Councillor Update - December 6, 2025
- cathyaylard
- Dec 6, 2025
- 6 min read
Happy Holidays!
As we approach our final Council meeting of the year, this will be my last Councillor Round-Up for 2025, so it's a long one!
It’s rewarding to close out the year by sharing more of the progress we’ve made toward the commitments in our Strategic Plan. This progress is made possible because Staff and Council are working together with a shared focus. Progress does not come without challenges, and we have had our fair share. I will keep pointing to our Strategic Plan, so you know these actions and investments are not random.
It has been a pleasure to connect with you on this platform. Thank you for your support and feedback. Wishing you all a joyous Holiday Season.
Food Bank
This holiday season, let’s come together to share some cheer and support neighbours in need. If you’re able to donate to our local Food Bank, I invite you to pick up this complimentary postcard map designed as a memento of our "Home Sweet Home." It is my small way of saying thank you for your generosity. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up for one another.
Drop off your food donation at:
East Wellington Community Services
45 Main Street, Erin
519-833-9696
Hours:
Monday to Thursday - 9 to 4
Friday - 9 to 12:30
Most needed items right now: kid's snacks, flour, oil, kraft dinner, peanut butter
Thursday, Dec 11, 2025
Agenda includes:
Final Draft 2026 Budget and 2027 to 2029 Forecasts - see details below
Transportation Master Plan - see details below
Draft 2024 Financial Statements
Proposed Amendment to Heritage Designation By-Law - 92 Trafalgar Road
As always, you can attend in person, watch the livestream or view the recording at your convenience. The next Council meeting is January 22, 2026.
Strategic Priority 1 - Infrastructure and Finance
Objective 1.5 - Budget & 10-year forecast
Action:
The first draft of the budget proposed a 2.5% tax increase.
At Council's request, we participated in a further Education and Training session on December 1, 2025. https://pub-erin.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=18150
At the conclusion, the following motion was put forward by Councillor Brennan and it was carried.
"Council directs staff to reduce the Capital and Operating levels by $211,110; And that staff be directed to explore opportunities to restore the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to a more comfortable level than zero."
Staff went back at it. The Final Draft 2026 Budget calculates a 3.8% tax rate increase or $124.20 tax increase for a home assessed at $1,000,000. Note that this remains a draft budget and will be discussed at the December 11 Council meeting. This revised draft is being shared with you at the same time I am receiving it. I am committed to working toward a final budget that keeps the tax increase manageable, reduces our reliance on reserves, and ensures we have the resources to invest in projects that support our town’s long-term future. While I don’t respond to social media comments, I’m always happy to hear from you by email or phone. And now, back to scrubbing the numbers once again!
Strategic Priority 1 - Infrastructure & Finance
Objective 1.4 - Transportation Master Plan
Action 1.4.1 - Develop a Transportation Master Plan, including a detailed traffic plan and active transportation plan to address future growth.
This is a huge milestone in planning for our Town's future.
In 2023, I advocated for the study to be included in the 2024 budget.
In 2024, I put forward a motion to fast-track the study.
I am proud to say that as 2025 winds up, the study is completed.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the study on Erin Engaged, attended the 2 public open houses, or contacted Council or staff directly.
Please take the time to read the study and continue to stay engaged with this process.
This is just the start!
Here is a little background taken from a Wellington Advertiser article on March 28, 2024.
Council here wants to see a green light for a transportation master plan sooner than later, considering the ongoing development in the municipality.
“It [has] become clear that we’re behind with our planning; it’s imperative that we get a move on this,” councillor Cathy Aylard said at a March 14, 2024 meeting.
Council has approved $100,000 in the 2024 budget for a consolidated traffic study, but conversations between Aylard and the town’s recently-hired CAO Rob Adams became the impetus for something more involved. (Note: $100,000 = $3.14 per household based on a $600K property value)
“I wasn’t really after a consolidated traffic study, but a more robust plan, which would be referred to as a transportation master plan,” Aylard told the Advertiser.
