STRATEGIC PLAN REPORT CARD October 2016 to September 2017 RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE The Township will manage and upgrade the community s Infrastructure assets in an environmentally responsible way. 1.1.1 The Township will replace or reconstruct four bridges by 2019. The selection of bridges for replacement/reconstruction during this term will be based on the objectively-derived priorities in the Township s asset management plan. Bridges Completed to date o 8th Line bridge (21-P) crossing Carrol Creek reopened on December 16, 2015 Final cost- $ 647,369 o Heritage designated Irvine St Bowstring bridge (9-N) reopened in October 2016 Final cost- $ 613,123 Approved 2% Capital Levy provides funding for the following bridge replacement/rehabilitation prior to 2019. o 2017 bridge projects Bridge replacement of Sideroad 20 bridge (27-WG) over the Irvine Creek Approved project funding $2,304,416 Tender awarded to Sierra Bridge Inc. of Woodstock Project underway and to be completed by end of 2017 Culvert replacement of the Seventh Line Bridge (9-WG) Approved project funding $ 1,027,152 Tender awarded to MTM-2 Contracting Inc. of Milton Work underway and to be completed by November 24, 2017 Culvert replacement of the Fourth Line Bridge (10-P) Design & tender completed Staff reviewing funding options Tender closed over budget on hold to possibly re-tender in fall 2016 for 2017 construction pending funding availability o 2018 bridge projects Middlebrook Place boundary Road Culvert in partnership with Woolwich Township ($175,000) Structure 24-P Third Line bridge ($1,321,900) EA & pre-design work completed to tender by end of 2017 1
Victoria Street Pedestrian Bridge replacement o BTE Engineering awarded contract to design and prepare tender drawings o EA completed but was subject to a Part II order to the MOECC. The Township and County received approval to proceed from MOECC Aug 25 th, 2017 with some conditions to meet prior to construction o Currently working on design and tender and tender in late 2017 o Tentative Construction early 2018 St David St Bridge replacement o The Province announced on March 29 th that Centre Wellington has received Connecting Link Funding to pay for 90% of the estimated $2,531,000 construction. o The project will be constructed in 2018 and pre-design and approval work is underway including some utility relocation work this summer o Project to be tendered this fall o Work to begin January 2018 and be completed by October 2018. Third Line Culvert Structure 32-WG o Approved project funding $ 239,901 o Tender awarded to Reeves Construction Limited of Mount Forest o Work has begun and to be completed by October 15, 2017 1.2.1 Before the 2016 construction budget, the Township will identify at least one candidate bridge for replacement/reconstruction by means of alternative methods of design and/or procurement and/or alternative materials. In August 2015 Council received a report from the Managing Director of Infrastructure Services outlining alternate bridge design and tendering options to be explored through the EA process for each bridge 1.2.2 Through its annual construction budgets, the Township will undertake a steadily enhanced program of repaving roads throughout this term of Council. In 2015, $125,000 of pavement management projects were completed In 2016, $175,000 of pavement management projects were completed In 2017, $ 225,000 of pavement management projects are underway By 2019, this funding will increase to $300,000 annually 1.2.3 Through its annual construction budgets, the Township will do more to connect existing neighbourhoods for pedestrians and cyclists, by means of sidewalks, trails, cycling routes and/or parks. Improvements to Trestle Bridge trail from Bridge St to South River Road will occur this fall Staff applied to the County of Wellington for matching funding of $50,000 in 2017 and this has been approved 1.5 The Township will conduct a feasibility study in 2016 to examine the business case for meeting the emergency power need at the Sportsplex by means of an energy co-generation solution. In June 2017 Council approved a Power of Purchase Agreement with Centre Wellington Energy Innovations Inc. (CWEI) to design, implement, and manage a hybrid combined heat 2
and electrical generator and backup generators to provide green energy to the Sportsplex. The project will also include some electrical conservation measures to reduce overall electrical consumption. This will allow for the facility to fully operate as an emergency facility for the Township. The project is anticipated to be installed and operational by spring 2018. 1.6 Throughout the term, the Township will implement a Tree Management Program Staff presented to Council the Emerald Ash Borer program and have allocated funding in the capital budget to address the removal of affected ash trees and plant new trees throughout the community. In Spring 2017, an Urban Forestry Project Manager was hired on a 3-year contract who will; o Develop a draft Public Forest Policy which will go out for public engagement during the fall of 2017. The Policy will preserve and protect the Public Forest as a prominent feature of the municipality and expand it through a program of proactive planting o A Tree Maintenance Guide will be part of this work and will help educate the public, developers and private property owners on the benefits of a healthy Forest Canopy by developing standards and guidelines as supported by the International Society of Arboriculture. These standards will be included in the Development Standards manual for new developments. 