Council Highlights – February 10, 2026

Council welcomed Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston MPP John Jordan, who presented members of Bridging Generations Age-Friendly Pakenham with an Age-Friendly Community certificate. On January 18 in Toronto, the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility held an Age-Friendly Communities Recognition Ceremony to celebrate outstanding community projects. Bridging Generations was honoured for helping make Pakenham a place where older adults can live active and independent lives. Councillor Mary Lou Souter and Councillor Jane Torrance accepted the award on the group’s behalf. Bridging Generations is run completely by volunteers and they focus on connecting older residents with activities that bring different age groups together, build strong community relationships, and work with local partners to find challenges and create real solutions. Congratulations, Bridging Generations!

A public meeting was held about a zoning by-law amendment for 195 and 197 Adelaide Street in Almonte. The change would allow a semi-detached home with a shared driveway. Council will discuss this matter at a future meeting.

Council agreed with staff recommendations for Council remuneration for the 2026-2030 term. After reviewing similar municipalities like North Grenville, Perth, Arnprior, Loyalist, and Renfrew, staff recommended raising Council pay to match the higher end of those communities. The pay for 2026–2030 will be:

• Mayor: $60,689.71
• Deputy Mayor: $30,425.67
• Councillor: $24,287.17

These changes will start with the new Council term, from November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2030. Training allowances for Council members were also approved and will increase at the same rate as staff.

Committee of the Whole also heard the following items, which will be brought forward for approval at a future Council meeting:

• The recommended capacity allocation for water and wastewater in 2026.
• Updates and consolidation of the Tax Registration Policy and Tax Collection Policy.
• A report on the Strategic Asset Management Policy.
• Approval of the draft Roadway Prioritization Policy, and the 2026 hard surface renewal priority list (will return to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration).
• Quarterly reports for Roads and Public Works, Development Services and Engineering, and Delegated Authority.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Special Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 17, 3 p.m.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.