Asset management update approved
Carleton Place council is being asked to approve the town’s 2026 update to its Asset Management Plan following a recommendation from committee of the whole on June 23.
Treasurer Trisa McConkey told committee the update was prepared jointly by staff from different departments.
“The Director of Public Works, the Director of Community Services and I created this document to review our asset management plan that was posted in 2025. It’s required that there’s an annual review under O. Reg. 588/17, and this is our response to that,” McConkey said.
The update outlines progress made since the town’s 2025 Asset Management Plan was adopted, including work to align long-term capital planning with asset management forecasts, improve asset condition data and expand the use of CityWide asset management software across municipal departments. The report notes ongoing efforts to manage roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure, buildings, parks and municipal equipment while refining long-term funding strategies.
Committee passed a motion recommending council approve the 2026 update to the Asset Management Plan and direct staff to post the update on the town’s website.
Asset management policy update
Carleton Place council is set to update its Strategic Asset Management Policy following a recommendation from committee of the whole on June 23.
The update is required under Ontario Regulation 588/17, which mandates municipalities review and update their strategic asset management policies every five years. The policy guides how the town plans, maintains and finances municipal assets and ensures compliance with provincial legislation.
Treasurer Trisa McConkey told committee the changes are largely administrative.
“It needed to be updated with our new staff members that are part of the asset management steering committee,” McConkey said. “The only other change is that we changed infrastructure assets to all assets because when we first created this policy, the regulation had us focusing on infrastructure assets and now it’s across all assets.”
The revised policy also updates references to supporting documents, replacing specific years with references to current plans.
Committee approved a motion recommending council adopt the updated Strategic Asset Management Policy. The report notes there are no financial implications associated with the changes.
Rooftop hybrid units
Carleton Place is moving ahead with the replacement of four aging rooftop heating and cooling units at the arena and Carambeck Community Centre, opting for more energy-efficient hybrid systems despite a modest increase in cost.
Property and Project Manager Ross Rankin told committee of the whole on June 23 that the units, ranging from 27 to 30 years old, are well beyond their expected lifespan. Rather than replacing them with traditional gas-fired units, staff recommended hybrid air-source heat pump systems that support the town’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
“Staff do believe that the hybrid model is the way to go,” Rankin said. “It reduces greenhouse gases and eventually it will pay for itself very easily over a period of time.”
The project is expected to reduce emissions by nearly 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Rankin said the environmental benefit is comparable to taking a vehicle that drives almost 300,000 kilometres a year off the road.
After accounting for Enbridge incentives, the project faces a budget shortfall of about $27,000, which staff expect to offset through additional energy incentives or reserve funding if necessary.
Committee members supported the proposal and recommended council approve the hybrid units.
McNeely Landing expansion moves closer to construction
Carleton Place committee of the whole has recommended council authorize a pre-servicing agreement allowing work to begin on the next two phases of the McNeely Landing subdivision.
The agreement would permit Uniform Urban Developments to install on-site water, wastewater, sanitary and stormwater infrastructure before the final subdivision plan is registered. Phase 1B will include 92 single-detached homes and townhouses, while Phase 1C is planned to accommodate 56 apartment units, subject to further approvals.
Development Services Director Niki Dwyer said staff are comfortable moving ahead because Phase 1A is 78 per cent built, with just 16 lots remaining.
“There are still some hurdles that they have to overcome,” Dwyer said, adding that registration is expected this fall, with building permits likely to follow shortly afterward.
The recommendation will now proceed to council for final approval.
Keeping accessibility moving
Carleton Place is moving ahead with accessibility upgrades across municipal facilities, streets and services, according to its 2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan update.
Projects include tactile walking surface indicators and curb depressions, a sidewalk extension to the Lake Avenue West boat launch, barrier-free arena washrooms and accessible benches in the south end. The library has purchased audio players for patrons with print disabilities, while a website project will work toward provincial standards.
Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant said the town has “come a long way in a very short amount of time.” Coun. Linda Seccaspina called for safer park pathways, better snowbank management and accessible shuttles at major events.
Committee endorsed receiving the report as information.
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