Renfrew public meetings in 2025

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will receive the 2025 Public Budget Meeting Q&A document as information. It will also receive the Budget Committee Meeting #7 report, including updated operating, capital, sewer, water, and capital summary documents, as information. No other actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Budget Public Meeting Q&A – received as information
• Budget Committee Meeting #7 report (operating, capital, sewer, water, capital summary) – received as information

The Budget Committee approved several budget amendments, including a recommendation to rebuild Robert Drive for $345,000 and to postpone the Hall Avenue reconstruction until 2027. It added $481,000 for water‑treatment filters, adopted Levy Update Option 2 projecting a 7.73% levy increase, and allocated $25,000 for a park partnership. The Mask/O'Brien redevelopment was re‑added with $50,000 funding, and the revised draft budgets were sent to the mayor for the 2026 budget proposal.

• Received Budget Public Meeting Q&A as information (Carried)
• Recommended Robert Drive reconstruction $345,000 from Roads Infrastructure Reserve and defer Hall Avenue project (Carried)
• Added $481,000 to 2026 Capital Budget for high‑rate gravity filters, funded from Water Reserves (Carried)
• Adopted Levy Update Option 2 projecting $13,460,726 total and 7.73% levy increase (Carried)
• Allocated $25,000 to Rotary Club partnership for Knights of Columbus Park redevelopment (Carried)
• Re‑added Mask/O'Brien Redevelopment project with $50,000 funded through reserves (Carried)
• Approved staff draft budget amendments and directed forwarding to Mayor for 2026 budget review (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

The council will consider a recommendation to cut the 2026 Renfrew Public Library grant to $611,222, matching the 2024 level. Three by‑laws will be read and voted on: an aquatic services agreement with the Town of Arnprior for 2026‑2027, a collective agreement with CUPE Local 121 for 2026‑2028, and a confirming by‑law for the December 16 meeting. A closed‑session will address CUPE Local 121 ratification and a personal HR matter.

• Reduce the 2026 Renfrew Public Library grant to $611,222
• By‑law 116‑2025: Aquatic Services Agreement with Town of Arnprior (Jan 1 2026 – Dec 31 2027)
• By‑law 117‑2025: Collective Agreement with CUPE Local 121 (Jan 1 2026 – Dec 31 2028)
• By‑law 118‑2025: Confirming By‑Law for the Dec 16, 2025 special meeting
• Closed session to discuss CUPE Local 121 ratification and an HR matter

The council rejected a motion to reduce the 2026 Renfrew Public Library grant, resulting in a 3‑to‑3 tie. It approved the reconstruction of Robert Drive for $345,000, deferred the Hall Avenue project, and allocated $25,000 for a Knights of Columbus Park revitalization partnership. The council also approved CUPE Local 121 ratification, directed staff to resolve a grievance, and passed three by‑laws.

• Reject reduction of 2026 library grant to $611,222 (tie 3‑3, motion defeated)
• Suspend rules of procedure to add two budget‑committee motions (carried with two‑thirds vote)
• Approve reconstruction of Robert Drive for $345,000; defer Hall Avenue Reconstruction to 2027 (carried)
• Approve $25,000 allocation for Knights of Columbus Park revitalization with Rotary Club (carried)
• Approve CUPE Local 121 union ratification and direct by‑law for approval (carried)
• Direct staff to resolve the grievance discussed in closed session (carried)
• Pass by‑laws 116‑2025, 117‑2025, 118‑2025 after first, second, third readings (carried)
• Close session under Municipal Act sections 239(2)(b) and (d) (carried)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will hold a closed session to consider labour‑relation or personal matters related to a projected 2026 staffing shortfall caused by council‑proposed budget cuts. After that discussion, the board will vote to approve the revised 2026 library budget for submission to Council. The meeting also includes standard items such as a welcome, land acknowledgement and conflict‑of‑interest declaration. The next board meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

• Closed session to address labour‑relation or personal matters concerning a 2026 staffing shortfall
• Board to approve the revised 2026 library budget for Council
• Land acknowledgement of the traditional territory of the Algonquin people

The Renfrew Public Library Board entered a closed session to discuss a 2026 staffing shortfall caused by proposed budget cuts. The board then rose from closed session and approved submitting the revised 2026 library budget to Council. All three motions were carried.

• Moved to closed session to discuss 2026 staffing shortfall (Carried)
• Rose from closed session (Carried)
• Approved submission of revised 2026 library budget to Council (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew Special Council meeting will hold a closed session with selected officials and a representative from Mackie Homes. The session will address items such as the Ready Avenue development opportunity, recreation and aquatics agreement negotiations, a health and safety water stream grant update, a Strong Mayor document access request, and personal matters regarding the CAO's departure. No public decisions are recorded for this meeting.

• Ready Avenue Development Opportunity
• Recreation Agreement Negotiations – Admaston Bromley
• Aquatics Agreement Negotiations
• Health and Safety Water Stream Fund Application Grant Update
• Personal Matters Regarding the Departure of the CAO

The council approved five resolutions. Staff were instructed to finalize negotiations with Mackie Homes on the 210 Ready Avenue property, to continue recreation agreement talks with Admaston/Bromley Township, and to pursue an aquatics agreement renewal with Arnprior. The council also recommended a revision to the 2026 Water Capital budget and accepted the agreement ending Gloria Raybone's employment.

• Direct staff to finalize negotiations with Mackie Homes for 210 Ready Ave (Resolution 25-12-08, carried)
• Direct staff to proceed with recreation agreement negotiations with Admaston/Bromley Township and bring forward any resulting by-law (Resolution 25-12-09, carried)
• Agree in principle to aquatics agreement renewal with Arnprior and direct staff to negotiate remaining terms (Resolution 25-12-10, carried)
• Recommend Budget Committee revise 2026 Water Capital budget (Resolution 25-12-11, carried)
• Accept signed agreement ending employment of Gloria Raybone (Resolution 25-12-12, carried)

Regular Council Meeting

The Renfrew Town Council, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, will consider several recommendations. It will approve land title transfers for the Renfrew Hydro, Renfrew Power Generation, and the Town of Renfrew Wastewater Treatment Plant on Mutual Avenue. The council will also receive an agreement in principle with Miller Waste Systems for non‑eligible source recycling, adopt the amended Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan, and approve the purchase of a 938 Wheel Loader for $464,839.68 from Toromont CAT.

• Land titles transfers for RPG Substation, RHI Substation, and Wastewater Treatment Plant (Mutual Avenue)
• Agreement in principle with Miller Waste Systems for curbside non‑eligible source recycling collection
• Adoption of the amended Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan
• Award of a 938 Wheel Loader to Toromont CAT at a cost of $464,839.68 (after trade‑in, including non‑refundable HST)
• Recommendation to approve the updated Fence By‑law

The council approved land transfers for the hydro, power generation and wastewater treatment facilities and authorized staff to complete the documentation. It also approved an agreement in principle with Miller Waste Systems for non‑eligible source recycling collection. Additional actions included adopting the emergency management program, recommending the updated fence by‑law, withdrawing a wheel‑loader award for re‑tendering, endorsing a CANDU reactor resolution, supporting removal of GST/HST on new homes, and adopting a policy review schedule for 2026‑2030.

• Approved Renfrew Hydro, Renfrew Power Generation, and Wastewater Treatment Plant land transfers (Carried)
• Approved agreement in principle with Miller Waste Systems for non‑eligible source recycling collection (Carried)
• Adopted amended Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan (Carried)
• Recommended approval of updated Fence By‑law (Carried)
• Withdrawn original award for 938 Wheel Loader and directed re‑tendering (Carried)
• Endorsed Deep River resolution on CANDU reactor development (Carried)
• Supported removal of GST/HST on new homes (Carried)
• Adopted Proposed Policy Review Schedule for 2026‑2030 (Carried)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will receive presentations from Algonquin College and the County of Renfrew. The meeting includes updates from the Downtown Renfrew BIA and the Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Presentation by Algonquin College on supporting post-secondary education in rural communities
• County of Renfrew updates on delegations to the ROMA Conference, including Hwy 17 and 417 Expansion and the Bissett Creek Overpass
• Updates from Downtown Renfrew BIA and Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce
• Information on McDougall Mill Museum and upcoming town events
• Confirmation of meeting minutes from September 9, 2025

The Economic Development Advisory Committee approved a resolution (EDA‑12‑01) directing Councillor McWhirter to meet with the motorcycling community and Chair Cybulski to meet with the cycling community, with a report to be presented at the next meeting. The committee also approved a resolution (EDA‑12‑02) confirming the minutes of the September 9, 2025 meeting.

• Assign Councillor McWhirter to speak with the motorcycling community (carried)
• Assign Chair Cybulski to speak with the cycling community (carried)
• Confirm September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (carried)

Special Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will receive a final report regarding a code of conduct complaint filed on November 18, 2025. The report, presented by Integrity Commissioner Tony Fleming, is for information only, with recommendations to be brought forward for consideration at a later date. The meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

• Council to receive Integrity Commissioner's final report on code of conduct complaint
• Upcoming Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting on December 9, 2025
• Upcoming Special Council Meeting (Closed) on December 9, 2025
• Upcoming Regular Council Meeting on December 9, 2025

The council received the Integrity Commissioner’s final report on code‑of‑conduct complaints involving Councillors Cybulski and Dick. It voted to suspend Cybulski’s pay for ten days, later amended to seven days, and to suspend Dick’s pay for seven days, directing the amounts to charities of their choice. Motions to simply receive the report as information were defeated.

• Receive Integrity Commissioner’s final report as information – carried
• Motion to receive report as information only – defeated (1 Yea, 2 Nay)
• Suspend Councillor Cybulski’s remuneration for ten days – carried (2 Yea, 1 Nay)
• Amend Cybulski suspension to seven days – carried (3 Yea, 1 Nay)
• Suspend Councillor Dick’s remuneration for seven days – carried
• Motion to receive recommendations for Councillor Dick as information – defeated (1 Yea, 3 Nay)

Budget Committee

The Renfrew Budget Committee is meeting to review the 2026 budget, including the Downtown Renfrew BIA's proposed budget and updates to the water and sewer budgets. The committee is deciding on recommendations for the Renfrew Public Library grant and directing staff on final budget documents.

• Renfrew Public Library grant recommendation of $125,000
• Renfrew Public Library grant recommendation of $611,222
• Downtown Renfrew BIA 2026 Proposed Budget
• Updated Water and Sewer Budgets
• Strong Mayor Legislative Budget Process

The committee approved the Strong Mayor Legislative Budget Process report as information (Resolution BC-25-12-01). It approved most budget line items, defeated a motion to increase the library grant to $125,000, and carried a motion to keep the 2026 library grant at $611,222. The committee then directed staff to finalize the budget options and forward the recommended draft to the Mayor (Resolution BC-25-12-03).

