Mayor's Message

Spring is fast approaching and I hope everyone continues to enjoy good health and have weathered the winter months. 

This past year has been one of continued change in Lanark Highlands as our new CAO (Tom Derreck), Clerk / Deputy CAO (Amanda Mabo), Superintendent of Public Works (Scott Cameron) settle in and become more familiar with our large township and its unique challenges. Their fresh outlooks and experience - joined with knowledge and skills of our established staff members – are already showing positive effect and improvements in the way we organize and deliver our services.

In 2008 I had the privilege of serving as Warden and Head of the Council of Lanark County. Although a demanding commitment, service in that office brought with it many opportunities to ensure that the Township of Lanark Highlands became known at Queens Park. As Warden, and as an active member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, I was enabled throughout the year to talk about pressing Township issues with numerous provincial Ministers and officials. I’m looking forward to that groundwork producing some dividends for us – the most important being Provincial/Federal funding assistance this year to get our sewer and water system built and operating.

The water and sewer project in Lanark Village is identified as needed to relieve longstanding and deepening water quality issues as well as the foundation for attracting new development and a broader, diversified tax base. The project is number one on the Council’s list of priorities. In 2008, the Township engaged the Ottawa firm of CH2Mhill to lead the pre-engineering phase of the project, which will result in the tendering for construction.  Construction won’t proceed however, until Provincial and Federal funding is secured.  As we move forward with the project, public meetings will continue to be held to ensure that our residents are kept informed of the progress being made as well as being included if major changes if required.

As stated last year, our monies set aside for the water and sewer project remain safely and conservatively invested. Although the markets have been less than positive, we’ve done well and have realized a modest earning over the last year.

In the latter weeks of 2008, we commenced changing the operation of our waste sites.  Our goal was to offer a level of service that meets demands while curbing the costs of operating five open sites and hopefully keeping ongoing cost increases to a minimum.  We’re working diligently with our contractor to complete the conversion of the waste sites to transfer stations - and progress is good.

By the end of this year, we - along with all other municipalities – are required by provincial mandate to convert to a new system of financial accounting, known as the “Public Sector Accounting Board” (PSAB). Basically, the process requires that all infrastructure (roads, street lights, etc.) and capital assets (buildings, vehicles, equipment, and so on) be located, listed, and a replacement cost determined for each.  Starting in 2010, municipal budgeting and accounting systems will include that information as an improved basis for current and future financial planning and management.

Our review of the Official Plan (OP) - required to be done every five years - is continuing. The first round of public open houses has been completed. When a draft of the revised OP is available (expected by the end of May) public meetings will take place to allow for comment by all who are interested.  On a personal note -  I strongly suggest that each and every property owner take an interest in this procedure because the plan could in some way affect the use of all or individual properties . Once the review is completed, the revised OP will be sent to Queens Park for approval and Council will start to update our Zoning Bylaw. The Zoning By-Law has to reflect the purpose and content of the OP. Public meetings will also be held to discuss a new Zoning By-Law, so watch for the advertisements giving notice of them.

As we all know, the 2008 winter season was a challenge for many of us, including the Township.  Unpredictable snowfalls coupled with gas/diesel price fluctuations play havoc with our winter road maintenance costs and always impacts the Township’ ability to manage its budget.

Council is committed to ongoing communication with our residents through the Township’s website and through media options available to us, including the Lanark Era, The Highland Voice and the Weekender. We continue to investigate new and improved methods for keeping you up to date and well- informed about your local government’s activities. Suggestions are welcome.

Watch for announcements about the Lanark Highlands information “Road Show’ coming to your area in the late spring and early summer. Presented by myself and our Chief Administrative Officer, it will entertain and inform you about how and under what conditions your local government works as well as how we compare to our neighbouring municipalities in terms of challenges, taxes, successes and much more. The “Road Show will be presented at public open houses throughout the township,  so again – keep an eye open for notice of it coming to your area.

Before closing, I want to emphasize how extremely lucky we are and how grateful we ought to be for the tireless (and often unknown) contributions made by the many volunteers who make community life in Lanark Highlands what it is.  I’m continually amazed by their quietly superb quality and selfless dedication as they go about making the Highlands a better and more welcoming place in which to live, work and relax.

Our Council encourages you to put forward the names of volunteers who lead the way for others and who have touched your life, or the lives of friends and loved ones, so they can be properly recognized and thanked.

It’s my hope in 2009 to have the opportunity to meet and talk with you – to hear your views – and to learn what you think the Township might do to go on improving and moving toward a new prosperity.
I wish you a safe, healthy and happy year.

Sincerely,

Bob Fletcher, Mayor

Office Hours

Thursdays 9:30 to 1:00 and 1:30 to 4:30