Westport public meetings in 2024
35 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Village of Westport Council is granting pre‑budget approval for a $17,550 + HST feasibility study to explore moving from lower‑tier to single‑tier government. It is also directing staff to enter a $24,496.11 + HST contract with Younge’s Lawn Care for municipal grounds maintenance and to approve up to $21,000 + HST for water meters in 2025. Additional items include adopting by‑laws for 2025 water/wastewater rates and general rates and fees, and appointing Councillor Joe Aragona as Acting Mayor for 2025.
- Pre‑budget approval of $17,550 + HST for a single‑tier feasibility study
- Contract with Younge’s Lawn Care and Snow Removal for $24,496.11 + HST for grounds maintenance
- Pre‑budget approval up to $21,000 + HST to order water meters for 2025
- By‑law 2024‑38 establishing 2025 water and wastewater rates
- By‑law 2024‑37 establishing 2025 general rates and fees
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2025 General Rates and Fees By-law and a proposal to study moving to single-tier government status. The body is also considering a new grounds maintenance contract and options for in-house waste collection.
- Proposed 2025 General Rates and Fees By-law update including cost-recovery increases for zoning and subdivision applications
- Proposed $17,550 +HST for a feasibility study on moving from Lower-tier to Single-tier government status
- Proposed contract with Younge’s Lawn Care and Snow Removal for $24,496.11 + HST
- Discussion on pursuing the investigation of bringing solid waste collection in-house
- Public Works 2024 Q3 Briefing report
Council
The Westport Council will adopt its agenda and recognize volunteers, then decide on several administration items. Council will appoint Councillor Aragona to the RVCA Board and approve drawing extra funds for the Serenity Garden Project from the Cash‑in‑Lieu of Parkland Reserve. Staff reports will lead to the passage of three by‑laws: a Facility Use Agreement with the Library Board, a Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of the Arena, and a Confirmation By‑law for recent meetings.
- Approve Facility Use Agreement with the Library Board (By‑law 2024‑34)
- Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of the Arena (By‑law 2024‑35)
- Pass Confirmation By‑law for meeting proceedings (By‑law 2024‑36)
- Appoint Councillor Aragona to the RVCA Board for the remainder of the term
- Authorize additional funds for the Serenity Garden Project from Cash‑in‑Lieu of Parkland Reserve
COW
The Committee of the Whole will consider several administrative recommendations. It will recommend that Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of the Arena. It will also recommend appointing a Councillor to the RVCA Board for the remainder of the term and authorizing the use of cash‑in‑lieu from the Parkland Reserve to cover the final invoicing for the Serenity Garden Project. Finally, it will recommend approval of the draft 2025 meeting schedule and adoption of the agenda as presented.
- Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of the Arena (administrative report)
- Appoint Councillor _______ to the RVCA Board for the remainder of the term
- Authorize drawing additional funds from the Cash‑in‑lieu of Parkland Reserve for the Serenity Garden Project Overage
- Approve the draft 2025 Committee meeting schedule
- Adopt the agenda as presented
Historical Advisory Committee Meeting
The Historical Advisory Committee will adopt its agenda and the minutes from the September 24, 2024 meeting. Members will hear the curator’s October report, which notes 2,242 visitors and $6,893.39 in income for the season. The committee will discuss thank‑you notes, season successes, a student overview, and proposals for 2025 display re‑arrangements, a new display case, Christmas decorations, and book sales.
- Adoption of agenda
- Adoption of September 24, 2024 minutes
- Curator’s report: 2,242 visitors and $6,893.39 income
- Display re‑arrangements for 2025 season
- Big display case ideas for 2025
Council
The Village of Westport Council will adopt the agenda and minutes, receive several staff reports, and approve three by‑laws covering volunteer recognition, community grants, and records management. A key motion asks staff to prioritize AODA and health‑and‑safety issues from the Facilities Review Report in the 10‑year Capital Plan and the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets. The meeting will also include a closed‑session to consider personal matters and council education and training.
- Public Works – Facilities Review: direct staff to prioritize AODA and health‑and‑safety issues in the 10‑year Capital Plan and 2025 budgets
- By‑law 2024‑24: amend By‑law 2024‑08 to establish a Volunteer Recognition Policy
- By‑law 2024‑31: establish a Community Grants Policy for the Village
- By‑law 2024‑32: establish a Records Management Policy
- Closed session to consider personal matters about an identifiable individual and council education/training
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a facilities report and considering three administrative policy updates. The body is also receiving an annual update on fire services recruitment and operations.
