Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Centre Wellington's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 10 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Centre Wellington's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 17 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$260,112planning revenue in 2024, against a budget of $744,200
Planning revenue is the fees the Township collects when people apply to build, divide or rezone land. For 2024 the budget expected $744,200 and the year-end figure was $260,112. For 2025 the budget expected $725,300 and the year-end figure (unaudited, as the 2026 budget book says) was $521,739. The shortfall over the two years is $687,649, worked out by us ($484,088 in 2024 and $203,561 in 2025). The 2026 budget expects $644,050, which is less than the last two budgets but more than either of the last two years brought in. The Township says the figure is "calculated based on an annualized historical average". Over the same years the planning division cost taxpayers more than planned: $786,619 in 2024 against a budget of $373,166, and $673,675 in 2025 against $534,781. The 2026 budget is $800,748. Part of the 2025 overspend was hearing costs at the Ontario Land Tribunal (the province's body that decides planning appeals): the operations line was $145,394 against a budget of $45,000.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$46,475,448projected debt at December 31, 2026, up from $14,180,655 at January 1
At the end of 2025 the Township owed $14,180,654 in long-term debt, down from $16,034,216. The 2026 budget book's debt table shows $34,217,376 of new debt in 2026, which would take the balance to $46,475,448 by December 31, 2026. The biggest piece is $21,687,376 for building a new operations centre (the depot for roads, water and sewer crews). Others are land next to the Sportsplex and for a well ($5,875,000) and wells and water supply ($6,655,000). The same book's capital budget text asks for $9,586,400 of new debt in 2026, so the two numbers measure different things. The debt chart lists $164,407,576 of projected new debt through 2036, including a recreation facility (the "Multi-Use Recreation Facility") at $47,000,000. The Township says that project is "in jeopardy of proceeding as a viable project" unless it gets at least $8M from other sources. The Township also held $47,376,792 in cash and $34,678,510 in short-term investments at the end of 2025, but it also owed $47,924,122 as deferred revenue, which is money received for set purposes such as development charges.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
$5,437,060projected deficit in the Land Sale Reserve at December 31, 2026, up from $398,470 at the start of 2025
A reserve is money council sets aside for a future need. A reserve below zero means money has been spent ahead of money the Township expects to get. In its 2025 statements, total reserves were $24,023,172, down from $30,460,614 (a fall of $6,437,442, worked out by us). The wastewater capital reserve fell from $11,533,019 to $7,475,756. The Land Sale Reserve was already below zero: $(398,470) at the start of 2025, $(3,865,460) at the start of 2026, and $(5,437,060) by the end of 2026 in the budget plan, with nothing planned to go in. The Wind Turbine Capital Reserve goes from $24,480 to $(173,520), and two development charge funds (Public Works and Corporate) go below zero. For the development charge funds the Township gives an explanation. We did not find one for the Land Sale Reserve.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
Centre Wellington spent $4.1M on running the town office in 2019 and $7.1M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 3 of 17 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
3.68%the Township's headline 2026 increase; the same book also prints 3.86%, 3.99% and 4.19%
In 2025 Ontario gave the Mayor strong mayor powers, which include preparing the budget. On September 2, 2025 the Mayor directed staff to keep the 2026 tax rate increase "equal to or less than 2.5% excluding asset and termite management allocations". The 2026 budget book then gives several different increases. Its tax summary says the general levy rises 3.99% and the overall Township impact is 3.68%. Its inflation section says a "general levy tax rate increase of 4.19%" with a "Township combined levy increase of 3.86%". The Township's budget web page says the 3.68% is "inclusive of asset management contributions". The book says staff followed the Mayor's direction except on two points, and that one of them (the asset allocation, which was to be 2%) was reduced. We could not tell from the book what the increase is once the asset and termite parts are taken out.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
$4,071,226gap between the two budgeted surpluses in the 2025 statements (worked out by us)
