Greater Madawaska, Ontario

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Regular Council

Special Council

This special council meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being a closed session to discuss litigation or potential litigation regarding an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal related to a minor variance application (A03.26). The council will also consider a confirmatory by-law (32-2026) to ratify actions taken at the meeting.

• Closed session under Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act for litigation related to Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal - Minor Variance Application A03.26
• Consideration and approval of By-law 32-2026 (Confirmatory) to adopt and ratify proceedings of the meeting

Canada Day Committee

The Canada Day Committee will discuss the outcome of the July 1 event, consider rescheduling options, and compile notes for next year. A report to Council is also planned. The meeting includes routine approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discuss outcome of the July 1 Canada Day event
• Consider rescheduling options
• Compile notes for next year
• Prepare a report to Council
• Approve minutes of June 22, 2026 meeting

Canada Day Committee

The Canada Day Committee will meet to review the June task list for the upcoming Canada Day celebration. The meeting will also handle routine approvals of agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, and schedule the next meeting. The previous meeting discussed hat and t-shirt sales, volunteer lists, and task lists.

• Review of June task list for Canada Day preparations
• Approval of minutes from June 8, 2026 meeting
• Scheduling of next committee meeting

Regular Council

Greater Madawaska Council will decide on a zoning by-law amendment to permit an existing secondary dwelling unit at 314 Kennedy Road, award a winter sand contract for $89,040, consider the approval of a Workforce Readiness Plan, authorize an RFP for Calabogie Junction Hub Campus concept planning, and debate a motion requesting a county-wide review of communal servicing to support housing and economic development.

• Zoning By-law 30-2026 to amend 314 Kennedy Road from Rural Residential to Rural Residential – Exception Twenty-Three to permit an existing secondary dwelling unit above a detached garage with reduced setbacks.
• Award PW08-2025 Winter Sand contract to Town and Country Forming for $89,040 (Net HST Included).
• Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposal for professional consulting services for the Calabogie Junction Hub Campus Concept Planning Initiative.
• Approve the Workforce Readiness Plan as attached.
• Motion requesting Renfrew County to undertake a county-wide review of communal servicing to support housing, economic development, and growth.

Public Meeting

The Township of Greater Madawaska is holding a public meeting on June 11, 2026, to discuss a zoning amendment for 314 Kennedy Road. The proposal would rezone the property from Rural Residential to Rural Residential Exception Twenty-Three (RR-E23) to allow a secondary dwelling unit above a detached garage. The amendment also requests reductions to the interior side yard setback to 0 metres and the septic water setback to 15.2 metres. Residents may attend in person or virtually, and failure to submit comments before the by-law passes may limit appeal rights to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

• Rezoning 314 Kennedy Road from Rural Residential (RR) to Rural Residential Exception Twenty-Three (RR-E23)
• Permitting an existing secondary dwelling unit above a detached garage
• Reducing interior side yard setback from 3.0 metres to 0 metres
• Reducing septic system water setback from 30 metres to 15.2 metres
• $1,100 appeal fee for decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and decide on a minor variance application to reduce the required interior side yard setback from 3.0 metres to 1.85 metres at 332 Kennedy Road. The reduction would recognize the existing placement of a standby generator, propane tanks, and air conditioning unit. Staff recommend approval, and some written submissions in opposition have been received.

• Application A03.26 - Penton requests a reduction in interior side yard setback from 3.0 m to 1.85 m for accessory mechanical equipment at 332 Kennedy Road.
• The property is zoned Rural Residential (RR) under Zoning By-law 28-2024.
• Staff report recommends approval, finding the variance meets the four tests under the Planning Act.
• Written submissions in opposition have been received regarding potential impacts on adjacent properties.
• The zoning bylaw may be amended in a future housekeeping amendment to exempt such equipment from setback requirements.

Canada Day Committee

This agenda outlines a routine Canada Day Committee meeting in Greater Madawaska. The body will discuss hat and t-shirt sales through the Calabogie Market, review volunteer assignments, and update May and June task lists. The meeting contains only procedural and planning items, with no public hearings or binding decisions scheduled.

• Discussion on hat and t-shirt sales via the Calabogie Market
• Review of the volunteer list for Canada Day events
• Review of May and June task lists
• Round table discussion on event planning

Recreation and Culture Committee

The Recreation and Culture Committee will introduce summer student Robyn Clark and discuss several upcoming activities: Summer Outside Yoga, the GM Local Social, and Music in the Park. These are discussion items only; no votes are scheduled. The agenda is mostly procedural with no formal decisions or financial approvals.

• Summer Student Introduction - Robyn Clark
• Discussion of Summer Outside Yoga
• Discussion of GM Local Social
• Discussion of Music in the Park dates

Canada Day Committee

The Canada Day Committee will discuss event logistics with the Fire Chief, brainstorm new activity ideas, review a May task list, finalize the event schedule, and develop an inclement weather plan. They will also schedule a street walk-through. The meeting is a planning session for the upcoming Canada Day celebration.

