CARLETON PLACE — Carleton Place council received its first look at proposed 2026 parks and recreation spending this week, with upgrades planned across several well-used community spaces and a continued focus on accessibility and aging infrastructure.
Recreation and Culture Manager Joanne Henderson opened her presentation by highlighting the extra work completed in 2025, above regular operations. That included new Canada flag banners on Bridge Street, updated swings at Giles Park, accessible benches on Coleman Street and McNeely Avenue, refreshed washrooms at Market Square, and trail work under the McNeely Bridge.
Major upgrades planned at Civitan Athletic Park
One of the department’s biggest requests centres on Civitan Athletic Park, where all three baseball diamonds have seen rising demand as Little League continues to grow.
Henderson said usage now stretches seven days a week, with regular-season games taking place on weekends that once hosted tournaments only.
“These diamonds are getting used seven days a week,” she said. “They’re getting well used and they need to be upgraded.”
A retaining wall is proposed along the Princess Street side of the park to stabilize the backstop and prevent erosion.
“The ground is deteriorating,” Henderson told council. “We need a retaining wall so that we don’t lose the diamond into Princess Street.”
Little League hopes to bid on a provincial tournament for 2026, and Henderson said visiting teams consistently comment on the quality of the facilities.
Splash pad repairs under review
The original underground piping at the Riverside Park splash pad has failed. The first phase of the splash pad was installed in 2001, with later additions in 2007 and 2017.
“It needs to be replaced or decommissioned,” Henderson said. Staff are asking for $175,000 and will also examine whether replacing the failed section is the best long-term option for the park.
Johnston Street Park play structure overdue for replacement
Johnston Street Park is the last town playground, aside from Riverside, that has not been upgraded for accessibility. The structure has reached the end of its life cycle.
“We’re asking for $75,000 … to upgrade this play structure and make it AODA compliant,” Henderson said.
Tractor and floor scrubber at end of life
A tractor previously denied in the 2025 budget remains a priority.
“Our current tractor has significant mechanical issues,” Henderson said. “We’ve been renting equipment for a year now.”
The arena’s floor scrubber also needs to be replaced after repeated repairs.
Boom lift could reduce rentals and improve safety
An articulating boom lift is proposed to support maintenance and seasonal work, including banner installation and basket hanging on Bridge Street.
“When we rent the machine … it’s at least $1,200 a time,” Henderson said. She added that in-house access to a lift would provide safer working conditions than ladders and reduce rental costs over time.
Outdoor rink fencing at Carleton Junction
Additional fencing is recommended around the outdoor rink at Carleton Junction. The current end-only configuration hasn’t stopped pucks from striking nearby OPP and fire vehicles.
“We feel it could be a hazard,” Henderson said, adding the $20,000 request would be funded through development charges.
Shade sails and downtown dock repairs
Several outdoor amenities also need attention:
- Town Hall Square shade sails, purchased in 2012, have stretched beyond use. Replacement is proposed at $15,000.
- Downtown docks require lifecycle repairs. “There are multiple floats that are damaged,” Henderson said, noting the docks support boating traffic and tourism.
- Two shade sails are also proposed for the Carambeck Splash Pad to improve sun protection for children using the space.
Mississippi River Gathering Place/Misi Zibi Mamidosewin
The Mississippi River Gathering Place / Misi Zibi Mamidosewin project is carried over from 2025. With changes to the project scope, the town hopes to install four directional statues as part of the site’s cultural and ceremonial purpose. Henderson said donations are being collected to support the work.
Additional power at Carleton Junction
As event demand grows, staff are recommending upgraded power access at Carleton Junction.
“We’re looking to install additional power supplies … rather than run generators,” Henderson said. The $10,000 request would come from development charges.
2025 carry-forwards
Several existing projects will return in 2026, including:
- Roof upgrades at the Civitan canteen building, now being reconsidered for expansion with support from Mississippi Little League.
- Centennial Park study work.
- Water testing at Centennial Park beach, potentially through an Ontario Health pilot that can trace the source of E. coli contamination.
- Delayed work on the Flegg Street multi-use pathway and the pump track project, both awaiting contractors.
Residents request outdoor rink in Miller’s Crossing
A group of residents in Miller’s Crossing hopes to install an outdoor rink this winter. The volunteer group is ready to maintain it, but the park requires a water service connection.
“The approximate cost to install it is about $5,000,” Henderson said. Because frost is imminent, council noted the timing is tight. The item was added to the budget parking lot for further review.
Carleton Place council will continue 2026 budget deliberations on Nov. 20.
RELATED:
- What you need to know about the first round of Carleton Place’s 2026 budget talks
- Carleton Place opens 2026 budget talks with proposed three per cent tax increase
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