Quarterly Report
ANNUAL ADDRESS TO COUNCIL – January 15, 2013
(Check against delivery)
January is traditionally a time for reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future, and this evening, I am taking a few minutes to do just that.
Now that we have completed slightly more than half of our four-year term in office, it’s tempting to present a checklist – and it would be a long and significant list – of items that we as a Council and Staff working together accomplished since the election. However, I will reflect on the larger topics that we have dealt with during the past year.
Economic Development has been one of the largest files we have worked on in the past two years. Doyletech prepared and presented an Industrial Development Strategy and Downtown Corridor Enhancement Plan to the Community Development Committee in January; plans for implementation of the numerous recommendations are being reviewed and carried out. One of the most significant recommendations was the hiring of an Economic Development Officer; following a lengthy interview process, Jasmin Ralph, joined the staff as an Economic Development Co-ordinator in early August. The projects she has worked on to date include a Hotel Feasibility Study, Industrial Parks signage, the development of an Economic Development website, and a plan for Business Visits; she acts as secretary for the Community Development Committee and related subcommittees.
The extension of McNeely Avenue, a County Road, linking Highways 7 and 15, was endorsed and financially supported by County Council. The new road, officially named Captain A. Roy Brown Boulevard, will open some 200 acres initially to residential and highway commercial development and 35 acres west of Highway 15 for Employment lands, and will set the stage for future development to the east. This will have a significant impact on the future growth of our community.
Plans for Industrial Park North expansion are well underway and include an extension of Bates Avenue with services being paid for by the adjoining property owners including the Town. This route will be used to access the future Public Works Yard and snow dump.
In the Industrial Park North, developer Volundur Thorbjornsson, has created a business incubator program with a resulting increase of over 100 new jobs in the community in the past year.
Sam Bat, a prestigious firm creating maple bats especially for the US professional market, relocated here from Quebec.
Housing starts this year were 77, including the 46 unit condominium building on Coleman Avenue. Several large housing developments including Carlgate High, Olympia Homes, Steeplehill, Morris and Boyd Street area, NuGlobe lands and Cardel are in various levels of planning stages. Council approved a 60-unit retirement home on Laura Street and a 27 unit apartment building on Franktown Road.
A combined total of some $18M in residential, commercial and industrial development occurred in 2012, comparable to previous years.
A portion of the Economic Development file includes Revitalization of the Downtown Core. The BIA and Chamber of Commerce hired Pierre Cliche to study and make recommendations on the heritage business area. The proposed realignment of Bridge and Lansdowne Streets did not receive sufficient public support to warrant moving forward. The grand opening of the Market Square was met with considerable excitement and praise as this significant corner of our community has now been transformed from a derelict area to a beautiful community gathering spot; a substantially larger Farmers’ Market enjoyed the facility each Saturday during the season – a significant draw of people to the downtown core. The addition of the covered pavilion, an extension of the utilities building already on the site, is in the 2013 budget. Several new businesses opened downtown including restaurants, a floral shop, and a used furniture business. The town continued to support the BIA and other organizations that sponsor crowd-pleasing events in the downtown.
A significant development in the life of the community was the acquisition of the former Carambeck School from the Upper Canada District School Board. The building, now known as the Carambeck Community Centre, continues to serve the public as, following extensive renovations carried out during the summer, it now houses TR Leger Alternate School, the Carleton Place Core Youth Centre, and before and after school childcare programs, as well as being used as a community centre during the day, evenings and weekends. The Community Programmer now has her offices in the building. On the grounds of the building, fenced play areas, increased parking, and a new basketball court were created, along with an off-leash dog park bordering the north-east section of the property. Future plans include additional recreation facilities such as a skateboard park and a splashpad.
Of vital interest to the community and its neighbours, and consistently identified as the number one priority, is the redevelopment of the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital. Following the unanimous support and endorsement of the Champlain LHIN in June, the proposal was sent to the Capital Planning Branch in Toronto for review. Several lobbyists, under the direction of the Town Council, worked on behalf of the redevelopment and finally a reply – a list of 35 questions about the proposal – was received in December. We are anxiously awaiting some word, and will continue the political pressure until we do hear a positive response.
For over a year, Staff and Council have worked on the new Official Plan using the services of consultants from MacIntosh/Perry. Following the Open House in June, final changes are being made before a second open house followed by endorsement by Council then being to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval. The Development Permit Bylaw will be updated to reflect changes in the Official Plan.
Under the leadership of Carleton Place, recycling and solid waste contracts for five communities in Lanark have been tendered for a June 2013 start. Two significant changes are the curbside pickup of Plastics #3-#7 and, in Carleton Place, moving to a one bag free per household system. Education about these changes and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle is a large component to the program.
After several months of working on the 2013 Budget, it was passed by Council in early December; an increase of approximately 4.78% was a direct result of downloading of OMPF funding from the province to the town and the switching from the 2003 to 2012 costing formula for the OPP.
