HEDDY SOROUR

Carleton Place Development Permit By-law Re-Write Moves Forward

A second public meeting on the proposed amendments to the Carleton Place Development Permit By-law was held June 10.

The first draft was posted April 15, followed by an initial public meeting on April 22.

“We did receive lots of comments from residents, the developer community and public agencies and council,” said Tyler Duval, senior planner. “We incorporated many of those changes where we could, enough changes to warrant this second public meeting.”

The revised draft has been available on the town website since May 20. While not required by the Planning Act, Duval said staff opted for transparency in calling a second public meeting: “We didn’t want to pull any fast ones.”

Most changes focused on clarifying general provisions, filling in gaps, and streamlining area-specific regulations. Duval described the updated by-law as “more user friendly and easier to understand.”

The final report, including public feedback and staff responses, will be presented at the June 24 Committee of the Whole meeting.

OVRT Rest Stop Project proposed

A new picnic and rest area is planned along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail behind Braumeister Brewing Company in Carleton Place.

“I do believe the concrete pad that is deteriorating right there used to be a mechanics housing for the trains and it’s in really rough shape,” said Amanda Charania, communications coordinator.

Prompted by Councillor Linda Seccaspina, the Heritage Committee has offered funding for interpretive signage highlighting the site’s railway history.

Plans include replacing the deteriorating pad, adding picnic tables, a shade structure, and a Carleton Place-themed mural. A gravel ATV parking lot is also proposed on the opposite side of the trail to separate motorized and pedestrian traffic.

“We’re proposing a gravel ATV parking area on the other side of the trail so they won’t have to cross the trail and the pedestrian section and it’s a good location because there isn’t a lot of vehicular access to that section of the trail,” said Charania.

The estimated $46,000 project will be funded through a mix of town budgets and grants, including a $5,000 County tourism grant application. Completion is targeted for 2025.

Strategic plan update presented

Council received an update on its 2023 Strategic Plan during the June 10 Committee of the Whole meeting.

“A lot of progress has been made on the areas that were outlined,” said Diane Smithson, CAO.

The plan included five top priorities each with a slew of sub-projects:

• Service Delivery and Communications: Enhancements to the town website and data systems are complete, though ongoing.
• Facilities and Infrastructure: Focused on long-term viability of assets.
• Tourism and Events: Targeted at engaging diverse demographics and attracting visitors.
• Economic Development: Aimed at tax base diversification and job creation.
• Transit: Improving sustainable transportation options.

“I believe that service delivery and communication has been enhanced in Carleton Place tremendously, I hear it all the time from residents,” said Councillor Mark Hinton.

Smithson noted that while not all projects are complete, each has seen progress, including the Transit study. A public meeting on transit is scheduled for Wednesday June 11 at the Arena at 75 Nellie Street.

“We did come forth with a lot of heady goals and I think it was ambitious. I still think there’s still work to do and we’re knee deep in it right now with the transit system,” said Toby Randell, mayor. “I think we as a council have set forth what we thought were attainable goals and staff have put a lot of hard work into it, I just hope we don’t stop there.”