Council Highlights - April 13, 2026

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.

Delegation: Just Good Compost
Dr. Will Affleck, founder of Just Good Compost, explained to Council that they are an organics diversion service that collects food waste from residents and businesses and turns them into finished compost which they then return to the customer for their gardens. They are also a social enterprise focused on providing employment to people with developmental disabilities.  Started in Almonte in 2022, they started collecting food waste in Arnprior in November of 2025. This company is making an environmental and social impact in our communities. For more information, find them at justgoodcompost.com.

Presentation:  Fire Department 2025 Update
Fire Chief Rick Desarmia provided Council with an overview of the 2025 Fire Department activities, including 207 emergency responses, 99 of which were fire related, with 71 of those being false alarms. The Department also issues open air burn permits, assists fellow emergency services agencies, provided public education and performed inspections for Fire Code compliance. Training was undertaken in many areas including Ice/Water Rescue. One new fire support vehicle was purchased to respond to all fire department calls, providing administrative and command support.

Presentation: Museum Draft Strategic Plan
Manager of Culture/Curator, Emily Stovel, explained that after three years of experimentation as a community cultural hub, we saw a significant rise in visitation. Our current plan builds on these growing connections, based on the idea that our cultural hub can foster deeper collaboration to support inclusive social change and strengthen community self‑determination. This strategic plan outlines actions to reinforce our role as a cultural hub, connects those actions to social impacts, and introduces experimental approaches to assess and communicate our work. The draft Strategic Plan was reviewed and copies are available at this link. Comments will be accepted until April 30^th, 2026 and can be provided to museum@arnprior.ca.
 
Reports:
Council Renumeration
Council reviewed the recommendations made by the Ad-Hoc Renumeration Committee (link to report) and directed staff to implement the recommendations with the following exceptions:
-       Mayor’s salary to remain at current level
-       Councillor’s salary to remain at current
-       Deputy Mayor’s salary to be considered at the next meeting with additional information being provided by the Treasurer at that time
-       The Health Care Spending Account under the extended health program remain in the amount of $1,000
Council further directed staff to bring forward the appropriate by-law to authorize participation for members of Council in the OMERS Pension Plan.
 
Election Information
Kaila Zamojski, Clerk, provided an overview of Election issues regarding the 2026 Town of Arnprior Municipal and School Board Election being held on October 26, 2026. With Nomination Day (May 1^st) quickly approaching, information for candidates can be found on the Town’s website. Voters can also learn about eligibility criteria, the process and voting assistance at Elections - Town of Arnprior.
 
Proclamations:
Earth Day – April 22, 2026
Council proclaimed April 22nd, 2026, as Earth Day in the Town of Arnprior, and encourages all residents to participate in the Earth Day activities being provided, learn more and understand their role in assisting to combat climate change, as well as make a positive impact on the environment on Earth Day and every day. The community, along with members of our Environmental Advisory Committee, will be hosting “The Great Arnprior Trash Hunt” on May 2nd, 2026, from 9am to 12pm starting at the Arnprior and District Museum and the Town of Arnprior will be providing free park clean-up kits to local residents, that can be picked up at the Nick Smith Centre beginning on April 22, 2026, while supplies last, to use in local parks during the week of April 27th to May 3rd, 2026 (Pitch-In Canada Week).
 
Community Living Month – May 2026
Council proclaimed May 2026 as Community Living Month in the Town of Arnprior, encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Community Living Renfrew County South. Community Living Ontario is hosting their annual Shine a Light on Community Living campaign on Friday, May 1st, 2026 and the Community Living Flag will be raised on May 1st through May 31st, 2026, at Town Hall and the Arnprior and District Museum’s clock tower will be lit up with the colours of blue and green on May 1st through May 31st, 2026, to show our support.
 
By-laws:
Council passed By-law 7662-26 authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Letter of Agreement.

Resolutions:
 
Amend 2026 Calendar of Meetings – Inaugural Meeting Date November 16, 2026
Council amended the 2026 Calendar of Meetings to move the Inaugural Meeting of Council to occur on November 16, 2026, instead of November 23, 2026, as originally scheduled.
 
Protecting Local Voice in Public Education
Council affirmed their support for maintaining elected school board trustees and send a letter to the Minister of Education and the Premier expressing the municipalities support for maintaining elected trustees, with copies to ROMA, AMO and local MPP Billy Denault
 
Arnprior & Area Physician Recruitment Committee
Council approved a request for waiving the Nick Smith Centre Community Hall rental fees on April 23rd, 2026, (value of approximately $470 plus HST) for the Arnprior and Area Physician Recruitment Committee Doctors Dining Duel fundraising event.