From the Council Chambers – October 14, 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.
Elgin Ontario Health Team Presents Vision for Neighbourhood Health Home Model
Council received a presentation from Deanna Huggett, Executive Director of the Elgin Ontario Health Team (OHT), outlining the development of a new Elgin Neighbourhood Health Home model.
The proposed model aims to ensure every resident has access to team-based primary care close to home by establishing a coordinated network of hub, spoke, and satellite sites, supported by mobile outreach and virtual care. The model would include a centralized waitlist, navigation support, and coordinated after-hours services.
With approximately 9,000 residents currently without a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and 20,000 attached to providers outside of Elgin, the Elgin OHT’s goal aligns with Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan to connect all Ontarians to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team by 2029.
Huggett emphasized that a stronger, more connected health system contributes to a healthier workforce, stronger local economy, and more vibrant communities across Elgin County.
Central Elgin Presents Vision for Redevelopment of Former Hospital Lands
Council heard a presentation from Carey Herd, Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Central Elgin, and Mary Lou Tanner, Senior Partner with NPG Planning Solutions, outlining policy directions for the redevelopment of the former St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Lands along Sunset Drive.
The vision for the property is to transform the area into a complete, connected neighbourhood that offers a mix of housing, employment, recreation, and community uses. The draft Land Use Plan proposes a blend of low, medium, and high-density residential development, a walkable downtown main street with mixed commercial and residential uses, and a Sunset Institutional Corridor to accommodate new healthcare and long-term care facilities.
The plan also emphasizes protecting natural and cultural heritage features, ensuring parks and green spaces within a 15-minute walk of all homes, and creating strong connections between neighbourhoods, schools, and trails.
Next steps include finalizing the Land Use Plan and Policy Directions by December 2025, followed by an Official Plan Amendment process scheduled for early 2026.
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 October 28th Council Meeting:
Elgin Advances Work on Long-Term Asset Management Plan
The Committee received a report from the Director of Engineering Services outlining the next phase of the County’s Asset Management Plan (AMP), focused on establishing Levels of Service for major infrastructure assets.
Developed in partnership with Aspire Consulting, this phase combines the County’s 2022 and 2024 AMPs into a single, comprehensive plan. The framework sets measurable performance targets for roads, bridges, stormwater, fleet, facilities, information technology, and long-term care equipment—assets collectively valued at approximately $1.5 billion. These targets will help guide future maintenance and capital investments to ensure infrastructure continues to perform reliably and meet community expectations.
Impact on the Taxpayer:
By defining clear service levels and aligning them with long-term financial planning, the County can manage infrastructure costs more effectively, reduce risk, and maintain essential services in a fiscally responsible manner.
Committee Supports Emergency Evacuation Partnership with King’s Academy
The Committee received a report from the Manager of Emergency Management recommending that the County of Elgin’s Administration Building be designated as an Emergency Evacuation Site for King’s Academy, a private school located at 410 Sunset Avenue in St. Thomas.
In the event of an emergency such as a fire or bomb threat, the Administration Building would provide a safe temporary shelter for the school’s 84 students and 25 staff until parents arrive for pickup. King’s Academy staff would oversee all evacuation and reunification procedures, while the County’s role would be to provide the location and basic support.
A Letter of Understanding outlining the responsibilities of both parties will be developed to formalize the arrangement.
Impact on the Taxpayer:
There are no costs associated with this partnership. Supporting King’s Academy’s emergency preparedness efforts strengthens community safety and aligns with the County’s commitment to collaboration and public well-being.
Contract Awarded for Registered Dietitian Services at Elgin County Homes
The Committee received a report from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services and the Manager of Procurement and Risk recommending the award of a new contract for Registered Dietitian Services at Elgin County’s three long-term care homes.
Following a competitive Request for Proposal process, Urbshott Faulds Dietetics Professional Corporation was selected as the highest-scoring qualified proponent. The firm will oversee nutrition and hydration programs for residents as required under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and related provincial regulations.
The contract will run for three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years subject to satisfactory performance. The estimated total cost over the initial term is $297,343, funded through the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Program and Support Services envelope.
Impact on the Taxpayer:
There is no direct financial impact to the taxpayer, as the service is fully funded by the province. This contract ensures continued delivery of high-quality, resident-centred nutrition services across all County Homes.
For the full Committee of the Whole Agenda, click here.