1.7 Throughout the term, the Township will continue to Implement its Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan In 2015/16, the Township completed the conversion of streetlight to LED lights. This will provide an overall savings in operating costs, a reduction in kilowatt hours used by about 60%, and reduce our carbon footprint by 30-35 tonnes of CO2 per year. Ongoing facility repairs and maintenance continue throughout the township and in all cases newer more energy efficient equipment is being installed. New lighting upgrades at Sportsplex Pad B to reduce energy consumption Staff annually report to Province on our Energy Consumption Data 1.8 The Township will identify the best option for where to locate and how to upgrade its public works and parks operations facilities Staff has begun preliminary research and analysis on facility needs and possible sites. Work will continue on this project, however, given other priority projects this work will move forward slowly. Funding to begin the facility design is identified in the capital budget in 2020 with construction salted for 2021. 1.9 The Township will lobby the Ontario Government that commercial water-taking should not be permitted unless there is clear and publicly available scientific evidence that there will be no significant impact on the quality and quantity of our local water supply Mayor Kelly Linton, CAO Andy Goldie, Managing Director of Infrastructure Colin Baker and the Township s Hydrogeologist Ray Blackport, joined by MPP Ted Arnott on two occasion to meet with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Minister Glen Murray and 3
Ministry staff at Queens Park to discuss the Nestlé s water taking permit and acquisition of the Middlebrook Well property. The Township was seeking assurance for the long term protection of our water supply in regards to quality and quantity to meet our future growth requirements. The Township has provided comments on the Nestle well pumping permit through the EBR. The Township continues to work with the MOECC and GRCA in regards to long term water quality and quantity protection for our community. The MOEC has placed a moratorium on all new and existing water taking permits for water bottling companies taking from ground water until January 1, 2019. The GRCA, in partnership with the Township, are currently undertaking a Scoped Tier 3 Water Study will be completed in 2018. o A Community Liaison Committee has been initiated as part of this process. o The consultants are completing the first milestone of the project through the development of a Centre Wellington Scoped Tier 3 Water Budget Assessment Physical Characterization report. This report will be presented to the Community Liaison Committee and Council in September. o The study scope has been expanded and additional funding is being provided by the MOECC in 2017 and 2018 The MOECC has released new regulations and increased fees in regards to water taking permits for bottled water. The Township s Long Term Water Supply Master Plan will begin in the fall of 2017 and be completed by end of 2018. Information and data from the Scoped Tier 3 study will be used as part of this master plan. An RFP will be issued in September to begin this master plan. 1.10 Township staff will review new opportunities to promote and make municipal water more accessible at events and in public places New taps have been installed in the washrooms at Bissell Park in Fergus and at the new Elora Tourism Office designed to facilitate water bottle filling. Staff has also acquired portable hand washing facilities for special events that take place outdoors to promote better hygiene. A new portable water bottling filling cart (Water buggy) has been purchased by the Township in partnership with several local events groups. It has been rolled out at several events this summer and the program will be expanded in 2018 for other community events. 4
HEALTHY GROWTH The Township will plan now for its inevitable growth, so that we retain a vibrant and accessible community and our high quality of life in the future. 2.1 In 2016, the Township will complete a growth strategy for the development anticipated by the year 2041. A DRAFT Growth Management Strategy (GMS) Land Use Planning was presented to Council in late May 2017 by Stantec Consulting. The report is now out for review by the community and a public meeting will be held in conjunction with other master plan engagement meetings this fall for final public input. A final report will be presented to Council in the fall Development Standards Manual is currently being developed by staff based on input received during the GMS engagement process. The manual is tentatively scheduled for completion by the end of 2017. Staff is also undertaking a Development Priorities Plan which is intended to manage the rate and timing of development in the Township. 2.2 By 2018, the Township will have completed and adopted an update to its Official Plan, primarily in order to incorporate the 2041 growth projections and the recommended development sequence. This work will begin after the approval of the Growth Management Plan and other master plans. 