Holiday Message from Warden Mary French

I am honoured to have been chosen by my colleagues on Elgin County Council to serve as Warden for 2022. I am excited to continue the important work begun by my predecessors this term of Council, and to achieve the objectives set out in the Elgin County Council Strategic Plan 2020-2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt lives globally and locally in 2021; however, the County of Elgin accomplished a great deal. We completed the revitalization of the King George VI Lift Bridge in Port Stanley, replaced the Meeks Bridge in Southwold with the temporary bridge from Port Bruce, completed a reconstruction of downtown Rodney, and began a review of our Official Plan. Council adopted the Aylmer-Elgin-St. Thomas Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and work on the Plan’s priority areas is ongoing, including the important issue of rural affordable housing and homelessness. We also launched an engagement website (www.engageelgin.ca) to receive public feedback on a number of issues. Engaging with the community has become an important part of our decision-making process and will continue in 2022.  In 2022, the County will continue to focus on the $30M redevelopment of the Terrace Lodge Long-Term Care facility, and the second year of the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Campaign. We will also prioritize the economic recovery of our small business community through enhanced economic development outreach.

The past two years have been extremely challenging for everyone in Elgin County. As we head into 2022, the County remains committed to providing the programs and services that Elgin County residents and businesses need to thrive.

On behalf of County Council and staff I want to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and happy 2022.

Warden Mary French