• Received Strong Mayor Legislative Budget Process report – Carried (BC-25-12-01)
• Postage budget $39,000 – Carried (Legris)
• Grants to Community Partners $30,000 – Carried (Cybulski)
• Increase Renfrew Public Library grant to $125,000 – Defeated (BC-25-12-04)
• Reduce 2026 Library grant to $611,222 – Carried
• Direct staff to proceed with budget options and forward draft to Mayor – Carried (BC-25-12-03)
• Receive Downtown Renfrew BIA Proposed 2026 Budget for review – Carried (BC-25-12-05)

Regular Council Meeting

Council will discuss creating an expert advisory group to provide guidance for the 2026 budget and develop a long-term plan to address a current financial crisis. The meeting also includes votes on infrastructure contracts and updated council conduct policies.

• Construction agreement with McCrea Excavating Ltd for Seventh Street Rehabilitation for $400,215.00
• Proposed creation of a Budget Advisory Group for 2026 budget and 5–10 year financial planning
• Proposed changes to Council Code of Conduct Policy and Formal Complaint Procedure
• Addition of 247 Barr Street, 277 Barr Street, and 151 Quarry Avenue to the Municipal Heritage Register
• Adjustment of the $10,000 annual payment to the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce into two installments

The Council convened a Committee of the Whole to receive several reports and make recommendations. It directed staff to develop cost estimates for maintaining the Millennium Trail for snowmobile use. The Council recommended adopting the draft Council Communications Policy, the 2026‑2030 Policy Review Schedule, and the 2026 Corporate Workplan and Goals. It ordered staff to prepare an advisory group to create a 5‑10‑year financial and operational plan and approved adjusting the Chamber of Commerce payment to two installments.

• Convene Committee of the Whole (Resolution 25-11-30) – Carried
• Direct staff to bring cost estimate report for Millennium Trail maintenance (Resolution 25-11-34) – Carried
• Recommend adoption of Draft Council Communications Policy (Resolution 25-11-41) – Carried
• Recommend adoption of Policy Review Schedule 2026‑2030 (Resolution 25-11-42) – Carried
• Recommend adoption of 2026 Corporate Workplan and Goals (Resolution 25-11-43) – Carried
• Direct staff to prepare Advisory Group for 5‑10‑year financial plan (Resolution 25-11-45) – Carried
• Amend Advisory Group motion to remove item #1 and truncate item #2 (Resolution 25-11-46) – Carried
• Adjust Chamber of Commerce payment to two installments (Resolution 25-11-47) – Carried

Special Council Meeting

The special council meeting on November 25, 2025 will consist of a closed‑session portion. Council members and designated staff will discuss performance reviews, an HR investigation, union bargaining updates, a legal opinion on the code of conduct, revenue and appraisal values for Innovation Drive, a lease with the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation, and the postponement of a September 9 meeting. No public items or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Performance reviews of municipal staff
• HR investigation summary
• Union bargaining update
• Legal opinion on code of conduct / procedural by‑law integration
• Revenue & appraisal values for Innovation Drive and BAFN lease

The council approved a rent suspension for the Bonnechere Algonquin First Nations space at the myFM Centre for the period January to July 2026. It also directed staff to continue CUPE 121 union negotiations, to provide more information on performance reviews and HR investigations, and to report further details on the 1 Innovation Drive project. Discussions on the Code of Conduct/Procedural By‑Law Integration and the postponement of the September 9th meeting were deferred to a future closed session.

• Closed session convened with specified staff (Resolution 25-11-24) – Carried
• Instructed Acting Mayor and staff to provide more information on performance reviews and HR investigations (Resolution 25-11-25) – Carried
• Directed staff to continue negotiations with CUPE 121 union (Resolution 25-11-26) – Carried
• Directed staff to report further information on 1 Innovation Drive (Resolution 25-11-27) – Carried
• Suspended monthly rent for Bonnechere Algonquin First Nations space at the myFM Centre for Jan‑Jul 2026 (Resolution 25-11-28) – Carried
• Postponed discussions on Code of Conduct/Procedural By‑Law Integration and September 9th meeting postponement until a future closed session (Resolution 25-11-29) – Carried

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will approve the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes and accept the October 2025 financial statement. It will also extend the current strategic plan until February 2026 and adopt the revised FR‑1 General Gift Acceptance policy. A presentation on the Horton Library Agreement will be given.

• Approve October 23, 2025 board meeting minutes
• Accept October 2025 financial statement
• Extend strategic plan to February 2026
• Adopt revised FR‑1 General Gift Acceptance policy
• Present Horton Library Agreement

The Renfrew Public Library Board approved the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the October 2025 financial statement. It voted to extend the existing strategic plan until February 2026. The board also adopted a revised General Gift Acceptance policy.

• Approved October 23, 2025 regular board meeting minutes (carried)
• Accepted October 2025 financial statement as presented (carried)
• Extended current strategic plan until February 2026 (carried)
• Accepted revised FR-1 General Gift Acceptance policy (carried)

Budget Committee

The Renfrew Budget Committee approved an amended Option 1 that moves the pumper and landfill slope to internal financing, funds Munroe Avenue reconstruction and Harry Street (Part 1) with a debenture, and pays for Hall Avenue (Part 1) and miscellaneous roads from reserves. The committee also passed a motion to target a 2 % operating‑budget tax levy using identified funding options and to have staff seek additional savings. It recommended creating an advisory group to guide the 2026 and 2027 budget processes and suggested splitting the town’s $10,000 annual payment to the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce into two installments.

• Adopted Option 1: internal financing for pumper and landfill slope; debenture for Munroe Ave and Harry St (Part 1); reserves for Hall Ave (Part 1) and miscellaneous roads
• Motion to achieve a 2 % operating‑budget tax levy using funding options and staff budget review
• Recommendation to form an advisory group for short‑term 2026 budget guidance and long‑term 2027 planning
• Adjustment of the annual $10,000 payment to the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce to two equal installments
• Recommendation that Town Council discuss a near‑$1 million budget misallocation and implement safeguards

The committee carried a resolution to proceed with Option 1, moving the pumper and landfill slope to internal financing and using a debenture for Munroe Avenue and Harry Street reconstruction with limited 2026 payment impact. It also approved a motion directing staff to review the operating budget to achieve a 2 % tax levy increase and to bring a revised draft to the committee. The committee recommended that council address a near‑$1 million budget misallocation and consider creating an advisory group for short‑ and long‑term financial planning. Finally, it endorsed adjusting the town’s annual $10,000 payment to the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce to be paid in two equal installments.

• Approved Option 1 financing plan (internal financing for pumper and landfill slope, debenture for Munroe Ave/Harry St) – carried
• Directed staff to review operating budget to achieve a 2 % tax levy increase – carried
• Recommended council discuss 2025 budget errors involving near $1 M misallocation – carried
• Recommended creation of an advisory group for 2026 budget guidance and long‑term financial planning – carried
• Recommended adjusting $10,000 Chamber of Commerce payment to two equal installments – carried
• Motion by Councillor Legris to proceed with amended Option 1 – carried
• Motion by Councillor Cybulski for a 2 % operating budget levy – carried
• Suspended rules of procedure to consider additional motions – carried

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee meeting agenda contains no listed items. No decisions or discussions are documented.

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will hold a public presentation and meeting to receive resident feedback on the Draft 2026 Budget. The session will cover operating and capital budgets, levy increases, and borrowing options.

• Public presentation of the Draft 2026 Budget
• Discussion of Levy Increase and Reserve Summary
• Review of Capital Borrowing Options 2026
• Review of Operating and Capital budgets
• Approval of committee minutes from October 20, 27, and 31

The committee approved the minutes of the Budget Committee meetings held on October 20, October 27, and October 31, as moved by Councillor Legris and carried. No other resolutions or budget actions were adopted. Public comments raised concerns about tax increases, the Mate‑Way project, and budgeting approaches, but no decisions were made on those issues. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

• Approved minutes of Oct 20, Oct 27, Oct 31 Budget Committee meetings (carried)

Regular Council Meeting

The Renfrew Town Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole to receive reports and endorse the 2025/2026 Municipal Heritage Conservation work plan. Council will consider and vote on several by‑laws, including a council correspondence policy, a zoning amendment for 197 Raglan Street South, a new fees and charges by‑law, and a water‑meter replacement agreement with Neptune Technology Group. The meeting also includes recommendations to add three properties to the Municipal Heritage Register.

• Adopt Council Correspondence Policy (By‑law 100‑2025)
• Zoning By‑law amendment for 197 Raglan Street South (By‑law 101‑2025)
• Fees and Charges By‑law effective Jan 1 2026 (By‑law 102‑2025)
• Water Meter Replacement Program contract with Neptune Technology Group Canada Corp for $928,850.00 (By‑law 103‑2025)
• Recommend adding 247 Barr St, 277 Barr St, and 151 Quarry Ave to the Municipal Heritage Register

Council suspended the rules to add two motions, directing the Reeve to seek a mayoral decision to extend the Budget Committee deadline and ordering staff to move the November 13 Budget Committee meeting to November 17. A second suspension added a closed‑session motion to review the CAO and directors, which was scheduled for November 25. The council also approved heritage property listings and a new use‑of‑resources policy.

• Suspended Rules to add two Budget Committee timeline motions (2/3 required) – carried
• Directed Reeve to consult Mayor Sidney to extend the Budget Committee timeline – carried
• Directed staff to postpone the Nov 13 Budget Committee meeting to Nov 17 at 9:45 a.m. – carried
• Suspended Rules to add closed‑session motion on CAO and Director performance reviews (2/3 required) – carried
• Scheduled closed‑session meeting for Nov 25 to discuss CAO and Director performance – carried
• Recommended adding 247 Barr St, 277 Barr St, and 151 Quarry Ave to the Municipal Heritage Register – carried
• Directed staff to notify the owners of those properties that they were discussed at the meeting – carried
• Adopted Use of Corporate Resources During Election Period policy and instructed staff to bring forward the by‑law – carried

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will receive an amended draft of the 2026 budget, including updated operating, water, sewer, and capital budgets. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Council Chambers.

• Amended Draft 2026 Budget (Operating, Water, Sewer, Capital)
• Budget Revision Tracker
• Levy Increase affects for October 31st meeting
• Updated 2026 CAPITAL DRAFT - Updated on Oct 27
• Upcoming Meetings of Committee and Council

The Budget Committee approved several actions, including directing staff to explore borrowing for landfill slope stabilization and to create a financing strategy for a new fire pumper. It also ordered staff to study loan options for grouping the Munroe and Henry road projects. A motion to keep heritage work in the 2026 budget was defeated, and five capital projects were deferred to the 2027 budget.

