From the Council Chambers – June 24, 2025
Elgin County Council met earlier this week for both their Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole Meeting. Here are some key takeaways:
Council Meeting – Council meetings focus on urgent matters, final approvals, and updates for public information.
Water Safety Advocate Urges Council to Help Raise Awareness About Rip Currents
Council received a presentation from Nathan MacIntyre, a seasoned water safety expert and founder of the Rip Current Information Project. Drawing on over 25 years of aquatic rescue experience—including 18 seasons as a lifeguard in Port Stanley—MacIntyre shared his mission to raise awareness about rip currents on the Great Lakes.
Prompted by a 2024 drowning in Port Stanley, the Rip Current Information Project aims to correct misinformation, promote water safety, and prevent further tragedies through education and advocacy. MacIntyre outlined the risks rip currents pose to beachgoers, especially in areas lacking lifeguards or clear safety messaging.
Council received the presentation for information and directed staff to bring back a report investigating how Elgin County can collaborate with the Rip Current Information Project to amplify its life-saving message throughout the region.
Impact on Elgin County Taxpayers:
This initiative does not result in additional costs to taxpayers at this time.
Council Endorses Updated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
Council endorsed the 2025 update to the Aylmer-Elgin-St. Thomas Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, a collaborative initiative focused on making communities across the region safer, healthier, and more connected. The plan brings together leaders and organizations to tackle complex issues such as mental health, substance use, housing, and public safety.
First adopted in 2021, the CSWB Plan is reviewed every four years as required by provincial legislation. This update confirms that the five local priority areas continue to be relevant. These include education and skills development, housing security, mental health and well-being, public safety, and substance use and addiction.
Staff will work with community partners to further refine the plan and prepare for a Community Safety and Well-Being Forum in fall 2025. The endorsed update will be posted on the County’s website and submitted to the Ministry of the Solicitor General by the July 1 deadline.
Impact on Elgin County Taxpayers:
There is no immediate financial impact on taxpayers as a result of endorsing the updated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
For the full Council Agenda, click here.
Committee of the Whole Meeting (COTW) – COTW meetings are held directly following Council and focus on detailed discussions and reviewing reports. Decisions on the following matters will be finalized at the July 8th Council Meeting:
Bridge Rehabilitation Contract Recommended for Gillets Bridge on Sparta Line
The Committee reviewed a report recommending Vandenberk Construction Inc. as the successful bidder for the rehabilitation of Gillets Bridge (B27), located on Sparta Line in Central Elgin. Built in 1930, the bridge is a double-span truss structure that will undergo key upgrades including structural replacements, concrete repairs, new deck drains, updated barriers, and approach guide rails.
The project is scheduled to begin in September and reach substantial completion by the end of November 2025. During construction, Sparta Line will be closed, with a signed detour in place via Quaker Road, John Wise Line, and Imperial Road. Project updates will be shared with local municipalities and posted on Municipal 511.
The recommended contract is valued at $315,900 (excluding HST) and includes a $75,000 contingency. With consulting and inspection costs included, the total project cost remains well within the approved capital budget.
Impact on Elgin County Taxpayers:
This work is fully funded within the existing capital budget and is expected to generate a surplus of approximately $80,000.
For the full Committee of the Whole Agenda, click here.