The preceding covered some of the larger Carleton Place issues dealt with by Council in 2012, but it is often the smaller items that have a seemingly greater impact on the quality of life of our community; many of these are a result of special interest and work on the part of individual councillors and I commend them for their initiative and dedication to these projects, and also the members of Council who supported them. This is where I am going to actually list accomplishments, in no order of timing or priority:
- The building of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Headquarters to be completed in 2013 in Roy Brown Park is a feather in the cap of our community; we look forward to the development of walking trails in the adjacent forest and wetlands areas.
- Under the leadership of Serge Robichaud and Jessica Smith the town put on a great effort vying for Kraft Hockeyville 2012; although we were not successful this time, it was a wonderful community building effort.
- The Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods Committee reported its findings and recommendations to Council following a year-long review of several significant by-laws. These will be reviewed by Council over the next few months. The GM/GN committee will move forward with its community-building programs
- During the summer construction program, a Storm-ceptor was installed at Frank and Emily Streets, which captures up to 90% of suspended solids from storm-water run-off which would have flowed directly into the river. This was our first project of its type dedicated to improving water quality.
- A grant from Tree Canada and TD GreenStreets covered the purchase and installation of 94 Autumn Blaze Maples in parks and schoolyards in the community, symbolising the sacrifice of 94 residents of Carleton Place during armed conflicts in the 20th century. Additionally the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee was marked with the planting of a commemorative tree in the Town Hall Square.
- The former Youth Centre building on Mill Street was demolished to allow access to the dam; in 2013 this area will be redeveloped into a public gathering space bordering the river.
- The fully accessible playground in Willoughby Park was a joint venture of the Rotary Club, the Town and the Trillium Foundation.
- Members of the public were pleased to be able to enjoy new benches and waste containers installed along the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail and Okalee Park Trail.
- The spectacular mural featuring local hero Captain A Roy Brown shooting down the Red Baron was well-received by the public; the Roy Brown Museum located in the Moore House will open in 2013.
- We were proud to host the World Broomball Championships in October along with neighbouring communities.
- A well-attended Seniors Forum, held at the Carambeck Community Centre in October, led to a list of items that Seniors would like to see in the community; the organizing committee made up of members of Council and various senior-oriented agencies, continues to meet to move forward on identified items including communication, recreation and seniors housing. A similarly-organized forum for youth is planned for 2013.
- Repair work on the masonry of the Town Hall was started with some preliminary test patches done as well as significant work to stop water leaks; this will be a multi-year project.
- I would like to recognize, commend, and thank the many volunteers in Carleton Place who selflessly dedicate their time and talents to our community; their contributions to so many areas have a tremendous impact on the quality of life we all enjoy here.
So how do we measure the well-being of the community? Some of the benchmarks of a well-run community – along with the contributions of the volunteers just mentioned – are a dedicated staff and council working together for the betterment of the community, making fiscally, socially, and environmentally responsible decisions to ensure that the town’s infrastructure continues to remain strong, secure, and sustainable, having a solid long-term vision and plans, and working through issues to make the visions a reality. These elements are all fundamental as we position the community for the future. At this time, I would like to thank both Council and staff for striving to continue to make Carleton Place strong, well-run, and `forwarding thinking by contributing in positive, constructive, and altruistic ways that are crucial to the past and future success of our community.
QUARTERLY REPORT – OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2012
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | Carleton Place Economic Development Co-ordinator, Jasmin Ralph, has been working on, or completed, several projects including the development of an Economic Development website, Industrial Parks signage, a hotel feasibility study, and acts as secretary for the Community Development Committee and related subcommittees. Business visits will begin in the New Year. Plans for Industrial Park North expansion are well underway and include an extension to Bates Avenue with services being paid for by the adjoining property owners including the Town. This route will be used to access the future Public Works Yard and snow dump. Preliminary plans for the McNeely Avenue extension to Highway 15 are being developed.
Housing starts this year were 77, including the 46 unit condominium building on Coleman Avenue. Several large housing developments are in various levels of planning stages. Council approved a 60-unit retirement home on Laura Street (near Home Hardware). |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Health Hub | The redevelopment committee forwarded the proposal for our new hospital to the Capital Planning Branch of the Ministry of Health in June, and we finally received a reply in late December, listing 35 questions about the proposal to be responded to before a decision is made. |
| Official Plan and Development Permit Bylaw Review | The final touches are still being placed on the Official Plan following consultation with the public and numerous meetings with members of Staff and Council. The Development Permit Bylaw will be updated in the next few months to reflect the changes in the Official Plan. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | Several new businesses opened over the past few months, including two restaurants, and a floral boutique. A Ladies Night Out shopping experience was successful, bringing many people to the downtown core. The Roy Brown mural was unveiled. A special pre-Christmas shopping day was well-attended and the annual Santa Claus parade was a sensational hit! A DollarTree store is scheduled to open in the Mews. |
| Carambeck Community Centre | Carambeck Community Centre houses the before and after school program and the community centre, TR Leger Alternate School, and the Youth Centre. An official Open House was held on October 18. One of the first events held was a Seniors’ Forum. Rooms, including the gym, are now being booked for community use during the day, evenings, and weekends. |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | Council continues to communicate with the public through press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, the official town website, social media (Facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at Market Square. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper, and takes part in interviews on the In Focus show on Lake88; past interviews can be heard by clicking on interviews at www.wendyleblanc.ca. A member of the public questioned accountability and transparency, confusing the issue with the ability of the public to participate in committee meetings; a copy of the response to these concerns is on the Mayor’s website. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor LeBlanc and members of Council visit businesses in the community and are pleased to welcome new businesses to town. Ribbon cuttings have taken place at Applecheeks (new location) and The Floral Boutique. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | After several months of working on the 2013 budget, it was passed by Council in early December; an increase of approximately 4.78% was a direct result of downloading of OMPF funding from the province to the town and the switching from the 2003 to 2012 costing formula for the OPP.Construction work on Frank Street and Mill Street, and repaving of Coleman Street and an area around Caldwell Street, was completed. The Storm-ceptor project on Frank Street at Emily was a highlight as it captures up to 90% of suspended solids preventing them from being dumped into the river.
