From the Council Chambers – March 11, 2025 Elgin County Council Meeting
The following list provides a high-level overview of the items discussed:
Shaping the Future: Aylmer Library Relocation Consultation
On January 28, 2025, Elgin County Council endorsed, in principle, relocating the Aylmer Library to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
On March 11, 2025, County Council directed staff to proceed with a consultation process, which will include a public survey via the County’s engagement website, Engage Elgin. Additionally, a public meeting will be held at the EECC in late April or early May, and a suggestion box will be available at various public locations for three weeks.
Follow Elgin County’s social media to stay informed about the consultation process. The results will be shared with both Councils and the public by May 2025 to guide next steps.
Planning for the Future: Elgin County Growth Forecast Update
Elgin County is updating its population and employment forecasts to account for growth related to the Volkswagen EV battery plant in St. Thomas and other regional development.
Key findings from the contracted firm, Hemson Consulting, include:
- Population expected to reach 141,600 by 2051, an increase of 9,500.
- Most growth will occur in Central Elgin and Aylmer.
- A deficiency of land has been identified in Aylmer.
- Central Elgin also faces a deficit and an expansion of the Norman-Lyndale settlement is being considered.
County Council directed staff to incorporate the updated population and employment forecasts into the Official Plan and present these changes to County Council prior to the submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Terrace Lodge Fundraising Milestone: Moving to the Next Phase
After five years of dedicated effort, the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Fundraising Committee has successfully reached its goal of raising $492,682 to enhance the new Terrace Lodge Long-Term Care Home with “The Comforts of Home” for residents.
As the redevelopment nears completion, the Committee is shifting from fundraising to governance and oversight. They will guide the use of funds, ensuring proper allocation and reviewing any necessary adjustments.
The Committee will meet twice a year and will disband once all funds are used or by December 2026. County Council approved the updated Terms of Reference for the Committee’s new mandate.
Elgin County Council Approves 2025 Budget: Focusing on Infrastructure, Growth, and Prosperity
Elgin County Council has greenlit the 2025 Business Plan and Budget, which includes a $49.8 million tax levy. This decision leads to a property tax increase of 1.49%, equating to increase of approximately $24.56 for a median-assessed home.
Key Budget Highlights:
- $3.5M investment in reconstructing Fingal Line at Port Talbot Hill (Dutton Dunwich)
- Completion of Terrace Lodge redevelopment for improved long-term care services
- Upgrades to processes and information systems for better transparency
Elgin County is committed to a sustainable, thriving future. To read the full Business Plan & Budget, please visit: EngageElgin.ca/2025BusinessPlanBudget.
For all items discussed, please click here for the agenda.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: March 25, 2025
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 9:00 am