2.3 The Township will undertake a Transportation Master Plan in order to anticipate transportation infrastructure needs until 2041. WSP has been selected to work with Township in developing the Transportation Master Plan with a public survey currently underway and further public engagement beginning this fall. The Master plan is schedule for completion in 2018. 2.4 In 2016, the Township will prepare a Fire Service Master Plan in order to anticipate fire service facility and equipment needs until 2041. Dillon Consulting presented a DRAFT Final Master Plan report to Council in June 2017 which is now out for public review and comment. A final master plan report will be presented to Council based on feedback received by Council and the public. 2.5 In 2017, the Township will identify and prioritize sports facilities which will be needed to accommodate a growing population until 2041, as well as update the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan accordingly. Monteith Planning has been hired to undertake the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan with public engagement beginning this fall. It is anticipated the master plan will be completed by early 2018. 5
2.6. Based on future growth-generated needs identified in the studies noted above, the Township will update its Development Charges Study and bylaw. Work has commenced with Triton Engineering and Watson & Associates on the background study for Development Charges. 2.7 In 2015, the Township will complete and adopt Urban Design Guidelines The Draft Urban Design Guidelines were completed in 2015 and are being used when reviewing CIP funding applications and site plan approvals. The draft guidelines will be included in the implementation of the Development Standards Manual. 6
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY The Township will help the business community to excel and expand, and to create jobs, so that Centre Wellington s economic vitality keeps pace with its population. 3.1 Beginning in 2016, a campaign will be launched to market the plentiful supply of property in Centre Wellington for new industrial and commercial businesses. Employment Lands - Based on an Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) recommendation, Council approved the hiring of Watson & Associates to prepare a Business Case Assessment which explores the potential return on investment (ROI) and net fiscal impact of developing one or more municipal fully-serviced industrial business parks in Centre Wellington. o A full inventory of existing lands has been completed along with servicing issues identified o Watson s has completed their preliminary finding and are currently developing their financial analysis for review by the EDTF o This Business Case Assessment will be used to identify future marketing strategies o Draft report will be presented to EDTF and Council this fall The Township has developed Live and Work Centre Wellington website to connect job and home seekers with opportunities in Centre Wellington. This County has now partnered with other Wellington County municipalities to launch a Live and Work Wellington to further market Wellington municipalities for economic opportunities. The EDTF has created a Properties Working Group to look at current barriers to remediation and redevelopment of high priority brownfield and underutilized properties and make recommendations to Council regarding these sites. o The group recently discussed vacancy tax rebate process with the Township s Supervisor of Accounting & taxation. o The Working Group is reviewing industrial and commercial properties for opportunities for redevelopment and additional infill possibilities. The Working Group has begun to make contact with some properties owners who might benefit from programs encouraging redevelopment that the Township has initiated. Township Economic Development staff and Tourism staff have also been working with the County of Wellington Economic Development Team on a new County Directional Tourism Signage Program for tourism based businesses. The signage will be available to the business at a cost to the business and will be placed on County Roads. A Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) Downtown and Retail project was undertaken in 2016/17 with the County of Wellington and all Wellington municipalities. Overall 139 businesses were visited and the County has recently released the report and action plan. Economic Development has created two Videos for Recruitment of Business. One is a video about Centre Wellington that will be showcased on BNN, the other showcasing our rich heritage and why you should bring your business to our area. 7
