idea of the right person, in the right place, at the right time, taking on responsibility when you’re ready to serve well. As we look ahead to 2026, Council’s priorities are clear. Across Elgin County, we are focused on listening well, investing wisely, and ensuring that growth is managed responsibly and sustainably. These focus areas will include ensuring that Council, staff, and residents have a clear and shared understanding of our financial position: how our budget is built, how decisions are costed, and how we plan responsibly for the years ahead. People want to understand how resources are allocated, and how today’s choices affect tomorrow’s services. They also want to know their voices matter. That is why, in the coming year, Elgin County will continue improving how we connect with residents. Not just by sharing information, but by creating meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their daily lives. Economic development also remains central to our work this year. Supporting local businesses means more than attracting investment; it means making it easier for entrepreneurs and employers to navigate systems and get support. In the coming year, the County will launch a comprehensive business guide that provides easy access to resources and tools. We will also introduce a new online planning tool designed to walk applicants through the development process step by step, reducing barriers and increasing clarity. At the same time, we recognize the importance of listening directly. County staff will continue regular visits with local businesses to better understand their challenges and opportunities. The ElgincentivesCommunity Improvement Plan will relaunch with refreshed incentives, supporting
revitalization efforts and long-term economic health across our communities. Infrastructure investment continues to be another major priority. In 2026, the County will carry forward its multi-year investment in the Village of Fingal, including road reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades needed to support future housing. We will also rehabilitate 17 kilometres of roadway across four major County roads, helping ensure safe, reliable travel for residents, businesses, and visitors. Providing high-quality care in our long-term care homes will remain an important responsibility for Elgin County. As the outgoing Chair of the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Campaign, I’ve seen how important these homes are to families and the community. In 2026, we will continue supporting Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa, and Terrace Lodge through enhanced education for front-line staff and the continued implementation of best practices, always with the goal of improving resident experience, safety, and dignity. As Warden, my commitment is simple: to help remove obstacles, support collaboration, and ensure that we deliver on what we set out to do — thoughtfully, responsibly, and without unnecessary noise. I am proud of what we have accomplished together so far during this term, and I am optimistic about what lies ahead. The work of local government is often quiet, sometimes complex, and deeply important. When done well, it may not demand attention, but it builds the kind of communities where people feel connected, supported, and confident in the future. That is the work we are focused on in Elgin County, and I look forward to finishing this term with purpose, momentum, and care.
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 7
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