Whitewater Region public meetings in 2025
35 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Closed
The council reported that the annual performance appraisal for the Chief Administrative Officer was completed. It then moved the meeting into closed session to discuss personal matters concerning a municipal employee, as permitted by the Procedural Bylaw. The motion was moved by Councillor Chris Olmstead, seconded by Deputy Mayor Cathy Regier, and carried as Resolution #2025-5463.
- Completion of annual CAO performance appraisal
- Motion to enter closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual
- Resolution #2025-5463 carried
Budget Committee Meeting
The Budget Committee is holding a public meeting to receive comments on the proposed 2026 Draft Budget and the 2026 Building Fee Schedule. The draft budget includes a 1.6% municipal operating increase and an 11% OPP cost increase offset by reserve contributions. Staff will update the budget and fee schedule based on public input received.
- Proposed 2026 Building Fee Schedule with per-square-foot increases of $0.01–$0.02 across residential, commercial, and agricultural categories
- Building department budget decreases by $27,725 from $279,825 to $252,100
- Tax levy increase capped at 3.4% of $81,000 median household income
- Building permit fee comparison: Whitewater Region $2,990 vs Petawawa $5,020 for a typical home with garage
- Questions from previous meeting covered reserve funds, road maintenance, facility costs, and user fees
Special Council
This special council meeting is called to consider By-law 25-12-1798, which would approve a comprehensive update and consolidation of the Township's human resources policies. The changes include new policies for Employee Recognition and Seasonal Alternative Hours, along with amendments to existing policies on pay, benefits, vacation, and discipline. Approval would repeal several earlier by-laws. A confirmatory by-law for the meeting's proceedings is also on the agenda.
- New Employee Recognition policy establishing a formal framework for acknowledging staff contributions
- New Seasonal Alternative Hours policy to promote work-life balance while maintaining service standards
- Amendments to Pay and Benefits including short-term disability changes and replacing sick time with personal time off
- Amendments to Vacation and Leave expanding vacation entitlement and adding bereavement, parental leave provisions
- Consolidation of 17 HR policies into a single by-law, repealing six previous by-laws
Budget Committee Meeting
The Whitewater Region Budget Committee will approve its agenda and the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. It will then receive the draft 2026 budget and provide input on the proposed operating and capital figures. No final budget adoption occurs at this meeting.
- Approve agenda as presented (Item 2.1)
- Approve October 21, 2025 minutes (Item 3.1)
- Receive and provide input on the updated 2026 draft budget (Item 5.1)
- Discuss operating expense increase of 1.6% (municipal portion)
- Discuss capital expense increase of 4.2%
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Whitewater Region Council will vote on several items, including updates to the Procurement Policy, Delegation of Authority Policy, and Procedural By-law. It will also approve the purchase of a Vogelsang rotary lobe pump for the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of $24,309.82. Additional decisions cover curbside blue‑box collection for industrial, commercial and institutional properties in 2026 and a ‘blend’ option at the Ross Landfill, as well as informational updates on the 2025 Community Recreation Grant and the municipal auditor services contract extension.
- Approve purchase of a Vogelsang VX136-210Q Rotary Lobe Pump for Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant – $24,309.82 (incl. HST).
- Approve amendments to the Procurement Policy, Delegation of Authority Policy, and Procedural By‑law.
- Approve curbside blue‑box collection for industrial, commercial, and institutional properties in 2026 and select the ‘blend’ option at Ross Landfill.
- Accept the 2025 Community Recreation Grant update (information only).
- Receive report on one‑year extension of Municipal Auditor Services with MacKillican & Associates (information only).
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public meetings and decide on two minor variance applications. One seeks a reduced side yard setback at 520 Government Rd to build a hay storage. The other seeks to allow an attached additional residential unit on partial services at 4 Lowe Court. Also on the agenda are consent applications for property severance on Timm Rd (for information only) and approval of previous minutes.