The Statement of Operations shows a budgeted 2025 annual surplus of $25,496,741, and note 12 works it out line by line. The Statement of Changes in Net Financial Assets, one page later, shows a budgeted annual surplus of $21,425,515. The difference is $4,071,226 (worked out by us). The actual surplus was $15,529,948. The Township explains that its budget did not include amortization (the yearly cost of wear on buildings, roads and pipes). Amortization was $11,318,727 in 2025. After taking it out, actual spending was still about $2.4 million above the $39,695,900 budgeted (worked out by us: $53,386,207 less $11,318,727 is $42,067,480). Note 7 also says an actuarial estimate (an expert's calculation of future benefit costs) was "completed as at December 31, 2026", a date after the auditor's report date of June 23, 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
The Mayor, Shawn Watters, is a director and part owner of the company that runs Riverfest Elora, a music festival held at Bissell Park, which belongs to the Township. In the fall of 2024 a resident complained to the Township's Integrity Commissioner about electrical panels and meters installed at Bissell Park for Riverfest. The Integrity Commissioner's report of January 14, 2025 dismissed the complaint and the related conflict-of-interest application. The report found no evidence that the Mayor used his office to influence the work, and it found that he did have an indirect money interest in the matter, because the company would save the cost of running generators. It also says the Township "has no formal process in place for considering requests from the public for installations or upgrades to electrical infrastructure on Township property". The company paid for the work, and the Mayor told the Commissioner the equipment stays in the park as part of its infrastructure. The Township's electricity company, Centre Wellington Hydro, took part in the installation. In his submission the Mayor told the Commissioner that he sits on its board.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
The Township posts five reports from its Integrity Commissioner (Aird & Berlis LLP). November 16, 2023: two conflict-of-interest applications about the Mayor and Councillor Kimberley Jefferson and a termite management vote on September 25, 2023. The report found that neither member had contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, as alleged. January 14, 2025: a complaint and an application about the Mayor and Riverfest, dismissed (see the Bissell Park question). March 6, 2025: a complaint and an application about the Mayor's part in a vote on short-term rentals. The Commissioner found he did not break the Code of Conduct or the conflict-of-interest law. March 28, 2025: a complaint about Councillor Lisa MacDonald. The Commissioner found she did not contravene the Code. In every case the member was cleared. In that last case the Commissioner says it was not required to report to Council but did so "in the interest of transparency", and that Council cannot question a Commissioner's conclusions. The budget books do not say what these cost. The Legislative Services operations line was budgeted at $11,200 for 2025 and came in at $36,490, and Integrity Commissioner help was budgeted at $7,000 for 2025 and $20,000 for 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
$41,155revenue and spending on the Mayor's golf tournament line in 2025 (unaudited), the same to the dollar
The Township's budget has a line for the Mayor's golf tournament, a charity event. The 2025 budget put $15,000 on the revenue line and $15,000 on the spending line for the tournament. The 2026 budget book shows that in 2025 (unaudited) both lines came in at exactly $41,155, so the Township's books show no net cost or gain. The Township's web page says the 2nd annual tournament raised "over $24,000" for the Centre Wellington Food Bank. It also tells participants that taking part gives no "preferential treatment for future procurements" (the Township's buying of goods and services). The 2026 budget removes the tournament lines, and the page says there will be no tournament in 2026 because of the election and the next one is planned for September 2027. We did not find out who the sponsors were, whether any sell to the Township, or how the $41,155 relates to the $24,000.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$260,112planning revenue in 2024, against a budget of $744,200
Planning revenue is the fees the Township collects when people apply to build, divide or rezone land. For 2024 the budget expected $744,200 and the year-end figure was $260,112. For 2025 the budget expected $725,300 and the year-end figure (unaudited, as the 2026 budget book says) was $521,739. The shortfall over the two years is $687,649, worked out by us ($484,088 in 2024 and $203,561 in 2025). The 2026 budget expects $644,050, which is less than the last two budgets but more than either of the last two years brought in. The Township says the figure is "calculated based on an annualized historical average". Over the same years the planning division cost taxpayers more than planned: $786,619 in 2024 against a budget of $373,166, and $673,675 in 2025 against $534,781. The 2026 budget is $800,748. Part of the 2025 overspend was hearing costs at the Ontario Land Tribunal (the province's body that decides planning appeals): the operations line was $145,394 against a budget of $45,000.
