Update on Part 2 of BWG's Growth Management Plan
Council endorsed the evaluation criteria that will guide Part 2 of BWG's Growth Management Plan, marking the next step in planning for the Town's long-term growth to 2051. The approved criteria will be used to evaluate potential settlement area boundary expansions and identify areas for further study. Staff will now begin engaging residents and landowners through a public "Call-Out" process to gather feedback before recommendations are brought back to Council.
Outcome
Council endorsed the evaluation criteria and authorized staff to proceed with public and landowner engagement on prospective settlement area expansion areas.
Update on Organizational Efficiencies
Council received an update on organizational efficiencies resulting from changes made to the Town's leadership structure in 2023. The review identified approximately $2.56 million in annualized value through efficiencies, increased staff capacity, and avoided costs across Growth Services and Infrastructure Services. While these figures do not represent direct operating budget savings, they demonstrate improved service delivery and organizational capacity to support the Town's continued growth.
Outcome
Council received the report for information. The findings support continuing to identify efficiencies and service improvements across other departments.
Extension of On-Demand Transit Pilot and Transit Engagement Survey results
To ensure uninterrupted transit service while long-term funding and service planning continue, Council approved an extension of the Town's On-Demand Transit Pilot. The current pilot is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, and the extension will provide time for the Province to make a funding decision and allow the Town to complete procurement for a long-term transit solution. Council also received the results of the Town's recent Transit Engagement Survey, which will help inform future transit planning.
Outcome
Council authorized staff to negotiate and execute an extension of the existing On-Demand Transit Pilot for up to 12 months.
BWG Crossing Guard Program: Two new guard locations
With a new Catholic elementary school opening this September in the Dreamfields subdivision, Council approved two new crossing guard locations to support student and pedestrian safety. The additional guards will be funded through the existing 2026 Crossing Guard budget and will operate from September through December while staff continue to monitor traffic and crossing activity.
Outcome
Council approved two new crossing guard locations in the Dreamfields community for September to December 2026.
Discount Program for Property Tax Advance Payments
Council directed staff to develop a framework for a voluntary discount program that would encourage property owners to make advance property tax payments. Staff noted that while the Municipal Act permits municipalities to offer this type of program, none currently exist in Ontario. Any proposed program will be designed to be revenue neutral and will not result in additional costs for other taxpayers.
Outcome
Staff will prepare a by-law establishing the program and bring it back to Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Water and Wastewater Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy
The report regarding the Water and Wastewater Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy was removed from the agenda before Council considered the item.
Outcome
The item was removed from the agenda and no decision was made.