Media Release - County Council May 8th, 2024

For immediate release
May 8, 2024

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held May 8, 2024.

Lanark Workforce Attraction Campaign Strategy Outlined: Lanark County Council received a
presentation about the Lanark Workforce Attraction Campaign Strategy, which aims to attract skilled
professionals, particularly in health care and the trades, and encourage them to consider relocating to
Lanark County.

Bronwyn Mondoux, Cinnamon Toast Founder and Chief Creative Officer, outlined the strategy at the
economic development committee of the whole meeting last month. Working with the Lanark County
Economic Development Team, the six-week campaign aims to “position Lanark County as the top
choice destination for newcomers seeking relocation and employment opportunities.”

Mondoux explained the campaign has four objectives:
1. Increasing the number of submissions from qualified health care professionals and trade workers.
2. Increasing awareness of job opportunities available in Lanark County.
3. Improving the community’s perception by highlighting its unique amenities and quality of life.
4. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
for all individuals who are considering relocation.

Mondoux highlighted themes that can serve as the foundation for the campaign to attract newcomers
and value, including nature, community, family first, small-town charm, rural-urban fusion, education,
and health and wellness. Milestones for the project include research; marketing plan and campaign
strategy development; creative development (i.e. videos and other assets); and execution, reporting and
refinement. Regular monitoring and evaluation are part of the plan, and there are multiple targets related
to increasing online engagement. For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-
LANARK, ext. 1502.

Tender Awarded for Blakeney Bridge: Lanark County Council has awarded the tender for the
replacement of the Blakeney Bridge to Looby Builders (Dublin) Limited for $3.06 million plus HST.

In a report to council Wednesday evening, Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained council
approved a two-lane, 7.3-metre replacement modular bridge in December 2022, and in May 2023
Mississippi Mills council passed a resolution to contribute $180,000 to widen the bridge to accommodate
pedestrians. Supply of the bridge structure was awarded to Acrow in December 2023 for $1.24 million.
The tender for the replacement work closed on April 25, 2024, with three bids received. Derouin outlined
recent similar projects completed by Looby, which was the low bidder, and indicated public works “is
confident Looby has the experience and capacity to complete this project on time.”

Derouin said now that bids have been received, there is an estimated budget shortfall for the project of
about $420,000. He said estimates are affected by challenges with accessing the islands during removal
of existing structures, installation of new concrete footings and abutments, unpredictable weather and
the highly vulnerable location of the project, as well as inflation since the budget was created.
In addition to the tender award, council approved maintaining a previous commitment of $200,000 from
this year’s overall tender surplus for contingency during construction, any 2024 budget surplus to cover
the shortfall and to take any remainder from reserves. It will also ask Mississippi Mills to consider
adjusting its $180,000 contribution based on pro-rating the actual costs. For more information, contact
Sean Derouin, Public Works Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194.

Paramedic Services Week Proclaimed: Warden Steve Fournier (Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve)
has proclaimed May 19 to 25, 2024 to be Paramedic Services Week in Lanark County.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of paramedics in the county and aims to raise community
awareness and appreciation of the services they provide.

Lanark County is responsible for providing paramedic services to the citizens of Lanark County. In a
report to council, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema said most of the
paramedics who are part of the LCPS are residents of the county. “They are the neighbours, friends and
family of those who rely on the professional, efficient response that is called upon, time and time again,
in times of medical need.”

The paramedics respond throughout the county and to neighbouring municipalities when medical
services are required. “The lifesaving skills delivered by the paramedics, usually the first responder in
the time of need, have a direct impact on the patient’s steps to recover,” Mellema said. “Paramedics
take great pride in the ability to provide health care services to the public that Lanark County Council
represents.”

“The skills and quality care rendered by the paramedics are an integral part of the health care service,”
the proclamation states. Warden Fournier encourages all citizens to learn more about the role of
paramedics in the health system. For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-
LANARK, ext. 1502.

Carleton Place Official Plan Amendment Approved: Lanark County Council has approved a by-law
to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 8 to the Carleton Place Official Plan. The purpose of the
amendment is to update the town’s official plan with changes resulting from a comprehensive review
that commenced in 2020.

At the economic development committee meeting last month, Senior Planner Koren Lam explained that
in 2019, the county adopted population projections for each municipality through Official Plan
Amendment No. 8 to its Sustainable Communities Official Plan (SCOP). The projections show that by
2038 Carleton Place is expected to grow by 10,320 people. The town has experienced rapid growth in
recent years.

Lam explained the study conducted by consultants J.L. Richards for the town indicated the town has
enough land to meet the needs of the community without expanding its boundaries. There were three
growth scenarios presented, and Carleton Place Council chose to proceed with Scenario 2, which
involves development of all vacant residential lands and strategic properties in the existing urban
boundary at mid-range densities, including sensitive infill development and the development of urban
greenfield (e.g. future residential districts). This would result in a total of 2,138 residential units and 5 per
cent additional residential units.

The town conducted public consultation, including a survey that received 356 submissions and 30 e-mail
responses. A stakeholder ad hoc committee was formed and heard how residents have been affected
by growth in the past 10 years. Eight verbal presentations and 22 written submissions were received for
the statutory public meeting. Lam said two meetings were held between county staff and the Lanark
Leeds Grenville Home Builders Association, which had concerns about the number of units needed to
accommodate the growth as well as area-specific density concerns.

Lam outlined the policy analysis related to the amendment and the county found it conforms with
requirements. “The Town of Carleton Place undertook extensive public consultations during the official
plan review,” she said. “Public comments resulted in a balanced approach to growth through
intensification and greenfield development.” She added the intensification targets in greenfield areas
allow for a mix of housing types. “This would enable the town to have the ability to influence growth
consistent with council and local public interests.” She said the amendment “represents good land use
planning and is consistent with a balanced consideration of the various public interests.”

Councillor Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor) commented on the concerns that have arisen in light of
the explosive growth Carleton Place has experienced and the extensive process to ensure voices were
heard as part of the process. He noted Carleton Place Council unanimously supported the amendment
and is trying to do what is best for its citizens. For more information, contact Koren Lam, Senior Planner,
at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1505.

Upcoming Meetings: County Council, Wednesday, May 22, 5 p.m.; Public Works, May 22
(following County Council); Economic Development, May 22 (following Public Works). County
Council, Wednesday, June 12, 5 p.m.; Community Services, June 12 (following County Council);
Corporate Services, June 12 (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 X!