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October 2024
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PURPOSE
A strategic plan guides the Council, staff and community partners in how it will
spend, operate and deliver services to the community, charting the steps
necessary to get there. This plan incorporates a long-term strategic vision for
the community which will provide continuity beyond each term of Council and
will become a living document. This plan will guide what Mulmur builds,
protects, and what it will become over the next century. Council will refresh and
evaluate the plan's priorities, actions and the incremental contributions
towards the long-term vision.
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PROCESS
Mulmur's Strategic Plan was developed following a
series of surveys, community conversations, meetings
and workshops. The Township also evaluated current
plans, prioritized spending, identified focus areas and
the long-term vision for the Township. The information
gathered was then consolidated and organized to
identify the goals and actions required to move towards
the Township's long-term vision.
Between 2016 and 2024 the residents, community
committees, Council and staff developed a variety of
focused plans including the Community Economic
Development Strategic Plan (2016), Imagine Mulmur in
3D document (2019) Community Energy Plan (2020),
NDCC Efficiency Study (2020), Mulmur Recreational
Master Plan (2021), and the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan.
The 2019-2024 Strategic Plan identified the following
four paths: Prosperous, Connected, Supportive and
Sustainable.
This Plan includes goals, actions and recommendations
found in the above-mentioned plans that were still
found to be relevant, or a variation, where appropriate.
The intention is that this plan will act as a consolidated
reference document for the Township's previous plans
and will prioritize the recommendations and actions
moving forward.
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FRAMEWORK
3.1 The Mission Statement is an expression of why Mulmur exists, capturing
its purpose, core values, brand identity and primary focus. It serves as a
general guide and reflection of what we do now, for whom, how we do
it, and what it is achieving.
3.2
The Vision Statement is an aspiration statement of who Mulmur wishes
to be in the future. It is short, easy to remember and provide a visual
picture of what the future holds. Tied directly to the Plan, it is the
foundation for the focus areas.
3.3
Focus Areas are the key sectors the Plan identifies to concentrate on to
move Mulmur from its current state towards its vision.
3.4
Goals are developed to support each Focus Area and reflect Mulmur's
priorities. They are clear statements for decision making and include
where budget and staff resources will be utilized to make decisions. Goals
are developed to reflect Mulmur's priorities.
3.5
Action Items are measurable steps developed to support the success of
each Goal. Implementation of the Plan requires leadership, volunteerism,
staffing, financing and energy. To ensure the Plan can be implemented,
each Action Item is associated with a lead, cost and key performance
indicator.
The timing of many of the Action Items are not fixed. As opportunities
such as grants or volunteers arise, the plan may be adjusted to prioritize
one Action Item over another. Each Action Item has been assessed
against a realistic timeline for the implementation of key initiatives.
Where financial and human resources have been approved for an item, a
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corresponding year may be assigned. This plan should be considered fluid,
and can be updated to reflect timelines or as Action Items are realized or
become part of the regular operational matters of the Township.
3.6
Costs will be roughly included by the inclusion of dollar symbols, with a
single dollar sign ($) representing minimal financing, budgeting or human
resources. A double dollar sign ($$) is representative of larger projects
with more significant investment and a triple dollar sign ($$$)
representative of additional budgeting, staffing, use of reserves or grants.
3.7
Leads are the departments tasked with the responsibility of overseeing
an Action Item. Many Action Items will require a team of departments,
Council, Committees, volunteers and levels of government for full
implementation.
3.8
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measurements used
to determine the success of the Action Items and ultimately the Goal. KPIs
may include a date, quantity or measurable target for each action item
and can be monitored, analyzed and reported on.
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EVALUATION
Mulmur's Strategic Plan requires constant focus and continued evaluation. Staff
reports will continue to include a "Strategic Plan Alignment" section to
incorporate the Goals of the Plan.
This Plan will be monitored by senior staff on a regular basis and reported to
Council on an annual basis. The successes and struggles of this Plan should be
communicated to the residents and stakeholders through the Township's social
media and printed newsletters. Annual Townhall meetings or community
conversations should include soliciting feedback on the Plan from the residents.
Following the annual reporting to Council, the plan should be amended as
necessary to continue to be relevant, current and actionable.
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MISSION STATEMENT
Mulmur is dedicated to sustaining,
connecting and supporting our
community to create a place
where we can live, work and grow
while
preserving
our
rural
character. We provide a wide
range of quality services in a
fiscally responsible manner so
that
future
generations
will
prosper.