- Proposed Community Grants Policy
- Proposed Records Management and Retention Policy
- Proposed Volunteer Recognition Policy amendment
- Public Works Facilities Review regarding AODA and Health and Safety issues
- Fire Services report noting a $10,000 cost to hire and train each firefighter
Historical Advisory Committee
The committee is reviewing the Curator's September report, which notes 2,071 visitors and $6,422.14 in total income. Members will discuss facility updates and security measures following a reported theft of a padlock.
- Proposal to upgrade lighting in the upstairs bedroom
- Discussion on moving a door from the station to the east side
- Proposal to purchase dummy security cameras for approximately $30
- Review of $6,422.14 in museum sales, fundraising, and donations
- Planning for winter operations and committee member name tags
Council
The Village of Westport Council will meet to decide on several public works expenditures and land exemptions. The body is also proposing a resolution calling on the federal government to restore marine traffic flow at the LaSalle Causeway.
- Authorization to purchase a 2025 Turnkey Plow Truck not to exceed $250,000+HST
- Engagement of Greer Galloway Group for a wastewater disposal study at $18,000+HST
- Resolution requesting the Federal Government enable marine traffic at LaSalle Causeway by 2025
- By-laws to exempt lands from Part Lot Control at Watercolour at Westport Subdivision
- Grant contract for an accessible library entranceway via Ontario Trillium Foundation
COW
The Committee of the Whole will receive reports and recommend that Council approve a Part Lot Control application to re‑divide land on Sanctuary Way and Shelter Cove Drive for semi‑detached homes and townhouses. It will also recommend remuneration rates for the Leeds County OPP Detachment Board, a contract with SAI Global for accreditation services, the purchase of a 2025 Turnkey Plow Truck up to $250,000 + HST, and a subsurface wastewater disposal study by Greer Galloway Group costing $18,000 + HST. Additionally, a resolution will be adopted urging the federal government to install a bridge at the LaSalle Causeway to restore marine traffic.
- Approve Part Lot Control application for Sanctuary Way and Shelter Cove blocks
- Approve remuneration rates for Leeds County OPP Detachment Board members
- Authorize CAO to contract SAI Global for accreditation services through 2027
- Authorize purchase of a 2025 Turnkey Plow Truck up to $250,000 + HST
- Engage Greer Galloway Group for wastewater disposal study at $18,000 + HST (15% contingency)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider three minor variance applications for residential properties in Westport. Staff reports indicate no concerns with the proposed variances.
- Minor variance for 1 Rideau Street to reduce front yard depth to 4.3 metres
- Minor variance for 60/62 and 64/66 Sanctuary Way to increase lot coverage to 55%
- Staff reports for applications MV-24-03, MV-24-04, and MV-24-05
Special Council
The Village of Westport Council will enter a closed session to provide education and training for its members, as permitted under the Municipal Act. No public decisions or actions are scheduled; the council will only receive information from staff. The meeting will then be adjourned.
- Adoption of the agenda as presented
- Proceed into closed session for council education/training
- Rise and Report – announcement from the Chair, staff information only
- Adjournment of the special meeting
COW
The Committee of the Whole will consider a delegation from John Brus concerning a severance application for the property at 96‑102 Concession Street. The meeting also includes briefing notes for the Public Works department on a lagoon transfer pump failure and a 2024 Q2 briefing, both for information. Additional items are a council mid‑term check‑in by Mayor Jones, an announcement of an increased Lockwood Foundation donation, and routine agenda adoption.
- John Brus – Severance application concerns for 96‑102 Concession Street (fees $2,181 per severance, $1,085 county share, $150 pre‑consultation, possible $6,200‑$11,200 environmental study)
- Public Works – Lagoon Transfer Pump Fail report (emergency purchase of replacement pump)
- Public Works – 2024 Q2 briefing (information report)
- Council mid‑term check‑in by Mayor Jones (information)
- Lockwood Foundation donation increase (announcement)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing two minor variance applications (MV-24-01 and MV-24-02) for vacant land on Sanctuary Way. The applicant seeks to increase maximum permitted lot coverage from 45% to 55% to allow for the construction of two semi-detached dwellings.
- Minor Variance MV-24-01: Request to increase lot coverage to 55% for 60/62 Sanctuary Way
- Minor Variance MV-24-02: Request to increase lot coverage to 55% for 64/66 Sanctuary Way
- Proposed construction of two semi-detached dwellings in the Watercolours Westport development
Special Council
The Special Council adopted its agenda and cancelled the request for proposals for the Assimilative Capacity Study. Council directed the EA Steering Committee to explore solutions, removing surface discharge options. A public meeting on the EA process is scheduled for August 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westport Free Methodist Church, 85 Bedford Street. The Council entered a closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal employees.