Why it matters
When a budget counts on money that does not arrive, something else has to cover it: property tax, savings (reserves), or less spending elsewhere. If the shortfall repeats, the tax bill is carrying more of the planning costs than residents were told.
It could be because…
The number of planning applications depends on the housing market and on provincial rule changes, so it is hard to forecast.
A few large applications can arrive in one year and not the next, which makes an average a reasonable method that is sometimes wrong.
The 2026 budget already lowers the revenue, so the Township may be correcting the problem.
The Township pays for tribunal hearings from a reserve for legal matters, so the 2025 hearing costs may not have fallen on the tax levy.
Questions you could ask
What did the Township collect in planning and lot grading fees in each of 2024 and 2025, by type of application, and why was 2024 so far below the budget of $744,200?
Which applications does the 2026 figure of $644,050 rest on?
How much of the 2025 operations and maintenance line of $145,394 was Ontario Land Tribunal costs, and which reserve paid for it?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Planning division, 2024 budget and actual. "Planning - Revenue": 2024 budget (744,200), 2024 actual (260,112), 2025 approved budget (725,300). "Net Budget Planning": 2024 budget 373,166, 2024 actual 786,619. Note 1: "Revenue is calculated based on an annualized historical average and adjusted for additional revenue anticipated from the new Landscape Architect Planner position included in the 2025 budget."
Planning division, 2025 budget and actual. "Planning - Revenue": 2025 budget (725,300), 2025 actual (521,739), 2026 approved budget (644,050). "Net Budget Planning": 2025 budget 534,781, 2025 actual 673,675, 2026 approved 800,748. "Planning - Operations & Maintenance": 2025 budget 45,000, 2025 actual 145,394, 2026 approved 120,000. Note 1: "Planning and lot grading inspection revenue are calculated based on an annualized historical average." Note 3: the 2026 line "includes $100,000 of estimated Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly OMB and LPAT) hearing expenditures in 2026. An increase of $75,000 from the prior year is due to anticipated appeals related to urban boundary expansion applications."
$46,475,448projected debt at December 31, 2026, up from $14,180,655 at January 1
At the end of 2025 the Township owed $14,180,654 in long-term debt, down from $16,034,216. The 2026 budget book's debt table shows $34,217,376 of new debt in 2026, which would take the balance to $46,475,448 by December 31, 2026. The biggest piece is $21,687,376 for building a new operations centre (the depot for roads, water and sewer crews). Others are land next to the Sportsplex and for a well ($5,875,000) and wells and water supply ($6,655,000). The same book's capital budget text asks for $9,586,400 of new debt in 2026, so the two numbers measure different things. The debt chart lists $164,407,576 of projected new debt through 2036, including a recreation facility (the "Multi-Use Recreation Facility") at $47,000,000. The Township says that project is "in jeopardy of proceeding as a viable project" unless it gets at least $8M from other sources. The Township also held $47,376,792 in cash and $34,678,510 in short-term investments at the end of 2025, but it also owed $47,924,122 as deferred revenue, which is money received for set purposes such as development charges.
Why it matters
Debt costs interest and has to be repaid by future taxpayers, ratepayers and developers. A jump of this size is the kind of decision residents will want to follow, especially in an election year.
It could be because…
Most of the new debt is for growth. The budget says growth-related debt is mostly paid through development charges, which are fees developers pay, so growth pays for growth.
The $34,217,376 may include debt that council approved in earlier years but the Township has not yet borrowed. The budget says the operations centre debt "has been pre-approved by Council".
Much of the Township's cash is not free to spend. It is held for development charges, reserves and deposits, so borrowing can be the way to build before the money is collected.
Some existing loans are at low rates (2.48% and 2.95% on two Infrastructure Ontario loans), so new borrowing may be cheaper than the interest the Township earns on its savings.
