LAURIE WEIR
The long-debated future of Rideau Lakes’ municipal offices took a major step forward Monday, as council voted to approve construction drawings and issue tenders for a $4.5-million retrofit and expansion of the Chantry municipal office.
The move, passed by the municipal services committee on May 12, had 5-3 vote in favour after weeks of division around the council table.
The project, which includes significant upgrades and a new addition, is expected to bring the aging building up to modern standards. A newly released Class A estimate pegged the total cost at $4,513,445, with financing options now under review by staff.
“This has been discussed for years,” said Deputy Mayor Paula Banks. “We believe this is the most cost-effective solution for the municipality. The staff working here deserve a safe, functional office, and this will deliver that while staying within reasonable financial expectations.”
Supporters also argued that abandoning the Chantry site to pursue a new “greenfield” office elsewhere would cost the township significantly more, with added costs to convert the existing office back to an alternate use.
But opponents, led by Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, urged caution.
“This is the largest single capital expenditure we’ve made in 25 years,” Hoogenboom said. “There has been no formal public consultation, financing is not yet secured, and the township risks taking on long-term debt at a time when interest rates and construction costs remain uncertain.”
The mayor also voiced concerns about rushing the process and the possibility of costly design changes later.
Coun. Jeff Banks, who voted in favour, dismissed those fears. “We’ve consistently managed our debt responsibly,” he said. “Sometimes you have to borrow to make necessary improvements. We’ve been running surpluses, and I’m confident we can manage this.”
As part of the motion, council passed an amendment, tabled by Coun. Sue Dunfield, directing the township’s treasurer to explore all available financing options, rather than committing exclusively to Infrastructure Ontario.
The project will also include a new septic system and dual furnace system to meet modern standards.
This recommendation by the committee will be brought to the next council meeting for final approval.
What was not mentioned in your article is that we have $4.2 million in reserves and only $6.2 million in debt.When I started on council we were in debt $11 million and we only had $700,000 in reserves.And we were looking at doing something with the office for over 10 years now.We have to stop spreading the false narrative of this township being broke.$3.4 million apx of that debt is from 2024 alone.Our previous treasurer was in favour of borrowing $6.3 to build a new office just months ago so what’s wrong now.
As was pounted out in the meeting, Councilor Jeff Banks comments on reserves speak to totals which are not for such a capital project but earmarked for other expenses. Unfortunately, he again misrepresents these facts, and fails to further advise that both the province and the township’s own former Treasurer states that even those reserves are underfunded.
“But opponents, led by Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, urged caution. “This is the largest single capital expenditure we’ve made in 25 years,” Hoogenboom said. “There has been no formal public consultation, financing is not yet secured, and the township risks taking on long-term debt at a time when interest rates and construction costs remain uncertain.”
Rich comments from the Mayor who stalled for several years when interest rates were low trying to push his Municipal Hub Taj Mahal through at an exhorbitantly high cost! There was plenty of public consultation throughout these years!