Consolidating individual traffic studies will still be a part of the “much more robust” plan, which will examine the community as a whole and all the ways of getting around in it, she said.
“I think it’s really the foundation for a really safe, livable community, so the sooner we get going on it the better because we are looking at additional development plans,” said Aylard.
If a plan is realized, it would be the town’s first – and not a moment too soon for councillors.
Indeed, it’s the overall effect development is sure to have on the town that prompted Aylard to call for action.
New development applications were coming in stating there would be no effect on traffic, she said, but studies were limited in scope without considering all development in town.
“I’m very concerned about it,” Aylard said.
Strategic Priority 4 - Good Governance and Organizational Management
Objective 4.5 - Official Plan
A town's official plan is a long-term blueprint that guides land use and future growth by setting policies on where residential, commercial, and industrial areas will be located, what services like roads and sewers will be needed, and how the community will develop over time. This document ensures coordinated growth, helps set the framework for zoning bylaws, and is used by municipal officials to make all planning and development decisions.
Action:
Zoning By-law Review
Public Open House - Dec 10 - presentation starts at 6:45
What is a Zoning By-law?
A Zoning By-law is a legal document prepared in accordance with the requirements under of the Planning Act. It implements the Town's Official Plan policies by providing standards for how a property may be developed, including:
types of uses, buildings, and structures that are permitted
lot sizes, lot coverage, and building heights
setbacks from streets, lot lines, and natural heritage features
parking and landscaping requirements
Action:
Proposed Amendment OPA 131 - Rural Growth
Key Details of OPA 131
Purpose: To align the County's rural area policies with the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, address rural residential and employment growth needs, and formalize growth allocations across the County's municipalities.
Erin's Growth Shortfall: County planning staff determined that while an additional 580 units were needed in Erin to meet the 2051 forecast, existing supply (vacant lots, current severance eligibility, additional residential units) could accommodate approximately 460 units, leaving a shortfall of 120 rural units.
Reallocation to Puslinch: To meet the County-wide growth strategy, it is proposed to transfer this 120-unit shortfall from Erin to Puslinch, where there is capacity and interest in accommodating more growth.
Severance Policies: The amendment proposes keeping the rural residential severance cut-off date for Erin and Minto at March 1, 2005, while changing it to May 1, 2025, for Puslinch to enable additional growth.
Current Status: OPA 131 is currently under a 90-day review by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. A future statutory public meeting will be scheduled by the County after the provincial review is complete to gather additional input from the public. The statutory public meeting for this amendment is planned for February 2026.
In the Media
Strategic Priority 5 - Economic Development
Objective 5.1 - Investment Attraction
Action:
On November 21, 2025, the EDCO (Economic Development Council of Ontario) hosted their 9th Annual Tourism Investment Dragon's Event. This was a networking event for municipalities to meet with investors in the hospitality industry. Following a competitive application process, the Town of Erin was selected to take part in the event.
I participated in this event together with Mayor Michael Dehn, CAO Rob Adams and Economic Development Officer, Marina Mato. We had the opportunity to introduce our Town to 12 investor groups in the hospitality industry with the goal of boosting our local economy and creating employment opportunities.
Strategic Priority 5 - Economic Development
Objective 5.3.4 - Support and encourage shop local with targeted campaigns and events.
Action:
Let's gift local, shop local and dine local.
Strategic Priority 5 - Economic Development
Objective 5.4 - Vibrant Community
Action 5.4.2 - Downtown revitalization and streetscaping
Check out the cheerful new winter banners on Main Street in Erin Village and on the Hillsburgh Community Centre.
Strategic Priority 2 - Environmental Stewardship
Objective 2.1.3 - Launch a community education campaign on circular economies, sustainable development, and green initiatives.
Action: Let's build a great online resource together. Join the task force.
Community Events
Municipal Election 2026
Are you considering running for election in 2026?
Note
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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
