Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027 Update

At the July 14, 2025, meeting, council received an update on the Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027 progress. Our Strategic Plan was approved in August 2023 and includes 56 actions within the 5 goal statements:

• Safe and Reliable Infrastructure
• Health and Welcoming Community
• Strong and Vibrant Community
• Balanced Growth
• Open and Responsible Government

Council and staff commitment to furthering our strategic actions has realized 93% of the actions initiated and in various stages of progress or completed. Seventeen (17) of the actions have been completed.

Highlights include:

Completed

• Splash pad construction was completed, and grand opening held on July 1, 2025.
• An architect has been hired to design the new Hanover Policies Services station as per council’s mid-2024 direction to build a new Hanover Police Services station on the site of the former firehall (10^th Avenue).
• Community Connects session was held in April 2025 with an opportunity for residents to hear from council and senior management team. The session included a resident question and answer segment.
• The volunteer appreciation event was held on June 28, 2025. Parks, Recreation and Culture in partnership with Hanover Public Library hosted a Volunteer Fair on June 17, 2025.
• Level 3 EV Charger installed and will be operational soon. This was completed through a public / private partnership.
• Asset Management Plan (AMP) approved in June 2025.
• The grand opening of our new firehall was held in May 2025.

In Progress

• The development charges (DC) process was initiated mid-2024 and continues. As our AMP has been approved, the work and focus shifts to the DC’s project.
• New water tower construction has commenced.
• Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) expansion investigative work continues with the environmental assessment work in process and consultations with Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority ongoing. Interim WWTP work is being completed so that our plant’s capacity can be considered for re-rating. 
• Newcomer initiatives include customized Hanover Welcome Package in partnership with Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership that is available at the Library and on the Town website. Website page added to include resources. An official launch of a newcomer resource hub at the Library is being planned for fall 2025.