• Discuss event details with Fire Chief
• Review and confirm schedule of activities for Canada Day
• Develop inclement weather plan
• Schedule date for Street Walk-through
• Review May task list

Regular Council

The council will hear a presentation on the Calabogie Secondary Plan and consider several key items, including a new property standards by-law, a $50,000–$70,000 sole-source repair of a fire tanker truck frame, and a $7,000 streetlight installation at Church Street and Highway 41. They will also decide on a special event permit for the GM Local Social, an OTF grant application for a Youth & Family Program Coordinator, and allocation of a $11,361.98 year-end surplus. Adoption of a new Human Resource Policy Handbook and a library reserve fund transfer are also on the agenda.

• Adopt By-law 27-2026 Property Standards (replacing previous by-laws)
• Sole-source award to Rush Truck Centres for 2004 Freightliner tanker frame repair, estimated $50,000–$70,000
• Install one streetlight at Church Street and Highway 41 in Griffith, estimated $7,000
• Declare GM Local Social (June 20, 2026) a Municipally Significant Event
• Allocate $8,048.98 of 2025 surplus to Capital Works Reserve and $3,313.00 to new Library Reserve

Committee of Adjustment

The Township of Greater Madawaska Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a minor variance request for a vacant lot at 281 Chimo Road North. Planning staff recommend approving a reduction in the required water setback from 30 metres to 19 metres for a deck and to 21.9 metres for a new dwelling. The variance addresses site constraints for private well and septic installation while preserving shoreline buffers. No public submissions have been received.

• Minor Variance Application A02.26 (Flamini) at 281 Chimo Road North
• Request to reduce water setback from 30 metres to 19 metres for an attached deck
• Request to reduce water setback from 30 metres to 21.9 metres for a new dwelling
• Public hearing scheduled for May 14, 2026, at Council Chambers
• Staff recommendation to approve the variance under Zoning By-law 28-2024

Recreation and Culture Committee

The Recreation and Culture Committee will recap the Clean-Up Day event, discuss a new Yoga in the Park activity, review social media and Facebook Events, and set dates for Music in the Park. No formal decisions are expected; the agenda is primarily discussion and planning.

• Recap of Clean-Up Day Event (April 25, 2026)
• Yoga in the Park activity discussion (held over from March)
• Social Media & Facebook Events review
• Discuss Music in the Park dates

Canada Day Committee

The Greater Madawaska Canada Day Committee will approve the agenda and the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting. Members will review the April task list and decide on the date and time for the next committee meeting. The meeting will then be adjourned.

• Approve agenda for April 27, 2026 meeting
• Approve minutes of March 24, 2026 meeting
• Review April task list
• Schedule next Canada Day Committee meeting
• Adjourn the meeting

Special Council

This special meeting of Greater Madawaska Council will vote on approving the 2025 financial statements prepared by Welch LLP, as presented on April 16. A confirmatory by-law (26-2026) will also be passed to ratify all actions taken at the meeting.

• Approval of 2025 Financial Statements by Welch LLP
• Adoption of By-Law 26-2026 to confirm proceedings of the meeting

Regular Council

Council will consider approving the 2026 final tax levy, awarding a road surface treatment contract for $392,622, and adopting a Community Improvement Plan. Other agenda items include a SCBA fill station award, traffic safety review request, and rescinding a cross-country ski trail allowance.

• Approve 2026 final tax levy bylaw setting tax rates and penalties
• Award double surface treatment tender to Greenwood Paving for $392,622 on Graphite Bay, Kennedy, Cooper Hill, and Wolfe Rapids roads
• Award SCBA fill station RFP to FireChek Protection for $70,314
• Adopt By-law 23-2026 Community Improvement Plan
• Rescind resolution allowing cross-country skiing on unopened road allowances near Kennelly Mountain Road

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is holding a public hearing on a minor variance application from Dwayne and Dani Emon for 11689 Lanark Rd. The application seeks permission to operate a home-based personal service business (reflexology and footcare) within a detached accessory structure, contrary to the zoning by-law that requires home occupations to be within the principal dwelling. The planner recommends approval with a condition limiting the accessory structure to 65 square metres. No written submissions or objections have been received.

• Minor variance application A01.26 - Emon to allow home occupation in an accessory building at 11689 Lanark Rd
• Planner recommends approval with condition that the accessory structure not exceed 65 sq m
• No public objections or written submissions received as of the report date

Canada Day Committee

The Canada Day Committee is meeting to discuss preparations for the holiday. The body will review the budget, the March task list, and introduce a representative from the Calabogie Lions Club.

• Review of budget
• Review of March task list
• Introduction of Calabogie Lions Club Representative
• Scheduling of future meetings

Regular Council

Greater Madawaska Council will vote on awarding three road construction contracts totaling over $500,000 and repeating the old traffic by-law to adopt a new one. The meeting also includes a request to lower the speed limit on Highway 41 in Griffith.

• Award PW01-2026 to Greenwood Paving for $151,622.40
• Award PW03-2026 to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for $55,640.89
• Award PW04-2026 to Miller Aggregates for $309,431.80
• Repeal By-law 08-2026 and adopt By-law 14-2026
• Request MTO reduce Highway 41 speed limit to 60 km/h

Public Meeting

The body is introducing a draft Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to discuss potential grants and financial incentives for residents and businesses. No decisions are being made at this meeting; Council will consider a By-law at a future date.

