BY LAURIE WEIR

What’s on the agenda for the Town of Perth in 2024?

We reached out to Mayor Judy Brown and discovered her list of priorities includes development, transportation, and housing.

Here are her top picks.

1. Satisfactory conclusion to the land development issue with Caivan. 

BACKGROUND: Caivan is the developer that is seeking zoning and bylaw amendments in the Town of Perth to build a 940-unit subdivision that will hug the Perth Golf Course. Public outcry has been swelling in opposition to this development. The matter has been referred to the Ontario Land Tribunal, where a case management conference was scheduled Dec. 14. A second CMC will be held Feb. 12 where a decision will be made regarding party status for a community group of 190 participants. There are 25 identified participants. Following this, a four-week hearing has been scheduled to start on Monday, Aug. 19 through Sept. 13. 

Community concerns include the absence of plans for affordable housing, infrastructure, traffic management, safety measures, preservation of heritage, environmental impact, and the potential burden on community services, including childcare facilities and the local hospital.

2. Analyzing with council regarding taxes – the balance between using only taxes, reserves, or reducing services.

BACKGROUND: On Dec. 12, the town council passed its 2024 budget following extensive deliberation and consideration over multiple meetings between November and December. 

“We know that significant financial pressures continue to persist for many of our community members as we approach 2024,” stated Brown in a release from the town. “We value the feedback provided by the public, the prudent and thoughtful input from town staff, and the collaborative efforts of council in delivering the 2024 budget.”

Council approved a four per cent property tax increase and six per cent water and sewer rate increase as part of the budget. For the owner of a residential property in Perth assessed at $300,000, the total annual impact of the combined rate changes will be approximately $157 per year.

3. Finding ways to provide more affordable housing within the town, (and providing more active transportation options).

BACKGROUND: Housing options are popping up throughout the town with councillors hearing from various developers in December on nearly 200 units for eight apartments for Drummond, Wilson, and Harris streets. There are also plans for a 36-unit building on Joy Street that is being hung up on parking issues. More to come on the plans for all these developments in the coming year.  

On the transportation plan, Brown helped develop a new service, Ride the LT, which is a once-a-week service for residents in the Town of Perth. She coordinated this with Lanark Transportation. “We heard loud and clear that yes, there was a need,” said Brown, who is also a member of the working group.

In a Dec. 20 media release, the town announced its plans to move forward with the Active Transportation Plan by awarding the contract to Parsons Incl, after an RFP was issued. 

“Perth residents are active, and this is an opportunity for us to look at how we can build more opportunities for active transportation throughout town,” said Cathy McNally, Director of Community Services. “We’re really looking forward to working with Parsons Inc. as their team has an incredible amount of experience working with municipalities, specifically tailored to active transportation.”

Engagement with community partners will take place in early 2024, along with a public information session which will include a presentation of the Draft Pedestrian and Cycling Network. 

Further details, including meeting dates, will be released as they become available.