CP SCOOP - May 27th, 2021 - Carleton Place

CP SCOOP – May 27th, 2021

MUNICIPAL UPDATES

Construction Update – May 27th, 2021 - As temperatures continue to rise, so does the number of
construction projects across our community. The Town of Carleton Place Public Works Department
strives to keep our residents informed of this year’s construction activities however, schedules are
subject to change due to weather conditions, changes in the provision of materials and/or availability
of staff. Upcoming this week:

                                   NEW - Moore Street Pedestrian Crossover
                                   The Town of Carleton Place would like to advise residents that the
                                   installation of the new pedestrian crossover where the Ottawa
                                   Valley Recreation Trail (OVRT) intersects with Moore Street is now
                                   complete and operational. Residents using the crossover are
                                   advised to utilize the push buttons when crossing Moore Street to
                                   activate the lights. Drivers will need to stop to allow pedestrians to
                                   cross safely.

Lansdowne Avenue & Coleman Street
TJL Construction will be moving equipment and
commencing construction at the Coleman Street
and Lansdowne Avenue intersection starting
Monday, May 31st. This project includes the
construction of new drainage works, the
realignment of the OVRT pathway and sidewalk
improvements, curbing and asphalt replacement
where required. The project is anticipated to last
approximately 3-4 weeks. Residents should be
aware the flow of vehicle traffic will be impacted, and residents will need to follow the posted signage.

                           Miguel Street
                           Crews will be focusing their efforts on the installation of the new watermain
                           on Miguel Street between Franktown Road and Queen Street. Once the
                           new watermain is installed, crews will backfill the trench with granular
                           material and grade it accordingly.

Bell Street (Bridge Street to Mullett Street)
Louis Bray Construction will be continuing with the installation of
underground infrastructure along Bell Street from Bridge Street to Mullett
Street. Access to businesses is being maintained and residents are
requested to follow the posted directional signage.

The Town of Carleton Place asks for everyone’s help in ensuring safe and efficient work zones. We
encourage residents to avoid all construction zones, however, should residents be travelling within
the construction zones, we urge you to proceed with caution and follow the directions provided by
traffic control personnel and posted construction signage.

We ask for everyone’s patience and cooperation during the construction season, however, should a
member of the public have any concerns or questions of a general nature, please contact the Public
Works Office at 613-257-2253.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Making Homes More Energy Efficient to Reduce Energy Bills, Create Jobs, and Cut Pollution -
Prime Minister Trudeau launched the new Canada Greener Homes Grant, which will help up to
700,000 Canadian homeowners across the country improve the energy efficiency of their homes and
reduce their energy bills through an investment of $2.6 billion over seven years.

Homeowners will be able to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make energy-efficient retrofits to their
primary residences, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations. Eligible home
improvements and upgrades include replacing windows and doors, adding insulation, sealing air
leaks, improving heating and cooling systems – such as with heat pumps – and purchasing
renewable energy systems like solar panels.

PROVINCIAL UPDATES

Ontario Keeping Seniors in Long-Term Care Homes Cool this Summer - Investment will help
ensure residents, staff and caregivers are safe and comfortable - Residents in long-term care
homes across the province will be able to keep cool this summer due to improved regulations and
investments in air conditioning by the Government of Ontario.

OTHER UPDATES

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority - Uncertain Future for MVCA Conservation Areas -
Proposed provincial regulations governing conservation authorities (CAs) will remove visitor
amenities such as parking lots and trails from the core mandate of CAs. Doing this will remove their
eligibility for funding under the municipal levy and create uncertainty at thousands of conservation
areas across the province. Under the new regulation, these amenities must be funded through
increased user fees, grants, and the generosity of local municipalities. Mississippi Valley
Conservation Authority (MVCA) General Manager, Sally McIntyre, says all six of its conservation
areas face an uncertain future. “For example, at the Mill of Kintail, we have an extensive trail
network, washrooms, directional signage, a picnic shelter and the Gatehouse used by community
groups. As with the museum, none of those amenities are to be eligible for the base municipal levy
going forward.”

