September 26, 2022 - Summary of Council Meeting

Delegation – Junior B Packers

Council welcomed Junior B Packers Owner, Donovan Welk, and Dustin Dorken, Manager of Operations, to the meeting.  Donovan and Dustin described the Junior B’s vision as Arnprior’s representative in the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL).  Players from Arnprior and the surrounding communities take to the ice beginning October 1^st at the Nick Smith Centre.  With 42 games in the regular schedule, 21 being at home, the Junior B Packers encourage one and all to come out watch some great local hockey.

Communications Plan

Council received a presentation from Redbrick Communications, a leader in strategic communication guidance and training who was retained to prepare a communication strategy. The goal of the strategy is to set out clear direction for the municipality’s communication efforts and detail realistic goals and objectives that will help lay a strong foundation for a more informed and engaged community.  Following discussion, the Plan was deferred to the 2022-2026 Council for their consideration.

Waterfront Master Plan

Council, recognizing the waterfront as one of Arnprior’s greatest assets, retained the services of Thinc Design to undertake a detailed assessment of the various projects identified in the Waterfront Feasibility Options Report and provide an implementation plan.  Presented to Council in late 2021, the Waterfront Master Plan, garnered much public interest and support.  The September 26, 2022 report presented to Council responded to Council’s questions/concerns, as well as, provided a response to a delegation of interested residents, who recommended that Council decrease the timeframe needed for the 12.6 million dollar project. At the meeting, Council adopted the Waterfront Master Plan and will consider an amended timeline for the various aspects of the project during the 2023 Budget Deliberations.

Electronic Monitoring Policy

As required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) Council adopted a written policy on electronic monitoring of employees. The Policy states in what circumstances the municipality may electronically monitor its employees and the purposes for which the information obtained may be used.

Topps Environmental Solutions –Garbage Collection Contract Extension

Council approved a one-year extension, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, to Topps Environmental Solutions for solid waste collection. Over the course of the 6-year contract, Topps has met the expectations of the municipality, ensuring waste collection is completed in a timely, sanitary manner. 

Disposal of Surplus Plow Truck to Arnprior Airport

With the arrival of a new plow truck to the Town’s fleet, a 2008 Stirling Plow Truck was declared surplus. Council agreed to sell the truck, as is, for $13,000 to the Arnprior Airport Commission.

Municipal Grant Requests

Annually, Council receives municipal grant requests from organizations that provide programs or services that address an identifiable need and benefit the community.  In addition to many other approvals in 2022, the following in-kind grants were approved:

• Special Olympics Ontario – Arnprior Community – fee waiver of $4886.00 in pool and ball diamond rentals. 
• 2360 Royal Canadian Army Cadets - fee waiver of $8,750.00 for use of the Nick Smith Centre Community Hall over a 35-week period.  
• Arnprior & Area Physicians Recruitment Committee – fee waiver of $450.00 for use of the Nick Smith Centre Community Hall for a Christmas Craft Market on Saturday, November 12^th.

Proclamations

Fire Prevention Week

Council expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of those living and visiting our Town by proclaiming October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week in the Town of Arnprior. 2022 is the 100^th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” serves to educate around the simple measures everyone should take to keep themselves safe; including the use of working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and planning and practicing a home escape plan. 

Rett Syndrome Awareness

At the request of the Ontario Rett Syndrome Associations (OSRA), on behalf of those living in Arnprior with Rett Syndrome, Council proclaimed October 2022 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month in the Town of Arnprior. Rett Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopment condition mainly affecting females, with no known cure. The proclamation urges all citizens to make an effort in October to learn more about Rett Syndrome, fight stigma, light Canada purple and wear a purple ribbon to show support.