An Investment Profile is being revised with the new 2016 Census Data and Business Pattern Data that was recently purchased. 3.2 In 2015, the Economic Development Task Force will be requested to review the municipal fees and charges applicable to new industrial and commercial development and make recommendations to Council. Based on an EDTF recommendation, Council approved a 3 Year Jobs and Investment Incentive Program in June 2017 which provides a reduction in development fees for nonresidential development and making Centre Wellington more competitive. The program will encourage and incent developers and business owners to create more jobs and investment in the industrial sector, with the goal to reduce the impact on the residential community. o $150,000 of funding was approved for the program for 2017. The Community Improvement Plan continues to be an excellent incentive for local business owners to improve their business properties and buildings. Information on projects is included in the Annual Monitoring Report. In 2017 to date, the following businesses have participated in the grant and loan program: 123 Metcalfe St., Elora - $12,000 227 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus - $3,500 o Council approved a Tax incremental Equivalent Grant (TIEG) for the Pearle Hospitality North Side development. The County of Wellington has also approved a CIP TIEG specifically for the Pearle Development Properties. o Earlier this year the EDTF recommended to Council the addition of several priority sites making them eligible for Level 2 funding as follows; Eligible for Façade, Building and Property Improvement Level 2 only: 101 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus formerly known as the Rafferty Insurance Building Council approved this application on March 20, 2017 227 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus formerly known as the Fergus General Store 105 Queen St. former Fergus Marketplace Eligible for all Level 2 Financial Incentives: All Pearle Hospitality Lands North Side has an approved TIEG 380 St. Andrew St, W, Fergus formerly known as the Canadian Tire Store 675 St. David St. N underutilized property 950-960 St. David St. N underutilized property 725 St. Andrew St. N FreshCo plaza underutilized property 865 Gartshore St., Fergus former Wolverine Plant 328 Wellington Rd. 18, Former Gary Cooper property 115 St. George St. Fergus - Suncor property 390 St. David St. N, Fergus Suncor property 8
3.3 Over 2016 and 2017, the Economic Development Task Force will be requested to explore and recommend appropriate action in several areas: Programs for promoting entrepreneurship and for coaching and training new local entrepreneurs, including young entrepreneurs. o The Township has partnered with Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre to provide support for business start-ups in Centre Wellington. The program Business Advisor in Residence Program started in January and training programs began this summer for start-ups and small businesses. o The Township of Centre Wellington is the first municipality in the County of Wellington to launch the BizPaL online licensing portal. This provincially and federally supported resource provides our local start up and small business community with a comprehensive listing of all permits and licensing necessary to open a small business in Centre Wellington. It is accessed from www.centrewellington.ca The potential for an incubation centre and/or support services for new local microbusinesses. o The pilot project for business support services will help determine the need for an incubation or maker space in Centre Wellington Potential partnerships to incubate new agriculture-related business and promote more local agricultural research. o The EDTF has created an Agricultural Working Group to assess potential business opportunities and current barrier in the sector and recommend to Council opportunities for employment and investment, The Group recently met with Farm Link/Farm Start to develop a County of Wellington profile to link new farmers with experienced farmers with unused lands. Working Group will also be reviewing an Ontario Federation of Agriculture publication on how to support agricultural growth in municipalities for actions that we can take in Centre Wellington. o In the meantime EDO working with Community Services to increase use of our Township owned commercial kitchens for use to food product development production 3.4 In 2016, the Township will review the range of on-farm small business uses permitted in its zoning bylaw. This work will be undertaken in 2018 9
3.5 During the Term, the Township will work with Fergus/Elora Tourism to measure the results of tourism promotion activities, improve effectiveness, and increase community engagement in support of tourism Township has partnered with RTO4 and local tourism businesses to develop a local DestinanatioNext Strategy with 6 themes. Committees comprising of RTO4, township, and local tourism partners are currently working numerous actions plans to help move the strategy forward. Based on training provided by RTO4 and the Township provided earlier this year, many of the tourism businesses have worked together to look suites of services that can be bundled to increase tourism experiences. 10
PRIDE OF PLACE Acting responsibly, the Township will support community initiatives that foster pride in our community and enhance its amenities. 4.1 By 2016, the Township will develop a policy requiring community partnerships for all sports, parks, recreation, arts, culture, and heritage projects. The final Community Initiated Project Guideline was approved by Council on September 26, 2016. The guidelines are posted on Township website. 