the uh the quality of this project. Like I think it's it's like a

[14:31] it was a hard one for us to swallow when we were looking at at the CIP and how we

[14:35] could get it get it through, but um it'll be it'll be difficult.

[14:41] Um what was the request uh amount in the

[14:45] CIP? Was there a amount put on it? 10,000. 10,000.

[14:51] It was the facade sign and attention landscape

[14:56] improvement grant, and placemaking pedestrian

[14:59] building and accessibility grant. We've got we might be able to get two. Yeah,

[15:03] so there there could be multiple >> [clears throat]

[15:06] » multiple there. Um

[15:08] again, we didn't we didn't review it in fine detail. We kind of did a bit of a a

[15:12] pre a pre-review, right? But um yeah, it

[15:19] depending on what it is, it could be in the vicinity of 5 to

[15:22] 10,000 it it might be eligible for if if it was were to be considered under

[15:27] the CIP.

[15:30] A donation line isn't

[15:34] very substantial right now. A donation line for 2026 is $3,000.

[15:40] And 1,500 is already committed to the um the agricultural society for the fair.

[15:46] And typically in the past, we've also provided $300 to each of the um

[15:51] Christmas parades. Yeah, so it leaves about $900.

[15:54] About $900. Nowhere near the 10,000 that you're

[15:57] looking for. Uh well, this is

[16:01] a bit of a quandary. I think it's a a fantastic project. I'm sure you're aware

[16:04] of some of the work that's been done in in Hawkesville on Temperance Island.

[16:08] Yes. And the plaque that was put up there a couple years ago to to honor the

[16:12] settlers that came there, and that's why this would have been so nice

[16:16] on the side of that bake shop in Hawkesville or some place in that area,

[16:20] but uh I understand that uh you'll probably get more visibility on the

[16:23] bridge um once that's built, that'll happen.

[16:26] That's going ahead this year, and we hope it's going to

[16:29] And we're also currently working on um getting a bump-out um on the G2G trail,

[16:36] um at which point we'll be adding a sign there to link um that spot to the mural

[16:44] um as well as um QR codes and all of that. And logos to um those who support

[16:51] us will be on each of these signs. And the project actually the seed was

[16:57] planted by Earthscape Play. They they recognized that they were on land of a

[17:02] black settler, and so it was kind of their dream 3 years ago to to

[17:07] commemorate black heritage. So, we're very lucky to have a business owner that

[17:12] recognizes that. It just happens to be just on that cusp of a couple of

[17:17] townships and the county and the region. Mhm.

[17:21] Um did you didn't have a concept of the drawing itself?

[17:25] Uh so, we've we have uh the first draft right now, but because it's sort of in

[17:31] the design phase, we can't really disclose that. Um but uh yeah, so it's

[17:37] basically um um going to be on street it's on the

[17:42] street-facing building as well as on the east side of the building. So, as you're

[17:46] driving down, you'd be able to see it from from quite a distance.

[17:53] Well, I don't think we're in a position tonight to make a commitment.

[17:57] Um you know, that would be something for uh it's a budgetary thing, and we don't

[18:01] do our budget till next December.

[18:05] Um but I think what we could do is have

[18:09] staff take this back and and have a close look at it to see

[18:13] if there's a way we can somehow use I think it's a CIP would be

[18:17] the only way we can get the quantity of money that they're

[18:21] looking for. I don't know what the

[18:24] what the balance in that account is right now, so uh

[18:30] I'm I'm yeah, I we we we just recently had a couple more applications, so I if

[18:35] I I'd give you a number tonight, it'd be wrong, so um

[18:38] » [clears throat] >> I'd happy happy to take it back, and we

[18:41] can look at it. I mean um you know, the other option is you know, I don't want

[18:46] to get into a case of dueling departments here. Um but you know, the

[18:50] other option is you increase your donation line item or or some other line

[18:54] item as well, right? So, it's not just I don't want to put all the pressure on

[18:57] the CIP to to deliver um either, right? Um but but we're happy to

[19:03] take it back and look at it. Yeah, I think maybe with Jeff as well,

[19:06] we can

[19:09] the best the best way of of looking at this. I

[19:12] wish we could make it come a commitment now, but I just don't think we're quite

[19:16] ready. Um but I I it's a great project, and I'm

[19:20] looking forward to Yeah. >> seeing this. I mean, that little area,

[19:23] you know, is is got a potential. The grocery store on the corner there, I

[19:27] mean, that's a historical site in itself, and there's lots of reasons to

[19:31] to tour around that area, so. And we're also creating a um driving map, a

[19:36] driving tour. Okay. Uh so, we're going to be printing those and placing those

[19:41] at the libraries and museums and all of that, so um that's going to be

[19:46] distributed um basically region-wide as well as a

[19:51] digital version on our website. Oh, nice. Yeah, very nice.

