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.

The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Illman, who will assume the role of Treasurer effective January 1st, 2026, following the retirement of Rhonda Whitmarsh. Christian will join the Township on November 20, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition into this important position.

Christian Illman is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a background in public auditing. He brings strong experience in municipal finance and leadership, having previously served as Deputy Treasurer at the Town of Smiths Falls. In that role, Christian managed a six-person team, oversaw the year-end audit and Financial Information Return (FIR) processes, and implemented key systems to improve efficiency, timeliness, and financial transparency. His forward-thinking approach, use of innovative solutions, enthusiasm for public service, and commitment to fair taxes and getting the fundamentals right align well with the Township’s focus on responsible financial management.

“We are very happy to welcome Christian to the Township's team,” said Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent, CAO. “His education, experience, and qualifications, paired with his understanding of municipal financial operations and his skills as a team-focused manager, will continue to strengthen our financial services and support the Township’s plans for the future.”

As Treasurer, Christian will oversee the Township’s financial services, including budgeting, financial reporting, taxation, and asset management planning, and will work closely with staff and Council to support long-term sustainability.

Please join us in welcoming Christian to Lanark Highlands.

Council and Committee Highlights
Stay up to date on what’s happening at the Council table in the Township of Lanark Highlands. These highlights provide a quick summary of recent Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. Please note, this summary is not an official record of Council proceedings. Official minutes are available online once approved at a subsequent meeting.

Committee of the Whole Highlights – October 14, 2025

The Committee of the Whole met to review departmental reports and provide recommendations for Council’s consideration. The following summarizes key discussions and directions from the meeting:

• Supported amendments to the Recreation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and endorsed the Frosty Fling as an official Township event.
• Reviewed the updated Terms of Reference for the Lanark County OPP Detachment Board and recommended ratification.
• Considered tender results and recommended awarding a two-year contract to Arnott Brothers Construction Limited for the supply of winter maintenance materials.
• Supported entering into a shared Household Hazardous Waste event agreement with Tay Valley Township beginning in 2026, and endorsed the closure of the Middleville depot.
• Recommended awarding two-year winter maintenance contracts for the East and West White Lake areas to Manson Cartage Ontario Inc.
• Received an update on the upcoming transition to the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Blue Box Program, outlining anticipated changes for 2026.
• Directed staff to develop a Donations and Financial Assistance Policy to guide future requests for monetary support from residents.
• Received an update from the CAO on departmental priorities, recruitment efforts, ongoing grant applications, and progress on the Strategic Plan.

Council Highlights – October 14, 2025

At its regular meeting, Council considered several items of business and took the following actions:

• Approved consent application B25-063 (Stead), subject to the Township’s standard conditions of consent. 
• Ratified the amended Terms of Reference for the Lanark County OPP Detachment Board, ensuring continued alignment with provincial police services requirements. 
• Awarded a two-year contract to Arnott Brothers Construction Limited for the supply of winter road maintenance material for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons, in the amount of $131,219.52 (including non-refundable HST). 
• Approved two-year winter maintenance contracts for the East and West White Lake areas, both awarded to Manson Cartage Ontario Inc., as follows: West White Lake Area – $30,528.00 (including non-refundable HST) and East White Lake Area – $105,830.40 (including non-refundable HST)
  Deferred consideration of By-law 2025-1995 – Reserves and Reserve Fund Policy to a future meeting for further review.

Stay Connected
Agendas and Minutes:
View all Council and Committee agendas and minutes at:
➤ https://pub-lanarkhighlands.escribemeetings.com/?Year=2025
Watch Live or Replay:
Council and Committee meetings are livestreamed and available for replay on the Township’s YouTube Channel:
➤ https://www.youtube.com/@LanarkHighlands_Council

Next Meeting:
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2025

For more information, please contact:
Clerk’s Department
Township of Lanark Highlands
613-259-2398 ext. 231 |
https://www.lanarkhighlands.ca

Over time, the Township has adopted several by-laws to address matters such as Clean and Safe Properties, Noise, Animal Control, and Zoning. These by-laws were developed at different times and under different circumstances, and Council has directed staff to review them together through the development of a new, overarching By-law Enforcement Policy.

This review will help ensure that enforcement across the Township is fair, consistent, and realistic for a rural community like ours. It will also help clarify roles, align processes, and strengthen public understanding of how by-laws are applied.

We know by-laws can affect people in different ways. Some residents are looking for stronger enforcement in certain areas, while others want clearer communication or a better understanding of the process. The Township does not have unlimited financial or human resources, and enforcement staff cannot be everywhere at once. This review is about finding the right balance — using the tools and capacity we have to support a safe, respectful, and well-cared-for community.

As part of this work, the Township is inviting residents to complete a short By-law Enforcement Survey. The survey asks about awareness, comfort, and priorities — including how by-laws are communicated, where the Township should focus its limited resources, and what fairness looks like to you. It takes about five minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.

Open until November 7, 2025

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3QYR3PB

Thank you for sharing your perspective.