94 Autumn Blaze Maples were planted throughout the community, each marking a name on the cenotaph. Schools and parks were the main planting areas. A second Garden of Hope was created along Coleman Street, an initiative of Carleton Place in Bloom. Carleton Place was pleased and proud to be a host community for the International Broomball Tournament held in October. The Roy Brown Mural dedication was well-attended by dignitaries and members of the public; the event was followed by refreshments and a view of Roy Brown artifacts at the Moore House. In November, a commemorative tree marking Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee was planted in the park to the east of the Town Hall by Diamond Jubilee medal recipients. The park was officially named Town Hall Square after this oversight was noted by former Reeve, Orm Giles. Staff member, Public Works Director Dave Young, and his family were recognized by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization for their dedicated service to the program. Staff member, Clerk Duncan Rogers, received congratulations from the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario for being a member of the association for 30 years. Members of Council are pleased to continue to support the community by attending and/or participating in a wide-range of events and activities. |
QUARTERLY REPORT – JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | Carleton Place Economic Development Co-ordinator, Jasmin Ralph, started in this newly-created position in early August; she has spent time familiarizing herself with the community and has undertaken several projects including the development of an Economic Development website, Industrial Parks signage, a hotel feasibility study, and acts as secretary for the Community Development Committee and related subcommittees. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Health Hub | The redevelopment committee forwarded the proposal for our new hospital to the Capital Planning Branch of the Ministry of Health, and expected to receive word in mid-September. This has been postponed until late October. We hope to have good news at that time! |
| Official Plan and Development Permit Bylaw Review | The final touches are being placed on the Official Plan following consultation with the public and numerous meetings with members of Staff and Council. The Development Permit Bylaw will be updated in the next few months to reflect the changes in the Official Plan. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | The Pierre Cliche report is now being discussed by the Downtown Initiatives Sub-committee. The possible re-alignment of Bridge and Lansdowne Streets was presented to the public in September but did not receive significant public support to warrant moving forward. Several new businesses opened over the summer months. |
| Carambeck Community Centre | An Open House showing plans for the Carambeck Community Centre was held in July. In a very short time, the school was transformed into three separate areas housing the before and after school program and the community centre, TR Leger Alternate School, and the Youth Centre. We added more parking spaces, fenced playgrounds, and a basketball court. Programs are now operating in the building and an Open House and Ribbon-cutting is tentatively scheduled for October 18. At that time we will be seeking input from the public about how they would like the building to be used. |
| Youth Centre | The Youth Centre moved from its location on Mill Street to its brand new home at Carambeck School; two classrooms and the adjacent hall were redesigned by Larry Gaines, architect, and reconstructed over the summer. The new facility is clean, attractive, and a positive change for our youth to enjoy. |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | Council continues to communicate with the public through press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, the official town website, social media (Facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at the new Farmers’ Market property and so on. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper, and takes part in interviews on the In Focus show on Lake88; past interviews can be heard by clicking on interviews at www.wendyleblanc.ca. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor LeBlanc and members of Council visit businesses in the community and are pleased to welcome new businesses to town. Ribbon cuttings have taken place at the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers new storage facility, Sunshine’s Then and Now, McEwen’s Gas Bar, and Tangled Hair Design. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | Members of the public were pleased to be able to enjoy new benches and waste containers installed along the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail and Okalee Park Trail.Families were well-pleased with the opening of the Rotary Club’s fully-accessible playground located off MacGregor Drive in the Brigial subdivision, Carleton Crossing.Treasurer Phil Hogan received congratulations from the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario for being part of the association for 20 years.
