CP Scoop - December 5th, 2023

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COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Consent Items

The following consent item of note from the November 21st, 2023, Committee of the Whole meeting was approved:

• Nelson Street Reconstruction - Scope Change – Nelson Street is scheduled to be reconstructed from Franktown Road to Findlay Avenue in 2024.  The current scope of work is the removal and replacement of granular materials and asphalt, and a new sidewalk to be installed o the east side of the roadway.  Council approved the scope change to the Nelson Street Road Reconstruction to include the upsizing of the watermain from 200mm to 300mm as per the Water and Wastewater Master Plan to support future development of the adjacent lands to the east of Franktown Road. The funds for the upsizing of the watermain will be taken from Development Charges. 

By-laws

• By-law No. 98-2023 - To Adopt an Interim Tax Levy – the interim taxes will be based on 50% of the applicable taxes for 2023 and will be due in two (2) instalments, Friday, March 1st, 2024 and Monday, June 3rd, 2024.
• By-law No. 99-2023 - To Adopt an Interim Control By-law – This by-law, as amended, will control the development or redevelopment of properties designated ‘Strategic Properties’ in Development Permit By-law 15-2015 for a period of one (1) year

Motions

2024 Draft Budget - A public meeting on the proposed 2024 budget was held on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 during the Committee of the Whole meeting. The public was given the opportunity to provide input on the proposed levy increase until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 30th, 2023.

This evening, Council voted to defer the decision on the levy increase until the December 12th meeting due to information that was received from the Treasurer regarding some Provincial grant funding that has been reduced by approximately $171,000 annually which will have implications for asset management planning for the next 10 years.

Awards

On Tuesday, April 12th, 2022, the Carleton Place Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a multi-residential house with two (2) people confirmed to be trapped on the second floor.

At the same time, another significant fire event was occurring in Pakenham in the Municipality of Mississippi Mills where Carleton Place firefighters and five (5) other departments were on the scene fighting a large fire which left the Carleton Place Fire Department with less staff than usual.

When Fire Chief Pascal Meunier arrived as the first Fire Officer on the scene, heavy flames and smoke were coming from the lower level of the building and had already reached the second floor. Chief Meunier was met by OPP Constable Beth Hollihan, who was already working on evacuating the building. She updated the Chief on the situation and locations of residents and was already working on crowd control. While doing all of this, she was also coaching and giving a new police officer, Officer Dan Pasieka, direction.

When the first pumper arrived on scene, firefighters caught a fire hydrant and set it up. Chief Meunier requested that Officer Pasieka help him grab the ladder from the pumper and carry it to the backside, second-storey window where one (1) tenant was trapped and one (1) tenant was waiting at the window surrounded by smoke and flames nearby. Officer Pasieka didn’t hesitate and immediately assisted with the set up of the ladder to support the Chief during the rescue of the first tenant. 

As the first tenant was being brought down the ladder, Firefighters Jess Johnson and Dave MacFadyen, also a Fire Captain, and Officer Hollihan came around the rear of the building joining Officer Pasieka and Chief Meunier. It should be noted that Firefighters Johnson and MacFadyen had just completed their mandatory NFPA Firefighter Levels 1 and 2 certification earlier that day.

Chief Meunier advised the firefighters that there was still one (1) person trapped inside; and had them ascend the ladder and enter the room headfirst through the window. Once inside, they realized that the occupant had mobility issues and that this might present them with a bigger challenge than they thought. By now, the fire was directly below them and had started to ignite objects in the next room. After assessing the situation, they realized there was no way out other than the window.

As they were preparing to bring the tenant out of the building, Firefighters MacFadyen and Johnson realized things were becoming even more difficult when it became clear that the tenant did not understand how dangerous the situation had become and he lay down on his bed. Knowing that they did not have much longer to get out, the firefighters explained to him the imminent danger and physically pulled him from the bed so that he was upright. With the assistance of another firefighter, Officer Hollihan and Officer Pasieka, they were able to get the man out of the window and down the ladder to safety.

The professionalism and leadership of Officer Hollihan from the minute that the Fire Chief arrived on scene was exemplary. The calm demeanor she demonstrated to the new OPP Officer recruit, and the assistance she offered and gave our firefighters during this event was greatly appreciated and integral to the rescue operation.  

Officer Pasieka’s quick response to the request for assistance had a direct effect on the positive outcome of the rescue of both residents. His knowledge, experience, and professionalism during the rescue of the two (2) tenants and during the fire itself were remarkable.

Firefighter MacFadyen and Firefighter Johnson, despite only having completed their full training earlier that day, showed exceptional courage that night. Working together with clear thinking and determination, they were able to secure the safety of a tenant who might otherwise have perished.

And finally, Chief Meunier was the calm voice that allowed all of the moving parts at this fire scene to work in tandem. His experience and leadership ensured that everyone involved remained safe, and that the best possible outcome was achieved.

For these reasons, awards of bravery were presented to Fire Chief Pascal Meunier, Firefighter Dave MacFadyen, Firefighter Jess Johnson, Officer Beth Hollihan, and Officer Dan Pasieska.

