Media Releases

Council Update 2026-03 - March 23, 2026

Highlights from the March 23rd Regular Council Meeting

The Minutes were approved from the Meetings on February 18th, 23rd, March 9th & 10th, and the Committee of the Whole on March 9th.
By-law 15-2026 was enacted, being the Restricted Acts Delegated Authority (Lame Duck) By-law for the election year.
Council received a presentation from OCWA on the Merrickville Drinking Water System Annual Report 2025. The report is now posted on the Village website for public access.
The By-laws to amend the Zoning By-law & Backyard Hen By-law were approved.
Authorization was given to sign the agreement for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program by way of By-law 20-2026. This is for the Wellington Street West capital project.
Council adopted the Municipal Elections Recount Policy, which will be in effect for the 2026 Municipal Election.
An information report was provided by Public Works regarding cost comparisons for hard surface treatments.
Council approved Option 1 for the revised tender results, being to complete work in 2026 only as reconstruction work for Bolton, Pioneer & Corktown Roads with no hard surface. Direction was given to staff to award the tender for work to Tackaberry Construction.
Council received & endorsed the Health & Safety Program report.
Departmental Activity Updates were received from the Fire/By-law, Aministration/Finance, & Clerk Departments.
The By-laws were enacted to adopt the 2026 Water & Wastewater rates and budget, the Operating and the Capital Budgets, & the 2026 Tax Rates. A summary document outlining the budget highlights will be circulated publicly in the coming days.
Council received the uncommited reserve capacity calculations for 2026 from OCWA.
The OPP Detachment Board 2026 Budget allocation was approved.
The motion to study & benchmark Public Works & Fire Department Resources Levels (Councillor Ireland) was passed with amendments. Expressions of Interest will be brought back to Council in May for consideration.