[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.