Lanark County Media Release - November 10, 2021

MEDIA RELEASE
November 10, 2021

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held Wednesday, Nov. 10.

National Housing Day Proclaimed: Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) has declared Nov. 22, 2021 to be National Housing Day in Lanark County. The federal government has designated this day to recognize the important work done by housing partners to improve access to housing for everyone in Canada.

“The lack of safe and affordable housing in Lanark County impacts the well-being of all residents, including our most vulnerable and low-income households, and limits their ability to fully participate in our community,” Lowry stated. “The goal of National Housing Day is to raise awareness about local housing issues. COVID-19 has reminded us of the importance of access to safe and affordable housing, with some of our most vulnerable populations being the hardest hit. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.”

The proclamation highlights Lanark County’s commitment to working with federal and provincial governments, as well as private and non-profit housing providers, to deliver positive housing outcomes for residents. “On National Housing Day, Lanark County recognizes the many partners that play an important role in providing safe and affordable housing opportunities to those in need,” Lowry said.

For more information, contact Casey Whiticar, Deputy Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1102.

Speed Limit Amendments on County Road 19: Council has authorized a by-law amendment that changes the speed limits in a number of sections along County Road 19 (Bennett Lake Road).

Council passed a by-law in August reducing the speed limit to 60 kilometres per hour on County Road 19 from a point 275 metres west of County Road 7 to County Road 36 – a distance of 17 km – as a result of a recommendation at a special council meeting in June regarding an entrance concern. The initial speed reduction was intended to create consistency, consider the geometry of the road and address recent complaints of speeding.

At the public works committee meeting in late October, Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained public feedback about the reduced speed limit prompted another review of the road, which resulted in new information. The review takes into account hamlet boundaries and built-up areas along the road, information from the Transportation Association of Canada tool for speed measurement, road geometry (e.g., curves and straight stretches) and the entrance of concern.

Maximum speeds for various sections of the road are as follows:

• 50 km/h from County Road 7 from a point 225 metres west of its intersection
• 60 km/h from 225 metres west of County Road 7 to a point 80 metres west of Ennis Road
• 80km/h from 80 metres west of Ennis Road to 4.4 metres west of County Road 7
• 60 km/h from 4.4 km west of County Road 7 to 6.9 km west of County Road 7
• 80 km/h from 6.9 km west of County Road 7 to 12.3 km west of County Road 7
• 60 km/h from 12.3 km west of County Road 7 to the intersection with County Road 36

Climate Action Committee to Propose Projects: An update from the Climate Action Committee at the public works committee of the whole meeting last month has resulted in a motion regarding fleet replacement and another related to future projects.

Council passed a motion that would see the county attempt to procure electric technology when replacing or purchasing new vehicles or equipment for its fleet in order to align with the Climate Action Plan. It also encourages all local municipalities to follow this lead. The motion further suggests the county’s Integrated Community Sustainable Plan themes around climate change and air quality, as well as energy, be referenced during budget deliberations and when making capital and operational decisions for the corporation.

The public works committee also heard a presentation from representatives of the FoodCycler Pilot Program, which is a kitchen food waste solution project. This will be one of several potential projects and action items considered as part of a list developed by the Climate Action Committee to advance the community greenhouse gas reduction plan and the county’s corporate plan. Council passed a motion to consider a project fund for the Climate Action Committee as part of its 2022 budget deliberations and that requests to spend funds for proposed projects be approved by council.

For more information, contact Michelle Vala, Climate Environmental Coordinator, at 1-888-9- LANARK, ext. 3114.

Recommendation Approved Regarding Indigenous Representation: Council is moving ahead with changes related to the Climate Action Committee as part of efforts to enhance municipal- Indigenous relations.

In September, Council passed a motion to widen the vision for the Climate Action Committee and official plan process, along with participation and involvement by the Indigenous communities.

Council has approved a recommendation from the striking committee to widen the vision for the Climate Action Committee and to adjust the terms of reference to include one Indigenous representative. The purpose of the committee is to prepare a climate action plan for the county based on recommendations from staff, climate experts, Climate Network Lanark and advisory groups, community input, stakeholders and local municipalities.

For more information, contact Casey Whiticar, Deputy Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1102.

Upcoming Meetings: Special Corporate Services (Budget Information Session – half day), Nov. 17, 9 a.m. Special Corporate Services (Budget), Nov. 19, 9 a.m. County Council, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 5 p.m.; Public Works, Nov. 24 (following County Council); Economic Development, Nov. 24 (following Public Works). Inaugural Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m.; County Council, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m.; Community Services, Dec. 1 (following County Council); Corporate Services, Dec. 1 (following Community Services). Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on Twitter!