On Tuesday March 3rd, Carleton Place council convened a special session of their committee of the whole to deal with several issues. One reason for the gathering was to hold a public meeting to discuss an amendment to the town’s official plan (OP).  This request came about as a result of planning by the Ontario Ministry of Transport in preparation for major improvements to the Highway 7 and 15 intersection in the town’s jurisdiction.   The change requested would see 2 new sections added to the town’s OP; 8.0 – Secondary Plan, and 8.1 – Highway District Secondary Plan among other minor changes.
The meeting was held to provide any member of the public an opportunity to ask questions of the applicant(s), town staff, or council members.  Mr. Katsoulis of the Thruway Restaurant asked about potential loss of parking spots due to the widening of Highway 7 between McNeely Avenue and Highway 15.  Representatives of the Ottawa consulting firm WSP making the presentation, referred that inquiry to an MTO representative in attendance, Peter Fraser.  He responded that lane widening would take place to improve safety and to meet current standards but that MTO would work with property owners to minimize any reduction in lot size.  Fraser, responding to a question on work scheduling from Deputy Mayor Sean Redmond, commented that no work could proceed until all planning related applications, designs and any property acquisitions were completed, meaning it would be at least 2 years before any physical work would commence.
Waste Collection Contract Tender Discussed
As the town’s current contract for waste collection expires on May 31st of this year, tenders were put out for bid and 4 companies replied.  Public works director Dave Young covered off the details of that process and recommended that council accept the lowest bid from GFL Environmental, the town’s current contractor.  Their bid of just over $361K for the first year of a five-year term came in at 45% less than the next lowest figure.  Councilor Linda Seccaspina was quick to ask Young to confirm that this would not affect the town’s current policy of accepting green bag tag/stickers that some residents still have and use for excess materials.  Young confirmed she was correct.