Questions you could ask
Of the $34,217,376 in the 2026 debt table, how much has council already approved by by-law, how much is new, and when will each part be borrowed?
What will the interest cost be in each of 2026 to 2030, and what share of the Township's revenue will debt payments be against its own 15% cap?
If the $8M of outside money for the Multi-Use Recreation Facility does not arrive, what will council decide, and when?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 9, Net long-term liabilities: total $14,180,654 (2024 - $16,034,216). Note 9(c): total interest on long-term liabilities "amounted to $436,105 (2024 - $501,858)".
Analysis of Current and Projected Debt, Fiscal 2026. Totals: balance at Jan 1, 2026 14,180,655; new debt 34,217,376; 2026 principal payments 1,922,583; interest payments 1,113,974; total payments 3,036,557; balance at Dec 31, 2026 46,475,448. Lines: "2026 Operations Centre Construction (Estimate)" 21,687,376; "2026 Land Adjacent to Sportsplex & Middlebrook Well Land (Estimate)" 5,875,000; "2026 Well Areas 3 & 7 and Water Supply Strategy (Estimate)" 6,655,000.
Capital budget overview: "It is recommended within the 2026 capital budget that $9,586,400 in debt be incurred in 2026", of which Corporate Operations Facility 5,886,400, Multi-Use Recreation Facility (MURF) 300,000, F2 Well Additional Capacity 2,800,000, New Well - Area #7 600,000. "The above Corporate Operations Facility debt has been pre-approved by Council".
2026 Township Debt Forecast: the Annual Repayment Limit (the Province's cap on yearly debt payments): "For 2025, this was calculated as $8,000,001"; the Township "has implemented an internal debt servicing cap of 15% of own source revenues". For the Multi-Use Recreational Facility: "at a minimum, this project would need to receive $8M in external funding for the Township to continue to have debt servicing costs below the 15% cap".
$5,437,060projected deficit in the Land Sale Reserve at December 31, 2026, up from $398,470 at the start of 2025
A reserve is money council sets aside for a future need. A reserve below zero means money has been spent ahead of money the Township expects to get. In its 2025 statements, total reserves were $24,023,172, down from $30,460,614 (a fall of $6,437,442, worked out by us). The wastewater capital reserve fell from $11,533,019 to $7,475,756. The Land Sale Reserve was already below zero: $(398,470) at the start of 2025, $(3,865,460) at the start of 2026, and $(5,437,060) by the end of 2026 in the budget plan, with nothing planned to go in. The Wind Turbine Capital Reserve goes from $24,480 to $(173,520), and two development charge funds (Public Works and Corporate) go below zero. For the development charge funds the Township gives an explanation. We did not find one for the Land Sale Reserve.
Why it matters
Reserves are the Township's savings for roads, buildings and equipment. A reserve below zero is in effect a loan from the Township's other money. Residents will want to know how and when it is paid back, and whether tax will have to cover it.
It could be because…
The Township may have bought land (the budget mentions the Business Park and a land purchase for the operations facility) before selling other land, and expects sales to refill the reserve.
Wastewater reserves are meant to be spent on plants and pipes, so a fall in a year with large building work is normal.
A negative development charge fund is a timing problem: the Township builds first and developers' fees arrive later. The Township says so in its budget.
The Wind Turbine Capital Reserve is funded by yearly payments under an agreement, so a one-time larger spending of $220,000 may be planned.
Questions you could ask
What was bought with the Land Sale Reserve, how much land is left to sell, and what sales are expected in 2026 and 2027?
Is there a council rule on how far below zero a reserve may go and for how long, and when will the Land Sale Reserve be back above zero?
Why does the Wind Turbine Capital Reserve plan to spend $220,000 in 2026 when only $22,000 goes in?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Reserve / Reserve Fund Activity for 2025, Other Reserves: "Land Sale Reserve" balance at Jan. 1/25 (398,470), transfers out 3,463,800, no transfers in, projected balance at Dec. 31/25 (3,862,270).