- Minor variance D-13-165: reduce side yard setback from 30 m to ~27.43 m for hay storage at 520 Government Rd
- Minor variance D-13-166: allow additional residential unit on partial services at 4 Lowe Court
- Consent applications D-10-286 & 287 on Timm Rd for public input
- Approval of minutes from September 25 and October 16, 2025
Special - Regular Council 18 Nov 2025
Council will consider a single-source award for the Westmeath Boat Launch dredging project to GEMTEC Consulting Engineers and Scientists Limited at $35,531 plus HST. Also up for award is Tender 2025-23 for Holmatro auto extrication gear to Darch Fire at $70,321.25 inclusive of HST. The agenda includes reports on the 2026 municipal election, the 2026 council meeting calendar, and delegation requests for the ROMA conference, as well as a request to provide a letter of support for a biomass cogeneration plant from Roseburg Forest Products.
- $35,531 single-source award to GEMTEC for Westmeath Boat Launch dredging design and construction
- $70,321.25 tender award to Darch Fire for Holmatro auto extrication gear
- 2026 election information and proposed changes to the Municipal Election Sign Policy and Recount Policy
- Approval of the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar
- Letter of support for Roseburg Forest Products' biomass cogeneration plant in Pembroke
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Township of Whitewater Region Council will vote on awarding a sand screening contract to McCrea Excavating Ltd. and approving the purchase of two standby generators. The meeting also includes reports on site plan control, land sales, and policy amendments.
- Award Tender 2025-22 Sand Screening to McCrea Excavating Ltd. at $39,177.60
- Approve purchase of two standby generators at $39,344.86
- Approve Site Plan Agreement for 1638 Greenwood Rd
- Authorize sale of road allowance for lot addition at Red Ash Trail
- Approve amendments to Procurement, Delegation, and Procedural by-laws
Budget Committee Meeting
The Whitewater Region Budget Committee will consider the township’s 2026 draft operating and capital budget and provide comments. The agenda also includes reviewing salary and wage changes across departments, proposed building user‑fee rate adjustments, and transfers to reserves. No other motions are listed.
- Review of the 2026 draft operating and capital budget as recommended by the Treasurer
- Salary and wage totals increase from $4,309,850 in 2025 to $4,354,975 in 2026 (including 1.8% COLA)
- Building department user‑fee rates increase by $0.01‑$0.02 per sq ft for residential and commercial categories
- Transfer to reserves adjustments, e.g., $7,500 reduction for Administration‑Election and $5,000 increase for Building Administration‑Truck
- Transportation operating expenses decrease by $56,545, with wage reductions of $51,025
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will consider four consent applications to create new lots from properties on Westmeath Rd and Ross Concession. Staff recommend approval for all, subject to conditions including zoning amendments, environmental studies, and development agreements. The committee will also approve minutes from September 25.
- Consent D-10-282 & D-10-283: Create two ~1.2 ha lots at 1662 Westmeath Rd, with conditions including a zoning by-law amendment and environmental impact study
- Consent D-10-284: Create a lot on Ross Concession 1 WML, Part Lot 7 (subject to conditions)
- Consent D-10-285: Create a lot at 740 Westmeath Rd (subject to conditions)
- Consent D-10-245 & D-10-246: Create lots at 622 Westmeath Rd (subject to conditions)
- Properties near Provincially Significant Wetland, inactive waste site, and wildland hazard zone
Regular Council
Council will consider a 5-year lease renewal for the Westmeath and Lapasse boat launches with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, vote on amendments to the Procedural By-law and procurement policies, and decide on a septic tank replacement at 100 Main Street. The 2026 budget preliminary findings will be received as information, and a presentation from the Whitewater Historical Society/Ross Museum will be heard. A closed session is scheduled for discussion of a proposed land acquisition or disposition related to the Pembroke & Area Airport Commission.