4.2 On the basis of this community project partnerships policy, during this term of Council, the Township will be particularly prepared to respond to: o proposals that enhance the natural environment and the appreciation of our natural environment by residents and visitors o proposals that enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety o discussions now taking place among Centre Wellington's community cultural organizations toward a potential cooperative cultural resource centre o programs which support local entrepreneurship With the recent approval of the Community Initiated Project Guidelines staff will begin to undertake this work. 4.3 On the basis of this community projects partnerships policy, the Township will actively meet with youth groups and relevant community organizations to explore their priorities and initiatives for Centre Wellington's youth With the recent approval of the Community Initiated Project Guidelines staff will begin to undertake this work. 4.4 On the basis of this community projects partnerships policy, the Heritage Committee will be asked to identify and prioritize potential heritage conservation projects for the remainder of the term and beyond Heritage Centre Wellington is currently working on the following initiatives: o The Municipal Register of Heritage Properties has been expanded for urban properties and approved by Council. The committee will undertaking a review of rural properties next. o Council approved the designation of the Belwood School House (24 North Broadway Street) and Township-owned Craighead (495 Union Street West) o Developed a Heritage Brochure with key information and will be developing fact sheets to provide detailed explanations of key heritage concepts that may impact property owners. 11
o o The Heritage Committee has spent many hours reviewing reports and documentation for the Pearle Hospitality Development over the past 18 months. Heritage Centre Wellington hosted a Vintage Home Symposium on Wednesday, September 28 th, 2016. The presentation given by Dr. Christopher Cooper, a world renowned expert in heritage conservation and editor of Vintage Home Charm Magazine (formerly Edifice Old Home Magazine). The event provided owners of heritage properties information to aid in the understanding and maintenance of their buildings. All owners of designated and listed properties on the Township s Municipal Heritage Register received an invitation. 4.5 In 2015, the Township will revise its community loans policy, asking applicants, to present a business case and evidence of having explored other possible lending sources before having approached the Township The Interest Free Loan Policy was updated and approved by Council in November of 2015 to stipulate organizations shall provide a business case for the project and evidence of having sought other funding sources, before seeking Township support. 12
GOOD GOVERNMENT As a government, the Township will make well-informed decisions, operate efficiently, get results, communicate openly, and engage the public in all important decisions. 5.1 The Township will prepare a plan for open and frequent communication with the public, and will initiate and sustain throughout the term a high level of service in communicating with the public Committee of the Whole and Council meetings are now live streamed over the internet and recorded for Cogeco. A new Communications page has been added to the website. This informs the public of the numerous ways they can communicate with Township staff. Whether it is through social media, email, e-newsletters, town halls or our website, there are many ways to reach staff. During the term of this Council, 10 Town Halls have been held and two more will occur this fall E-newsletters outlining the Township s various events, activities and businesses are now released on a regular basis Infrastructure, Parks & Recreation, Tourism, Fergus Grand Theatre, and Corporate. The Township is now on social media. Facebook and Twitter are tools for fast, two way communication about programs, services and news affecting our community. As of March, our accounts have: o 1,322 followers on Twitter o 2,132 followers on Facebook Communication Coordinator has been implementing a ConnectCW website whereby residents will be able to review key project reports, ask questions, and provide feedback on major planning projects. Launched in June 2017 staff will be using this new tool to assist in seeking out public engagement on various projects like the Transportation Master Plan., Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan, Long Term water Study, Urban Forestry Plan, and Fire Master Plan. 5.2 The Township will prepare guidelines for engaging citizens in Township government A social media policy has been created and approved by Council. 5.3 In 2016, the Township will explore and develop methods to engage citizens further in budget, spending, and program decisions In Winter of 2015 a community survey was completed as part of the Priorities and Initiatives 2015-2018 process. 13
In 2015 and 2016, Council and staff hosted a town Hall in November of each year to seek input from property owners regarding the annual operating budgets. In 2016, staff implemented Citizen Budget an online interactive budget survey for the 2017 budget process. ConnectCW will be used to seek further engagement regarding the 2018 budget. 5.4 By 2016, Council will adopt a Council Code of Conduct The Province has implemented Bill 168 which now requires municipalities to retain an Integrity Commissioner and adopt a Code of Conduct, as well as other new regulations. The Township is hoping to partner with the County of Wellington & area municipalities to secure a shared Integrity Commissioner. Funding for the Integrity Commissioner was approved in the 2017 operating budget. A draft Code of Conduct was presented to Council in June 2017 for review and feedback. Based on feedback received from Council, staff will make revisions to the Draft and present to Council a final Code of Conduct. 