2024 Year in Review

Welcome to Wellington County’s 2024 Year in Review. 

Explore the significant accomplishments, milestones, and initiatives undertaken by County Council, staff, and community partners this year. From major projects to award-winning programs, these achievements demonstrate our ongoing dedication to enhancing services and improving the quality of life for all residents.

Warden Chris White sits smiling at the camera with his Warden necklace on.

2024 has been year of challenges and opportunities for County Council and staff. We continue to try to make improvements to better serve the residents of Wellington County. The leadership of County Council, and the outstanding work of our dedicated staff and partners, has allowed us to continue to move in a positive direction. Here are some highlights of the important work completed this year.

 

~ Warden Chris White

View our Holiday Closures and Interruption to Service hours

Treasury

  • County’s Credit Rating Reaffirmed at AAA with a Stable Outlook
  • The County received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Financial Reporting Award for the tenth year in a row

Administration

Economic Development and the Wellington County Museum and Archives

  • The Wellington Welcomes newcomer campaign received a 2024 Economic Development of Ontario Award
  • The Wellington County Museum and Archives won the Top Small Museum/Art Gallery/Historic Site at the 2024 Ontario’s Choice Awards
  • 7 new signature cycling routes launched highlighting businesses and features across the County
  • Second Multicultural Festival was held at Wellington Place

Social Services

  • The 65 Delhi St transitional housing building was recently completed - opening 28 bedrooms for individuals experiencing homelessness
  • 24 new emergency shelter beds and 12 transitional housing units are being developed at the 23 Gordon St property in downtown Guelph – completion Summer 2025
  • The Children’s Early Years Division launched a centralized application and waitlist for licensed child care
  • A brand-new elementary school and a child care centre was announced for Drayton

Planning

  • The Green Legacy Programme celebrated 20 years and over 3 million trees planted
  • The Rural Water Quality Programme celebrated 25 years of projects and successes

Library

  • Construction is well underway on the Erin Library – completion Summer 2025
  • Circulation is set to hit 1 million by December 31 for the first time since 2016

Human Resources

  • Recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces as a supporter of the ‘With Glowing Hearts’programme due to providing Reserve Force employees the flexibility to continue serving their community and Canada
  • In celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of Take Our Kids to Work Day initiative, the programme was expanded and refreshed for the hosted day, resulting in the highest numbers of participants in attendance

Engineering Services

  • Solid Waste Services named by Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. as a Leader in Sustainability
  • Roads Division received the Good Roads Niedra Better Practices Award for innovative use of cellular concrete in the reconstruction of Wellington Road 32
  • Preparations to launch Automated Speed Enforcement in 2025

Wellington Terrace

  • Granted 12 wishes to residents through the Wellington Wishes Programme
  • Over 6,000 volunteer hours were logged in 2024