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VISION STATEMENT
It's in our nature to be a Garden Township,
where we can live, work and grow together.
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FOCUS AREAS
It's in our Nature: Live
We commit to providing a balanced community and providing quality services.
We will encourage increased community building and respectful social
interactions to enrich the lives of Mulmur residents. We will provide a range
of communications and facilities to promote play, growth, connection, active
living and recognize the changing demographics of Mulmur.
Boost Connection
- Support broadband installation and cellular towers
- Prioritize EMS connectivity infrastructure
- Increase connection between Council, staff and residents
- Enhance staff capacity to support community connections
- Spark participation and increase community engagement
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Gather Together
- Support local events
- Host a 175th Birthday
- Rebrand the Municipal Basement as a community centre
- Encourage clubs, community groups, and local volunteer leaders
- Review special event by-law
- Host annual community conversations and townhall meetings
Partner with Others
-
Collaborate with private recreational service providers
-
Encourage diverse use of the County forests, with appropriate parking,
washroom facilities, and trail-related amenities.
-
Support local use of the Bruce Trail
Invest in Recreation
- Support the long-term operation of the NDCC
- Maintain sufficient parkland
- Enhance active recreation network
- Ensure park infrastructure meets the needs of the communities
- Support the Thomson Trail Ice Rink
- Create recreational opportunities through grant funding and community
contributions
- Ensure recreational plans and priorities remain current to meet the needs of
the community
- Support the Mansfield North Recreation Area Master Plan
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FOCUS AREAS
It's in our Nature: Work
We commit to fostering a prosperous local economy that serves Mulmur's
community and provides for local employment. We will proactively attract
new investment opportunities, and work with Mulmur businesses, industries
and institutions to retain, expand and enable local opportunities.
Support Business
- Protect farms, farmland and farmers
- Provide a leadership role in fulsome and expedited pre-consultation
- Host annual small business meeting to create synergies and collaboration and
recognize new businesses
- Support temporary small businesses to grow and establish permanent facilities
- Encourage tourism that supports Mulmur's vision
Locate in Mulmur
- Support the development of educational facilities in Mulmur
- Research for future needs for Emergency Services
- Secure additional water capacity in Mansfield
- Attract medical services
Cultivate a Wise Investor Mindset
- Encourage Dufferin County to host an annual economic development
conference
- Increase long term stability and reduce fluctuation in tax rates
- Examine service contracts for efficiencies
- Review financial terms for services and infrastructure
- Lead by example
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FOCUS AREAS
It's in our Nature: Grow
We commit to developing a framework to shape our Township in a manner
that protects our agriculture, natural resources and our rural character. We
will embrace technology, support energy conservation, climate change
mitigation and assess environmental impacts in our decision-making
process to grow the Township in a sustainable manner.
Develop Responsibly
- Implement Garden Township vision through Official Plan
- Protect our rural character
- Support a range of housing appropriate for Mulmur
- Encourage sustainable development for Plans of Subdivision and Major Site
Plan applications
- Protect the environment and provide for the appropriate mechanism to
manage growth
- Assess road network opportunities
- Secure lands and budget to accommodate future community and connectivity
needs.
Grow a Garden Township
- Create a community pollination garden and promote private gardens
- Install a low maintenance entranceway or focal garden
- Support local food sources, food security or food project
- Support gardens in Honeywood cemetery
- Create opportunities for garden themed art
Grow Awareness
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- Encourage youth participation in climate change
- Support the County of Dufferin Home Energy Lending Program for energy
saving technologies and upgrades in private homes.
- Participate in the monthly Partners for Climate Protection Community of
Practice (CoP) sessions
- Encourage legislative change to building standards to green standards
- Prioritize green information
- Support local tree programs on non-farmland
Reduce our Footprint
- Prepare business case for solar on municipal infrastructure
- Assess environmental impacts and various lenses
- Reduce unnecessary waste
- Increase opportunities for Electric Vehicles
Be Prepared
- Partner with EMS team to discuss needs, opportunities and alignment
- Develop a Township climate strategy action plan
- Increase resident capacity for Emergency Shelters
- Increase communication to residents for extreme weather events
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APPENDIX: Action items and KPI's
LIVE
BOOST CONNECTION
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Support broadband
installation and cellular
towers
$
CAO
CLERKS
INFRA.
2025 - Request that Dufferin County Council
facilitate discussion with the Province to
attaining internet and cellular services.
Process utility applications within one month of
receipt
Prioritize EMS connectivity
infrastructure
$$
INFRA.
