Council Highlights - November 14th, 2023

Stay-up-to-date with what’s happening at the Council table with the Town of Arnprior’s Council Highlights! These informal recaps help residents catch up with Council 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

Council held a public meeting to hear comments from the public regarding a draft Plan of Subdivision (Westhaven Gate - 47-T-21004) fronting on Fourth Avenue. The proposed plan of subdivision would consist of 64 single detached lots, 38 townhomes, 4 semi-detached homes for a total of 106 dwelling units, on three internal public roads and including one stormwater management block.  Comments will be forwarded to the County of Renfrew, approval authority for Plans of Subdivision.

Strategic Plan Approved

Council approved the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.  Town Hall Consulting has provided an easy to follow, well-laid out document, thoroughly explaining Council’s Vision for the future of Arnprior which is “to be a sustainable and welcoming community by respecting our history and building our future together”.

To achieve this vision, the Mission provides Council and staff’s commitment “to inspire, support, and serve a thriving and progressive community by creating opportunities, being supportive and providing quality services for today and tomorrow”. The Town's Mission and Vision are further supported by the Town’s Values: forward-thinking, accountable, inclusive and respect (or FAIR).

The Key Priorities fall under the following categories: 

• Community Well-being and Culture
• Corporate Efficiencies and Financial Sustainability
• Economic Development
• Environment
• Growth and Asset Management

A copy of the Strategic Plan is available on the Town’s website.

Planning Matters

Council approved by-laws to amend the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law for properties on Arthur Street and Norma/Charlotte Streets. However, Council denied a request for rezoning for a property at 50 Carss Street.

FoodCycler Pilot Project

Council approved the implementation of a pilot program for food waste recycling for up to 100 residents in 2024. The FoodCycler™ is a countertop food waste recycling unit that converts food waste, through a drying and grinding process, into a dry, odorless, nutrient-rich soil amendment. The process takes less than 8 hours reducing the volume and weight by 80-90%. The nutrient-rich soil amendment can be used to enrich soil in potted plants, outdoor gardens, added to outdoor compost bins or donated to local community gardens. Since the FoodCycler™ aerates the food waste while heating and pulverizing (an aerobic environment), no methane gas is produced. This process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 95% compared to sending food waste to the landfill. The program also has the potential to result in cost savings through the diversion of waste from our landfill site.

Through this pilot project, households can purchase a FoodCycler™ unit for a much-reduced price in return for participating in a 12-week monitoring program. During the 12 weeks, households will provide feedback through an on-line survey where they will track their usage and answer survey questions about their experience with the FoodCycler™.

Online registration is anticipated to begin in mid to late March following Council budget approval. Keep an eye out for your chance to participate.

Grant Awarded

Council approved a request from Special Olympics Ontario – Arnprior Community to provide in-kind support through waiving of rental fees for the Nick Smith Centre for use of the town pool and McLean Ball Diamonds for their programming in 2023/2024.