Council Highlights - August 27, 2024

Last night’s meeting opened with a public meeting regarding a Zoning By-law Amendment to correct minor discrepancies in the Zoning By-law, including grammatical errors, the addition of definitions and updating provisions related to Wellhead Protection Ares and Cash-in-Lieu parking. This housekeeping amendment will come before a future Council meeting for approval.

Council approved the Zoning By-law Amendment and draft plan of subdivision conditions for the Hilan Village subdivision. The property fronts onto Carss Street in Almonte and proposes up to 116 residential units, including a mix of single-detached dwellings and multi-residential units with two park blocks, one open space block and two public streets. The draft plan conditions will now be forwarded to Lanark County for approval.

The Zoning By-law Amendment to lift the holding zones for the Weaver’s Way subdivision was also approved. Located at 1218 Old Almonte Road, the proposed development includes approximately 535 residential units, two park blocks, a stormwater management pond, two walkway blocks and 11 public streets. The project received draft plan of subdivision approval from Lanark County in June.

Council endorsed Official Plan Amendment 33 (Limited Service Residential and Private Roads Study) and related Zoning By-law Amendment. The Limited Service Residential zone recognizes and permits limited-service residential in rural designated areas and ensures the maintenance of local rural character. Limited service means that municipal services would not be provided. These amendments are municipal-wide and are applicable to any new proposed developments on private roads and in some cases, any future developments on existing properties on private roads.

Official Plan Amendment 32 also received approval by Council. The purpose is to better align municipal policies with Planning Act changes resulting from Bills 23 and 185. OPA 32 is focused around the ‘Development’ theme and addresses density (residential and Additional Residential Units), latecomer and infrastructure policy, built form and building height. Supportive policies for Additional Residential Units (ARUs) in new subdivisions includes the mandatory requirement at least one type of model home with purpose-built ARUs is offered for sale; and if the proposed subdivision does not meet minimum density requirements of the Official Plan, at least 25% of new homes would require roughed-in ARUs.

Council recognized the achievements of Deputy Clerk Casey Munro on the successful completion of the Executive Diploma in Municipal Management through the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. Well done, Casey!

Committee of the Whole also heard the following items, which will be brought forward for approval at a future Council meeting:

• A Zoning By-law Amendment for 171 Montgomery Park Road to permit the removal of the existing dwelling and rebuilding of a detached dwelling.

• Automatic aid agreements with the Lanark Highlands Fire Service, Carleton Place Fire Department and Arnprior Fire Department.

• Requests to include additional staffing positions in the 2025 Draft Budget for consideration during budget deliberations.

• Proposed revisions to the Consolidated Procurement Policy.

• Quarterly Reports received from Recreation and Culture, Roads and Public Works and Development Services and Engineering.

• In the Mayor’s Report, highlights were shared from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference, including a number of successful delegations with Provincial Ministries. Delegations included the Minister of Infrastructure; Minister of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness; Associate Minister of Energy and Electrification; Associate Minister of Small Business; Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity; and the Ontario Medical Association. Further details will be provided in the Q3 Advocacy and Partnership update.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.