Strategic Plan

•  Strategic Plan Update #1

1. Establish a wastewater infrastructure plan that includes the location, capacity, staging, and budget required to support projected residential and commercial growth.
2. Develop long-term plans and budgets for municipal infrastructure investment and operations.
3. Allocate sufficient resources and seek external sources of funding to address Southwold’s hard and soft infrastructure needs.
4. Establish policies and incentives to support mixed residential development with a focus on affordable and attainable housing within existing residentially zoned areas.
5. Continue to maintain policies that protect agricultural land and recognize agriculture’s contribution to Southwold’s economy and community culture.
6. Support and participate in initiatives to expand and enhance internet access throughout the Township.

1. Establish long-term plans to maintain and enhance parks, programs and facilities that support social interactions throughout Southwold.
2. Expand active transportation links between Southwold communities.
3. Explore opportunities to expand age specific programs and services such as childcare and active living programs for seniors.
4. Maintain and support events and programs that create civic pride, support community character, and encourage community involvement.
5. Support and promote local arts, heritage and culture.

1. Update and implement the 2020 Economic Development Strategy to reflect the emerging challenges and opportunities related to major regional investments.
2. Engage with industrial landowners to determine their interest in selling and the property specifications required for development.
3. Compile and share local and regional economic development data to ensure Southwold is investment ready.
4. Identify opportunities to attract commercial service providers to meet local demand in urban settlement areas.
5. Establish a business visitation schedule to assess and address local business opportunities and barriers.
6. Leverage and partner with County and other regional economic development programs and initiatives.
7. Explore opportunities for additional alternative uses that will enhance Shedden's four corners.

Goal Actions

Financial Management

1. Support economic development efforts to expand and diversify Southwold's tax base.
2. Support the long-term sustainability of municipal finances through stable, healthy reserves and thoughtful borrowing.
3. Protect and sustain Southwold's infrastructure while retaining competitive tax rates.
4. Recruit, develop and retain a high performing workforce with competitive salaries, training programs and a supportive work environment.

Engaged and Informed Stakeholders

1. Develop a communications plan to introduce the strategic plan and provide updates on its implementation.
2. Explore additional channels and strategies to increase and expand communications with residents and businesses.

Workshops: The Township hosted two community workshop presentation sessions to allow residents to learn more about the purpose of the Strategic Plan and share their vision. There was also a workshop hosted for Council's insight, as well as a workshop for staff to gather their feedback.

Survey: Our online survey was open to residents and closed May 22, 2023.

Postcards: Informational postcards were distributed throughout the community. Space was provided on the back of the postcard for you to share your goals for the Township of Southwold. Postcards were returned to the Township and was considered in the development of the Strategic Plan.

Phase 2: Develop Strategic Plan

During this phase, the Township compiled the community, Council, and staff feedback from workshops, the survey, and postcards. The information gathered assisted in formulating the Draft Strategic Plan, which was presented to Council at their Regular Meeting on August 14, 2023. The final draft of the Strategic plan was presented and approved by Council at their Regular Meeting on September 11, 2023.

Click here to view the Key Findings Report from our Community and Council workshops.

Phase 3: Implementation of Strategic Plan

For details on the Township of Southwold's implementation of the Strategic Plan, view our Strategic Plan Implementation Plan.