Lanark County Council has made further commitments through its new Enterprise Fleet Management Inc. contract approved earlier this month, which accesses competitive fleet management, procurement and financing options for county vehicles.

Council has authorized the Lanark County Housing ...Corporation (LCHC) to enter into an agreement under the contract to purchase three replacement cargo vans in 2026 at an estimated cost of $50,000 each plus HST, financed from the LCHC 2026 budget and reserves.

Social Services Director Emily Hollington explained LCHC owns six vehicles, including five cargo vans and pick-up truck. Staff recommended the self-funded approach offered through the program as the most cost-effective option to replace the three oldest vans as it requires greater capital investment up front, but avoids financing risks related to interest rates, resulting in lower total cost over the planning period.

Council further approved public works proceeding to purchase a cargo mechanic van, an electric patrol truck and three half-tonne operations trucks in 2026 at an estimated cost of $267,000 plus HST, financed from the public works budget and reserves.

Public Works Director Sean Derouin explained the planned replacement program is expected to improve reliability, control costs and support long-term asset management, adding it aims to minimize escalating maintenance and repair costs, reduce service downtime and manage risk as vehicles age beyond their most reliable operating period.

Lanark County Council has endorsed the county’s participation in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative that would help to support regional labour market needs.

Adam Amza, Coordinator for the Lanark & Renfrew ...Immigration Settlement Services program, explained the initiative is administered through Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. It supports permanent immigration for individuals who have a direct job offer from an employer in the community and provides additional support for businesses and organizations through workshops, training and dedicated nomination spaces for the community. It aims to address regional labour shortages, attract and retain skilled newcomers, promote economic development and create pathways to permanent residence.

Amza said Lanark County participated in the original REDI pilot in 2025, which increased organizational capacity for county businesses to access OINP and connected them with additional support for their employees’ applications. The 2026 REDI initiative builds on this success.

Local businesses and organizations that received approved nominations in 2025 include six long-term care/retirement homes, three skilled trades/construction companies, two advanced manufacturing companies, local municipalities, veterinary practices and others.

Amza said the expression of interest for the 2026/2027 program was developed in consultation with lower-tier municipalities with a community-wide approach that reflected regional labour market needs and sector priorities. “Lanark County continues to experience workforce shortages across several key sectors, including health care and long-term care, child care and skilled trades.”

Results of the expression of interest will be announced in August. If successful, staff will support connecting business owners with the REDI program though promotion, connection and hosting events.

We are gathering input about transportation-related needs and priorities in the County, and need your help to confirm our transportation Vision and Goals. Join us for one of two information-sharing sessions:

Saturday July 4, 2026 - 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Market Square: 7 Beckwith Street, ...Carleton Place

An online survey and detailed project presentation will be available from June 15th to July 12th 2026 for those who are unable to attend in person. Visit our website for more information: https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/government/public-consultation/#TMPUpdate

Lanark County is developing a new Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Much has changed since the previous TMP in 2010, and so the County requires a new plan to guide investment, address challenges, and support safe, efficient and equitable mobility for residents and visitors.

The TMP study considers components of the transportation system under County jurisdiction, and focuses on improving mobility for residents and visitors across all modes: walking, cycling, transit, driving and goods movement. The outcome will be a plan that is both actionable and aligned with the County’s vision for the future.