Tonight, Council will consider two related items: an update to our municipal website and a proposed corporate rebrand.
I’m fully supportive of the website upgrade. Our current platform is approaching end-of-life, and we rely on it for everything from public notices to service requests. A secure, accessible, modern site is not optional anymore; it’s part of serving the community well. Keeping Central Elgin’s online presence stable, usable, and up-to-date is good housekeeping.
I differ is on the rebrand.
Our existing logo may be older, but it’s beautifully intentional. The corn and fish represent our former townships; the lines are our two major watersheds — Catfish Creek and Kettle Creek — all flowing into Lake Erie. It ties together our geography, our settlement history, and our identity in a way that still feels grounded and relevant. There’s nothing “broken” about it that needs fixing, and it doesn’t cost $15,000 to keep using what already works.
Even when funding comes from a surplus, I don’t believe we should spend money simply because it’s available. I plan to focus on needs, not wants, and to place our attention on the infrastructure and digital services that directly support residents. If a future council wants to revisit the branding piece during a strategic planning cycle — ideally with grant support or a larger visioning exercise — that’s theirs to explore.
For tonight, my priority is keeping our online services strong and dependable, and saving discretionary spending for when it’s truly needed.