With projections showing Centre Wellington potentially reaching 50,000 residents by 2041, councillors are asking whether the township should have more representation on Wellington County council.
In his opening remarks to council on June 27, Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton noted the item came up briefly as part of a Wellington County strategic planning session.
Linton said the reasoning behind the meeting was to look at some of the “big picture” issues. “This is the first step at looking at our priorities to make sure they are aligned with the citizens.”
One of the items discussed was the “county standard” when it comes to the provision of roads and services.
Linton asked whether that “standard” reflects the views of the taxpayers. He said, “We talked quite a bit about growth and development.”
Part of that included the growth numbers that Centre Wellington is poised to take and what role the county is going to play in that, Linton said.
He explained this could involve infrastructure work or other things that need to be put into place so that Centre Wellington would be prepared for that amount of growth.
Linton also said there was a good discussion on governance.
“I mentioned the thought about elected wardens … and the pros and cons of that process were discussed.”
Linton said there is a widespread understanding of the need to look at the governance.
“As we look at population increasing in Centre Wellington compared to other municipalities in Wellington, we need to make sure the governance model works – and that it works for Centre Wellington.”
He said there is a need to have appropriate representation at the county level.
According to growth estimates, by 2041, Centre Wellington would contain roughly 50 percent of Wellington County’s population.
Linton stressed the discussion at the county level was in the initial stages.
“We’ve only really scratched the surface.”
In a later presentation, county councillor Shawn Watters said the issue of county governance has not really been dealt with since the amalgamation of Wellington County and its municipalities in the late 1990s.
“The county in my mind needs to have the understanding as to how the county will be built out in the next 20 to 25 years … and where the growth should be.”
Linton said Centre Wellington is dealing with that same issue.
“The bulk of the growth, in theory, will be here (in Centre Wellington) because the ability to grow in other parts of the county is limited.”
He added the additional growth here will have consequences, not only in Centre Wellington, but for Wellington County.
“As the township moves to 50 per cent of the county population, it will affect governance … in terms of the number of people at the council table from Centre Wellington compared to other parts of the county.”
Councillor Fred Morris said he appreciated the comments on governance and Centre Wellington growth targets.
Morris asked if there will be any action plans from the county in regards to reassigning growth, an elected warden or perhaps adding more representatives from Centre Wellington to the table.
Watters anticipated over the next few years it will be up to county councillors to push ahead for responses on growth issues. He said there are places in Wellington County which would like growth, but don’t have the infrastructure to accommodate it.
“But my gut tells me there’s a good chance it’s going to be (in Centre Wellington).”
Watters said the county also needs to understand what that means for Centre Wellington. He said there may be a need for a ring road to address transportation issues or other items which may not be paid for by a developer.
Watters said there may be a role for the county in addressing infrastructure costs to accommodate growth in Centre Wellington. He said people here are concerned how the community is shaping out.
Watters said he wished he could have taken some county councillors to Centre Wellington’s recent growth strategy meeting in Aboyne.
“When someone mentioned Centre Wellington exiting out of the county, there were actually cheers,” said Watters.
Morris agreed growth is going to be a two-way street between the county and the municipality, noting, “There is no way on Earth, this municipality alone can afford the cost of the infrastructure needed.”
He asked that Watters and his county colleagues take that message back to the county.
“Growth is going to affect them just as it is going to affect us – in a different way perhaps, but they will not be untouched.”
As to the potential of a direct election for the warden, Watters did not see the discussion moving very far forward.
“To be honest, I think the development thing is in our face right now,” he said.
In terms of future growth, councillor Stephen Kitras asked about the potential of the county assisting with costs for the wastewater treatment plants. Kitras stated that in Waterloo, wastewater is dealt with via the regional government.
Watters agreed “there are real costs associated with growth.” He contended if the county is voting in favour of growth in this area, there needs to be a real discussion of the financial implications.
“I’m not sure where those discussions will go.”
