Dan Chant

The committee reviewed a zoning by-law amendment application for a property in the Ward of South Elmsley, recommending it to the Township of Rideau Lakes Council for approval to permit reduced road frontage for a new lot. Additionally, the committee considered a Section 45 application for a dwelling and accessory structures, ultimately deferring the decision to allow the applicant to investigate relocating a sleeping cabin. The committee also received a Manager's Report regarding operational matters and approved the proposed meeting schedule for the upcoming year.

The meeting addressed several Zoning By-Law and Section 45 applications for property development, including a garage accessory building, a roof structure for an accessibility ramp at a community hall, an addition to a dwelling, and the demolition and construction of a new dwelling. Additionally, the committee reviewed an application for multiple structures constructed without prior approval, recommended the approval of an updated Unopened Road Allowance Policy to the Council, and received a report from the Manager of Development Services.

The board reviewed the financial status, discussing the 2025 year-end deficit caused by unexpected maintenance costs and the plan to cover it from reserves. The 2026 draft budget was reviewed, noting the upcoming RBC loan renewal. The board also established the meeting schedule for the remainder of the year and passed a by-law to govern board proceedings.

The board discussed administrative updates regarding the transition to a hand-delivery method for notices to tenants. Additionally, the board received and acknowledged reports from the Facilities Custodian and Tenant Liaison, as well as the Municipal Properties Supervisor. A financial update indicated no significant changes or vacancies in housing, and information regarding the 2026 Affordable Housing Rent Increase Guideline was provided.

The committee meeting covered a range of heritage-related topics, including the spelling correction of Ballantyne for a historic settlement, prioritization of properties for heritage designation by-law amendments, and updates on the 2026 draft budget. Discussions also addressed heritage research updates, abandoned cemetery management, the digitization project for historic audio recordings, and the distribution of seed funds for local heritage societies. Members reported on various community projects, including heritage exhibits, book publications, and upcoming anniversary planning.