1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:06,400 Okay, we'll call this this meeting to order. Welcome everyone and we'll start 2 00:00:04,960 --> 00:00:09,520 with uh a moment of reflection. 3 00:00:11,920 --> 00:00:17,000 Let us be mindful of the needs of all our citizens and advance only those 4 00:00:15,320 --> 00:00:21,320 causes that will ensure peace and harmony in our community now and always. 5 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:30,480 Our land acknowledgement, we'd like to begin by acknowledging the land on which 6 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:34,640 we gather today is the land traditionally used by the Anishinaabe, 7 00:00:33,040 --> 00:00:37,760 Haudenosaunee, and the Chonnonton people. 8 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:41,640 We acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and 9 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:46,240 philosophies of the indigenous peoples with whom we share this land today. 10 00:00:44,480 --> 00:00:50,000 Are there any declarations of pecuniary interest in accordance with the 11 00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:54,760 Municipal Conflict of Interest Act? Seeing none. 12 00:00:52,320 --> 00:00:58,080 We have some minutes to approve. I'll need a motion that the following minutes 13 00:00:56,280 --> 00:01:02,520 be adopted as presented, the minutes of the March 10th, 14 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:06,400 2026 Council meeting, the March the minutes of the March 24th, 2026 15 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:10,480 Committee of the Whole meeting, and the minutes of the April 7th, 2026 16 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:13,480 Council meeting. A mover for that, please. Councillor Sebben, seconded by 17 00:01:11,880 --> 00:01:16,680 Councillor Wagner. Any discussion on the minutes? 18 00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:20,640 All in favor and that's carried unanimously. No petitions, 19 00:01:18,520 --> 00:01:24,960 presentations. We do have a delegation this evening. 20 00:01:22,680 --> 00:01:30,320 So, I need a motion that uh Abby Cooper from Hearts Open for 21 00:01:27,520 --> 00:01:35,200 Everyone with regard to Queen's Bush Settlement Mural Project and there's a 22 00:01:32,960 --> 00:01:40,240 donation request. And the motion is that if we accept Abby 23 00:01:37,440 --> 00:01:44,000 Cooper Abby Cooper as a delegation. Moved by Councillor Brick, seconded by 24 00:01:41,960 --> 00:01:49,360 Councillor Hergott. All in favor and that's also carried. 25 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:49,360 And the podium is yours. 26 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:24,720 Good evening, Mayor Noack and council members. 27 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:28,280 Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. 28 00:02:26,240 --> 00:02:32,280 My name is Abby Cooper and I'm the executive director of Hearts Open for 29 00:02:29,880 --> 00:02:37,000 Everyone, also known as Hope. And I'm here alongside our committee 30 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:41,160 members, Karen Smart and Tracy Lee Johnson, 31 00:02:38,160 --> 00:02:44,720 to share a project that is putting our region on the map. 32 00:02:43,040 --> 00:02:47,080 The Queen's Bush Settlement Project Mural Project 33 00:02:46,440 --> 00:02:51,800 uh it's a story of endurance, 34 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:56,520 collaboration, and a history that is literally under our feet in here in 35 00:02:54,520 --> 00:02:59,760 Wellesley. So, 36 00:02:57,520 --> 00:03:04,120 just going to move on to slide. There we go. Thank you. 37 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:08,320 So, I'm Tracy Lee Johnson. Uh what is the Queen's Bush Settlement? 38 00:03:06,560 --> 00:03:13,040 To understand this project, we have to look back to the late 1830s. And at that 39 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:19,160 time, this area was known as the Queen's Bush, a vast unorganized territory. And 40 00:03:17,080 --> 00:03:23,960 while the land was only recently opened, a community of 2,000 black pioneers, 41 00:03:21,840 --> 00:03:27,320 many seeking for freedom and a place to belong, carved out life in the 42 00:03:26,120 --> 00:03:30,840 wilderness. And these weren't just farmers. These 43 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:35,440 were people of deep conviction and service. Many arrived having served in 44 00:03:33,400 --> 00:03:41,720 during the Mackenzie Rebellion and the border excursion of 1838 45 00:03:38,080 --> 00:03:45,760 looking to establish permanent roots. And while the settlement eventually 46 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:49,440 expanded several modern municipal lines, most of the most significant early 47 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:54,520 clearings and homes were located right here in Wellesley Township. This is a 48 00:03:52,200 --> 00:03:58,680 story of incredible endurance that has helped build the very foundation of this 49 00:03:57,040 --> 00:04:02,720 region. So, why Wellesley? Well, 50 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:07,960 we're here because of the the local connection. That's why Wellesley. 51 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:12,000 Because this is your history. For many years, the story of the Queen's 52 00:04:09,640 --> 00:04:17,079 Bush Settlement has been kept alive by dedicated groups, local groups, but it 53 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:21,840 hasn't been wove into the shared regional legacy. When we look back at 54 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:27,360 the origins of the farms in this area, we see a a story of incredible physical 55 00:04:24,640 --> 00:04:32,360 grit. Black pioneers cleared the dense forest and built the first homesteads 56 00:04:29,720 --> 00:04:37,280 near the border of the Haldimand Tract. As the landscape changed, a unique 57 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:41,840 partnership emerged. We see records and agreements where blacks and white 58 00:04:38,800 --> 00:04:47,000 settlers worked in tandem. Black farmers with their expert expertise and labor 59 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:51,440 often helped expedite settlements on the entire tracts of land. 60 00:04:48,960 --> 00:04:56,080 And they lived and worked as neighbors building the literal foundation of 61 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:59,920 Wellesley together. So, this isn't just about the past. It's 62 00:04:58,400 --> 00:05:04,560 about acknowledging that black excellence has been the foundation of 63 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:07,960 this Township identity for almost 200 years. 64 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:13,240 And through this mural, we're finally honoring that story and that has been 65 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:17,840 under our feet this whole time. And just to add a little extra onto that, so I am 66 00:05:15,480 --> 00:05:20,320 a descendant of one of those people. Thank you. 67 00:05:22,080 --> 00:05:29,160 So, the project, it's a landmark in Wellesley. Our vision is a large-scale, 68 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:33,880 professionally curated mural and earthscape play in Wellesley located on 69 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:39,880 one of their prominent street-facing buildings. Our advisory committee brings 70 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:43,480 an incredible wealth of expertise. I am from the Mapleton Historical Society and 71 00:05:41,880 --> 00:05:47,240 Tracy, as she mentioned, is a fifth-generation descendant of the 72 00:05:45,160 --> 00:05:51,440 original Queen's Bush families. Alongside our black, Mennonite, and 73 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:56,680 indigenous members, we ensure every detail is rooted in historical truth. 74 00:05:54,480 --> 00:06:01,520 We've already secured internationally recognized artist Kalkidan Assefa to 75 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:05,360 lead the design. He has already delivered the first of three 76 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:09,800 collaborative drafts. However, the remains of the pro that 77 00:06:07,760 --> 00:06:14,960 this remains a project created by the community, not just for it. This was 78 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:19,000 evidenced just this past Friday at our successful workshop where descendants 79 00:06:17,120 --> 00:06:24,600 and residents came together to share the specific stories and symbols that they 80 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:28,360 want to see immortalized on that wall. We aren't stopping there. We've been out 81 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:33,000 at local events, hosting a second workshop to build momentum for the 82 00:06:30,280 --> 00:06:37,640 reveal, and maintaining an active online forum for ongoing community input. We 83 00:06:35,680 --> 00:06:42,720 are doing the work to ensure this mural is a permanent, accurate landmark that 84 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:47,200 our entire region can be proud of when we reveal it on August the 15th. 85 00:06:56,160 --> 00:06:59,259 There you go. >> [laughter] 86 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:06,080 » So, the project is a major driver of regional tourism. 