CARLETON PLACE – At its Oct. 8 meeting, Carleton Place council covered a full agenda ranging from fire department staffing and power upgrades to arena maintenance and paving projects. Committee members heard updates, approved new spending, and moved several initiatives forward ahead of the coming winter.
Fire department needs more staff as town grows
A staffing study by the Loomex Group praised Carleton Place Fire Department for its strong public education and prevention programs, but warned that the town will need to hire more firefighters as it continues to grow.
“It was clear to us that Carleton Place Fire has done an excellent job delivering public education and code enforcement. They’re doing a terrific job,” said Chris Burke, fire and safety specialist with Loomex Group.
However, Burke noted that relying on fire prevention officers as backup responders is not sustainable over the long term. He recommended a phased plan to gradually expand full-time staff to meet National Fire Protection Association 1720 response standards, while continuing to recruit volunteers and monitor growth.
Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant suggested regional partnerships could also help manage costs.
“Recently, I’ve spoken with councillors from Mississippi Mills and Beckwith. There’s interest in sharing more resources, equipment, staffing, whatever it might be,” Tennant said. “It’s important we work closely with them because ultimately, these are the people we rely on. They’re just 10 minutes up the road.”
Burke said mutual aid agreements were considered in the study and noted that several departments now form joint purchasing groups to reduce the cost of replacing fire trucks and equipment.
Carleton Place council approved Hydro One easement
Council approved Hydro One Networks Inc.’s request for a 10-metre-wide easement through industrial lands on Bates Drive to install a new three-phase power line connecting the distribution stations at Edmund Street and Townline Road.
The upgrade replaces an older single-phase line running through the Wintergreen subdivision, improving power reliability and capacity in the area. The project will require significant tree clearing, but Hydro One will compensate affected property owners, cover all surveying and registration costs, and remain responsible for future maintenance.
Arena dehumidifier replaced after fire
Property and Project Manager Ross Rankin reported on the emergency replacement of a dehumidifier in Rink 2 at the Carleton Place Arena.
After a power outage in May, one of the units caught fire when power was restored. A filter had been pulled into the heating element, damaging both the heater and the vent beyond repair.
Staff secured a replacement unit and installation at cost, without markup. The $36,500 expense will be covered by any year-end surplus or, if necessary, from the town’s asset management reserve.
Four paving projects move ahead
Four paving projects at local recreation facilities are set to begin shortly after council approved additional funding to cover cost overruns.
Work will take place at Carambeck Access Road, the Canoe Club multi-use pathway, Sinclair Square pathway, and the arena’s back parking lot. The original $55,000 budget, $30,000 from development charges and $25,000 from taxes, was exceeded by the lowest bid from Provincial Paving, which came in at $81,705.
Manager of Recreation and Culture Joanne Henderson said all four projects were bundled into a single tender to improve efficiency but noted that rising asphalt prices drove up costs.
A portion of the overage will be covered by development charges, with the remainder to come from surplus funds or the asset management reserve. Chief Administrative Officer Diane Smithson requested, and council approved, a suspension of procedural rules so work can begin immediately while weather conditions remain favourable. Final council approval is scheduled for October 21.
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