[19:55] Okay, yes, Tim. Sorry, through you, Mayor. Abby, I think

[19:59] it would be helpful to staff is if you could send us

[20:03] um kind of your funding that you've asked

[20:05] for and received if you're able to do that, if that's appropriate.

[20:09] » Yeah. Just to give us an idea what what kind of dollars we're working with, like

[20:12] For sure. you know, like what you've applied for, what's confirmed, what

[20:16] you're waiting on. That would be helpful. Yeah, for sure.

[20:18] » Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Counselor Brick.

[20:21] Might be a question for the clerk, but is there a value in making a motion to

[20:26] to support the project in principle while exploring financial

[20:30] means of supporting it? Like because you're going to go to the other councils

[20:34] and they're all going to ask you, well, what did Wellesley do and what did

[20:36] everyone like >> Right. And so You're you're just going

[20:38] to keep Yeah, so I'm just wondering if there's a like

[20:42] if there's a that we can show our support as a council if if it's there,

[20:46] which I think it is, in in some way that you guys can at

[20:50] least take that forward while we're exploring. I don't know.

[20:53] Give my say or Tim your thought, too. I was just going to say through

[20:56] [clears throat] uh direction we could look into what

[21:00] Mayor Nowak has requested and um have staff report back and maybe that's

[21:04] something we can look at at that time. I think just something that you guys can

[21:08] walk away from tonight saying like if you're if you're in Woolwich next week

[21:13] that the Township of Wellesley supports it, but we don't have a financial number

[21:16] that that you're not walking away from here

[21:19] saying, well, they all smiled and nodded, but

[21:21] » [laughter] >> So.

[21:25] I think um regardless of the financial aspect of

[21:28] it, certainly I I don't want to speak um

[21:32] I don't want to speak for you, Rick, but like I know that we've

[21:35] um you know, committed to sharing social media stuff and supporting it that way.

[21:39] Like there's other ways that we can support it regardless of

[21:42] um the amount of financial support. So, I don't think staff

[21:48] our department wouldn't have a problem with that.

[21:50] Yeah, they could Yeah, I'm just trying to think of other

[21:54] avenues for funding that we could explore. But anyway, you give us some

[21:58] time on that. Would you Oh, Counselor Sorry, Mayor Nowak.

[22:02] Would this be something that maybe Heritage Society would be interested in

[22:06] maybe working in conjunction with us? It's possible. I don't know if they have

[22:11] more funds available than we do, but They do have some money. They do have

[22:15] some money. I don't know the bottom line on it, but we can approach

[22:18] them. We have a historical society. Yeah, so we can do some a little bit of

[22:23] research and ask staff to report back to us and and talk to some of our partners.

[22:28] Counselor Hergott. Has Mapleton committed?

[22:32] Um so, Mapleton is supporting through Was it the RTO4?

[22:39] No, they were actually still working with them, too. So, we Yeah. We

[22:43] submitted a CIP to them. They had a lot of their funds committed

[22:47] already for 2026, so we're just kind of waiting to see what they can pull

[22:50] together, too. So, it's a lot of So, waiting for them. Okay.

[22:54] And Woolwich, you're going to you're going to We're going to

[22:58] go to as well. Yeah. They did talk to us a bit. We have talked to them about it

[23:02] and of course again that boundary is it's very the

[23:06] The problem with um it is being stuck on those boundaries

[23:10] because Queen's Bush Settlement really is across all those boundaries. So,

[23:14] that's why we're we're kind of asking um for the support of all the

[23:19] municipalities in that to to consider this to honor its history

[23:24] bound like with no boundaries. Um and I think it would also signal um especially

[23:29] for our rural communities, it signals a

[23:32] forward-looking leadership at a time when the region's rural

[23:36] communities are communities are growing so quickly and becoming more diverse.