- Renewal of 5-year lease agreement for Westmeath and Lapasse boat launches with Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Branch
- 2026 Budget Preliminary Findings and timetable (presented for information only)
- Amendments to Procedural By-law, Delegation of Authority Policy, and Procurement Policy
- Authorization for septic tank replacement at 100 Main Street, subject to future agreement to connect to municipal services if septic bed fails
- Whitewater Historical Society/Ross Museum update and budget request presentation
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Township of Whitewater Region Council will meet to adopt the agenda and minutes, receive updates on Mine View Road and the Beachburg Water Treatment Plant, and consider establishing a 2026 Budget Committee. The meeting also includes a recommendation to approve procedural by-law amendments and a closed session regarding corporate and fire services.
- Establish 2026 Budget Committee
- Approve procedural by-law amendments
- Mine View Road Reconstruction update
- Beachburg Water Treatment Plant Renewal update
- Westmeath Recreation Centre structural assessment
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will vote on a minor variance to reduce front and side yard setbacks for a shed at 2019 Foresters Falls Road. It will also consider four consent applications, including a request to sever about 1 hectare on Westmeath Rd to create a new residential lot. The meeting includes approval of the June 26, 2025 minutes.
- Minor Variance D-13-164: reduce front yard setback to 9 m and side yard setback to 1.2 m for a shed at 2019 Foresters Falls Road
- Consent D-10-278: sever ~1 ha on Westmeath Rd to create a new lot for a dwelling, septic and well
- Consent D-10-279: approve consent for 824 Rapid Road
- Consents D-10-280 & D-10-281: approve two consents for 18502 Highway 17
- Approve June 26, 2025 Committee of Adjustment minutes
Regular Council
Council will hold a public meeting for two zoning by-law amendments (22 Oriole Trail and 67 Creek St) and consider reports on Watchorn Drive traffic, Beachburg watermain next steps, and awarding a $33,580.80 landfill grinding contract. A key item is endorsing conditions for Wren Subdivision Phase 3 and 4 draft approval, forwarded to the County of Renfrew.
- Public hearing for zoning amendment at 22 Oriole Trail from Limited Service Residential to site-specific LSR-E8
- Public hearing for zoning amendment at 67 Creek St from General Commercial-Exception 6 to Residential 1-Exception 35
- Award of Tender 2025-19 Landfill Grinding to Nad-Core Environmental Ltd. at $33,580.80
- Council to direct purchase of smart hydrant and issue RFP for engineering on Beachburg watermain corrosion investigation and replacement design
- Endorsement of conditions for Wren Subdivision Phase 3 and 4 draft approval
Regular Council 03 Sep 2025
Whitewater Region Council will consider a land transfer of a portion of 2271 Mineview Road to the County of Renfrew for a new paramedic base. Other items include awarding contracts for asbestos abatement at Astrolabe Arena, engineering design for Cobden wastewater plant repairs, and bulk highway salt supply. The council will also receive a draft Ice Allocation Policy for public consultation.
- Award of RFP 2025-20 Astrolabe Arena Asbestos Abatement to Innovative Environmental Group Inc. at $19,692.17
- Transfer of a portion of 2271 Mineview Road to the County of Renfrew for development of a new paramedic base
- Award of sole source engineering design contract for Cobden WWTP repairs to CIMA+ at $253,351.87
- Award of bulk course highway salt supply to Windsor Salt Ltd. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 winter seasons
- Ice Allocation Policy draft received for information; staff directed to consult with recreation groups before final approval
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Township of Whitewater Region Council will hold a public meeting to discuss four proposed zoning bylaw amendments and consider approving a temporary zoning change for an amusement park. The meeting also includes the approval of previous council minutes and the authorization of a land rental agreement for a township billboard.
- Public meeting for four proposed zoning bylaw amendments
- Temporary zoning by-law amendment for Whitewater Amusements (3 years)
- Land Rental Agreement for Township Billboard on private property
- Approval of July 9, 2025 council minutes
- Closed session to discuss Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant
Regular Council
Council will vote on a contract for canteen services at the Cobden Astrolabe Arena and reallocate $25,000 from the 2025 Recreation Capital Budget to cover asbestos abatement.