87 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:11,560 We've already secured the support of RTO4, Explore Waterloo Region, 88 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:16,760 Wellington County, and Guelph Tourism because they recognize the high value of 89 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:20,800 historical tourism. To give you an idea of the scale and the 90 00:07:18,560 --> 00:07:24,560 emotional pull of this project, we already have descendants from across 91 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:28,360 United States planning their travel to Wellesley 92 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:33,600 for the reveal event in August. So, this translates into heads in beds, 93 00:07:31,440 --> 00:07:39,360 customers in our local shops, and visitors at our farm stands. 94 00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:43,040 In a recent presentation to the regional council, it was shared that the 95 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:47,440 neighboring Kissing Bridge Trail saw 193,000 96 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:51,120 visits in 2025 alone. These are mostly tourists from Guelph 97 00:07:49,080 --> 00:07:58,240 and Toronto, specifically cycle tourists looking for a local culture and history. 98 00:07:55,560 --> 00:08:03,720 By placing this mural on Line 86, we're creating a high-visibility, accessible 99 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:06,840 destination. Earthscape is proactively setting up the space specifically for 100 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:12,120 visitors, including dedicated parking spaces and a 101 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:16,120 thinking bench for reflection. There will be a large interpretive sign 102 00:08:14,120 --> 00:08:21,120 with a QR code that connects visitors to an interactive map on our website. 103 00:08:18,920 --> 00:08:25,680 This digital experience will also guide tourists to other sites of interest, 104 00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:29,680 local businesses, and historical landmarks throughout Wellesley 105 00:08:27,560 --> 00:08:35,680 and the surrounding area. We aren't just creating art, we're building a gateway 106 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:40,240 that invites people to stop, reflect, and spend 107 00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:46,680 time in our Township. And um 108 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:52,080 by placing this mural on Line 86, we're capturing a fraction of those 193,000 109 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:57,440 trips and giving them a reason to stop and reflect out in Wellesley. 110 00:08:55,320 --> 00:09:01,640 We're we're not just hoping that they show up, we're building a landmark 111 00:08:58,920 --> 00:09:07,280 alongside an existing corridor that already brings nearly 200,000 people 112 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:07,280 through our backyard every year. 113 00:09:10,040 --> 00:09:16,480 So, we're incredibly proud of the public-private partnership driving this 114 00:09:13,680 --> 00:09:23,280 vision. Our partner Earthscape Play is dedicated uh dedicating $30,000 toward 115 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:27,280 the artist and site infrastructure. So, [snorts] the remaining 36 36,000 of 116 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:32,480 our uh $66,000 goal covers the critical work 117 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:37,080 managed by Hope and the advisory committee, which includes deep-dive 118 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:42,520 historical research, extensive community outreach, and a landmark reveal event, 119 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:47,320 which is August the 15th. While we're currently seeking $30,000 of 120 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:51,760 this through federal grants, we're moving forward with full confidence in 121 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:56,640 the project's scale and significance. We've already secured $6,000 from our 122 00:09:54,480 --> 00:10:00,880 regional tourist partners and Hope is currently backstopping the remaining 123 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:04,960 costs with our own internal funds to ensure we stay on schedule for the 124 00:10:03,200 --> 00:10:09,200 August reveal event. We're currently seeking support from 125 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:14,680 every municipality connected to this history, including Wellesley, Mapleton, 126 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:17,920 Woolwich, Wellington County, and the region. 127 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:22,680 It's a collective opportunity for our local governments to stand together in 128 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:27,440 recognizing a chapter of our past that's been underrepresented for far too long. 129 00:10:25,600 --> 00:10:32,960 We initially approached this through a CIP application as the project directly 130 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:34,200 aligns with Wellesley's goals for facade improvement, 131 00:10:34,047 --> 00:10:38,240 » [snorts] >> placemaking, and accessibility. 132 00:10:36,760 --> 00:10:43,240 While we understand the township's discretionary donation fund is limited, 133 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:49,160 we ask council to consider the consider the regional significance of this 134 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:54,000 project when determining its allocation. So, beyond financial support, in-kind 135 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:58,880 contributions contributions such as assistance with permitting staff 136 00:10:56,560 --> 00:11:02,760 Sorry, with permitting, staff coordinated coordination, or 137 00:11:00,600 --> 00:11:07,280 township-led promotion would make a tangible difference. To have Wellesley 138 00:11:05,000 --> 00:11:14,000 Township as our partner ensures the story is told with the dignity and reach 139 00:11:10,680 --> 00:11:21,080 that it deserves. Thank you. It's a very exciting project. Any 140 00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:21,080 questions from staff or council? 141 00:11:22,839 --> 00:11:28,839 Yeah, Councillor Wagner. If I understand this correctly, this is 142 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:32,640 at Earthscape, and Earthscape is in Woolwich Township. It's not in 143 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:37,960 Wellesley. It's not in Wellesley Township. No, it's it's not in Woolwich 144 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:44,120 Township. Um Earthscape? Mhm. Is Mapleton? Yeah, so it's kind of 145 00:11:41,200 --> 00:11:48,800 split between Wellesley and Mapleton. Their property tax is Mapleton. 146 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:54,040 Okay. I mean 147 00:11:51,000 --> 00:12:00,040 another question. So, how much has the region have we approached the 148 00:11:56,000 --> 00:12:05,400 region of water of all? Um we have applied for grants throughout throughout 149 00:12:02,839 --> 00:12:08,080 the region. Yeah. And just remind me where you're at right now with funding. 150 00:12:07,800 --> 00:12:14,360 What you did >> Um so, we're still waiting on um 151 00:12:11,520 --> 00:12:18,480 the the the results from from the applications we've submitted. 152 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:23,400 You have a federal application, did you mention? Yes. Okay. Okay. 153 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:27,640 Um thoughts? Yes, Councillor Okay. 154 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:31,680 Eric, uh thank you for that. I think it's an interesting project. I think it 155 00:12:30,040 --> 00:12:34,480 it would be a really really interesting if it was right in Wellesley in the 156 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:38,920 community, but I think it's a good project that way. Um it might be a 157 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:43,680 question for Tim about the CIP part of it. So, you guys mentioned that you 158 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:47,600 looked at that as a starting point. Um I don't know, Tim, does this fall within 159 00:12:45,240 --> 00:12:51,360 our CIP anywhere? Is it because of its location outside of that? 160 00:12:52,040 --> 00:12:59,480 Yeah, thanks, Councillor Brick. Um Yeah, unfortunately, like it this this 161 00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:03,800 ticks all the boxes in our CIP. Like it like if this was a property located 162 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:07,240 within the township, like there'd be multiple things that we could apply 163 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:12,640 here. Unfortunately, it's across the street, 164 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:18,560 and um that like from a staff level perspective, like it's it's a it's a 165 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:21,800 fantastic project. Our job as staff is to apply 166 