A roundabout in Crosby, a completed fire station for South Elmsley, and park improvements are on the agenda
BY LAURIE WEIR
Roundabouts, a fire station, and park improvements throughout the Township of Rideau Lakes are some of the projects the mayor said are his top priority items for 2024.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom was reached this week to discuss his top three choices.
1. The planned upgrade to County Road 42 along with paved shoulders and a roundabout at Highway 15.
BACKGROUND: Following over two decades of advocacy by Rideau Lakes, studies now confirm that a roundabout is the preferred option to reduce the risk at the notoriously blind and dangerous intersection.
2. The completion of the $3 million fundraising campaign for additional services to the future residents of the new 192 bed long term care facility in Athens
BACKGROUND: Maple View Landings is under construction to replace the current 60-bed Maple View Lodge. When finished, the new facility will boast 192 beds. The redevelopment is also the largest capital construction project in the history of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, with a price tag of more than $80 million — with $43 million coming from the provincial government. A local fundraising goal of $3 million was set earlier this year.
3. The completion of park improvements (pump track and pickle ball courts) at the Ron E. Holman Municipal Complex and a start on park facilities in Chaffeys Lock.
BACKGROUND: The township received grant funding to engage a qualified designer to develop concept plans for an exterior recreational space at the REHM. An outdoor recreation space is a core element of the hub along with the library and community hall.
Further, Hoogenboom is proud of the town’s leadership on extending rural broadband in partnership with WTC.
“This started three years ago and was seen to leverage federal, provincial and private sector funds with a small municipal contribution of about .17 cents on the dollar to roll out better internet or in many cases no internet services. This saw improvements to about 1,000 households which in turn increased property values and allows many more cottages to be converted to year-round residents with the ability to work from home effectively at competitive costs. The partnership just wrapped up and we will be receiving a final report from WTC soon.”
As for accomplishments in 2023, Hoogenboom’s top picks include: The finalization of the decision to build a new fire hall in the South Elmsley Ward — its design, tender and award well below estimates at $1.8 million; the completion of a new environmentally progressive zoning bylaw to complement the township’s new Official Plan, and the decision to increase the township’s mandatory septic inspection program to 300 properties per year including many island properties.