5.5 By 2017, the Township will adopt a Policy on the use and support of volunteers in municipal activities Human Resources and Community Services have initiated this process. The Township is currently working with the Guelph-Wellington Volunteer Association to help develop corporate policies and guidelines. Work to continue through 2017 and will be presented to Council in late 2017. 5.6 In 2015, the Township will review and clarify the Township's role in termite control Council approved a Revised Termite Control by-law and processes on February 16 th, 2016. The Township will no longer be conducting inspections on properties moving forward. A new education brochure has been prepared and is available on our website and has been distributed to residents with their hydro bills. 5.7 The Township will review and clarify its intended role in the enforcement of Township bylaws Staff is currently reviewing various bylaws which require re-writing, researching bylaw services at other municipalities including expenditures/revenues, staffing levels, and enforcement practises, in order to present Council with options to provide Municipal By-law Enforcement services in 2018. Staff is working toward a report for Council in September 2017 14
5.8 In 2015 and 2016, the Township will review the internal processes it uses, and the fees it charges, to process development applications Staff, Bill Winegard Consulting, and McCauley Nichols Associates have completed a review of the site plan review process for commercial and industrial development. This review includes looking at streamlining the processes as well as a review of fees. Working closely with the EDTF and through Interviews with developers and staff has been completed and preliminary recommendations are currently being reviewed by staff. A report was presented to Council in August 5.9 The Township will continue to invite staff members to identify potential improvements to the Township's processes, procedures and services, and will clarify the channels for staff to do so A review of the Environmental Service organization structure and operations processes began November 2015. The majority of the recommendations are now in place including new staff roles and responsibilities and defined processes. Legislative Services has rolled out Icompass software for the management of Council and Committee agendas and minutes. This new system is a more effective and efficient for report writing, approvals and agenda preparation. In addition, the new process has eliminated the need for paper reports and agendas thereby reducing paper and copying costs as well as saving the environment through less paper. Parks & Recreation has completed an upgrade to their program registration and facility booking software. The new ActiveNet software is more user friendly for customers and helps streamline internal financial reporting. Customers are still able to continue to register for programs online. All departments will be involved in the implementation of the CityView software system beginning this fall. The new software will help to reduce customer call volume, shorten issuance times, increase citizen self-service, increase inspector productivity, and reduce paper and manual processes. Over the past few months, staff and Council have participated in discussions regarding the budget process and several recommendations approved by Council will be implemented in the 2018 budget process. The Site Plan Process has been reviewed by Bill Winegard and Maureen McCauley and staff and a number of recommendations were presented to Council at the August 28 th, 2017 Council meeting. Staff has already begun implementing a number of the recommendations and will initiate other recommendations based on budget approvals. 15
5.10 Over the course of the term, the Township will engage Wellington County and its other constituent municipalities in a review of County and Township responsibilities and associated funding requirements The Mayor continues to move these discussions forward at the County through their budget process and regular committee meetings. Through the Citizen Budget interactive survey residents will have a better understanding of where their Township taxes are spent on the key services we provide annually. It will also communicate the amount of tax dollars going to the County of Wellington and the Province for education. 5.11 With its 2016 budget, the Township will approve a rolling 3-year capital budget forecast; with its 2017 budget, the Township will also approve a 3-year rolling operating budget forecast The 2016 budget process approved a three year capital budget. Staff is beginning preparations to present a 3 year operating budget for 2017. Due to the workload and staffing levels, staff will not be able to implement a 3 year operating budget until the next term of Council. 5.12 In 2015, the Township will adopt a policy dealing with its financial reserves. Council approved a revised Reserves Policy as part of the 2016 Budget. 5.13 Throughout the term, the Township will monitor and report annually to the public on its progress on the initiatives put forward in this 2015-2018 Council Initiatives plan This Report Card is our 4th regular report on the priority plan to Council and the Community. 16