- Cancellation of the RFP for the Assimilative Capacity Study
- Directive to EA Steering Committee to explore solutions, removing surface discharge options
- Public EA Process meeting on August 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., Westport Free Methodist Church, 85 Bedford Street
- Closed session to consider personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal employees
- Adoption of the meeting agenda as presented
Council
The Village of Westport Council will discuss a variety of administrative and public works items, including a resolution regarding the Ontario healthcare crisis. The body is deciding on several fee waivers and the engagement of an environmental science firm.
- Engagement of Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd for an Assimilative Capacity Study at a cost of $93,901+HST with a 20% contingency
- Request to waive $2,847.00 in arena and stage rental fees for a FOTA Charity Event
- Request to waive arena rental fees for Westport Senior Living group coffee club events from April 2024
- Resolution urging the Province of Ontario to address the physician shortage and fund healthcare
- Approval of a donation for the arena expansion design
Historical Advisory Committee's
The Historical Advisory Committee will adopt its meeting agenda and approve the minutes from the June 18, 2024 meeting. Staff will present a Curator's Report and an Archives Report. The committee will also consider any new business before adjourning.
- Adoption of agenda
- Adoption of minutes from June 18, 2024 meeting
- Curator's report
- Archives report
- New business (unspecified)
Special COW
The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the EA process and the ACS RFP. This special meeting is focused on these specific discussion items.
- Discussion of the EA Process and ACS RFP
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a greenhouse gas reduction plan and a proposal for an environmental study. The agenda also includes discussions on arena expansion designs and fee waivers for senior living events.
- Engagement of Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd for a $93,901+HST study
- Review of the WTCC Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and grant applications
- Proposed donation from FOTA for arena expansion design
- Request from Westport Senior Living Group to waive arena rental fees
- Creation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Library Board
Budget Meeting
The Village of Westport Council will meet to consider approving the draft 2024 General Budget and the 2024 Water/Wastewater Budget. The proposed general budget includes a total revenue projection of $2,101,698.
- Approval of the 2024 General Budget
- Approval of the 2024 Water/Wastewater Budget
- Proposed municipal property tax revenue of $1,229,453
Council
The Village of Westport Council is meeting to adopt the 2024 final tax rate by-law. The agenda includes a proposal to hire Watson and Associates for a development charges study to help finance infrastructure for new growth. Additionally, staff recommended purchasing a pickup sweeper attachment for public works.
- Adoption of 2024 Final Tax Rate By-law (By-law 2024-21)
- Engagement of Watson and Associates for a Development Charges Study ($34,840 + HST)
- Purchase of a pickup sweeper attachment via the Canoe Procurement Program
Council
The meeting includes a vote on By-law 2024-17 regarding an agreement with LiveBarn Incorporated. Staff will also provide an update on wastewater connection fees. Additionally, Council will review the installation of a camera at the WTC Communications Centre.
- Agreement with LiveBarn Incorporated (By-law 2024-17)
- Update on Wastewater Connection Fees
- Installation of automated camera in WTC Communications Centre
- 2023 RVCA Audited Financial Statements
Budget Meeting
The Village of Westport Council is meeting to review the 2024 draft budgets for the General Fund and Water/Wastewater. The proposed general budget includes a municipal property tax revenue projection of $1,237,453. Staff reports will be presented regarding these financial drafts.
- Review of 2024 Draft VOW General Budget
- Review of 2024 Draft Water/Wastewater Budget
- Proposed municipal property tax revenue of $1,237,453
- Total proposed general fund revenues of $2,109,698
Historical Advisory Committee
The committee will review curator and archives reports. Members will also discuss summer student updates, the Westport video project, and station doors.
- Summer student update
- Westport video discussion
- Doors from the station
- Committee member recruitment
Council
The Village of Westport Council will review several by-laws, including new regulations for noise and agreements with LiveBarn Incorporated and Le Boat Canada. The meeting also includes a report on the Manotick Classic Boat Show at Westport Harbour. Additionally, Council will hold a ceremony to recognize four local volunteers.
- By-law to prohibit and regulate noise in the Village
- Renewal of contract for Integrity Commissioner Services
- Agreement with LiveBarn Incorporated
- Agreement with Le Boat Canada
- Volunteer Recognition Awards for four individuals
Historical Advisory Committee
The committee will review financial, curator, archives, and opening staff reports. The meeting also includes discussions on summer students, the Westport Video, and heritage presentations.
- Financial, Curator, Archives, and Opening staff reports
- Summer student discussion
- Garden by Blooms
- Westport Video
- Newboro Heritage Group evening presentations
COW
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing reports regarding a $250,000 historical water budget deficit and an updated noise by-law. Recommendations include renewing the Integrity Commissioner’s contract for five years and authorizing a new camera at the WTC Communications Centre.
