Hospital fundraiser also on the agenda at Oct. 6 council session
District of Carleton North (DCN) CAO Amy McIntosh advised that the District has been considering retrofitting both the R.G. “Bun” Veysey Centre and the Western Valley Multiplex with generators to serve as emergency centres.
“When we think about EMO and major events that could happen, there’s no place for people to go,” said McIntosh. She advised that while municipal fire departments have generators, the public cannot use them for safety and accessibility reasons.
McIntosh advised that an initial quote from Larsen Electric estimated the cost of a diesel generator at $254,000 for the R.G. “Bun” Veysey Centre and $122,000 for the Western Valley Multiplex.
Quotes for propane-based generators are still pending. However, McIntosh said they were advised that diesel generators are typically more cost-effective than propane.
Council agreed to approve the project as presented and move ahead with all “necessary steps” to advance the project, including submitting funding applications.
Garbage bin distribution delayed
DCN Mayor Andrew Harvey advised that the garbage bin delivery is delayed and that no estimated delivery date is currently available.
Harvey said that the District will try to get a delivery date as soon as possible.
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The DCN has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to help guide future decisions and reduce risks from changing climate conditions.
Work on the plan began in early 2026, and residents and business owners were invited to share input on changing climate needs through a public survey. The plan has now been finalized with support from Dillon Consulting.
Mayor Andrew Harvey clarified that the plan is not a by-law or policy, but rather a “living plan which doesn’t commit us to anything,” noting that changes can be made as needed.
The plan aims to identify local vulnerabilities and outline practical steps to protect residents, services, and infrastructure, and to improve long-term resilience, which in turn will help the district access funding for any necessary changes.
The council voted to adopt the new plan and incorporate the plan’s recommendations into municipal planning, asset management, and annual budgeting processes.
For more information, or to read the Climate Change Adaptation Plan in full, please visit Climate Change Adaptation Plan | District of Carleton North.
Laugh Rx Fundraiser
Becky York, a member of the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) Foundation, provided an update on the Foundation’s activities and the upcoming Laugh Rx Gala.
York recapped the foundation’s achievements, including purchasing and installing the recently opened MRI machine at Upper River Valley Hospital. She said the foundation has a “new project” starting soon that it will announce at the gala.
York also said the URVH Foundation has raised $5 million to date, with $4.4 million currently invested. The rest is set aside for the upcoming project.
Next, York spoke about the annual gala fundraiser, which will take place on November 14, 2026, at the AYR Motor Centre. Tickets are $100 per person, with a $50 charitable donation receipt to be issued.
The Laugh Rx gala will include a cocktail hour, a catered dinner, a magic and comedy show, and a dance with music provided by The Retros.
Tickets can be purchased through Foundation members, at the Upper River Valley Hospital, or at Lenehan McCain & Associates. Proceeds will go directly to the foundation to support ongoing and upcoming projects.
The Foundation has also launched a Rafflebox 50/50 for the Gala – get your tickets at https://rafflebox.ca/raffle/urvhf/
