The Township of Lanark Highlands is taking several steps to address issues related to municipal audits, a 2024 budget insurance error and upcoming financial challenges for 2025.

The township’s new treasurer, Rhonda Whitmarsh, started in the position on Nov. 4 and will be the lead in completing the 2023 audit and addressing any outstanding recommendations from management letters for 2022 and 2021. “Rhonda brings more than two decades of experiences as a municipal treasurer and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant,” explained CAO Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent. “The content of previous management letters was not publicly released as it included sensitive issues that could pose security issues for the township.”

In addition, in the 2024 budget, an error was made that inadvertently doubled the actual required amount for the township’s insurance. The township electronically paid the $146,774.40 amount shown on the physical invoice, but due to a change in the broker’s banking information, it was not received, resulting in a second payment being issued correctly. The entry for the return of the initial undeliverable funds was not recorded in the township’s financial software, however; and Whitmarsh discovered the error in early November.

“It appears that when subsequently preparing the 2024 budget earlier this year, staff used the amount shown in the financial software, which reflected the two payments made, but not that one payment did not go through,” Charbonneau-Dent said. The township has the ability to set aside the remaining unspent amount of $146,774.40 in reserves to offset future expenditures.

“The 2024 tax rate was set using the higher insurance figure, and this will not be mirrored in the 2025 budget,” she added. The savings will be available to assist with addressing financial challenges in 2025, including a large forecasted OPP billing increase, aging infrastructure and asset management obligations.

Charbonneau-Dent said staff involved with the 2024 budget insurance mistake are no longer with the township, but they had worked diligently to catch up, particularly on the financial side, during a period of staff turnover and shortages in recent years, often taking on extra duties. “This has been part of the challenge, but we take ownership for the error and recognize the impact it had on the 2024 budget and tax rate.”

“I value the dedication and professionalism of our township staff,” said Reeve Peter McLaren. “Mistakes can happen to anyone. Our staff have been operating in a catch-up mode with each performing multiple jobs to get caught up. I am extremely proud of this over-the-top effort by all our staff.”

Additional steps being taken include:

• The new treasurer will be conducting internal audits and reviews of financial transactions and internal controls, and any findings of concern will be brought to the attention of council.
• Completing a detailed assessment of the financial impacts of asset retirement obligations that are required to complete the 2023 audit. The township anticipates awarding a contract to complete these assessments by Nov. 28, 2024.
• An RFP for audit services for 2023 and 2024 was issued on Nov. 19 and is expected to be awarded in January 2025. Timelines for completion will be confirmed with the selected auditor.
• Department managers have started preparation of the 2025 budget, and the process will begin in January.

“Lanark Highlands is turning a corner,” Reeve McLaren said. “We have good staffing in place with the key positions of CAO, Clerk and Treasurer filled, and they are working to get things back on track and get up to date on our finances. We understand the importance of transparency and will be working diligently to keep our ratepayers informed.”

For more information, contact:
Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent
CAO
Township of Lanark Highlands
613-259-2398 ext. 222

Staff presented two policies to Council at the Committee of the Whole meeting on 8 October 2024 where they discussed updates to the Procurement Policy and the draft of the new Employee Code of Conduct.

We appreciate your feedback and encourage you to provide input on these policies by emailing

Feedback will be accepted until October 31, 2024.

PLEASE NOTE

Sheridan Rapids Bridges will be reduced to one lane with minimal disruption to traffic starting Wednesday, October 2/2024.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact

The Lanark Highlands Public Works Department
613-259-2398 Extension # 242 or # 239

McDonalds Corners Agricultural Society (MDCAS ) wishes to thank the Township of Lanark Highlands & Councillor Jeannie Kelso for the grant they awarded us in the amount of $6,400.00. This money purchased a storage shed BBQ and outside seating for the fair and other future events.

MDCAS would not have been able to purchase these items without your generous grant.

Thank you from the director’s & community of McDonalds Corners!

The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Nicole Guthrie as the new Clerk. She officially begins her role on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving our community.

Nicole joins the Township with nearly 20 years of experience in managing municipal and government records, supporting committees, councils and boards, and enhancing public services. This includes previous roles with the Town of Carleton Place, Municipality of Mississippi Mills, and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.  Since 2016, she has been supporting the provincial education system at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). For the past four years she has performed as the General Manager, Board Services, for the OCDSB, which has prepared her for the complimentary role of municipal clerk.

Ms. Guthrie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University and has completed additional certifications and training including courses on municipal emergency preparedness, health and safety and public relations.

As the Municipal Clerk, Ms. Guthrie will be responsible for coordinating the administrative and legislative requirements necessary for the Township and Council to function, in addition to managing municipal elections, the issuance of various licenses and maintenance of the corporate records. Nicole will also play a key role in facilitating communication between the Township office and the residents of Lanark Highlands.

"I am pleased to welcome Nicole to the team. It is always a benefit to add new perspective from one's body of work in former jobs to improve customer service,” said Reeve McLaren.