2025 - Review geographic areas requiring
additional infrastructure
Increase connection between
Council, staff and residents
$
CLERKS
2025 - Include personal features of Township
team in digital newsletters at least 2 times per
year
Enhance information sharing
and spark participation
$
CAO
CLERKS
TREASURY
2025 - research staff capacity and job
descriptions to support community connections
2025 - Research opportunities for staff survey
skill enhancement
Bring issues directly to the affected residents
through surveys, meetings, direct mail outs, local
conversations, social media etc.
2025 - Create website calendar
2025 - Implement online registration and
payment system
2026 - Provide annual communication report to
Council on website, social media and programs
2026 - Review website needs for a refresh or
new website structure
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GATHER TOGETHER
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Support local events
$
CLERKS
Expedite special event permits for events hosted
by community within 2 weeks.
Promote local events on communication
channels
2025 - Explore opportunities to partner with
local providers
2025- meet with partnering agencies and
municipalities to update special event by-law
2026 - Develop an annual Township-wide
Community Yard Sale/Garage Sale
Host a 175th Birthday
$$
CAO
CLERKS
TREASURY
2025 - Create a Birthday Task Force
2025-2026 - Budget $2,000 for 3 years.
2026 - Partner with local businesses to provide
services to the residents at the Birthday
Encourage clubs and
community groups and local
volunteer leaders
$
CLERKS
2025 -Provide opportunities for groups to
participate at townhall meetings.
Support existing initiatives through
communication channels and facilities
Encourage clubs and community groups to grow
and expand
Host community activities,
conversations and townhall
meetings
$
$$
CAO
CLERKS
INFRA.
2025 - Host annual townhall meeting.
2025 - Host annual conversations at various
locations
2025 - Host a minimum of 4 social
activities/programs per year and monitor
participation rates.
2026 - Investigate opportunities to provide
business services.
2027 - plan and 2028 remove pillars in
basement to increase space usability
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PARTNER WITH OTHERS
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Collaborate with private
recreational service providers
$
CAO
CLERKS
INFRA.
2025 - Provide advertising and promote local
spaces and private recreational programs and
facilities
2026 - Research grants and partner with private
recreational enterprises for joint recreational
opportunities
Encourage diverse use of the
County forests and trails, with
appropriate parking,
washroom facilities and trail-
related amenities.
$
COUNCIL
INFRA.
2025 - Motion to County
2025-Attend annual meeting with Bruce Trail
identifying opportunities
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INVEST IN RECREATION
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Support the long-term operation
of the NDCC
$$$
CAO
CLERKS
INFRA.
TREASURY
2024/2025 -Meet with Melancthon to discuss
long-term NDCC financial arrangements
2025 -Advance fundraising to support
continued renovations and capital investments
at NDCC.
2026-Grow use of Norduff Room
2027 - Rebrand the NDCC facility
Enhance active recreation
network
$
INFRA.
2025-Review existing network and identify
gaps.
2026 -Create an active transportation plan to
address gaps.
2027-Develop policies in the OP to require the
dedication of land for pedestrian and bicycle
pathways as a condition of the subdivision
plan, as provided for under the Planning Act (s.
51(25)(b))
Ensure outdoor recreational
infrastructure meets the needs
and demographics of the
communities
$$
CLERKS
TREASURY
INFRA.
2025-Engage with the public regarding
parkland needs and designs
2025- Monitor grants for outdoor exercise
equipment and natural playground equipment
at Violet Hill, Mansfield and Terra Nova
2026 - Research a more permanent board
system for outdoor rink.
2025 - Formalize and map path at Violet Hill
park
2025 -Create permanent storage at
Honeywood Baseball Diamond
2026- Research need for washrooms at
Thompson Trail
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PLANNING
2027 - Monitor grants for AED all parks with
high-activity recreation.
2030 - Secure and develop .7 hectares of
playground/parkland from 2025 to 2030 (2 ha
per 1000 residents), preferably through
parkland dedication mechanism
Ensure Recreation plans and
priorities remain current to meet
the needs of the community
$$
INFRA.
2026- Review and amend the Recreation
MasterPlan.
Explore recreational
opportunities within the
Mansfield North Rec
Area Master Plan
$
PLANNING
2026-Host a visioning session with
stakeholders to examine exploring options for
a golf course, trails and other recreational
assets
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WORK
SUPPORT BUSINESS
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Protect farms, farmland and
farmers
$
PLANNING
CLERKS
2025/26 - Review land severance policies and
on-farm diversification policies and draft
required amendments.
