Review-Mirror

A recent decision by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) has put Rideau Lakes Township on notice that they will need to review some of their waterfront development policies. The OMB case, initiat- ed by the Big Rideau Lake Association, contested the township's approval of four minor variances to build a small dwelling on an undersized and narrow lot with difficult topogra- phy. The lot had previous- ly served as a private boat launch. The OMB decision imposed a 15m setback for the new dwelling, almost twice the 8m setback orig- inally requested by the property owner. The township original- ly granted the 8m setback and waived the minimum dwelling size requirement but that request was Leeds and 1000 Islands Township residents will have the opportunity to present their views on ward restructuring in an online survey which will be available on the town- ship's new website. In addition to the sur- vey, residents can also attend a meeting in See- ley's Bay Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Hall. Consultation began last Wednesday evening with a meeting at the Lansdowne Community Hall which attracted less than 20 members of the public after staff, councilors and the media were counted. The format included a brief presentation of alter- natives by Clerk Vanessa Latimer followed by a dis- cussion with past coun- cilor Tom Lawler as mod- erator. The township has the opportunity to realign its three multi-sized wards into a new configuration, abandon the ward system altogether, and/or reduce the size of council from By Howie Crichton The Review-Mirror Without the ongoing uncertainty over funding the upgrades to Westport's sewage treatment, village water and sewer rates would only have to rise at a rate of just over 3 per cent for the system to be sustainable. That was the scenario drawn out at Monday night's regular council meeting by consultant Dan Wilson of Watson & Asso- ciates. The village retained the firm at a cost of $19,000, to do a long-term financial plan for the water and sewer system, a require- ment of the province. Wilson estimated rates would have to rise 3.3 per cent a year until 2025 to build enough reserves to make the system sustain- able. That would mean the current bill would rise from around $140 in 2016 to $190 by 2025. The system currently has 293 customers on water and sewer and another 15 on water only. The 10-year rate calcula- tion estimates an average of five new customers per year. About 30 properties in the village have their own well and septic. Sustainable rates aren't a requirement now but will be in the future, Wilson believes. The financial plan is a Mirror The Review Thursday, June 9, 2016 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 125, No. 23 $1 incl. tax •Continued on page 3 Canada Post Contract No. 40021501 Creative Gardens Landscape Supply & Garden Centre •Landscape Supply Depot •Creative Floral Designs •Seasonal Gift Ware •Landscape Design & Construction •Seasonal Garden Maintenance 82 Concession St., Westport 613 273 8437 creativegardenslandscaping@yahoo.ca The Kids and Cops Fishing Tournament was a big hit during Seeley's Bay Red Canoefest held in Seeleys Bay on Saturday afternoon. The docks were full of young anglers who were thrilled no matter the size of their catch. See back page for more. Photo by Julie Gamble TLTI residents get to have their say on ward restructuring 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 43 Bedford St., Westport 613-273-8848 soho@rideau.net OMB ruling on waterfront setback could make future development more cumbersome 24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls Hwy. 15 S. & Bay Rd. 613-205-1212 streetmotorsales@cogeco.net streetmotorsales.com Charlie Franklin Sales Representative 2007 Toyota Rav4 AWD, loaded, V6, green, 137,703 kms $12,995 2010 Ford Escape XLT 4x4, 5 dr., 4 cyl., local trade, 106,501 kms $13,995 Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin duncan s TV & APPLIANCES Package 18 cu. ft. Fridge •Custom-Flex Door™ •Spillsafe® Shelves •Ready-Select® Control Reg. 1199.00 $ 1099 00 Model FGTR1845SQP 30" Gas Range •Continuous Grates •Self Clean •Low Simmer Burner •Quick Bake Convection Reg. 1299.95 $ 1099 95 Model FGGF3035RW Continuing a 30 year tradition serving North Leeds Take Both Pieces $ 1995 95 Cash & Carry Delivery & Set Up Available •Continued on back page •Continued on back page Future water and sewer rates still depend on grant applications Sewage issues aside, Westport rates should go up 3.3% a year

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