Schreiber council meeting, January 27, 2026

Council and Committee of the Whole met on January 27, 2026, in Council Chambers. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement, followed by approval of the amended agenda and confirmation that there were no disclosures of interest. Council heard two delegations. John McDonald spoke about the increasing impact of municipal taxes, particularly water and sewer charges, on residents living on fixed incomes. He acknowledged the financial pressures facing the Township but urged Council to pursue better solutions to reduce the burden on residents. Mr. McDonald also addressed the Highway 17 Salem Road realignment project, highlighting the opportunity to develop a scenic viewing area that could improve safety and promote tourism. He requested Council’s support through letters to the Ministry of Transportation and the local MPP to explore this opportunity further. Council thanked Mr. McDonald and advised that his concerns would be taken under advisement. Kim Asmussen addressed Council on behalf of a Manitoba Street property owner regarding sidewalk snow clearing. She raised concerns related to pedestrian safety, accessibility, and potential liability due to icy conditions. Council acknowledged the request and indicated it would be reviewed. Council approved the minutes of the January 13, 2026 meeting and carried several resolutions, including approval of grader repairs, authorization of an expenditure for a water treatment plant generator controller, support for a resolution from the Town of Smiths Falls related to the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, approval for Councillors to attend the 2026 NOMA Conference, and authorization of a donation to St. John’s Anglican Church for the Spirit of Christmas dinner. Council passed Bylaw 2-2026 to amend the water and sewer rates schedule, correcting the wording related to alternate water charges. During Committee of the Whole, Council received departmental and administrative reports. The CAO provided updates on staffing, volunteer-led planning for the Winter Carnival, tourism promotion efforts, and ongoing departmental activities. Council and staff reported positively on the outcomes of the ROMA Conference, noting productive meetings with provincial ministries regarding healthcare, infrastructure funding, immigration programs, and policing. The Treasurer recommended appointing Grant Thornton as Municipal Auditor for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years to maintain continuity, which Council supported. The Director of Operations provided updates on facility maintenance issues, grader repairs, changes to recycling services including the transition to biweekly collection beginning in January 2026, the need to replace a sauna heater, and Winter Carnival planning. Council also received information on water and wastewater operations, including pressure filter concerns, upcoming studies, and outstanding matters with OCWA. Fire Department activity reports were presented, showing stable call volumes and outlining mutual aid arrangements with neighboring municipalities. Council reviewed various correspondence items related to levies, waste management initiatives, and property assessment processes. With no further business, Council adjourned the open session and moved into closed session.