LAURIE WEIR
Montague Township wrapped up an eventful year in 2024 with numerous accomplishments across council, infrastructure, grants, and community engagement.
Reeve Karen Jennings highlighted the year’s key achievements, which underscored the township’s commitment to transparency, growth, and community involvement.
She shared the news with this publication on Dec. 24.
1. New councillor
Montague council welcomed Trevor Johnson as its newest member in April 2024, following the resignation of Morgan Kenny. Johnson brings fresh perspectives to the team as the township moves forward with ambitious projects.
2. Focus on transparency
The township increased its efforts to remain open and transparent by enhancing communication strategies. Community input was solicited through surveys and open houses for policies and strategies under review. These initiatives ensured that the township was prepared with shelf-ready projects for funding opportunities.
3. Major infrastructure projects
Montague undertook its largest capital project to date: the construction of a Municipal Fire and Public Works Complex. The new facility will provide long-term accommodations for Public Works and the Fire Department, addressing previous facility shortcomings and ensuring safe, appropriately-sized truck bays.
Additionally, work began on the Montague 22 Acre Park, funded through Parkland fees. Features include a sliding hill, walking trails (to be completed in 2025), beach volleyball courts, and a winter skating pad.
4. Grants and funding
The township secured significant grants to support various initiatives:
- Enbridge Gas Grant ($10,000): Funded a new pump unit for the fire department’s side-by-side vehicle to assist with brush fires.
- Emergency Management Ontario Grant ($47,284): Enabled the purchase and installation of a Generac generator at the township administration office.
- Senior Community Grant ($19,600): Supported 55+ activities, including day trips, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.
- Lanark County Waste Initiative ($11,500): Provided reusable “Chilly Moose” water bottles to students and teachers at Montague Public School, reducing single-use plastics.
- Ontario Fire Grant ($8,230): Funded a gear washing machine for the fire department.
- Dry Hydrant Grant ($12,000): Supported the purchase and installation of a new dry hydrant to improve community services.
5. Updated agreements and policies
The township achieved several policy updates and agreements:
- Finalized a longstanding agreement on a soccer pitch built on school property, unresolved since 2010.
- Updated the Zoning ByLaw and completed a new Official Plan.
- Approved new building fees, the first update in 20 years.
- Extended the waste collection and disposal agreement through 2030.
- Updated the Asset Management Plan for 2024 requirements and advanced work on the 2025 Level of Service component.
- Began work on the Master Fire Plan and a Road Needs Study.
6. Community Events
The Volunteer Recreation Committee continued to thrive, hosting popular events like Canada Day, Summer Fest, Mighty Machines, Easter Breakfast, Trivia Nights, Paint Nites, and Christmas celebrations. Collaboration with the Montague and District Seniors’ Forget Me Not Club facilitated day trips to the National Arts Centre, Kingston Penitentiary, Cirque du Soleil, and more, alongside chair yoga and arts and crafts nights.
7. Road improvements
Road projects included paving King Street and Matheson/Rideau, micro-surfacing various roads, installing new flashing radar signs for traffic calming, purchasing new equipment, and advancing projects like the Pinery Road and McGuire Road realignments. Work also commenced on a new Road Needs Study.
Looking ahead to 2025
The township has ambitious plans for 2025, including:
- Completion of the Municipal Fire and Public Works Complex in the fall.
- Continued development of the Montague 22 Acre Park.
- Interior refresh of Rosedale (Centennial) Hall.
- Further road projects and an updated Strategic Plan.
- Completion of the 2025 Asset Management Plan and Road Needs Study.
- Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Montague and District Seniors’ Forget Me Not Club.
Jennings hinted at additional plans yet to be announced, promising another exciting year for Montague Township.
