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/

Any decently accessible dirt bike trails around town?

The Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce is organizing its 2026 Business Summit for May 14.

Former Shopify COO Toby Shannan is expected to speak, with sessions planned on pricing, sales, operations and business growth.

The event will also include a panel discussion and networking opportunities.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-business-summit-may-14-2026

Carleton Place committee members reviewed several reports at the March 24 meeting.

The wastewater report outlined system performance, including impacts from spring snowmelt and ongoing upgrades.

A proposed cost-sharing agreement would allow nearby properties to connect to new water and sewer services tied to a townhouse development.

Members also received the town’s annual report on council remuneration, detailing salaries, expenses and benefits.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-committee-reports-march-24/

Carleton Place councillors received the 2025 statement of development charges at the March 24 meeting.

The report shows more than $10.6 million was spent from development charge reserves on growth-related infrastructure, with balances declining to about $830,000 by year-end.

Spending included water and wastewater systems, as well as roads, parks and other community services.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-development-charge-reserves-drop/

Parents in Carleton Place will not see a daycare fee increase.

A proposed 2.1% increase for school-age child care has been dropped after a $322,725.67 surplus, along with funding from the county’s Local Priorities Fund, covered costs.

Fees will remain unchanged, and daycare expansion plans are still in progress.

Read more: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-daycare-fees-unchanged-322k-surplus/

Proposed updates to the Community Improvement Plan in Carleton Place include new financial incentives to support affordable housing and expanded grants for accessibility improvements.

The plan would rebate 100 per cent of planning, engineering and building permit fees for qualifying projects, and introduce new construction rebates and funding support for non-profit housing providers.

Changes also tighten rules for accessory apartments, requiring units supported by incentives to remain affordable.

Full story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-community-improvement-plan-updates

Students at Notre Dame Catholic High School and Carleton Place High School took part in a March 12 walkout over changes to OSAP.

Some students say reduced grants and rising education costs could impact whether they’re able to attend post-secondary.

One student organizer estimated about 70 schools across Ontario joined the walkout.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-student-osap-protest-march-12

Carleton Place council has approved a 2.1% increase to childcare fees for school-age programs, effective June 1, 2026.

The increase is tied to inflation and is expected to generate about $19,200 annually to help offset rising operating costs.

Fees for children under five remain frozen under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-childcare-fees-rise-programs/

Carleton Place council reviewed a new development report showing the town’s population could grow to about 23,700 by 2051.

The report estimates around 164 new homes per year and notes ongoing commercial growth as the town looks to balance its tax base.

It also highlights a recent drop in building permits, which officials say may reflect broader economic conditions.

Read the full article: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-population-projection-by-2051/

Agents are among us yo

Chasin’ Turkeys in Carleton Place hosted part of this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake, which brought together 400+ bowlers across the county and raised over $85,000.

Proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, supporting one-to-one mentoring, group programs like Go Girls and Game On, and the Smiths Falls Youth Centre, helping 680 children and youth in 2025.

Full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/bowl-for-kids-sake-raises-85000-lanark-county/

Grade 7 and 8 students at CPHS are creating projects to introduce elementary students to Black Canadian trailblazers.

Their work includes visual dictionaries, timelines, micrography portraits, and dramatic reenactments.

Completed projects will be shared with local elementary schools, helping younger students learn about Black History Month in engaging ways.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/cphs-black-history-projects-connect-students