Lanark County Council Highlights – April 23, 2025

Press Release – Lanark County 

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held April 23, 2025.

Proceeding with Retrofit in Smiths Falls:

Lanark County Council has directed staff to proceed with a deep energy/accessibility retrofit at 24 Bourke St. in Smiths Falls after hearing options from a pre-feasibility study. 

At the community services committee meeting earlier this month, Housing Services Manager Kaitlyn Murray explained the project is part of council’s participation in the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), which includes an agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for almost $5 million to support repair and renewal of Lanark County Housing Corporation (LCHC) units over three years. Last year, council awarded a contract to iSolara for solar panel installations and to Climate Works for the installation of cold climate heat pumps.

The 2025 budget includes a $1.9-million allocation for the 24 Bourke St. retrofit. Murray explained a request for proposals was issued in October for a solar array installation, which required the successful proponent to produce a pre-feasibility assessment. This was awarded to J.L. Richards in November. The pre-feasibility report was submitted in March, with three options:

1. Meeting the minimum CMHC requirements, including air source heat pumps for individual units and common areas and an electric water tank, which would see no return on investment.

2. Build on the minimum requirement in option one and increase energy-saving measures, renewable energy sources and grant availability with energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures and rooftop solar panels.

3. Achieve highest energy savings by replacing the air source heat pump and hot water tank options with a ground source heat pump and domestic hot water tank along with the additional measures in option two. 

Council opted for option three, which was the recommendation.

“Option three has an estimated municipal investment payback period of 11 years due to the reduction in utility costs by approximately $59,000 per year, as well as low maintenance expenses,” Murray said, noting there is also a sizeable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The county contribution for this project will be $661,500, and the county has committed $1.3 million to date to ongoing NCHF projects. Approved projects in 2025/2026 include projects at three properties, including an elevator retrofit.

Murray added the county may qualify for additional grants for this fiscal year.

For more information, contact Kaitlyn Murray, Housing Services Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2401.

Paramedic Services Week Proclaimed:

Lanark County Council has proclaimed May 18 to 25 as Paramedic Services Week in Lanark County. Warden Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor) said the goal of the week is to raise community awareness and appreciation of the services provided by paramedics.

“The skills and quality care rendered by the paramedics is an integral part of the health care system, and we encourage all citizens to learn more about the role of paramedics in the health system.”

In a report to the corporate services committee, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema said most of the paramedics that comprise the LCPS are residents of the county.

“They are the neighbours, friends and family of those who rely on the professional, efficient

response that is called upon, time and time again, in times of medical need,” he said. “Proclaiming Paramedic Services Week demonstrates the appreciation members of Lanark County Council, on behalf of the residents of Lanark County, have for the paramedics.”

Mellema noted the lifesaving skills delivered by paramedics, who are usually the first responder in a time of need, directly affect a patient’s steps to recover. “Paramedics take great pride in the ability to provide health care services to the public.”

For more information, contact Kurt Greaves, CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101.

Council Receives Update on Municipal Tools to Support Affordable Housing:

Lanark County Council received an update on ways municipalities can support affordable housing, including progress on actions to date.

At the community services committee of the whole meeting earlier this month, Director of Social Services Emily Hollington outlined the goals of the “Municipal Tools to Support Affordable Housing Report,” which was approved in May 2023. It aims to encourage a broad range of housing options to meet needs of residents, increase the supply of market-rate and affordable rental housing, and support economic growth and community well-being with an adequate supply of housing that is affordable to households with moderate incomes.

A total of 44 actions were created, ranging from policy and regulations, funding, partnership, and awareness and advocacy. The plan was led by social services in partnership with the planning department and addresses actions in the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, which is due for its five-year review. 

In terms of policy and regulations, several county official plan updates were identified for review and consideration in an amendment expected in the summer/fall of 2025 that is tied to outcomes from the growth management study. There will be a related public consultation process. 

For funding actions, activities have taken place for financing incentives and initiatives, development charges, a grant-in-lieu of property tax program, and partnerships with local municipalities on affordable housing development opportunities.

Partnership actions have taken place with various local groups, private developers and all levels of government, as well as supportive housing, such as the Bridge House. In addition, a rental database is available on the county website and is updated weekly. 

Awareness and advocacy actions have included social media campaigns, educational articles and website improvements, as well as through a rural homelessness conference, a series of education sessions and presentations, an annual housing report card and advocacy including proclamations for National Housing Day and World Homelessness Day and creating a Governance Relations Working Group. 

Hollington said 25 actions are to be addressed through the official plan update, 11 are complete or ongoing, and eight are yet to be explored.

For more information, contact Emily Hollington, Director of Social Services, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2101.

Upcoming Meetings:

County Council, Wednesday, May 7, 5 p.m.; Community Services, May 7 (following County Council); Corporate Services, May 7 (following Community Services). County Council, Wednesday, May 21, 5 p.m.; Public Works, May 21 (following County Council); Economic Development, May 21 (following Public Works). Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications.

For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on Instagram.