Ballot questions will not proceed after nearly 40 residents sent emails opposing them
RIDEAU LAKES — After receiving nearly 40 emails from residents urging council not to proceed, the Rideau Lakes Township committee of the whole voted down two proposed ballot questions on Feb. 9 tied to the October 2026 municipal election.
The questions would have asked voters to weigh in on two contentious issues facing township ratepayers: whether to proceed with the Chantry municipal office retrofit and whether to allow a question related to Battery Energy Storage Systems, known as BESS, on the election ballot.
The emails, submitted ahead of the meeting, showed strong opposition to placing either question before voters. While some residents took positions on Chantry or BESS themselves, many focused on process, arguing that ballot questions would improperly bind a future council, oversimplify complex issues, and substitute for broader public consultation.
Several residents said municipal elections are intended to elect representatives, not to decide technical infrastructure matters.
“The purpose of an election is to elect individuals who will discuss and make decisions on our behalf,” wrote Tom and Maureen Douglas. “We should not be bound and required to enforce controversial decisions made by the previous council.”
On the Chantry debate, residents criticized both the framing and substance of the proposed question, with some saying the wording was misleading or steered voters toward a predetermined outcome.
One resident described the proposal bluntly.
“On the Chantry retrofit, they are trying to put lipstick on a pig,” wrote Steve Kirby.
On BESS, residents expressed mixed views on the technology itself, but several said the issue is too technical to be decided through a yes or no ballot question without proper education and expert input.
Committee debate
During committee discussion, councillors acknowledged both the volume of correspondence and the strength of public reaction. The chair, Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield, noted the submissions represented less than one per cent of eligible voters, but said the feedback was still part of the public record.
Coun. Deborah Hutchings apologized to the public, saying concerns about potential energy storage facilities near her home and surrounding electrical infrastructure had influenced her comments. She said her intent had been to give residents a clear yes-or-no choice, not to alarm or offend.
Coun. Jeff Banks criticized the decision not to proceed with ballot questions, calling it “a sad day for democracy.” He argued rejecting the questions removed the public’s voice and left decisions solely in council’s hands.
Coun. Marcia Maxwell said both the Chantry and BESS issues would be debated during the election campaign regardless, and that voters would have an opportunity to express their views through their choice of candidates.
Recorded votes
Committee considered two separate motions directing staff to prepare draft bylaws to place the questions on the ballot.
A motion related to the Chantry municipal office project was defeated 7–2, with Coun. Jeff Banks and Dunfield voting in favour. Coun. Paula Banks abstained.
A second motion related to Battery Energy Storage Systems was defeated 8–1, with Coun. Jeff Banks the lone vote in favour. Coun. Paula Banks again abstained.
With both motions defeated at committee, neither ballot question will advance at this time.
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It’s nice to see Jeff Banks is still involved with counsel!