Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At the last council meeting on March 18, members worked through a wide range of items, from major infrastructure projects to internal municipal decisions and development applications.
One of the largest items on the agenda was the reconstruction of the Mount Carmel Reservoir. Council awarded the construction contract for the project, which supplies water to Parkhill. The replacement has been identified as necessary due to the age of the existing structure, and the project will now move forward following a competitive tender process.
Drainage projects also continued to grow in scope. Council received additional petitions from landowners to join an ongoing municipal drain project, expanding the work further west. With additional petitions received, the project has increased in size since it was first introduced. Council also approved a change in engineering oversight so the same firm will manage both the Sylvan Acres Drain and the Kennes Drain project. Work completed to date by the previous engineer will be passed on as part of the transition.
A separate discussion focused on employee benefits procurement. Staff recommended awarding a new contract after a competitive process that received six submissions. While the change is expected to result in cost savings, exact figures were not publicly shared. Some council members raised concerns about approving the decision without clear numbers. A motion to delay the decision did not pass, and council ultimately approved the contract in a 4-3 vote.
Planning matters brought both approvals and delays. An application to expand an existing industrial building was approved, with no major concerns raised by agencies and no public opposition prior to the meeting. Another application, involving the conversion of an existing building into multiple residential units, was deferred after concerns were raised by both council and residents. Issues discussed included parking availability, unit size and density. The applicant indicated revisions may be made before the application returns to council.
Council also approved a surplus farm dwelling severance, allowing an existing house and several outbuildings to be separated from a larger agricultural parcel. The severed parcel will retain existing access and servicing.
Additional reports included the Community Development Fund Program report and direction to formalize an agreement with the Ailsa Craig Village Association.
Council also reviewed its annual remuneration and expenses report, which is required under the Municipal Act. Spending on conferences and professional development totaled $5,488, below the approved budget of $9,000.