[23:41] So, I think it's a really amazing project for a lot of governments

[23:45] to come together on. Well, certainly wish you and we'll do

[23:49] what we can. Um and we'll get a report back from from staff on this probably

[23:53] within So, you got timelines when you want to start doing this?

[23:58] Yeah, so I mean we are um we have a lot of um

[24:03] projects uh ongoing leading up to uh the event. So,

[24:08] a lot of expenses and all of that, so that we're just trying to manage based

[24:13] on what funding we we bring in. Um so, right now the RTO4 funding is is

[24:17] supporting marketing and um tourism-related

[24:22] um initiatives. So, Mhm.

[24:26] Okay, good. Um yeah, so staff have direction now

[24:30] from council to go back and bring a report. Um just one quick question. I

[24:33] think on the one slide it showed your budget was 66,000

[24:38] and that you had 30,000 committed from Earthscape, 30,000 from the federal

[24:41] government, and 6,000 from the tourism boards. Is that correct?

[24:46] » We are waiting on the 30,000 from federal

[24:49] grants regional grants. So, we are waiting for

[24:52] that, too. So, if that 30,000 comes to fruition, what would the remaining funds

[24:57] from the municipalities be used towards? So, the um what we've asked for through

[25:03] federal grants was to support for mainly the event itself. Um and so, uh a lot of

[25:10] the um the community engagement um aspects as

[25:15] well as marketing um because there's more than the 6,000 that's going to be

[25:19] going towards promoting this huge project. Um so, a lot of that um

[25:25] is is going to be going towards towards that. So, that support will make it even

[25:30] easier for us to put logos on a lot of uh a lot of the signage and and

[25:34] material. And the funds would also um support

[25:38] Earthscape as a business. So, cuz they're going to maintain that property,

[25:41] too, for years and years to come. So,

[25:45] yeah, if they have support with 30 30,000, then they can use some of the

[25:50] resources to go to other places regarding the project and the ongoing

[25:54] maintenance um and community even community-facing

[25:59] um interpretive Mhm. materials that we

[26:03] create. So, yeah, it'll um be well used for the community. Great. And certainly

[26:09] in the interim um I can definitely dedicate my office towards um assisting

[26:14] with advertising and promotion of the project. So, anything that you want us

[26:18] to put on our social media channels, we can certainly do that. That's amazing.

[26:21] Thanks so much. >> Another uh fund that we're applying to

[26:24] is the legacy fund. So, they often will need letters from municipalities that

[26:28] support the project. So, we might reach out um to Wellesley at some point for

[26:33] that uh letter if that makes sense. Counselor Hergott.

[26:38] Other than Earthscapes, have you received other private donations or

[26:43] reached out to the public for donations? We've reached out. Um we have gotten

[26:49] some in-kind support um from Guelph Today and or Elora

[26:55] » Yeah, Guelph Today, Guelph and Elora Today as well as um

[27:01] um it Explore Waterloo Region is is offering $2,000 worth of photography,

[27:09] um which is in kind, and um uh

[27:14] City of Guelph is offering in-kind support as well.

[27:18] Okay, but um like is there just private donors or No, we don't have any private

[27:24] donors. Besides Unless someone knows anyone.

[27:30] Well, okay. So, we'll leave it at that. Thank you so much for your presentation

[27:35] and it it is an exciting, you know, >> [clears throat]

[27:37] » and I think it's a very worthwhile project. So, hopefully we can help in

[27:41] one way or another and see this come to fruition. So, thank you. Thank you.

[27:45] Thanks so much. >> [clears throat]

[27:49] » Okay.

[27:54] Okay.

[27:56] I'll need a motion now that council rise and go into the committee of the whole

[28:00] to receive receive reports and recommendations. Moved by Counselor

[28:04] Hergott, seconded by Counselor Brick. All in favor.

[28:07] And that's carried. We'll move right to Road and Bridge, Counselor Hergott.

