Whitewater Region public meetings in 2023
38 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
The Council will review the final 2024 Budget and User Fees report. The proposal includes a 5.2% levy increase, which allocates $67,729 to operations and $284,460 to capital reinvestment. Changes to water, wastewater, and building permit fees are also under consideration.
- Proposed 5.2% levy increase ($352,189 total) for the 2024 budget
- 8.5% increase in residential water rates and 12.55% increase in wastewater rates
- Approval of Bylaw 23-12-1653 (Tax and User Pay Budgets)
- Approval of Bylaw 23-12-1654 (User Fees and Charges)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is considering a request to place an outdoor furnace 30 meters from the northeast lot line at 139 Oattes Road. This application seeks relief from the Westmeath Zoning By-law requirement of a 50-meter minimum distance. The committee will also review the minutes from the November 16, 2023 meeting.
- Minor Variance Application D-13-143: Outdoor furnace placement at 139 Oattes Road
- Approval of November 16, 2023, Committee of Adjustment minutes
Regular Council
The Council will hold a public meeting to discuss the 2024 Budget and building fees. Several property zoning amendments for Marjorie Road, Nangor Trail, Ashbury Trail, and Dupuis Line are also on the agenda. Additionally, the Council will consider infrastructure rehabilitation for Cameron Street, Earl Street, and Vera Crescent.
- 2024 Budget and building fees public meeting
- Zoning amendments for Marjorie Road, Nangor Trail, Ashbury Trail, and Dupuis Line
- Infrastructure rehabilitation debenture for Cameron St., Earl St., and Vera Cres.
- Funding for Moxam Road culvert replacement from the OCIF reserve
- Adoption of the Joint Community Safety & Well-Being Plan - Upper Ottawa Valley
Special Council
Council is reviewing the 2024 draft budget, which includes a proposed 1% operating levy increase and a 4.2% capital levy increase. The presentation covers various adjustments to user fees for building permits, fire services, and waste collection. A public meeting regarding the budget is scheduled for December 6, 2023.
- 1% operating levy increase ($67,729)
- 4.2% capital levy increase
- Proposed building permit base rate increase to $200 from $125
- Proposed waste collection fee increase to $168 from $164
- Proposed addition of one full-time Landfill and Facilities Operator
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing a consent application to sever a property containing a microbrewery at 78 Pembroke Street. Additionally, the body will consider a minor variance to reduce minimum water frontage requirements for properties in Westmeath.
- Consent application (File D-10-229) for 78 Pembroke Street, Village of Cobden
- Minor variance (File D-13-142) to reduce water frontage from 45 meters to 40 meters in Westmeath
- Approval of September 28, 2023, meeting minutes
Regular Council
Council will review landfill operations and the 2024 meeting calendar. A proposal is on the table to fund a shared Asset Management Coordinator with neighboring townships for up to $25,000. The agenda also includes the adoption of two by-laws.
- Shared Asset Management Coordinator position (up to $25,000)
- Landfill Staffing and Operations Review
- 2024 Council Meeting Calendar approval
- Bauman Tile Drain Rating Bylaw (23-11-1644)
Regular Council
The Council will receive a presentation on the 2024 Municipal Budget, covering operating, capital, and user fees. The agenda also includes awarding a marketing strategy contract and discussing wastewater treatment plant matters in a closed session.
- Awarding RFP 2023-17 Marketing Strategy to Cinnamon Toast (CT) New Media Inc. for $51,388.80
- Presentation of the 2024 Municipal Budget (Operating, Capital, and User Fees)
- Review of the Q3 Quarterly Report
- Closed session regarding Wastewater Treatment Plant and outstanding claims
Regular Council
The Whitewater Region Council will discuss a comprehensive zoning by-law review and receive a presentation from the Renfrew County ATV Club. The agenda includes recommendations for a micro-brewery at 1641 Greenwood Road and an MPAC data sharing agreement. Additionally, Council will consider motions regarding Ottawa River flood management and short-term rental regulations.
