Special Lanark County Council Highlights - June 26, 2024

Press Release – Lanark County

Here are the highlights from the Special Lanark County Council meeting held June 26, 2024.

Carebridge to Build Affordable Housing in Perth: Lanark County Council has approved a request for proposal to allow Carebridge Community Support to construct 15 affordable housing units in Perth.

The project would include a $2.5 million forgivable loan over 40 years, seven of the units being funded as rent-geared-to-income (RGI) with an allowable rent calculation of up to 100 per cent of average market rent for the 40-year period, and an annual operating grant for Carebridge that is equivalent to the county portion of property taxes for the 15 units during that time.

At the special community services committee meeting Wednesday evening, Director of Social Services Emily Hollington said with this project the county continues to work to increase affordable housing opportunities and to meet housing development targets, including 10 new units in 2026 (five affordable and five RGI).

The RFP was issued in March and four responses were received, with Carebridge scoring highest for its two-storey, 15-unit affordable housing apartment building at 63 Halton St., Perth. It will include 11 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units, with rent set at below average market rent ($720 per month for one-bedroom and $895 for two). Proposed occupancy is in January 2026. The design includes common spaces and seven accessible units, with three being completely barrier free.

“Carebridge has assembled a strong construction team, has significant experience in providing community housing and is backed by the Community Housing Initiative Perth group that will be coordinating light support for the future tenants of the building,” Hollington said.

Carebridge currently has 221 community housing units in Lanark County, with a mix of market, affordable and RGI options. “Community Housing Initiative Perth is a group that formed following the success of finding homes for and supporting Syrian newcomers. The group has formed a partnership with Carebridge and will pair volunteers with building tenants who are interested in receiving light assistance and support.”

Hollington said a 30-year projection confirms the long-term viability of the project, with rent revenues covering operating and mortgage payments. Construction is expected to cost $4.3 million. In addition to the county contributions, it includes a range of funding, including an equity investment from Carebridge, and fundraising. The Town of Perth owns the land and offered it to Carebridge for a nominal fee.

Hollington said any changes to the development planning, such as a decrease in the number of units, could affect the viability of the project. She added although Carebridge’s request exceeds the proposed RFP amount, it could be funded from county reserves and the 2023 surplus.

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

Speed Management Policy Approved: Lanark County Council passed a by-law to adopt the new speed management policy that provides guidance on the application of speed management measures, including speed limit changes and traffic calming initiatives when locations have been identified as experiencing excessive speeding by motor vehicles.

Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. was awarded the contract to update the existing traffic policy in 2022, and consultations with a range of stakeholders took place last year, finishing in September. The draft policy recommended the creation of a Traffic Advisory Work Group (TAWG) to bring traffic-related concerns to local municipalities and the OPP in order to obtain feedback.

The TAWG formed this spring and consists of county staff, local municipal representatives, and the OPP, as well as the health unit, Ministry of Transportation and other emergency service providers as needed. It also provided recommendations on the draft.

The policy describes the basis for setting speed limits on county roads, defines criteria needed to consider speed management measures, provides a flowchart to illustrate steps in applying the policy and responding to concerns raised, and outlines a list of possible speed-management measures, including traffic calming for urban hamlets and rural areas.

It includes a consistent, objective process for reviewing, evaluating and responding to requests for speed management measures, as well as methods to determine if speed management is appropriate and for prioritizing locations. It also establishes a procedure for monitoring and assessing effectiveness of speed management measures that have been installed.

The policy includes mitigation measures to address factors related to pedestrians and vehicles on rural roadways, where lighting and sidewalks are not usually feasible. This includes mowing and grading measures, installing “Share the Road” signage, education about safe walking practices and paving shoulders when possible.

“The policy is intended to improve safety for all road users, reduce incidents of aggressive driving and improve liveability for community residents,” Derouin said.

For more information, contact Sean Derouin, Public Works Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194.

Lanark Highlands Official Plan Amendment Approved: Lanark County Council has passed a by-law approving Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 8 for the Township of Lanark Highlands, which is a significant update following its official plan review process.