[28:11] Thank you, Mayor Nowak. R&B 5 2026 storm sewer flushing and inspection program. I

[28:19] need a motion whereas the contract will be executed over two calendar years

[28:24] and where whereas only storm sewer infrastructure older than 15 years will

[28:29] be inspected under the contract. Therefore, be it resolved that the

[28:34] Council of the Township of Wellesley approve the award of contract number

[28:39] 2026-05 for storm sewer flushing and inspection

[28:44] to Bob Robinson and Son Construction for a total contract amount of

[28:49] $291,251.04

[28:54] plus applicable HST which will be funded from the

[28:58] infrastructure reserve and further that council approve a pre-budgeted

[29:03] amount to a maximum of $225,000 to be funded from the infrastructure

[29:09] reserve in 2027 to carry out the remainder of the project as awarded. Can

[29:14] I have a mover? Counselor Brick, seconded by Counselor

[29:18] Seven. >> [clears throat]

[29:19] » Does the director have a report? Yes, thank you, Counselor Hergott.

[29:23] So, I had presented this project in the capital budget presentation back in

[29:27] November, if you'll recall. I explained that it would be happening over a

[29:31] two-year project just because for us to

[29:35] um take on a estimated $300,000 project in one year is a lot and to draw it out

[29:42] over two years is a reasonable thing to do for this type of project. Um as you

[29:46] heard in the recommendation, I'm asking you to approve the contract award which

[29:50] would include a $225,000 pre-approval

[29:54] for 2027. Obviously that's can't really award the

[29:58] the tender without that guarantee. This contract as you heard only deals

[30:03] with underground storm infrastructure that is 15 years old. The reason behind

[30:07] that is just or sorry 15 years old and older. The reason for that is because

[30:12] anything newer than that theoretically is in good condition and was inspected

[30:16] under today's standards more or less.

[30:20] Year one would include the town of Wellesley at approximately 15 and a half

[30:23] kilometers of underground storm sewer

[30:27] year two would include all the other settlements St. Clements, Heidelberg,

[30:30] Linwood, Hawkesville, Paradise Lake and Crosshill

[30:33] for a total of about 19 kilometers of underground storm sewer.

[30:37] It's important to note that the cost of the contract does not include the

[30:40] associated engineering costs that have been estimated at a little over 25% of

[30:44] the tender cost. It's hard to get an exact number on that

[30:47] as it's based on the hours it takes them to review the footage and things like

[30:50] that. This type of program is very similar to

[30:55] the storm water pond investigations, the pavement condition index, the awesome

[30:58] inspections for bridges, building condition assessments, all

[31:02] those type of things that are all used to provide valuable insight and to

[31:06] inform the asset management plan and 10 year capital plan.

[31:10] So it's this is very necessary information. This

[31:13] is the type of thing that we have to do this invasive type

[31:19] program in order to see because you can't see it just from driving the

[31:22] surface like the pavement condition index

[31:25] which we can do in house. This type of thing we can't really do in house. So

[31:29] that's all I really have unless you have questions.

[31:32] Thank you. Any questions for the director?

[31:37] So I just have one. When was the last inspection done?

[31:41] I'm not aware of any inspection like this. Okay.

[31:44] And when will the next one be done? Like what is your time? So the

[31:49] the thought is a 7 to 10 year window. Okay.

[31:54] Okay, thank you. Any more questions? If not I'll call the

[31:57] question. All in favor. That's carried unanimous.

[32:03] Okay. Property and fire counselor seven.

[32:09] Thanks Mayor Nowak.

[32:15] PNF 2/2026 appointment of drainage engineer

[32:19] Albright drain. Recommendation that the council of the

[32:23] Township of Wellesley appoint K. Smart Associates Limited to prepare a report

[32:28] for the section 78 major improvements to the Albright drain and in accordance

[32:33] with section 8 bracket 4 of the Drainage Act RSO 1990

[32:39] the engineer be directed to include section 78 report with the report for

[32:43] the Kingwood Holstein's petition. Can I have a mover?

[32:48] Counselor Hergott, seconder? Counselor Brick.

[32:52] Would Amy like to move the report? Thank you, Counselor seven.

[32:58] So the original petition for drainage work dates back to November 2024. That

[33:04] was received from Kingwood Holsteins with two additional petitions received

[33:09] by council in March of 2026. This appointment is for the section 78

[33:14] improvements to the Albright drain that are required to be done

[33:19] along with the new infrastructure that would be identified in the petitions.

[33:24] The three petitions and the section 78 improvements will all be included in one

[33:28] engineer's report.

[33:33] Thank you. Any discussion or questions for Amy?

[33:40] Seeing none, I'll call the question. All in favor.