The summer’s construction included part of Mill Street, the sidewalk area around the Town Hall, Donald Street and Frank Street. Thanks to the recommendations from Councillor Doug Black, we installed a Storm-ceptor on the corner of Frank and Emily Streets which will capture up to 90% of the suspended solids from storm-water run-off; this material would have flowed directly into the river. Canada Day was once again a wonderful success, and was followed by the Bridge Street Bazaar, held on the hottest day of a very hot summer! Owing to a severe drought, the River levels were low; the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority placed a Level 2 voluntary water restriction on the community which was lifted in early September. Work has started on the corner of Lake Avenue East and Beckwith Street, opposite Market Square, to plant additional trees to beautify the area. Councillor Rob Probert was successful in obtaining a grant from Tree Canada to plant Victory Trees commemorating the sacrifice of the 94 persons who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. A special dedication ceremony took place on September 27th. Look for these maples in various locations throughout the community, especially in school yards. Members of the Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods Committee are meeting on a twice monthly basis and plan to share their recommendations with Council in October. The mural program which has an annual budget of $10 000 resulted in a spectacular mural on the side of the old Leland Hotel building on Bridge at Bell Street featuring our local hero, Roy Brown, shooting down the Red Baron in WW1. This has been well-received by the public. Councillor Flynn is responsible for this program. The Brett Pearson Run for Your Life was held in September, under the sponsorship of The Drug Strategy Committee. Other events included Canoe Club regattas, Dragonboat Festival, Wednesday evenings’ Showtime at the Station, Bass Fishing Tournament, and the opening of a Sunday Flea Market at Market Square. |
QUARTERLY REPORT – APRIL – JUNE 2012
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | Following a lengthy interview process, our new Economic Development Co-ordinator, Jasmin Ralph, was hired and will begin her work with our community on July 9. Initially she will be working on a hotel feasibility study, industrial park signage, and an Economic Development website. The mayor and Council toured the many small businesses located in the Scandia Business Park in Industrial Park North; developer Volundur Thorbjornsson explained how his business incubator program operates as well as showcasing the numerous businesses who are producing materials for each other. Mayor LeBlanc toured Sam Bat with the US ambassador, David Jacobson. Council welcomed McEwen Gas back to their beautifully renovated property. Financial assistance from Lanark County for the McNeely Avenue extension from Highway 7 to Highway 15 passed County Council; this new road will open 230 acres of land for future residential and commercial development. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Health Hub | The redevelopment committee updated drawings and the business case which constitutes Stage 1 of the five development stages. At the June meeting of the LHIN, held in Carleton Place, the directors of the LHIN unanimously passed the motion to forward the proposal to Queen’s Park in Toronto. Our hospital was awarded a score of 99% in its recent accreditation and was highly praised for its efficiency given the difficult circumstances in which staff must work. |
| Official Plan and Development Permit Bylaw Review | Council and staff have had several half-day sessions with consultants from MacIntosh/Perry creating the draft Official Plan which was presented at an Open House on June 27; public are encouraged to comment on any part of the Official Plan. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | The BIA and Chamber of Commerce hired Pierre Cliche to study the downtown core and make recommendations; the first of two meetings open to the public was held to hear the report which will be studied by the Downtown Initiatives Sub-committee. Council and staff are studying the possible re-alignment of Bridge and Lansdowne Streets and options will be presented to the public in September. |
| Future of Carambeck School | Staff have worked with the Upper Canada District School Board to obtain the former Carambeck School for use as a community centre. It will also house the TR Leger School, the Youth Centre, and Before and After School Care Programs. Architectural plans for the building are being drawn up and renovations will be carried on over the summer ready for a September re-opening. An Open House showing plans will be held in July. |
| Youth Centre | The Youth Centre is moving from its current location on Mill Street to its brand new home at Carambeck School; two classrooms and the adjacent hall have been redesigned by Larry Gaines, architect, and will be reconstructed over the summer. Several students from the Skills Link program assisted with the Downtown planting this year. They also toured the Town Hall with Mayor LeBlanc as part of their history of Carleton Place study conducted by Kerry Ingram. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | The annexation from Mississippi Mills of the 30 acres of property which we purchased adjacent to Industrial Park North has been forwarded to the Minister for approval. An additional area north of Townline Road is also under discussion but will not likely be annexed at this time pending a study of sewer capabilities in the area. A Master Servicing Plan has been produced by MacIntosh/Perry consultants and presented to the public in a June Open House. |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | As in many other communities, Council has hired an Integrity Commissioner who will make determinations with regards to the Council Code of Conduct. Council continues to communicate with the public through press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, the official town website, social media (Facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at the new Farmers’ Market property and so on. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper, and takes part in interviews on the In Focus show on Lake88; tapes can be heard by clicking on interviews at www.wendyleblanc.ca. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor LeBlanc and members of Council visit businesses in the community and are pleased to welcome new businesses to town. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | Our Clerk, Duncan Rogers, received recognition for obtaining highest marks in the course, Executive Diploma in Municipal Management, from the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.The summer’s construction work will soon commence and thanks to the recommendations from Councillor Doug Black, we will be installing a Storm-ceptor on the corner of Frank and Emily Streets which will capture up to 90% of the suspended solids from storm-water run-off; this material would have flowed directly into the river. The Environmental Advisory Committee held a Recycling Day at Rona, which was very successful, and a free-cycle community event. Members of many organizations of all ages took part in Pitch-In Week.Constable Brian Sonnenburg retired from the OPP after many years of service to the community.
