CP Scoop - April 9th, 2024

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COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Consent Items

The following consent items of note from the March 26th, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting were approved:

• The following reports were accepted as information:
  • Carleton Place 2023 Stormwater Management Annual Report
  • Carleton Place Wastewater System 2023 Annual Report
  • 2023 Statement of Obligatory Reserve Funds
  • 2023 Council Remuneration Report
• Council approved the 2024 Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) Budget.
• Council approved the proposed Draft 2024 Budget for the 20-member Lanark County OPP Detachment Board and the allocation of costs to the respective municipalities within Lanark County based on weighted assessment. The budget deviation of $24,009 will be taken from the Town's overall surplus at year end, if any, and if not, from the Administration Reserve.
• Council passed a motion recommending to the Province that the composition of the Lanark County OPP Detachment Board be reduced from a 20-member Board to a 12-member Board that would be comprised of one (1) municipal representative from each of the eight (8) municipalities served by the Board, two (2) community representatives and two (2) provincial representatives.  If all eight (8) of the OPP policed communities in Lanark County pass a similar motion, the recommendation will be submitted to the Province.
• Council approved proceeding with the library exit accessibility ramp in 2024 at a cost of $89,000. The budget deviation of $29,924 will be taken from the Town’s overall surplus at year end, if any, and if not, from the Administration Reserve.
• Council approved proceeding with the tennis court maintenance in 2024 at a cost of $225,000. The budget deviation of $65,000 is to be taken from the Town’s overall surplus at year end, if any, and if not, from the Asset Management Reserve.
• The first intake of Community Enrichment Grants was approved in the amount of $26,008.85

By-laws

The following By-laws of note were read and passed:

• By-law No. 22-2024 - To Establish 2024 Tax Rates – To adopt the estimates for the sums required during the year 2024 for the general and special purposes of the Corporation of the Town of Carleton Place and to establish tax rates.
• By-law No. 25-2024 - To Enter into a Construction Licence Agreement with Carleton Place Regional Heath Hub Phase 1 to allow the Town’s lands on Costello Drive to be utilized as a construction staging area for the Health Hub construction.
• By-law No. 26-2024 - To Enter into a Construction Licence Agreement with Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited to allow the Town’s lands on Roe Street to be utilized as a construction staging area for the construction of a multi-unit commercial building.

Dates of Significance

Mayor Randell noted the following dates of significance during this evening’s Council meeting:

• National Volunteer Week - April 14th to 20th, 2024
• Earth Day - April 22nd, 2024

The full Proclamations can be found in the What’s New section of the Town’s website.

The next regularly scheduled Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will be on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

 

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Ontario Building More Inclusive Communities - Applications now open for 2024-25 Inclusive Community Grants

The Ontario government is investing $750,000 this year to help communities across the province become more age-friendly and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Applications for the 2024-25 cycle of Inclusive Community Grants opened today. These grants provide municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities with up to $60,000 for local projects that will help older adults and people with disabilities participate in community life.

Ontario Preparing Communities for Emergencies - Province's first annual report on emergency management highlights progress in plans to keep Ontario safe

Today, the Government of Ontario released its first annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, highlighting key actions the province is taking to ensure communities across Ontario are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies such as floods, wildland fires and cyber attacks.

 

OTHER NEWS

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Raises Awareness About Preventing Dog Bites

In 2023, as part of the province’s rabies prevention program, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) District Health Unit responded to over 500 incidents of people being bitten by animals in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties. This is not unusual with similar numbers occurring every year. A large proportion of these incidents involved dogs and in almost all of these incidents, the bite could have been prevented.

In recognizing Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 7th to April 13th), and in an effort to reduce the number of dog bites each year in the LGL region, the Health Unit wishes to remind residents of steps and strategies to prevent the likelihood of being bitten by a dog. In addition to the risk of exposure to rabies, preventing dog bites reduces the risk of potentially very serious injuries as well as reducing the number of hours spent by people in emergency rooms seeking treatment for dog bites.

The first, and possibly most important, thing to remember is that ANY DOG MAY BITE given the appropriate circumstances, even the cuddliest, fuzziest, good-natured dog.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something. If the dog finds itself in a stressful situation, it may bite to defend itself or its territory. Dogs can bite because they are scared or have been startled. They can bite because they feel threatened. They can bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy. They may also bite because they are not feeling well or are sick or injured.

With these reasons in mind, the Health Unit offers the following precautions to prevent being bitten by a dog:

• Always ask an owner if it is okay to approach their dog, even if it is on a leash. Don’t just assume the pet is going to be friendly and want attention.
• Try to understand dog body language. Often the signs that a dog may bite are there.
• Be mindful of touching a dog that is sick or injured as they may bite out of fear or confusion.
• When meeting a dog who is new to you, do not approach the dog. Let the dog approach you. Offer the back of your hand for the dog to sniff.
• Never tease dogs by taking their toys, food or treats, or pretending to kick or hit.
• Never pull a dog’s ears or tail and never climb on or attempt to ride a dog.
• Leave dogs alone when they are eating or sleeping.
• NEVER leave children alone with a dog. Young children may not know the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten and may accidentally provoke the dog. A baby or toddler left alone in a room with a dog for even a few seconds could have tragic consequences.
• If you come across a dog that is loose or unattended, steer clear.
• If a strange dog approaches you, especially an aggressive one (1), do not panic and do not run away. Stand still or “be a tree”. Stand still, head lowered, and hands clasped in front of you. In a worst-case scenario, if knocked down, curl into a ball and cover your head and neck with your arms.

As a dog owner:

• Always keep your dog under your control around other people. 
• Ensure anyone who wants to approach your dog does so safely. If you are unsure how your dog will react, ask for people to give your dog its space or move off of a pathway to give your dog space.
• Remove your dog from situations that it may find stressful.
• Fence your yard and provide an appropriate sign letting visitors know of a dog on the premises.

It is important to teach children about approaching dogs and safety around your family dog. The Health Unit has created a Dog Bite Awareness resource for parents, those who work with kids to help educate children and also for vet offices and doggie daycares to post for owners. This can be printed and posted or you can contact the Health Unit for a copy.

For more information on preventing dog bites and bites from animals in general, please visit the Health Unit website at Preventing Animal Bites - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and X or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

Please Note: This email is not regularly monitored. Email: acharania@carletonplace.ca. Federal, Provincial, and Other news items are provided impartially, as a convenience and as a means of sharing information from higher levels of government and partner organizations.