Reserve / Reserve Fund Activity for 2026, Other Reserves: "Land Sale Reserve" balance at Jan. 1/26 (3,865,460), transfers out 1,571,600, no transfers in, projected balance at Dec. 31/26 (5,437,060). "Wind Turbine Capital Reserve" 24,480, transfers in 22,000, transfers out 220,000, projected (173,520). "Election Reserve" projected (1,440). "Cemetery Expansion Reserve" projected (3,790).
Development Charge Reserve Funds for 2026: "Public Works" projected balance at Dec. 31/26 (885,010); "Corporate" (890,050). "Total Development Charge Reserve Funds": 33,366,590 at Jan. 1/26, 26,813,850 at Dec. 31/26.
The Township's explanation for development charge shortfalls: "When DC cash flow is a problem in funding capital projects, a municipality can either defer growth related capital projects or incur debt to fund these projects."
Centre Wellington spent $4.1M on running the town office in 2019 and $7.1M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 3 of 17 similar towns had faster growth here.
Why did the cost of running the town office grow 71% in 6 years?
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
−20%+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%
+71%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
−3%
+1%
2021
+6%
+4%
2022
+21%
+11%
2023
+34%
+16%
2024
+52%
+18%
2025
+71%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
Money spent running the office is money not spent on roads, water or safety. When office costs grow much faster than the services people see, it is fair to ask what the extra money is buying.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $2.9M a year pay for?
Why did senior management go from $3.2M to $5.6M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Running the town office: 2019 $4.1M, 2020 $4.0M, 2021 $4.4M, 2022 $5.0M, 2023 $5.5M, 2024 $6.3M, 2025 $7.1M.
3.68%the Township's headline 2026 increase; the same book also prints 3.86%, 3.99% and 4.19%
In 2025 Ontario gave the Mayor strong mayor powers, which include preparing the budget. On September 2, 2025 the Mayor directed staff to keep the 2026 tax rate increase "equal to or less than 2.5% excluding asset and termite management allocations". The 2026 budget book then gives several different increases. Its tax summary says the general levy rises 3.99% and the overall Township impact is 3.68%. Its inflation section says a "general levy tax rate increase of 4.19%" with a "Township combined levy increase of 3.86%". The Township's budget web page says the 3.68% is "inclusive of asset management contributions". The book says staff followed the Mayor's direction except on two points, and that one of them (the asset allocation, which was to be 2%) was reduced. We could not tell from the book what the increase is once the asset and termite parts are taken out.
Why it matters
Residents compare the number they are told with what they pay. When one book gives four numbers for the same increase, it is hard to tell whether the Mayor's own limit was met.
It could be because…
The numbers may measure different things: the general levy alone, the general levy plus the dedicated capital levy, and amounts before or after assessment growth.
The 4.19% and 3.86% in the inflation section may be left over from an earlier draft that was not updated when the figures changed.
The Mayor's 2.5% limit left out the asset and termite money on purpose, so staying within it is possible even with a 3.68% headline.
Questions you could ask
What is the 2026 increase with the asset management and termite money taken out, as the Mayor's direction measures it?
Which of the numbers in the budget book is the final one, and why does the inflation section still say 4.19% and 3.86%?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Strong Mayor Powers: "Mayoral Direction number 2025-001" on September 2, 2025: "Maintain a 2026 tax rate increase equal to or less than 2.5% excluding asset and termite management allocations." "Staff have carried out this mayoral direction as stipulated with the exception of items 2 and 6 above. Item 2 has been reduced to minimize in-year tax levy increases".
Property Taxation Summary: the chart reads "3.99% Increase in General Taxation Levy"; 2026 general taxation levy $22,094,747, dedicated capital levy $1,816,272; the increase is 848,147 after assessment growth of 532,356.
"A residential property in Centre Wellington assessed at $387,226 would pay an additional $56 in 2026 ... netting to an overall Township impact of 3.68%. Including the County and Education levies, the overall 'blended' tax rate increase is approximately 3.19%."
