Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – During its June 17 meeting, council discussed a range of issues affecting residents, including tree-cutting regulations, housing development, infrastructure projects and municipal policies.
A presentation from Middlesex County staff on the Woodlands Conservation By-law and the County Forest Management Plan prompted discussion around tree-cutting rules and permit requirements. Councillors raised questions about firewood harvesting, fallen trees, fence-line trees and how regulations are communicated to landowners.
Council also approved planning applications that will support future residential development in Parkhill, including a proposed townhouse project and the redesignation of land for residential use.
Several infrastructure projects moved forward during the meeting. Council approved a cost-sharing agreement related to the future reconstruction and paving of Creamery Road. Staff reported that reconstruction work is expected to begin before the road is paved in a later phase of the project.
A number of municipal drainage projects were also considered. Council directed the engineer to proceed with the Mud Creek Drain project, awarded a construction contract for the Brown Drain and accepted the engineer’s report for the Sylvan Acres Drain, allowing the project to move to the next stage of the process.
Council approved updated workplace health and safety policies following recommendations from the Municipal Policy Committee. During discussion, councillors sought clarification on how complaints involving senior municipal staff would be addressed under the policies.
In other business, council supported resolutions from the municipalities of Calvin and Red Lake. One calls for a provincial review of how costs are shared for certain municipal and provincially mandated services, while the other requests financial assistance to help municipalities manage rising policing costs associated with provincial legislation.
One of the meeting’s lighter moments came from Grade 5 and 6 students at Sacred Heart School, who recently visited municipal staff and submitted ideas for future recreation projects. Their suggestions included a giant waterslide, a wave pool, a ninja course and additional fish stocking at the Parkhill Reservoir. While staff noted the proposals are not feasible within current budget constraints, councillors welcomed the students’ enthusiasm and interest in local government.
