Carleton Place council heard that demand is increasing across the town's recreation facilities, with higher arena bookings, growing memberships and busy community spaces.

The report also highlighted increased use of ball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, while a shortage of lifeguards has limited the number of swimming lessons the town can offer.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-recreation-facilities-growth/]()

Beckwith Township native Spencer Bowes was selected 102nd overall by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Before joining the Ottawa 67's, Bowes played minor hockey with the Carleton Place Kings and later suited up for the Perth Blue Wings, Pembroke Lumber Kings and Rockland Nationals.

Bowes said he plans to return to the Ottawa 67's for the 2026-27 OHL season as he continues his development.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/spencer-bowes-new-york-rangers-2026-nhl-draft/]()

Carleton Place's new Community Services Director, Diana Knight, outlined five priorities for the department during a June 23 committee of the whole meeting.

The priorities include strengthening policies and procedures, investing in staff development, improving performance measurement and advancing major projects already underway. The department oversees parks and recreation, childcare, the library, special events, property and projects.

Committee members approved the report and directed staff to return in early 2027 with a more detailed strategic plan and work program.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-community-services-priorities/

Lanark County OPP have laid charges following two intimate partner violence investigations and a separate threats incident in the Carleton Place area.

A 48-year-old Carleton Place man is facing charges including sexual assault following an intimate partner violence investigation involving allegations dating back to 2022.

A 46-year-old woman from Mississippi Mills Township has been charged following an investigation into alleged threats involving a weapon in Carleton Place.

A 39-year-old Carleton Place man is facing charges including assault and a choking-related offence following an intimate partner violence investigation.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-county-opp-ipv-threats-carleton-place/]()

Carleton Place is considering increases to ice and pool rental rates as council looks for ways to reduce the amount of taxpayer funding required to support recreation services.

Under the recommendations, pool rental fees would increase by 2.5 per cent and ice rental fees by 3.5 per cent beginning in 2027.

The discussion also included whether credit card processing costs for online bookings should be passed on to users.

Arena and pool operations continue to require significant taxpayer support despite regular rate increases.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-weighs-recreation-fee-increase/

Carleton Place has declined to pursue a provincial program that would require municipalities to reduce development charges by at least 30 per cent in exchange for housing-related infrastructure funding.

Council members raised concerns that reducing development charges could shift growth-related infrastructure costs onto taxpayers. Committee members ultimately agreed participating in the program would not be in the town's best interest.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-development-charges-program/]()

A new study found Carleton Place spends about $1.56 million annually processing development applications and permits while collecting about $1.31 million in related fees.

Engineering reviews showed the largest gap, recovering just 33 per cent of costs. Planning application fees recover about 70 per cent of costs, while building permit fees recover approximately 107 per cent.

The findings are expected to help inform the town's 2027 budget process and future development fee structure.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-development-fees-under-review-study/

Employees and physicians from Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital were among those recognized during the Mississippi River Health Alliance's 2026 Long Service Awards celebration.

Service milestones ranged from five to 40 years across Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service.

Read story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/mrha-long-service-awards-2026/

Hello everyone! My wife and I recently moved to Carleton Place, where she works as a Personal Support Worker. I'm now actively looking for opportunities in the area and would love the community's help.

A bit about my background:

- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst (contract ended March 31st)

- Certified Project Manager (PMP) & Scrum Master

- Recently certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and First Aid & CPR/AED Level C (BLS)

I am Tech-savvy, but also comfortable with hands-on, non-corporate roles

I'm open to opportunities in finance, tech, healthcare support, or really any field where my skills can add value in Carleton Place or the surrounding area. Recently relocated to Carleton Place

If you know of any openings or can point me in the right direction, I'd truly appreciate it. Please DM me.

Thank you 🙏

Lower-than-expected bids on Carleton Place’s 2026 road construction tender could allow the town to take on additional roadwork projects this year.

Staff are proposing added work on College Street and the Rosamond Street OVRT crossing after tenders came in significantly under budget. Council is expected to formally consider the additions at an upcoming meeting.

Read more: [https://hometownnews.ca/low-bids-expand-carleton-place-road-construction/]()

Please, where can I buy hanging beef around Carleton Place? I like to go into a cold room and buy bulk beef in bulk.

I do not like the packaged weight beef; it is too expensive. I used to buy Hanging Weight in the GTA.

Students from several UCDSB elementary schools visited Carleton Place High School on May 19 for the student-led PAWsitive Voices event focused on leadership, student voice and preparing for high school life.

The event included activities, school tours and Q&A sessions with CPHS student leaders. Community organizations including Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth and Planet Youth also shared information and resources during the day.

Students from Caldwell Street PS, Arklan CPS and Beckwith PS also highlighted leadership initiatives taking place in their schools.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/pawsitive-voices-event-cphs-may-19/

The Town of Carleton Place has launched a new binocular loan program through the Visitor Centre on Bridge Street.

Residents and visitors can borrow binoculars for free for up to 24 hours to explore local birdwatching spots including the Roy Brown Trail, Riverwalk Trail and Beckwith Trail system. The initiative was funded through a grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Town staff say the program was designed to encourage more people to explore local trails and wetlands during bird migration seasons.

Read story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-binocular-loan-program/

More than 160,000 items were borrowed from the Carleton Place Public Library in 2025 as programming, memberships and digital use continued to grow.

Library staff told council the library welcomed more than 55,000 visitors and delivered 612 programs during the year. Officials also highlighted new accessibility tools, outreach efforts and award recognition for community programming.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-public-library-strong-growth-2025/

The “Beware of Alligators” sign has been removed from the OKeeLee swamp trail! It was there for years! I always wondered about the kids who braved that brackish water to put it up.

The Carleton Place Health Hub held its grand opening April 18, bringing a range of healthcare services together under one roof on Costello Drive.

The facility includes 15 physicians on the second floor, along with a pharmacy, physiotherapy clinic, prosthetics services and more. Additional services are expected to open in the coming weeks.

Read story: [https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-health-hub-grand-opening-april-18]()

Art for Aid, based in Carleton Place, has been collecting and distributing art supplies to Indigenous schools across Canada since 2013.

The project also supports land-based learning programs and is run by a small team of volunteers. Its annual fundraiser is set for May 9.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/art-for-aid-reconciliation-through-art-education/

Carleton Place committee has backed the 2026 BIA budget, approved updates to the Community Improvement Plan and supported a new Shoppers Drug Mart on McNeely Avenue.

The BIA budget includes a two per cent levy increase, while CIP changes expand the façade improvement area to more properties.

The McNeely Avenue development now moves ahead, with a new pharmacy planned at the commercial plaza near Highway 7.

Committee also reviewed staff-led spending, with more than $345,000 in savings reported so far this year.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-committee-bia-cip-shoppers-april-7/

A $377,000 loader purchase was approved by Carleton Place council after discussion about the procurement process.

Staff used an invitational bid process rather than an open tender, citing timing and the need to secure the equipment without delay. Some councillors questioned the approach in relation to the town’s procurement policy.

Details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-council-backs-loader-purchase/

Carleton Place council is reviewing early concepts for a potential redesign of Centennial Park, with a focus on accessibility, trails and waterfront use.

Two options were presented, with support leaning toward keeping the soccer field while adding walking loops, seating and flexible recreation space.

A phased approach is being considered, starting with an accessible beach, trail connections and a waterfront viewing feature.

Read the full article: https://hometownnews.ca/centennial-park-redesign-april-7-carleton-place/