The Carleton Place Farmers’ Market opened in its new and permanent location at the corner of Beckwith Street and Lake Avenue West on May 12. The number of regular patrons has increased significantly. Fundraising is still taking place to raise the roof. Attractive landscaping has improved this once-derelict corner. Jim McCready, volunteer chair of our Urban Forest/River Corridor Committee, won a prestigious award from The Rideau and Mississippi Valley Conservation Authorities for his outstanding work in educating the public and town about our tree canopy and planting trees in the community. Councillor Rob Probert was successful in obtaining a grant from Tree Canada to plant victory trees commemorating the sacrifice of the 94 persons who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. The auditing firm of Howard Allen made its annual report to Council and once again commended staff and council on their excellent management of the community and its funds. Members of the Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods Committee are meeting on a twice monthly basis and plan to share their recommendations with Council in early fall. |
January – March, 2012
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | The consulting firm, Doyletech, prepared an Industrial Development Strategy and a Downtown Corridor Enhancement Plan which was presented to and received by the Community Development Committee in mid January; the Industrial and Downtown subcommittees will study the document and will draw up plans for implementation of recommendations. We advertised the Economic Development Officer position, to be filled in early April. Staff applied for a grant to do a feasibility study on hotel development in CP. Local entrepreneur, Volundur Thorbjornson, reported that 98 new jobs have been created in his development on Industrial Drive. A job fair, held at the Moore House, had 40 jobs in local businesses available. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital | At a Lanark County Council meeting in January, new Champlain LHIN CEO, Chantele Leclerc, reiterated her intention to fully support the CPDMH redevelopment proposal when it is submitted to the LHIN in April. The redevelopment committee has updated drawings and the business case which constitutes Stage 1 of the five development stages. |
| Health and Wellness Campus | Regular meetings are being held; current status is that the campus project is stalled. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | The Downtown Initiatives Sub-Committee, meets regularly to work towards continued revitalization. The Doyletech Report made recommendations which will be studied, discussed and implemented where and when possible by the BIA. Valley Heartland announced both façade improvement and retrofit grants that may be of interest to downtown building owners. Several new businesses have opened including Cupcakes at Heart, Nana and Me, and Dixie Lee Chicken. Mayor LeBlanc spoke at the BIA Annual General Meeting; speech can be viewed at www.wendyleblanc.ca. |
| Youth Centre | Council and staff have investigated the possibility of obtaining a new site for the Youth Centre; we recently heard that the building we were investigating is currently not available. Youth Centre staff have been informed of an alternate location and they will be meeting to view this location. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | Staff, the Mayor and a member of Council met with Mississippi Mills representatives to begin the process of annexation of the 30 acres of property which we purchased adjacent to Industrial Park North. An additional area north of Townline Road is also under discussion but will not likely be annexed at this time pending a study of sewer capabilities in the area. |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | Council continues to communicate with the public through press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, the official town website, social media (Facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at the new Farmers’ Market property and so on. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper, and takes part in interviews on the In Focus show on Lake88; tapes can be heard by clicking on interviews at www.wendyleblanc.ca. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Several new businesses have located in the downtown core since September and have been welcomed by the Mayor and some members of Council. Mayor LeBlanc and members of Council visit businesses in the community. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | The purchase of four acres of land from the Town for the Mississippi Valley Conservation headquarters building has been finalized. Council has seen plans for the new building which will be released to the public soon.Staff are working with property owners in the area south of Highway 7 as we work towards connecting Highways 7 and 15 with the McNeely Avenue extension.Staff has been in discussion with the Upper Canada District School Board regarding the purchase of Carambeck School which will be closed at the end of June 2012; tentative plans, providing a deal can be made, including creating a community centre. More details should be forthcoming within the next three months. Under the leadership of Serge Robichaud and Community Co-ordinator, Jessica Smith, Carleton Place put on a great effort vying for Kraft Hockeyville 2012. Although we were not successful this year, it was a wonderful community building effort.Serge Robichaud was awarded the first Carleton Place Community Builder Award. Council also recognized Pamela Griffen for her 28 years of leading a fitness class for Seniors.Several members of Council attended the Good Roads Conference in Toronto and participated in workshops of interest to the town. Mayor LeBlanc took part in two face-to-face meetings with cabinet ministers and their staff.
