UPDATED FEB. 16
PERTH — From fire halls to future recreation facilities, Perth council tackled a full agenda at its latest committee of the whole meeting on February 10 —advancing grants, partnerships and long-term planning initiatives.
Highlights included new funding for firefighter safety equipment, progress on a proposed roof over the popular outdoor sport court, and the donation of a surplus fire pumper to a northern First Nation. Council also moved forward on youth sports funding agreements, environmental infrastructure planning, election preparations and a potential regional recreation facility.
Updates on Town Hall renovations, communications strategy improvements and the town’s long-term drinking water financial plan rounded out the evening.
Communications
Cathy McNally provided an update on the town’s communications strategy, highlighting a year focused on strengthening — not expanding — existing tools.
In 2025, the Town of Perth prioritized clearer, more consistent messaging to keep residents informed about services, events and key updates.
Waterfield praised the progress.
“I remember when we as a council did not have a professional communications person on staff and the difference with our communication today is like night and day. So congratulations to you and to Crystal [Rienhard] for what I think is an outstanding communication strategy,” he said.
Waterfield encouraged more advertising in local newspapers to reach residents who are not online. McNally noted that both Community Services and Tourism already use publications such as HomeTown News and Edible Magazine when appropriate.
Digitally, Engage Perth remained the town’s hub for projects and public input. Social media grew significantly, adding 1,560 Facebook and 754 Instagram followers, while 15 paid ads generated nearly 600,000 views. The town issued 39 media releases and maintained regular website updates.
Looking ahead, staff plan to launch The Local Loop by April 1 and enhance crisis and municipal election communications.
Drinking Water
As a requirement for renewing its drinking water licence, the town has completed a Drinking Water Financial Plan.
“We engaged Watson Associates to perform this financial review. This is to serve as a report card and as a visioning document for the next six years,” Grant Machan, director of Environmental Services, told committee.
The report spans 10 years to align with the town’s asset management plan. While Machan stressed the document is not a water rate study, it signals that annual increases of close to eight per cent may be needed.
“I want to be clear, you’re not setting the water rates tonight. You’re receiving this financial overview that will give you the tools to make decisions on the future of the drinking water system to ensure its safety,” said Machan.
The document, available on the town’s website, does not factor in residential or commercial growth. A formal rate study has not yet been completed.
“We’re not saying that it has to be eight per cent. It’s kind of telling you what the road is going to look like later on,” explained Nev Jande, treasurer.
Prepared by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd under Ontario Regulation 453/07, the plan is required for the town’s five-year licence renewal under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.
Projections show the system moving from a $1.6 million net asset position in 2026 to a projected $11.8 million net debt by 2035, alongside $22.9 million in infrastructure investment. Cash flow is expected to dip before rebounding by 2035.
Council will consider adopting the plan and submitting it to the province. Any rate changes will be determined through a future rate study and budget process.
Fire department bunker gear funding approved
The Perth Fire Department’s fall application to the Office of the Fire Marshal has been approved, with the department set to receive $19,200 toward new bunker gear.
To release the funding for the 2026 fiscal year, a Transfer Payment Agreement must still be signed by the Town and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The annual OFM grants support cancer prevention initiatives for firefighters and small infrastructure upgrades, helping improve the health, safety, and overall well-being of fire service personnel.
Roof proposed for FireDawgs outdoor court
The committee supported a proposal from the Perth FireDawgs to add a roof over the outdoor sports court at 1881 Rogers Road.
Built in 2021 through a community partnership, the four-season court is heavily used year-round for skating, hockey, basketball, and other activities.
The proposed roof would protect the playing surface, improve winter ice quality, reduce snow removal, provide summer shade, and allow for improved lighting. Council’s approval allows the FireDawgs to begin fundraising, develop designs, and explore permits and potential solar options. A detailed proposal will return to council before any construction begins. No municipal funding is being requested at this time.
“I think this is well overdue,” said Coun. Isabel Anne McRae. “There’s a lot of youth that use this facility, and by putting a cover on it, it allows for more usage. With climate change, it also provides sun shelter. I think it’s a very positive move on behalf of our fire department and the Perth FireDawgs.”
Surplus fire pumper donated to northern First Nation
Committee approved donating one of the town’s surplus fire pumpers to the Pikangikum First Nation.
The truck, declared surplus last year, was listed multiple times online and through government auction sites. Despite those efforts, the highest bid received was $12,000, below the reserve, leaving the vehicle unsold after nearly seven months.
“The pumper is currently 25 years old,” said fire Chief Trevor Choffe, director of Protective Services. “For our use, insurance ratings wouldn’t be beneficial for the ratepayer. It’s served its useful life here, but it has low mileage and needs only minor repairs. A place like Pikangikum can use it because they don’t have those insurance requirements.”