[33:44] And that's carried unanimous.

[33:50] And on to PNF 3/2026 Popp drain tender award.

[34:02] That sorry, recommendation that the council of the Township of Wellesley

[34:06] award the contract to Nichols Excavating Inc. to perform drainage works as

[34:12] detailed in the Popp drain engineer's report dated October 9th 2025 to a total

[34:18] bid price of $165,598.18

[34:22] plus HST and further that this amount be funded by the Township of Wellesley

[34:28] and recovered as for the assessment schedule in the Popp drain and

[34:32] corresponding bylaw 28/2025 and further that the Township of

[34:37] Wellesley assessment be funded from the infrastructure reserve.

[34:43] Thank you. So obviously this report is to award the

[34:47] contract for Popp drain to Nichols Excavating.

[34:50] This amount is to be funded from the infrastructure reserve until the final

[34:53] billing is completed approximately one year after the project is

[34:58] completed. That one year warranty and section period. This is

[35:04] just following the Drainage Act requirements.

[35:07] I think I forgot to ask for a mover and seconder.

[35:11] Mover? Counselor Brick, seconder? Counselor

[35:14] Hergott. Do it again.

[35:16] » [laughter]

[35:19] » Any discussion?

[35:22] Seeing none, I'll call the question. All in favor.

[35:26] And that's carried unanimous. Okay, we'll move to admin and finance

[35:31] AFMP 182026. This is the budget meeting schedule revision.

[35:37] And I'll read this. Whereas the council of the Township of Wellesley deems it

[35:40] beneficial to residents of the Township to participate in and be informed of

[35:44] council decisions including the annual budget process.

[35:48] And further that the approved 2026 council meeting schedule does not

[35:53] provide an evening meeting during the 2027 budget deliberations.

[35:58] Now therefore be it resolved that the 2026 council meeting schedule be amended

[36:04] to set the time of Thursday, December 3rd 2026 budget meeting to 5:45

[36:12] p.m. at the Township of Wellesley Council Chamber and further that staff

[36:15] be directed to communicate this amendment ahead of the 2026 budget

[36:20] deliberations. Can I have a mover, please? Counselor seven,

[36:24] by second Counselor Wagner. And

[36:28] you're on again. Thank you.

[36:32] Um So this is just an amendment to the 2027

[36:37] budget meeting schedule to include one evening meeting as

[36:40] directed by council during the 2026 budget the 2026 budget meetings.

[36:44] And then this update will just be communicated to residents with

[36:47] additional communication ahead of the budget meetings as we would typically

[36:50] do.

[36:53] Any questions? Call the question. All in favor. And

[36:57] that's carried. AFMP 192026

[37:01] council remuneration. The recommendation that the council of

[37:06] the Township of Wellesley approve a base remuneration increase for members of

[37:10] council effective November 15th 2026 in the amount be adjusted annually

[37:15] by the council approved cost of living adjustment

[37:19] as follows. Increase of $5,456.27

[37:25] for the mayor for a total of $39,193.91

[37:31] and increase of $4,429.16

[37:36] for counselors for a total of $22,721. Can I have a mover for that, please?

[37:43] Counselor Brick, second by Counselor seven.

[37:46] And you're on again.

[37:51] Thank you, Mayor Nowak. As council is well aware the

[37:55] responsibilities of a member of council is far greater than the legislative

[37:58] duties. My council remuneration review was last

[38:01] completed in 2017 by a consulting firm with a modest increase that was phased

[38:06] in over I believe three years. The recommended increase is reflective

[38:10] of the current comparator median using the 50th percentile which has been used

[38:14] in the last market salary review for staff.

[38:17] Comparators were selected from outside of the region based on

[38:22] population, council size which would include municipalities that that also do

[38:25] not have strong mayor powers and lower tier municipalities.

[38:30] Other considerations that held lesser value in the review

[38:35] include the number of meetings

[38:39] held by the municipality number of committee meetings the members

[38:42] are required to attend the time of meetings and allowances for

[38:46] things like conferences and expenses. And then maintaining market rate

[38:51] remuneration for members of council and performing the review during the last

[38:54] year of the council term helps prevent large increases to catch up

[38:58] when the review is completed. Okay, questions.