- Site Plan Agreement for a micro-brewery at 1641 Greenwood Road
- Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Review presentation
- MPAC Data Sharing and Services Agreement
- Motion to support Ottawa River flood management efforts
- Motion to support regulation of digital rental platforms
Mayors Council Summary
Council discussed updates on arena ice operations and the closure of Pembroke Pool due to equipment failure. Staff were directed to develop a modular seniors village concept at Bonnechere Manor with Renfrew. A draft short-term accommodation bylaw was also introduced for upcoming public consultation.
- Introduction of a draft short-term accommodation bylaw for public consultation
- Direction to develop a modular seniors village concept at Bonnechere Manor
- Presentation of the 2024 Budget Schedule
- Update on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law project
- Approval of appointments to the Whitewater Senior Home Support & Active Living Working Group
Regular Council
The Whitewater Region Council will review a draft by-law regarding short-term accommodations and direct staff to conduct public consultations via an open house and survey. The agenda also includes an update on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law project and approval of the 2024 budget approach and timetable.
- Draft Short-Term Accommodation By-law and planned public consultation
- Comprehensive Zoning By-law project update
- Approval of 2024 budget approach and timetable
- Amendments to the Organizational Structure Policy
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing multiple applications for property consents and one minor variance. These include requests to sever parcels for lot additions or agricultural purposes in the Westmeath area.
- Consent application D-10-225 (Byers/Blomeley) for a verbal update
- Consent application D-10-221 for property on Moores Beach Road
- Consent application D-10-227 for property on Rapid Road
- Consent application D-10-228 for property at 31 Watchorn Drive
- Minor variance application D-13-141 for 1451 Greenwood Road
Mayors Council Summary
Council passed a by-law to allow a mini storage facility at 1638 Greenwood Road and approved a $135,110.08 tender for a sidewalk tracker. The Mayor noted upcoming reviews of water and wastewater rates in Cobden and budget deliberations. Staff will also investigate speed limit changes on Haley Road following resident concerns.
- Approved $135,110.08 tender for sidewalk tracker replacement
- Passed by-law for mini storage use at 1638 Greenwood Road
- Motion for County of Renfrew to investigate all-way stop at County Road 61 and Haley Road
- Direction provided regarding parcel disposal by the Pembroke & Area Airport Commission
Regular Council
The Council will consider a zoning by-law amendment for 1638 Greenwood Road and the purchase of a Kubota tractor. The meeting also includes presentations regarding Haley/Godfrey Road concerns and Child Care Early Years.
- Zoning By-law Amendment for 1638 Greenwood Road
- Purchase of a Kubota M4N-071 from Huckabones Equipment Ltd. for $135,110.08
- Public meeting regarding 1638 Greenwood Drive zoning amendment
- Presentation on Haley/Godfrey Road concerns by Taylor Gannon
Mayors Council Summary
The Council passed motions to operate the Cobden and Westmeath Arenas for the 2023-2024 season. They also approved a one-time operating grant for the Beachburg Recreation Association funded by surplus and reserves. Future reports will address facility accessibility and adaptive reuse plans.
- Operating two facilities: Cobden and Westmeath Arenas
- A one-time operating grant to Beachburg Recreation Association up to $40,000
- Community engagement for the adaptive re-use of non-ice facilities
- Planned reports on Cobden Arena accessibility and user rate revisions
Special Council
The Council is reviewing an information report regarding the management of local ice facilities for the upcoming season. The report outlines three service models, including options to operate one or two facilities and providing grants to recreation associations. The discussion also includes plans for the future use of non-ice community facilities.
- Proposal for one-time operating grants of up to $30,000 each to two recreation associations
- Anticipated $90,000 surplus if the Township operates only one facility
- Review of adaptive re-use plans for Beachburg and Westmeath facilities
Mayors Council Summary
The Council held a special meeting addressing water and wastewater rate increases, recreation association proposals, and infrastructure replacement needs. They approved several policy updates regarding accessibility, human resources, and committee terms of reference.
