CARLETON PLACE — A mix of downtown spending, planning updates and new commercial development moved forward at Carleton Place’s Committee of the Whole on April 7, with members endorsing the 2026 BIA budget, approving changes to the Community Improvement Plan and backing a new Shoppers Drug Mart, while also receiving an update on staff-led spending and savings.
BIA Budget
Carleton Place’s 2026 Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) budget is headed to council for final approval after receiving the green light from committee.
A budget of $177,160 has already been endorsed by BIA members at their January annual general meeting.
“After several years of no increase to their levy this year, they’re proposing a two per cent increase,” explained Trisa McConkey, town treasurer.
That funding comes from commercial property owners within the BIA, not residential taxpayers, meaning local businesses are footing the bill for downtown improvements and promotions.
Total revenue is projected at just over $201,900. Spending highlights include a 42 per cent increase in beautification, driven by expanded banner and winter installations, and a 30 per cent increase in advertising and events to boost foot traffic.
The plan also includes a $42,540 deficit, to be covered by reserves.
With no financial impact on the municipality, council is expected to give final approval, allowing the levy to be collected in two instalments this spring.
CIP changes
Carleton Place is also moving ahead with changes to its Community Improvement Plan (CIP), with committee approving an amended version following the public consultation process.
The update, presented by Niki Dwyer, director of development services, focuses on refining existing programs and expanding eligibility, most notably through an enlargement of the façade improvement area. The revised boundary adds roughly 79 properties, allowing more building owners to access grants aimed at upgrading storefronts.
“We do not use all of our funds that are allocated to this program year over year. By adding more properties, obviously I expect eventually the demand will increase,” Dwyer told committee.
One public comment called for activation of brownfield incentives. Staff clarified those programs remain unfunded and would require a separate budget decision by council.
Questions from committee members also touched on funding structure and boundaries, with staff confirming façade grants remain aligned with BIA geographic limits and cost-sharing arrangements.
With no major concerns raised, the amended CIP was approved and will move forward for formal bylaw adoption.
McNeely Shoppers
A Shoppers Drug Mart is also coming to Carleton Place. The proposed development at 455 McNeely Ave. is moving ahead after receiving unanimous support from committee.
The application calls for a new 1,589-square-metre freestanding building within the existing commercial plaza anchored by Your Independent Grocer. The planned tenant is a Shoppers Drug Mart, to be located near the corner of McNeely Avenue and Highway 7.
The proposal required a Class 3 development permit to allow a pharmacy use on the site, which is not currently permitted under the existing bylaw, though it is anticipated in a newer bylaw under appeal.
“The other two components of relief include a reduction of commercial vehicle loading spaces where the bylaw requires two, and the applicant has indicated that for a store of this size, they typically only build one. And a reduction in the bicycle parking spaces where the bylaw requires 21 spaces and only five bicycle racks are provided,” explained Dwyer, adding that five bicycle racks can hold two bicycles each.
Staff determined both reductions were appropriate and would not create adverse impacts on the site or surrounding properties.
Carleton Place committee members raised few concerns, largely expressing support for the project. Questions focused on traffic flow and future cycling infrastructure, but no major issues were identified.
With no objections from the public and staff satisfied the proposal meets planning policies, committee recommended approval of the permit and directed staff to proceed, clearing the way for construction.
Delegated Authority
Carleton Place committee also received for information a report on delegated authority from Chief Administrative Officer Diane Smithson, outlining recent staff-approved spending and savings.
The bylaw allows routine operational decisions to be handled by staff instead of council, streamlining approvals and keeping meeting agendas focused on larger issues.
According to the report, several procurement items have already been approved for 2026, including the purchase of a new plow truck for about $445,000, slightly under budget, and the hiring of planning consultant JL Richards to support periods of high workload.
Staff also approved the purchase of a hybrid boom lift for roughly $115,000, with the minor budget overage covered through development charges. A major infrastructure project, the design and construction of a new garage building and expanded salt shed, was awarded well below budget, generating significant savings.
In total, the town has saved more than $345,000 so far this year through delegated approvals.
“So, and as future reports come forward, I will add to this kind of a year to date savings as well as an amount for the current report,” Smithson told committee members.
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