Regular Council Meeting

it resolved that item 13.3, Request for Roma Delegation be moved to new business as item 8.4 and the two motions from Councillor P. Banks regarding Mayor's Disparaging Remarks and Mayor's Misleading Comments to CTV News, be added as emergency additions under new business as items 8.5 & 8.6.

it resolved that Council defers item 10.1, By-Law 2025-123 (Procedural By-Law) to the December 1st Council Meeting.

it resolved, that the Agenda be approved and adopted as amended.

it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes acknowledges the presentation by Michael Cohen, President & CEO of PSFDH regarding Core Capital Campaign and Hospital Update.

it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves the 2025 Lower Beverley Lake Park Board Budget.

it resolved that the Economic Development Committee be advised that the Elgin Crossroads Unconformity have been identified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the then Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. This Statement of Conservation Interest briefly describes the significant features of the Elgin Crossroads Unconformity and provides the basis for protecting these features.

it resolved that the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) recommends to Council that up to $4,500 from the approved 2025 MHAC Budget line items for Documentaries and MHAC Projects be redirected to amending municipal heritage designations; AND WHEREAS Documentaries ($1,055) and MHAC Projects ($3,500) will not be completed in 2025 due to volunteer capacity; AND WHEREAS MHAC Rec 2025-13 adopted by Council on March 3, 2025 resolved that heritage designation By-Laws be amended to comply with the Ontario Heritage Act; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves the redirect of funds to be used to amend the heritage designations.

WHEREAS the misuse of Strong Mayor Powers and possible political interference in Integrity Commissioner matters have raised concerns about accountability and fairness in municipal governance in Rideau Lakes; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct staff to seek a delegation with the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference to discuss these issues; AND FURTHER that if the delegation request is not granted, staff be directed to arrange a separate meeting at Queen’s Park for Council representatives to meet with Minister Flack and relevant provincial officials to address these concerns directly; AND FURTHER this resolution be forwarded to MPP Steve Clark, and the Ontario Ombudsman for their information and support

it resolved that Council direct staff to seek a delegation at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference to discuss provincial funding of rural hospitals.

WHEREAS on October 20, 2025, the Mayor stated at a Council meeting that “this Council is completely dysfunctional”; AND WHEREAS this remark may contravene the Rideau Lakes Code of Conduct, which requires respectful, non-disparaging communication among Members of Council; AND WHEREAS Section 9.1.1 of Schedule ‘B’ to By-Law 2019-17 provides that concerns about potential Code breaches may be raised directly with the Member involved; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Council notify the Mayor under Section 9.1.1 and request that he provide, in writing, the factual basis for his statement by identifying: any incomplete resolutions requiring Council direction; any pending policy areas awaiting Council action; and any unfulfilled statutory or procedural duties requiring Council input; AND FURTHER that each member of council, including the mayor, provide staff with a summary list of the motions they have personally initiated during this term, if they wish, to be verified by staff once submitted, as a measure to promote transparency and accountability through an objective record of Council’s work over the term; AND FURTHER that the Mayor’s written response and Council’s collective reply be forwarded to Jen Liptrot, Regional Director, Eastern Municipal Services Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

WHEREAS on October 23, 2025, in an interview with CTV News, the Mayor stated that “this media distributed reprimand is not only inaccurate but just a further indication of the divide on Council and the vindictive nature of the group of five”; AND WHEREAS Council ensured the public reprimand was vetted for accuracy by the appropriate official before release; AND WHEREAS the Mayor’s remarks may mislead the public and undermine confidence in Township governance, contrary to the Rideau Lakes Code of Conduct, which requires respectful and accurate communication; AND WHEREAS Section 9.1.1 of Schedule ‘B’ to By-Law 2019-17 allows concerns about potential Code breaches to be raised directly with the Member involved; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Council notify the Mayor under Section 9.1.1 and request that he provide, in writing, any specific inaccuracies he believes exist in the public reprimand; AND FURTHER that any submission from the mayor be

it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held October 6, 2025.

it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the minutes of the Special Council meeting held October 14, 2025.

it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the Minutes and all recommendations contained therein of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held October 20, 2025, save and except Motion No. 51-2025, pertaining to staff investigating the number of rental units in the township to be dealt with separately

it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes directs staff to investigate the number of rental units within Rideau Lakes Township (VRBO's, Airbnb's, Bed & Breakfast's), excluding established cottage rentals, in order to get a handle on what we actually have with next steps to be determined once the staff report is presented for consideration.