The next, and final for 2023, regularly scheduled meetings of Council and Committee of the Whole will take place on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

 

MUNICIPAL NEWS

The Town of Carleton Place Recreation and Culture Department is currently accepting resumes for the following positions:

• Concession Attendant
• Pool Instructor
• Pool Casual Cashier

Detailed job descriptions for these positions can be accessed on the Employment Opportunities page on the Town’s website.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a detailed cover letter and CV outlining your credentials relevant to the position, using PDF or docx format.  Please be advised that the Town reserves the right to post its employment opportunities as open until filled.  Resume reviews may begin immediately and continue until the posted position is filled and any position can be filled prior to the closing date.  Applications must be received no later than 12 noon, on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, quoting the title of the position you are applying for, by email at hr@carletonplace.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  The Town of Carleton Place is an equal opportunity employer following the rules and regulations set out by the Human Rights Code.  Personal information submitted will be used for the purposes of determining suitability for this competition only and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upon request.

 

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs - $5.5 million investment will support local programs helping women join the workforce and gain financial independence

The Ontario government is launching a call for applications and investing $5.5 million, including an additional $496,000 this year, in the Women’s Economic Security Program to expand and increase training opportunities for low-income women to equip them with the skills, knowledge and experience to find a job or start a business and increase their financial security.

 

OTHER NEWS

You Are in Good Company with the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation

As community members, your belief in the charitable mission of the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) Foundation to transform lives and improve healthcare for all patients is imperative. The staff and volunteers at the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) Foundation work tirelessly to raise funds each year – through donations big and small – to fill the needs at your hospital that are not otherwise funded by the government or other sources:

100% of all patient care equipment (from IV poles to stretchers, x-ray equipment to operating tools) and 10% of all new building infrastructure, like the new Emergency Department building, is all provided by YOU, your neighbours, and those in your community.

Everything the CPDMH Foundation does works towards ensuring quality healthcare where community members need it most – close to home. Dedicated volunteers and experienced staff love what they do, but it is something else entirely when they are recognized for their accomplishments by the communities they serve.

The CPDMH Foundation is thrilled to share that their dedicated team has been awarded with the esteemed Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce Team of the Year award at this year’s 11th Annual Business Awards Gala for their exceptional contributions and positive impact in the community and surrounding area.

Each year, the Team of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievements of teams that have demonstrated remarkable commitment, innovation, and positive impact in their community. This recognition/award/accolade reflects the Foundation's unwavering dedication to the Hospital and the Foundation’s mission, ensuring that their community has access to exceptional healthcare close to home and ensuring a sustainable future for their hospital.

Receiving the Team of the Year award is a testament to the Foundation's outstanding teamwork, leadership, and overall impact in their community. The team’s collaborative approach in cultivating relationships and fostering community engagement has set a benchmark for excellence.

"We are immensely proud of our Foundation team for their exceptional achievements. This recognition is a true testament to the unwavering commitment of the team, ensuring access to healthcare for all members of our community," shares Linda McGreevy, CPDMH Foundation Board Chair. "Their dedication, passion, and love for their community have helped shape the future of healthcare in our community”.

Linda McGreevy, the CPDMH Foundation Chair and Campaign Advisor, has been honoured with the 2023 Lanark County Award of Excellence for her remarkable volunteer contributions. The award highlights McGreevy’s “tireless efforts, financial gifts and selfless dedication” to the
CPDMH Foundation, Carebridge Community Support and Lanark County Interval House.

Additionally, Lori Cavanagh, who is the CPDMH Foundation’s Campaign Co-Chair, her family, and Thomas Cavanagh Construction, were also recognized. In October, the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards of Excellence recognized Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. with the Community Impact Award, which honours businesses that have made significant and positive contributions to the local community through initiatives and outreach. But it didn’t stop there. This month, the 2023 Lanark County Award of Excellence was presented to them for their philanthropic support.

You can rest assured that you are in good company with the CPDMH Foundation. “I am honoured to be leading the incredible CPDMH Foundation staff team and so very privileged to work alongside our exceptional volunteers who are each making such contributions to healthcare in the community,” adds Executive Director of the CPDMH Foundation, Robyn Arseneau.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the CPDMH Foundation or how YOU can contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in your community with a gift, please reach out at any time. 

Together, we are making a difference and ensuring that our community receives the healthcare services we all deserve.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Receives Excellence Canada’s Gold Award for Mental Health in the Workplace

On November 17th, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit representatives accepted the Excellence Canada’s Mental Health at Work Gold award at the 2023 Performance Excellence Summit in Toronto. The Canada Awards for Excellence is an annual awards program established in 1984 that recognizes outstanding achievements by organizations in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors coast-to-coast across Canada.

“This award is a testament to the collective effort, dedication and commitment of every individual in our organization that values and promotes a culture of mental health and well-being,” said Shani Gates, Health Unit Director of Quality, Information and People Services and executive sponsor of the mental health and well-being program. “I would like to thank all of our mental health at work champions and our leadership team for supporting our wellness initiatives and creating a workplace environment where mental health and well-being is a priority.”

In fall 2021, the Health Unit’s Strategic Leadership Team adopted Excellence Canada’s Mental Health at Work Program as a strategic framework to improve the psychological health and safety of the workplace environment and contribute to personal mental health and well-being amongst all our employees. In March 2023, a verification process was completed with Excellence Canada, and the Health Unit met the requirements of the Gold certification level of Excellence Canada’s Mental Health at Work program.

This award is the first milestone in the Health Unit’s journey to create a workplace environment where all employees feel safe, supported, and cared for. 

“Congratulations to everyone at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit,” says Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the organization. “This is an important strategic initiative as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on the mental health, well-being and resiliency of our employees into the future.”

For information about the Health Unit, please visit www.healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853. Important public health updates are also available by connecting with @LGLHealthunit on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and @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.