Addington Highlands Council - Dec 16/25

Mississippi Valley Conservation on CA Amalgamation

Sally McIntyrge, the General Manager of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), provided an overview of the changes that are coming as the result of Bill 68. Bill 68, already passed into law, is in its implementation phase now, and contemplates reducing the number Conservation Authorities (CAs) in the province from 36 to 7, and to establish a provincial corporation to oversee them.

McIntyre's presentation was similar to one she brought to North Frontenac Council in November, but it also reflected both new information that has come from stakeholder meetings, and a refined draft submission to the province from MVCA, in response to the opportunity for public and stakeholder comment on the legislation.

The first two points in the submission speak to the aspects of the new provincial direction that MVCA agrees with. First, the need to build more homes faster, and make sure that the Conservation Authorities (CAs) establish processes to enable that while protecting the watersheds in Ontario, and second to equalise the capacity of the CAs and modernise operations.

However, a wholesale amalgamation is a drastic measure, which MVCA feels may undermine current efforts to achieve the two goals, and MVCA suggested a pause in the process to allow for “meaningful consultation”.

McIntyre also pointed to the fact that municipal representation on the board of the CA for Eastern Ontario is not likely to be what it is now, as there are 43 municipalities in the proposed CA.

The MVCA submission talks about “pay for say”, pointing out that “municipalities are the primary funders, governors and beneficiaries of CAs and must retain current rights of governance and decision-making.

Finally, if a new overarching agency is created as proposed, municipalities should insist it is funded by the province, and not by the municipalities it will be overseeing, according to the MVCA.

Later in the meeting Council passed a resolution in line with what MVCA proposed, and will be writing a letter to the provincial government as well.

The motion concludes that the “Township of Addington Highlands supports efforts to balance expertise, capacity and program delivery across the province, and requests that the province work collaboratively with municipalities and local Conservation Authorities to determine the most effective level of strategic consolidation to achieve both provincial and local objectives.”

OPP Billing

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) billing for 2026 has been released, and in Addington Highlands the increase is $88,540 (11%), bringing the total to just under $900,000 from Addington Highlands ratepayers. This increase translates to a 2% increase in local taxation. The report from the OPP indicated that the actual cost should have gone up by 30%, but the province had insisted that increases to municipalities be capped at 11% for 2026.

“They will be seeking to bridge that gap in future years,” said Reeve Tony Fritsch, “which will hit us even more. There is not much we can do about it. We have already objected in many ways.”

Northbrook Gas and Variety

Council approved a request from the station to permit them to sell beer and wine on statutory holidays.

Support for Alzheimer's fundraiser

Council agreed to waive rental fees and provide logistical and public works support for an event in February at the community garden, which is adjacent to the municipal complex in Flinton.

Recycling

The list of recyclable packaging has increased, both in Addington Highlands and across the province.

The new list is available at waste sites and on the township website. It will be further distributed to residents,

It is still unclear how alcoholic beverage containers will be handled.

Bridge Street Culvert

Council spent much of the meeting discussing how to ensure that the culvert on Bridge Street in Denbigh is replaced by March 15. If that date is not met, the work will not be able to be done until mid-July, because of fish spawning in the lake and creek. Public Works Manager Brett Reavie recommended a concrete box culvert be installed, which will cost about $175,000 and will last up to 100 years. An alternative is available for about $50,000 less, but it is harder to install and will not last as long,

Council decided to put the order in for the culvert immediately, for anticipated delivery in early February, and to then put out a Request For Quote for a contractor to take on the installation. Permit applications from the Federal Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have been submitted, and Hydro One has been approached to move a hydro pole that is in the way.

With this, the township has done everything it can do at this time to enable the work to be done in time, and get the street open to through traffic as soon as possible.

MOU with Ontario Federation of Snowmobiles

For insurance purposes, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiles is now insisting that municipalities sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the use of pieces of township property that are part of the Mazinaw Powerline snowmobile trail, through the township. The township has been slow to comply, seeking a legal opinion about granting jurisdiction over publicly accessible township property to an outside group.

Local and (through Zoom) provincial Snow Mobile Federation members pointed out that without the MOU, the trail through Addington Highlands would be closed this winter, and also pointed out that Addington Highlands is the only jurisdiction yet to sign the MOU.

“That may be so,"said Reeve Fritsch, “but we have an obligation to maintain access to our road network for our residents.”

In the end, Council agreed to sign the MOU, effective for only this winter, and will continue to consider the legal implications before signing a longer term MOU