CAO Michael Touw said extensive efforts were made to find a buyer.
“Trevor really went above and beyond over the last year trying to find a market for this,” Touw said.
Pikangikum is a remote fly-in community of more than 3,500 residents in Northern Ontario with limited seasonal road access. The community recently lost its fire hall and is rebuilding, but has limited resources and is not eligible for some provincial funding programs.
The donation will strengthen local fire protection during a critical period. The Independent First Nation Alliance will assist with coordinating delivery.
FireDawgs youth sports funding finalized
Committee approved entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Perth Firefighters Association and Perth FireDawgs to finalize a $24,500 grant from the Perth and District Community Foundation.
“The main intent is to keep swimming and skating free and accessible for all members of the town,” said Choffe. “The grant supports FireDawgs operations. Each year, we submit a budget outlining our goals, and this gives us the ability to save for capital expenses.”
The funding will help cover 2026 operating costs and support free youth programs. Because the funds must flow through a municipality or registered charity, the Town will receive the money, issue the tax receipt, and transfer the funds to the FireDawgs.
Programs include free public swims and skates, ball hockey, recreational hockey, golf days, skate exchanges, and more.
Environmental Services garage project advances
Committee received an update on the Environmental Services Garage and Office Building project, which is now at the 60 per cent design stage.
Architects and engineers are refining plans to ensure the facility meets operational needs, fits the site, and aligns with budget expectations. Environmental Services staff have reviewed the drawings and provided feedback, with another review planned before the project advances to the 90 per cent design stage.
The new building is designed to deliver energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Town’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.
To prepare for construction, the town will soon issue a Request for Qualifications to pre-qualify contractors.
“Using a scoring system, we’ve asked companies interested in the build to submit a qualified expression of interest,” said Cathy McNally, director of Community Services. “They have to meet a number of components before they qualify to bid when the tender is released.”
Coun. Jim Boldt asked to review the drawings with a focus on needs versus wants.
“It’s all going to boil down to cost,” Boldt said. “I’d like to see what we absolutely need and why, because that can save money in the long run.”
Election planning underway for 2026
Planning is underway for the 2026 municipal election, with the clerk’s department working alongside the Lanark County Clerks’ Group.
Perth will again use internet and telephone voting through Intelivote, the same provider used since 2006. While the per-voter cost will increase by about $0.40 compared to 2022, group pricing across the county helps manage overall costs.
A joint agreement has been signed, procedures are nearly finalized, and the election webpage is live. Elections Ontario will now manage the voters’ list.
Recreation facilities are busier than ever
Committee received a report showing strong and growing use of Perth’s recreation facilities.
The Indoor Pool recorded more than 12,000 aquatic interactions this year, drawing users not only from Perth, Tay Valley, and Drummond North Elmsley, but also from Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Lanark Highlands, and Ottawa. Some programs see up to 35 per cent of participants coming from outside the area.
The arena remains fully booked, with 352 minor hockey players, 103 figure skaters, and heavy school use. Conlon Farm continues to see strong participation, including 432 soccer players, 264 Little League participants, and nearly 200 pickleball players.
The data will help guide future recreation planning at the regional level.
Early talks begin on regional recreation facility
After discussion, committee agreed to begin conversations with Drummond North Elmsley, Tay Valley, and Lanark Highlands about a joint feasibility study for a regional recreation facility.
“We’re asking for a feasibility study to determine the ifs, ands, wheres, and hows,” said Boldt. “It also needs to identify cost-sharing so it’s fair and not a burden on any one municipality.”
The study would explore expanded aquatic space, additional ice capacity, and flexible indoor recreation areas. Existing facilities are aging and operating near capacity.
Tay Valley and Drummond North Elmsley have each set aside $40,000 for the study. Perth plans to match that amount using existing facility assessment funds, with no new tax impact at this stage. Lanark Highlands has not yet been engaged.
“We need this facility really badly in this region,” said McRae. “As our community grows, it’s imperative that we provide recreational services for young families considering moving here.”
Town Hall reception reconfiguration planned
Council received an update on plans to reconfigure the front reception area at Town Hall to improve customer service, staff safety, and workflow.
Reception staff will move behind the existing treasury counter, creating a central service zone with improved visibility. A new back wall will enhance privacy and reduce noise, while glass doors with FOB access will separate public and staff-only areas.
“This immediately demonstrates that it’s a lobby, but it doesn’t feel like a closed door,” McNally said.
Provincial Offences services will move to a nearby office to provide more privacy for clients.
“I think the renovations add professionalism to the space,” said Coun. Gary Waterfield. “I’d want to ensure there’s always a staff person at the front desk to greet anyone who comes in.”
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