[39:07] I'll stay mum on this one. I'm mum. Are you good for comments or

[39:11] Yes. Um I think the compensation that I'm

[39:15] receiving now covers the time that I'm putting into council

[39:19] and I'm okay with just the cola increase each year.

[39:24] We're not talking about what you're receiving right now. We're talking about

[39:28] what the next council may receive. Okay.

[39:32] Okay. So it may not it may or may not affect

[39:35] you. I don't know.

[39:39] Um Um Any other thoughts?

[39:45] So, I was a little bit surprised at how far

[39:47] we've fallen back over the years. And um I guess the question I have

[39:53] to staff, I would imagine each of the the other

[39:56] mis- municipalities are are pretty much doing the same thing.

[40:00] Um if we go to this 50% portion that we're at right now with

[40:05] this recommendation, and then the other counselors

[40:09] all increase their wages, we're still going to be lower than

[40:13] everybody else. Uh yes, that is correct. I've understood

[40:17] that correctly. Okay.

[40:20] I can just provide a bit more context. >> Yes. All right. Um so, two uh local

[40:25] remuneration reviews that were recently completed, uh Wilmot and Woolwich, um I

[40:31] believe at Wilmot Council Committee last night, they did go with the 60th

[40:36] percentile because that is what they had approved for staff as well. Um they're

[40:39] looking at approximately um 10,000 dollars for the mayor position

[40:45] um as an approved increase, and um

[40:50] somewhere in the 3,500 dollar range for their counselors. So, they are also

[40:53] seeing significant increases. You mentioned two. What was the other

[40:58] one? That Well, you don't have the numbers for that the second one. Uh

[41:01] sorry, Wilmot and Woolwich are the two that were most recently approved.

[41:06] » Yes. And they were both around 10,000. >> Oh, they're both around

[41:09] » Yeah, they're both around Okay. Okay. So,

[41:13] we're still going to be the lowest, which is fine.

[41:16] Um any other This is This is a very

[41:20] sensitive or difficult I'm thinking that

[41:26] the number of residents in our township is less, so it kind of makes sense that

[41:31] our counselors in there get paid less, but

[41:35] I know that in order to entice people to run for office, sometimes you have to

[41:39] make a good

[41:43] amount out there for the amount out there for them to uh

[41:47] to be enticed, but I I think truthfully, I think if somebody really wants to run

[41:51] for council, they're going to run regardless of what the amount is.

[41:55] This I don't think it's not usually for the money that

[41:58] people are joining council, so

[42:02] But it is an attractive >> an attractive Exactly. Yeah. Um and I

[42:06] don't know whether you can go by the number of residents. I I I appreciate

[42:10] your comment on that, but you still have the the same amount of

[42:14] responsibility. You still have the same amount of reading to do. You still have,

[42:17] you know, the the same number of meetings.

[42:20] They're all defined in the Municipal Act of what your participation participation

[42:26] rates are.

[42:29] I think there's just that many more people that you have to please, right?

[42:32] So, Well, you're never going to please them

[42:34] » You're never going to please them all, but It's not about the money. not as

[42:37] many comments, not as many questions maybe from

[42:41] from constituents, I guess. That's just my thoughts. I Yes. I just

[42:45] would point out that of the comparators that were used, only Wilmot and Woolwich

[42:50] are significantly higher populations than us. The rest are very much in line

[42:54] with what our populations are or less. And Woolwich and Wilmot, once they apply

[43:00] their increases, will be about 10,000 dollars more than

[43:04] what's being proposed here for Wellesley as well.

[43:08] Okay.

[43:12] Counselor Wagner.

[43:16] Being [clears throat] that this is like 20 years for me, um I I am I I like to

[43:22] see this because I think that we shouldn't sell ourselves short with the

[43:26] work that we put in and the time that we spend with constituents and the time we

[43:30] spend doing meetings and whatnot. And I I mean, I

[43:35] think there were years that I felt like I paid the township instead of the

[43:38] township paying me. So, um we do we do a lot of good work and we put a lot of

[43:42] time in, and yeah, and you don't necessarily [clears throat] run for the

[43:47] money cuz I didn't run for the money, but it is also nice nice to be

[43:51] recognized for the amount of time that you commit to the betterment of the

[43:56] township on behalf of the taxpayers.

[44:01] Any comments? Counselor Wagner? Stay moment.

[44:05] Okay, then we're going to call the question. All in favor?

