While it is clear there were many achievements from the past year to celebrate, the County also faced some unexpected events, including: the expropriation of employment lands by the City of St. Thomas; the spring announcement of major investment in the region through the construction of the Volkswagen Battery Plant and the implied future employment and residential growth opportunities; and the June release of a new Draft Provincial Planning Statement. Elgin County remains excited over the Volkswagen announcement and accompanying investments to the region, and we expect to participate in the new employment and residential growth opportunities. However, the roll-out of these unexpected events/ announcements created additional challenges for Elgin. To ensure that a ‘regional’ approach is taken, County Council paused the review of Elgin’s Official Plan (2013) while we reassessed expected population growth projections as they relate to the Volkswagen investment. In like manner, Elgin’s Transportation Master Plan has been put on hold until we have a comprehensive understanding of future traffic pattern expectations resulting from the Battery Plant investment. Looking ahead to 2024, Elgin County Council and staff will be focusing on a number of initiatives in fairly short order. The County budget process, which is well underway, will need to address interest rate pressures, challenges from infrastructure renewal and the revitalization of our professional bench strength, which includes welcoming a new CAO/Clerk. With updated population projections given to the region in last spring’s Volkswagen investment announcement, we will be completing the 5-year Official Plan Review process. Elgin County’s Traffic Master Plan and Road Rationalization Study are also are also scheduled for completion. Council and staff will also collaborate
SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust Winter is just getting started ! Don’t let your car leave you stuck in the cold. Call the name you have trusted for over 24 years! As a team, I am confident that Elgin County Council and staff can rise to the challenges ahead. Through a collaborative approach and sound strategy, Team Elgin will face and overcome the challenges of 2024, and continue to build on the foundations laid down by past efforts to demonstrate that Elgin County continues to be a destination for people to ‘live work and play!’ to review and update Elgin County’s Strategic Plan. Together, the updated Official Plan, the Traffic Master Plan, the Road Rationalization Study and the updated Strategic Plan will serve to inform the Council and staff concerning future budget and planning considerations. Another 2024 goal is to successfully negotiate a settlement for the lands expropriated by the City of St. Thomas. A successfully negotiated settlement will properly compensate the County for lost tax revenue, the anticipated increased burden on emergency and other county services, and the expected increase in traffic, leading to faster deterioration of county roads. Planning for enhancements to regional infrastructure through a regional lens must be given attention if the County is to participate in the investments to our region. We must continue to partner with our neighbours and build capacity in future infrastructure projects, such as water, wastewater, stormwater and roads, to support both current needs and anticipated residential/ commercial/industrial growth. Taking this collaborative approach will not only address the pending needs of all but will ultimately be more cost-effective for all Elgin County residents. Ongoing projects need to be supported until they are completed, including the renovations to Terrace Lodge, expected to be completed in early 2025, and the renovations to Elgin’s Administrative Offices to be finished later this year.
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Real Living • Winter 2024 • Page 5
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