Rideau Lakes council updates highlight rail meeting, infrastructure plans and facility concerns
RIDEAU LAKES — Rideau Lakes Township is planning a public open house on the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, with a local working group organizing the April 21 event at the Elgin Community Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The session is intended to give residents an opportunity to learn more about the project and share concerns.
Members of the working group also confirmed they had purchased signs opposing the rail line as part of their outreach. They acknowledged the purchase was made before fully understanding township procurement rules and said future spending will follow proper process.
In other news, council moved ahead with infrastructure plans, reviewed facility concerns across the township and approved several community requests.
Portland sidewalk redesign approved
Rideau Lakes council approved a new sidewalk design for Main and Perth streets in Portland.
The plan will remove sections of sidewalk and install a new one on the opposite side of Perth Street within the municipal right of way. The change is intended to avoid driveways and improve snow removal.
Detailed drawings will now move forward to tender, and nearby residents will be notified as some vegetation may need to be removed.
Facility issues and upgrades outlined
A facilities update pointed to a range of maintenance issues and upgrades across the township.
In Elgin, volunteers have stepped back from maintaining the outdoor rink following ongoing issues with user behaviour, leaving the rink open but unmaintained. The structure itself may require future repairs.
At the Chantry municipal offices, a March power outage exposed problems with the backup generator, electrical outlets and emergency lighting. Repairs have since been completed and a replacement refrigerator was installed.
Septic concerns were identified at the Delta site, where groundwater may be entering holding tanks. Other updates include flooring issues at Portland Hall, repainting and lighting upgrades at North Crosby Hall, and floor concerns at Elgin Municipal Hall.
At local harbours, a new digital payment system and shore power fee are being introduced, with most slips already booked for the 2026 season.
Holman complex work cleared, permit still needed for playground
Council has received confirmation that previous work at the Ronald E. Holman Municipal Complex complies with conservation authority requirements.
Changes to provincial regulations in 2024 reduced the regulated area around wetlands, meaning the pickleball court and pavilion no longer require conservation authority approval. However, a permit will still be needed for a proposed natural playground.
Community requests head to council
A number of requests from local community enhancement committees are moving forward.
In Elgin, the committee is asking the township to request removal of “Elgin” from a cannabis retail sign and to fund insurance for the 2026 Elgin Days event.
Morton’s committee is seeking approval to donate $500 to the local food bank, while Newboro organizers are requesting road closures for Canada Day events.
Other requests include installing poster rails at the Portland hall and addressing lighting concerns at the Elgin Municipal Complex, with several items expected to return once costs are confirmed.
Public notices move online
Rideau Lakes council also approved a new public notice policy that shifts most municipal notices to the township website, replacing a bylaw in place since 2007. The update reflects current legislation and communication practices, while still allowing staff or council to use local newspapers when needed.
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