2026 - Examine tree cutting by-law related to
prime agriculture land production
Provide a leadership role in
fulsome and expedited pre-
consultation
$
PLANNING
2025 - Provide in-person pre-consultation
meeting options.
2026 - Process 80% of applicants within 4 weeks
Create synergies and
collaboration amongst
Mulmur businesses
$
CLERKS
2025 - Recognize and draw attention to new
businesses
2025 - Host 1 meeting per year
2025 - Examine DBOT activities and identify any
gaps to Mulmur businesses
2026 -Recirculate EDC videos bi-annually
2027 - Social media campaign to buy locally
during small business week annually
Support businesses to grow
and expand their
services/facilities
$
INFRA.
PLANNING
CLERKS
2025 Update email list of small business emails
2025 - Share business related information with
small businesses list
2025 - Research Wayfinding sign opportunities
2027 - Create an information package for
businesses on how Mulmur can help navigate
the planning/building process.
Encourage tourism that
supports Mulmur's vision
$
2024 - Convey Mulmur's priorities to Dufferin
Tourism
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LOCATE IN MULMUR
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Support the development of
educational facilities in
Mulmur
$
CAO
PLANNING
Fast-track any site plan or planning approvals
Research future needs for
Emergency Services
$
CAO
2028 - Research needs for various EMS services
and capital options
Secure additional water
capacity in Mansfield
$$$
INFRA.
2025 - Complete Environmental Assessment
2026 - Develop financial plan
Attract medical services
$
COUNCIL
CAO
PLANNING
2026 - Remove red tape by updating zoning by-
law to permit physician's offices and medical
facilities in most zones
2026 - Initiate conversations with local
physicians
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CULTIVATE A WISE INVESTOR MINDSET
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Encourage Dufferin County to
host an annual Economic
Development Conference
$
COUNCIL
2025 - Council to pass motion to request County
leadership of an economic development
conference
Increase long-term stability
and reduce fluctuation in tax
rates
$
TREASURY
2025 - Create listing of accommodations and
research short term rental platforms
2025 - Examine efficiencies, including board
governance and budgets
Increase reserves to match approved asset
management plan
Examine service contracts for
efficiencies
$
TREASURY
2026 - Explore opportunities in multi-year
service contracts to reduce administration time
Review financial terms for
services and infrastructure
$
TREASURY
INFRA.
2025 - Acquire copy of long-term capital plan for
boards
2025 - Review road and service cost sharing
agreements and MOUs with other lower tiers
and upper tier
Lead by example through
efficiency and quality service
$
CAO
INFRA.
2025- Complete 70 % of work orders within 10
business days
2025- Implement two improvements that result
in a targeted $ 3k savings in operating costs.
Provide good quality citizen focused services and
monitor results
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GROW
DEVELOP RESPONSIBLY
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Implement Garden Township
vision through Official Plan
$
PLANNING
2026 - Assess Garden Township implementation
options, including viewshed policies
Protect our rural character
$
PLANNING
CLERKS
2025 - Educate on civil enforcement of by-laws
and Township's focus
2025 - Examine property standard by-laws
2025- Create strong definitions related to
outdoor storage, trucking yards and land
exhaustive land uses and property maintenance
Encourage sustainable
development for Plans of
Subdivision and Major Site
Plan applications
$
PLANNING
2026- Amend Official Plan to include provincial
sustainability policies.
2026 - Support a range of housing appropriate to
Mulmur and assess opportunities for aging in
place, accessibility, second dwellings and tiny
homes
Protect the environment and
provide for the appropriate
mechanism to manage
growth
$
PLANNING
2026 - Assess opportunities and set
requirements related to energy assessments,
climate change mitigations, construction
standards and sustainable development
requirements for large scale developments
Assess Road Network
opportunities
$
INFRA.
2028- Assess dead-end extensions to open up
development opportunities
2029 - Evaluate the long term surfaces of the
road system in connection with the gravel pit
capacity, and the impact of paving roads on road
usage and resident impacts
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GROW A GARDEN TOWNSHIP
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Create a community
pollination garden and
promote private gardens
$
CLERKS
INFRA.
2026 - Review property standards by-law with
respect to pollination gardens
2025 - Examine cost of offering wood
chips/mulch annually from roadside tree-cutting
2025 - Invite local horticulturalist to Townhall
meeting
2026 - Create a guideline to creating gardens and
proper location, setbacks, maintenance
2027 -Create a volunteer team to develop a
pollination garden at Township office
Install a low maintenance
entranceway or focal garden
$$
INFRA.