- Contract for Cobden Astrolabe Arena canteen services
- Reallocation of $25,000 for stairwell asbestos abatement
- Agreements for Blue Box transition services
- By-law for Wren Subdivision Pre-Servicing Agreement
- Federal signage for McDonald Burial Ground
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will review and vote on three consent applications for property severances and lot additions in Whitewater Region. The recommendations are to approve each, subject to conditions. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes.
- Lot addition (D-10-277) at Part of Lot 7, Westmeath Concession 5 EML, Lowe Court and Fern Gully Lane, to rectify unauthorized garage construction by adding 26 sq m.
- New vacant residential lot creation (D-10-276) at Part of 10, Ross Concession 11, Broome Road, creating a 2.29 ha parcel.
- Two consent applications (D-10-274 & D-10-275) for lot creation at Ross Concession 12 Part Lot 10, Dittburner Road.
Regular Council
Council will hold a public meeting and vote on a zoning amendment for a property on Morton Street. The meeting also includes presentations on water metering and the Tour de Whitewater event.
- Proposed zoning amendment for A.A. Schauer & Sons Ltd. at Morton Street from Rural (RU) to General Commercial (GC)
- Proposal to delegate authority to CAO and Treasurer to waive penalty and interest on tax and water accounts
- Presentation on water metering including a proposal to meter the brewery in 2025 (estimated cost $1,000 per meter)
- Update on Tour de Whitewater 2025 and the Cycle Whitewater Project construction at Boyer Laderoute Park
- Discussion of potential $500,000 settlement with Baseline and $700,000 settlement with Jp2g
Committee of Adjustment
The Township of Whitewater Region Committee of Adjustment will consider recommendations to approve several minor variance applications that seek changes to building height and setback requirements for properties on Ashbury Trail, Fletcher Road, Crystal Trail, and Lacroix Bay Road. The Committee will also review consent applications for properties on Redwing Trail, Morton Street, Hila Road, and Voyageur Bay Trail. After discussion, the Committee will vote on each recommendation and then confirm the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting.
- Minor Variance D-13-159 – 288 Ashbury Trail: increase accessory building height to 9.5 m and reduce setback to 80 m
- Minor Variance D-13-160 – 291 Fletcher Rd: increase accessory building height to 5.5 m
- Minor Variance D-13-161 – 179 Crystal Trail: reduce water setback to 15 m for an addition
- Minor Variance D-13-162 & D-13-163 – 877 Lacroix Bay Rd: reduce landfill setback to 385 m for future dwelling
- Application for Consent D-10-248 – 73 Redwing Trail: approve consent with conditions
Regular Council
Council will vote on approving a Water Financial Plan and accepting a Water and Wastewater Rate Study, which may affect utility bills. They will also consider authorizing a Tiered Medical Response Agreement with the County of Renfrew for enhanced fire department services, approving a new Sewer-Use By-law, awarding contracts for accessible picnic tables and arena ice plant control panel, and addressing recurring water main faults in Beachburg via a notice of motion.
- Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Water Financial Plan (approval and acceptance)
- Tiered Medical Response Agreement with County of Renfrew (authorization)
- Sewer-Use By-law to regulate waste discharges (approval)
- RFP 2025-17: 10 accessible picnic tables to New World Park Solutions, $17,021.40
- RFP 2025-16: Cobden Arena Ice Plant Control Panel to A/C Mechanical Refrigeration Ltd., $45,079.68
Regular Council - 1p.m.
Council will vote on the 2025 property tax rates, award multiple infrastructure contracts (dust control, road resurfacing, and surface treatment), and consider a motion to investigate recurring water main faults in Beachburg.
