Council Highlights - March 23, 2026
Delegation: Renfrew County Road Supervisors Association – 2026 AORS Municipal Trade Show
Chris Mantha, Association of Roads Supervisors and Director of Public Works with the Town of Petawawa advised Council that the 2026 AORS Municipal Trade Show is being hosted by the Renfrew County Road Supervisors Association (RCRSA) in Petawawa June 3rd and 4th, 2026 at the Petawawa Civic Center. The AORS Annual MunicipalTrade Show showcases the products, services, materials, and technologies available to the public works industry. It is considered to be one of the largest shows of its kind
in Canada and typically draws more than 2000 participants and 200 exhibitors. The show is free to the public and everyone is welcome to check out the 174 Indoor Booths and 128 Outdoor Booths.
Presentation: Council Renumeration Committee – 2026-2030 Council Renumeration Recommendation
The Council appointed Renumeration Committee presented their findings and recommendations regarding the salaries, benefits and expenses/per diems for the next term of Council following the October election in 2026 until the end of the term in 2030. Their presentation can be viewed here. Council will deliberate on the recommendations at the next regular Council meeting.Reports:
Support for Rural Eastern Ontario Affordable Housing Pipeline
Council authorized the Mayor to sign the letter of support for the rural Eastern
Ontario housing pipeline to be submitted to Cahdco, experts in affordable housing development, for inclusion with their application to Build Canada Homes for federal funding to support regional affordable housing development in Eastern Ontario.
Official Plan Amendment No. 10 – 400 Division Street
Council passed a by-law approving Amendment No.10 to the Official Plan. The lands affected by the amendment are legally described as McNab Concession A, Part of Lot 5, Town of Arnprior. The effect of the amendment is to redesignate the lands from C2 to C.2.7.8 and from C2 to C2.7.9 and add policies for the new designations to reduce the setback to a watercourse for new development from 30 meters from the high-water mark to 15 meters from the high water mark for the section of Jedd Creek shown as “subject to C2.7.8”, and from 30 meters from the high-water mark to 20 meters from the high-water mark for the section of Jedd Creek shown as “subject to C2.7.9”. The subject lands are also the subject of a County of Renfrew draft plan of subdivision application (File No. 47T24005). The proposed Official Plan amendment is requested to allow for development of the subject property for a residential subdivision as proposed.
Awarding of Tender – 2026 Tree Planting Project.
Council awarded a tender for the planting of trees to Orange Paysagement Inc. for $110,235.34 (incl. HST). This project will see approximately 180 trees planted across 13 sites in the Town of Arnprior. The project is partly funded by a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) Tree Planting Program in the amount of $81,230. The project will also include the installation of accessible QR code signage in park areas to enhance public knowledge about the role of trees in urban environments.Procurement of a Municipal Sidewalk Tractor
Council approved the purchase of a Trackless MT7 articulating municipal sidewalk tractor with accessories from Joe Johnson Equipment for a total of $200,299.33 (plus HST). The funding for this new piece of equipment is from the Development Charges Reserve.
Proclamations:
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week - April 12th – 18th, 2026Council proclaimed April 12th to 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all residents to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional service and commitment of our local Public Safety Telecommunicators, including staff from Renfrew Central Ambulance Communications Centre, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Brockville Fire Department Dispatch, whose work is essential in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of our community.
World Autism Awareness Day – April 2nd, 2026
Council proclaimed April 2nd, 2026, as World Autism Awareness Day in the Town of Arnprior and encourages all residents to participate in activities and events shared through the Town’s social media, as well as recognize and celebrate the unique differences and needs of others, fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can participate fully in our community. Together, we can create a society that values and includes everyone. The Town of Arnprior will light the Arnprior & District Museum Clock Tower Blue on April 2, 2026, for the month of April to bring awareness.
Resolutions:
2025 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
Council received the 2025 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report for information.
Protection for Municipal Public Works Workers and Contractors
Council of the Town of Arnprior supports the calls to action advanced by the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors to improve protections for municipal public works workers and subcontractors and requests that the Province of Ontario introduce
legislative and enforcement measures that:
- recognize municipal public works workers and contractors as essential service providers during declared significant weather events and emergencies;
- deter and penalize interference, threats, harassment, or obstruction of municipal operations; and
- provide clear direction and support to police services to proactively respond to these incidents.
Council of the Town of Arnprior formally supports a review and modernization of the Heritage Organization Development Grant, including restoring its real purchasing power through inflationary adjustment and exploring options for increased or multi-year operating stability.