Council Highlights - November 12th, 2024

Stay-up-to-date with what’s happening at the Council table with the Town of Arnprior’s meetings in just a few minutes.  Please note these summaries are not an official record of Council meetings. Official minutes are posted online once they are approved during a subsequent meeting. You can also access the meeting recording on the Town’s YouTube channel.

Public Meeting – Zoning By-Law Amendment No. 5/24 (107 Baskin Drive East)

Council held a public meeting regarding an application for Zoning By-Law Amendment No. 5/24 to amend the zoning of the subject lands known municipally as 107 Baskin Drive East from Airport Development (“A-D”) to Employment (“EMPL”) designation. A staff report concerning this application will come forward to the November 25^th, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council for their consideration.

Zoning By-Law Amendment No. 6/24 (400 Division Street South)

Council received an application for an amendment to Zoning By-law No. 6875-18 for land legally described as McNab Concession A, Part of Lot 5 to allow construction of a sales office / model home prior to draft plan approval. Council directed that a public meeting be held on December 9^th, 2024 to allow for public review and comment on this application.

Arena Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

Council received an update regarding potential arena sponsorship and advertising opportunities as part of the 2025 Nick Smith Centre Arena Revitalization project. New advertising opportunities include the scoreboards, change rooms, meeting rooms, mezzanine viewing area and arena seats. An updated User Fees and Charges By-Law will be brought forward for consideration at the November 25^th, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council.

Review of Pound Keeper Services (2025 to 2028)

Council received a staff report on the review of pound keeper services for 2025 through 2028 and adopted a by-law to enter into a service agreement with the Arnprior and District Humane Society. The Humane Society has provided pound keeper services for the Town of Arnprior since the late 1990s and provides a safe environment for stray dogs and cats brought in by the Town’s By-Law Enforcement Officers.

Renfrew and Area OPP Detachment Board – 2025 Budget

Council provided its support for the draft 2025 Budget for the Renfrew and Area OPP Detachment Board and confirmed that the Town is committed to providing an equal share of the OPP Detachment Board Budget each year alongside the other six participating municipalities.

2026 Municipal and School Board Elections – Council Composition, Alternate Voting Methods and 2025 Ad Hoc Council Remuneration Committee

Council reviewed a staff report from the CAO and Town Clerk regarding preparations for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections including Council Composition, Alternate Voting Methods and the 2025 Ad Hoc Council Remuneration Committee.

Following discussion, Council adopted the following items:

• Maintain the current size of Council at seven (7) members.
• Maintain the existing at-large election system where all Members of Council are directly elected by all voters (rather than by geographically designated wards).
• Rename the position of “County Councillor” to “Deputy Mayor” and assign this individual to be the Town’s representative at County Council as well as the Town’s Deputy Mayor for the entire term of Council.
• Direct the Town Clerk to bring forward a by-law to authorize the use of an alternate voting method (internet and telephone) for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections.
• Authorize recruitment for community members to serve on an Ad Hoc Council Remuneration Committee with a mandate to conduct a market review and make recommendations for Council compensation, to take effect the following 2026-2030 term of Council.

The Town Clerk will return to Council with appropriate amendments to the Procedure By-Law, Council Composition By-Law and any other required by-laws to implement Council’s above noted decisions.