From the Council Chambers – August 12, 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.
Age Friendly Committee Voices Support for Transportation Master Plan
Council received a presentation from Wendy MacMillan and Meagan Lichti of the Elgin-St. Thomas Age Friendly Committee, who spoke in support of developing a County Transportation Master Plan. They highlighted the growing senior population in the region — with Central Elgin seeing a 28% increase between 2016 and 2021 — and the critical link between transportation, physical and mental health, and reducing social isolation. They noted that social isolation can increase the risk of early death by up to 50%, with impacts comparable to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
The delegation outlined transportation goals such as improving public transit availability, enhancing accessibility, developing ride-share arrangements, advocating for active transportation, and increasing awareness of available options. They also emphasized creative solutions for rural communities and expressed the committee’s willingness to collaborate with the County to ensure seniors’ needs are included in future planning.
Summary of Reports on Proposed Aylmer Library Relocation
Council received a summary of reports and resolutions regarding the potential relocation of the Aylmer branch of the Elgin County Library to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC). First raised by the EECC Board of Management in November 2024 as a potential opportunity for revenue generation and improved access to County services, the matter has since seen Council endorse the relocation in principle, authorize a community consultation process, and establish minimum space requirements of 10,000 square feet plus considerations such as parking.
Public consultation included an open house, online engagement, and surveys. Around the same time, Aylmer Town Council submitted a Letter of Intent proposing an 8,000 square foot expansion at the Old Town Hall site. Council requested more details on the designated space and proposed construction timelines before this option could be considered under the County’s Library Branch Construction Policy.
Council is now seeking confirmation from the EECC Board of Management on its ability to meet the County’s space needs by January 1, 2028. If such a commitment is received, further discussions will take place on topics such as capital renovations and a leasing agreement.
Council Approves Agreement for Terrace Lodge Pool Programs
Council authorized staff to sign a one-year agreement with YWCA St. Thomas–Elgin for the continued use of the Terrace Lodge pool from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. The pool, which reopened in August 2024 following renovations and the addition of change rooms, is used for community swimming programs and aquatic therapy through the Life After Stroke Adult Day Program.
The new agreement includes a modest 2% increase in pool rental fees, provisions for after-hours staffing costs of up to $500 in the event of pool fouling, and annual “Swim to Survive” standard observations for designated County staff at no cost.
Affordable community access to the pool supports health, wellness, drowning prevention, and water safety for residents. By partnering with the YWCA, the County continues to ensure that this unique facility remains a valued resource for people of all ages and abilities.
Q2 Report Highlights Budget Forecast and Staffing Trends
Council received the 2025 Q2 Quarterly Report, which provided an update on the County’s budget performance, financial forecast, and workforce metrics as of June 30, 2025. This was the first full quarter using the County’s new budgeting software, which streamlines financial tracking, improves forecasting, and gives managers direct access to up-to-date budget information. The system is expected to further improve efficiency and reporting as it’s used through an entire budget cycle.
The financial forecast shows that most capital funds are expected to be used or carried forward, with a projected $1.8 million surplus to be directed to the Capital Reserve. On the workforce side, the County’s total headcount sits at 536, with 34 positions currently open. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with a new Talent Acquisition Partner hired to help reduce the average 55-day time-to-fill for vacancies. The report also highlighted efforts to address staff turnover, particularly in long-term care homes, along with a focus on mental health supports and process improvements for managing grievances and workplace safety incidents.
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 September 9th Council Meeting:
Recommendation to Award Group Benefits Consulting Contract
The Committee of the Whole reviewed a staff recommendation to award the contract for Group Benefits Consulting services to People Corporation for a five-year term at $70,000 annually, with the option to extend for up to five additional one-year terms. The consulting services will be provided to the County and seven local municipal partners, offering expertise in benefits design, implementation, management, and administration.
The recommendation follows a competitive Request for Proposal process that evaluated proponents on experience, methodology, and overall quality before reviewing pricing. People Corporation’s submission received the highest overall score and was deemed the best complete proposal. If approved by Council, the transition to the new consultant will be coordinated with each participating municipality and the benefits provider to ensure a smooth changeover.
Impact on the Elgin County Taxpayer:
The cost of the consulting services is built into existing benefits plan premiums, which are funded through departmental budgets. No additional financial impact is anticipated from awarding this contract.
Committee Reviews Planning Department Update and Staffing Needs
The Committee of the Whole received an update on the County’s Planning and Development Department, which has been operating for just over a year and now provides land use planning services to two local municipal partners — the Township of Southwold and the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich — on a by-the-hour basis. The report highlighted increased development application volumes, ongoing policy planning work, and the cost savings of using County staff versus external consultants.
To maintain service levels and complete significant policy projects requested by the two municipalities, staff recommended using the approved 2025 budget to hire a Senior Policy Planner. This role would provide dedicated capacity for policy planning at both the County and local levels, reduce reliance on consultants, and ensure consistent policy development.
Impact on the Elgin County Taxpayer:
The estimated cost for the Senior Policy Planner position is $113,036 annually (including benefits), which has already been included in the approved 2025 budget. By completing work in-house rather than contracting it out, the County expects to save approximately $50,000 to $70,000 in consulting costs.
Draft Transportation Master Plan Outlines 35 Initiatives
The Committee of the Whole reviewed the draft recommendations for Elgin County’s first-ever Transportation Master Plan (TMP), outlining 35 initiatives across 12 focus areas. These range from road capacity improvements and updated road classifications to expanding cycling networks, enhancing pedestrian crossings, supporting heavy truck and agricultural traffic, and exploring passenger transit options. The recommendations were shaped through technical studies, coordination with neighbouring municipalities, and feedback from more than 1,000 participants during two phases of public engagement.
Some recommendations formalize existing practices, while others position the County for future large-scale investments. Highlights include widening key corridors, implementing a County Cycling Master Plan, developing a carpool lot strategy, and improving road safety through collision data analysis.
Impact on the Elgin County Taxpayer:
Financial impacts will vary. Some actions have no direct cost, while others, such as major road expansions, will require significant investment. Near-term capital projects will be considered in the 10-year capital plan, and larger initiatives like potential County transit will require further Council direction before funding is committed.
Live Fire Training Structure Contract Recommended for Fire School
The Committee reviewed a staff recommendation to award the contract for the design, supply, installation, and training for a Class A Live Fire Training Structure and Class B Exterior Live Fire Training System to Drager Canada Ltd. The Class A structure will allow firefighters to practice fire attack and suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, rapid intervention, and incident command in realistic conditions, while the Class B system will provide propane-fuelled burn scenarios with interchangeable training props.
The equipment will enhance the Elgin-Middlesex Regional Fire School’s capacity to deliver specialized training for petroleum emergencies and other high-risk situations, supporting firefighter safety and regional emergency preparedness.
Impact on the Elgin County Taxpayer:
The project is fully funded through a $908,000 provincial Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Grant, with $865,000 allocated specifically for the training systems. The total projected cost is $859,250, resulting in a forecasted budget surplus of $5,750 to be applied to other eligible grant activities.
For the full Committee of the Whole Agenda, click here.