Now that the calendar has rolled over to the new year, the Town of Teulon has plenty of successes to celebrate from 2025 and lots to look forward to in 2026.
Town of Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell
Mayor Todd Campbell said 2025 was all about enhancing experiences for citizens and visitors, improving everyday life for residents, strengthening local partnerships and keeping community spaces welcoming and affordable.
“From recreation upgrades to meaningful programs for youth, Teulon has shown that small towns can achieve big things,” he said.
“In planning for 2025, the town focused on what matters most to people who live and visit here — safety, friendships, quiet living, natural landscapes and affordability. By listening closely to residents and working with community partners, Teulon built on these priorities in real and visible ways.”
Teamwork was one of the town’s main strengths in 2025, evident through collaborative work with community groups, volunteers and local organizations. Campbell points to collaboration through several projects that benefit the entire community.
“The Safer School Pathway Project helped students travel to and from school more safely. Thank you for the contributions of councillors Kirt Ansell and Glenn Kletke,” he said.
“The Green Acres Trails expansion grew the park pathways, thanks to the support of an anonymous donor.”
Children, youth and adults kept active through support for local sports and recreation, including Teulon Minor Hockey and the Curling Club. In addition, food bank sponsorship helped ensure support for families in need, and elementary school skating days encouraged healthy fun.
“These partnerships show how Teulon continues to build a caring, connected community,” Campbell said.
Teulon also celebrates its success in keeping recreation affordable for families. The town offered $2 public skating, stick-and-puck and community skate sessions, with season passes priced at only $25 for individuals and $50 for families. Families also enjoyed a summer drop-in arena program, as well as sponsorship for five elementary school skating days.
“These choices helped ensure everyone from young families to seniors could stay active without high costs,” Campbell said.
Community input continues to help shape the future of Teulon.
“The town invited residents to share ideas for parks, green spaces and other public areas. Beginning in summer 2024 and continuing into 2025, this input will help guide the future of outdoor spaces,” he said.
“A public open house is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2026, where residents will help shape priorities for beautification, recreation and gathering spaces. This open-door approach ensures local voices influence local decisions.”
Last year also brought upgrades across town.
“Behind the scenes, important improvements kept facilities running safely and looking great,” Campbell said. “Some of the completed upgrades this year include painting of the arena’s north and east exterior walls, as well as new audio-visual improvements at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, including a 100-inch television.”
Other upgrades included new automatic shut-off taps at the campground and canteen washrooms; replacement of aging equipment, such as a front deck mower, a half-ton truck and the purchase of a flail mower; and a manhole inspection initiative to support infrastructure planning.
“These investments may not always make headlines,” Campbell said, “but they play an important role in keeping Teulon running smoothly.”
Following a year of progress in 2025, more excitement is on the horizon in 2026.
“From safe pathways to renewed community spaces, 2025 proved to be a year of growth and connection for Teulon. The town strengthened relationships with local groups, invested in recreational opportunities, improved infrastructure and invited residents to participate in planning the future,” Campbell said.
“As we move toward 2026, Teulon’s successes show what can be accomplished when a community shares common goals, chooses affordability and keeps citizens at the heart of every decision. And based on everything achieved this year, Teulon’s story of progress is only beginning.”
At the same time, Campbell said funding challenges related to infrastructure renewals continue to hamper the town’s ability to access provincial grants that might be insufficient or unpredictable.
“Additionally, competition for funding from regional and national sources can be intense, making it difficult for small towns to secure necessary financial support,” Campbell said. “Costs continue to rise across all aspects of our business, from building material to rubber on the wheels of our equipment. Global uncertainty is certainly hitting close to home.”
In 2026, one big project will involve the purchase of a new fire pumper truck. Council will also be looking at paving another street this year.
“We have finalized the drawing and design for the new accessible washrooms at our community centre and will go out for tender in the new year,” Campbell added. “We will continue to enhance our facilities with some upgrades to improve customer experiences.”
Looking ahead, Campbell focuses on the community goal of continuing to work together and building on momentum created in 2025. He’d also like to keep focusing on the theme “Small town living isn’t about having less; it’s about experiencing more.”
“Our community-based organizations are critical to the well-being of our community,” he said. “If there was one resolution I would suggest: Join a club or organization — your knowledge and your time as a volunteer provides successful continuation of our local groups in our community.”
Campbell also shared a few messages with residents for the new year.
“Go out and enjoy the new trails. Experience everything that makes Teulon special. Let’s continue to work together to make this town a great place to work and play in 2026,” he said.
“Lastly, 2026 is an election year. Please remember to vote. Your vote is important.”
