SWOX Council rejects request to declare December as Christian Heritage Month

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

At its Jan. meeting, SWOX Council considered a request from Molly Banerjei, a real estate broker and Canadian television talk show host of “Chai With Molly,” to officially declare December as Christian Heritage Month. Banerjei’s request was initially declined by the clerk’s office.

A motion was made by Councillor Pete Ypma to approve the request and was seconded by Councillor Valerie Durston.

Mayor Mayberry expressed concerns about supporting the motion, emphasizing that such a declaration could blur the line between “church and state”, which should remain separate.

Councillor Ypma requested a recorded vote and his motion was defeated as follows with he, Durston and Coun. Craig Gillis voting for it and the other four voting against it.

Engage and Inform Committee planning township-wide community event for township’s 50th anniversary

The township’s Engage and Inform Committee is planning a township-wide community day event in Mount Elgin for the township’s 50th anniversary. More details will follow early in 2025.

Strategic Plan tracking 2023 to 2026

Clerk Julie Middleton and Chief Administrative Officer Mary Ellen Greb are looking into available parks development/design consultants to work with the township in relation to the new park in Mount Elgin (phase 6).

Funds have been included in the 2025 budget for beach volleyball courts at Hilltop Park.

There are continued concerns regarding lack of services within Mount Elgin and ongoing concerns with the Mount Elgin Road and Plank Line intersection. Staff will review traffic data to see if there is justification for a roundabout, but follow up with the Ministry of Transportation and local MPP Ernie Hardeman is required.

Ward boundary adjustment update

SWOX Council approved a motion to authorize the allocation of $4,500 plus HST from the township’s election reserve account to fund the cost of surveying services required for the ward boundary adjustment, and to engage a licensed surveyor to prepare the meets and bounds land description for the updated ward boundaries.