The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Scott Richardson as its new Chief Building Official (CBO), who will begin duties on January 5, 2026.

Scott is registered as a Chief Building Official and brings experience in municipal building services and house/small building design. He has worked for municipal building departments since 2013, in progressively responsible roles from building inspector to Chief Building Official. Most recently, Mr. Richardson has served as the Chief Building Official/Bylaw Enforcement Officer for the Township of Faraday, and the Township of Tudor and Cashel since 2017. This experience provides a strong foundation in the administration and enforcement of the Ontario Building Code Act, including plan review, inspections, and compliance with applicable legislation and municipal by-laws.

“We are pleased to welcome Scott to the Township and the team,” said Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent. “His experience, knowledge and qualifications will support the delivery of professional, effective, and responsive building services for our community.”

The Township looks forward to the leadership and expertise our new Chief Building Official will bring to the team and to supporting safe and consistent development across Lanark Highlands.

For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent

The Township of Lanark Highlands has made available the video recording of the public information meeting held on December 10th, 2025, to provide information and context regarding the consolidation of Fire Station 4.

Residents who were unable to attend the meeting in person, or who wish to review the information again, are encouraged to watch the recording on the Township’s official YouTube channel.

Please note that the meeting was recorded live, and as such, audio and video quality may vary at times.

For further information, please contact the Fire Chief by email at

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands intends to consider passing a By-law to adopt the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held on January 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Council and Staff invite the public to review and provide comments on the proposed fees and charges.

Comments can be directed to the Treasurer, Christian Illman, at .

Note: This shall serve as Public Notice should the adoption of the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law be deferred to a future meeting.

On December 9, 2025, Council directed its legal counsel to begin preparing to oppose Cavanagh Construction’s appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal regarding the lack of decision on their Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications. This direction follows a detailed briefing from legal counsel. It reflects Council’s careful consideration of the issues, as well as the concerns that have been raised by members of the community.

This step enables the Township to participate in the Tribunal process fully and ensure that local planning policies and community interests are appropriately represented. We understand that residents and other concerned citizens are eager for updates and we are committed to keeping the community informed as the process moves forward.  As additional information becomes available, we will share it on our website and through our official communication channels.

Thanks for your continued engagement and interest in this matter.

At the Council meeting on November 25, 2025 Council asked that the Planner’s Report related to the Highland Line be shared with the community. The document is linked below for public review and awareness.

Take Notice That the Committee of Adjustment of the Township of Lanark Highlands will hold an IN-PERSON MEETING as per the procedural By-law on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to hear an application for a minor variance in accordance with Section 45 of the Planning Act. Attend in person at the Municipal Complex, 75 George Street, Lanark ON, to participate in the public meeting in order to assist the Committee in its review of the proposal, you are requested to provide comments on or before December 9th, 2025.

Purpose and Effect: The proposed Minor Variance is being requested for 513 Stewart Lane, in order to accommodate an expansion of the legal non-conforming dwelling within the floodplain and 30M setback from water.

Other Related Applications – N/A

Public Hearing: – You can attend the public hearing in person, or you may be represented by counsel or an agent to provide information, to comment, or to ask questions about this application. Signed written submissions that relate to the application shall be accepted by the secretary- treasurer before or during the hearing of the application at the address above and shall be available to any interested person for inspection at the hearing.

Failure to Attend the Hearing: - If you do not attend this public hearing, it may proceed in your absence and, except as otherwise provided in the Planning Act, you will not be entitled to any further notice in the proceedings.

Notice of Decision: - A certified copy of the decision, together with a notice of the last day for appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal shall be sent no later than 10 days from the notice of the decision to the applicant, and to each person who filed with the secretary-treasurer a written request for notice of decision.

Additional Information: - regarding the proposed Minor Variance will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office by appointment during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Dated at the Township of Lanark Highlands this 25th day of November 2025.

Nicole Guthrie
Clerk Ph: 613 259-2398 ext. 250
Email:  or 

Township of Lanark Highlands
75 George Street,
Lanark ON,
K0G 1K0

Application for Minor Variance

The Township of Lanark Highlands was made aware of the intention of Thomas Cavanagh Construction to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal rather than have the matter decided by Council. Council has since engaged Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP, who are reviewing the file and the appeal and will provide advice to Council.

Council will receive an overview from the Township’s Planner in closed session on November 25th and will meet with Legal Counsel during a closed session on December 9, 2025 to determine a direction. After the December 9th meeting, residents can expect an update from Council about how the Township will proceed.

The Township remains committed to keeping residents informed throughout this process. Following the December 9th meeting, we will share what we can, when we are able, to ensure the community remains aware of Council’s direction and the steps that may follow.

December 10, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. – Tatlock Hall

The Township of Lanark Highlands will hold a public information meeting to provide details on the consolidation of Fire Station 4.

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tatlock Hall

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Explain the consolidation of Station 4 and the rationale behind the decision

• Outline what the consolidation means for fire protection and emergency response

• Provide clarity on timelines, service levels, and operational changes

• Answer questions from residents

Representatives from the Township and Lanark Highlands Fire Service will provide an overview of the consolidation and be available for discussion.

All residents are welcome to attend.

If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please contact the Township office.

File No.: ZA-2025-05 Fillipoff
Subject Land: 720 Rosetta Road-Lanark Concession 4 Part Lot 5
Municipality: Township of Lanark Highlands
Owner: Shelley Fillapoff
Applicant: Matt Fillapoff

TAKE NOTICE THAT, in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, this notice is to advise that sufficient information has been presented to deem the application being processed under File ZA-2025-05 as complete.

AND THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands will hold a HYBRID MEETING as per procedural By-law on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering a proposed zoning by-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act. In order to assist the Committee in its review of the proposal, you are requested to provide comments on or before December 4th, 2025, by 4:00 p.m.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment will meet the condition of consent to accommodate the mapping of MDS ARC on the severed lands. The rezoning will prohibit the use of the existing barnlike structure from housing livestock. It will change the Rural (RU) zoning to a site specific Rural – Exception (RU-x) zone.

IF A SPECIFIED PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Township of Lanark Highlands to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the specified person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Lanark Highlands before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

IF A SPECIFIED PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or makes written submissions to the Township of Lanark Highlands before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Township of Lanark Highlands on the proposed zoning by-law amendment, you must make a written request to the Township of Lanark Highlands.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the proposed zoning by-law amendment will be available for public inspection at the Township of Lanark Highlands Municipal Office by appointment during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

DATED at the Township of Lanark Highlands this 18th day of November 2025.