Council Highlights - April 27, 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. 

Reports:

Council Renumeration – Deputy Mayor

Council directed that the Deputy Mayor position, for the 2026-2030 term of Council, will be compensated at a rate 6% higher than council members, as well as receiving 50% of the Mayor’s salary should the Mayor take a leave of absence longer than 30 days. Should this occur, the Mayor’s salary would be reduced by 50% during the leave.

Award Proposal 26014 Professional Engineering Services for Design and Tender of Third Avenue Reconstruction

Council awarded the design proposal of Professional Engineering Services for Design and Tender Third Avenue Reconstruction to Novatech Engineering Consultants Ltd, in the amount of $156,070 plus HST. The scope of work includes design for the replacement of the watermain, sanitary main, road base, road surface, curbs and sidewalk on Third Avenue from Riverview Drive to McNab street.   

Award Proposal 25-1209B Meehan Street, Tierney Street N., St. John’s Way and Hugh Street N. Design

Council award design proposal 25-1209B Meehan Street, Tierney Street N, St. Johns Way and Hugh Street N to Jp2g Consultants Inc, in the amount of $155,670 plus HST. The scope of work includes:

•      Resurfacing Meehan Street from Hugh Street North to John Street

• Full depth reconstruction of Tierney Street North from St. Johns Way to McGonigal Street including watermain replacement and separation of combined sewers 

•      Full depth reconstruction of St. Johns Way including watermain extension 

•      Full depth reconstruction of Hugh Street North from St. Johns Way to McGonigal Street including watermain replacement and separation of combined sewers

•      Resurfacing of the Stanley Tourangeau Fire/Police Services building parking lot at 67 Meehan Street

Fleet Electrification

Council received an Electric Vehicle Feasibility Report prepared by Cascadia Partners for consideration for future budgeting and asset management planning. Council directed staff to procure electric vehicles for the three light duty vehicles, along with the charging infrastructure, as budgeted for in the 2026 Capital Budget.

Ontario Permitting “Bring-Your- Own” Alcoholic Beverages (BYOB) at Outdoor Public Events

The Province of Ontario announced regulatory changes under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 that would permit “bring-your-own” alcoholic beverage (BYOB) consumption at certain public events, effective April 30, 2026. The expanded permit will allow people who attend municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events to bring their own alcohol for consumption in designated areas. For a bring-your-own permit to be issued, municipalities must have passed a bylaw authorizing the use of alcohol in public (if they do not already have one). A municipality must also designate the public event as a cultural or community event. Event organizers can then apply for a bring-your-own permit through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).   Given the misalignment with the Town’s Municipal Alcohol Policy, resourcing impacts and increased liability and safety risks, Council direct staff not to bring forward a by-law required for permitting “bring your own” alcoholic beverages (BYOB) at outdoor public events within the Town of Arnprior at this time. Staff will continue to monitor implementation across Ontario and may report back to Council if future consideration is warranted.

Annual Statement of Development Charges

Council received the Treasurer’s Annual Statement of Development Charges for information. 

Proclamations:

Museum Month – May 2026

Council proclaimed May 2026 as “Museum Month” in the Town of Arnprior, and encourages all residents and tourists to visit our local Arnprior & District Museum, in May and throughout the year. The Town of Arnprior is hosting various events in the Month of May to celebrate and showcase the Arnprior & District Museum, including: 

• May 17 | 1-3 pm - Drop Spindle/Wheel Workshop - Introduction to drop spindle and wheel spinning methods. 

• May 24 | 1-3 pm - Wheel/Drop Spindle Workshop – Follow up workshop to develop skills and about spinning different yarns for socks, sweaters, or weaving.

• May 31 | 1-3 pm- Fleece Prep Workshop – Introduction workshop on learning different ways of washing and preparing wool for spinning and weaving.

• May 30 | 11 am – 7 pm - Noche Vibes – Explore the healing arts from a range of traditions with local practitioners: breathwork, dance and movement, sound baths, music and food.   

First Responders Day – May 1^st 2026

Council proclaimed May 1, 2026 as “First Responders Day” in the Town of Arnprior, and encourages all residents to take the time to recognize and thank all first responders for their bravery and unwavering service they provide to protect and serve our community every day.    

Sexual Assault Awareness Month – May 2026

Council proclaimed  May 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the Town of Arnprior and urges all residents of our community to learn more about sexual assault, abuse and violence and become active participants in eliminating these crimes. 

By-laws:

Council passed by-laws related to Mayor and Council Renumeration for the 2026-2030 Term of Council, as well as to award the two design tenders approved earlier in the meeting.