French River ZBA approves rezoning at 66 Smythe Road; council to weigh $650k arena project
French River's zoning board approved a rezoning for three lots on Smythe Road at a special meeting July 8, while council's regular meeting the same day set out several pending decisions — including a $650,000 arena upgrade and the municipality's share of the 2026 police budget.
Zoning amendment passed for 66 Smythe Road
The French River Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) committee passed By-law 2026-39, rezoning three lots at 66 Smythe Road in Alban from Rural (RU) to Rural Residential (RR). The application, file 26-09FR, was made by Sheila and David Niemeyer. The by-law was read a first, second, and third time and finally passed. Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published.
Council agenda: arena project, police contribution, building by-law
Council's July 8 regular meeting was agenda-only, meaning the following items were scheduled for consideration but outcomes are not yet recorded.
Council was set to vote on a $6,569.20 contribution to the Sudbury East OPP Detachment Board's 2026 budget.
A larger item on the agenda: authorization to apply to the federal Build Communities Strong Fund for an arena dasher board replacement and fire suppression system totaling $650,000, with up to $325,000 in federal funding and the municipal share covering the remainder.
Council was also scheduled to adopt Building By-law 2026-40, award the purchase of thermal imaging cameras for the fire department, and receive a report on the April 2026 flooding event that affected 20 roads and led to a declared state of emergency.
OPP detachment board to review 2026 budget
The Sudbury East OPP Detachment Board met June 29 on an agenda-only basis. Items included the Detachment Commander's Q2 report, 2025 financial results, and the proposed 2026 police budget. The board was to decide whether any surplus is carried forward or added to the reserve fund, which must equal 10% of the annual operating budget.
The board was also scheduled to approve the French-Nipissing West Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 and note a change in Police Services Advisor: Ron LeClair becomes primary advisor effective September 1, 2026, with Tom Gervais continuing to support the board.
Coming up
July 23 — Property Standards & By-law Appeal Committee: A public hearing is scheduled for an appeal of a vicious dog designation concerning a dog named Jack, owned by Vicki Dunleavy at 301 Riverview Drive, Alban (File No. 2026-01). Each side will have 30 minutes for evidence and 5 minutes for closing submissions. The committee will then recess to a closed session under Municipal Act Section 239(2)(b) for personal matters about an identifiable individual, followed by an oral decision. Minutes from the committee's December 18, 2024 meeting are also on the agenda.