LAURIE WEIR
RIDEAU LAKES — Public meetings planned for this fall on the future of Rideau Lakes’ municipal offices will now go beyond the original staff proposal, after council voted to add seven more points for discussion.
The municipal services committee discussed on Aug. 11 to hold one public meeting in Elgin and another in Newboro to get feedback on two shortlisted sites: Harry Seeley Drive in Elgin and Memorial Park in Newboro, as well as on whether the current Chantry office should be renovated or repurposed as a public works garage and archives.
Council agreed to also ask residents if they have other site suggestions, present costs for a new build versus retrofitting Chantry, disclose the financial and practical realities of selling the Chantry property, clarify that any financing would be based on a five-year plan, and display updated design drawings and financial details before meetings take place.
The amendment also directs staff to make clear that a land offer in Elgin “comes with costs,” following debate over whether it had been mischaracterized as free.
Public meeting dates will be set after council finalizes the format and background materials.