it resolved, that the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes Approves the Minutes and Adopts all Recommendations contained within the Minutes, unless otherwise dealt with, of the: Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: October 14, 2025 Economic Development Committee Meeting: October 6, 2025 Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting: October 16, 2025 Planning Advisory and Committee of Adjustment Meetings: October 8, 2025 AND FURTHER that Council Acknowledges the Minutes of the: Lower Beverley Lake Park Management Board Meeting: October 14, 2025 Rideau Lakes Public Library Board Meeting: September 25, 2025 Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Meeting: September 25, 2025

it resolved that By-Law 2025-123, the Procedural By-Law, be taken as read a first and second time as amended, the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025.

it resolved that By-Law 2025-123 be taken as read a third time as amended, and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025.

it resolved that the following By-Laws be taken as read a first and second time the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025: By-Law 2025-124:1001225239 ONTARIO INC (CANNING) (ZBA-14-2025) By-Law 2025-125: Amend 2015-01 User Fees and Charges - Harbour shore power, commercial launch, remove festival fee

it resolved that By-Laws 2025-124 and 2025-125 be taken as read a third time and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025.

it resolved that By-Law 2025-126, being a By-Law to Amend 2018-18 Council Compensation, be taken and read a first and second time, as amended, with the Mayor's compensation reduced to $28,500, the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025.

it resolved that By-Law 2025-126, be taken as read a third time and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025.

it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes directs staff to bring back a report on the speed limit change to County Rd 1, as per correspondence item 11.1.

it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes supports the Municipality of Brighton Resolution No. COU-2025-390, calling on the provincial and federal governments to enact electoral reform, adopting proportional systems in which every vote counts and polarization is diminished, in order to safeguard and empower Canadian democracy.

WHEREAS residents have expressed concerns regarding the condition of neighbouring properties, specifically the accumulation of debris and the prolonged presence of unused articles on lawns and yards; AND WHEREAS such articles including furniture, boats, vehicles, and other items left outdoors and unused for extended periods (exceeding six months) may negatively impact the aesthetics, safety, and overall enjoyment of surrounding properties; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct staff to prepare a report examining the feasibility of establishing a Property Standards By-Law; AND FURTHER that such a report considers mechanisms to address the accumulation of debris and the outdoor storage of articles not in active use for more than six months, with the goal of supporting community standards and responding to resident concerns.

it resolved that The Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes closes Meeting at 9:16 p.m. to discuss matters as per Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, : Special Council Closed Meeting Minutes: October 14, 2025; Committee of the Whole Closed Meeting Minutes: October 20, 2025 Three (3) items under Section 239 (2)(b) Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Municipal or local board employee

it resolved that By-Law Number 2025-127, being a By-Law to Govern the Proceedings of the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes at its Meeting held November 3, 2025 be taken as read a first, second and third time this 3rd day of November, 2025.

Be it resolved that item 13.3, Request for Roma Delegation be moved to new business as item 8.4 and the two motions from Councillor P. Banks regarding Mayor's Disparaging Remarks and Mayor's Misleading Comments to CTV News, be added as emergency additions under new business as items 8.5 & 8.6.

Be it resolved that Council defers item 10.1, By-Law 2025-123 (Procedural By-Law) to the December 1st Council Meeting. For (4): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Against (4): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, Councillor J. Banks, Councillor P. Banks, and Councillor Dunfield Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 3 Abstained (1): Councillor Carr Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved, that the Agenda be approved and adopted as amended.

Be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes acknowledges the presentation by Michael Cohen, President & CEO of PSFDH regarding Core Capital Campaign and Hospital Update.

Be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves the 2025 Lower Beverley Lake Park Board Budget.

Be it resolved that the Economic Development Committee be advised that the Elgin Crossroads Unconformity have been identified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the then Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. This Statement of Conservation Interest briefly describes the significant features of the Elgin Crossroads Unconformity and provides the basis for protecting these features.

Be it resolved that the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) recommends to Council that up to $4,500 from the approved 2025 MHAC Budget line items for Documentaries and MHAC Projects be redirected to amending municipal heritage designations; AND WHEREAS Documentaries ($1,055) and MHAC Projects ($3,500) will not be completed in 2025 due to volunteer capacity; AND WHEREAS MHAC Rec 2025-13 adopted by Council on March 3, 2025 resolved that heritage designation By-Laws be amended to comply with the Ontario Heritage Act; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves the redirect of funds to be used to amend the heritage designations.