• Directed staff to review landfill slope stabilization borrowing from the Landfill Closure Reserve (carried)
• Directed staff to develop a multi‑year financing strategy for purchasing a fire pumper (carried)
• Directed staff to recommend grouping Munroe and Henry road projects to obtain a construction loan and future debenture (carried)
• Defeated motion to retain 'Heritage Work – carryover plus additional' in the 2026 budget (defeated)
• Deferred outside CIP Review at $50,000.00 until the 2027 budget (carried)
• Deferred purchase of a new 'Street Sweeper Unit' at $550,000.00 until the 2027 budget (carried)
• Deferred the 'Dog Park Fence Overhaul' at $50,000.00 until the 2027 budget (carried)
• Deferred Ball Diamond Lights – Phase 2 at $225,000.000 until the 2027 budget (carried)

Special Council Meeting

Town Council will meet in a closed session to discuss specific municipal security, personnel, and negotiation matters. The meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Update on Recreation Agreements
• Draft MOU for Heritage Renfrew
• Security of Property related to Preventing Auto Theft Grant
• HR Investigation Summary

The council approved four resolutions after a closed‑session meeting. Staff were instructed to forward updated recreation agreements to partner municipalities and to negotiate an agreement with Heritage Renfrew. Staff were also directed to work with a contractor and the O.P.P. detachment to investigate and fund assets purchased under the Preventing Auto Theft Grant. Discussion of the HR Investigation Summary was postponed to a future date.

• Resolution 25-10-34: Direct staff to forward updated draft recreation agreements (carried)
• Resolution 25-10-35: Direct staff to proceed with negotiating an agreement with Heritage Renfrew (carried)
• Resolution 25-10-36: Direct staff to investigate and fund assets from the Preventing Auto Theft Grant with the contractor and O.P.P. detachment (carried)
• Resolution 25-10-37: Postpone discussion of the HR Investigation Summary to a future date (carried)

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will consider several by‑law motions, including long‑term borrowing authorizations of $20 million and $6.73 million with the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation. The Committee of the Whole will also review a water‑meter replacement contract worth $1,086,019.22, a 2026 Fees and Charges by‑law, and a zoning amendment for 197 Raglan Street South. Recommendations will be presented for council approval during the meeting.

• Approve $20,000,000 long‑term borrowing by‑law with OILC for capital works (By‑Law 96‑2025)
• Approve $6,726,993.40 long‑term borrowing by‑law with OILC (By‑Law 97‑2025)
• Approve water‑meter replacement contract with Neptune Technologies for 1,429 meters at $1,086,019.22
• Approve 2026 Fees and Charges by‑law (Option 1) effective Jan 1 2026
• Approve zoning by‑law amendment D‑14‑155 to rezone 197 Raglan Street South for a ground‑floor apartment

Renfrew Town Council approved two long‑term loans from the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation—$20,000,000 and $6,726,993.40. The council also approved the water‑meter replacement contract with Neptune Technology for $1,086,019.22 and the zoning by‑law amendment for 197 Raglan Street South. Additional actions included updating the Fees and Charges By‑law, setting council remuneration for 2026‑2030, releasing a $5,000 secondary payment to the Chamber of Commerce, and directing staff to respond to resident correspondence.

• Approved long‑term borrowing of $20,000,000 from OILC (Resolution 25-10-53)
• Approved long‑term borrowing of $6,726,993.40 from OILC (Resolution 25-10-53)
• Approved water‑meter replacement proposal $1,086,019.22 with Neptune Technology (Resolution 25-10-45)
• Approved zoning by‑law amendment D-14-155 for 197 Raglan Street South (Resolution 25-10-39)
• Approved update to Fees and Charges By‑law effective Jan 1 2026 (Resolution 25-10-43)
• Approved council remuneration Option 1 for 2026‑2030 term (Resolution 25-10-44)
• Authorized release of $5,000 secondary payment to Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce (Resolution 25-10-47)
• Directed staff to provide written responses to resident correspondence (Resolution 25-10-49)

Budget Committee

The Renfrew Budget Committee will receive the Staff Draft 2026 Capital Budget as information. It will also review the Staff Draft 2026 Operational Budget and provide direction to staff on preferred amendments. Supporting documents include draft budgets, public survey results, and capital project details.

• Receive Staff Draft 2026 Capital Budget (information only)
• Review Staff Draft 2026 Operational Budget and give direction on amendments
• Consider public budget survey results and capital project listings attached

The committee approved a motion to shift the $100,000 CCTV expense into the operating budget. It also directed staff to submit any needed changes to the draft 2026 budget by November 17. Discussion of the 2026 operational budget was deferred to the next meeting.

• Moved CCTV expense of $100,000 to operating budget – carried (Resolution BC-2025-10-02)
• Directed staff to bring forward any draft budget changes by Nov 17 – carried (Resolution BC-2025-10-03)
• Deferred discussion of the Staff Draft 2026 Operational Budget – deferred

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will consider several routine items, including approval of the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and acceptance of the September 2025 financial statement. The board will also review September 2025 library statistics and the September‑October 2025 activity report, and monitor the strategic plan. A new business item proposes closing the library from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 for a staff appreciation lunch.

• Approve Regular Board Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2025
• Accept the September 2025 Financial Statement
• Review September 2025 library statistics (September2025Stats.pdf)
• Review Library Activity Report September‑October 2025 (Library Activity Report September- 2025.pdf)
• Approve October 27, 2025 lunch‑hour library closure (ClosureRequest2025.pdf)

The board approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes (Resolution RPL-25-10-01). It accepted the September 2025 financial statement as presented (Resolution RPL-25-10-02). The board also approved closing the library on October 27 to hold a staff appreciation lunch and present service awards (Resolution RPL-25-10-03). No vote tallies were recorded.

• Approved September 15 minutes (Resolution RPL-25-10-01) – carried
• Accepted September 2025 financial statement (Resolution RPL-25-10-02) – carried
• Approved library closure on Oct 27 for staff lunch and awards (Resolution RPL-25-10-03) – carried

Regular Council Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will receive several reports and recommendations for Council action. It will consider authorizing a $157,000 contract to replace the municipal garage roof, approving a recycling depot at the Renfrew Landfill, and adopting amendments to the Procurement and Correspondence policies. The Committee will also review a $19,997.41 Community Improvement Plan grant for 142 Raglan Street and other items before the meeting adjourns.

• Tender award: $157,000 contract to We Got it Covered Roofing for municipal garage roof replacement (excl. HST)
• In‑principle approval for a recycling depot at the Renfrew Landfill with Circular Materials Ontario
• Amendments to the town’s Procurement Policy to be brought forward as a by‑law
• Establishment of a Correspondence Policy with a proposed by‑law
• Community Improvement Plan grant of $19,997.41 for 142 Raglan Street, South

The council approved a $157,000 contract (excluding HST) for the municipal garage roof replacement. It also approved in principle a recycling depot at the Renfrew Landfill and directed staff to draft a Council Communications Plan that includes a Strong Mayor communication process. Additionally, the council suspended procedural rules to discuss three items and adopted a new Correspondence Policy.

• Suspended rules of procedure to introduce three agenda items (25-10-02) – Carried
• Opened floor discussion on the 7.8 levy error in the 2025 budget (25-10-03) – Carried
• Opened floor discussion on Strong Mayor powers during the mayor’s leave (25-10-05) – Carried
• Postponed closed session on CAO performance review (25-10-04) – Carried
• Approved $157,000 garage roof replacement contract to We Got it Covered Roofing and Renovations (25-10-09) – Carried
• Approved in principle the location of a recycling depot at the Renfrew Landfill and delegated negotiations to staff (25-10-11) – Carried
• Recommended establishment of a Correspondence Policy and a by‑law for Council consideration (25-10-18) – Carried
• Directed staff to prepare a draft Council Communications Plan including a Strong Mayor communication process (25-10-20) – Carried

Budget Committee

The Renfrew Budget Committee will consider the Staff Draft Budget for 2026. The committee is asked to receive the draft budget documents as information, not to approve them. The agenda includes the draft operating, capital, water and sewer budgets and related forecasts. No other decisions are scheduled.

• Staff Draft 2026 Operating Budget
• Staff Draft 2026 Capital Budget
• 2026 Water Draft Budget
• 2026 Sewer Draft Budget
• Renfrew Major Maintenance Forecast 2026 (draft)

The committee received the Staff Draft 2026 Budget as information and approved a motion directing staff to update the budget to include the revised debt amount, 50% of the remaining O.P.P. credit holding in reserve, the 2024 comparable figures, and the capital‑budget priority rankings. The resolution (BC-2025-10-01) was moved by Councillor Legris and carried. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Resolution BC-2025-10-01: Receive Staff Draft 2026 Budget as information and direct staff to update it with revised debt amount, 50% O.P.P. credit reserve, 2024 comparable, and capital‑budget priorities – carried

Structured Town Hall

The Town of Renfrew will hold a Structured Town Hall on October 14, 2025. A staff presentation on roads and sidewalks will be shown, followed by an open public discussion to gather input on preferred sidewalk maintenance service levels and to identify and prioritize road improvement needs. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for information gathering and community feedback.

• Staff Presentation – Roads and Sidewalks (PDF attachment)
• Open public discussion on sidewalk maintenance service levels
• Open public discussion on prioritizing road improvement needs
• Correspondence Items for Information (no details provided)
• Standard procedural items (Call to Order, Roll Call, Land Acknowledgement)

The Structured Town Hall on October 14, 2025 featured a staff presentation on road prioritization and sidewalks. Residents raised concerns about orange paint markings, a concrete bump on Veteran's Blvd, and sidewalk plowing. Council members asked questions about funding, reserves, and project status, but no formal motions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Structured Town Hall

The Town of Renfrew will host a Structured Town Hall on October 14, 2025, to discuss road and sidewalk maintenance. Council will hear a staff presentation and open the floor for public input on service levels and future construction priorities.

• Staff presentation on roads and sidewalks
• Public discussion on sidewalk maintenance levels
• Public discussion on road improvement needs
• Town Hall meeting at Council Chambers

The council heard a staff presentation on road prioritization and sidewalks and fielded public comments about trail connectivity, sidewalk placement, project cost‑effectiveness, and cost overruns. No formal motions, approvals, or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational and advisory only.

Special Council Meeting

This special meeting is scheduled to convene in a closed session. The council will discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001.