00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:25,680 the the rules that we have in Wellesley. It doesn't mean that you guys can't do 167 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:29,120 something different than that. Um but I guess what we would need if if you 168 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:33,800 did want to um consider it as part of the CIP is 169 00:13:30,839 --> 00:13:37,760 some type of resolution um that would require that. That would be 170 00:13:34,839 --> 00:13:42,480 unprecedented, I think. Um so, I mean, my um 171 00:13:40,440 --> 00:13:48,880 suggestion to you would would be um to consider it as a donation 172 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:53,480 line item um if if you were in fact looking to support it. And and I'll 173 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:57,240 point out, too, that we've um through uh the CAO's office and through 174 00:13:55,680 --> 00:14:02,760 Sam, like we're we're totally uh happy to also help um 175 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:06,160 get the word out, share on social media, all that kind of stuff, which we've 176 00:14:04,080 --> 00:14:08,760 we've done already for some of the some of the things that they've sent to us, 177 00:14:07,480 --> 00:14:12,640 and um um 178 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:17,240 so, I I I would suggest I would suggest through that avenue. 179 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:23,120 Um otherwise, we could it's a bit of a slippery slope on the CIP if if um if 180 00:14:20,720 --> 00:14:26,040 others come to ask for similar type things, so. 181 00:14:24,360 --> 00:14:29,040 And I and I don't want to diminish any of the 182 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:33,480 the uh the quality of this project. Like I think it's it's like a 183 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:37,120 it was a hard one for us to swallow when we were looking at at the CIP and how we 184 00:14:35,400 --> 00:14:40,720 could get it get it through, but um it'll be it'll be difficult. 185 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:48,120 Um what was the request uh amount in the 186 00:14:45,079 --> 00:14:54,280 CIP? Was there a amount put on it? 10,000. 10,000. 187 00:14:51,640 --> 00:14:58,200 It was the facade sign and attention landscape 188 00:14:56,000 --> 00:15:01,480 improvement grant, and placemaking pedestrian 189 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:05,875 building and accessibility grant. We've got we might be able to get two. Yeah, 190 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:07,600 so there there could be multiple >> [clears throat] 191 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:10,920 » multiple there. Um 192 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:17,160 again, we didn't we didn't review it in fine detail. We kind of did a bit of a a 193 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:20,959 pre a pre-review, right? But um yeah, it 194 00:15:19,040 --> 00:15:25,560 depending on what it is, it could be in the vicinity of 5 to 195 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:30,079 10,000 it it might be eligible for if if it was were to be considered under 196 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:30,079 the CIP. 197 00:15:30,839 --> 00:15:36,720 A donation line isn't 198 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:43,880 very substantial right now. A donation line for 2026 is $3,000. 199 00:15:40,839 --> 00:15:48,480 And 1,500 is already committed to the um the agricultural society for the fair. 200 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:52,640 And typically in the past, we've also provided $300 to each of the um 201 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:55,560 Christmas parades. Yeah, so it leaves about $900. 202 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:58,959 About $900. Nowhere near the 10,000 that you're 203 00:15:57,160 --> 00:16:02,560 looking for. Uh well, this is 204 00:16:01,079 --> 00:16:06,600 a bit of a quandary. I think it's a a fantastic project. I'm sure you're aware 205 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:10,160 of some of the work that's been done in in Hawkesville on Temperance Island. 206 00:16:08,560 --> 00:16:14,760 Yes. And the plaque that was put up there a couple years ago to to honor the 207 00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:18,120 settlers that came there, and that's why this would have been so nice 208 00:16:16,600 --> 00:16:21,800 on the side of that bake shop in Hawkesville or some place in that area, 209 00:16:20,040 --> 00:16:24,120 but uh I understand that uh you'll probably get more visibility on the 210 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:28,560 bridge um once that's built, that'll happen. 211 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:32,720 That's going ahead this year, and we hope it's going to 212 00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:39,640 And we're also currently working on um getting a bump-out um on the G2G trail, 213 00:16:36,600 --> 00:16:48,400 um at which point we'll be adding a sign there to link um that spot to the mural 214 00:16:44,680 --> 00:16:55,640 um as well as um QR codes and all of that. And logos to um those who support 215 00:16:51,880 --> 00:16:59,520 us will be on each of these signs. And the project actually the seed was 216 00:16:57,480 --> 00:17:04,600 planted by Earthscape Play. They they recognized that they were on land of a 217 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:09,400 black settler, and so it was kind of their dream 3 years ago to to 218 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:14,920 commemorate black heritage. So, we're very lucky to have a business owner that 219 00:17:12,160 --> 00:17:20,199 recognizes that. It just happens to be just on that cusp of a couple of 220 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:24,320 townships and the county and the region. Mhm. 221 00:17:21,439 --> 00:17:28,760 Um did you didn't have a concept of the drawing itself? 222 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:33,360 Uh so, we've we have uh the first draft right now, but because it's sort of in 223 00:17:31,400 --> 00:17:39,600 the design phase, we can't really disclose that. Um but uh yeah, so it's 224 00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:44,800 basically um um going to be on street it's on the 225 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:48,800 street-facing building as well as on the east side of the building. So, as you're 226 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:52,760 driving down, you'd be able to see it from from quite a distance. 227 00:17:53,120 --> 00:17:59,240 Well, I don't think we're in a position tonight to make a commitment. 228 00:17:57,080 --> 00:18:03,640 Um you know, that would be something for uh it's a budgetary thing, and we don't 229 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:06,679 do our budget till next December. 230 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:11,160 Um but I think what we could do is have 231 00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:15,000 staff take this back and and have a close look at it to see 232 00:18:13,120 --> 00:18:19,400 if there's a way we can somehow use I think it's a CIP would be 233 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:22,480 the only way we can get the quantity of money that they're 234 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:26,080 looking for. I don't know what the 235 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:29,159 what the balance in that account is right now, so uh 236 00:18:30,679 --> 00:18:37,000 I'm I'm yeah, I we we we just recently had a couple more applications, so I if 237 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:39,360 I I'd give you a number tonight, it'd be wrong, so um 238 00:18:38,752 --> 00:18:44,080 » [clears throat] >> I'd happy happy to take it back, and we 239 00:18:41,280 --> 00:18:47,440 can look at it. I mean um you know, the other option is you know, I don't want 240 00:18:46,200 --> 00:18:51,480 to get into a case of dueling departments here. Um but you know, the 241 00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:56,560 other option is you increase your donation line item or or some other line 242 00:18:54,360 --> 00:19:00,960 item as well, right? So, it's not just I don't want to put all the pressure on 243 00:18:57,679 --> 00:19:05,080 the CIP to to deliver um either, right? Um but but we're happy to 244 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:08,960 take it back and look at it. Yeah, I think maybe with Jeff as well, 245 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:08,960 we can 246 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:14,440 the best the best way of of looking at this. I 247 00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:17,320 wish we could make it come a commitment now, but I just don't think we're quite 248 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:21,960 ready. Um but I I it's a great project, and I'm 249 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:26,040 looking forward to Yeah. >> seeing this. I mean, that little area, 250 00:19:23,679 --> 00:19:29,120 you know, is is got a potential. The grocery store on the corner there, I 251 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:33,800 mean, that's a historical site in itself, and there's lots of reasons to 252 00:19:31,560 --> 00:19:39,679 to tour around that area, so. And we're also creating a um driving map, a 253 00:19:36,919 --> 00:19:44,320 driving tour. Okay. Uh so, we're going to be printing those and placing those 254 00:19:41,600 --> 00:19:48,159 at the libraries and museums and all of that, so um that's going to be 255 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:53,120 distributed um basically region-wide as well as a 256 00:19:51,120 --> 00:19:57,320 digital version on our website. Oh, nice. Yeah, very nice. 257 00:19:55,120 --> 00:20:00,880 Okay, yes, Tim. Sorry, through you, Mayor. Abby, I think 258 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:04,200 it would be helpful to staff is if you could send us 259 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:07,880 um kind of your funding that you've asked 260 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:11,200 for and received if you're able to do that, if that's appropriate. 