Inflation section: "Township staff are presenting a general levy tax rate increase of 4.19%, inclusive of all special levies (with a Township combined levy increase of 3.86%)".
$4,071,226gap between the two budgeted surpluses in the 2025 statements (worked out by us)
The Statement of Operations shows a budgeted 2025 annual surplus of $25,496,741, and note 12 works it out line by line. The Statement of Changes in Net Financial Assets, one page later, shows a budgeted annual surplus of $21,425,515. The difference is $4,071,226 (worked out by us). The actual surplus was $15,529,948. The Township explains that its budget did not include amortization (the yearly cost of wear on buildings, roads and pipes). Amortization was $11,318,727 in 2025. After taking it out, actual spending was still about $2.4 million above the $39,695,900 budgeted (worked out by us: $53,386,207 less $11,318,727 is $42,067,480). Note 7 also says an actuarial estimate (an expert's calculation of future benefit costs) was "completed as at December 31, 2026", a date after the auditor's report date of June 23, 2026.
Why it matters
Audited statements are the Township's official record. A budget figure that is printed two ways makes it harder for residents to see how the year compared with the plan. The errors may be small, but they are in the document everyone relies on.
It could be because…
The second figure may be built on a different version of the budget, such as one that counts the cost of capital assets bought ($24,231,390) rather than the line-by-line amounts in note 12.
The date in note 7 is most likely a typing slip for 2025.
Budget figures in these statements are only a comparison and do not affect the audited actual results.
Questions you could ask
Which budgeted surplus is correct, $25,496,741 or $21,425,515, and will the Township correct the statements?
What explains the $2.4 million by which spending, before amortization, exceeded the budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Consolidated Statement of Operations, year ended December 31, 2025: "Annual surplus" budget 25,496,741, actual 15,529,948 (2024: 28,621,804). "Total revenue" budget 65,192,641. "Total expenses" budget 39,695,900, actual 53,386,207.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Financial Assets, year ended December 31, 2025: "Annual surplus" budget $ 21,425,515, actual $ 15,529,948; budgeted acquisition of tangible capital assets (24,231,390).
Note 12, Budget data: "Amortization was not contemplated on development of the budget and, as such, has not been included." Reconciliation: total revenue 65,192,641, total expenses 39,695,900, "Annual surplus $ 25,496,741".
Note 7: "An actuarial estimate of the future liabilities for these benefits has been completed as at December 31, 2026." The independent auditor's report is dated June 23, 2026.
The Mayor, Shawn Watters, is a director and part owner of the company that runs Riverfest Elora, a music festival held at Bissell Park, which belongs to the Township. In the fall of 2024 a resident complained to the Township's Integrity Commissioner about electrical panels and meters installed at Bissell Park for Riverfest. The Integrity Commissioner's report of January 14, 2025 dismissed the complaint and the related conflict-of-interest application. The report found no evidence that the Mayor used his office to influence the work, and it found that he did have an indirect money interest in the matter, because the company would save the cost of running generators. It also says the Township "has no formal process in place for considering requests from the public for installations or upgrades to electrical infrastructure on Township property". The company paid for the work, and the Mayor told the Commissioner the equipment stays in the park as part of its infrastructure. The Township's electricity company, Centre Wellington Hydro, took part in the installation. In his submission the Mayor told the Commissioner that he sits on its board.
Why it matters
Public land and public utility staff were used for work that helps a private business, and the work was done without a written process or a council decision that the complainant could find. The Commissioner cleared the Mayor, so the question is about the rules, not about him: who is allowed to ask for this, who decides, who owns the result, and how anyone can see it.
It could be because…
The Commissioner was told the work was meant to replace noisy generators after noise complaints, which is a public benefit as well as a private one.
The work was small enough that staff handled it without going to council or to the hydro company's board, as the report says.
The company paid for it and the Township now owns the equipment, which may leave the Township better off.
The Township may have added a process since the report. We did not look for one because the meeting portal was not read.
Questions you could ask
Is there now a written process for private groups to ask for installations on Township land, and who signs off?
