By Marianne Cole
Organizational Meeting
The annual Council Organizational Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. This yearly meeting is held to elect the Reeve, Deputy Reeve and council members as well as members at large for various committees. In total there are 31 committees/boards that council members participate in. Of particular note are the following appointments at Tuesday’s meeting:
· Reeve: Jordan Northcott
· Deputy Reeve: Drew McKay
· Municipal Planning Commission (MPC): Reeve Jordan Northcott, Councillors Breanne Powell and Lorne Humphrey, and Member at Large Ty Northcott.
· Subdivision Development Appeal Board (SDAB): Deputy Reeve Drew McKay, Councillor Tyler McCauley, and Members at Large Amanda Thompson, Pat Butler, and Earl Graham.
· Ag. Service Board: Councillors Lorne Humphrey and Hazen Letwin and Members at Large Rick Northcott and Stuart Mahan.
We certainly commend and thank all councillors, as well as members of the public, for their dedicated, most valuable service on behalf of the residents of Clearwater County.
Fire Rescue Services Bylaw
This bylaw that ultimately controls matters related to fire protection was brought back to Council after being reviewed at an earlier meeting and further information requested. The document is being reviewed in order to make it align with the provincial Forest and Prairie Protection Act. Again, significant discussion took place before approving the bylaw with an amendment on fire pit size. Items of note are:
· Fire permits are required from March 1 – October 31.
· Fire permits are not required for a recreational fire, a smudge fire, or a fire between November 1- February 28(29).
· The acceptable fire pit size was amended from a size of 1M in width to 1.5M.
· A Fireworks Permit is required year round.
· Fire permits are required for a fire in an Acceptable Burning Barrel.
Fire permits may be applied for on line or at the county fire department office.
Consultant Services Proposal
Following the 2025 amalgamation of the village of Caroline with Clearwater County, the county’s population increased from about 11,865 to 12,437. Most of this increase was felt in Ward 6 (Caroline and surrounding area), though Ward 7 (North of Hwy. 12) has also experienced a large increase in population. Consequently, a review of electoral representation boundaries as well as council structure is being proposed. It is further suggested that a consultant be hired to do the review.
The review would potentially involve public engagement, subsequent ward boundary changes, and potential council changes (e.g. having a reeve elected by council or the general public).
Again, significant discussion took place on the need for this review, the need for consultants to facilitate the process, and, of course, the costs involved. The potential cost of consultant fees is $200,000 but it was noted that $100,000 had already been approved for the 2026 budget but hadn’t been used.
In conclusion, a motion was passed that a request for RFP’s be sent out and that a final decision could then be made on December 18, 2026.
Broadband Update
Information was given that fibre optic roll out continues and that certain areas have been provided with live hook-up opportunities. So far, feedback is very positive on the quality of service provided with connectivity. In addition, it was noted that the required grant reporting information deadline was forwarded to 2028.
Important Upcoming CCTA Meetings:
· Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30PM, Leslieville Elks Hall, CCTA Annual General Meeting. (Note date change due to Remembrance Day.)
· Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7:00PM, Pidherney’s Leslieville Community Hall, Data Centre Information Meeting. Note: Brian Hudson, IT Manager with Blue Mountain Power will be giving a special information presentation followed by a Q&A. Refreshments served.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” John Campbell.
“To remember is to keep their spirit alive.” Anonymous.