261 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:14,400 » Yeah. Just to give us an idea what what kind of dollars we're working with, like 262 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:17,400 For sure. you know, like what you've applied for, what's confirmed, what 263 00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:20,120 you're waiting on. That would be helpful. Yeah, for sure. 264 00:20:18,760 --> 00:20:23,040 » Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Counselor Brick. 265 00:20:21,880 --> 00:20:28,080 Might be a question for the clerk, but is there a value in making a motion to 266 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:32,280 to support the project in principle while exploring financial 267 00:20:30,560 --> 00:20:35,640 means of supporting it? Like because you're going to go to the other councils 268 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:37,280 and they're all going to ask you, well, what did Wellesley do and what did 269 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:40,120 everyone like >> Right. And so You're you're just going 270 00:20:38,920 --> 00:20:44,960 to keep Yeah, so I'm just wondering if there's a like 271 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:48,720 if there's a that we can show our support as a council if if it's there, 272 00:20:46,920 --> 00:20:51,560 which I think it is, in in some way that you guys can at 273 00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:56,320 least take that forward while we're exploring. I don't know. 274 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:57,720 Give my say or Tim your thought, too. I was just going to say through 275 00:20:56,959 --> 00:21:03,000 [clears throat] uh direction we could look into what 276 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:07,360 Mayor Nowak has requested and um have staff report back and maybe that's 277 00:21:04,640 --> 00:21:11,520 something we can look at at that time. I think just something that you guys can 278 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:14,680 walk away from tonight saying like if you're if you're in Woolwich next week 279 00:21:13,120 --> 00:21:17,760 that the Township of Wellesley supports it, but we don't have a financial number 280 00:21:16,720 --> 00:21:20,640 that that you're not walking away from here 281 00:21:19,280 --> 00:21:22,880 saying, well, they all smiled and nodded, but 282 00:21:21,849 --> 00:21:26,400 » [laughter] >> So. 283 00:21:25,040 --> 00:21:29,960 I think um regardless of the financial aspect of 284 00:21:28,280 --> 00:21:33,520 it, certainly I I don't want to speak um 285 00:21:32,360 --> 00:21:37,520 I don't want to speak for you, Rick, but like I know that we've 286 00:21:35,480 --> 00:21:40,480 um you know, committed to sharing social media stuff and supporting it that way. 287 00:21:39,360 --> 00:21:46,160 Like there's other ways that we can support it regardless of 288 00:21:42,600 --> 00:21:49,280 um the amount of financial support. So, I don't think staff 289 00:21:48,080 --> 00:21:51,800 our department wouldn't have a problem with that. 290 00:21:50,800 --> 00:21:57,320 Yeah, they could Yeah, I'm just trying to think of other 291 00:21:54,800 --> 00:22:01,000 avenues for funding that we could explore. But anyway, you give us some 292 00:21:58,600 --> 00:22:04,040 time on that. Would you Oh, Counselor Sorry, Mayor Nowak. 293 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:09,000 Would this be something that maybe Heritage Society would be interested in 294 00:22:06,120 --> 00:22:13,600 maybe working in conjunction with us? It's possible. I don't know if they have 295 00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:16,720 more funds available than we do, but They do have some money. They do have 296 00:22:15,160 --> 00:22:21,800 some money. I don't know the bottom line on it, but we can approach 297 00:22:18,280 --> 00:22:26,200 them. We have a historical society. Yeah, so we can do some a little bit of 298 00:22:23,400 --> 00:22:30,080 research and ask staff to report back to us and and talk to some of our partners. 299 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:37,320 Counselor Hergott. Has Mapleton committed? 300 00:22:32,600 --> 00:22:41,600 Um so, Mapleton is supporting through Was it the RTO4? 301 00:22:39,840 --> 00:22:45,600 No, they were actually still working with them, too. So, we Yeah. We 302 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:49,280 submitted a CIP to them. They had a lot of their funds committed 303 00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:52,560 already for 2026, so we're just kind of waiting to see what they can pull 304 00:22:50,679 --> 00:22:56,679 together, too. So, it's a lot of So, waiting for them. Okay. 305 00:22:54,640 --> 00:23:01,040 And Woolwich, you're going to you're going to We're going to 306 00:22:58,640 --> 00:23:04,960 go to as well. Yeah. They did talk to us a bit. We have talked to them about it 307 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:08,920 and of course again that boundary is it's very the 308 00:23:06,360 --> 00:23:12,560 The problem with um it is being stuck on those boundaries 309 00:23:10,679 --> 00:23:17,480 because Queen's Bush Settlement really is across all those boundaries. So, 310 00:23:14,920 --> 00:23:21,480 that's why we're we're kind of asking um for the support of all the 311 00:23:19,560 --> 00:23:27,480 municipalities in that to to consider this to honor its history 312 00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:30,720 bound like with no boundaries. Um and I think it would also signal um especially 313 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:34,760 for our rural communities, it signals a 314 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:38,400 forward-looking leadership at a time when the region's rural 315 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:42,920 communities are communities are growing so quickly and becoming more diverse. 316 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:47,920 So, I think it's a really amazing project for a lot of governments 317 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:51,679 to come together on. Well, certainly wish you and we'll do 318 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:55,720 what we can. Um and we'll get a report back from from staff on this probably 319 00:23:53,520 --> 00:24:01,679 within So, you got timelines when you want to start doing this? 320 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:04,760 Yeah, so I mean we are um we have a lot of um 321 00:24:03,080 --> 00:24:10,440 projects uh ongoing leading up to uh the event. So, 322 00:24:08,800 --> 00:24:15,640 a lot of expenses and all of that, so that we're just trying to manage based 323 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:20,480 on what funding we we bring in. Um so, right now the RTO4 funding is is 324 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:22,800 supporting marketing and um tourism-related 325 00:24:22,120 --> 00:24:27,760 um initiatives. So, Mhm. 326 00:24:26,560 --> 00:24:32,000 Okay, good. Um yeah, so staff have direction now 327 00:24:30,120 --> 00:24:36,000 from council to go back and bring a report. Um just one quick question. I 328 00:24:33,960 --> 00:24:40,080 think on the one slide it showed your budget was 66,000 329 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:45,320 and that you had 30,000 committed from Earthscape, 30,000 from the federal 330 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:48,600 government, and 6,000 from the tourism boards. Is that correct? 