LAURIE WEIR
The ongoing drama surrounding the blue flyer, the integrity commissioner’s reports, and the public disagreements between councillors in Rideau Lakes have been significant distractions for the township. While these issues have raised important questions about transparency and accountability, it’s time to move forward. We’ve heard the concerns, the findings are in, and the public has spoken. Now, it’s time to shift focus to the future of Rideau Lakes.
Yes, the actions of some councillors have sparked debate, and the integrity commissioner’s report highlighted areas for improvement. Mayor Arie Hoogenboom was right to address the lack of civility at the Nov. 12 meeting. It’s important for public officials to maintain a level of respect for both one another and the residents they serve. However, what’s clear is that the township needs to move beyond the blame game and start working together to address the community’s real needs.
The integrity commissioner’s report found that Jeff Banks was not in violation of the Code of Conduct, while Paula Banks did face consequences for breaches. These findings have been made public, and while they sparked controversy, they are now part of the township’s past. Continuing to dwell on them distracts from the ongoing work that needs to be done.
In addition to this internal conflict, the township has also faced significant challenges with its leadership. Over the past few years, Rideau Lakes has seen the departure of key staff, including the fire chief, the CAO, the parks and recreation manager, and most recently, the treasurer. These losses should not be overlooked. It’s unclear why these individuals left, but their departures signal a need for better leadership stability within the township. Whether these losses are tied to the ongoing council conflicts or are unrelated, it’s important for the township to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to this turnover.
Residents want leadership that can get things done. They want a council that is focused on improving infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and supporting local businesses — not a council that is mired in conflict. While the issues the integrity commissioner’s reports were important to address, the ongoing fallout is no longer serving the community. It’s time to move forward and focus on what matters most: the future of Rideau Lakes.
Council needs to find a way to bury the hatchet, but not in each other’s backs. For the sake of the community, it’s time to focus on collaboration and progress. The people of Rideau Lakes deserve a council that can put personal differences aside and work together toward a prosperous future.
The challenges ahead are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The township must come together, with new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, to make Rideau Lakes a better place to live, work, and raise families. It’s time to stop looking back and start building the future.
