LAURIE WEIR
As 2024 comes to a close, Mayor Arie Hoogenboom of the Township of Rideau Lakes reflects on the year’s significant milestones and looks ahead to the challenges and priorities of 2025. From community achievements like the opening of a cost-efficient fire station in South Elmsley Ward to national recognition for economic development, the township has much to celebrate. At the same time, Mayor Hoogenboom outlines key issues that require attention, including debt management and fostering greater unity and accountability within council.
2024 Highlights:
1. Opening of the South Elmsley Fire Station
Safety and preparedness are at the heart of Rideau Lakes’ community priorities. The opening of a new and fully equipped fire station in South Elmsley Ward stands as a testament to this commitment. Achieved at minimal cost to taxpayers due to a favourable insurance settlement, this project demonstrates the township’s ability to address critical infrastructure needs without placing undue financial burden on residents. This station will enhance emergency response times and provide peace of mind to the community.
2. Expansion of the septic inspection program
Increasing mandatory septic inspections from 300 to 400 annually helps protect water quality, safeguarding the lakes, rivers and waterfront hamlets that underpin both local life and tourism. “This helps protect our most valuable community assets—our lakes, rivers and waterfront hamlets,” Hoogenboom said.
3. National recognition for Economic Development
Rideau Lakes’ economic development video, which won a national award from the Economic Development Association of Canada, highlights the township’s unique charm and growth opportunities. This recognition strengthens efforts to attract businesses, visitors and residents.
4. Progress on the new long-term care home in Athens
The county’s 192-bed long-term care facility in Athens is more than 85 per cent complete, on time and on budget. The township’s fundraising campaign has reached $2.3 million of its $3-million goal, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting seniors.
2025 Wish List:
1. Debt control
Hoogenboom said he wants to see municipal debt, now at $6.8 million, brought under control before moving forward with decisions on a new or renovated municipal building. “We need to find public and council consensus on how to proceed,” he said.
2. Decisions on municipal building projects
The need for a new or renovated municipal building remains a contentious issue. Hoogenboom’s call to postpone any decision until the debt is under control and a public consensus is reached highlights a commitment to prudent decision-making and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Hoogenboom said he would like to see “our ever-increasing debt under control. After many years of reducing it, we now stand at $6.8 million and it continues to grow.”
3. Council unity and transparency
Divisions within council, highlighted by multiple Integrity Commissioner investigations, have underscored the need for greater unity and accountability. Hoogenboom said he hopes council can prioritize transparency and public interest moving forward.
4. Safe and happy 2025
Hoogenboom emphasizes fiscal responsibility, collaboration and the well-being of Rideau Lakes residents. By building on 2024’s achievements, the township aims to address challenges in 2025 while fostering a community that thrives for generations.
Hoogenboom underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility, debt reduction, and fostering unity within the council as key priorities for 2025. By addressing the $6.8 million debt and delaying decisions on new municipal buildings, the township aims to ensure sustainable growth.