- Council directed staff to bring forward an information report on water and wastewater rates in October 2023
- Approval of a one-year extension for the Wren Subdivision Draft Plan of Subdivision
- Approval of the Drinking Water Quality Management System and Operational Plan Commitment and Endorsement
- Approval of the 2023 Accessibility Plan Status Report and the 2024-2029 Accessible Multi Year Plan
- A $25,000 provincial grant was announced for the WWR Senior’s Pilot
Special Council
The Council will consider several reports including flood impacts, accessibility status, and human resources policy updates. Discussions also include a water and ice rescue agreement with the City of Pembroke and various community association presentations.
- Water Rates delegation by Elizabeth Guest
- Beachburg Recreation Association presentation regarding an agreement
- Westmeath District Recreation Association arena proposal
- Wren Subdivision one-year extension of draft approval
- Water and ice rescue agreement with the City of Pembroke
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing several land use applications, including consent for lot additions and minor variances. The meeting includes a proposal to enlarge a waterfront property on Gilchrist Way by adding lands and creating rights-of-way. Other items involve zoning relief for properties on Whites Beach Trail and McLaren Trail.
- Lot addition and rights-of-way creation for Gilchrist Way (File D-10-208)
- Three consent applications for Zach View Drive (Files D-10-214, D-10-215, & D-10-216)
- Minor variance application for 53 Whites Beach Trail (D-13-139)
- Minor variance application for 533 McLaren Trail (D-13-140)
- Recreational vehicle variance for Lot 13 Concession 12, Voyager Bay
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee is considering two applications for land consent. One involves a lot addition and new rights-of-way at Gilchrist Way, while the other proposes creating a new residential lot on Greenwood Road.
- Lot addition and right-of-way creation at Gilchrist Way (File D-10-208)
- Creation of a new 2.18-hectare residential lot on Greenwood Road (File D-10-226)
- Proposed zoning amendments and mineral aggregate holdings for the Gilchrist Way property
Special Council
Council will discuss a new comprehensive zoning by-law intended to consolidate four existing documents. The meeting also includes several recommendations regarding road assumptions, infrastructure awards, and land purchases.
- Public meeting for the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw
- Award of Tender 2023-10 Pavement Markings to Acculines & Signs Inc. for $29,291.62
- Road assumption for Grants Settlement Road (Parts 2 and 3 of Plan 49R-20389)
- Road assumption for Rapid Road and agreement with Bruce Bromley
- Award of Cobden Arena Condenser to AC Mechanical Refrigeration Ltd. for $70,774.08
Regular Council
The Whitewater Region Council will review several zoning by-law amendments for properties on Snake River Line and Westmeath Road. The agenda also includes a tender award for a new plow tandem truck and a $50,000 tile drain loan application. Additionally, the council will discuss ice operations for the upcoming season and a pilot program for seasonal business hours.
- Tender 2023-01 award for a reversible plow tandem truck at $377,320.99
- Zoning amendment for 2764 Snake River Line
- $50,000 tile drain loan for 1605 Kerr Line
- Pilot program for seasonal alternative hours of operation
- Bennett Meadows Subdivision zoning amendments
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing two applications for property consent. These include a request to sever a parcel on Lapasse Road for agriculture and mineral aggregate use, and a request to re-establish two agricultural lots on Queens Line.
- Consent application D-10-224: Severance of Part of Lot 10, Westmeath Concession 5 E.M.L., Lapasse Road
- Consent application D-10-223: Severance of Part of Lots 24 & 25, Ross Concession 6, Queens Line
- Approval of April 27, 2023, Committee of Adjustment minutes
Regular Council
The meeting includes discussions on approving 2023 tax rates and reviewing the 2022 year-end financial reports. Council will also consider awards for road surfacing tenders and a new truck purchase. Additionally, a development agreement for Beachburg Public School safety improvements is on the agenda.
