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Smiths Falls mayoral candidates Peter McKenna, Nate Morris and Christopher Cummings outlined their positions on recreation, municipal spending, policing and other key issues at a mayoral all-candidates meeting.

Full story: hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...

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October 9, 2026 at 7:43 PM
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Smiths Falls is considering more “wow factor” for the Abbott-Lombard parkette. Councillors discussed a proposed gateway sign, future fountain and ways to incorporate flowing water. The design remains preliminary.

Full story: hometownnews.ca/abbott-lomba...

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October 9, 2026 at 12:31 AM
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Eight residential units are proposed for 19 Montague St. in Smiths Falls. Council approved a development agreement Sept. 28 covering stormwater management and landscaping requirements.

Full story: hometownnews.ca/montague-str...

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October 5, 2026 at 8:15 PM
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Road standards, municipal finances, building permit revenue and fleet planning were among the issues discussed at the Sept. 28 Rideau Lakes Committee of the Whole meeting.

Read the full briefs: hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes...

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October 5, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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Rideau Lakes committee backed a 30 km/h limit for Blacksmith Road, shelved a Delta dock proposal, advanced a new playground and ordered a review of clear garbage bag rules.

Full council brief: hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes...

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September 20, 2026 at 11:50 PM
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A 20-home development at 254 Lake Avenue West is moving forward after Carleton Place committee supported draft conditions. Councillors raised concerns about parking, drainage and construction timing.

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August 28, 2026 at 8:05 PM
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Smiths Falls council approved up to $400,000 for demolition and removal of the town’s decommissioned water tower, as Coun. Chris McGuire questioned the timing of the move.

Full story: hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...

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August 11, 2026 at 2:21 PM
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Smiths Falls is moving ahead with the Beckwith Street Bridge rehabilitation while taking a closer look at safety improvements for the Beckwith and Lombard intersection.

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Beckwith Street Bridge project advances with safety study
Smiths Falls council approved a broader safety review of the Beckwith Street and Lombard Street intersection as the Beckwith Street Bridge project moves ahead.
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July 31, 2026 at 8:05 PM
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Smiths Falls council approved a Climate Action Plan and reviewed the June budget monitor during its July 27 meeting. Council also considered procurement, transitional housing, community safety and other municipal initiatives.

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Smiths Falls council July 27: Budget, climate and housing
Smiths Falls council approved a climate action plan, received a June budget update, extended a Carebridge agreement and updated procurement policies.
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July 30, 2026 at 8:09 PM
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Smiths Falls closed 2025 with a $5.2M surplus. The town's audited financial statements also show more than $15.6M invested in capital projects, while Baker Tilly issued an unqualified audit.

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Smiths Falls Audited Financial Statements Report $5.2M Surplus
Smiths Falls' audited financial statements show a $5.2-million surplus, a clean audit opinion and continued investment in infrastructure.
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July 30, 2026 at 4:41 PM
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Rideau Lakes council has received a report on Mayor Arie Hoogenboom's remarks at the Upper Rideau Lake Association AGM. Council received the report for information, with no further action.

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Mayor's Upper Rideau Lake Association Remarks Reviewed by Council
Rideau Lakes council received a report after reviewing the mayor's remarks at the Upper Rideau Lake Association AGM and the returning officer's authority.
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July 16, 2026 at 8:50 PM
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Carleton Place council has approved moving ahead with procurement and public consultation for a proposed $25M aquatic and recreation centre. Staff say the existing pool has entered an accelerated deterioration phase.

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#CarletonPlace #MunicipalMatters
$25M Aquatic and Recreation Centre Advances in Carleton Place
Carleton Place council advanced plans for a proposed aquatic and recreation centre while seeking public input and updated project costs.
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July 15, 2026 at 9:16 PM
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Lower Beverley Lake Park will be the focus of a special meeting after Rideau Lakes council voted to gather more information before revisiting the proposed tourist campground licensing bylaw.

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#RideauLakes #MunicipalMatters
Lower Beverley Lake Park Special Meeting: Rideau Lakes Council Seeks Answers
There will be a special meeting called to learn more about the operations of Lower Beverley Lake Park.
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July 14, 2026 at 4:36 PM
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Repairs to the deteriorating cistern beneath the Elgin Municipal Complex library floor will be re-tendered after Rideau Lakes council directed staff to seek new bids for the revised scope of work.

