Carleton Place is forecasting a year-end finish within budget, while committee members have deferred servicing work on Allan Street and supported keeping municipal staff out of private-property disputes involving trees, hedges and other vegetation.
Town finances remain on track
Carleton Place’s finances remain on track after the first seven months of 2026, with staff forecasting the town will finish the year within budget.
“So I think by the end of the year, we’ll be in good shape operationally,” Treasurer Trisa McConkey told committee members.
As of July 31, the town had collected $30.9 million, or 79 per cent of projected annual revenue, while spending $16.7 million, or 49 per cent of its operating budget.
Several apparent variances are largely due to timing. Full-year tax revenue was recorded following June’s final billing, while some summer invoices and recreation-related payments have yet to arrive.
Building permit revenue has already reached 90 per cent of its annual target, while community development ticket sales have surpassed budget expectations.
“Building permit revenue is already at 90 per cent of its budget, so they’re going to come in well above their budget this year,” McConkey said.
Several capital projects have come in under budget, reducing tax-supported costs by nearly $1 million and development-charge spending by approximately $294,100.
Committee received the treasurer’s report for information.
Committee defers Allan Street servicing
A proposed new watermain and sanitary sewer within the municipal right of way on Allan Street have been deferred for consideration during budget deliberations and by the next council.
The project had been scheduled for 2028, so the deferral is not expected to affect its timeline.
Town moves to stay out of vegetation disputes
Carleton Place is looking to keep municipal staff out of disputes between neighbours over encroaching trees, hedges and other vegetation.
“The purpose of this amendment is to remove the town from mitigating civil disputes with respect to vegetation and trees that encroach from one private property onto another private property,” Clerk Stacey Blair explained.
Staff recommended amending the town’s Property Standards Bylaw to remove provisions that can require municipal investigations when vegetation crosses private-property lines.
Such disagreements are generally civil matters to be settled by the affected property owners or, when necessary, through the courts.
The change would not limit the town’s authority to deal with vegetation that is dead, damaged, decayed or poses a health or safety hazard, including growth affecting municipal roads, sidewalks and pathways.
Committee members supported the amendment, which will be presented at an upcoming council meeting for approval. Staff reported there would be no financial implications associated with the change.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Carleton Place news.