331 00:24:46,440 --> 00:24:50,840 » We are waiting on the 30,000 from federal 332 00:24:49,920 --> 00:24:55,040 grants regional grants. So, we are waiting for 333 00:24:52,679 --> 00:25:00,920 that, too. So, if that 30,000 comes to fruition, what would the remaining funds 334 00:24:57,400 --> 00:25:06,440 from the municipalities be used towards? So, the um what we've asked for through 335 00:25:03,800 --> 00:25:12,840 federal grants was to support for mainly the event itself. Um and so, uh a lot of 336 00:25:10,679 --> 00:25:17,960 the um the community engagement um aspects as 337 00:25:15,480 --> 00:25:21,720 well as marketing um because there's more than the 6,000 that's going to be 338 00:25:19,679 --> 00:25:27,840 going towards promoting this huge project. Um so, a lot of that um 339 00:25:25,520 --> 00:25:32,920 is is going to be going towards towards that. So, that support will make it even 340 00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:36,320 easier for us to put logos on a lot of uh a lot of the signage and and 341 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:40,040 material. And the funds would also um support 342 00:25:38,280 --> 00:25:44,360 Earthscape as a business. So, cuz they're going to maintain that property, 343 00:25:41,520 --> 00:25:47,520 too, for years and years to come. So, 344 00:25:45,560 --> 00:25:52,560 yeah, if they have support with 30 30,000, then they can use some of the 345 00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:57,360 resources to go to other places regarding the project and the ongoing 346 00:25:54,720 --> 00:26:01,480 maintenance um and community even community-facing 347 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:06,320 um interpretive Mhm. materials that we 348 00:26:03,080 --> 00:26:11,520 create. So, yeah, it'll um be well used for the community. Great. And certainly 349 00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:17,080 in the interim um I can definitely dedicate my office towards um assisting 350 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:20,040 with advertising and promotion of the project. So, anything that you want us 351 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:22,120 to put on our social media channels, we can certainly do that. That's amazing. 352 00:26:21,360 --> 00:26:26,640 Thanks so much. >> Another uh fund that we're applying to 353 00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:30,840 is the legacy fund. So, they often will need letters from municipalities that 354 00:26:28,640 --> 00:26:37,320 support the project. So, we might reach out um to Wellesley at some point for 355 00:26:33,120 --> 00:26:41,040 that uh letter if that makes sense. Counselor Hergott. 356 00:26:38,880 --> 00:26:45,679 Other than Earthscapes, have you received other private donations or 357 00:26:43,200 --> 00:26:52,480 reached out to the public for donations? We've reached out. Um we have gotten 358 00:26:49,679 --> 00:26:57,280 some in-kind support um from Guelph Today and or Elora 359 00:26:55,360 --> 00:27:04,320 » Yeah, Guelph Today, Guelph and Elora Today as well as um 360 00:27:01,160 --> 00:27:13,120 um it Explore Waterloo Region is is offering $2,000 worth of photography, 361 00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:16,000 um which is in kind, and um uh 362 00:27:14,120 --> 00:27:21,800 City of Guelph is offering in-kind support as well. 363 00:27:18,560 --> 00:27:26,200 Okay, but um like is there just private donors or No, we don't have any private 364 00:27:24,160 --> 00:27:33,360 donors. Besides Unless someone knows anyone. 365 00:27:30,760 --> 00:27:37,169 Well, okay. So, we'll leave it at that. Thank you so much for your presentation 366 00:27:35,120 --> 00:27:38,760 and it it is an exciting, you know, >> [clears throat] 367 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:43,520 » and I think it's a very worthwhile project. So, hopefully we can help in 368 00:27:41,600 --> 00:27:47,649 one way or another and see this come to fruition. So, thank you. Thank you. 369 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:49,669 Thanks so much. >> [clears throat] 370 00:27:49,960 --> 00:27:52,120 » Okay. 371 00:27:54,200 --> 00:27:56,640 Okay. 372 00:27:56,800 --> 00:28:02,160 I'll need a motion now that council rise and go into the committee of the whole 373 00:28:00,120 --> 00:28:05,880 to receive receive reports and recommendations. Moved by Counselor 374 00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:09,360 Hergott, seconded by Counselor Brick. All in favor. 375 00:28:07,440 --> 00:28:16,600 And that's carried. We'll move right to Road and Bridge, Counselor Hergott. 376 00:28:11,360 --> 00:28:21,720 Thank you, Mayor Nowak. R&B 5 2026 storm sewer flushing and inspection program. I 377 00:28:19,280 --> 00:28:27,400 need a motion whereas the contract will be executed over two calendar years 378 00:28:24,960 --> 00:28:32,360 and where whereas only storm sewer infrastructure older than 15 years will 379 00:28:29,880 --> 00:28:36,120 be inspected under the contract. Therefore, be it resolved that the 380 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:41,919 Council of the Township of Wellesley approve the award of contract number 381 00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:47,640 2026-05 for storm sewer flushing and inspection 382 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:52,600 to Bob Robinson and Son Construction for a total contract amount of 383 00:28:49,600 --> 00:28:52,600 $291,251.04 384 00:28:54,640 --> 00:29:01,360 plus applicable HST which will be funded from the 385 00:28:58,480 --> 00:29:07,280 infrastructure reserve and further that council approve a pre-budgeted 386 00:29:03,120 --> 00:29:12,560 amount to a maximum of $225,000 to be funded from the infrastructure 387 00:29:09,440 --> 00:29:16,240 reserve in 2027 to carry out the remainder of the project as awarded. Can 388 00:29:14,919 --> 00:29:19,350 I have a mover? Counselor Brick, seconded by Counselor 389 00:29:18,040 --> 00:29:21,679 Seven. >> [clears throat] 390 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:25,560 » Does the director have a report? Yes, thank you, Counselor Hergott. 391 00:29:23,560 --> 00:29:30,000 So, I had presented this project in the capital budget presentation back in 392 00:29:27,760 --> 00:29:33,919 November, if you'll recall. I explained that it would be happening over a 393 00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:40,240 two-year project just because for us to 394 00:29:35,560 --> 00:29:44,080 um take on a estimated $300,000 project in one year is a lot and to draw it out 395 00:29:42,560 --> 00:29:48,280 over two years is a reasonable thing to do for this type of project. Um as you 396 00:29:46,760 --> 00:29:52,560 heard in the recommendation, I'm asking you to approve the contract award which 397 00:29:50,160 --> 00:29:56,160 would include a $225,000 pre-approval 398 00:29:54,120 --> 00:30:00,920 for 2027. Obviously that's can't really award the 399 00:29:58,240 --> 00:30:05,240 the tender without that guarantee. This contract as you heard only deals 400 00:30:03,720 --> 00:30:10,400 with underground storm infrastructure that is 15 years old. The reason behind 401 00:30:07,600 --> 00:30:13,840 that is just or sorry 15 years old and older. The reason for that is because 402 00:30:12,280 --> 00:30:18,360 anything newer than that theoretically is in good condition and was inspected 403 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:22,040 under today's standards more or less. 404 00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:25,360 Year one would include the town of Wellesley at approximately 15 and a half 405 00:30:23,880 --> 00:30:28,960 kilometers of underground storm sewer 406 00:30:27,360 --> 00:30:31,880 year two would include all the other settlements St. Clements, Heidelberg, 407 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:35,960 Linwood, Hawkesville, Paradise Lake and Crosshill 408 00:30:33,520 --> 00:30:39,160 for a total of about 19 kilometers of underground storm sewer. 409 00:30:37,720 --> 00:30:41,920 It's important to note that the cost of the contract does not include the 410 00:30:40,400 --> 00:30:46,160 associated engineering costs that have been estimated at a little over 25% of 411 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:49,040 the tender cost. It's hard to get an exact number on that 412 00:30:47,640 --> 00:30:52,000 as it's based on the hours it takes them to review the footage and things like 413 00:30:50,280 --> 00:30:57,040 that. This type of program is very similar to 414 00:30:55,120 --> 00:31:00,600 the storm water pond investigations, the pavement condition index, the awesome 415 00:30:58,800 --> 00:31:04,160 inspections for bridges, building condition assessments, all 416 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:08,640 those type of things that are all used to provide valuable insight and to 417 00:31:06,560 --> 00:31:11,360 inform the asset management plan and 10 year capital plan. 418 00:31:10,280 --> 00:31:15,640 So it's this is very necessary information. This 419 00:31:13,600 --> 00:31:21,000 is the type of thing that we have to do this invasive type 420 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:23,680 program in order to see because you can't see it just from driving the 421 00:31:22,280 --> 00:31:26,600 surface like the pavement condition index 422 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:30,680 which we can do in house. This type of thing we can't really do in house. So 423 00:31:29,120 --> 00:31:34,080 that's all I really have unless you have questions. 424 00:31:32,160 --> 00:31:36,640 Thank you. Any questions for the director? 425 00:31:37,720 --> 00:31:43,240 So I just have one. When was the last inspection done? 426 00:31:41,800 --> 00:31:46,400 I'm not aware of any inspection like this. Okay. 427 00:31:44,680 --> 00:31:51,960 And when will the next one be done? Like what is your time? So the 428 00:31:49,240 --> 00:31:55,560 the thought is a 7 to 10 year window. Okay. 429 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:59,320 Okay, thank you. Any more questions? If not I'll call the 430 00:31:57,480 --> 00:32:02,880 question. All in favor. That's carried unanimous. 