CAO Ivan Burton reported on the first and second quarter of the year of 2022, having been CAO for one month.
He said they developed 51 development applications, and issued 181 permits, including for 36 new dwellings.
“Council approved the entering a Memorandum of Understanding with Whitewater Ontario
for a public access point to the whitewater portion of the Ottawa River in the vicinity of
McCoy and Grants Settlement Roads. “
He reported Council also updated their Business Retention plan and authorized purchase of Cloudpermit building services software.
He said they had also hired Sam Buttle as a full time building inspector.
He also said that they planned to soft launch their online building registration in September 1-15 and full launch on Monday, October 3, 2022
He also said Taste of the Valley was on the way in October 15th , with Whitewater being at the end of the run.
Treasurer Sean Crozier said that $210,128.32 of the interim tax rate was outstanding, which comprises 3.5% of the interim tax bill compared to last years 4.3% , making them a ‘little more successful’ than the last year.
Fire Chief John McLaren outlined the emergency department’s calls.
“We had 21 emergency responses, including 2 fires in the first quarter, and then made up for it in the second quarter with 30 emergency responses, including eight fires.”
“A very busy spring for us.” Chief McLaren said.
The fire calls include 4 grass/forest fires, 3 structure fires, and 1 apartment fire, according to the report.
The 2022 firefighter recruit class began in January with 10 new firefighters. Phase one of their training is complete. They will begin responding to emergency calls after completing medical training in May.
He said they were planning on a peer support group to support some of their firefighters suffering from ‘the stresses of the job’.
Councillor Mackay thanked the firefighters for providing assistance during the Beachburg fair to provide water for the cattleshed.
Clerk Carmen Miller said the Whitewater client list had grown to 200, and had recruited 8 senior volunteers to assist seniors around the Region.
She said work on the elections was ongoing.
She said by-law responded to 37 animal complaints and 15 property standards.
CAO Burton said that Park and Recreation supported the Swim Program with the City of Pembroke, and received Westmeath Recreation Task Force’s report, and approved Community Recreation Grants for Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living, Opeongo Minor Soccer Club Inc., Foresters Falls Athletic Association, ConnectWell Community Health – Renfrew County Sites, Cobden Pickleball, Cobden Civitan Club, Cobden & District Seniors Association, BORCA.
He said Cobden Arena startup was planned for September 1 with first booking in September 15, and Westmeath Arena planned to open in October 3
He also said they were planning to report regarding all required maintenance of the Beachburg Arena, and to issue a Request for Proposal for the canteen/concession stand at the Cobden and Westmeath Arenas.
Public Works Manager Lane Cleroux reported on the completion of the Landfill Scales and the completion of rehabilitation of Jeffrey-Olmstead Lake Road.
Council reported 53 by-laws passed, 115 staff reports brought forth, and 9 presentations received in the first and second quarters of 2022.