• Closed session regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual

The council voted to convene a closed session, citing Municipal Act section 239(2)(b) concerning personal matters about an identifiable individual. The motion was moved by Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor McWhirter, and was carried. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved closed‑session resolution 25-10-01 (carried)

Special Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will convene in closed session to discuss preliminary directions for union negotiations and tenant agreements. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. in Council Chambers.

• Closed session on union negotiation preliminary directions
• Closed session on tenant agreement negotiations
• Postponed Regular Meeting of Council held on September 23rd at 5:00 p.m.
• Regular Meeting of Council held on September 23rd immediately following the postponed meeting

The council approved a closed‑session meeting to discuss labour matters. It then directed staff to negotiate with the CUPE 121 union as outlined in the closed session. The council also instructed staff to keep the tenant’s current lease terms unchanged. The regular council meeting originally set for September 9 was postponed to September 23 at 5:00 p.m.

• Closed session authorized (carried)
• Direct staff to negotiate with CUPE 121 union (carried)
• Direct staff to maintain tenant’s current lease terms (carried)
• Postponed Sep 9 regular meeting to Sep 23 at 5:00 p.m. (postponed)

Regular Council Meeting

The Council, meeting as Committee of the Whole, approved the award of the Seventh Street construction project to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for $400,215 (excluding HST) and authorized staff to negotiate scheduling. It also approved a $99,975 lighting upgrade for Ma‑te‑way Park, adopted revised downtown seasonal encroachment guidelines, and approved Community Improvement Plan grants for 142 and 249 Raglan Street South totaling $19,997.41 and $114,970.91 respectively.

• Award of Seventh Street Construction Project to McCrea Excavating Ltd. – $400,215 (excl. HST)
• Award of Ma‑te‑way Park ball‑diamond lighting to KU Power Group Ltd. – $99,975 plus HST
• CIP Grant for 142 Raglan Street South – estimated total $19,997.41
• CIP Grant for 249 Raglan Street South – estimated total $114,970.91
• Adoption of revised Downtown Seasonal Encroachment Guidelines

The council authorized the award of the Seventh Street construction contract to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for $400,215 (excluding HST). It also approved lighting upgrades at Ma‑te‑way Park, a CIP grant for 142 Raglan Street South, adoption of revised downtown encroachment guidelines, endorsement of the OCWA operational plan, and a scope change for the Stevenson Crescent reconstruction. The CIP grant for 249 Raglan Street South was defeated.

• Approved Seventh Street Construction Project award to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for $400,215 (as amended) – Carried
• Approved Ma‑te‑way Park lighting contract to KU Power Group Ltd. for $99,975 plus HST – Carried
• Approved CIP grant for 142 Raglan Street South (estimated $19,997.41) – Carried
• Defeated CIP grant for 249 Raglan Street South (estimated $114,970.91) – Defeated 0 to 6 (NAY 6, IN CONFLICT 1)
• Adopted revised Downtown Seasonal Encroachment Guidelines – Carried
• Received 2025 Drinking Water System Inspection report as information – Carried
• Endorsed OCWA Operational Plan, authorizing Mayor and CAO to sign – Carried
• Authorized scope change for Stevenson Crescent Reconstruction Project – Carried

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will consider two by‑laws: a memorandum of understanding with the County of Renfrew for the Bonnechere Manor modular housing project, and a standing offer agreement with Garland/DBS Canada Inc. to replace the roof at 1 Innovation Drive for $287,255. The council will also vote on a request from the Downtown Renfrew BIA to install a Nativity scene in Low Square from late November to January, and on recommendations to form a Property Standards Working Group and to direct staff on the old wastewater treatment plant.

• By‑law 83‑2025: Standing Offer Agreement with Garland/DBS Canada Inc. for roof replacement at 1 Innovation Drive, $287,255 (excluding HST).
• By‑law 82‑2025: Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Renfrew for the Bonnechere Manor Modular Housing Development.
• Downtown Renfrew BIA request to install a traditional Nativity scene in Low Square, near Town Hall, from the last week of November until January.
• Recommendation to establish a Property Standards Working Group and approve its Terms of Reference.
• Committee of the Whole recommendation for staff direction on next steps for the old Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The council approved the Downtown Renfrew BIA request to install a Nativity Scene in Low Square from late November to January. It adopted Confirmatory By‑law 84‑2025 and passed two other by‑laws related to a modular housing project and a roof replacement. The Committee of the Whole recommended establishing a Property Standards Working Group and directing staff to postpone demolition at the old wastewater treatment plant while conducting regular inspections. A motion to schedule a departmental zone meeting was defeated.

• Approved Nativity Scene installation in Low Square (Carried)
• Adopted Confirmatory By‑law 84‑2025 (Carried)
• Read and passed By‑law 82‑2025 (Memorandum of Understanding for modular housing) (Carried)
• Read and passed By‑law 83‑2025 (Standing Offer for roof replacement) (Carried)
• Recommended establishing Property Standards Working Group and approving its Terms of Reference (Carried)
• Recommended appointment of new business sector representative and removal of two non‑participating members (Carried)
• Recommended proceeding with Option 2 for Old Wastewater Treatment Plant: postpone demolition and conduct regular inspections (Carried)
• Defeated motion to schedule a 1.5‑hour Departmental Zone meeting session (Defeated)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will vote to accept the June, July and August 2025 financial statements and approve the minutes from the June 16 meeting. It will also approve the 2026 draft library budget and send it to Renfrew Town Council. The board will adopt revised OP-8 Meeting Room and OP-12 Circulation & Collection Use policies, and agree to partner with the BIA for the Light Up the Square event. A closed session will be held to discuss personal matters and a confidential service contract renewal with Horton Township.

• Approve June, July & August 2025 financial statements
• Approve 2026 draft library budget and forward to Town Council
• Accept revised OP-8 Meeting Room policy
• Accept revised OP-12 Circulation & Collection Use policy
• Agree to partner with BIA for Light Up the Square event

The Renfrew Public Library Board approved the 2026 draft budget (Option 1) and will send it to the Town Council for consideration. It also adopted revised meeting‑room and circulation policies, and agreed to partner with the BIA for the Light Up the Square event. Additional actions included appointing an Acting Chair and accepting a draft service agreement with Horton Township.

• Approved June 16, 2025 meeting minutes (carried)
• Accepted June‑August 2025 financial statements (carried)
• Approved 2026 draft library budget (Option 1) and will forward to Town Council (carried)
• Accepted revised OP‑8 Meeting Room policy (carried)
• Accepted revised OP‑12 Circulation & Collection Use policy (carried)
• Agreed to partner with BIA for Light Up the Square event (carried)
• Appointed Hayley Heaslip as Acting Chair (carried)
• Accepted draft agreement with Horton Township amendments and directed staff to forward to Horton Town Council (carried)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will review and confirm the minutes from its June 3, 2025 meeting. It will receive updates from the County of Renfrew, the Ontario Cross‑Ministry Funding Forum, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the AMO conference delegation. Community updates will be given by the Downtown Renfrew BIA and the Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce. Information items include correspondence from the Minister of Rural Affairs and a Property Standards Bylaw Working Group report.

• Confirm minutes of the June 3, 2025 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
• County of Renfrew update presentation
• Ontario Cross‑Ministry Funding Forum (Summer Series 2025) presentation
• Downtown Renfrew BIA update by Board Member Vincent
• Property Standards Bylaw Working Group report and council motion

Regular Council Meeting

The provided agenda contains only procedural software placeholders and boilerplate text. No specific decisions, discussions, or business items are listed.

South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board

The agenda for the South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board on 2025-08-29 contains no listed items; it appears to be a procedural placeholder without substantive business.

Special Council Meeting

The council will recommend convening a closed‑session meeting with a specialist, the town clerk, CAO, manager and deputy CAO. The session will address solicitor‑client privileged legal opinions on Heritage Act designations and the former wastewater treatment plant. No other agenda items are listed.

• Closed session to discuss legal opinion on Heritage Act designations (privileged)
• Closed session to discuss legal opinion on old wastewater treatment plant (privileged)

The council moved to hold a closed‑session meeting with Specialist Charron, Town Clerk Errett, CAO Raybone, Manager Springer, and Director/Deputy CAO Withers to discuss privileged legal matters. It approved receiving heritage‑related information and accepted a legal opinion on the potential liability of the old wastewater treatment plant. All three resolutions were carried.

• Approved closed‑session meeting with designated staff (Resolution 25-08-24) – Carried
• Approved receipt of heritage‑related information (Resolution 25-08-25) – Carried
• Approved acceptance of legal opinion on potential liability of the old wastewater treatment plant (Resolution 25-08-26) – Carried

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council is meeting to decide on several infrastructure contracts, new municipal policies, and by-law updates. Key discussions include water meter replacements and the demolition of the old wastewater treatment plant.

• Proposed $287,255 contract to Garland DBS Canada Inc. and Perth Roofing for partial roof replacement at 1 Innovation Drive
• Proposed $40,000 for engineering services for the demolition of the old Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Proposal to adopt a Parkland Dedication By-law and a Ditch Filling Policy
• Proposal to repeal the Town of Renfrew Mandatory Retirement Policy
• Approval of Terms of Reference for the Knights of Columbus Park Working Group

The Council adopted a Parkland Dedication By‑law to implement Official Plan policies. It approved a $287,255 partial roof replacement contract for 1 Innovation Drive and authorized a $40,000 engineering budget for the old wastewater plant demolition (defeated). The Council also repealed the mandatory retirement policy and approved the water‑meter replacement negotiation option.

• Recommended award of $287,255 partial roof replacement contract (Carried)
• Adopted Parkland Dedication By‑law (Carried)
• Rejected CMO Recycling Calendar agreement (3 YEA, 1 NAY) (Carried)
• Approved $40,000 engineering services for wastewater plant demolition (Defeated)
• Approved option 1 to negotiate water‑meter replacement project (Carried)
• Repealed Mandatory Retirement Policy (Carried)
• Adopted Ditch Filling Policy (Carried)
• Authorized joint mapping software agreement with Esri and County (Carried)

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will consider and vote on two by-laws: one to appoint Andrew Hodge as Treasurer and another to amend a lease agreement with Raytheon Canada Ltd. The Committee of the Whole will also recommend lifting a one‑foot reserve in the Hunter Gate Phase 3 subdivision, approving public parking on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard for the Renfrew Fair, and establishing a Knights of Columbus Park Working Group with approved terms of reference.

• By‑law 70‑2025: appoint Andrew Hodge as Treasurer for the Town of Renfrew.
• By‑law 71‑2025: amend By‑law 27‑2024 to allow a lease amendment and extension with Raytheon Canada Ltd.
• Lift a one‑foot reserve in Hunter Gate Subdivision, Phase 3 (Plan 49M‑78).
• Approve public parking on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard for the Renfrew Fair, September 4‑7 2025.
• Establish Knights of Columbus Park Working Group and adopt its Terms of Reference.