The Town’s sewer and water plants passed annual inspections and met or exceeded all Provincial standards. Auditors have completed their annual inspection of the Town’s books and will release the report to the public in April. Members of the Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods Committee are meeting on a twice monthly basis and hope to share their recommendations with the public in September. The Police Services Board has requested increased OPP traffic surveillance in the area of Arklan School before and after school hours to deal with issues in the area that have led to safety concerns on the part of the neighbours in the area. |
October – December, 2011
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | A Community Development Committee has been meeting on a monthly basis since September with various subcommittees, including Industrial Initiatives and Downtown Initiatives, reporting . The consulting firm, Doyletech, prepared an Industrial Development Strategy and a Downtown Corridor Enhancement Plan to be presented in mid-January. Sam Bat moved its bat manufacturing business to our Industrial Park. A piece of property was recently sold in the Employment Lands off Hooper Street, as well as the sale of land on Costello Drive. Plans have been drawn to create an additional L-shaped roadway in the employment lands between Hooper Street and Cavanagh Road. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital | In December, Hospital CEO Toni Surko announced that the hospital will be able to submit a new business case to the Champlain LHIN without waiting for the results of the clinical review, which has stalled our redevelopment progress for months; this will be submitted in June 2012 and will position us for moving to Step 2 in the 5-step redevelopment plan. |
| Health and Wellness Campus | Regular meetings are being held; unable to divulge current status owing to sensitive information. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | Construction on Beckwith Street went smoothly on this important downtown street and is now complete; regular updates were made to business owners in the area and these were well-received by them. Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the corner of Beckwith and Lake Avenue East, named the Market Square, is now complete with a public washroom and storage area building in a landscaped parking lot. A large digital sign has been installed. The lot at the north end of the property has been declared surplus and is for sale. Councillor Gary Strike is heading a committee working to raise funds for the Farmers’ Market Pavilion Roof. The new committee, The Downtown Initiatives Sub-Committee, meets regularly to work towards continued revitalization. |
| Youth Centre | Council and staff have investigated the possibility of obtaining a new site for the Youth Centre; we have toured a building and all are enthusiastic about the possibilities this property holds for a centre. We are awaiting word from the current owner about the asking price. |
| Community Programmer | Jessica Smith, Community Programmer, works full time out of the arena; she is responsible for the 2011/2012 Recreation and Culture Directory, and has begun work on the Kraft Hockeyville initiative.. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | Following a number of months of discussion, the Councils of Beckwith and Carleton Place have now passed the agreement which results in Carleton Place annexing Roy Brown Park and a small adjacent piece of property, Maple Lane, and several hundred acres east of McNeely Avenue. Provincial Government approval of this municipal restructuring will be official on January 1, 2012. We began early talks with Mississippi Mills representatives to annex the property which we purchased adjacent to Industrial Park North |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | Council decided on a variety of forms of communications with the public including press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, improvements to official town website, social media (Facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at the new Farmers’ Market property and so on. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper. On December13, Mayor LeBlanc delivered a speech reviewing 2011 and looking ahead to 2012; this can be read at www.wendyleblanc.ca. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor LeBlanc spoke at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting in September on the topic of Economic Development; this speech can be viewed at www.wendyleblanc.ca. Several new businesses have located in the downtown core since September and have been welcomed by the Mayor and some members of Council. |
| Respect for Staff and Council Colleagues | All councillors attend and are prepared for meetings. Relations with staff are respectful and appropriate. Decisions are made following a thorough discussion and understanding of the subject in question. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | The 2012 Budget was passed with a 2.4% increase; this is, once again, below the cost of living. Because of increases in assessment that amount to approximately 5%, the actual figures that will show up on tax bills will average a DECREASE of 2.9%.A decision was made to establish a committee named Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods; residents have been invited to become involved.The trail between McNeely Avenue and Beckwith Playing Fields was officially opened in October.A temporary trail on the west side of McNeely Avenue between Coleman Street and Smart Centres is open; this was put in place to address safety concerns as citizens were walking along the edge of McNeely Avenue. The trail will become a permanent feature when the adjoining lands are developed. Lights are now in place and we are awaiting Hydro One connecting them.Council approved the building of a 48 unit apartment building at 400 Franktown Road.CAO Paul Knowles and Clerk Duncan Rogers held a Municipal Academy to introduce interested citizens to the workings of municipal government.Council participated in the annual Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Steve’s Independent Grocers. |
June – September, 2011
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Economic Development | A Community Development Committee to oversee all activities related to all forms of Economic and Community Development has been struck. As part of this umbrella committee, two subcommittees, The Industrial Initiatives Sub-Committee and The Downtown Initiatives Sub-Committee, have been formed, consisting of members of the public, Town Staff and Councillors. The Town has purchased 30 acres of land to be added to Industrial Park North. The consulting firm, Doyletech, has been hired to prepare an Industrial Development Strategy and a Downtown Corridor Enhancement Plan. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital | In partnership with the Township of Beckwith Council, the Council of Carleton Place has begun an initiative to move forward the redevelopment of our hospital which has been stalled for many months. All candidates in the provincial election have been contacted to be informed of the initiative and to ascertain their support. An advertising campaign consisting of signs, a banner, flyers, scarves, buttons, email and facebook is drawing attention to this #1 Community Priority and is informing the decision makers in Toronto and the Champlain LHIN that we mean business and want answers. |
