Council Highlights - January 26, 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:  Ottawa Valley Affordable Housing
Ish Theilheimer, Chair of Ottawa Valley Affordable Housing Inc. (OVAH), a not-for-profit, corporation, explained their history and the OVAH’s Impact Financing Model to achieve affordable housing through developing partnerships and identifying key properties for development. The OVAH has several projects in development or planning stages in the Valley.

Retirement Presentation: Lieutenant Robert Phillips, Arnprior Fire Department
Mayor McGee recognized Robert Phillips for his 30-year career of serving and protecting our community as a fire fighter and more recently a well-respected Officer of the Town of Arnprior Fire Department. Robert’s desire and passion to be a fire fighter was evident in his strong work ethic and leadership shown to the members of the department. The Town thanks Robert for his many years of service to the community and wish him and his family well in his retirement.

Reports:

2025 Community Services Department Update
Manager of Community Services/Planner, Alix Jolicoeur, provided an overview of 2025 activities of the Community Services Branch, which includes Building, Planning, Economic Development and Marketing. Information on building permits statistics, town communications and Planning Act applications are available in the report.

Implementation Plan for Robert Simpson Park Refresh
Council received a report outlining the proposed Phase 1A and 1B works progressing for the revitalization of Robert Simpson Park in 2026 and 2027. Phase 1A (2026) includes: paved pathways, improved lighting, a splashpad and play structures for various ages. Phase 1B (2027) will include an accessible pedestrian ramp to beach, washroom improvements, parking improvements and an Indigenous Gathering Space. Staff recommended a four-season structure containing multiple single-user washrooms to replace the existing washroom structure. Council deferred its decision, requesting additional information on this option be brought forward shortly.

User Fees and Charges
The General Manager of Client Services / Treasurer brought forward proposed changes to the User Fees and Charges By-law. Council will consider the amending By-law on February 9^th, 2026.

2026 – 2030 Draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
The Deputy Clerk provided an overview of the 2026-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to be used as a planning tool to inform the annual budget process as well as other financial planning processes and documents. The Plan will be posted on the Town’s website.

Proclamation: Black History Month (February 2026)
Mayor McGee proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in the Town of Arnprior and encourages all residents, staff, and Members of Council to take the time to participate and to learn more and understand how these communities continue to help shape the story of Canada. 

By-law: Transfer Payment Agreement – Pothole Repair Funding Grant
The Mayor and Clerk were authorized to enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of Transportation for a Pothole Repair Funding Grant in the amount of $38,000.

Resolution:  Arnprior Regional Health Auxiliary (Annual General Meeting)
Council approved a request for waiving the Nick Smith Centre Community Hall rental fees for the Arnprior Regional Health Auxiliary Annual General Meeting on June 15, 2026.