[44:10] And that's carried. One opposed? Opposed One opposed.

[44:14] » [clears throat] >> Not unanimous.

[44:17] Okay, AFMP 2026, that's a local bucks program uh that

[44:23] is uh to [clears throat] be received for

[44:26] information. Did Staff want to comment on that?

[44:29] Okay.

[44:33] Yes, so um it was actually approved by Council

[44:37] back in 2021, but we're bringing it back for

[44:41] starting it up again. So, um it'll essentially be giveaways and coupons

[44:46] that are available to purchase in our offices

[44:49] um to encourage residents to participate in local businesses. So, those

[44:55] businesses will then have a chance to be reimbursed by the township if they um

[45:01] have local bucks uh spent at their establishments. So,

[45:04] again, it's just something that we're hoping to uh

[45:08] promote engagement and

[45:11] participation within the local businesses.

[45:16] Yeah, I think it's a great idea. I think you know, in light of the fact that we

[45:20] don't have a business associations in the community like the BIA or

[45:24] something like that, it's nice that the township is actually going to step up

[45:27] and and uh take this initiative, so I think it's a great idea.

[45:31] Follow through any So, do we need a motion to receive it

[45:35] for information? Oh, moved.

[45:38] Did I have it moved? Counselor Oh, Counselor Wagner. Counselor Seven.

[45:44] Any other discussion? All in favor? And that's carried.

[45:48] Okay.

[45:52] Oh, I have a motion now that the Committee of the Whole

[45:57] uh wait a second.

[46:01] The Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume and report. Moved by

[46:05] Counselor Brick, seconded by Counselor Wagner or Counselor Hergott. All in

[46:09] favor? And that's carried. That the report of

[46:12] the Committee of the Whole be adopted as set forth in the motions and actions

[46:15] detailed above. Moved by Counselor Seven, seconded by Counselor Wagner.

[46:19] All All in favor? And that's carried. Uh and then in the information package,

[46:25] we have uh an article I'm going to

[46:29] have Counselor Hergott speak to it. Thank you, Mayor Non.

[46:36] So, I brought forward the OMERS uh information package here.

[46:43] Currently, OMERS is governed by two boards, each made up of members

[46:47] appointed by employee and employers groups.

[46:52] The current system of two boards works because it balances independence,

[46:56] accountability, and fairness across the many different employees and employers.

[47:01] In 2024, the sponsors board adjusted rates to reallocate the financial burden

[47:07] in a more equitable way. Three groups wrote to the premier and

[47:11] asked for a review. In 2025, the new changes were legislated and passed.

[47:17] These changes to the plan form a

[47:22] This changes the plan from a stewardship model to an advocacy and interest-based

[47:27] bargaining. I mean, municipalities will have less of

[47:31] a voice in the fund. Any new costs will have to be covered by employers and

[47:35] employees. Municipal governments are the default

[47:39] funders. The new model creates greater risk of

[47:42] funding shortfalls, which will ultimately need to be covered by the

[47:46] taxpayers.

[47:50] Questions for Counselor Hergott?

[47:54] And your thoughts?

[47:58] I mean, I can support this. I I think it it makes a lot of sense. Um

[48:03] Um don't want to burn any bridges, but I think the government is is

[48:07] overstepping a little bit with this. Um so.

[48:12] So, for you don't need a motion? I do have a motion prepared.

[48:16] » you have a motion prepared. >> [clears throat]

[48:18] » So,

[48:22] I can read the motion.

[48:29] Whereas the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, OMERS, pension fund

[48:34] serves over 1,000 employers and over half a million employees and retirees

[48:39] from diverse groups including municipal governments, school boards, libraries,

[48:43] police and fire departments, children's aid societies, and electricity

[48:47] distribution companies. And whereas the long-standing jointly

[48:50] sponsored governance model with two corporate boards has provided stability,

[48:54] accountability, and fairness for both plan members and employers for more than

[48:59] two decades. And whereas the government of government

[49:03] of Ontario has passed legislative changes to OMERS governance structure

[49:07] through Bill 68. And whereas these changes would replace the current OMERS

[49:11] Sponsors Corporation uh with a new Sponsors Council that would lose its

[49:16] corporate status and independent resources.

