Doug Schultz

The council received updates on water levels along the Ottawa River, childcare space initiatives, and a feasibility study for water and wastewater services. A zoning by-law amendment for 1662 Westmeath Road was approved, and the council discussed delegation requests for the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. Additionally, an extension for the Development Charges By-law was approved, a Draft Transportation Master Plan was introduced for public review, and a partnership for commemorative crosswalks was authorized. Finally, the council awarded a dust control tender, approved the 2026 Pembroke & Area Airport Commission budget, reviewed council remuneration for the next term, and established 2026 property tax rates.

The council discussed various topics including a mayoral address highlighting attendance at community events and addressing issues of public abuse towards staff. The library board provided a presentation on their governance, community involvement, and future strategic plans. Public works initiatives were approved, specifically the engineering services for watermain replacement in Beachburg and necessary change orders for the water treatment plant optimization. Community services funding was allocated to support several local anniversary events and initiatives. Additionally, the council received the statement of council remuneration and expenses for the previous year.

The council received an update regarding water quality initiatives in the Muskrat Lake watershed and held a public meeting to consider a technical zoning by-law amendment. Key approvals included a technical and corrective amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning By-law and the reception of the 2025 Muskrat Lake Annual Report. In public works, the council awarded the Government Road paving contract, authorized the purchase of a new tandem plow truck, and contracted engineering design services for the Crawford Street Reconstruction project. Additionally, the council approved annual funding for the Sunshine Coach Service to support accessible transportation for residents.

The Council meeting covered various administrative and project-related items. Mayor Nicholson provided updates on committee involvements, the Renfrew industrial park project, and highway expansion plans. Community Development actions included the approval of two zoning by-law amendments for residential and commercial property use and the authorization for upgrading a private road to municipal standards. Community Services projects focused on the construction phase of the Westmeath Boat Launch and the planning for a local waste transfer facility. Public Works presented the 2025 Annual Reports for water and wastewater systems and secured approval and funding for the Cobden Water Treatment Plant Health and Safety Upgrades project, which includes extensive infrastructure and technology improvements.

The council held a public meeting regarding three proposed zoning amendments, with one approved and two postponed. The Mayor provided updates on community events and design changes for the new Whitewater Paramedic Base. Council approved a collaborative agreement for senior citizens' services, a supplemental subdivision agreement for the Vereyken Subdivision, and the purchase of a replacement centrifuge component for the wastewater plant. Additionally, the council received updates on the Water & Wastewater Task Force, approved an application to acquire Crown land for an industrial park development, and authorized the removal of historical one-foot reserves to provide legal property access.