• Proposed incentive programs including Accessibility Improvement Grants, Façade Improvement Grants, and Signage Improvement Grants
• Proposed Planning & Building Fee Rebates
• Proposed Agri-Tourism Grants and Energy Efficiency Incentives
• Proposed partnership with County of Renfrew to potentially match municipal investment via the HYPE Program
• Proposed focus areas: Housing, Local Business, and Economic Development

Recreation and Culture Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the planning of the Landscape Artist of the Year event and the Earth Day Clean-up and Yard Sale. Members will also review the Recreation Handbook and discuss a new Yoga in the Park activity.

• Landscape Artist of the Year event planning update
• Earth Day Clean-up and Yard Sale detail finalization
• Discussion of new Yoga in the Park activity
• Review of the Recreation Handbook

Canada Day Committee

The Greater Madawaska Canada Day Committee will consider routine business, including approving the agenda and the minutes from the January 27, 2026 meeting. It will review the task list for February and March. The committee will also consider a motion to establish the meeting schedule for future sessions.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from January 27, 2026
• Review February/March task list
• Motion to schedule future Canada Day Committee meetings

Regular Council

The council will consider several by‑law approvals, including traffic‑control By‑Law 08‑2026, acquisition of a portion of Lower Spruce Hedge Road (By‑Law 10‑2026), and rezoning actions for Williams/Seaman and Stones Lake Spa (By‑Laws 11‑2026 and 12‑2026). Financial items include support for a Rural Ontario Development grant, appointment to the Canada Day Committee, grant approvals of $1,000 to the Denbigh Griffith Lions Club and $600 in‑kind services to the Calabogie Market, and approval of a $1,032,314.82 debenture for a Matawatchan Road capital project. The council will also acknowledge a schoolyard canopy program and enter a closed session on personal and litigation matters.

• By‑Law 09‑2026 debenture agreement for Matawatchan Road – $1,032,314.82
• By‑Law 08‑2026 to control traffic and parking, repealing By‑Laws 49‑2020, 70‑2020, 19‑2021
• By‑Law 10‑2026 acquisition of Lower Spruce Hedge Rd as a public highway (Part 2 on Ref Plan 49R‑21064)
• By‑Law 11‑2026 zoning amendment for 19 Seamans Lane (Williams/Seaman) from Tourist Commercial to Rural
• Municipal grants: $1,000 to Denbigh Griffith Lions Club (Car Show) and $600 in‑kind services to Calabogie Market

Public Meeting

The Township of Greater Madawaska is holding a public meeting to discuss two zoning by-law amendments. One proposal involves a large-scale resort development at Stones Lake, while the other concerns residential and trailer site changes at Bayview Campground.

• Proposed 200-unit hotel, 10 cabins, and Nordic-style spa at 11728 Lanark Road
• Proposed height increase for 11728 Lanark Road main hotel building from 12.0 to 36.0 metres
• Proposed rezoning of 19/58 Seamans Lane from Tourist Commercial to Rural for residential use
• Proposed increase of recreational trailer sites from 13 to 15 at 19/58 Seamans Lane
• Proposed commercial hub at 11728 Lanark Road featuring a distillery, wine bank, and shops

Recreation and Culture Committee

The Greater Madawaska Recreation and Culture Committee will review the 2026 Plan of Events and Programming, a Short‑Term Accommodation Handbook, the Landscape Artist of the Year award, Family Fun Day, and Winter Carnival Trivia Night. No formal decisions are listed; the items are presented as discussion topics.

• 2026 Plan of Events/Programming
• Short‑Term Accommodation Handbook
• Landscape Artist of the Year
• Family Fun Day
• Winter Carnival Trivia Night

Canada Day Committee

The Greater Madawaska Canada Day Committee will meet to appoint a chair, review past notes and tasks, and set the schedule for the 2026 event. The meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers.

• Appoint Committee Chair
• Review 2025 Notes
• Review Tasks to accomplish now
• Brainstorm for 2026 Event
• Schedule future meetings

Regular Council

The Greater Madawaska Council will consider several by‑laws, including a temporary borrowing authorizing up to $1,000,000 until tax revenues are received. Other items include a private winter‑maintenance agreement for 685 McHugh Road, the acquisition of a portion of Lower Spruce Hedge Road as a public highway, and the appointment of a Committee of Adjustment. The council will also adopt an interim tax levy with a 1.25% penalty and interest rate.

• By‑Law 02‑2026: Temporary borrowing up to $1,000,000, with Mayor and Treasurer directed to sign the agreement
• By‑Law 07‑2026: Private winter‑maintenance agreement for McHugh Road (685 McHugh Road) with Corey Squires
• By‑Law 04‑2026: Acquisition and assumption of Lower Spruce Hedge Rd (Parts 2‑6) as a public highway
• By‑Law 01‑2026: Interim tax levy on all properties with 1.25% penalty and interest
• By‑Law 03‑2026: Appointment of the Committee of Adjustment for 2026