- Proposed by-law for 2023 tax rates
- Road surfacing contracts for Zion Line ($190,559.85) and Mansel Hill Road ($125,054.90)
- Purchase of a 2500 series crew cab truck up to $95,000
- Development Agreement for safety improvements at Beachburg Public School
- Proposed designation of Highway 17 as a memorial highway
Regular Council
The Council is considering several administrative and land-use items including a zoning amendment for Ross Concession 4 and a new snowmobile club trail on Gypsy Lane. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions regarding a pound facility agreement with the Town of Renfrew and a new cash handling policy.
- Zoning By-law Amendment D-14-187 for Part of Lots 23 & 24 Ross Concession 4
- Memorandum of Understanding with White Water Sno-goers for Gypsy Lane trail
- Pound Facility Agreement with the Town of Renfrew for a 4-year term
- Adoption of a new Cash Handling Policy by-law
- Speed limit reduction on Grant Settlement Road
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee is reviewing applications to create new residential lots in Westmeath and Ross Concession. Staff recommend approving three consent applications for the Curtis Trail property to establish two new lots and a right of way. The agenda also includes review of applications for Rafting Road/Grants Settlement Road.
- Consent applications (D-10-206, D-10-207 & D-10-222) to create two new residential lots on Curtis Trail
- Consent applications (D-10-218, D-10-219 & D-10-220) for property at Rafting Road/Grants Settlement Road
- Confirmation of March 16, 2023, meeting minutes
Special Council
The Whitewater Region Council is reviewing several land use and community service items. Key discussions include a recommendation to expand the Village of Cobden settlement area and a new swim program through the City of Pembroke. Council will also consider updates to animal control bylaws and hazardous waste depot partnerships.
- Official Plan Amendment No. 34 to expand the Village of Cobden settlement area
- Partnership with Town of Renfrew for a Household Hazardous Waste Depot
- Zoning By-law Amendment to remove the holding zone at 16356 Highway 17
- Approval of a swim program through the City of Pembroke
- Amending Animal Control By-law No. 20-06-1308
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several municipal updates including an Official Plan Amendment for the Village of Cobden. Discussions also cover household hazardous waste management, affordable housing support, and local swim programming.
- Official Plan Amendment No. 34 to expand the settlement area of the Village of Cobden
- Partnership with the Town of Renfrew for a Household Hazardous Waste Depot
- Letter of support for the Affordable Housing Alliance of the Ottawa Valley
- Zoning By-law Amendment to remove a holding zone at 16356 Highway 17
- Approval of a swim program through the City of Pembroke
Special Council
The Special Council meeting is scheduled for a strategic planning workshop. No other business or specific decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Strategic Planning Workshop
Regular Council
The Council will review reports regarding the Cobden Drinking Water Treatment Facility and annual drinking water reports for Beachburg, Cobden, and Haley. Agenda items include approving contracts for road assessments and a transportation master plan. The meeting also includes updates on zoning by-law projects and street rehabilitations.
- $48,786.80 contract award to StreetScan Canada ULC for road and sidewalk assessments
- $43,798.52 contribution toward the County of Renfrew's Transportation Master Plan
- Five-year agreement with comBEtek multimedia for livestream production services
- Review of Cobden Drinking Water Treatment Facility options by OCWA
- Update on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law project
Regular Council
Council will hear presentations regarding affordable housing and seniors' support. The agenda includes several by-law recommendations for delegation of authority, land deeming, and procedural amendments.
- Affordable Housing Alliance presentation
- Seniors Working Group presentation
- Tree planting memorial at Veterans Memorial Park
- By-law 23-03-1585: Delegation of Authority Policy
- Deeming By-law for portions of Plan 65 in Cobden
Regular Council
Council is considering the adoption of a Municipal Emergency Response Plan and the establishment of an Emergency Control Group. Additionally, they are reviewing a road assumption for Lacroix Bay Road and a new Routine Disclosure Policy.
