Council has always wanted to ensure that certain Township initiatives or projects are inclusive of feedback from the public. Council also feels that public participation is a vital component to open and transparent governance. Considering this and with the understanding that Covid-19 restrictions have imposed a significant impact on the Township’s ability to follow through with these principles, Council has directed staff to defer certain items of significance.
The attached registry of projects will not formally be adopted at this time. They will continue to be worked on, Council may provide direction to staff on an item, but a formal decision on any of these matters will require the indicated notice to the public. Council may decide to act on or formally render a decision on any of the items on the registry, but the public will have the provided notice period in such case that this may happen. The intent of this notice is to receive feedback, comments and questions from the public prior to rendering a decision.
The Integrity Commissioner is an independent and impartial position reporting directly to Council.
The Integrity Commissioner carries out the following core functions:
Advisory Role
The Integrity Commissioner provides confidential written and oral advice to the Reeve, Councillors and Local Board (Restricted Definition) appointees about their own situations respecting the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards, (see Code of Conduct), and other by-laws, policies and procedures governing ethical behavior, including general advice about the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, (see ca/laws/statute/90m50 ).
The Integrity Commissioner also provides opinions and reports to Council and Local Boards (Restricted Definition), on issues of ethics and integrity.
Investigative Role
Complaints about breaches of the Code of Conduct are made to the Integrity Commissioner pursuant to the Council approved Complaint Protocol. Complaints can be dealt with through a formal or informal process. When carrying out a formal complaint investigation, the Commissioner can summon evidence and examine witnesses under oath.
Should the Integrity Commissioner find a contravention, he can recommend various penalties for imposition by Council. The available penalties range from suspension of remuneration to a reprimand or apology.
Integrity Commissioner Annual Reports
2019
2019 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
2019 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report - Addendum
2020
2020 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
2021
2021 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
2022
2022 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
2023
2023 Integrity Commissioner Annual Report
Integrity Commissioner Investigations
2019
IC-2019-01 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Deputy Reeve John Hall
2020
IC-2020-01 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Roberts
IC-2020-02 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor King, Councillor Closs, Reeve McLaren
IC-2020-03 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Closs
IC-2020-04 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Closs
2021
IC-2021-01 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Roberts
IC-2021-02 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Roberts
IC-2021-03 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Roberts
IC-2021-06 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor Roberts
IC-2021-07 - Report Regarding the Conduct of Councillor King
File a Complaint regarding a Member of Council or Local Board
Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards Request for Inquiry Form
2024 Nominations are now OPEN!
Deadline: January 6th, 2025 4:00pm
2024 Achievement Awards Application
Annual Individual Achievement Awards
Nominated individuals are to be year-round or seasonal residents of Lanark Highlands. Nominated businesses are to be located within Lanark Highlands.
Volunteer Achievement Award
Community Spirit Award
Senior of the Year
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The Best Community Impact Award goes to a business that’s truly making a difference in our community. This business has taken positive action to invest in our community and sees social responsibility as an integral part of the business’ success.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Best Community Impact Award, nominees must have been in operation for a minimum of 12 months in Lanark Highlands. All nominees must have less than 50 employees.
Businesses can be non-profits, social enterprises, or for-profit organizations.
Award Criteria
To win this award, all nominees shortlisted as Top 2 semi-finalists will be required to provide:
For further information contact:
Township of Lanark Highlands
Chelsea Rath, Manager of Facilities/ Community Affairs 75 George Street
Lanark, Ontario K0G 1K0
T: 613-259-2398 ext 252
F: 613-259-2291
E:
Note: Personal information collected from applications is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used to determine qualifications. Questions about the collection of Information should be directed to the Interim Clerk/ CAO at the address indicated above.
September 28th, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICE
Please be advised that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands wishes to inform its residents that the below item contained in the Deferred Items Registry which were previously postponed, will recommence.
At Large or Ward Systems?
The Township of Lanark Highlands currently elects councillors in wards.
On March 9th, 2021 the Township of Lanark Highlands’ Council received a petition under Section 223 of the Municipal Act from at least 1% of the electorate to dissolve the Ward System in the Township.
