Council Highlights for January 23rd, 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. You can also read the Council agenda package on the Agenda and Minutes page. 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.

Transition to Individual Producer Responsibility for Recycling Collection

Council received an update from the Town’s Environmental Engineering Officer on the upcoming province-wide transition to individual producer responsibility for recycling collection. All municipal blue box programs in the province will be transitioned over a three-year period and Producers, through their producer-responsible organizations (PROs), will assume responsibility for the Town’s residential blue box program starting on July 29, 2023.

Council will also have to decide how the Town will handle recycling collection for Industrial, Institutional and Commercial entities.

2023 User Fees and Chargers By-Law

The General Manager, Client Services / Treasurer presented the draft 2023 User Fees and Charges By-Law for Council’s information. The by-law will be brought to the February 13^th, 2023 Council meeting for consideration and passing.

Any person may make verbal or written comments regarding the proposed amendments to the User Fees and Charges By-Law. Comments regarding the proposed by-law will be received by the Clerk until Monday, February 6th, 2023 at 4:00 PM by telephone at (613) 623-4231 ext. 1817, by email clerks@arnprior.ca, or by mail at 105 Elgin Street West, Arnprior, ON K7S 0A8.

Planning Reports

Council received an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment related to a proposed condominium project on Sheffield Street. The application seeks to rezone the subject lands to increase the maximum height from 10.5 m to 17 m, and increase the balcony encroachment into the front yard setback from 1.5 m to 1.7 m. A public meeting will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 to allow for public review and comment on this application.

The Manager of Community Services / Planner also presented an update on Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022) and outlined its impacts on the Town’s planning processes.

Proclamations

Council also proclaimed two dates:

Wear Red Canada Day (February 13, 2023) is an annual day to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness. Town Council and staff encourage all residents to wear red on February 13^th, 2023.
Black History Month (February 2023) is a month-long opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by Black Canadians, who throughout our history have shaped our country’s heritage and identity.

Municipal Grants

Council considered and approved a municipal grants application from the Arnprior Lionettes to waive the Nick Smith Centre Community Hall rental fees for their 2023 “Friendship Picnic Fundraiser” on February 26^th, 2023.

Information Updates

Congratulations to the Optimist Club of Arnprior for a very successful Winter Carnival held this past weekend.
Pet registrations are currently free until February 28th, 2023. You can register in-person at Town Hall or online at www.arnprior.ca/pets. Please note that all online registrations are charged a $5.00 mailing fee.
Please note that pets are not permitted to run at large nor to trespass on private or public property under the Town’s Animal Control By-Law. Pets should be under the care and control of the owner.
The Town of Arnprior has launched a new online portal for building permit applications that provides greater flexibility and accessibility for local residents during the building permit process. The online portal allows residents to create an account, submit building permit applications, check the status of submitted applications, request inspections, and pay for building permit fees. Permits may still be applied for in person.
On Friday, January 27^th, 2023, the Town will be hosting the Tween Dance at the Nick Smith Centre from 6:30pm to 9:00pm for youth 9-13 years of age. Tickets available online in advance for $15 and at the door for $20.
The Town of Arnprior is currently inviting students to apply for 2023 summer employment opportunities. There are a number of positions available over the summer months in various departments including Operations, Recreation, Clerk’s Office, and Museum.