The Committee of the Whole recommended and Council carried a resolution to lift a one‑foot reserve in the Hunter Gate Subdivision Phase 3 (49M‑78). The Council also rescinded the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard policy, approved public parking on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard for the Renfrew Fair, and directed staff to prepare several reports and by‑law actions, including appointing a new town treasurer and amending a lease with Raytheon Canada. The meeting concluded with the adoption of Confirmatory By‑law 72‑2025.

• Lift one‑foot reserve in Hunter Gate Phase 3 (Resolution 25‑08‑03) – Carried
• Rescind Drinking Water Quality Management Standard policy (Resolution 25‑08‑04) – Carried
• Approve public parking on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard for Renfrew Fair (Resolution 25‑08‑06) – Carried
• Establish Knights of Columbus Park Working Group and approve Terms of Reference (Resolution 25‑08‑08) – Carried
• Appoint Andrew Hodge as Treasurer (By‑law 70‑2025) – Carried
• Amend By‑law 27‑2024 to extend lease with Raytheon Canada (By‑law 71‑2025) – Carried
• Direct staff to prepare traffic‑control plan for Veterans Boulevard and consider it in the 2026 budget (Resolution 25‑08‑14) – Carried
• Adopt Confirmatory By‑law 72‑2025 (Resolution 25‑08‑19) – Carried

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew will hold a special council meeting on August 12, 2025. The agenda includes a closed‑session segment to discuss personal, labour‑relations, and litigation issues, specifically potential construction‑deficiency litigation, an insurance‑claim lawsuit, and legal matters related to an ongoing investigation and employment concerns. No other public agenda items are listed.

• Closed session to consider potential litigation regarding construction deficiencies
• Closed session to consider litigation pertaining to an insurance claim
• Closed session to consider legal matters related to an ongoing investigation and employment issues

The council held a special closed‑session meeting and adopted five resolutions. It approved convening the closed session with specific staff present, received a report on construction deficiencies, and ordered the CAO to move forward with an insurance claim. It also instructed staff to continue work on an ongoing investigation and related legal matters.

• Resolution 25-08-01: Convene Closed Session with Director Bishop (Item 2 only), Director Latendresse (Item 1 only), Town Clerk Errett and CAO Raybone – carried
• Resolution 25-08-20: Reconvene Closed Session with Town Clerk Errett and CAO Raybone – carried
• Resolution 25-08-21: Receive information on construction deficiencies and await updated report – carried
• Resolution 25-08-22: Direct CAO to proceed with the insurance claim process and report any actions beyond delegated authority – carried
• Resolution 25-08-23: Direct staff to proceed with the ongoing investigation and related legal matter – carried

Regular Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew is reviewing applications for new residential lots and semi-detached dwellings at 247 Barr Street. Council is also considering several infrastructure contracts, including road reconstruction and wastewater plant demolition services.

• Proposed creation of two new residential lots and a variance for 12 units at 247 Barr Street
• Contract award of $290,804.00 to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for Stevenson Crescent Reconstruction
• Proposed $40,000 for engineering services for the old Wastewater Treatment Plant demolition
• Sole source award to Neptune Technology Group for the water meter replacement project
• Proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Heritage Renfrew and the Town of Renfrew

The council approved the consent application for creating two new residential lots at 247 Barr Street, with conditions, by a 5‑2 vote. It also approved a minor variance for the same property and increased the operating hours of the McGrimmon Holdings Fitness Centre to 6 am‑9 pm daily. The council recommended staff draft a Memorandum of Understanding with Heritage Renfrew. Motions to defer the consent and to keep current fitness‑centre hours were defeated.

• Approved consent for new residential lots at 247 Barr St (5‑2)
• Approved minor variance for 247 Barr St (carried)
• Approved increase of fitness‑centre hours to 6 am‑9 pm daily (carried)
• Recommended drafting MOU with Heritage Renfrew (carried)
• Defeated motion to defer consent applications (defeated)
• Defeated motion to maintain current fitness‑centre hours (defeated)

Special Council Meeting

The Town Council will meet in a closed session to discuss specific negotiations. The session is convened under the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding labor relations and negotiation strategies.

• Recreation Service Agreement Negotiations
• Employee Contract Negotiation

The council approved a motion to hold a closed‑session meeting with selected staff to discuss labour‑relation matters. It then directed staff to contact other municipalities to negotiate additional recreation agreements and to forward draft agreements for review. The council also instructed staff to continue employment contract negotiations as discussed in closed session. All three resolutions were carried.

• Approved closed‑session meeting with staff (Resolution 25-07-01, carried)
• Directed staff to negotiate additional recreation agreements with other municipalities (Resolution 25-07-02, carried)
• Directed staff to continue employment contract negotiations (Resolution 25-07-03, carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew Special Council will meet in a closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, as permitted under the Municipal Act. Topics include interviews for the Treasurer position, employment negotiations, and an employee's performance. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the session is for discussion only.

• Closed session to discuss Treasurer interview, employment negotiations, and employee performance

The council approved a resolution to hold a closed session to interview and discuss employment matters for the Treasurer position. After the closed session, the council passed a resolution directing staff to negotiate with the preferred candidate under the terms discussed. Both resolutions were carried without recorded vote tallies.

• Approved closed session for Treasurer interviews and employment matters (Resolution 25-06-32)
• Directed staff to negotiate with preferred Treasurer candidate (Resolution 25-06-33)

Regular Council Meeting

The Renfrew Town Council will consider several approvals, including a major infrastructure contract and multiple policy updates. The council is set to award the Ma‑te‑Way Park Drive watermain replacement project to Bonnechere Excavating Inc. for $1,387,938.03 (excluding HST). Additional items include zoning amendments for 436 Lisgar Avenue, funding for wastewater plant demolition engineering, and adoption of new community and municipal policies.

• Approve award of Ma‑te‑Way Park Drive Watermain Replacement Project to Bonnechere Excavating Inc. for $1,387,938.03 (excluding HST)
• Approve $40,000 for engineering services related to the demolition of the old Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Approve Zoning By‑law Amendment D‑14‑154 and Official Plan Amendment D‑09‑111 for 436 Lisgar Avenue
• Approve amendments to the Grants to Community Partners Policy and bring forward the related by‑law
• Adopt the Refund and Cancellation Policy and the Social Media Policy, with accompanying by‑laws

The council approved the Official Plan Amendment #15 and the Zoning By-law Amendment for the 436 Lisgar Avenue site. It also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Renfrew for the Bonnechere Manor modular housing development. Additional actions included approving a minor variance at 452 Aberdeen Street, adopting a Refund and Cancellation Policy and amendments to the Grants to Community Partners Policy, and allocating $40,000 for engineering services for the old wastewater treatment plant demolition. The council recommended staff obtain a quote for a concept plan for the McDougall Mill Museum for the 2026 capital budget.

• Approved Official Plan Amendment #15 for 436 Lisgar Avenue (Carried)
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment for 436 Lisgar Avenue (Carried)
• Approved MOU for Bonnechere Manor modular housing development (Carried)
• Approved minor variance reducing front yard setback at 452 Aberdeen Street (Carried)
• Approved Refund and Cancellation Policy (Carried)
• Approved amendments to Grants to Community Partners Policy (Carried)
• Approved $40,000 for engineering services for wastewater plant demolition (Carried)
• Recommended staff obtain quote for McDougall Mill Museum concept plan (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will convene in closed session to discuss the Council Code of Conduct, Council and Staff Relations, and procedural by-laws. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers.

• Closed session on Council Code of Conduct
• Closed session on Council and Staff Relations
• Closed session on Procedural By-Law
• Regular Council Meeting set for June 24, 2025
• Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting set for August 12, 2025

Council passed Resolution 25‑06‑31, moved by Councillor McDonald and seconded by Councillor McWhirter, to hold a closed‑session for education and training on council conduct and procedures. The session ran from 10:05 a.m. to 2:22 p.m. and no council business decisions were made. Councillors Cybulski and McWhirter left the closed session before it ended.

• Approved closed‑session education and training meeting (carried)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will approve the May 26, 2025 meeting minutes and accept the May 2025 financial statement. It will review May 2025 library statistics and the May‑June activity report. The board will also adopt the revised OP‑14 Purchasing/Procurement of Goods and Services policy.

• Approve Regular Board Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2025
• Accept the May 2025 Financial Statement
• Review May 2025 Library Statistics report
• Adopt the revised OP‑14 Purchasing/Procurement policy
• Discuss library activity report for May‑June 2025

The Renfrew Public Library Board approved the minutes from the May 26, 2025 meeting and accepted the May 2025 financial statement as presented. The Board also approved a revision to the OP-14 Purchasing / Procurement of Goods and Services policy, adding “based on the pre‑approved budget” to the $5,000‑$20,000 category and requiring library board approval for contracts over $20,000. An amendment was recorded to insert the same language into the higher‑value contract categories.

• Approved May 2025 meeting minutes (carried)
• Accepted May 2025 financial statement as presented (carried)
• Approved revised OP-14 Purchasing / Procurement of Goods and Services policy with added budget language (carried)
• Amended the policy to add library board approval wording for contracts over $20,000 (carried)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will receive updates on Renfrew Victoria Hospital growth initiatives and the Property Standards By-Law. The body will also review monthly development updates and reports regarding Canada-US tariffs.

• Renfrew Victoria Hospital growth initiative update from CEO Suzanne Madore
• Presentation on Property Standards By-Law (BL.20-2016)
• Updates from Downtown Renfrew BIA and Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce
• Review of Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus Report on US Tariff Response
• Confirmation of April 8, 2025 meeting minutes

The Economic Development Advisory Committee approved a resolution to confirm the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. No other formal motions or votes were recorded; remaining items were informational updates or discussion points.

• Confirmed minutes of April 8, 2025 meeting (carried)

Special Council Meeting

The council will hold a closed‑session to ratify the 2025 collective agreement with CUPE Local 121. It will also consider a shared‑service agreement with the South Ottawa Valley O.P.P. Detachment Board and an amendment to an employment contract. The closed session is called under sections of the Municipal Act for personal, labour‑relation and confidential matters.

• Ratify CUPE Local 121 collective agreement for Jan 1 2025–Dec 31 2025
• Consider shared service agreement with South Ottawa Valley O.P.P. Detachment Board
• Authorize amendment to an employment contract
• Update lease on income property
• Keep By‑Law 53‑2025 on regular council agenda

The council approved four resolutions. It opened a closed session to discuss confidential matters, then ratified the updated CUPE Local 121 collective agreement for 2025 and kept By‑Law 53‑2025 on the agenda. The council also directed staff to move forward with a shared service agreement with the South Ottawa Valley O.P.P. Detachment Board and authorized an amendment to an employment contract. All resolutions were carried.