- Proposal to update the 1980 Noise By-law with new set fines
- Recommendation to renew Integrity Commissioner Tony Fleming’s contract until 2029
- Report on a $250,000 historical deficit in the Water/Wastewater budget
- Authorization for an automated camera installation at the WTC Communications Centre
- Review of severance application B-86-22 - Bonner
CANCELLED - Budget Meeting
The scheduled budget meeting for the Village of Westport on April 22, 2024, was cancelled. The agenda intended to review the 2024 draft budgets for the General Fund and Water/Wastewater Fund.
- Proposed 2024 municipal property tax revenue of $1,220,581
- Proposed 2024 General Fund total revenue of $2,044,464
Council
The Village of Westport Council will meet to consider several administrative and public works items. Agenda items include a request for patio extensions at Tangled Garden/Lost Penny and repairs to baseball diamond lights. The Council will also review amendments to the General Rates and Fees By-law.
- Patio extension request for Tangled Garden/Lost Penny
- Contract amendment for WTC Communications Centre project
- Pre-budget approval for Lockwood Park baseball diamond lights
- Amendment to General Rates and Fees By-law regarding fee waivers
- Easement agreement for 2 Lakeview Drive
Historical Advisory Committee
The committee will review financial, curator, and archives updates, including a bequest from the Estate of Norm Lapointe. Members will also discuss progress on opening procedures and summer student news. Additionally, they will consider methods for promoting collections to downtown businesses.
- Bequest from the Estate of Norm Lapointe
- Progress of opening
- Summer student updates
- Downtown business outreach discussion
COW
The Village of Westport Committee of the Whole is reviewing staff reports and a public delegation presentation, with most items requiring a recommendation to full council. Proposed actions include approving a liquor license patio extension for Tangled Garden/Lost Penny and granting pre-budget approval for $9,000 in Lockwood Park baseball diamond lights repairs. Staff also recommend amending the WTC Communications Centre elevator contract to shift washroom renovations to internal recreation staff. A building permit update and youth services funding overview are listed for information only.
- Approve Tangled Garden/Lost Penny liquor license patio extension for the 2024 season.
- Amend contract with Berg Access and Mobility to remove washroom renovations from the WTC Communications Centre project; Recreation staff will complete the work instead (~$1,500 vs original $6,850 quote).
- Grant pre-budget approval for ~$9,000 in repairs to Lockwood Park baseball diamond lights, funded from Facilities Repairs and Maintenance.
- Receive information-only report on building permits issued July 2023–March 2024, covering projects at Shelter Cove Drive, Hearthside Drive, Sanctuary Way, and others.
- Review RNJ Youth Services delegation presentation detailing a $210,651 operating deficit and requests for funding, volunteers, and space.
Westport Public Library Board
The Westport Public Library Board will review staff reports and committee updates at its April 2 meeting. Members are scheduled to discuss potential contracted services with the Village, including building maintenance and financial support. The agenda also outlines progress reports from strategic planning working groups focused on accessibility, document management, and library resources.
- Update on discussions with the Village regarding contracted services (building maintenance, financial services, grant applications, document storage)
- Strategic Planning Working Group reports on spaces/accessibility, communications/document management, and resources/finance
- Review of library policy and procedures
- Updates on volunteer coordination and updated service area planning
Council
Council will consider nominating Mayor Robin Jones for the position of President of the AMO Board of Directors. The agenda also includes directions for staff to proceed with a public works RFP and authorization for a shoreline stewardship agreement.
- Nomination of Mayor Robin Jones for AMO Board of Directors President
- Direction for staff to proceed with an RFP for an assimilative capacity study
- By-law 2024-09 regarding the RVCA Shoreline Stewardship Program
- Proclamation of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
- Adoption of a Volunteer Recognition Policy (By-law 2024-08)
Historical Advisory Committee
The committee will discuss museum opening, cleaning, and walking routes within the museum. Staff reports will also cover financial status and a curator's report.
- Museum opening and cleaning plans
- Walking routes within the museum
- Archives update
- Kawartha Schedule first visit on May 28
- Proposed special events for upcoming year
Westport Public Library Board
The board will hear updates from various strategic planning and Children’s Room working groups. The meeting also includes reviews of library policies, procedures, and facility matters such as accessibility and the side entrance.
- Strategic Planning Working Group reports (Spaces, Communications, Resources)
- Children's Room Working Groups updates
- Review of WPL policy and procedures
- Discussion on library accessibility and side entrance