Fire Station 2 close-out report well received
RIDEAU LAKES — A municipal facilities update presented to the Township of Rideau Lakes committee of the whole on Feb. 9 by manager Steve Holmes outlined recent maintenance issues, lease renewals, safety concerns, and the formal close-out of the Portland Fire Station 2 project.
Leaky roof in Chantry
The report noted a roof leak at the Chantry municipal office in late January, caused by ice damming linked to insufficient insulation. Perth Roofing was called in to remove ice buildup, with drywall repairs planned for the spring. Staff are also seeking quotes to install heating cables to help prevent future ice accumulation.
Snowfall halts Delta demo at syrup plant
At the former Delta Maple Syrup Factory site, demolition has temporarily stalled due to snowfall, with work expected to resume and topsoil and seeding planned for the spring.
Halladay Street traffic concerns in Elgin
The facilities update addressed ongoing traffic and safety concerns near South Crosby Public School. Township staff met with school officials and the Upper Canada District School Board after increased enrollment in the French immersion program led to congestion on Halladay and Church streets.
The school board has submitted a septic permit application, and once completed, plans include adding a dedicated bus lane and parent parking on school property.
Township staff said these changes are expected to significantly reduce on street parking and improve safety for students, buses, and pedestrians.
Crown land mowing
The report also outlined changes at township boat launches on crown land at Otter Lake and Portland, following discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources. While public access to both boat launches will continue, the sites will be naturalized, meaning township staff will no longer cut grass.
The existing outhouse at the Otter Lake site will be removed, and the ministry will install signage explaining the naturalization approach. Any public complaints will be directed to the ministry.
Sidewalk repairs
Elsewhere, the township reported continued cost savings through sidewalk trip hazard repairs rather than full panel replacements, along with routine maintenance at halls, fire stations, rinks, and libraries.
Sidewalk repairs save township more than $171,000
There was an estimated $171,308 in savings between 2021 and 2025 by repairing sidewalk trip hazards rather than replacing full concrete panels.
According to a facilities report presented Feb. 9, the approach also diverted more than 49 tonnes of concrete from landfill and avoided one metric tonne of carbon dioxide emissions. Annual sidewalk inspections are carried out by Safesidewalks Canada to help staff prioritize repairs.
Harbour master returning for 2026 season
Jonathan Garrah will return as harbour master for the 2026 boating season. Staff reported that recruitment is underway for three seasonal waterfront positions, with the posting expected to close later this month.
Fire Station 2 close-out report
Council also received for information a project close out report for Fire Station 2, confirming the formal completion of the new fire Station #2 on Otter Lake Road. The close-out follows an earlier report presented in November 2025 that responded to questions raised in public correspondence, and forms part of the township’s project close-out policy.
According to the February report, the station was ready for occupancy in October 2024, with final inspections completed in March 2025. Total construction costs, net of the HST rebate, were reported at $2,152,328.91, including land acquisition, design, construction, and change orders. No outstanding invoices remain.
The close-out report also documented design changes made during planning and construction and identified lessons learned, including a recommendation that site plan control not be waived on future municipal projects.
Councillors commended Holmes for his work on this report.
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