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Elgin Cistern Project Sent Back to Tender by Rideau Lakes Council
Rideau Lakes council rejected an $88,900 Elgin cistern project contract and directed staff to issue a new request for proposals after reversing course.
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July 13, 2026 at 4:22 PM
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Rideau Lakes Township will hold a public open house before making long-term plans for the Harry Seeley Drive lands in Elgin. A date has not yet been announced.

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Harry Seeley Drive Open House Planned in Rideau Lakes
Rideau Lakes will hold a public open house before deciding the future of the remaining Harry Seeley Drive lands in Elgin after debate over housing and recreation.
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July 10, 2026 at 5:03 PM
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Smiths Falls council ordered additional engineering work to review the channelized right-turn lane at the Beckwith and Lombard Street intersection. Beckwith Street Bridge rehabilitation project remains on schedule.

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Beckwith Street Bridge Safety Review Ordered by Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls ordered a Beckwith Street bridge engineering review over safety concerns while keeping the rehabilitation project on schedule.
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July 8, 2026 at 6:37 PM
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Rideau Lakes committee has recommended a lower-cost approach to repairing the former cistern beneath the Elgin Municipal Complex. The revised plan would reduce the proposed project cost by about $32,000.

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Lower-Cost Elgin Municipal Complex Cistern Repair Recommended
Rideau Lakes committee recommended a lower-cost Elgin Municipal Complex cistern repair after a redesigned approach reduced the proposed project cost.
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July 6, 2026 at 10:42 PM
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Rideau Lakes committee has unanimously recommended ending the township's annual dog licensing program. If approved by council, annual dog tags would end Jan. 1, 2027.

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Dog Licensing Program Recommended to End in Rideau Lakes
Rideau Lakes committee recommended ending the dog licensing program and requiring dogs to be microchipped or carry owner identification.
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July 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM
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Rideau Lakes council discussed a request for a bylaw regulating mud and manure left on municipal roads during seasonal farming operations. Council approved recommendation to continue existing approach.

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Rideau Lakes Council Debates Mud and Manure on Municipal Roads
Rideau Lakes council voted to keep its current approach after complaints about mud, manure and agricultural debris on Hunters Road.
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July 6, 2026 at 4:25 PM
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The future of Smiths Falls' 102-year-old water tower is becoming clearer after committee chose to move toward demolishing the decommissioned landmark instead of pursuing another engineering review.

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Smiths Falls Water Tower Debate Shifts to Demolition
A majority of councillors supported demolishing the Smiths Falls water tower, while others called for an engineering review before a final decision.
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July 2, 2026 at 6:05 PM
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Carleton Place's recreation facilities are seeing growing demand, with higher arena bookings, increased memberships and busier community spaces. Lifeguard shortages continue to affect swimming lessons.

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#CarletonPlace #ParksAndRecreation #MunicipalMatters
Carleton Place Recreation Facilities Show Growing Demand
Arena, aquatics and community spaces saw increased use as recreation participation continued to grow across Carleton Place recreation facilities.
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June 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM
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Carleton Place's Community Services Director outlined five priorities for the department, including major projects, staff development and improved performance measurement.

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#CarletonPlace #MunicipalMatters
Carleton Place Community Services Priorities Outlined June 23
Carleton Place community services priorities include major projects, staff development and performance measures outlined during a June 23 council meeting.
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June 26, 2026 at 8:28 PM
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Carleton Place is considering increases to ice and pool rental rates as it looks to reduce taxpayer support for recreation services. Proposed increases would take place in 2027

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#CarletonPlace #MunicipalMatters
Carleton Place Weighs Recreation Fee Increase for 2027
Carleton Place is considering a recreation fee increase for ice and pool rentals, with proposed changes reflected in the 2027 fee schedule.
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June 16, 2026 at 2:03 PM
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A study found Carleton Place collects $250,000 less annually in development-related fees than it spends providing planning, engineering and permit services. Findings will help inform future budget discussions.

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#CarletonPlace #MunicipalMatters
Carleton Place Development Fees Under Review After Study
A review of Carleton Place development fees found the town is not fully recovering the costs of planning, engineering and permit services.
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June 15, 2026 at 9:07 PM
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Smiths Falls council declined to pursue a provincial framework that would allow organizers to apply for bring-your-own-alcohol permits at certain community events.

Details: hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...

#SmithsFalls #MunicipalMatters
Smiths Falls Rejects BYOB Event Framework at June 8 Meeting
Smiths Falls council rejects the provincial BYOB event framework due to municipal liability and safety concerns. An updated alcohol policy is expected June 15.
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June 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM