The community dock and swimming area at Robb’s Lake have recently undergone some changes. For many years, the swimming area has included both a dock and an elevated swimming platform. The elevated swimming platform was removed by the Township of Lanark Highlands in order to comply with legal and insurance advice related to public safety and municipal liability. This action was taken to protect the public and fulfill the Township’s legal duty to manage risk on municipal lands.

Robb’s Lake, accessed by a gated municipal road allowance, is a long-standing informal community swimming area. Over the past year, local residents undertook repairs to the aging dock and rebuilt the elevated platform. The Township of Lanark Highlands recognizes and appreciates the community’s dedication to maintaining this recreational space. Unfortunately, the municipality was not made aware of the reconstruction plans in advance, and there was no opportunity to discuss safety concerns or municipal requirements related to the platform. The dock and platform are on municipal land, and the Township is legally responsible and liable for this site.

The Township sought advice from legal counsel and their insurance provider regarding public safety, legal responsibility, and municipal liability. The municipality was advised to have a building inspection done of the site. The Chief Building Inspector visited the site to determine if it was safe for use. While parts of the structure had been updated, overall, the structure was not built to the standards for a municipally owned, publicly accessible facility.

On June 24, 2025, Lanark Highlands Council received legal and insurance advice on this matter.  In accordance with section 239 of the Municipal Act, this advice was received in a closed session. Council was advised that the platform posed two significant concerns:

1. Safety of the Structure Itself - The dock and elevated jumping platform had fallen into disrepair. The rebuilt structure addressed some, but not all, structural safety issues. The Chief Building Official inspected the structure and found that it did not meet best practices for a publicly owned recreation facility.

2. Risks and Safety Concerns Related to Use - The elevated platform was used for jumping from a substantial height into the lake. Insurance advice clearly stated this use posed a high and unacceptable risk and created too great a liability for the Township. Once the safety risk had been identified, there was an urgency to mitigate the risk to avoid injury. 

Risk management responsibilities for municipalities have evolved significantly in recent years. Municipalities are held to a higher standard than individual property owners, often requiring municipalities to act more cautiously than in the past.  Lanark Highlands’ Council acknowledged its duty to reduce its liability exposure going forward.

Upon receiving the advice, Council directed staff to remove the elevated platform and install railings on the dock to enhance safety. Staff initiated this work immediately to prevent any potential safety incidents and to ensure the municipality would not be found negligent.

“We recognize that Robb’s Lake is important to the community, and we value the efforts of residents to maintain it,” said Reeve Peter McLaren. “Municipal councils are responsible for making decisions that prioritize public safety and protect the broader interests of the municipality. While the community may be willing to accept certain risks, the Township — and its insurers — often have different risk thresholds. Council has a legal and moral responsibility to act on expert advice when public safety is at stake.”

A notice of the decision was provided to the President of the Tatlock Hall Association by phone and by email on the morning of June 25, 2025.  The Township acknowledges the frustration this has caused to members of the community, and particularly those who worked on the platform. The Township sincerely apologizes to those who feel frustrated by this decision and/or excluded from the decision-making process. We have heard those concerns and recognize the importance of dialogue and transparency, especially regarding matters that affect valued community spaces.

“We recognize that our residents care deeply about our shared community, often bringing forward creative and thoughtful ideas to improve our shared spaces. As Township staff and Council continue our work to manage municipal property, ensure public safety, and comply with legal and insurance obligations, we must find ways to collaborate with residents.  By working together, we can find solutions that honour community spirit and ensure everyone’s well-being. Collaboration between residents and the Township helps build a safer, more vibrant community for all," shared CAO Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent.

New railings have been installed on the dock, and it is open for use. Moving forward, the Township is committed to improving communication with local residents and working collaboratively to ensure Robb’s Lake remains a safe and accessible community space.

Residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact the Township.

