Council Meeting Highlights – December 8, 2025

Council approved the Public Engagement Policy, the Quick Guide to Planning Public Engagement, and the Public Engagement Action Plan. Over the past several months, the administration and the consultant reviewed best practices from other municipalities, analyzed feedback from recommendations report, and built a framework to strengthen engagement across the Township.

The result is a Public Engagement Policy and Quick Guide that set clear standards and expectations, support consistent internal processes, enhance staff skills, and improve communication and evaluation of engagement activities.

The accompanying Action Plan translates strategic goals into practical steps, establishing priorities, supporting resource and financial planning, and demonstrating readiness to residents. This plan provides structure for implementation and increases confidence in the Township’s public engagement efforts.

Council has approved the Township’s 2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP), meeting provincial requirements and marking an important milestone in long-term infrastructure planning. The updated plan provides a clearer and more accurate picture of the Township’s assets, incorporating new condition assessments, refined replacement costs, and improved lifecycle strategies.

After reviewing three scenarios, Council endorsed Scenario 1 – Current Lifecycle Activities, which reflects existing practices and establishes a practical and achievable path forward. As part of the 2026 budget, Council also approved a 10-year financial strategy that gradually increases investment in infrastructure, ensuring the Township can meet its annual needs in a sustainable and predictable way.

This plan positions the Township to better manage risk, reduce unexpected costs, and maintain reliable services for residents. Council also expressed its appreciation to staff for their strong leadership and ongoing efforts to modernize the Township’s asset management program.

Council is pleased to announce that the popular Local Flavours Rendez-Vous event will return on February 21, 2026, at the Camille Piché Community Centre. This much-loved community celebration brings together local food and beverage producers and residents for an evening showcasing the best flavours from across the Township and surrounding region.

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 event will continue to highlight local products, support small businesses, and create a vibrant gathering space for our community. Additional details, including participating vendors, activities, and ticket sales will be shared in the new year.

Council received a report analyzing 20 rural intersections to determine whether all-way stops are warranted. Council voted in favour of implementing a 4-way stop at the Hamilton Road/Route 100 and St-Pierre Road/Route 200 intersections. Implementation is planned for 2026, once the required by-law is passed.

Council also directed staff to prepare a policy to guide the implementation of safety measures at rural intersections where no all-way stop is currently in place.

Council awarded the contract to Landmark to carry out the necessary repairs to return the Embrun water tower to service. The water ban for exterior use remains in effect in Embrun until further notice.

Council approved the updated Building Permit By-law, which includes an increase in building permit fees. The new fees will come into effect on January 1, 2026, as approved by Council, and will increase annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Masterplan Preparation – Surplus Recreation Facilities (item 11p)