For more information, please contact Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent, CAO at 613-259-2398 ext. 222 or email: .

The Township of Lanark Highlands is committed to providing excellent customer service and has established a Complaint Policy and process to enable the Township to promptly and effectively address program and service delivery concerns raised by members of the public.

If you have a complaint, talk to us first.  If you are unsatisfied with our answer and service, you can complete a Complaint Form and submit it to the Township Clerk for action. 

The complaint process covers all Township staff, services, programs, and facilities including our contractors and consultants working on behalf of the Township

The process does not cover complaints in the following areas: 

• Requests for Services for the Public Works Department.  Complaints such as snow plowing, and potholes are fairly routine across all municipalities.   You can contact the Public Works Department directly at 613-259-2359.
• Members of Council, Committees, or Local Boards (as they are governed by the Council Code of Conduct and Integrity Commissioner).  Forms are on the Township website. 
• Decisions made by Council, Committees, or Local Boards.  You can submit a letter to the Township and it will be placed on a Committee of the Whole agenda for consideration. 
• Issues that have statutory review and appeal processes (including but not limited to Municipal Freedom of Information Requests, Development Charges, Land Use Planning, By-law Notices, etc.);
• Civil Matters 
• Requests for Accommodation (governed by the Township’s Accessible Customer Service/ IASR Policies)
• Anonymous, Frivolous or Vexatious complaints
• Insurance Claims

Once you fill out the Complaint Form, you can either drop it off at the Township Office or email it to . 

A Water Safety Statement is to provide notice of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Watershed Conditions: Flows and levels are significantly higher than normal for this time of year across the MVCA jurisdiction due to the continued rain events in June/July.

Risks: Watershed dams are being operated to manage the increased flows. These areas are extremely dangerous for recreational users of the river system. Higher than normal levels are expected to persist over the next two weeks as excess water moves downstream through the system. Any additional rainfall will prolong these circumstances.

Actions: Residents and visitors are advised to stay well clear of any dam while swimming, boating or fishing to avoid being caught in strong currents and pulled into the dam. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels.

6^th Concession D Lanark

Surface Treatment

Start date - July 17

Snye Road 

Culvert Replacements and Surface Treatment

Start date - July 22

Road Side Mowing

Start date - Week of July 22

Mill Road, Canning Street North and North Street

Milling / Asphalt Removal

Start date - July 25

Lanark Village Roads

Paving

Start date - Aug. 6

*** Please note dates are dependant on weather.***

Welcome to Lanark Highlands Online Booking Platform!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new online platform for booking and reserving township facilities such as the baseball field and arena. Residents can now conveniently book facilities and purchase advertising space online through the ActiveNet network.

How to Use the New Booking Platform:

1. Visit our online booking site: Lanark Highlands Booking Platform
2. Create an Account:
   • Click on the Create an Account link.
   • Fill out all required fields (birth date, gender, email address, etc.) and click submit. Please submit your request only once.
   • Note: If you are registering a child for an activity, use your own information when filling out the online registration account request form. You will have the opportunity to add family members once you have an online registration account.
   • You will automatically receive an email after submitting your request for an account.
3. Payment: Credit Card - if you chose to pay using your credit card a 2.95% processing fee will be applied,          Debit, Cash, Cheque - you can pay debit, cash or cheque in person at the Municipal Office (75 George St, Lanark)

The website is mobile-compatible, so you can make bookings on the go!

For any assistance, please contact us at

The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent as the new Chief Administrative Officer. She will begin on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Suzanne brings over 20 years of professional experience including strategic long-range planning, project management, fire and emergency services planning , public/stakeholder engagement, transportation systems planning , traffic operations analysis , municipal servicing , land development, and construction administration.

For the past two years she has operated her own consult ing business , Tayport Limited , and was previously employed with Dillon Consulting Limited since 2006, where she held various leadership roles in the company . She has worked with more than 65 municipal clients and has gained a thorough understanding of municipal operations.

In addition to her private sector experience, Suzanne has a Master of Public Administration from Western University , a Civil Engineering (Structural) degree from Queen’s University and is a licensed Professional Engineer .

“ I am truly honored and excited to be selected as Lanark Highland’s next CAO . I look forward to working with Council and staff in leading the municipality and fostering a transparent, accountable and collaborative culture t o serve the community ,” says Charbonneau-Dent.

On behalf of Council and Staff, I would like to welcome Suzanne to the Town ship of Lanark Highlands , says Reeve Peter McLaren. “ Her experience and education make her the best candidate to take on this important role and will position us for a great future. ”

T he CAO is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and administration of all policies and programs established and approved by Council; advancing Council’s strategic plans; guiding and advising Council on legislation and municipal operations; and providing information to support Council in making informed decisions.

For more information, please contact Cindy Halcrow, Acting CAO/Clerk at 613-259-2309 or email: .