[49:20] Whereas the proposed model could allow pension decisions

[49:24] affecting municipal employers and employees to be made without meaningful

[49:28] municipal oversight, increasing financial risk for municipalities and

[49:31] local taxpayers. And whereas municipalities are already

[49:35] under sufficient finan- significant financial strain and cannot

[49:40] absorb additional pension costs without consequences for property taxes or local

[49:43] services. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the

[49:46] the Township of Wellesley does not support the legislative changes

[49:50] to the OMERS Act contained in Bill 68 and requests that the government of

[49:53] Ontario reconsider the advisability of proceedings of proceeding with these

[49:58] changes and that the Township of Wellesley supports the Association of

[50:01] Municipalities of Ontario AMO in calling on the government of Ontario

[50:05] to maintain the current OMERS governance model with two corporate boards as the

[50:10] structure that would best deliver >> [cough]

[50:12] » on the [clears throat] long-term interests of municipalities, taxpayers,

[50:14] and employees and that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Honorable

[50:18] Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honorable Rob Flack, Minister of Housing

[50:21] and Municipal Affairs, the Honorable Peter

[50:25] Bethlenfalvy. >> Bethlenfalvy. Thank you. Minister of

[50:28] Finance, local and area MPPs, the Association

[50:32] Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Association of Municipal

[50:35] Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo and

[50:38] local area municipalities.

[50:42] I'll move over for that. I'll second it.

[50:46] Who would like to move that? There's a second there, Councillor

[50:49] Brick. Any further discussion on that?

[50:52] All in favor? And that's carried unanimously.

[50:58] We'll move to the CAO report.

[51:04] Thanks, Mayor Nowak. Just a couple things to update Council on tonight. Uh

[51:08] first, the health center in Linwood is off to a good start. The foundation is

[51:12] complete and backfilled. Um they are working at finalizing things for the

[51:17] full building permit um with the engineering and and um reports that are

[51:22] required. And hopefully that will be completed

[51:24] shortly so they can start working on the superstructure.

[51:27] And secondly, the Conestoga River bridge on the G2G trail has been approved by

[51:32] Regional Council and that is slated to be completed this fall.

[51:38] Uh that's pending approvals on the various permits that are required for

[51:41] the project. So, happy to take any questions.

[51:49] Do they have the full funding for the bridge?

[51:52] Yes, so there was um originally a private donor that pledged $3 million.

[51:58] A second private donor came forward with another $2.5 million pledge.

[52:03] And the the Township is holding some funds that were fundraised originally

[52:07] and we also received a federal grant. That's going towards the project and the

[52:12] Region of Waterloo has pledged the remainder of the money, uh additional

[52:15] $1.2 million. And what's the estimated total?

[52:20] I believe it's 8.6 million. Okay.

[52:25] Okay. It's good news.

[52:28] Getting a lot of lot of positive feedback from that, so it's uh Now, you

[52:32] want to put a bed and breakfast up in Linwood someplace cuz I think you're

[52:35] going to get a lot of traffic. Um

[52:39] Okay, we'll go to the bylaws. Bylaws.

[52:45] 10-26 being a bylaw to confirm delegated authority during the lame duck period of

[52:49] Council. Bylaw 11-2026, a bylaw to establish a recreation advisory

[52:54] committee and to provide for the appointment of members.

[52:58] Bylaw 12-2026, bylaw being a bylaw to adopt uh a a use of

[53:05] corporate resources for election purposes policy.

[53:08] Bylaw 13-2026, being a bylaw to adopt the procedures

[53:13] in the manner in which a recount is conducted in the municipal election.

[53:18] And bylaw 14-2026, being a bylaw to confirm all actions and proceedings of

[53:23] Council. I'll need a motion that those bylaws be

[53:26] read a first and second time. Moved by Councillor Sebben, seconded by

[53:30] Councillor Wagner. All in favor? And that's carried.

[53:34] I need a motion that uh those same bylaws be read a third time, passed, the

[53:38] Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the bylaw under the corporate

[53:42] seal. Moved by Councillor Brick, seconded by Councillor Hergott. All in

[53:45] favor? And that's carried. Next Committee of the Whole meeting, April

[53:49] 28th. Committee of Council, May 12th. Committee of the Whole meeting, May

[53:54] 26th. Councillor Wagner, motion to adjourn. All in favor?

[53:59] And that's carried.

April 14, 2026 Township of Wellesley Council Meeting

Transcript