2025-Create a map of land options for a focal
garden
2026 - Create two gardens
Support local food sources,
food security or food project
$$
CLERKS
2025 - Research demand for a community
orchard
Support gardens in
Honeywood cemetery
$$
CLERKS
2025 - Transfer Ownership
2025 - Survey Honeywood Cemetery property
2026 - Seek approval from BAO
2026 - research legislation regarding scattering
garden
Create opportunities for
garden themed art
$$
INFRA.
CLERKS
2025 - River Road Street Art
2027- Research opportunities to support local art
initiatives
2029 - sculpture competition focused on
promoting Garden Township identity
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GROW AWARENESS
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Develop a baseline knowledge
of environmental
sustainability and climate
change
$
CLERKS
INFRA.
2025 - Participate in the monthly Partners for
Climate Protection
Community of Practice (CoP) sessions
2025 - Promote Dufferin Youth Climate
Activation Circle
2025 - Encourage youth groups, such as 4-H,
guiding, scouts, etc to develop a climate change
program
2025- Research climate protection measures in
other rural municipalities.
2026- Share progress on climate protection
progress at town hall meeting.
2025 - Share green information, and add a
section to the monthly newsletter
Encourage e billings
Support the County of
Dufferin Home Energy
Lending Program for energy
saving technologies and
upgrades in private homes.
$$
TREASURY
2026 - Implement outcomes of Dufferin Green
Development Standards
Implement and Monitor the costs and uptake of
the LIC program annually once established by
Dufferin.
Encourage legislative change
to building standards to green
standards
$
COUNCIL
CAO
2025 - Motion to County
2025 - Delegate to the Province for changes to
the Building Code for increased energy
efficiencies
Encourage tree planting on
steep slopes and non-prime
farmlands.
$
CLERKS
2025 - Support volunteerism for NVCA projects
through communication channels
2025 - Support local tree programs on non-
prime farmland and monitor success
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REDUCE OUR FOOTPRINT
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Prepare business case for
solar on municipal
infrastructure
$
INFRA.
2026 - Investigate installing solar on
Mansfield Well building and pavilion, and
Mulmur-Melancthon Fire Station and Arena
solar and signage
Assess environmental impacts
and various lenses
$
TREASURY
INFRA.
2026 - Incorporate an environmental (including
climate change) lens into asset management,
capital planning, procurement and the
budgetary processes
Reduce unnecessary waste
$
INFRA.
2025 - Motion to Dufferin County encouraging
hazardous waste day in Northern Dufferin
County or Primrose site
2025 - Review waste soil procedures in
procurement
2025 - Review fill by-law
2026 - Consider options to reuse materials
and/or reduce waste through procurement
process
2027 - Create a Ditching Program
Increase opportunities for
Electric Vehicles in Public and
Private Sectors
$
INFRA.
Monitor the development of EV fleet
equipment.
2025 - Update pick-up truck tender documents
to provide for EV options.
Reduce water loss from
Mansfield municipal water
system
$
INFRA.
2025 - Work with operating authority to explore
opportunities to identify and action water losses
earlier
2025- Monitor water losses and research water
loss for other rural small water systems across
Ontario
2026- Set a reduction target from 2024 baseline
data based
P a g e 27 | 28
2026 -Research water saving, environmental
sustainability mitigation and adaptation
measures
2027 - Create rain barrel program
P a g e 28 | 28
BE PREPARED
ACTION ITEM
COST
LEAD
KPI
Partner with EMS team to
discuss needs, opportunities
and alignment
$
CAO
INFRA.
Bi-annual meeting with EMS team
2025 - Budget blade and salter for the 1 tonne
Enhance municipal knowledge
of risks and opportunities
$
INFRA.
2025 - Staff assessment of Stormwater Climate
Change Risks to identify mitigation and adaption
measures
2025 - Develop a Mulmur climate action plan
2025 - Meet with County at staff level and
develop priorities for inclusion in next climate
change plan update.
2027 - implement Emily Project (Emergency
Numbering on trails and vacant parcels
2029 - prepare a New Community Risk
Assessment
Increase resident capacity for
Emergency Shelters
$
CAO
CLERKS
2025 - Basic first aid training to volunteers
2025 - Annual meeting with volunteers prior to
winter season
Motion to Dufferin County requesting funding
of generator at Honeywood Arena
Increase communication to
residents for extreme
weather events
$
CLERKS
2025 - Develop template messaging for
Mansfield General Store digital sign
Provide advanced notice to residents of severe
winter conditions