LAURIE WEIR

CHANTRY — Rideau Lakes Township council passed eight bylaws during its regular meeting on Aug. 5, approving zoning changes, equipment purchases, and updates to municipal policy in areas ranging from AI usage to strong mayor powers. Below is a summary of the decisions, along with clarifications from Clerk Mary Ellen Truelove on several key items.

Strong mayor powers referenced in updated council-staff policy

Bylaw 2025-101

Council amended its Council and Staff Relations Policy to acknowledge the influence of Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers legislation.

The amendment adds the phrase “Notwithstanding the Strong Mayor Powers Legislation” to 10 sections within the document, clarifying that some staff direction may be issued solely by the mayor through a formal directive, even while staff continue to serve the full council.

When asked about the purpose of this language, Truelove explained: “The Mayor, under strong mayor powers, can issue a Mayoral Directive to staff which doesn’t require all of Council approval. These updates were completed to include that wording because outside of Council of the Whole, the Mayor is granted authority for some of the items.”

Q: What is the practical effect of inserting that phrase?
A: It provides clarity that provincial legislation may override or supplement local roles and procedures.

Q: Is the amendment symbolic or procedural?
A: It has procedural weight, but also acts as a flag to ensure alignment with the provincial framework.

Q: Who recommended the change?
A: The change was recommended by staff after training on Strong Mayor Powers.

Q: Are there local protocols to limit or guide the use of these powers?
A: Guidance is provided by provincial legislation. We do not have a policy document in place for Strong Mayor Powers.

Seniors’ groups given autonomy within CEC structure

Bylaw 2025-99

Council amended the Community Enhancement Committee bylaw to officially recognize two seniors’ groups as sub-committees allowed to manage their own finances.

The Beverley Seniors, under the Delta and Area CEC, and the South Crosby Friendship Club, under the Elgin and Area CEC, are now explicitly permitted to handle their funds independently.

Truelove confirmed that these groups are now covered under the township’s insurance policy for their events and operations.

Human Resources policy updated to include AI use and illness leave

Bylaw 2025-100

Council approved updates to its HR policy to reflect changes to the Employment Standards Act, including a new provision for Long-Term Illness Leave.

According to Truelove, these updates came into effect on June 19, 2025, to align with new provincial requirements.

“We changed our policy to reflect this change in the Employment Standards Act,” she said.

The bylaw also introduces the township’s first formal policy on artificial intelligence (AI).

Q: Will staff be required to disclose AI use?
A: Yes. Staff must disclose when AI tools are used in the preparation of reports, communications, or decision-making aids.

Q: Has the AI policy undergone legal or privacy review?
“No legal opinion. Staff reviewed the City of Ottawa’s policy. As per the policy, annual reviews will be conducted to reassess and confirm use,” Truelove said.

Rideau Lakes signs building and housing enforcement deal with Westport

Bylaw 2025-95

Council approved an agreement with the Village of Westport to assume enforcement responsibilities under the Ontario Building Code Act and Residential Tenancies Act. Rideau Lakes staff will process building permits, conduct inspections, and follow up on housing maintenance complaints within Westport’s boundaries.

New tandem plow truck approved at $454K

Bylaw 2025-96

Council signed off on a $454,032.89 agreement with Rush Truck Centre to purchase a 2026 International Tandem Plow Truck. The new unit will support winter road operations across the township.

Whitteker awarded water testing contract

Bylaw 2025-97

A $59,500 contract was awarded to Whitteker Environmental Services Inc. to handle drinking water testing, lab work, inspections, and annual reports at township facilities, including the Elgin Seniors building and Westport Daycare.

$792K fire pumper purchase confirmed

Bylaw 2025-98

Council approved the purchase of a 2026 Pierce Freightliner fire pumper through Commercial Emergency Equipment, at a discounted cost of $792,311. The apparatus will enhance service capacity for the Rideau Lakes Fire Department. The agreement was arranged through the Canoe Procurement Program.

Zoning change approved for Otter Lake lot addition

Bylaw 2025-103

Council approved a zoning amendment for 79 Otter Lake Road, changing the designation of a severed lot from Rural (RU) to Waterfront Residential (RW). The change was required to complete a lot addition through consent application B-100-24.

Township acquires land near Big Rideau Lake

Bylaw 2025-104

Rideau Lakes will acquire two land parcels adjacent to 3828 Big Rideau Lake Road. The property, offered by owner Roy Mattice, will be transferred to the township for future use, as outlined in Development Services Report DS-2025-21.