- 2025 property taxation rate by-law
- Award of $638,645.76 tender for surface treatment of Grants Settlement Road
- Award of $108,476.16 tender for dust control to Da-Lee Services Inc
- Award of $67,050.78 tender for resurfacing of Wallace & Simmons Drive
- Notice of motion to direct investigation of Beachburg water main faults
Special Closed
The Township of Whitewater Region is holding a special closed meeting. Council will move into a closed session for the purpose of educating or training members via an Affordability Workshop.
- Affordability Workshop for member education and training
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public meetings and vote on several consent applications, including a proposed rural cluster lot development at 1782 Westmeath Road to create five new residential lots and one private road lot. Other consent applications include revised conditions for File D-10-252, a severance at 622 Westmeath Road, and one at 1321 Kohlsmith Road. The committee will also approve minutes from previous meetings.
- Rural cluster lot development (Files D-10-258 to D-10-263) at 1782 Westmeath Road for five residential lots and one private road lot
- Revised conditions for consent file D-10-252 at 1782 Westmeath Road
- Consent application (File D-10-244) for 622 Westmeath Road
- Consent application (File D-10-257) for 1321 Kohlsmith Road
- Approval of minutes from October 17, 2024, January 16, 2025, February 20, 2025, and March 20, 2025 meetings
Regular Council
The Township of Whitewater Region will hold a public meeting to discuss two zoning by-law amendments. Council is also considering a depot service agreement for Blue Box operations at the Ross Landfill Site.
- Zoning amendment for Bona Vista Campground (18070 Highway 17) to permit a Drive-in Eating Establishment (Chip Wagon)
- Temporary zoning amendment for Westmeath O'Brien Winery to permit a 'Tied' House for two years
- Depot Service Agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box operations at Ross Landfill Site (July 1 to Dec 31, 2025)
- Request for staff report on Strong Mayor Powers following letter from Minister Rob Flack
- Closed session regarding Alva Drive and Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Township of Whitewater Region Council will consider several procurement awards for municipal maintenance and signage. The body will also discuss funding for digital kiosks and a new library board appointment.
- Purchase of culverts from Armtec Inc. for $36,195.42
- 2025 street sweeping contract for 16000053 Canada Inc. (Valley Street Sweeping) for $19,232.64
- Award of Tender 2025-02 Banners to Krueger Signs for $41,612.25
- Funding for Whitewater Digital Kiosks using Tourist Booth Reserves and an RCCFDC grant
- Appointment of a new member to the Whitewater Region Public Library Board
Special Closed
The Township of Whitewater Region will hold a closed meeting to discuss the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant, specifically regarding potential litigation and solicitor-client privilege.
- Closed session to discuss Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Discussion of potential litigation affecting the municipality
- Discussion of communications subject to solicitor-client privilege
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is meeting to consider several applications for land severances and a minor variance. The body will review requests to create new residential lots and adjust yard depth requirements for specific properties.
- File D-10-252: Proposed severance of a 2.2-hectare parcel at 1782 Westmeath Road for a new residential lot
- File D-10-255: Proposed lot addition at "0" Voyageur Bay Trail
- File D-10-256: Proposed consent application at "0" Voyageur Bay Trail
- File D-13-158: Minor variance to reduce front yard depth to 3 metres at Voyageur Bay Trail
- Files D-10-253 and D-10-254: Two consent applications for "0" Beachburg Road
Regular Council
Council will discuss several infrastructure contracts, including gravel supply and arena assessments. The body is also reviewing annual drinking water and wastewater reports and a resolution regarding U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
- One-year extension of Miller Waste Systems curbside collection at a cost of $370,845.90
- Purchase of a fire vehicle crew cab truck with a budget maximum of $70,000
- Gravel crushing award to McCrea Excavating Ltd. for $239,136.00 and granular supply from Dave Bromley for $117,024.00
- Arena structural condition assessment award to GEMTEC for $13,155.46
- Asset Management Plan Update award to Dillon Consulting Limited with an upset limit of $45,000.00
Regular Council - 1p.m.
The Township of Whitewater Region Council will discuss a one-year curbside waste collection extension and a zoning by-law amendment for properties on Hawthorne and Pleasant Valley Roads. The body is also deciding on new property tax adjustment and utility collection policies.
