CP SCOOP - September 24th, 2021 - Carleton Place

CP SCOOP – September 24th, 2021

MUNICIPAL UPDATES

Carleton Place Public Library Reopening Update - We're not open yet...but soon! - Once upon a
time, we planned on doing a quick renovation in order to reopen our doors by February of 2021.
Winter turned to Spring, and we were still waiting to move back. Summer came along and after a few
delays, we finally moved everything into the building, eager to reopen to the public. It was almost
time!

We didn't plan for this to happen. We had no idea the delays would continue.

Fall has just arrived and we are finally, ALMOST ready to open our doors to the public once again!
Isn't it exciting? We are waiting on the completion of the ramp outside, and then we'll be able to
reopen. Until then, we're still doing curbside pickup. Staff shared a video that gives an explanation
regarding the ramp delays.

You might not notice a lot of differences in our refreshed space, but trust us, there are plenty of things
that had to be updated!
   • We have brand new energy-saving lighting throughout the library.
   • We installed a universal washroom, located off the Barbara Walsh Room.
   • Our front lobby has new tiling throughout and was expanded into a bright, large space.
   • We installed a refillable water bottle station at the front entrance.
   • We have new shelving throughout the library, including movable shelves in the children's area
       to allow for more programming and event options.
   • The Barbara Walsh Room is now completely accessible from outside and includes a separate
       alarm system, doors that lock after hours to the library portion of the building, an updated
       kitchenette, and an accessible washroom.
   • Our children's area has fun new seating and a new layout for collections.
   • We added two (2) meeting spaces for groups of up to eight (8) people.
   • Our flooring was replaced throughout.
   • A refreshed circulation desk area and separate storage areas were added for easy access.
   • The local history room was moved up near the circulation desk.
   • Our office spaces were reconfigured to accommodate a private office for our CEO.
   • Freshly painted walls throughout the building not only refresh the space but also accent special
       areas.
   • A laptop bar will allow three (3) to four (4) people to work and recharge their devices at the
       same time.

Once we open, we hope you'll come in and take a look around. Many collections have been moved to
make them easier to access, so pick up a map at the front desk or ask for assistance if you can't find
what you're looking for. We're going to be so happy to have you back!

Love your Library? Join the Library Board! - Your Library Board has a vacancy, and we are
looking for people who are passionate about their Library and their community to fill it!

What does the Library Board do?
The Library Board’s job is to make policy and govern a library’s affairs under the Ontario Public
Libraries Act. It ensures Carleton Place receives a comprehensive and efficient public library service
that meets the unique needs of our community. Read more about the role of a Library Board Trustee
here: Library Board Trustee Position Description

Why should I consider joining?
Yes, there are budget statements and policies to look at, but a Trustee’s job is an important one: to
help set the direction of the library. You will have the opportunity to plan for future library
developments and advocate for this important community resource. Joining the Library Board is a
great opportunity to contribute to your community!

What is the time commitment?
The Library Board meets 10 times a year, with each meeting lasting about one (1) or two (2)
hours. The commitment also involves time to read and consider reports and other information to
prepare for meetings.

A Library Board’s Term runs concurrently with the term of Council. This means this position is
available until the 2022 Council appoints the new Library Board.

Who can apply to be on the Library Board?
The Public Libraries Act requires Trustees be:
   • at least 18 years old;
   • a Canadian Citizen
   • a resident of the Town of Carleton Place;
   • not employed by the Library Board or the Town of Carleton Place.

Our Library Board believes in the power of diversity! Young people (18+), as well as people from
underrepresented groups such as racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples,
and members of the LGBTQ2+ community are highly encouraged to apply.

If you have skills or an interest in strategic planning, fundraising, community development, or finance
and budgeting, your skills would be invaluable to the Library Board.

Above all else, a love of libraries and what they can achieve is a must!

Who appoints Library Board Trustees?
Library Board Trustees are appointed by the Council of the Town of Carleton Place.

How do I apply?
Applications are made by sending a letter of interest and a current resume to Clerk Stacey Blair
at sblair@carletonplace.ca by Friday, October 15th, 2021.

I have more questions. Who should I speak to?
Joining the Library Board is a big decision! If you have questions, please reach out to Library CEO
Meriah Caswell at mcaswell@carletonplace.ca or 613-257-2702, extension 6501.

Reminder – Please Watch the Central Bridge/Bridge Street Reconstruction Overview Video -
The Carleton Place Public Works Department has been busy preparing for the much-needed
replacement of the Central Bridge. Staff have been working with Louis Bray Construction this past
year to prepare for the Central Bridge project by making improvements to Gillies Bridge and installing
an additional watermain crossing.

Starting January 2022, the Central Bridge will be closed to the public for the duration of the project
which is anticipated to be completed in November 2022. During the replacement of the Central
Bridge, Bridge Street from Lake Avenue to the Central Bridge will also be reconstructed. This portion
of the project is anticipated to occur from April through October 2022. We are asking residents to
continue to support our downtown businesses as they will remain open and accessible throughout
this project.

We understand these projects will change how our residents navigate through the community. The
Public Works Department is committed to keeping our residents informed every step of the way. Staff
have prepared a video that gives a detailed overview of the project.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works office at (613) 257-2253 or by email at
dyoung@carletonplace.ca.

PROVINCIAL UPDATES

Ontario Cautiously Easing Capacity Limits in Select Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is
Required - Public Health and Health Care Indicators are Currently Stable or Improving - With public
health and health care indicators stable and proof of vaccination now in effect, the government, based
on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously easing capacity limits for select
indoor and outdoor settings where proof of vaccination is required.

OTHER UPDATES

Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Virtual Walk-through – The Carleton Place and
District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) has launched its public $4 million Healthy Futures. Together! $4
Million Comprehensive Capital Campaign for the New Emergency Department and patient care
equipment.

Take a virtual walk-through of the CPDMH’s new Emergency Department.

To support the Healthy Futures. Together! $4 Million Comprehensive Capital Campaign please visit
www.cpdmhfoundation.ca or call 613-257-GIVE(4483)

Smiths Falls’ Housing Advisory Committee Hosts Virtual Workshop on Tenant Rights - The
Town of Smiths Falls’ Housing Advisory Committee is organizing a Tenant Rights Virtual Workshop to
be held on October 1st, 2021. The workshop will help inform tenants of their rights and responsibilities
under relevant provincial legislation, and ensure they are aware of how to access legal services in the
community.

The Housing Task Force was prioritized in the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan as a means of identifying
priority short-term and long-term strategies to advance affordable housing availability and options in
Smiths Falls. In 2021, Council adopted the committee’s Housing Report that included 17
recommendations for actions to advance affordable housing in the community.

The virtual workshop will be held over Zoom on October 1st, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Linda Tranter, a lawyer from The Legal Clinic in Perth will be discussing:
   • Free legal clinic services available
   • Tenants’ rights and responsibilities
   • The housing crisis in Lanark County
   • The eviction process – what to expect
   • What to do if you receive an eviction notice

•   Repairs and renovations – landlord and tenant duties
   •   Property standards inspections
   •   Tenancy agreements
   •   Discrimination in housing
   •   Resources for tenants in Lanark County
   •   Is that Legal? Questions about your rights & responsibilities

Those interested in attending the virtual workshop may register by contacting Brianne Harper
at bharper@smithsfalls.ca to have a link sent to them to access the session. This workshop will also
be live-streamed over the following channels:

   •   Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/townofsmithsfalls/
   •   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIFXU6Sq9neiC5VU9QbmLtQ