Wendy’s moving to Carleton Place 

All it took was a short discussion and a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting for Carleton Place town council to approve a planning application that will see a Wendy’s fast-food outlet coming to town. The location will be just to the north of the current Tim Horton’s and Pioneer Gas Bar at the northwest corner of McNeely Avenue and Highway 7. Wendy’s will have drive-through lanes as well as eat-in service and the Tim’s will get an additional lane along with some improved alignment.

Health team approach pitched 

A delegation appeared at the committee meeting to discuss plans to bring a health team approach of delivering healthcare to Carleton Place and Beckwith residents. The approach, which has been used in many jurisdictions across the country with great success, brings medical professionals under one local roof. Karen Simpson of the Arnprior Health Team and Peter Hamer of the Ottawa Valley Health Team reported that the province was seemingly eager to help facilitate expansions of existing health teams but reluctant to fund new start-ups. Hamer noted that this approach makes it easier to recruit new doctors who prefer a one-stop medical shop over sending patients to multiple facilities. They reported that applications were in the works and the next steps involve conferring with local medical stakeholders and community leaders. Hamer stated that 14 local doctors voted unanimously to support this initiative.

Permanent pride crosswalk coming 

Councilor Jeff Atkinson brought forward a motion for the town to install a permanent Pride/Rainbow crosswalk at a crossing within the Downtown District or the Mississippi Transitional Sector in consultation with the local Pride Committee and 2SLGBTQ+ community. Maintenance and restoration of the crosswalk would be included in the Town’s annual budget. The planned deadline for installation would be in time for Pride Month (June) 2023. The motion passed unanimously.

Article by Brian Turner