• Opened closed session for confidential items (Resolution 25-06-01) – Carried
• Ratified CUPE Local 121 collective agreement for 2025 (Resolution 25-06-02) – Carried
• Kept By‑Law 53‑2025 on agenda for further consideration (Resolution 25-06-02) – Carried
• Directed staff to proceed with shared service agreement with South Ottawa Valley O.P.P. Detachment Board (Resolution 25-06-03) – Carried
• Authorized amendment to an employment contract (Resolution 25-06-04) – Carried

Regular Council Meeting

Town Council is reviewing a modular housing development MOU for Bonnechere Manor and a request to be removed from Strong Mayor legislation. The body is also deciding on a new parking by-law and a collective agreement with CUPE Local 121.

• MOU for Bonnechere Manor Modular Housing Development
• Proposed temporary closures of Railway Avenue
• By-law 42-2025 to regulate and control vehicle parking
• Application to HSWSF for Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitations
• Fee waiver of $75.00 for Pet Valu Renfrew Walk for Guide Dogs

The council voted 6‑0 to endorse a letter requesting the town’s removal from the Strong Mayor list and directed staff to forward it to the Premier, local MPP and AMO. A separate motion authorized the CAO to sign and send the letter. Additional approvals included a $75 digital‑sign fee waiver for the Pet Valu Walk for Guide Dogs, a grant‑match application for water‑treatment filter rehabilitation, and the adoption of the 2025 BIA tax‑rate bylaw.

• Endorsed letter to remove Renfrew from Strong Mayor legislation (6‑0)
• Authorized CAO to sign and send the Strong Mayor removal letter (carried)
• Approved $75 fee waiver for Pet Valu Renfrew Walk for Guide Dogs (carried)
• Approved application to HSWSF Grant Match for water‑treatment filter rehab (carried)
• Adopted 2025 BIA tax‑rate bylaw (carried)
• Approved temporary closures of Railway Avenue (carried)
• Approved changes to Council‑Staff Relations Policy (carried)
• Awarded real‑estate services Standing Offer Agreements to CBRE Limited, Tiree and P3 Advisors (carried)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will vote to approve the minutes from the April 7 and April 24, 2025 meetings, including the closed‑session minutes from April 24. The board will also accept the April 2025 financial statement as presented. Finally, the board will adopt the revised GOV‑11 Succession Planning policy.

• Approve minutes of the regular board meeting on April 7, 2025
• Approve minutes of the regular and closed board meetings on April 24, 2025
• Accept the April 2025 financial statement
• Adopt the revised GOV‑11 Succession Planning policy

The Renfrew Public Library Board accepted the revised GOV‑11 Succession Planning policy, changing the phrase “quality applicants” to “diverse strengths of applicants.” The board also approved the April 2025 financial statement and confirmed that the capital lighting replacement project has been approved. All motions were carried without recorded vote counts.

• Approved minutes for April 7, April 24, and closed April 24 meeting (Resolution RPL-05-01) – carried
• Accepted April 2025 Financial Statement as presented (Resolution RPL-05-02) – carried
• Accepted revised GOV‑11 Succession Planning policy with wording change (Resolution RPL-05-03) – carried
• Adopted motion to add wording change to Succession Planning policy (Resolution RPL-05-04) – carried
• Confirmed approval of capital project to replace portion of library lighting – carried

Regular Council Meeting

Town Council will discuss several administrative updates, including the repeal of the taxi bylaw and the appointment of real estate service firms. The body is also reviewing budget requests for gym floor anchors and reports on landfill monitoring and museum accessibility.

• Proposed $40,000 for engineering services for the old Wastewater Treatment Plant demolition
• Proposed repeal of Bylaw 33-2012 (Taxi Bylaw)
• Proposed Standing Offer Agreements for Real Estate Services with CBRE Limited, Tiree, and P3 Advisors Inc.
• Proposed rescinding of the 2015 Municipal Grants Policy (C.29)
• By-laws to adopt the 2025 Operational and Capital Budget and set 2025 tax rates

The Council adopted resolutions to amend the Consolidated Parking By-law and the Procedural By-law. It also repealed Taxi Bylaw 33‑2012, approved a standing offer for real‑estate services, and rescinded the 2015 Municipal Grants Policy. All listed actions were carried without recorded vote counts.

• Approved amendments to the Consolidated Parking By-law (carried)
• Approved amendments to the Procedural By-law (carried)
• Repealed Taxi Bylaw 33‑2012 (carried)
• Approved standing offer agreements for Real Estate Services with CBRE Limited, Tiree, and P3 Advisors Inc. (carried)
• Rescinded Municipal Grants Policy C.29 (carried)
• Directed staff to provide public notice for naming Renfrew Tennis Courts Court Two and Court Three (carried)
• Adopted amending by‑law to appoint directors to the Downtown Renfrew BIA Board (carried)
• Directed staff to submit delegation requests for the AMO Conference (carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew holds a special council meeting that includes a closed‑session segment. In that session the council will discuss personal, legal, labour‑relations and litigation topics, specifically a tenant matter at 1 Innovation Drive, a legal opinion about an identifiable individual, employment duties and a potential shared‑service agreement, and personal matters related to a registration. No public decisions are recorded for this meeting.

• Closed Session to discuss Tenant Matter – 1 Innovation Drive (personal/labour matters)
• Legal opinion regarding an identifiable individual
• Employment job related duties and potential shared service agreement
• Personal matters and labour relations related to a registration

The council accepted the Treasurer/Director of Finance's resignation effective May 31, 2025. It also approved recruiting a new Treasurer/Director of Finance and directing the CAO to appoint an Acting Treasurer starting June 1, 2025. Additional actions included denying a lease amendment at 1 Innovation Drive, ordering a cost quote for a legal matter, and moving forward with a shared‑service agreement with Whitewater Region.

• Directed staff to tell tenant at 1 Innovation Drive lease amendment request not acceptable; original lease remains (Carried)
• Directed staff to obtain cost and time quote for Vice Hunter from Hicks Morley lawyers; proceed if under $10,000, otherwise bring back to Council (Carried)
• Directed staff to proceed with shared service agreement with Township of Whitewater Region and notify HR of employment details (Carried)
• Accepted resignation of Treasurer/Director of Finance and Corporate Services effective May 31, 2025 (Carried)
• Approved recruitment of Treasurer/Director of Finance and Corporate Services and directed CAO to offer Acting Treasurer beginning June 1, 2025 (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Renfrew Town Council will consider the 2025 draft operating and capital budgets. It will approve the changes and justifications presented in the Budget Follow Up Comments and direct staff to allocate the O.P.P. credit. The council will receive the operating budget and ask staff to bring forward the appropriate by‑laws at the regular meeting on May 13, 2025. It will also approve the reserve transfer financing of capital as outlined in the updated capital budget.

• Review and approve the 2025 draft operating budget
• Review and approve the 2025 draft capital budget, including reserve transfer financing
• Approve changes and justification from staff as presented in the 2025 Budget Follow Up Comments
• Direct staff to allocate the O.P.P. credit as discussed
• Instruct staff to bring forward appropriate by‑laws at the regular council meeting on May 13, 2025

The council approved staff‑proposed changes to the 2025 budget and directed staff to allocate the O.P.P. credit, assigning $145,000 to the 2025 tax levy and $317,520 to reserves. It also accepted the 2025 Operating Budget and instructed staff to present the necessary by‑laws at the next regular meeting. The 2025 Capital Budget was received and approved, including reserve‑transfer financing and the continuation of review for Stevenson Crescent, the Heritage Register update, and Gymnastics Eh! floor anchors. All motions were carried.

• Approved staff changes and justification from the 2025 Budget Follow Up Comments (Resolution 25-05-01)
• Directed staff to allocate the O.P.P. credit as discussed (Resolution 25-05-02)
• Allocated $145,000 of the O.P.P. credit to the 2025 tax levy and $317,520 to reserves (Resolution 25-05-02)
• Received the 2025 Operating Budget and directed staff to bring forward by‑laws (Resolution 25-05-03)
• Received the 2025 Capital Budget and approved reserve‑transfer financing, retaining three projects for further review (Resolution 25-05-04)
• Amended the capital‑budget resolution to explicitly keep the three identified projects (Resolution 25-05-05)

Special Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will receive community feedback on the 2025 budget survey and review non‑mandatory advertising spending. The council will consider the 2nd Draft Budget Presentation, which includes proposed borrowing, staff justifications, capital projects, and levy increase options. The 2nd draft operating and capital budgets will also be received for information and possible updates.

• C.1 – Receive community feedback from the 2025 Budget Consultation Survey
• C.2 – Review non‑mandatory advertising spending for 2025 and advise on the budget
• C.3 – Receive and consider the 2nd Draft Budget Presentation (borrowing, capital projects, levy options)
• C.4 – Receive the 2025 Operating 2nd Draft Budget for information
• C.5 – Receive the 2025 Capital 2nd Draft Budget for information

The council approved a verbal direction to use $250,000 of town reserves for one‑time legal work related to the myFM expansion. It also approved immediate procurement to replace lighting at Ma‑te‑Way Park and two municipal trucks. Additionally, the council ordered the removal of the accessible ramp at Town Hall and the return of the provincial grant that funded it. All motions were carried.

• Approved use of $250,000 reserves for myFM expansion legal work (Carried)
• Approved procurement to replace Ma‑te‑Way Park lighting option 1 (Carried)
• Approved procurement to replace 2014 Silverado 3500 1‑ton truck (Carried)
• Approved procurement to replace 2015 Freightliner 5‑ton truck (Carried)
• Directed removal of capital item "accessible ramp at Town Hall" and return of provincial grant (Carried)
• Received Community Feedback from 2025 Budget Consultation Survey report (Carried)
• Reviewed non‑mandatory advertising spending and advised staff on preferred budget (Carried)
• Extended the special council meeting for up to one hour (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

Council is meeting to consider a by-law concerning the application of the Planning Act to specific property blocks. A second draft budget meeting is scheduled to follow this session.

• By-Law 41-2025: Regarding Subsection 50(5) of the Planning Act for Blocks 16 and Block 21 on Registered Plan 49M-93 (Hunter Gate)

The council approved By-Law 41-2025, taking it as read and passed. The motion was moved by Councillor Cybulski and seconded by Councillor Dick. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved By-Law 41-2025 (carried)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will meet to approve an updated 2025 budget and review library bylaws. The board is also scheduled to elect a Vice-Chair and accept the 2024 Annual Report.

• Approval of the updated 2025 Library Budget
• Election of a Vice-Chair for the remaining current term
• Review and acceptance of Library Bylaws
• Acceptance of the 2024 Annual Report
• Closed session to discuss staff wages and breakdown

The Renfrew Public Library Board accepted the March 2025, 2024 Period 13 and Period 12 financial statements. It approved the 2025 Work Plan and elected Hayley Heaslip as Vice‑Chair. The board adopted a bylaw amendment restoring the quorum wording to “presence of a majority.” Finally, the board received and approved the updated 2025 Library Budget and held a closed session on staff wages.

• Accepted March 2025 Financial Statement (Carried)
• Accepted 2024 Period 13 Financial Statement (Carried)
• Accepted 2024 Period 12 Draft Financial Statement (Carried)
• Approved 2025 Work Plan, including Arts, Heritage, Culture and Multiculturalism initiatives (Carried)
• Elected Hayley Heaslip as Vice‑Chair for the current term (Carried)
• Adopted Library Bylaw amendment restoring “presence of a majority” quorum wording (Carried)
• Received and approved the updated 2025 Library Budget (Carried)
• Entered closed session to discuss staff wages and breakdown (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew Council is recommending a closed‑session meeting to discuss several confidential items. Topics include a legal opinion on a procurement matter, a lease update involving an income property and tenant arrears, an ongoing investigation under the Community Safety and Policing Act, and a confidential notice of motion concerning an identifiable individual. The recommendation specifies which officials will remain in the room during the session.

• Closed session recommendation covering legal opinion on a procurement matter
• Lease update: income property and tenant arrears proposal
• Ongoing investigation under the Community Safety and Policing Act
• Confidential notice of motion regarding an identifiable individual
• Attendance: Town Clerk Errett, Director/Treasurer Jackson, Director Latendresse, CAO Raybone

The council voted to hold a closed session under the Municipal Act to address personal, labour, legal and confidential issues. It also received legal advice on an ice‑painting procurement and directed staff to prepare a deficiency report and repayment plan. Staff were authorized to act on an ongoing investigation and the CAO was tasked with a report on job‑related duties. All motions were carried.

• Approved closed session (Resolution 25‑04‑34) – carried
• Received legal advice on ice‑painting procurement (Resolution 25‑04‑35) – carried
• Directed staff to produce deficiency report and establish repayment plan (Resolution 25‑04‑36) – carried
• Authorized staff to follow direction on ongoing investigation (Resolution 25‑04‑37) – carried
• Directed CAO to prepare comprehensive report on job‑related duties for identified position(s) (Resolution 25‑04‑38) – carried

Regular Council Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will consider several reports and recommendations, including budget approvals and by-law changes. Council is asked to execute a Letter of Agreement to receive $245,313 from the 2025 dedicated Gas Tax Funding for public transportation. Additional items include approvals for water treatment projects, a parking by-law amendment, and procurement for ice‑rink painting.

• OCWA Expenditure Request for WWTP Walkway Membrane – $90,000 funded from the Biosolids cross‑auger budget
• OCWA Expenditure Request for Filter 1 Rehabilitation – additional budget to be funded from reserves
• Parking By‑law Review – proposed amendments to the consolidated parking by‑law for adoption
• 2025 Dedicated Gas Tax Funding – $245,313 to support public transportation via a Letter of Agreement
• 2025 Ice Painting Procurement – $7,615.98 awarded to Eastern Rink Services for ice‑pad painting

The Committee of the Whole recommended and Council carried a letter of agreement to receive $245,313 in dedicated gas‑tax funding for public transportation. It also approved amendments to the consolidated parking by‑law adding 25 accessible spots. Additional approvals included repairs to the Public Works garage, budget for water‑treatment projects, hiring of a maintenance labourer, and adoption of the recreation trophy and banner policy.

• Approve $245,313 dedicated Gas Tax Funding for public transportation (Resolution 25-04-45) – Carried
• Approve proposed amendments to the Consolidated Parking By‑law adding 25 accessible spots (Resolution 25-04-46) – Carried
• Approve Public Works Garage repairs (roof $170,000; floor $60,000; beam $1,000) and set 10‑year occupancy target (Resolution 25-04-47/48) – Carried
• Approve additional budget for OCWA Filter 1 Rehabilitation (Resolution 25-04-42) – Carried
• Approve $90,000 funding for WWTP Walkway Membrane from the Biosolids cross‑auger budget (Resolution 25-04-43) – Carried
• Approve hiring of a full‑time Maintenance Labourer Janitor (Resolution 25-04-52) – Carried
• Approve procurement of Eastern Rink Services to paint ice pads for $7,615.98 (Resolution 25-04-53) – Carried (YEA 2, NAY 4)
• Adopt the Recreation Trophy and Banner Policy (Resolution 25-04-51) – Carried

Regular Council Meeting

Town Council is conducting a public meeting regarding the 2025 draft operating and capital budgets. The body is also considering several policy updates, land control exemptions, and the establishment of an auto theft grant working group.

• Public meeting for the 2025 Draft Budget
• Part-Lot Control Exemption for Block 16 and 21, Hunter Gate Subdivision (Phase 4)
• Agreement with Ontario Clean Water Agency for the IESO-Voltus Energy Program
• Establishment of a Preventing Auto Theft (PAT) Grant Working Group
• Proposed modular housing development at Bonnechere Manor

Renfrew Town Council approved a modular housing project at Bonnechere Manor and authorized a memorandum of understanding with the County of Renfrew. The council also approved a Part‑Lot Control exemption for two blocks in the Hunter Gate Subdivision and authorized an agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency for the IESO‑Voltus Energy Program. Additional actions included policy amendments, creation of a Preventing Auto Thefts grant working group, and deferral of the Bonnechere River Trail decision.

• Approved Part‑Lot Control exemption for Block 16 and Block 21, Hunter Gate Subdivision (Carried)
• Authorized Mayor and Clerk to enter agreement with Ontario Clean Water Agency for IESO‑Voltus Energy Program (Carried)
• Directed staff to begin preliminary discussions on post‑transition non‑eligible recycling collection (Carried)
• Approved amendments to Workplace Violence, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, Wellness and Health & Safety policies (Carried)
• Established Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Working Group and approved its Terms of Reference (Carried)
• Approved modular housing development at Bonnechere Manor and authorized MOU with County of Renfrew (Carried)
• Adopted Routine Disclosure Policy and related by‑law amendments (Carried)
• Deferred decision on Bonnechere River Trail construction until April 22 (Carried)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will discuss initiatives to reduce storefront vacancies and attract businesses to downtown Renfrew. The body will also review a draft questionnaire regarding community initiatives at the myFM Centre.

• Discussion on strategies to reduce downtown storefront vacancies and improve unsightly vacant buildings
• Review of draft questionnaire for community-driven initiatives at the myFM Centre
• County of Renfrew HYPE Program presentation by Warden Peter Emon
• Updates from Downtown Renfrew BIA and Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce
• Identification of meeting topics for May 2025

The Economic Development Advisory Committee approved a change to hold eight meetings each year, adding February, April, May, June, September, October, November and December to the schedule. It also adopted a new procedure to submit draft minutes to Council before formal approval. Additional resolutions were carried to explore ways to reduce downtown storefront vacancies, to have the Director of Development & Environment and By‑law Officer attend the May meeting, and to defer discussion of a community questionnaire until a later date.

• Amend meeting frequency to eight per year and require draft minutes be submitted to Council before approval (Carried)
• Approve exploration of initiatives to reduce downtown storefront vacancies (Carried)
• Recommend Council direct Director of Development & Environment and By‑law Officer to attend May meeting (Carried)
• Defer discussion of additional ways beyond the Community Improvement Plan to encourage property owners (Carried)
• Defer further discussion on the proposed myFM Centre questionnaire (Carried)
• Identify topics for the May committee meeting (Carried)
• Confirm minutes of the February 11, 2025 committee meeting (Carried)
• Motion to discuss additional ways beyond CIP deferred (Deferred)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will review the proposed 2025 library budget and the 2025 capital projects. Board members will vote to approve each as presented. The meeting also includes routine items such as welcome, land acknowledgement, and a closed session.

• Approve 2025 Library Budget – documents: Current 2025 Financials.pdf and Proposed Library 2025 Budget.pdf
• Approve 2025 Library Capital Projects – document: Library Capital Projects 2025.pdf
• Closed Session (no agenda details provided)

The Renfrew Public Library Board accepted the amended 2025 budget of $628,413.80, a 2.75% increase over 2024. The Board also approved the LED lighting retrofit as the only capital project to be forwarded to Council. Discussion of other capital projects was removed and the next meeting was set for April 24, 2025.

• Accepted updated 2025 library budget of $628,413.80 (carried)
• Amended motion to accept updated budget (carried)
• Approved LED lighting retrofit capital project (unanimous)
• Removed Connection Centre renovation and Accessible Shelving projects from capital motion (unanimous)
• Postponed further 2025 budget discussion until Chief Librarian/Deputy CEO Murdock arrives (unanimous)
• Set next board meeting for April 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (carried)

Special Council Meeting

At the special council meeting, Renfrew Town Council will receive the 2025 Draft Capital Budget and direct staff to update it before the public budget meeting on April 8. The council will also consider the recreation lighting options presented in the budget presentation.

• Review and adopt the 2025 Draft Capital Budget (see attached draft and project forecasts)
• Consider recreation lighting options presented in the budget presentation (slides 16‑26)
• Direct staff to provide updates to the draft budget before the April 8 public budget meeting

The council approved a freeze on all new 2025 capital work and instructed staff to propose an operating budget that does not exceed an 8% increase over 2024. An amendment added a requirement to reassess priority capital projects for 2025. Staff were also directed to update the draft capital budget and review recreation lighting options before the April 8 public meeting.

• Suspended rules of procedure to place a resolution on the floor (carried)
• Approved 2025 capital budget freeze and 8% operating budget limit (6-1)
• Amended budget freeze resolution to add reassessment of priority 2025 capital projects (carried)
• Received 2025 draft capital budget and directed staff to provide updates before April 8 public meeting (carried)
• Directed staff to consider recreation lighting options as provided (carried)

Special Council Meeting

The council will consider a special item to suspend procedural rules in order to receive and approve the amended 2025 Draft Operating Budget and Draft Capital Budget documents. Staff will be directed to update both drafts based on council discussion before the public budget meeting on April 8. The agenda also includes a discussion of alternative landfill staffing options for inclusion in the 2025 budget.