WHEREAS the misuse of Strong Mayor Powers and possible political interference in Integrity Commissioner matters have raised concerns about accountability and fairness in municipal governance in Rideau Lakes; Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 6 NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that Council direct staff to seek a delegation with the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference to discuss these issues; AND FURTHER that if the delegation request is not granted, staff be directed to arrange a separate meeting at Queen’s Park for Council representatives to meet with Minister Flack and relevant provincial officials to address these concerns directly; AND FURTHER this resolution be forwarded to MPP Steve Clark, and the Ontario Ombudsman for their information and support For (5): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, Councillor J. Banks, Councillor P. Banks, Councillor Carr, and Councillor Dunfield Against (4): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved that Council direct staff to seek a delegation at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference to discuss provincial funding of rural hospitals.

Be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held October 6, 2025.

Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 9 Be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the minutes of the Special Council meeting held October 14, 2025.

Be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes approves and adopts the Minutes and all recommendations contained therein of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held October 20, 2025, save and except Motion No. 51-2025, pertaining to staff investigating the number of rental units in the township to be dealt with separately

Be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes directs staff to investigate the number of rental units within Rideau Lakes Township (VRBO's, Airbnb's, Bed & Breakfast's), excluding established cottage rentals, in order to get a handle on what we actually have with next steps to be determined once the staff report is presented for consideration. For (4): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, Councillor J. Banks, Councillor P. Banks, and Councillor Dunfield Against (4): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Conflict (1): Councillor Carr Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved, that the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes Approves the Minutes and Adopts all Recommendations contained within the Minutes, unless otherwise dealt with, of the: Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 10  Special Committee of the Whole Meeting: October 14, 2025  Economic Development Committee Meeting: October 6, 2025  Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting: October 16, 2025  Planning Advisory and Committee of Adjustment Meetings: October 8, 2025 AND FURTHER that Council Acknowledges the Minutes of the:  Lower Beverley Lake Park Management Board Meeting: October 14, 2025  Rideau Lakes Public Library Board Meeting: September 25, 2025  Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Meeting: September 25, 2025

Be it resolved that By-Law 2025-123, the Procedural By-Law, be taken as read a first and second time as amended, the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025. For (5): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, Councillor J. Banks, Councillor P. Banks, Councillor Carr, and Councillor Dunfield Against (4): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved that By-Law 2025-123 be taken as read a third time as amended, and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025. For (5): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, Councillor J. Banks, Councillor P. Banks, Councillor Carr, and Councillor Dunfield Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 11 Against (4): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved that the following By-Laws be taken as read a first and second time the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025:  By-Law 2025-124:1001225239 ONTARIO INC (CANNING) (ZBA-14-2025)  By-Law 2025-125: Amend 2015-01 User Fees and Charges - Harbour shore power, commercial launch, remove festival fee

Be it resolved that By-Laws 2025-124 and 2025-125 be taken as read a third time and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025.

Be it resolved that By-Law 2025-126, being a By-Law to Amend 2018-18 Council Compensation, be taken and read a first and second time, as amended, with the Mayor's compensation reduced to $28,500, the short way this 3rd day of November, 2025.

Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 12 Be it resolved that By-Law 2025-126, be taken as read a third time and finally passed this 3rd day of November, 2025.

Be it resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes directs staff to bring back a report on the speed limit change to County Rd 1, as per correspondence item 11.1.

Be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes supports the Municipality of Brighton Resolution No. COU-2025-390, calling on the provincial and federal governments to enact electoral reform, adopting proportional systems in which every vote counts and polarization is diminished, in order to safeguard and empower Canadian democracy. For (5): Mayor Hoogenboom, Councillor P. Banks, Councillor Bulloch, Councillor Maxwell, and Councillor Pollard Against (2): Councillor J. Banks, and Councillor Carr Abstained (2): Deputy Mayor Hutchings, and Councillor Dunfield Voter Type: Majority (Present), Recorded

Be it resolved that The Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes closes Meeting at 9:16 p.m. to discuss matters as per Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act,: Regular Council Meeting Monday, November 3, 2025 Pg. 15  Special Council Closed Meeting Minutes: October 14, 2025;  Committee of the Whole Closed Meeting Minutes: October 20, 2025  Three (3) items under Section 239 (2)(b) Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Municipal or local board employee

Be it resolved that By-Law Number 2025-127, being a By-Law to Govern the Proceedings of the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes at its Meeting held November 3, 2025 be taken as read a first, second and third time this 3rd day of November, 2025.