Councillor Update - August 6, 2025
- cathyaylard
- Aug 6
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 7

Hello,
Since we do not have a Council meeting this month, I’m taking advantage of this brief pause in the schedule to reflect on what has happened in the first half of the year. I am taking this opportunity to step back and assess how our actions are aligning with our Strategic Plan, which are the priorities we’ve set as a Council.
Our Strategic Plan isn’t just a document; it’s our roadmap. It guides decisions, sets clear objectives, and helps us measure progress. Here is a look at what’s been accomplished under each of our strategic pillars.
There is still time to participate in the Budget survey, which closes on August 30. The survey provides the cost per household for some of the services, and I have included them in this review.
NOTE: This is not an official Council record. It’s my own summary and interpretation. This is part of my ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping residents informed on the work being done to move our community forward.



Goal: Build and sustain robust infrastructure through strategic development, modernization, and financial planning.
1.1 Wastewater and Water Infrastructure Plan
Wastewater
WWT Plant - 91% complete, 91% budget spent - completion date tba
Elora Cataract Trail - contract awarded for the construction of wastewater and watermains along the trail - June 26
Connection of existing properties - contract awarded for the Engineering Design Services for the wastewater infrastructure for existing properties in Erin Village - July 24
Water
Water Rate Study & Financial Plan - base charges and volume rates - sent back to staff for more information - July 24
Water Infrastructure Upgrade Summary - May 22
New water supply well for the community of Erin - Well E9 - April 24
Well drilling and testing to establish future water supply sources - Feb 13
Identify level of service and cost of maintaining - completed June 26
360+ km of roads, 48 bridges and culverts ($629 per household in 2025)
10 parks, 4 ball diamonds, 7 soccer pitches, 2 arenas, 3 community centres, community trails, 9 cemeteries
1750 m of water mains & service lines
1 wastewater system - under construction
23 buildings - 1 admin, 2 fire, 6 parks and recreation, 4 roads, 10 water
25 land improvements - 3 admin, 22 parks & rec
58 vehicles
machinery - admin, fire, parks and rec, roads, streetlights, water
1.3 Fire Master Plan (fire & emergency - $169 per household in 2025)
Fire Chief - appointed Chief Ted Michael - June 30
Fire Station 50 - Hillsburgh - 2nd floor renovations
1.4 Transportation Master Plan
Open House - Feb 26
1.5 Budget and 10-year Forecast
Budget 2026 - guidelines approved and survey now on Erin Engaged - June 12
Budget 2025 - implementing the 2025 budget - 2.4% tax levy - $17M operating budget and $11M capital budget from taxes, development charges, reserves and grants
Q1 Financial Report - June 12

Goal - Champion a prosperous environment through impactful sustainability and an unwavering commitment to natural preservation.
2.1 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Tree Protection & Preservation - Motion - Councillor Ryan - July 24
Bill 17 & Green Development Standards - Motion - Councillor Ryan - July 24
Opposition to Bill 5 - Motion - Councillor Ryan - July 24
Environmental Sustainability Task Force - Motion - Councillor Aylard - May 8

Goal - Cultivate a thriving, inclusive community with dynamic events, improved accessibility, and top-tier amenities.
3.1 Recreation Master Plan and Recreation Programming ($246 per household in 2025)
Centre 2000 improvements - fibre internet, electrical work to connect the emergency generator, and new theatre seating now tendered
Event Partnerships - Canada Day/Summerfest and Family Day in partnership with the Rotary Club
Jason Falk, Operations Supervisor, Facilities & Parks - new hire - Feb 7
ErinEngaged survey - Thompson Park (Erin Glen) and future planning
New programming - spring ice schedule, yoga classes & other fitness classes, children & youth programs, new summer camp programs, health workshops
New equipment - robotic line painting device - $45,000 - April 24
Fees and Charges By-law - amendment as a result of community input - Feb 13
3.2 Cultural and Heritage Plan
Heritage Designations in progress
Community Grants - awarded $27,500 to 19 applicants - March 13
3.4 Community Safety Plan
Crossing Guards - ongoing recruitment for full complement of Crossing Guards
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers (By-law Officers)- appointed 2 alternates for backup as required - April 24 (By-law -$41 per household in 2025)

Goal - Be a leader in rural municipal excellence through innovative and effective governance.
4.1 Customer Service Framework
I-cloud permitting - used since 2022 for building permits is now accepting planning applications - Feb 11
Animal Control Provider - appointed Omega Canine Control - May 12
Donation Policy - May 8
Marriage License - partnered with ServiceOntario to offer a more convenient process through an online portal.
4.3 Technology Roadmap
Information Technology Systems - extensive and ongoing improvements to ensure safe and efficient record management
4.4 Communication Plan
Community engagement - digital - 3 projects launched on Erin Engaged
Community engagement events - Shamrocks Awards, Touch-a-Truck, Youth Mayor for a Day, Home and Garden Show
Marketing - Discover Erin Magazine - Spring/Summer issue released - June 19
4.5 Official Plan - the policy document that guides land use and development within our municipality over the long term. (Planning & Development $86 per household in 2025 & Building Services - $198 per household in 2025)
County of Wellington - Official Plan Review - rural residential growth analysis - April 10
5383 Trafalgar, Erin - Upper Credit Humane Society Lease to May 2028
Public Meetings - Zoning By-law Amendments
5483 Trafalgar Road - to permit the use and operation of the existing rehabilitation centre - a staff report will be presented to Council for consideration at a later date - May 22
4910 Tenth Line, Erin - to permit a new primary single detached dwelling while maintaining the existing dwelling as an additional residential dwelling unit - a staff report will be presented to Council for consideration at a later date - May 8
Thomasfield Homes, Hillsburgh (Hillsburgh Trails) - a staff report will be presented to Council for consideration at a later date - April 10
Developments
Mattamy & Coscorp (Everwood website), 8th line Erin - Conditions for Draft Approval - referred back to staff for more information on June 12 and approved on July 24
Mattamy & Coscorp & Empire - Site Alteration Permit - May 8
Hillsburgh Heights - draft plan approval - May 8
Blackthorn - Zoning By-law Amendment - Feb 13
Motions
Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Control Applications - now must include a Property Information Report to help assess the proposed changes and ensure they align with local planning regulations and policies. - Mayor Dehn - June 26
By-law to regulate Short Term Rentals - staff directed to prepare this by-law - Mayor Dehn - June 26

Goal: Stimulate robust economic development and investment opportunities. ($73 per household in 2025)
Economic Development Plan - April 24
5.3 Business Retention & Expansion
Community Improvement Plan Grants (CIP) - 2 grants awarded
Business Retention & Expansion Studies - interviews with business owners to identify challenges and opportunities
Educational Workshops in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce
Visitor Engagement Study in partnership with Central County Tourism - in progress
Promotional videos - a new series of videos released following the successful 2024 series
Advertising opportunities in the In the Hills magazine
Advertising opportunities in the Discover Erin Magazine
5.4 Vibrant Community
Downtown Beautification - benches, flower planters and baskets in both villages

Next Council meeting is on September 11.
Note
Please do not share my content on social media or copy this content. This approach allows me to continue to offer more in-depth, focused content to my subscribers.
The content I share on this website may contain perspectives that do not necessarily reflect the view 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