NOTICE OF PASSING

CONCERNING ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 2025-1981

File No. ZA-2025-03 (Wager/Martinig)

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands passed By-Law No. 2025-1981 on June 24^th, 2025, to amend Zoning By-law No. 2003-451 to rezone the lands legally described as Pt Lot 9, Concession 7, geographic Township of Darling, now in the Township of Lanark Highlands, from “Rural (RU)” zone and “Mineral Aggregate Reserve – holding (MAR-h)” to “Rural – Exception 44 (RU-44)” Zone in accordance with the Key Map attached.

AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in respect of By-law No. 2025-1978 by filing with the Clerk of the Corporation of the Township of Lanark Highlands a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the By-law, the reasons in support of the objection and the prescribed appeal fee not later than the 16^th day of July 2025.

Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal against a by-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal.  A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group.  However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.

No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the by-law was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

The EXPLANATORY NOTE on the reverse side of this Notice explains the purpose and effect of the Amendment, and the KEY MAP shows the location of the property which is affected by the Amendment.

A COPY of By-law No. 2025-1981 and additional information regarding the amendment and other relevant background materials are available for inspection by appointment, between 9:00am and 4:00pm weekdays in the Planning Department at the Municipal Building. 

DATED at the Township of Lanark Highlands, this 26^th day of June 2025.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Purpose and Effect:  The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment will amend Zoning By-law No. 2003-451 to rezone the lands legally described as Pt Lot 9, Concession 7, geographic Township of Darling, now in the Township of Lanark Highlands, from “Rural (RU)” zone and “Mineral Aggregate Reserve – holding (MAR-h)” to “Rural – Exception 44 (RU-44)” Zone in accordance with the Key Map below.

Notwithstanding their “Rural (RU)” zoning designation, those lands identified as “RU-44” on Schedule “A” to this By-law, may be used in accordance with the “Rural (RU) provisions contained in this By-law, expecting however that:

4. Sections 4.32.3(b) of the Zoning By-law shall not apply.

KEY MAP

Part Lot 9, Concession 7, geographic Township of Darling, now in the Township of Lanark Highlands

 Lands to be Rezoned from “Rural” to “Rural – 44 (RU-44)” 

The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce that it has secured $178,000 in provincial funding to support the revitalization of Watson’s Corners Community Hall.

This investment comes as part of the Ontario government’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). Through this program, the province is investing over $2.1 million in recreation and sport infrastructure across the Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston riding to protect local jobs, enhance public spaces, and promote active, healthy living.

The revitalization of Watson’s Corners Community Hall will help ensure this well-used community facility remains a vibrant gathering space for residents and visitors for years to come.

The Township extends its gratitude to the Ontario government for its support of this important project.

For more information about the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, please visit the website of John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.

NOTICE is provided that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands proposes to enact a By-law to approve Zoning By-Law Amendment ZA-2025-01 (Cowle) at its Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers located at 75 George Street, Lanark, commencing at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public may also listen to Council proceedings on the conference bridge.

The meeting agenda will be posted on April 17th, 2025, and will be available in the Council meeting portal: https://pub-lanarkhighlands.escribemeetings.com

NOTICE is provided that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands intends to consider passing a By-law to adopt the 2025 Fees and Charges By-law in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, at its Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Council and Staff invite the public to review and provide comments on the proposed fees and charges.

Proposed Fees and Charges (PDF)

Comments can be directed to the Treasurer, Rhonda Whitmarsh, at .

Note: This shall serve as Public Notice should the adoption of the 2025 Fees and Charges By-law be deferred to a future meeting.

NOTICE is provided that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands proposes to enact a By-law to adopt the 2025 Municipal Budget at its Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers located at 75 George Street, Lanark, commencing at 6:00 p.m.  Members of the Public may also listen to Council proceedings on the conference bridge. 

2025 Municipal Budget

The meeting agenda will be posted on April 17th, 2025 and will be available in the Council meeting portal: https://pub-lanarkhighlands.escribemeetings.com

Note: This shall serve as Public Notice should the adoption of the 2025 Municipal Budget By-law be deferred to a future meeting.

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