431 00:32:03,120 --> 00:32:07,640 Okay. Property and fire counselor seven. 432 00:32:09,280 --> 00:32:12,040 Thanks Mayor Nowak. 433 00:32:15,120 --> 00:32:21,520 PNF 2/2026 appointment of drainage engineer 434 00:32:19,920 --> 00:32:24,800 Albright drain. Recommendation that the council of the 435 00:32:23,080 --> 00:32:31,400 Township of Wellesley appoint K. Smart Associates Limited to prepare a report 436 00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:36,280 for the section 78 major improvements to the Albright drain and in accordance 437 00:32:33,120 --> 00:32:41,240 with section 8 bracket 4 of the Drainage Act RSO 1990 438 00:32:39,520 --> 00:32:46,280 the engineer be directed to include section 78 report with the report for 439 00:32:43,600 --> 00:32:50,880 the Kingwood Holstein's petition. Can I have a mover? 440 00:32:48,640 --> 00:32:56,040 Counselor Hergott, seconder? Counselor Brick. 441 00:32:52,720 --> 00:33:02,240 Would Amy like to move the report? Thank you, Counselor seven. 442 00:32:58,920 --> 00:33:07,360 So the original petition for drainage work dates back to November 2024. That 443 00:33:04,679 --> 00:33:12,440 was received from Kingwood Holsteins with two additional petitions received 444 00:33:09,679 --> 00:33:16,560 by council in March of 2026. This appointment is for the section 78 445 00:33:14,240 --> 00:33:21,840 improvements to the Albright drain that are required to be done 446 00:33:19,560 --> 00:33:27,160 along with the new infrastructure that would be identified in the petitions. 447 00:33:24,280 --> 00:33:31,440 The three petitions and the section 78 improvements will all be included in one 448 00:33:28,520 --> 00:33:31,440 engineer's report. 449 00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:42,360 Thank you. Any discussion or questions for Amy? 450 00:33:40,040 --> 00:33:47,560 Seeing none, I'll call the question. All in favor. 451 00:33:44,400 --> 00:33:47,560 And that's carried unanimous. 452 00:33:50,920 --> 00:33:59,760 And on to PNF 3/2026 Popp drain tender award. 453 00:34:02,080 --> 00:34:08,720 That sorry, recommendation that the council of the Township of Wellesley 454 00:34:06,520 --> 00:34:14,600 award the contract to Nichols Excavating Inc. to perform drainage works as 455 00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:22,280 detailed in the Popp drain engineer's report dated October 9th 2025 to a total 456 00:34:18,520 --> 00:34:22,280 bid price of $165,598.18 457 00:34:22,919 --> 00:34:30,280 plus HST and further that this amount be funded by the Township of Wellesley 458 00:34:28,240 --> 00:34:36,159 and recovered as for the assessment schedule in the Popp drain and 459 00:34:32,240 --> 00:34:39,440 corresponding bylaw 28/2025 and further that the Township of 460 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:43,280 Wellesley assessment be funded from the infrastructure reserve. 461 00:34:43,919 --> 00:34:48,960 Thank you. So obviously this report is to award the 462 00:34:47,520 --> 00:34:51,840 contract for Popp drain to Nichols Excavating. 463 00:34:50,679 --> 00:34:55,960 This amount is to be funded from the infrastructure reserve until the final 464 00:34:53,359 --> 00:35:01,400 billing is completed approximately one year after the project is 465 00:34:58,080 --> 00:35:06,040 completed. That one year warranty and section period. This is 466 00:35:04,600 --> 00:35:10,280 just following the Drainage Act requirements. 467 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:12,440 I think I forgot to ask for a mover and seconder. 468 00:35:11,400 --> 00:35:15,480 Mover? Counselor Brick, seconder? Counselor 469 00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:19,004 Hergott. Do it again. 470 00:35:16,984 --> 00:35:19,004 » [laughter] 471 00:35:19,080 --> 00:35:22,040 » Any discussion? 472 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:29,000 Seeing none, I'll call the question. All in favor. 473 00:35:26,560 --> 00:35:34,760 And that's carried unanimous. Okay, we'll move to admin and finance 474 00:35:31,359 --> 00:35:38,840 AFMP 182026. This is the budget meeting schedule revision. 475 00:35:37,080 --> 00:35:42,800 And I'll read this. Whereas the council of the Township of Wellesley deems it 476 00:35:40,400 --> 00:35:46,680 beneficial to residents of the Township to participate in and be informed of 477 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:51,480 council decisions including the annual budget process. 478 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:55,080 And further that the approved 2026 council meeting schedule does not 479 00:35:53,040 --> 00:36:01,200 provide an evening meeting during the 2027 budget deliberations. 480 00:35:58,920 --> 00:36:06,560 Now therefore be it resolved that the 2026 council meeting schedule be amended 481 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:13,960 to set the time of Thursday, December 3rd 2026 budget meeting to 5:45 482 00:36:12,200 --> 00:36:17,200 p.m. at the Township of Wellesley Council Chamber and further that staff 483 00:36:15,880 --> 00:36:22,200 be directed to communicate this amendment ahead of the 2026 budget 484 00:36:20,320 --> 00:36:27,120 deliberations. Can I have a mover, please? Counselor seven, 485 00:36:24,600 --> 00:36:30,960 by second Counselor Wagner. And 486 00:36:28,560 --> 00:36:33,920 you're on again. Thank you. 487 00:36:32,040 --> 00:36:38,960 Um So this is just an amendment to the 2027 488 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:41,760 budget meeting schedule to include one evening meeting as 489 00:36:40,240 --> 00:36:45,720 directed by council during the 2026 budget the 2026 budget meetings. 490 00:36:44,480 --> 00:36:48,760 And then this update will just be communicated to residents with 491 00:36:47,400 --> 00:36:52,720 additional communication ahead of the budget meetings as we would typically 492 00:36:50,440 --> 00:36:52,720 do. 493 00:36:53,160 --> 00:36:59,000 Any questions? Call the question. All in favor. And 494 00:36:57,080 --> 00:37:04,760 that's carried. AFMP 192026 495 00:37:01,880 --> 00:37:08,200 council remuneration. The recommendation that the council of 496 00:37:06,400 --> 00:37:13,080 the Township of Wellesley approve a base remuneration increase for members of 497 00:37:10,120 --> 00:37:17,680 council effective November 15th 2026 in the amount be adjusted annually 498 00:37:15,920 --> 00:37:20,480 by the council approved cost of living adjustment 499 00:37:19,080 --> 00:37:24,640 as follows. Increase of $5,456.27 500 00:37:25,880 --> 00:37:30,080 for the mayor for a total of $39,193.91 501 00:37:31,280 --> 00:37:41,680 and increase of $4,429.16 502 00:37:36,120 --> 00:37:45,359 for counselors for a total of $22,721. Can I have a mover for that, please? 503 00:37:43,840 --> 00:37:48,960 Counselor Brick, second by Counselor seven. 504 00:37:46,760 --> 00:37:54,040 And you're on again. 505 00:37:51,280 --> 00:37:57,440 Thank you, Mayor Nowak. As council is well aware the 506 00:37:55,880 --> 00:37:59,800 responsibilities of a member of council is far greater than the legislative 507 00:37:58,760 --> 00:38:04,040 duties. My council remuneration review was last 508 00:38:01,560 --> 00:38:08,240 completed in 2017 by a consulting firm with a modest increase that was phased 509 00:38:06,040 --> 00:38:12,440 in over I believe three years. The recommended increase is reflective 510 00:38:10,280 --> 00:38:16,200 of the current comparator median using the 50th percentile which has been used 511 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:20,160 in the last market salary review for staff. 512 00:38:17,400 --> 00:38:23,720 Comparators were selected from outside of the region based on 513 00:38:22,080 --> 00:38:27,440 population, council size which would include municipalities that that also do 514 00:38:25,680 --> 00:38:32,600 not have strong mayor powers and lower tier municipalities. 515 00:38:30,359 --> 00:38:39,000 Other considerations that held lesser value in the review 516 00:38:35,560 --> 00:38:39,000 include the number of meetings 517 00:38:39,080 --> 00:38:44,080 held by the municipality number of committee meetings the members 518 00:38:42,320 --> 00:38:49,120 are required to attend the time of meetings and allowances for 519 00:38:46,200 --> 00:38:53,320 things like conferences and expenses. And then maintaining market rate 520 00:38:51,200 --> 00:38:56,040 remuneration for members of council and performing the review during the last 521 00:38:54,560 --> 00:39:02,160 year of the council term helps prevent large increases to catch up 522 00:38:58,240 --> 00:39:05,240 when the review is completed. Okay, questions. 523 00:39:07,080 --> 00:39:12,960 I'll stay mum on this one. I'm mum. Are you good for comments or 524 00:39:11,760 --> 00:39:17,680 Yes. Um I think the compensation that I'm 525 00:39:15,840 --> 00:39:22,680 receiving now covers the time that I'm putting into council 526 00:39:19,840 --> 00:39:26,480 and I'm okay with just the cola increase each year. 527 00:39:24,760 --> 00:39:31,520 We're not talking about what you're receiving right now. We're talking about 528 00:39:28,320 --> 00:39:33,560 what the next council may receive. Okay. 529 00:39:32,760 --> 00:39:38,440 Okay. So it may not it may or may not affect 530 00:39:35,800 --> 00:39:38,440 you. I don't know. 531 00:39:39,760 --> 00:39:44,880 Um Um Any other thoughts? 