Councillor Update - April 19, 2025
- cathyaylard
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Hello,
Happy Spring and Happy Easter to those who observe.
The next few weeks are busy with a full Council agenda, many community events, including the Erin Home and Garden Show, and the federal election.
Is it possible to feel a sense of accomplishment and frustration at the same time?
That’s exactly how I’m feeling as we prepare to introduce our new Strategic Plan at the next Council Meeting.
We’re 29 months into our 48-month term. While many municipalities are now sharing their Mid-term Progress Reports, we’re just launching our Strategic Plan. It’s been a long and winding road to get here, and I’ll admit, patience has never been my strongest virtue.
That said, I’m proud of the work that’s gone into this plan. It’s the result of countless conversations, consultations, and reflections about what kind of future we want to build for our Town.
Now that it’s finally here, I hope you’ll take a moment to review it and let me know what you think.
Did you participate in the survey on the Erin Engaged platform?
Does it reflect your hopes and vision for Erin’s future?
I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email or pick up the phone.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Upcoming Council Meeting - April 24
Agenda includes:
Parks, Recreation & Trails Advisory Committee Presentation
Appointment of Alternate Municipal Law Enforcement Officers
Communications Update
Town of Erin Corporate Strategic Plan – 2025 and Beyond
Economic Development Strategic Plan
Year-End Fire & Emergency Services Report
Recommendation Report, Part Lot Control Application, Erin Glen Phase 2
Acquisition of Robotic Line Painting Device for Parks
Award of RFT 2025-01W – E9 Well House
My favorite event of the year! The Town hosted the Shamrock Awards on April 16. It was an inspiring evening and I am honoured to have been a part of it.
Congratulations to the winners!
• Citizen of the Year: Mary Cunningham
• Community Volunteer Award: Goody Leblanc
• Community Volunteer Award: Carole Dollmaier
• Community Volunteer Award: Shirley Edgerton
• Environment Award: David Alexander
• Business of the Year: Erin Outlaws Hockey Club
• Arts and Culture Award: Erin Arts Foundation and Century Church Theatre
• Sports Achievement Award: Hillsburgh, Erin and District Soccer Girls U15 Team
• Contribution to Canadian Industry Award: Kennedy's Flags
Thomasville Homes (Hillsburgh Trails) - Public Meeting - April 10
Thank you to all the residents who took the time to attend and share their perspectives. Your passionate and thoughtful contributions added real value to the conversation. I agree - we can do better.
I remain committed to advocating for decisions that respect our Community and Architectural Design Guidelines. These guidelines state:
"The Town of Erin aspires to be a healthy and sustainable community while maintaining the look, feel and charm of a ‘small-town’ that is connected to its natural and built heritage. It will grow and prosper within this context and ensure that new development contributes to and enhances the character of its historic downtown neighbourhoods."
The guiding principles are:
Incorporate and integrate the surrounding natural heritage
Enhance the character and attributes of the community
Support active transportation and community connectivity
Encourage quality built form
Create pedestrian friendly urban spaces and streets
Integrate sustainability into the design of building, open space and infrastructure
Survey
Help shape the future look and feel of Downtown Erin and Hillsburgh. This short survey is your chance to share feedback on streetscape furnishings. Your input will guide the final design and create more welcoming public spaces. The survey will close on April 24.
An in-person public engagement session will take place on:
Wednesday, April 23
5:00 to 6:30 pm
Centre 2000, Shamrock Room
Survey
Be part of shaping the future of Parks, Recreation and Culture in Erin.
Take the survey here. Survey closes May 18.
Contest
Imagine Your Dream Community Centre
Hey Erin families! We want to hear from the creative minds of kids under 12.
Draw your dream community centre - whether it’s a pool, skating rink, indoor playground, or something totally new! Submit your masterpiece for a chance to WIN a FREE one-year public skating pass!
How to Enter:
Create your drawing. Fill in your name, age & contact info
Submit it to recreation@erin.ca or drop off at Centre 2000 by May 16th.
Colouring pages are available in person at Town Hall and Centre 2000 and online right here.
Let’s build the future of recreation in Erin - one drawing at a time!
Children & Youth Programs
Workshop - Managing Big Feelings
Join Calm Quest Kids for a workshop designed to help youth handle difficult emotions.
April 28
More Yoga
Another session of yoga has been added
4 classes - May 14 - June 4
So many great events coming up!
Please do not repost my content on social media.
The content I share on this website may contain perspectives that do not necessarily reflect the views of Council as a whole.
Please reach out if you need further information. I can be reached at cathy.aylard@erin.ca or 519-278-6514.
Cathy
