CHANTRY — Rideau Lakes council powered through a full committee of the whole agenda on Nov. 10, handling staff recognition, budget planning and several community projects. Some recommendations were supported. Others were sent back to committees for more work.
Deputy Mayor Deborah Anne Hutchings chaired the virtual meeting. Mayor Arie Hoogenboom was absent with prior notice. The meeting wrapped in about 90 minutes.
Staff recognition
Long-service awards were presented to staff:
- 5 years: Jodi Barham, Tristan McManus, Barry MacPherson
- 10 years: Steve Barham
- 25 years: Ernie George
Staff raise supported
Council supported a 2 per cent wage increase for staff effective Jan. 1, 2026. Mileage will be 76 cents per kilometre. Treasurer Dave Schurr said the adjustments help the township remain competitive.
Roads update
Manager of Roads and Drainage Dan Chant reported that all capital road projects for 2025 are complete except the Townline Road bridge replacement, which is scheduled to finish Nov. 25. Crews continue patching, grading, roadside brushing and culvert work.
Winter preparations are finished. Sand domes are full and plow trucks are ready. Counties staff have moved their plow truck into the North Crosby Patrol Yard.
Environmental services
Rideau Lakes is preparing for changes to recycling and water monitoring at the Portland Transfer Station. Public Works and Facilities Coordinator Ben Rothwell said the township will again partner with Henderson Printing to produce the 2026 municipal calendar. Circular Materials Ontario will subsidize costs at 44 cents per household. Meeting schedules will no longer appear in the printed calendar due to date changes. Calendars will be available for pickup instead of being mailed.
The township is also preparing an application to amend the Environmental Compliance Approval for the Portland Transfer Station and closed landfill. The amendment updates groundwater and surface water monitoring, expands PFAS testing to 25 parameters and reduces residential well sampling from four times a year to two. It also reflects a land purchase that creates a 32.8-hectare attenuation zone. The ministry estimates a 12-month review.
Cenotaph repair covered
Council agreed to pay $955.42 for repairs to the Delta cenotaph. The committee recommended the township cover the expense. Councillors noted the township funds cenotaph work elsewhere.
New kayak and canoe launch sign approved
A new sign for the kayak and canoe launch at Millstream Park in Delta was approved. It will be installed near the donor board.
A/V request defeated
The Portland and Area committee requested the township purchase new audio-visual equipment including a projector, screen and sound system. Coun. Sue Dunfield supported the request, saying the township should help after closing the former community hall. Other councillors disagreed, saying other communities have funded similar purchases themselves. The request was defeated.
E-voting provider confirmed
Rideau Lakes council supported contracting Intelivote Systems Inc. to provide internet and phone voting for the 2026 election. Clerk Mary-Ellen Truelove said Rideau Lakes is part of a joint procurement with other Leeds and Grenville municipalities that will reduce costs by about 37 per cent. The township has used Intelivote in previous elections. A bylaw will come forward for approval.
Seniors transportation grant
Council supported applying to the Seniors Community Grant Program for $25,000 to continue the seniors bus program. Recreation and volunteer coordinator Leila Stafford said the trips are “incredibly popular.” Current funding ends March 31, 2026. A bylaw will be brought to council.
Beautification plan sent back to committees
Council received an update recommending a shift in horticulture priorities. The plan proposes focusing paid horticulture work on parks, facilities and village entrance signs and reducing maintenance at some hamlet signs. Several plantings removed during 2025 budget reductions did not survive, including at Millstream Park where 60 per cent died once watering stopped. The plan was sent back to the Community Enhancement Committees for more input.
Finances on target
CAO Shellee Fournier reported that operating revenue to July 31 is at 83.84 per cent of budget. Investment income may fall short of the $250,000 target because funds were used during construction at Portland Hall. Fire revenues are expected to exceed budget due to recoveries from the Ministry of Transportation and Fire Marque claims. Tipping fees, bag tags and planning revenues are on target.
Operating expenses are at 55.55 per cent. Corporate services sits higher at 74.7 per cent due to integrity commissioner costs and increased printing and postage. Heating and hydro are over budget at several facilities. Winter control materials at the North Crosby yard are over budget by $113,523.96 due to heavy early snow. The winter control reserve will cover the overage.
Coun. Dustin Bulloch questioned a $27,000 rental equipment charge at the Portland landfill. Schurr said it appears additional grinding work was required.
Rideau Lakes council backs Elect Respect pledge
Council voted to support the Elect Respect pledge, a campaign encouraging respectful political dialogue. Bulloch introduced the motion.
By supporting the pledge, council commits to:
- treating people with dignity and respect
- rejecting harassment, threats and discrimination
- focusing debate on issues, not individuals
- promoting inclusive participation in local politics
- involving authorities if threats occur
- modelling accountability and transparency
The motion was unanimously supported. The initiative originated in Pickering and is being circulated across Ontario.
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