532 00:39:45,200 --> 00:39:51,560 So, I was a little bit surprised at how far 533 00:39:47,880 --> 00:39:54,880 we've fallen back over the years. And um I guess the question I have 534 00:39:53,600 --> 00:39:58,360 to staff, I would imagine each of the the other 535 00:39:56,240 --> 00:40:04,200 mis- municipalities are are pretty much doing the same thing. 536 00:40:00,280 --> 00:40:07,600 Um if we go to this 50% portion that we're at right now with 537 00:40:05,640 --> 00:40:12,000 this recommendation, and then the other counselors 538 00:40:09,720 --> 00:40:14,880 all increase their wages, we're still going to be lower than 539 00:40:13,200 --> 00:40:18,960 everybody else. Uh yes, that is correct. I've understood 540 00:40:17,320 --> 00:40:22,240 that correctly. Okay. 541 00:40:20,360 --> 00:40:27,640 I can just provide a bit more context. >> Yes. All right. Um so, two uh local 542 00:40:25,960 --> 00:40:34,200 remuneration reviews that were recently completed, uh Wilmot and Woolwich, um I 543 00:40:31,240 --> 00:40:38,120 believe at Wilmot Council Committee last night, they did go with the 60th 544 00:40:36,200 --> 00:40:42,640 percentile because that is what they had approved for staff as well. Um they're 545 00:40:39,920 --> 00:40:49,080 looking at approximately um 10,000 dollars for the mayor position 546 00:40:45,400 --> 00:40:51,840 um as an approved increase, and um 547 00:40:50,360 --> 00:40:56,480 somewhere in the 3,500 dollar range for their counselors. So, they are also 548 00:40:53,680 --> 00:40:59,640 seeing significant increases. You mentioned two. What was the other 549 00:40:58,120 --> 00:41:04,160 one? That Well, you don't have the numbers for that the second one. Uh 550 00:41:01,920 --> 00:41:08,640 sorry, Wilmot and Woolwich are the two that were most recently approved. 551 00:41:06,480 --> 00:41:11,920 » Yes. And they were both around 10,000. >> Oh, they're both around 552 00:41:09,440 --> 00:41:14,720 » Yeah, they're both around Okay. Okay. So, 553 00:41:13,280 --> 00:41:18,320 we're still going to be the lowest, which is fine. 554 00:41:16,720 --> 00:41:23,040 Um any other This is This is a very 555 00:41:20,280 --> 00:41:28,800 sensitive or difficult I'm thinking that 556 00:41:26,080 --> 00:41:34,200 the number of residents in our township is less, so it kind of makes sense that 557 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:37,920 our counselors in there get paid less, but 558 00:41:35,280 --> 00:41:41,280 I know that in order to entice people to run for office, sometimes you have to 559 00:41:39,280 --> 00:41:45,720 make a good 560 00:41:43,640 --> 00:41:49,880 amount out there for the amount out there for them to uh 561 00:41:47,640 --> 00:41:53,160 to be enticed, but I I think truthfully, I think if somebody really wants to run 562 00:41:51,840 --> 00:41:57,040 for council, they're going to run regardless of what the amount is. 563 00:41:55,320 --> 00:42:00,040 This I don't think it's not usually for the money that 564 00:41:58,960 --> 00:42:03,880 people are joining council, so 565 00:42:02,360 --> 00:42:07,840 But it is an attractive >> an attractive Exactly. Yeah. Um and I 566 00:42:06,720 --> 00:42:12,440 don't know whether you can go by the number of residents. I I I appreciate 567 00:42:10,440 --> 00:42:15,880 your comment on that, but you still have the the same amount of 568 00:42:14,080 --> 00:42:19,840 responsibility. You still have the same amount of reading to do. You still have, 569 00:42:17,680 --> 00:42:23,080 you know, the the same number of meetings. 570 00:42:20,960 --> 00:42:28,640 They're all defined in the Municipal Act of what your participation participation 571 00:42:26,080 --> 00:42:28,640 rates are. 572 00:42:29,200 --> 00:42:34,360 I think there's just that many more people that you have to please, right? 573 00:42:32,680 --> 00:42:35,400 So, Well, you're never going to please them 574 00:42:34,480 --> 00:42:39,040 » You're never going to please them all, but It's not about the money. not as 575 00:42:37,320 --> 00:42:43,680 many comments, not as many questions maybe from 576 00:42:41,000 --> 00:42:47,600 from constituents, I guess. That's just my thoughts. I Yes. I just 577 00:42:45,880 --> 00:42:52,120 would point out that of the comparators that were used, only Wilmot and Woolwich 578 00:42:50,120 --> 00:42:57,120 are significantly higher populations than us. The rest are very much in line 579 00:42:54,720 --> 00:43:02,440 with what our populations are or less. And Woolwich and Wilmot, once they apply 580 00:43:00,560 --> 00:43:06,080 their increases, will be about 10,000 dollars more than 581 00:43:04,480 --> 00:43:08,440 what's being proposed here for Wellesley as well. 582 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:11,120 Okay. 583 00:43:12,160 --> 00:43:14,800 Counselor Wagner. 584 00:43:16,240 --> 00:43:24,400 Being [clears throat] that this is like 20 years for me, um I I am I I like to 585 00:43:22,160 --> 00:43:28,560 see this because I think that we shouldn't sell ourselves short with the 586 00:43:26,320 --> 00:43:32,400 work that we put in and the time that we spend with constituents and the time we 587 00:43:30,640 --> 00:43:36,800 spend doing meetings and whatnot. And I I mean, I 588 00:43:35,080 --> 00:43:41,520 think there were years that I felt like I paid the township instead of the 589 00:43:38,480 --> 00:43:45,920 township paying me. So, um we do we do a lot of good work and we put a lot of 590 00:43:42,880 --> 00:43:49,520 time in, and yeah, and you don't necessarily [clears throat] run for the 591 00:43:47,680 --> 00:43:54,560 money cuz I didn't run for the money, but it is also nice nice to be 592 00:43:51,920 --> 00:44:01,520 recognized for the amount of time that you commit to the betterment of the 593 00:43:56,560 --> 00:44:01,520 township on behalf of the taxpayers. 594 00:44:01,960 --> 00:44:07,160 Any comments? Counselor Wagner? Stay moment. 595 00:44:05,840 --> 00:44:13,200 Okay, then we're going to call the question. All in favor? 596 00:44:10,320 --> 00:44:14,840 And that's carried. One opposed? Opposed One opposed. 597 00:44:14,745 --> 00:44:17,600 » [clears throat] >> Not unanimous. 598 00:44:17,680 --> 00:44:25,160 Okay, AFMP 2026, that's a local bucks program uh that 599 00:44:23,320 --> 00:44:27,680 is uh to [clears throat] be received for 600 00:44:26,120 --> 00:44:32,320 information. Did Staff want to comment on that? 601 00:44:29,880 --> 00:44:32,320 Okay. 602 00:44:33,840 --> 00:44:39,440 Yes, so um it was actually approved by Council 603 00:44:37,000 --> 00:44:43,400 back in 2021, but we're bringing it back for 604 00:44:41,000 --> 00:44:48,200 starting it up again. So, um it'll essentially be giveaways and coupons 605 00:44:46,480 --> 00:44:53,560 that are available to purchase in our offices 606 00:44:49,600 --> 00:44:57,840 um to encourage residents to participate in local businesses. So, those 607 00:44:55,600 --> 00:45:02,480 businesses will then have a chance to be reimbursed by the township if they um 608 00:45:01,000 --> 00:45:05,880 have local bucks uh spent at their establishments. So, 609 00:45:04,880 --> 00:45:10,680 again, it's just something that we're hoping to uh 610 00:45:08,760 --> 00:45:13,120 promote engagement and 611 00:45:11,560 --> 00:45:15,600 participation within the local businesses. 612 00:45:16,760 --> 00:45:23,080 Yeah, I think it's a great idea. I think you know, in light of the fact that we 613 00:45:20,640 --> 00:45:26,080 don't have a business associations in the community like the BIA or 614 00:45:24,520 --> 00:45:30,480 something like that, it's nice that the township is actually going to step up 615 00:45:27,800 --> 00:45:34,280 and and uh take this initiative, so I think it's a great idea. 616 00:45:31,960 --> 00:45:37,359 Follow through any So, do we need a motion to receive it 617 00:45:35,960 --> 00:45:40,920 for information? Oh, moved. 618 00:45:38,720 --> 00:45:46,359 Did I have it moved? Counselor Oh, Counselor Wagner. Counselor Seven. 619 00:45:44,120 --> 00:45:51,400 Any other discussion? All in favor? And that's carried. 620 00:45:48,640 --> 00:45:51,400 Okay. 621 00:45:52,640 --> 00:46:00,480 Oh, I have a motion now that the Committee of the Whole 622 00:45:57,160 --> 00:46:00,480 uh wait a second. 623 00:46:01,840 --> 00:46:06,720 The Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume and report. Moved by 624 00:46:05,120 --> 00:46:10,400 Counselor Brick, seconded by Counselor Wagner or Counselor Hergott. All in 625 00:46:09,200 --> 00:46:13,440 favor? And that's carried. That the report of 626 00:46:12,120 --> 00:46:17,120 the Committee of the Whole be adopted as set forth in the motions and actions 627 00:46:15,160 --> 00:46:23,440 detailed above. Moved by Counselor Seven, seconded by Counselor Wagner. 628 00:46:19,600 --> 00:46:27,120 All All in favor? And that's carried. Uh and then in the information package, 629 00:46:25,600 --> 00:46:32,560 we have uh an article I'm going to 630 00:46:29,000 --> 00:46:35,400 have Counselor Hergott speak to it. Thank you, Mayor Non. 631 00:46:36,560 --> 00:46:45,760 So, I brought forward the OMERS uh information package here. 632 00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:50,160 Currently, OMERS is governed by two boards, each made up of members 633 00:46:47,440 --> 00:46:54,480 appointed by employee and employers groups. 634 00:46:52,160 --> 00:46:58,280 The current system of two boards works because it balances independence, 635 00:46:56,280 --> 00:47:04,520 accountability, and fairness across the many different employees and employers. 