CARLETON PLACE – Carleton Place council met on Oct. 21 to tackle a packed agenda that marked the official start of 2026 budget talks. With new strong mayor legislation in effect, the process looks a little different this year.
Under provincial regulation 530/22, the mayor now has authority to set the budget’s focus, timeline, and can veto council amendments. Council can only override that veto with a two-thirds vote.
Budget timeline announced
“As mentioned before, there is new legislation this year on how we do our budget. There’s been a full report based on that legislation. So, tonight I’m just announcing that our draft budget has been communicated to council,” said Trisa McConkey, town treasurer.
Mayor Toby Randell has directed staff to prepare and table the 2026 business plans, operating, and capital budgets by Oct. 31. Key dates include:
- Oct. 21 – Mayor’s budget tabled and published for council and the public.
- Nov. 4 – Regular council meeting; amendments may be proposed.
- Nov. 13 – Budget meeting streamed on Zoom; public comments open until Nov. 18.
- Nov. 20 – Final day for council amendments; budget deemed adopted if none made.
- Nov. 30 – Mayor’s veto deadline.
- Dec. 9 – Council may override veto with two-thirds majority.
A summary of proposed 2026 capital projects is posted on the town’s website.
Carleton Place council pay review deferred to budget talks
Council discussed remuneration ahead of the next term beginning in 2026. Staff presented comparisons with similar-sized municipalities and recommended aligning councillor pay with the 60th percentile, a $400 annual increase. The mayor and deputy mayor would see no change.
Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant suggested a new approach: “Instead of a straight increase… perhaps a piecemeal or piecework increase for attending various committees.”
Council deferred the decision to upcoming budget talks.
Council rejects paper billing fee
A proposed fee for residents receiving paper bills was rejected during the annual review of town fees and charges.
“I don’t like the fee for paper bills. It’s incredibly unfair to our older folks who may not have internet access at all,” said Councillor Jeff Atkinson.
Deputy Mayor Tennant agreed, calling it a matter of public service. Mayor Randell noted the challenge of covering costs while keeping services equitable.
Museum ramp on hold; front steps to be upgraded
Plans to install an accessibility ramp at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Museum are on hold because of proximity to hydro lines.
“There’s a distance requirement for how far a ramp must be from hydro lines, and that rules out the front of the building,” said Public Works Manager Ross Rankin.
Instead, Carleton Place council approved upgrading the existing steps and exploring a rear ramp option.
Town updates accessibility policy
The town has updated its accessibility policy to align with provincial AODA standards. The revised document clarifies how Carleton Place manages both planned and emergency disruptions to accessible public spaces.
“The policies reflect both community perspectives and operational concerns,” said town clerk Stacey Blair.
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