At its July 22, 2025 meeting, Woolwich Township Council held a public meeting to gather community feedback on the proposed disposition of Township-owned lands at 22 Church Street West and 3 Maple Street in Elmira. The combined properties total approximately 6,446 square metres and have significant frontage along both Maple Street and Church Street West in Elmira’s Core Area.

Although the Township has owned 3 Maple Street for many years, it recently acquired 22 Church Street West, formerly owned by Home Hardware, with support from the Housing Accelerator Fund. This strategic acquisition allows the Township to consolidate the parcels, creating a stronger opportunity for redevelopment in the downtown core and supporting intensification and housing growth.

In 2019, a similar process was initiated to declare a portion of 3 Maple Street surplus, receiving both support and concerns from residents and businesses. At the time, the community voiced support for redevelopment but raised questions about the loss of public parking. In response, the Township has since acquired 6 Maple Street to help offset potential parking reductions.

The Township has now re-initiated the surplus land declaration process, combining both properties into a single proposal. Notices were mailed to nearby property owners and tenants and published in the newspaper in accordance with the Township’s Sale and Disposition of Township Land By-law.

The public meeting provided an opportunity for additional feedback before a final decision is made. If Council chooses to declare the lands surplus, the properties may be sold through listing, sole sourcing, or public tender. Sale value will be determined by appraisal and consideration of development objectives.

A final report with a formal recommendation and by-law will be brought to Council on August 12, 2025.

Residents with further comments or questions are encouraged to contact Township staff before August 6, 2025, to have their comments included in the final report to Council.