Who owns the Bissell Park electrical equipment, and is that written in an agreement with the festival company?
How much did Township and Centre Wellington Hydro staff time cost for the 2024 installation, and was it billed to the company?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Paragraph 10: "The Member is a director and part owner of the company (the 'Company') that runs Riverfest Elora, an annual music festival in the Township ('Riverfest'). On May 27, 2024, Council authorized Riverfest to use Bissell Park, a municipal property, for the purpose of hosting Riverfest."
Paragraph 33: "we learned that the Township has no formal process in place for considering requests from the public for installations or upgrades to electrical infrastructure on Township property." Paragraph 35: "the Company paid for the cost of the electrical upgrades."
Paragraph 44: "We find the Member had an indirect pecuniary interest in the 'matter' due to his position as director of the Company." Paragraph 45: "we have not found any evidence to demonstrate that he used his office to influence the installation of the electrical infrastructure." Paragraph 51: "both the Complaint and the Application are dismissed."
The Mayor's submissions, paragraph 27: "The upgraded electrical infrastructure has been left in place and is now part of Bissell Park's infrastructure." "The Member has always declared a conflict of interest when Riverfest is brought up at Council or board meetings." "The Company pays fair market value for the use of Bissell Park every year." "As a member of the board of directors of CW Hydro, the Member was not aware of any hydro upgrades to Bissell Park prior to the 2024 Riverfest event."
The Township posts five reports from its Integrity Commissioner (Aird & Berlis LLP). November 16, 2023: two conflict-of-interest applications about the Mayor and Councillor Kimberley Jefferson and a termite management vote on September 25, 2023. The report found that neither member had contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, as alleged. January 14, 2025: a complaint and an application about the Mayor and Riverfest, dismissed (see the Bissell Park question). March 6, 2025: a complaint and an application about the Mayor's part in a vote on short-term rentals. The Commissioner found he did not break the Code of Conduct or the conflict-of-interest law. March 28, 2025: a complaint about Councillor Lisa MacDonald. The Commissioner found she did not contravene the Code. In every case the member was cleared. In that last case the Commissioner says it was not required to report to Council but did so "in the interest of transparency", and that Council cannot question a Commissioner's conclusions. The budget books do not say what these cost. The Legislative Services operations line was budgeted at $11,200 for 2025 and came in at $36,490, and Integrity Commissioner help was budgeted at $7,000 for 2025 and $20,000 for 2026.
Why it matters
An independent officer who checks on council members is one of the few safeguards residents have. Knowing that complaints were looked at, and that every one failed, helps residents judge the system. So does knowing what it costs.
It could be because…
Most complaints in any town are dismissed, and a dismissal is a normal result.
Some complaints may have been brought for political reasons in the months before an election, which is also common.
The 2025 operations line may include costs unrelated to the Commissioner, such as the voters list and records work.
Questions you could ask
What did the Township pay the Integrity Commissioner in each of 2023, 2024 and 2025, by matter?
How much of the 2025 Legislative Services operations line of $36,490 was Integrity Commissioner fees?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Paragraph 55: "we have determined that neither the Mayor nor the Councillor have contravened section 5 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, as alleged." The applications concerned a vote on Termite Management Services at a meeting of Council held on September 25, 2023.
Paragraph 51: "both the Complaint and the Application are dismissed." The complaint was filed on October 1, 2024 about Mayor Shawn Watters; the report is dated January 14, 2025.
Paragraph 59: "we find the Member did not contravene Sections 10 and 11 of the Code." Paragraph 60: the Member "did not contravene sections 5 and 5.2 and that he could not have contravened section 5.1 of the MCIA". The matter was the Mayor's discussion of and vote on Short Term Rentals in Centre Wellington Report #COR2024-53 at the Council meeting of September 30, 2024. The report is dated March 6, 2025.
Paragraph 45: "we find on a civil standard of a balance of probabilities that the Member did not contravene the Code as alleged in the Complaint." Paragraph 46: the Commissioner "determined it was in the interest of transparency to report to Council". The complaint was filed on October 16, 2024 about Councillor Lisa MacDonald; the report is dated March 28, 2025.
