Council seeks guidance on timelines and public input for the Chantry office
RIDEAU LAKES — Council will receive a staff report soon on the option of placing a question on the 2026 municipal election ballot regarding the future of the Chantry office facility.
At the Dec. 1 regular meeting, Coun. Paula Banks introduced a motion seeking guidance on the process, wording and legislative requirements needed to put the matter before voters. The motion notes public interest in determining whether the Chantry municipal office project should proceed to tender and cites Section 8 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which permits councils to submit a question to electors by bylaw. Any bylaw must be passed by March 1, 2026.
“This is asking to let the people of Rideau Lakes decide if they want to send the Chantry office to tender,” Banks said.
The report is expected to outline requirements and timelines for placing a ballot question, recommended steps for drafting potential wording, and a framework for council collaboration and public consultation. It must be presented no later than January to allow time for consideration and passage before the statutory deadline.
During discussion, councillors noted that ballot questions are not binding unless voter turnout and response thresholds are met. Staff and council referenced turnout figures from past elections, noting municipal participation rates of about 20 per cent at the most recent by-election. Voter turnout was at 32 per cent for the 2022 election, noted Coun. Jeff Banks.
It was clarified that the ballot question process is separate from strong mayor powers.
P. Banks said the purpose is to provide “clear direction” from the electorate on whether the office project should advance to tender. Staff will report back to staff about the process.
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