• Suspend rules of procedure to accept the amended 2025 Draft Operating and Capital Budget documents
• Receive the 2025 Draft Operating Budget and direct staff to provide updates before the April 8 public meeting
• Direct staff to include one of the presented landfill staffing options in the 2025 budget
• Receive the 2025 Draft Capital Budget and direct staff to provide updates before the April 8 public meeting
• Upcoming regular council meeting on April 8 at 5:30 p.m. – public budget meeting

The council approved a motion to suspend procedural rules and accept the amended 2025 Draft Operating Budget and additional Draft Capital Budget documents. It directed staff to update the operating budget and investigate the possible closure of the McDougall Museum. The council also approved hiring a lead hand for the landfill and most summer experience positions, while deferring the capital budget discussion to a later meeting.

• Resolution 25-04-01: Suspend rules to accept amended 2025 draft operating and capital budgets – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-02: Receive the 2025 Draft Operating Budget and direct staff to update it before April 8 – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-03: Direct staff to investigate operational impact and possible closure of the McDougall Museum – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-04: Include selected landfill staffing option in the 2025 Budget – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-05: Approve hiring of a Lead Hand at the Renfrew Landfill, with seasonal sharing – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-06: Suspend rules to extend the meeting by up to one hour – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-07: Approve hiring of all summer experience positions except the Communications/Public Relations Assistant – Carried
• Resolution 25-04-08: Defer discussion of the 2025 Draft Capital Budget to a special meeting on April 4 – Carried

South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board

The provided document contains only procedural software boilerplate and no specific agenda items, motions, or discussion topics.

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Council will discuss a modular housing project at Bonnechere Manor, the design of a biosolids diversion project, and the construction of the Bonnechere River Trail. The meeting also includes approvals for park lighting, beach volleyball courts, and a $3 million loan to close out a promissory note for Renfrew Hydro.

• Approve modular housing at Bonnechere Manor with cost waivers
• Authorize $3M loan to close out Renfrew Hydro promissory note
• Approve $104,778 for Ma-te-Way Park outdoor lighting Phase 1
• Approve 10-year agreement for beach volleyball courts at Ma-te-Way Park
• Approve $7,615.98 for ice painting at myFM Centre

Council dissolved the Ma‑te‑Way Expansion Working Group and approved a minor variance to reduce front and rear yard setbacks at 135 Francis Street. The council also recommended proceeding with the Bonnechere River Trail, supported a modular housing project at Bonnechere Manor, and approved an MOU for a throwing‑pit revitalization. Decisions on the Ma‑te‑Way outdoor lighting project, a beach‑volleyball partnership, and ice‑painting procurement were deferred.

• Dissolved the Ma‑te‑Way Expansion Working Group (Carried)
• Approved Minor Variance for 135 Francis Street, reducing front and rear setbacks (Carried)
• Recommended staff proceed with Bonnechere River Trail construction (Carried)
• Recommended support for modular housing at Bonnechere Manor and authorize MOU (Carried)
• Recommended entering MOU with Renfrew Collegiate Institute for throwing‑pit revitalization (Carried)
• Deferred Ma‑te‑Way Outdoor Lighting Project pending cost analysis (Carried)
• Deferred decision on Valley Sport and Social Club beach‑volleyball partnership (Carried)
• Deferred ice‑painting procurement pending legal opinion (Carried)

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board will approve the March and February 2024‑2025 meeting minutes and the February 2025 financial statement. The board will adopt a policy review schedule and receive a report on OLA Super Conference sessions. The primary decision is to approve the Final 2025 Work Plan.

• Approve regular board meeting minutes from March 7 2024, February 24 2025, and related closed‑session minutes
• Accept the February 2025 Library Financial Statement
• Adopt the Policy Review Schedule for legislated library policies
• Receive the OLA Super Conference 2025 sessions report as information
• Approve the Final 2025 Work Plan

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will adopt the 2025 Corporate Workplan and Goals, approve amendments to the Right to Disconnect Policy, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Renfrew & District Food Bank. The meeting also includes a public hearing for a minor variance on a townhouse construction project.

• Adoption of 2025 Corporate Workplan and Goals
• Amendments to Right to Disconnect Policy (By-law 20-2025)
• MOU with Renfrew & District Food Bank (By-law 22-2025)
• Public hearing for minor variance at Hunter Gate (Block 21)
• Review of development options for Mask-O'Brien Block

Regular Council Meeting

Town Council will consider the 2025 Water and Wastewater Draft Budget and associated user fees. The meeting includes discussions on the Renfrew East Secondary Plan and several human resource policy updates.

• By-law 17-2025: 2025 Water and Wastewater Budget and User Rates
• Official Plan Amendment No. 14 regarding the Renfrew East Secondary Plan
• Agreement with Sunshine Coach Services for GrantMatch Corp. fee reimbursement
• Memorandum of Understanding with Renfrew & District Food Bank for Community Gardens
• By-law 15-2025: Appointment of Charlene Jackson as Treasurer

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board is meeting to review January 2025 financial and activity reports. The board will consider appointing staff and community members to a Strategic Planning Committee and approve the 2025 meeting calendar.

• Appointment of staff and community members to the Strategic Planning Committee
• Approval of the 2025 meeting dates
• Review of January 2025 Financial Statement
• Presentation of the Annual Work Plan

Special Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will receive the 2025 Water and Wastewater Draft Budget for discussion. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Ontario Clean Water Agency regarding their proposed 2025 maintenance and capital budget requests. The final adoption of the budget is scheduled for the February 25 Regular Meeting.

• OCWA proposed 2025 maintenance and capital budget requests
• 2025 Water and Wastewater Draft Budget
• 2025 Water Capital Draft
• 2025 Wastewater Capital Draft
• Regular Council Meeting on February 25, 2025

South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board

The South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board meeting on Feb 12, 2025 has no agenda items listed. The agenda consists only of placeholders and contains no substantive decisions or discussions. Consequently, the meeting appears to be procedural with no specific items to decide.

Regular Council Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will recommend that Renfrew Town Council receive the 2025 Water and Wastewater Draft Budget and move it to a public meeting on February 25 for final adoption. The committee will also receive reports on landfill staffing, fire protection grant, and infrastructure updates. Several by‑laws and resolutions will be considered, including a lease assignment for Deslaurier Custom Cabinets and a policy review schedule for 2025‑2030.

• Recommendation to receive the 2025 Water and Wastewater Draft Budget and hold a public meeting on Feb 25 for final adoption
• Ma‑te‑Way outdoor lighting RFP approved with an estimated cost of $104,778 plus HST and engineering fees
• Change order proposal for additional sidewalks on Argyle Street South and Patrick Avenue as part of the Argyle Lochiel Project
• Lease assignment agreement with Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Inc. for the lease at 1 Innovation Drive dated Nov 1 2018
• Adoption of a Policy Review Schedule covering 2025‑2030

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will discuss proposals to expand community‑driven initiatives at the myFM Centre and to investigate the town’s suitability for film production. It will also consider a recommendation for Council to establish an operating budget for Economic Development functions, including the possible hiring of an Economic Development Officer or related staff in 2025. The committee will approve the minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting and set topics for the March 11, 2025 meeting.

• Explore and identify community‑driven initiatives to optimize room rentals at the myFM Centre.
• Redefine the scope of the film‑production recommendation and investigate requirements for hosting film production in Renfrew.
• Clarify the recommendation for Council to establish an operating budget for Economic Development, including possible hiring of an Economic Development Officer or staff/volunteers in 2025.
• Approve the minutes of the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting held on January 14, 2025.
• Identify desired topics for the March 11, 2025 committee meeting.

Regular Council Meeting

The Renfrew Town Council will review a severance application for a new residential lot at 480 Opeongo Road and a zoning by‑law amendment (D‑14‑153) for Mutual Avenue. The meeting also includes a draft of the Renfrew East Secondary Plan for public comment, authorizations for the 2024 audit engagement and planning letters, and a lease assignment for Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Inc. Additional items cover the formation of a Parking Bylaw Working Group and various provincial ministry updates.

• Application D‑10‑135: creation of a new residential lot at 480 Opeongo Road
• Zoning By‑law Amendment D‑14‑153 for Mutual Avenue
• Draft Renfrew East Secondary Plan (Official Plan Amendment No. 14) for consultation
• Authorization of 2024 Audit Engagement Letter and Audit Planning Letter
• Assignment of lease dated November 1 2018 to Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Inc.

Renfrew Public Library Board

The Renfrew Public Library Board is meeting to review December 2024 financial and activity reports. The board is deciding whether to extend the existing Strategic Plan until a new 2025 plan is finalized.

• Proposal to extend the Strategic Plan ending December 2024
• Proposed postponement of appointing Strategic Planning Committee members until February
• Review of December 2024 Financial Statement
• Review of December 2024 Library Statistics and Activity Report

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will hear updates from the County of Renfrew, including a presentation by Warden Peter Emon, a briefing by Business Development Manager Melissa Marquardt, and health‑care economic development opportunities presented by Jon Pole, as well as a summary of the Master Transportation Plan. The committee will recommend that Renfrew Town Council review the Community Improvement Plan as part of the 2026 budget and appoint the committee as the steering committee for that review. It will also identify topics for the February 2025 meeting.

• County of Renfrew update – presentation by Warden Peter Emon
• County of Renfrew Economic Development update – presentation by Melissa Marquardt
• Health Care Economic Development Opportunities – presentation by Jon Pole
• Master Transportation Plan presentation (report available on town website)
• Recommendation to review the Community Improvement Plan for the 2026 budget and appoint the committee as steering committee

Regular Council Meeting

Renfrew Town Council will consider several Committee of the Whole recommendations, including adopting the 2025 South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board Budget of $114,644 and a $16,377.71 shared payment. The council will also vote on an annual temporary borrowing by‑law, an interim tax levy by‑law, a new Salt Management Plan, and an amendment to the Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising Policy. By‑laws to expand the Downtown Renfrew BIA boundary and to lease 550 Hall Ave will be taken as read and passed.

• Adopt 2025 South Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Board Budget of $114,644 and confirm $16,377.71 shared payment
• Approve Annual Temporary Borrowing by‑law for 2025 operating and capital expenditures
• Approve interim tax levy by‑law for 2025
• Adopt new Salt Management Plan
• Amend Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising Policy to raise agreement threshold from $1,000 to $5,000

Special Council Meeting

The Town of Renfrew held a special council meeting on January 9, 2025. The sole substantive agenda item is a closed‑session discussion of the Deslaurier Custom Cabinets lease agreement and roof repair, authorized under Municipal Act 2001 section 239(2)(k). The meeting also covered routine procedural matters and announced the next regular council meeting for January 14, 2025.

• Closed session to discuss Deslaurier Custom Cabinets lease agreement and roof repair