Legislative Services, 2025 budget and actual: "Operations & Maintenance" 2025 budget 11,200, 2025 actual 36,490, 2026 approved 144,200. Note 4: the 2026 line includes "the expected cost of the election ($120,000)" and "estimated costs for integrity commissioner assistance ($20,000) in 2026", funded from the Election Reserve and the Reserve for Legal Matters.
Legislative Services, 2025 budget note: the operations line includes "estimated costs for integrity commissioner assistance ($7,000) in 2025", funded by transfers from the Election Reserve and the Reserve for Legal Matters.
$41,155revenue and spending on the Mayor's golf tournament line in 2025 (unaudited), the same to the dollar
The Township's budget has a line for the Mayor's golf tournament, a charity event. The 2025 budget put $15,000 on the revenue line and $15,000 on the spending line for the tournament. The 2026 budget book shows that in 2025 (unaudited) both lines came in at exactly $41,155, so the Township's books show no net cost or gain. The Township's web page says the 2nd annual tournament raised "over $24,000" for the Centre Wellington Food Bank. It also tells participants that taking part gives no "preferential treatment for future procurements" (the Township's buying of goods and services). The 2026 budget removes the tournament lines, and the page says there will be no tournament in 2026 because of the election and the next one is planned for September 2027. We did not find out who the sponsors were, whether any sell to the Township, or how the $41,155 relates to the $24,000.
Why it matters
A fundraiser run by the Mayor with Township staff and accounts raises the question of whether anyone doing business with the Township feels pressure to take part. The Township has already put a warning on its page, which is good. Residents can still ask who paid and where the money went.
It could be because…
The line may be set up to break even on purpose, with the charity share paid out of the same account.
Sponsors and players may all be local businesses and residents with no dealings with the Township.
The Township's own notice about procurement may be the way it keeps sponsorship separate from buying decisions.
The $24,000 may be what was left after costs, while $41,155 is the gross money going through the account.
Questions you could ask
Who paid the $41,155 (players, sponsors, the Township), and is a list of sponsors published?
How does the $41,155 that went through the Township's lines relate to the "over $24,000" given to the food bank, and who handled the rest?
Did council approve the Township running the event, and how much staff time did it take?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Mayor and Council, 2025 budget: "Mayor and Council - Revenue" 2025 approved budget (15,000); "Mayor and Council - Operations & Maintenance" 2025 approved budget 15,000. Note 1: "Budgeted amounts for the Mayor's golf tournament are reflected in the revenue and operations & maintenance lines."
Mayor and Council, 2026 budget with 2025 actuals: "Mayor and Council - Revenue" 2025 actual (41,155), 2026 approved -; "Mayor and Council - Operations & Maintenance" 2025 actual 41,155, 2026 approved -. Note 1: "Budgeted amounts for the Mayor's golf tournament have been removed for 2026 and are reflected in reductions to the revenue and operations & maintenance lines." The book says 2025 actual amounts "are unaudited".
Township web page: "The tournament raised over $24,000." The proceeds of the 2nd annual tournament "went to the Centre Wellington Food Bank". "By participating in this charity event, each participant acknowledges that they will not receive any preferential treatment for future procurements being conducted by the Township of Centre Wellington." "we will be taking a brief pause and will not be hosting a tournament this year"; the 3rd annual is planned for September 2027.
Centre Wellington spent about $216 per home on snow ploughing in 2025. The typical similar town spent $98. None of the 17 similar towns spent more.
Why it matters
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
It could be because…
Geography: more roads, more snow, a bigger area or a landfill of its own.
Accounting: some towns record the same cost in a different category.
A one-time cost in this year.
Questions you could ask
What makes this cost higher here than in similar towns?
When were the main contracts in this area last put out to competitive tender?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Wellington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Snow ploughing per home: Centre Wellington $216; typical similar town $98; ranked 1st highest of 18.
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