Conservation areas provide exercise opportunities, forest therapy and serve as rest stops across
Ontario and are seen by many as a public asset. As the summer season begins and COVID-19

restrictions loosen, attendance at conservation areas are expected to see record attendance numbers
again in 2021. “Last year we saw a 50% increase in attendance at the Mill of Kintail and Morris Island
Conservation Areas,” says Shannon Gutoskie, MVCA’s Community Relations Coordinator. “The
pandemic has shown everyone how important these facilities are to public health as well as
conservation of the natural environment.”

If the regulation is approved as proposed, only activities that are directly tied to protecting nature
heritage values will be eligible for the municipal levy. The Province is hosting two (2) webinars in the
coming days to explain its proposals to the public: Thursday, May 27th at 10:30 a.m and Tuesday,
June 1st at 2:00 p.m. To register for the webinar, contact ca.office@ontario.ca.

2021 Census – It’s not too late to complete your census form! - The census is a valuable tool that
allows us to better understand Canadians across the country and provide the right services and
support to each neighbourhood. But how can your community benefit specifically from it? Here are
just some of the ways:
    1. Teachers. Our children's educators do some of the most important work in the community, and
       they are often looking for resources to help kids engage with what they're learning. The 2021
       Census Teacher's Kit has classroom-ready activities that have been reviewed to meet
       curriculum requirements—these activities make subjects like mathematics, social studies, and
       language studies in English or French come to life in a fun, concrete and dynamic way.
    2. Schools and social services. Age data and population numbers are used to understand how
       an area is changing and to estimate program needs. For example, a significant increase in the
       number of children may lead the community to determine that new schools, daycare spaces,
       parks and recreation programs will be required.
    3. Business and economic opportunities. Age, education and employment data can help
       identify the need for job creation and new postsecondary programs, such as trades training.
       Local businesses can also use demographic information to identify new market trends and
       needs.

If you haven’t already, please visit www.census.gc.ca and complete your online census
questionnaire today!

Public Sector Member Wanted for Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee - The
Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region (MRSPR) is seeking a Source Protection Committee
member who is interested in protecting municipal drinking water sources in the Mississippi and
Rideau Valley watersheds.

The MRSPR Committee was established in 2007 as a result of the Province’s Clean Water Act. The
committee guides local efforts to protect drinking water at the source and is made up of one-third
municipal, one-third economic and one-third public sector representatives. The composition ensures
that a variety of local interests are represented at the decision-making table as the committee works
to oversee the implementation of science-based source protection plans.

The committee is looking for one (1) public sector representative to liaise on behalf of the following
seats: environmental, non-governmental organizations, First Nations and general interest.
“If you have experience and knowledge in this sector and have an interest in protecting drinking water
sources, we hope you will apply,” said Marika Livingston, Mississippi-Rideau Source Water Protection
Project Manager. “Among other qualifications, these positions require a multi-year commitment, an
ability to understand scientific and technical reports and attendance at the two (2) or more Source

Protection Committee meetings held each year. Applicants must also live or work in the Mississippi or
Rideau watersheds.”

Future work of the Committee includes the review of new scientific and technical information to
ensure that the Source Protection Plan and its supporting reports remain current and relevant.
Further details regarding these part-time positions including descriptions of roles and responsibilities
and an application form are available online at https://www.mrsourcewater.ca/en/source-protection-
committee-member-recruitment. A small per diem, as well as expenses (mileage and meals), will be
paid while working on Source Protection business.

Applications will be accepted until July 5th, 2021.

Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Source Protection Authorities
Brian Stratton, Co-Project Manager
3889 Rideau Valley Drive, PO Box 599
Manotick ON K4M 1A5
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
brian.stratton@mrsourcewater.ca