| Health and Wellness Campus | Regular meetings are being held; unable to divulge current status owing to sensitive information. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | Construction on Beckwith Street has gone smoothly on this important downtown street; regular updates were made to business owners in the area and these were well-received by them. The corner of Beckwith and Lake Avenue East is in the process of being transformed into a Farmers’ Market and a parking lot; the lot at the north end of the property has been declared surplus and is for sale. Councillor Gary Strike is heading a committee working to raise funds for the Farmers’ Market Pavilion Roof. The BIA presented the paper ‘Towards a Vibrant Downtown’ to Council. A new committee, The Downtown Initiatives Sub-Committee, has been formed to work towards continued revitalization. |
| Youth Centre | Council and staff are investigating the possibility of obtaining a new site for the Youth Centre; we have toured a building and all are enthusiastic about the possibilities this property holds for a centre. We are awaiting word from the current owner about the asking price. |
| Community Programmer | Jessica Smith, Community Programmer, is now working full time out of the arena; she has begun the ‘Just Try It’ program and is responsible for the 2011/2012 Recreation and Culture Directory. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | Following a number of months of discussion, the Councils of Beckwith and Carleton Place have now passed the agreement which results in Carleton Place annexing Roy Brown Park and a small adjacent piece of property, Maple Lane, and several hundred acres east of McNeely Avenue. We are awaiting Provincial Government approval of this municipal restructuring. |
| Council Transparency and Accountability | Council decided on a variety of forms of communications with the public including press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, improvements to official town website, social media (facebook and twitter), an LED display sign at the new Farmers’ Market property and so on. Further information is being sought regarding webcasting or video taping of Council meetings; quality and cost are the issues stalling this initiative. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly in a column courtesy of the EMC Newspaper. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Several new businesses have located in the downtown core since June and have been welcomed by the Mayor. |
| Respect for Staff and Council Colleagues | All councillors attend and are prepared for meetings. Relations with staff are respectful and appropriate. Decisions are made following a thorough discussion and understanding of the subject in question. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | The Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended the Association of Municipalities Conference in London, Ontario, and met as part of a Lanark County delegation with the Minister of Children and Youth Services to push for more funding for youth programs; conference expenses were paid by Lanark County.Councillors Flynn and Probert, several staff members, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended the Eastern Ontario Municipal Conference held in Kingston; many sessions at the conference were devoted to Economic Development.Meetings were held with residents to work to resolve the issue of the fencing along McNeely Avenue blown down in a windstorm; unfortunately the 2/3 majority needed to have a Community Improvement — was not obtained and the issue has been referred to the Bylaw Department.The 2012 Sewer and Water Budget was passed with an increase of 3.95% which amounts annually to an additional cost of $30.16 per household of 3 or more persons. Sewer and water charges in Carleton Place are lower – often considerably lower – than neighbouring municipalities.Rod Black was appointed Deputy Fire Chief and Dave Joy has taken over Rod’s former position as Fire Prevention Officer. Congratulations to both! |
April – June, 2011
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Hire Economic Development Officer | Members of Council have continued to attend workshops and worked to define the job description of an EDO. At a visioning session in April, Council worked on timelines to put in place a number of Economic Development strategies including purchasing of 30 acres of land to be added to the Industrial Park North. |
| Re-establish a Community Economic DevelopmentAdvisory Board | Council will create a Community Development Committee, a sub-committee of which will oversee Economic Development. Advertisements were placed in local newspapers seeking members of public interested in participating on this committee. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital | Council is represented on Hospital Board, is updated on regular basis while awaiting instructions from hospital board for next moves. Will attend all-candidates meetings for provincial election seeking support. |
| Health and Wellness Campus | Formerly known as Health Care Village. Regular meetings; unable to divulge current status owing to sensitive information. |
| Revitalization of Downtown | Tenders for demolition of three buildings at Lake Avenue and Beckwith Streets have been awarded to Robert Gourlay; work to demolish buildings is scheduled for completion in late July. Working with a committee under the direction of Councillor Gary Strike, architect Larry Gaines designed the Market Square Pavilion. A portion of the pavilion will be paid for by the Town; the roof structure, estimated to cost $150 000, will be paid for with donations and grants. The architect provided a concept plan of a combined retail and residential building that could be built at the upper end of the property.Tenders have been awarded to RW Tomlinson Construction to reconstruct Beckwith Street.Council was presented with the BIA-prepared paper, ‘Towards a Vibrant Downtown Core’, and wholeheartedly endorsed working with the BIA; awaiting further development of plans for this initiative. |
| Youth Centre | Awaiting information re possible new location that has been visited and approved by members of Council and the Youth Centre Board. |
| Community Programmer | Part of Recreation Master Plan initiative. Job has been advertised and successful candidate will be announced in July. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | Council hired consultant to study the effects of long-term future growth on various aspects of the community including those on infrastructure such as sewer and water. Council and staff have met with Beckwith Township Council and staff . |
