The newly released 2022-2026 Priorities Document maps out an aspirational vision for improving all aspects of life in Lincoln Ontario over the next four years. Developed collaboratively by Lincoln City Council and staff, the comprehensive plan defines targets across five priority areas—Community Well-Being, Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, Governance, and Infrastructure.
“This document represents months of research, discussion and envisioning the future with staff and residents to determine where Lincoln needs to be by 2026,” said Mayor Sandra Easton. “We aim high but strategically in building on our strengths as a community.”
Supporting Health, Safety and Inclusion
The City Council has outlined numerous initiatives focused on elevating health outcomes, personal safety and social equity across Lincoln. Efforts will centre on the most vulnerable groups, including actions to increase affordable housing, access to medical services, healthy living infrastructure, and targeted support programs.
Council also plans steps to reinforce Lincoln as a discrimination-free, diverse and welcoming community for all. Ongoing investments in public safety and crime prevention will also continue, while pushing for greater inclusion and anti-racism education.
Driving Job Creation and Economic Diversification
Identifying new high-value industries best suited for Lincoln will help attract talent and opportunities. The Council aims to leverage existing assets like affordable land, quality of life and location in a proactive economic blueprint.
Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is another priority, providing mentoring, networking events and potentially a small business centre. Plans also emphasize developing partnerships with Niagara College and Brock University to foster innovation.
Infrastructure Key to Managing Growth
Carefully managing Lincoln’s projected population growth to 75,000 residents involves ensuring infrastructure keeps pace through adequate funding. The priority framework stresses integrating smart city technology for efficient infrastructure management as well.
Long-term master plans will map out requirements for roads, transit, water systems and community facilities. Exploring creative options like community bonds and external funding will also help achieve infrastructure goals.
Environmental Leadership and Livability
The Council’s environmental pillar centres on stewardship of Lincoln’s natural assets, while building climate resilience and sustainability. Protection of ecologically sensitive areas, green fleet transition planning, energy audits and expanding EV infrastructure are some major action areas.
Building on progress to date, Council will develop a climate adaptation framework assessing infrastructure and emergency response needs. A community engagement strategy will also help Lincoln residents contribute to sustainability plans.
Enhancing Openness and Accountability
Committing to the highest standards of ethical governance remains an unwavering Council priority in the coming years. Alongside responsible fiscal management, plans detail measures to improve transparency such as easier access to financial information and decision-making rationale.
Updating public consultation methods through surveys and interactive forums will help modernize citizen participation. Overall the governance priority seeks to strengthen trust and accountability between Lincoln residents and their elected representatives.
Realizing the Ambitions
With extensive research and community input underpinning it, Lincoln’s leadership believes this multi-year priority plan provides a robust blueprint for realizing an equitable, sustainable and prosperous future.
The Council urges all residents and business owners to review the details on these ambitious targets set out for Lincoln Ontario and provide feedback. Achieving aspirational goals happens only through collective buy-in on the way forward.
Over the next four years, Lincoln’s elected leaders and staff will regularly report back on progress towards this vision. We invite you to participate actively in building the Lincoln Ontario we all want to see by 2026. Go to the Town of Lincoln Ontario website for further information lincoln.ca
The detailed document can be found here: https://www.lincoln.ca/priorities