- Proposed one-year contract extension for Miller Waste Services Inc. at a cost of $428,571.90
- Proposed award of Tender 2025-05 for pavement markings to A1 Carp Pavement Marking Limited for $43,554.30
- Zoning amendment for 1539 Hawthorne Rd and 1878 Pleasant Valley Rd from Agriculture (A) to Agriculture Exceptions 76 and 78
- Proposed lease extension for Snow Country Snowmobile Association at 2272 Mineview Road to April 30, 2026
- Proposed Property Tax Adjustment Policy for damaged and substantially unusable properties
Regular Council
Council will decide on boosting the Community Recreation Grant to $26,671.67 for expanded programming. Other decisions include swim program partnerships up to $5,000, adopting a municipal liability insurance policy, approving seasonal alternative hours, and a building inspection mutual aid agreement. The Integrity Commissioner's contract will also be extended to 2027.
- Increase Community Recreation Grant from $10,000 to $26,671.67 for enhanced programming and partnerships
- Approve swim program partnerships with North Algona Wilberforce, Bonnechere Valley, Laurentian Valley, and City of Pembroke (up to $5,000)
- Enter building inspection reciprocal agreement with Township of Horton and Admaston Bromley
- Adopt Municipal Liability Insurance Program policy for recreation
- Extend Integrity Commissioner agreement through December 31, 2027
Special Closed
The Township of Whitewater Region is holding a special closed meeting. Council will receive solicitor-client privileged advice regarding the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant and discuss personal matters concerning the Community Development Department.
- Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant legal advice
- Community Development Department personnel matters
Regular Council - 10:30 a.m.
Council will discuss the 2025 Departmental Workplan and a review of the Beachburg boil water advisory. The body is deciding on several equipment purchases, building assessments, and updates to customer service and record retention policies.
- Purchase of a Forax XD72 Heavy Duty Mulcher for $28,411.92
- LED lighting upgrades at 18 Municipal Buildings for $13,997.09
- Building condition assessments contract with Dillon Consulting Limited up to $66,245.76
- Appointment of a new member to the Whitewater Region Public Library Board
- Amendments to Customer Service, Record Retention, and Recreational Vehicle Licencing by-laws
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hear two applications: a minor variance to allow an accessory structure in the front yard and increase height to 7.75m at 261 Foresters Falls Rd, and a consent application for a lot addition at 4 Fern Gully Lane. Staff recommend approval for both. The meeting also includes confirmation of the December 19, 2024 minutes.
- Minor variance D-13-157 for 261 Foresters Falls Rd: allow accessory structure in front yard and increase permitted height from 5m to 7.75m for a cold storage shed
- Consent application D-10-250 for 4 Fern Gully Lane: lot addition of approx. 50 sq m to provide frontage onto Fern Gully Lane
- Staff recommends approval of both applications
- Confirmation of December 19, 2024 Committee of Adjustment minutes
Regular Council
Council will hold a public meeting and vote on three zoning amendments at 19d Moores Beach Road, 1654 Queens Line, and 2370 Zion Line. They will also consider dissolving the Community Services Advisory Committee, entering into grant agreements for FireSmart and fire protection, updating the recreational vehicle/trailer licensing bylaw, and awarding a sole source contract for job evaluation. A partnership agreement for the Rural Transit Solutions Fund with neighbouring municipalities is on the agenda.
- Public hearing for zoning amendments D-14-201 (19d Moores Beach Rd), D-14-202 (1654 Queens Line), D-14-203 (2370 Zion Line)
- Council to vote on approving the three zoning amendments
- Motion to repeal by-law 24-02-1662 dissolving Community Services Advisory Committee
- Award sole source contract to Cornerstones Management Solutions for job evaluation/pay equity at $14,745.02
- Authorize partnership for Rural Transit Solutions Fund with Bonnechere Valley and North Algona Wilberforce