Council has 90 days to render a decision from the date of receipt of the petition. As a result, Council directed staff to undertake an informal survey of the electorate to receive feedback on whether the Ward System or the At-Large system is preferred.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ND63B95
Paper copies of the survey will be available at the following locations:
Deadline to complete the survey
4:00p.m on Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
“Ward System” - the electorate votes for the Reeve, Deputy Reeve and their own Ward Council member.
Below are some pros and cons of both systems to aid you in your decision;
Ward System | |
---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Represents an easily accessible and identifiable member for the residents to go to with a challenge. | A councillor could be elected based on issues that only permeate with a specific region of the municipality and not that of the whole. |
Electors are able to focus on fewer individuals at election time in determining who to cast their vote for. | Ward boundaries sometimes are perceived as divisive. |
A new candidate or lesser known candidate would have an easier time participating due to cost and notoriety or lack thereof. | Creates a restricted list of options or candidates for consideration. |
More accessible as it would be more cost effective and provides greater opportunities for anyone to run. | Greater likelihood of acclamations. |
Provides for a local representiative to represent the local issues. | Could discourage new candidates based on a local candidate with more notoriety or history. |
Provides a geographical representation which eliminates the stacking of the makeup of Council by a specific area. |
“At-Large System” - the electorate votes for each Council member as they would the Reeve and Deputy Reeve.
At Large System | |
---|---|
Pros | Cons |
Each voter has the opportunity to cast a vote for each candidate in the election. | Could be restrictive to those who wish to run for Council by creating an abundance of cost over the ward system. |
Each candidate or elected member will have to satisfy the entire electorate with their policy views for the entire municipality. | Could be restrictive to those who have transportation challenges or who may not be as recognizable in other areas of the municipality, but may serve very well in their ward. |
The best candidates running for a position on Council would have the best chances of being elected. | There would be no designated member for a particular ward. No specific voice for the area representing acute concerns or issues. |
Acclamation is not as prevalent. Electors may choose to vote for who they feel is the best candidate and not necessarily who is running in their ward. | Could result in specific interests being represented. Example; an urban area may turnout a disproportionate number of candidates and could result in a favoured area of the geographic municipality. Candidates who appeal to where voter turnout is highest tend to be elected disproportionately. |
During this time of uncertainty, Council is wanting to alleviate some of the financial pressures you may be facing and has made the decision to waive penalties and interest on April 1st and May 1st to effect a 60-day deferral of the April 30th tax payment.
The Township of Lanark Highlands recognizes that municipal budget decisions have a profound impact on the daily lives of residents.
The Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands intends to hold a regular Committee of the Whole meeting followed immediately by a regular Council meeting on April 7th, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at 75 George Street, Municipal Building. Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Township of Lanark Highlands intends to consider passing a By-law to adopt the 2020 Municipal Budget as revised during this Regular Meeting of Council.
The 2020 Municipal Budget as revised was approved by Council at the special Committee of the Whole meeting on March 17th, 2020 with a 1.93% increase to the tax levy. The assessment increase caused by growth and development of municipal properties will result in approximately $38,783.00 in taxation revenue in 2020; this will bring about an actual tax increase of 1.09%. For more details, please refer to the 2020 Budget document reflecting the amendments passed at the special Committee of the Whole meeting held on March 17th, 2020.
The Township of Lanark Highlands 2020 Master Fire Plan (pdf) will ensure Lanark Highland's fire services meet the future needs of the growing community. The plan will guide the delivery of fire protection and emergency services over the next ten and fifteen years.
The plan includes an assessment of the operations and divisions within the Lanark Highlands Fire department including:
Any comments or questions with regards to the Master Fire Plan should be addressed to Fire Chief Gene Richardson at:
Contact Us
Sarah Hobbs
Planning, Building and Clerk Admin
Ext. 250
Forbes Symon
Planning Consultant, Jp2g
613-281-9894
75 George Street,
PO BOX 340
Lanark, Ontario
K0G 1K0
613-259-2398
1-800-239-4695
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.