This story was previously published on EloraFergusToday.
CENTRE WELLINGTON – Council has supported development and implementation of a program that recognizez diversity and inclusion in the township.
Approved during a Centre Wellington council meeting Monday evening, staff said the Centre Wellington Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (D.E.I) believes it's important to develop a program that has deliberate efforts that recognize, celebrate and "support the diverse communities that enrich (the) municipality."
"The only way we're going to effect change is to thread it into the narrative at every corner," said Coun. Barb Lustgarten-Evoy, during the meeting.
To be divided into three phases, the committee said community engagement will be "vital" during all phases of program development and it will work to determine the core initiatives intended and resource allocation before the program is executed.
Examples for the program include creating an equity calendar, creating appropriate content for social media posts, an illumination program policy, edits to the Community Flag Pole policy and/or an investment program for community-driven, diverse and inclusive events.
To be reviewed during 2025 budget deliberations, staff said there is about $77,500 in funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives but they don't intend to spend any money until they have a resolution from council.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