| Transparency and Accountability of Council | Council was educated on a variety of forms of communications with the public including web-casting, video-streaming, press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, improvements to official town website, social media (facebook and twitter) and so on; decisions were made in June about which communications we will support both with staffing and financially. The issue of webcasting meetings is still being explored as the quality of the production and costs were questioned by members of Council. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly courtesy of advertisements paid for by EMC Newspaper. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor and Council meeting with business owners. Members of Council attended the grand opening of Eastway Emergency Vehicles on Industrial Avenue. Mayor LeBlanc has met with the owners of commercial and industrial businesses as part of her continuing strategy to ensure open communications with members of the business community. |
| Respect for Staff and Council Colleagues | All councillors attend and are prepared for meetings. Relations with staff are respectful and appropriate. Council is working as a team for the most part; differing points of view are respected and council espouses the mantra that disagreements are fine and healthy, acting disagreeably is not. Decisions are made following a thorough discussion and understanding of the subject in question. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter |
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January – March, 2011
| ITEM | CURRENT STATUS |
| Hire Economic Development Officer | Members of Council and Staff have had series of meetings, attended workshops and courses on Economic Development, and listened to speakers, both local and from other jurisdictions. We have developed a time line with target dates for various benchmarks to be completed before and when hiring takes place. $70 000 in 2011 budget for Economic Development. Mayor LeBlanc did not accept the $20 000 annual remuneration paid to former mayor for Economic Development. |
| Re-establish a Community Economic DevelopmentAdvisory Board | Awaiting decisions to be made regarding the Economic Development Committee, Economic Development Officer. |
| Redevelopment of Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital | Council is represented on Hospital Board, is updated on regular basis while awaiting instructions from hospital board for next moves. Sought meeting with Minister of Health and Long-term Care Facilities – denied. Will attend all-candidates meetings for provincial election seeking support. |
| Health and Wellness Campus | Formerly known as Health Care Village. Regular meetings; unable to divulge current status owing to sensitive information. |
| Taxation | COMPLETE. Budget for 2011 passed before the end of January with a 2.19% increase (below cost of living) |
| Revitalization of Downtown | Plans nearing completion re 7 Beckwith Street site; demolition tenders pending. Purchased additional buildings to widen Beckwith Street and remove eyesores. Lot at north end of site has been declared surplus. Established committee, headed by Councillor Gary Strike, to create concept for roof of Farmers’ Market and find funding sources. Continuing to work with Ministry of Environment re contamination issues.Awaiting information from UCDSB re status of Carambeck School to be divulged at the end of September 2011. |
| Youth Centre | Met with Youth Centre Board on two occasions to discuss relocation as a result of an agreement with Mississippi Valley Conservation to demolish current centre. Awaiting information from Board re possible new site suggested by Councillor Flynn. |
| Community Programmer | Part of Recreation Master Plan initiative. Job description being drawn up for Community Programmer, to be advertised in next few months. |
| Annexation and Future Growth | Council hired consultant to study the effects of long-term future growth on various aspects of the community including those on infrastructure such as sewer and water. Council and staff reviewing study results before meeting with Beckwith Township Council and staff on April 21. |
| Transparency and Accountability of Council | All members signed Code of Conduct. Mayor LeBlanc, on advice of her accountant, did not place assets in blind trust owing to serious taxation issues on joint accounts; financial dealings will be scrutinized and reported annually by accountant. Annual salary and benefits report made public at end of February. Training, travel, and hospitality expenses of Mayor and Council available upon request. Councillor Probert is working on changes to the Procedural Bylaw and Striking Committee. |
| Communications with the Public | Council currently being educated on a variety of forms of communications with the public including web-casting, video-streaming, press releases, print advertising, slide shows in public buildings, improvements to official town website, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and so on; decisions will be made in mid-June about which communications we will support both with staffing and financially. Mayor LeBlanc reports monthly via a column paid for by EMC Newspaper. |
| Respect for Business Community | Active representation at, and reporting of, Chamber of Commerce and BIA meetings. Mayor and Council meeting with business owners. Two new industries established in Carleton Place since January. |
| Respect for Staff and Council Colleagues | All councillors attend and are prepared for meetings. Relations with staff are respectful and appropriate. Council is working as a team for the most part; differing points of view are respected and council espouses the mantra that disagreements are fine and healthy, acting disagreeably is not. Decisions are made following a thorough discussion and understanding of the subject in question. |
| Other Items Dealt with this Quarter | * Have entered into a legal agreement with Thom Bus Lines and a verbal (soon to be legal agreement) with Galland to sell transit passes to the public at pool and arena; with town selling passes, no HST is charged.* Entered into agreements for Animal Control and Pound Facilities following resignation of former Animal Control Officer.* Proposed Dog Park located near the Curling Club was defeated in a 4-3 vote at Council; there are no immediate plans to search for another location.* Purchased property at 150 Mill Street (includes waterfront) most of which will be used to extend the usable life of the Town Yard for the next two decades.* Councillor Doug Black, Council representative on Mississippi Valley Conservation, was instrumental in the 14-1 vote for relocation of headquarters to Carleton Place.* Most members of Council have availed themselves of opportunities for training including Effective Councillor Training, Effective Meeting Workshop, Economic Development, Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Services, and Police Services Board. |