636 00:47:01,560 --> 00:47:09,520 In 2024, the sponsors board adjusted rates to reallocate the financial burden 637 00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:14,040 in a more equitable way. Three groups wrote to the premier and 638 00:47:11,359 --> 00:47:22,040 asked for a review. In 2025, the new changes were legislated and passed. 639 00:47:17,400 --> 00:47:22,040 These changes to the plan form a 640 00:47:22,280 --> 00:47:29,800 This changes the plan from a stewardship model to an advocacy and interest-based 641 00:47:27,320 --> 00:47:34,040 bargaining. I mean, municipalities will have less of 642 00:47:31,720 --> 00:47:37,120 a voice in the fund. Any new costs will have to be covered by employers and 643 00:47:35,840 --> 00:47:40,880 employees. Municipal governments are the default 644 00:47:39,320 --> 00:47:44,359 funders. The new model creates greater risk of 645 00:47:42,880 --> 00:47:48,920 funding shortfalls, which will ultimately need to be covered by the 646 00:47:46,200 --> 00:47:48,920 taxpayers. 647 00:47:50,880 --> 00:47:54,200 Questions for Counselor Hergott? 648 00:47:54,359 --> 00:47:57,680 And your thoughts? 649 00:47:58,040 --> 00:48:05,400 I mean, I can support this. I I think it it makes a lot of sense. Um 650 00:48:03,560 --> 00:48:10,040 Um don't want to burn any bridges, but I think the government is is 651 00:48:07,520 --> 00:48:12,359 overstepping a little bit with this. Um so. 652 00:48:12,800 --> 00:48:18,408 So, for you don't need a motion? I do have a motion prepared. 653 00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:21,200 » you have a motion prepared. >> [clears throat] 654 00:48:18,800 --> 00:48:21,200 » So, 655 00:48:22,160 --> 00:48:25,240 I can read the motion. 656 00:48:29,760 --> 00:48:37,520 Whereas the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, OMERS, pension fund 657 00:48:34,600 --> 00:48:41,400 serves over 1,000 employers and over half a million employees and retirees 658 00:48:39,320 --> 00:48:45,160 from diverse groups including municipal governments, school boards, libraries, 659 00:48:43,040 --> 00:48:48,760 police and fire departments, children's aid societies, and electricity 660 00:48:47,000 --> 00:48:52,000 distribution companies. And whereas the long-standing jointly 661 00:48:50,280 --> 00:48:56,760 sponsored governance model with two corporate boards has provided stability, 662 00:48:54,200 --> 00:49:00,840 accountability, and fairness for both plan members and employers for more than 663 00:48:59,080 --> 00:49:05,320 two decades. And whereas the government of government 664 00:49:03,440 --> 00:49:09,840 of Ontario has passed legislative changes to OMERS governance structure 665 00:49:07,680 --> 00:49:14,560 through Bill 68. And whereas these changes would replace the current OMERS 666 00:49:11,920 --> 00:49:17,680 Sponsors Corporation uh with a new Sponsors Council that would lose its 667 00:49:16,240 --> 00:49:22,680 corporate status and independent resources. 668 00:49:20,120 --> 00:49:26,080 Whereas the proposed model could allow pension decisions 669 00:49:24,560 --> 00:49:30,120 affecting municipal employers and employees to be made without meaningful 670 00:49:28,200 --> 00:49:33,520 municipal oversight, increasing financial risk for municipalities and 671 00:49:31,880 --> 00:49:37,960 local taxpayers. And whereas municipalities are already 672 00:49:35,760 --> 00:49:41,880 under sufficient finan- significant financial strain and cannot 673 00:49:40,160 --> 00:49:45,120 absorb additional pension costs without consequences for property taxes or local 674 00:49:43,880 --> 00:49:48,520 services. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the 675 00:49:46,960 --> 00:49:52,800 the Township of Wellesley does not support the legislative changes 676 00:49:50,480 --> 00:49:56,440 to the OMERS Act contained in Bill 68 and requests that the government of 677 00:49:53,840 --> 00:49:59,600 Ontario reconsider the advisability of proceedings of proceeding with these 678 00:49:58,320 --> 00:50:04,040 changes and that the Township of Wellesley supports the Association of 679 00:50:01,720 --> 00:50:07,920 Municipalities of Ontario AMO in calling on the government of Ontario 680 00:50:05,680 --> 00:50:11,724 to maintain the current OMERS governance model with two corporate boards as the 681 00:50:10,160 --> 00:50:12,920 structure that would best deliver >> [cough] 682 00:50:12,160 --> 00:50:16,600 » on the [clears throat] long-term interests of municipalities, taxpayers, 683 00:50:14,560 --> 00:50:19,720 and employees and that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Honorable 684 00:50:18,200 --> 00:50:22,760 Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honorable Rob Flack, Minister of Housing 685 00:50:21,480 --> 00:50:25,240 and Municipal Affairs, the Honorable Peter 686 00:50:25,440 --> 00:50:29,640 Bethlenfalvy. >> Bethlenfalvy. Thank you. Minister of 687 00:50:28,440 --> 00:50:33,240 Finance, local and area MPPs, the Association 688 00:50:32,040 --> 00:50:36,640 Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Association of Municipal 689 00:50:35,280 --> 00:50:42,000 Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo and 690 00:50:38,920 --> 00:50:42,000 local area municipalities. 691 00:50:42,360 --> 00:50:48,440 I'll move over for that. I'll second it. 692 00:50:46,360 --> 00:50:50,680 Who would like to move that? There's a second there, Councillor 693 00:50:49,480 --> 00:50:54,280 Brick. Any further discussion on that? 694 00:50:52,920 --> 00:50:57,840 All in favor? And that's carried unanimously. 695 00:50:58,920 --> 00:51:03,680 We'll move to the CAO report. 696 00:51:04,800 --> 00:51:10,600 Thanks, Mayor Nowak. Just a couple things to update Council on tonight. Uh 697 00:51:08,320 --> 00:51:14,960 first, the health center in Linwood is off to a good start. The foundation is 698 00:51:12,080 --> 00:51:19,360 complete and backfilled. Um they are working at finalizing things for the 699 00:51:17,000 --> 00:51:23,520 full building permit um with the engineering and and um reports that are 700 00:51:22,080 --> 00:51:26,240 required. And hopefully that will be completed 701 00:51:24,920 --> 00:51:30,720 shortly so they can start working on the superstructure. 702 00:51:27,920 --> 00:51:35,320 And secondly, the Conestoga River bridge on the G2G trail has been approved by 703 00:51:32,680 --> 00:51:40,080 Regional Council and that is slated to be completed this fall. 704 00:51:38,120 --> 00:51:43,280 Uh that's pending approvals on the various permits that are required for 705 00:51:41,840 --> 00:51:47,200 the project. So, happy to take any questions. 706 00:51:49,920 --> 00:51:55,480 Do they have the full funding for the bridge? 707 00:51:52,880 --> 00:52:00,400 Yes, so there was um originally a private donor that pledged $3 million. 708 00:51:58,440 --> 00:52:05,960 A second private donor came forward with another $2.5 million pledge. 709 00:52:03,080 --> 00:52:10,480 And the the Township is holding some funds that were fundraised originally 710 00:52:07,920 --> 00:52:13,960 and we also received a federal grant. That's going towards the project and the 711 00:52:12,040 --> 00:52:18,040 Region of Waterloo has pledged the remainder of the money, uh additional 712 00:52:15,840 --> 00:52:24,640 $1.2 million. And what's the estimated total? 713 00:52:20,360 --> 00:52:24,640 I believe it's 8.6 million. Okay. 714 00:52:25,920 --> 00:52:30,280 Okay. It's good news. 715 00:52:28,840 --> 00:52:34,080 Getting a lot of lot of positive feedback from that, so it's uh Now, you 716 00:52:32,640 --> 00:52:38,320 want to put a bed and breakfast up in Linwood someplace cuz I think you're 717 00:52:35,520 --> 00:52:43,640 going to get a lot of traffic. Um 718 00:52:39,640 --> 00:52:47,680 Okay, we'll go to the bylaws. Bylaws. 719 00:52:45,000 --> 00:52:52,880 10-26 being a bylaw to confirm delegated authority during the lame duck period of 720 00:52:49,560 --> 00:52:56,120 Council. Bylaw 11-2026, a bylaw to establish a recreation advisory 721 00:52:54,680 --> 00:53:01,680 committee and to provide for the appointment of members. 722 00:52:58,120 --> 00:53:06,920 Bylaw 12-2026, bylaw being a bylaw to adopt uh a a use of 723 00:53:05,240 --> 00:53:11,720 corporate resources for election purposes policy. 724 00:53:08,880 --> 00:53:15,400 Bylaw 13-2026, being a bylaw to adopt the procedures 725 00:53:13,280 --> 00:53:21,080 in the manner in which a recount is conducted in the municipal election. 726 00:53:18,280 --> 00:53:24,360 And bylaw 14-2026, being a bylaw to confirm all actions and proceedings of 727 00:53:23,080 --> 00:53:28,840 Council. I'll need a motion that those bylaws be 728 00:53:26,640 --> 00:53:32,760 read a first and second time. Moved by Councillor Sebben, seconded by 729 00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:36,680 Councillor Wagner. All in favor? And that's carried. 730 00:53:34,280 --> 00:53:39,960 I need a motion that uh those same bylaws be read a third time, passed, the 731 00:53:38,480 --> 00:53:43,720 Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the bylaw under the corporate 732 00:53:42,080 --> 00:53:48,080 seal. Moved by Councillor Brick, seconded by Councillor Hergott. All in 733 00:53:45,480 --> 00:53:53,120 favor? And that's carried. Next Committee of the Whole meeting, April 734 00:53:49,440 --> 00:53:56,560 28th. Committee of Council, May 12th. Committee of the Whole meeting, May 735 00:53:54,120 --> 00:54:02,160 26th. Councillor Wagner, motion to adjourn. All in favor? 736 00:53:59,359 --> 00:54:02,160 And that's carried.