Centre Wellington council plans to deal with termites, addressing a near ten-year old issue within the region. Termites were identified for treatment in 2022, when 259 properties were identified as in the "red-zone."

Council made the move to enter negotiations with Termite Management Services Inc. at a meeting Monday night in Elora. Township Managing Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Adam McNabb says the goal for the five-year program, that will cost council $1.4 million, is clear.

"Ultimately, it would be the eradication of termites in their entirety but it will be largely dependent on the program's success, which we intend to monitor on an annual basis," McNabb said.

Council first dealt with the issue in 2016 when they directed staff staff to make recommendations and review their approach in the process. McNabb, when asked about where the required funding would come from, made the point some of these dollars are already looked after.

"This will be funded through a combination of contributions from capital, which already exists, and have been previously budgeted, and an implementation of a tax levy increase of approximately 1.42 per cent, which is a one-time tax levy increase. That will be introduced in 2024," McNabb stated.

In 2020, target areas were investigated. Following one unsuccessful request for proposal in July, a request saw two responses. One of those replies was Termite Management Services.

Work will begin immediately following the completion of a successful negotiation process. The program will span until the end of 2028.

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