CARLETON PLACE — Carleton Place committee members have approved retaining Aquatic Associates to develop a five-year business plan and host an aquatic workshop, positioning the town for a potential second intake of the Provincial Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
“So we expect that there will be an announcement sometime in the spring of a grant through the provincial government on infrastructure. So we want to make sure that we are prepared for that,” Ross Rankin, property and project manager, told committee on Jan. 13.
The town’s aging pool requires significant repairs that would result in a lengthy closure.
“We cannot keep repairing the aging pool. It is $3.8 million in repairs and closing it down for a year,” said Coun. Linda Seccaspina.
Council has already approved a Recreation Concept Plan that includes a new pool, gymnasium and auditorium expansion. A Recreation Concept Plan Committee, made up of council members and staff, was formed to explore options. After meetings in November 2025 and presentations from Sprung Structures and Myrtha Pools, the committee recommended hiring an aquatic consultant to strengthen facility design, programming and return on investment.
“Right now, it is about getting us in front of ministers so that we can try to access some funds so that we can build,” said Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant.
Aquatic Associates proposed an aquatic workshop, preliminary pricing and a comprehensive five year business plan covering operations, staffing, partnerships, capital costs, financial projections and concept designs. Sprung Structures, Myrtha Pools and BLT Construction Services also provided Class D cost estimates and layouts at no cost, based on similar projects they are completing in Uxbridge, Ont.
“They are proposing an independent building. It could be located anywhere within the town and does not have to be attached to the existing arena building,” said Rankin.
A 2024 engineering report confirmed $3.8 million in required repairs to the existing pool and nearly a full year of closure. Council has allocated $500,000 in the 2026 budget for planning, with Aquatic Associates’ services estimated at $11,760.
“We were looking at $70 million and higher for a bricks and mortar building, but we are looking at a third of that cost now. Some of that will be paid through development fees and some through taxes,” Mayor Toby Randell said.
Carleton Place committee approved dock upgrades
Committee members also approved adding six dock sections at the municipal boat launch on Lake Avenue and replacing the docking system at the Moore House.
“I would move ahead with the boat launch partly because I live near there and I know how unbelievably busy it gets during the summer,” said Tennant. “These are docks that we can reconfigure if needed. My primary concern is safety.”
The docks at the Moore House require immediate repairs or removal. Replacing them and reconfiguring the layout would create additional boat parking.
“Currently at the Moore House, there is very little docking space for boats coming in off the river and from the lake. This proposal provides more parking for boats,” said Joanne Henderson, manager of recreation and culture.
While committee members agreed the work is necessary, some said additional data on dock usage at the Moore House would help determine whether the new docks should remain there or be relocated in the future. Tennant and Coun. Sara Cavanagh also noted that better usage data could support tourism initiatives, potentially encouraging boaters to visit the downtown core and strengthening future funding applications.
As the projects were not included in the 2026 capital budget, staff recommended funding the Lake Avenue docks, estimated at $50,309.07 including HST, through development charges, and the Moore House docks, estimated at $32,337.15 including HST, through the strategic reserve.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Carleton Place news.
Watch live Carleton Place council meetings on their Youtube Channel.