Senior Planner Koren Lam explained the township’s update began in 2021 and concluded with the adoption of its by-law in December 2022. The OPA submission process to the county was deemed complete in September 2023. The purpose of the amendment is to update the official plan with changes resulting from the 2021 review. Among the changes are policies related to:

• Recognition of the Anishinaabe Peoples as the first inhabitants of the township and the duty to consult Indigenous communities on issues related to natural and cultural heritage matters

• Climate change

• Enabling Additional Residential Units (ARUs) and affordable housing

• Encouraging economic diversification

• Support of communal sanitary systems

• The township’s Emergency Management Program

• Recognizing the township’s parks and recreation amenities and active transportation

• Expanded range of permitted agricultural uses

• Clarification around hydrogeological assessment requirements

• A new natural heritage system mapping

• Recognition of natural corridors and linkages as wildlife habitat

Lam explained consultations were conducted and public comments were received as part of the process.

For more information, contact Koren Lam, Senior Planner, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1505.

Carleton Place Official Plan Amendment Establishes Public Consultation Processes: Lanark County Council has passed a by-law approving Carleton Place Official Plan Amendment No. 10, which amends a policy related to plans of subdivision to include measures for community feedback.

Senior Planner Koren Lam explained the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing enacted Bill 23 in November 2022, which removed the approval authority’s ability to conduct public meetings for plan of subdivision applications. The act also introduced provisions in the Planning Act to allow official plans to establish “alternative measures,” with council support, for informing and obtaining feedback from members of the public.

Lam said Carleton Place has adopted a sub-policy in the official plan that outlines the town’s public meeting digital engagement strategy by posting subdivision application materials and studies on the town’s website and conducting a public meeting by providing notice on the website and mailing neighbouring property owners within 120 metres of subject lands. Prior to draft plan approval, a consolidation of public comments received from the county and the town must be addressed by the applicant. Applications must still comply with statutory public notification and agency circulation requirements under the Planning Act, which includes a letter to be sent to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject property.

The town held a public meeting regarding this proposed change in February. There were no registered speakers, and the only written comment came from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills expressing interest in implementing a similar policy amendment in their official plan.

For more information, contact Koren Lam, Senior Planner, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1505.

Including Trails in Trans Canada Trail Expansion: Lanark County Council has approved motions that would see the inclusion of two local trails into expansion efforts of the Trans Canada Trail.

The Trans Canada Trail stretches 28,000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast and traverses urban, rural and wilderness landscapes. It incorporates multiple existing trails as part of its system and is seeking to increase connectivity.

The motions are to include the Tay Havelock Trail in the expansion of the Trans Canada Trail from the Lanark County border to the Tay Havelock Trailhead, and for the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail to be included from Carleton Place to the Renfrew County border.

For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

MORECycle Information Received: Lanark County Council received information regarding the Mississippi and Ottawa Rivers Experience (MORE) Cycle Route as part of the economic development committee meeting Wednesday evening.

MORECycle Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Mills outlined the benefits of cycle tourism, including 1.2 million cycling visits in Ontario and $565 million in spending. Statistics Canada shows the largest spending categories are accommodations, food and beverage, and transportation, and 61 percent of cycling visits included overnight visits.

Mills explained MORECycle is a 200-kilometre inter-provincial cycling loop connecting the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT), Trans Canada Trail, Ottawa and Gatineau Cycling Routes, rural roads of West Carleton and other county trails. In addition to residents of Lanark and Renfrew counties, the market includes the National Capital Region with its population of 1.5 million people. Mills noted it would appeal to locals and tourists and offer a safe cycling experience for all ages and abilities, including young families with children, seniors on e-bikes and experienced cyclists.

It also offers economic development opportunities supporting a range of local businesses, including accommodations, food, shopping, points of interest, and festivals and community events.

Mills explained the idea was developed through consultations with community leaders, cycle enthusiasts and business owners. Volunteers are helping to develop the route with a budget of $5,000 sponsored by the Mississippi Mills Community Grant, Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month and CG&A Communications.

Mills encouraged county support through financial assistance to help build an online presence, along with inclusion in printed promotional and route materials. He also cited continuing to maintain the OVRT surface for bicycles and helping to encourage the City of Ottawa to pave shoulders on County Road 29 between Shaw Road and Galetta Side Road.

The group is hosting an inaugural ride event this Saturday, June 29 called “Sweet Beginnings” at Hummingbird Chocolate in Almonte at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Vanessa Dow, Tourism and Corporate Relations Coordinator, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1701.

Upcoming Meetings: No regular meetings scheduled in July. County Council, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 5 p.m.; Community Services, Aug. 14 (following County Council); Corporate Services, Aug. 14 (following Community Services). County Council, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m.; Public Works, Aug. 28 (following County Council); Economic Development, Aug. 28 (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 X!