Dwayne Coulas

The council meeting addressed various administrative and operational matters. Key topics included a restricted covenant removal for a property owner, approval for the purchase of a new tandem axle plow truck with specialized equipment, and a review of the February public works report. Financial discussions focused on the January and February year-to-date financial overview, council remuneration reports, and the receipt of financial indicator reviews. Additionally, the council discussed municipal goals, appointments, and general committee updates, including information regarding library services and community center events.

The Council meetings covered a wide range of municipal business. Key topics included the adoption of a recreation services agreement with Bonnechere Valley, approval of a debenture by-law for the sand and salt shed project, and the authorization of a pumper-tanker fire truck purchase. The Council reviewed environmental monitoring reports and proposals for waste sites, discussed the 2026 budget including levy considerations, and addressed municipal planning applications. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, fire department operations, and the upcoming Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Municipal Trade Show.

The council discussed various items including a consent application for property development and amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law regarding municipal drain cost recovery. Reports were received from the public library board and the public works department. The council approved a by-law to participate in a pothole prevention grant program. Significant budget deliberations occurred regarding a proposed tax levy increase, which was ultimately defeated, and the final budget and estimates for the year were adopted. Additionally, the council supported a schoolyard canopy project, adjusted the summer meeting schedule, approved office closures for the Christmas holidays, and authorized funding agreements for fire protection. A closed session was held to discuss a staff performance appraisal.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included the call to order, a moment of silence, approval of the agenda, and disclosure of pecuniary interest. Key discussions focused on committee reports. The Planning and Economic Development Committee addressed consent applications regarding a severance proposal (B76/25) and municipal drains reassessment processes, including establishing cost recovery fees. The Community Service Committee discussed library board minutes, CEO reports covering collections, programming, and fundraising, and a recreation services agreement with Bonnechere Valley. The Operations Committee received the Public Works monthly report for January 2026. The Finance and Administration Committee dealt with the 2026 Budget Booklet, a resolution concerning the Re-Nature RCCDSB matter, the Summer Council Meeting Schedule, and a request for Christmas Holidays office closure. Furthermore, the committee approved the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program Grant funding agreement and received updates regarding the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation and support for the Sunshine Coach Service. The Protective Services Committee reviewed the Fire Protection Grant report. Reports from the County of Renfrew included an EORN update and the 2026 Budget Overview. By-laws were presented for the 2026 Budget, the Fire Protection Grant, the Pothole Prevention & Repair Program, and amending fees for Municipal Drain Reassessment Cost Recovery. Old Business involved the Action Tracking List, and New Business included a Notice of Motion to reconsider the budget levy. The meeting concluded with a closed session for a performance appraisal of the CAO/Clerk, followed by the Confirmatory By-Law to confirm the proceedings of the February 19, 2026 meeting.

The key discussions during the meeting included receiving an update presentation regarding the 2026 Municipal Public Works Tradeshow scheduled for Petawawa. The Council accepted in principle a Consent Application (B86/25) provided agency requirements are met. The Chief Building Official Job Evolution report and the Building & Sewage report for October - December 2025 were received as information. The resolution regarding the Bonnechere Valley recreation Agreement was deferred to allow usage details to be brought forward, while a separate resolution to enter into a recreation services agreement with the Township of Bonnechere Valley for 2026-2030 was deferred. The Public Works December 2025 Report was received, clarifying that black plastic is not accepted for recycling. The Council accepted the proposal from D. M. Wills for Environmental Monitoring and Reporting for 2026-2030. Financial matters included receiving the Year-to-Date Financial Overview for December 2025 and approving the Payment Register for December 2025. The Council adopted By-law #2026-05 to authorize borrowing for the Stone Road Sand/Salt Shed Replacement. The Council directed staff to initiate an RFP for a new pumper-tanker fire truck to replace the 1998 unit and authorized the use of Canada Community Building Fund for financing. Updates from the County of Renfrew regarding the EORN Cell Gap were received.