By Marianne Cole
2025 Audited Financial Report
At their April 28, 2026 meeting, Clearwater County Council reviewed the audited financial statements for 2025. Steven Webber, Audit Manager for Metrix Group who had reviewed the county’s financials, was in attendance to provide information and answer questions. Special items to note were:
· According to Mr. Webber the audit went well and the county is in a strong financial position.
· During amalgamation with Caroline the county assumed $934,975 in liabilities but that was overcome by assuming a total of $1,736,830 in financial assets and $7,724,699 in tangible capital assets (buildings, roads, infrastructure, equipment, etc.)
· For 2025, Clearwater County’s total revenue was $76,625,870 while the total expenses were $75,802,474.
· Monies that had been set aside in 2024 for the 2025 “restricted surplus” was $102,143,040. These monies are dedicated to specific uses (roads, bridges, equipment, vehicles, emergency services, etc.). It also included $10,341,769 specifically for broadband.
· Interestingly, in the schedule specifically listing revenue and expenses for various categories such as government, community services, transportation, ag. services, etc., there was no mention of broadband revenue or expenses. A letter has been sent on behalf of the CCTA asking for such.
Later in the meeting, Council passed 2nd and 3rd reading in support of the 1% tax rate increase that had passed first reading at their April 14, 2026 meeting.
MDP Review of Section 10 Subdivision of Land
A Public Hearing was held on April 14, 2026 in council chambers with regards to the proposed amendments to Section 10 of the Municipal Development Plan which most notably deals with the subdivision of land. Highlights from that meeting included:
· Distinct concern for protecting agricultural land and the rural character of Clearwater County.
· A desire for providing opportunity for family members to stay in the community.
· The new amendments will allow for only 2 titles per quarter, except if there is fragmentation which could allow for an additional title.
· Clause 10.2.8, allowing for small ag. holdings on Country Residential Agricultural (CRA) parcels was deleted but the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) does allow for such.
· Support for the amendments was indicated by 6 people who spoke in favor, the provision of a list of 176 signatures of people who were in favor of the amendments, and 1 letter of support had been sent in for a total of 183 in favor.
· Opposition to the amendments was expressed by 14 people that spoke (13 in attendance and 1 virtually) along with 12 letters submitted for a total of 36 opposed.
· In addition there were 2 people who spoke but were undecided as they felt it was difficult to balance the rules and landowner rights.
Following significant discussion and various motions by council, 2nd and 3rd reading as tabled to the April 28, 2026 Council meeting.
Decision Made: At this recent meeting there was, again, significant discussion on the various amendments and the pro’s/con’s of each. In the end the majority vote (5-2) resulted in the passing of 2nd and 3rd reading of the amendments that allow 2 titles per quarter with a third if there is fragmentation.
Proposed Peat Harvesting Project Draws Opposition
A proposed peat extraction/processing operation by Premier Horticulture is being considered for an area southwest of the Dovercourt Hall, west of Hwy. 22, along the south side of Mudd Creek. While the operation would be on crown land, because it is considered aggregate extraction, it is designated Direct Control. As such Council is the sole decision maker and there is no opportunity for appeal.
The project was considered at the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 28th. Once more, significant discussion took place as issues focused on environmental concerns, the impact on surrounding residents, and the traffic impact on Hwy. 22.
A total of 11 letters of opposition were included in the agenda package, one of which also had a list of 66 signatures attached noting opposition. 9 additional letters of opposition had been sent directly to council.
Following lengthy, thorough discussion, which included a distinct reminder to listen to the voice of the residents, Council passed a motion to table the decision until more information is gathered and potentially more public engagement organized by the developer could occur.
Coming events:
Regular monthly meetings Wednesday, May 13 and Wednesday, June 10, both at 7:30PM at Leslieville Elks Hall.
· The world’s favorite season is spring. All things seem possible in May. Edwin May Teale.
· Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. Doug Larson.
· I am thankful that in a troubled world no calamity can prevent the return of spring. Helen Keller