- Municipal Emergency Response Plan adoption
- Establishment of Municipal Emergency Control Group
- Lacroix Bay Road land assumption (Part 1 of Plan 49R-20289)
- Routine Disclosure Policy enactment
- Request for report on by-law compliance and penalties
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing applications to sever land for new residential lots. Proposals include developments on Mine View Road and Garden of Eden Road. The committee will also consider an application for property on John Street.
- Consent application D-10-205 for a new residential lot on Mine View Road
- Consent application D-10-209 for a new residential lot on Garden of Eden Road
- Consent application D-10-210 for property on John Street
- Approval of the January 19, 2023, meeting minutes
Regular Council
Council will consider several zoning amendments for properties on Kerr Line, Foresters Falls Road, and Highway 17. The meeting also includes a motion to review kennel regulations and a request for a report on septage processing at the Cobden wastewater plant. Additionally, staff will receive information regarding provincial housing legislation.
- Zoning amendment for 1473 Kerr Line to prohibit residential use
- Refusal of zoning amendment for 2249 Foresters Falls Road
- Zoning amendment for 16356 Highway 17 to allow a kennel
- Review of existing kennel regulations and animal control by-laws
- Report on costs of accepting septage at Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant
Special Council
Council is reviewing the 2023 draft operating and capital budgets for water, wastewater, and general operations. The presentation includes proposed increases to the municipal tax levy and utility rates. The meeting also covers proposed changes to building and septic permit fees.
- Proposed 8.99% total tax levy increase
- Proposed 12.25% wastewater rate increase and 9.3% water rate increase
- Proposed residential building permit fee increase from $0.60 to $0.75 per sq. ft.
- Proposed septic permit investigation fee increase from $0.00 to $80.00
- Review of 2023 draft operating and capital budgets
Regular Council
Council will review a recommendation to re-designate lands in Ross Concention 12 to permit eight new waterfront lots. The agenda also includes a presentation regarding snowmobile safety on Gypsy Lane and a review of the 2023 draft budget.
- Official Plan Amendment No. 39 for Part of Lots 12 and 13, Ross Concession 12 to create eight new lots
- Presentation regarding snowmobile safety and trail creation on Gypsy Lane
- Review of the 2023 Draft Budget for water, wastewater, and general operations
- Source Water Protection Plan for Beachburg and Haley Townsite
- Amendments to the Pay & Benefits Policy (By-law No. 21-07-1404)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing several applications for land consent in Whitewater Region. These include separating a commercial campground from personal sites at 240 Pinewood Park Road and creating new residential lots on Lacroix Bay Road and Nangor Trail.
- Consent application D-10-203 to separate commercial and personal campground sites at 240 Pinewood Park Road
- Consent application D-10-202 for a new residential lot on Lacroix Bay Road
- Three consent applications (D-10-199, D-10-200, and D-10-201) for lands on Nangor Trail
- Approval of the December 15, 2022, meeting minutes
Regular Council
Council is reviewing the 2023 draft capital budget, which includes a proposed 4.20% tax increase for capital projects. The agenda also features several zoning amendments and site plan agreements for local redevelopments. Additionally, the council will discuss adjustments to water and wastewater utility rates.
- Proposed 2023 capital budget with a 4.20% tax increase for capital projects
- Zoning amendment for Westmeath Concession A EML to prohibit residential uses
- Site plan agreements for MacEwen Agricentre, Earth’s Edge Inc., and Whitewater Brewery
- Proposed adjustments to monthly residential water and wastewater rates
- Appointment of the Library Board for the 2022-2026 term
Special Council
Council will review the 2023 Draft Operating Budget, which includes a proposed 4.99% increase to the operating tax levy. The presentation covers municipal expenses, revenues, and updated rates for water and wastewater services. A closed session is also scheduled to discuss a human resource matter.
- Proposed 4.99% operating tax levy increase
- Proposed residential water rate change to $1,081.41 per year
- Proposed residential wastewater rate change to $1,911.71 per year
- Closed session regarding a human resource matter