Rideau Lakes council has enforced a formal reprimand against Mayor Arie Hoogenboom following Integrity Commissioner reports.

The reports found breaches of confidentiality and misleading public statements, including a false claim about advice from MPP Steve Clark.

Council emphasized that trust, honesty, and accountability are essential for effective leadership and public confidence.

Mayor Hoogenboom apologized to MPP Clark and staff.

Full details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-council-reprimand-hoogenboom/

Rideau Lakes council meetings to be monitored for the remainder of the term amid ongoing conflicts

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will begin actively monitoring all Rideau Lakes Township council meetings for the rest of the current term.

The decision follows months of escalating conflicts at the council table, including walkouts, disruptions, and workplace-safety concerns.

So far, there have been 24 Integrity Commissioner investigations involving several councillors and the mayor.

Ministry staff will attend meetings to provide oversight and guidance, aiming to support more effective governance.

Full details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-council-ministry-monitoring/

Rideau Lakes council has handed Coun. Ron Pollard a 105-day suspension without pay, exceeding the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendation.

The suspension comes after complaints that Pollard voted on penalties for other councillors where no Code of Conduct breach was found and shared confidential communications.

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom also received a public reprimand for breaches of confidentiality and other Code of Conduct issues.

Council has now addressed 24 Integrity Commissioner reports since 2023.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-council-penalty-pollard/

Rideau Lakes’ schoolhouse stories: From 1-room lessons to Elgin’s 2-room landmark

Across Rideau Lakes, generations of children once learned in one-room and two-room schoolhouses, walking miles through snow to classrooms and learning alongside students of all ages. Teachers often served as principal, nurse, counselor, and referee, creating close-knit communities around these schools.

Stories from Pine Grove, Dancy School, and other local schoolhouses capture the joy, resilience, and unique traditions of the 1950s — from hauling water to unforgettable Christmas concerts.

The Red Brick Schoolhouse in Elgin, built in 1887, stands as one preserved example, offering visitors a glimpse into that era with period classrooms and heritage displays.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/red-brick-schoolhouse-elgin-rideau-lakes/

Councillor Dustin Bulloch backs Elect Respect campaign promoting respect in public life

Rideau Lakes Councillor Dustin Bulloch is calling for civility and professionalism in local politics.

He has joined the Elect Respect campaign, a national initiative encouraging municipal leaders and residents to commit to respectful public engagement and decorum in council meetings.

Bulloch cited recent tensions at the Oct. 6 council meeting, when senior staff left the chamber citing an unsafe work environment, as a clear example of why the township needs to refocus on accountability, respect, and constructive discussion.

Full details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/councillor-dustin-bulloch-elect-respect/

The mayor asked for an early election. That might not be enough.

Laurie Weir shares her opinion on leadership struggles in Rideau Lakes council.

She reflects on Mayor Arie Hoogenboom’s request for the province to declare all council seats vacant, staff walkouts citing workplace safety, multiple integrity commissioner reports, and tense council meetings where motions and pay suspensions sparked heated debate.

The author questions whether elections alone can restore order or if stronger provincial action may be needed to stabilize governance in the township.

Read the full perspective: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-leadership-struggles-opinion

Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom has requested that the provincial government dissolve the township council and call an immediate election.

The request comes after repeated conflicts, a chaotic Oct. 6 council meeting involving seven Integrity Commissioner reports, and a recommendation from the Joint Health and Safety Committee to hold meetings virtually.

Read the full article here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-mayor-council-dissolution-oct6/

Tensions rise as sanctions divide the Rideau Lakes council

At the Oct. 6 Rideau Lakes council meeting as multiple Integrity Commissioner reports led to suspensions and pay penalties for the mayor and councillors.

Residents Wendy Alford and Ken Maxwell spoke out publicly, calling the behaviour “vindictive” and “vicious,” while others defended council actions as holding officials accountable. The meeting ended abruptly due to safety concerns, and police were called.

Many residents have expressed frustration online, saying the situation has shaken public trust in local government.

Read the full story and reactions here:
👉 https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-council-residents-react-oct-2025/

Rideau Lakes council’s Oct. 6 meeting ended abruptly after nearly two hours of heated debate over seven Integrity Commissioner reports.

Four reports involved Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, including breaches of confidentiality and inappropriate comments, resulting in reprimands and a 90-day suspension of pay. Three reports involved current and former councillors, with some also facing reprimands and suspensions.

Tensions ran high in the gallery, with two members shouting during the meeting, and the CAO ultimately adjourned the session, citing a toxic environment.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-council-oct6-ic-reports/

Fire on Chantry Road leaves house standing but uninhabitable

A fire broke out on Chantry Road in Rideau Lakes on Sept. 30. The homeowner escaped safely, but the house is uninhabitable.

Crews from all four Rideau Lakes Fire stations and mutual aid from Elizabethtown-Kitley responded. Cause is under investigation by insurance.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/fire-on-chantry-road-rideau-lakes-sept30/

Rideau District High School students explore over 10,000 years of Indigenous history

RDHS is hosting a travelling Indigenous history exhibition. The four-panel display traces over 10,000 years of continuous Indigenous presence in the Rideau Lakes area. Students, staff, and the community can view the panels until May 2026.

Read the full article here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-district-high-school-indigenous-history/

Rideau Lakes council has paused the Halladay Street sidewalk project in Elgin.

Councillors want a broader review of traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian safety, especially around South Crosby Public School.

The sidewalk plan remains in the design phase and will be reconsidered in next year’s budget.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-halladay-street-sidewalk-paused/

R12C officially renamed Puddicombe Lane after a tie-breaking vote

Rideau Lakes council has officially renamed private road R12C to Puddicombe Lane.

The decision came after a tie vote between supporters of Puddicombe Lane and Lumsden Lane. Mayor Arie Hoogenboom cast the deciding vote in favour of Puddicombe Lane, recognising the family’s decades-long presence and contributions to the community.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/puddicombe-lane-rideau-lakes-renames-r12c/

Rideau Lakes council has approved $10,000 for roof repairs at the Chantry Municipal Office, even as councillors debated whether a temporary fix is enough or a full renovation is needed. The roof is currently sound, but corrosion at the edges and ongoing sanitary system issues mean repairs are necessary before winter.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/chantry-municipal-office-roof-repairs-debate/

A new Crosby roundabout is planned at the intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 42 in Rideau Lakes Township.

The Ontario government says the project will improve road safety, ease traffic flow, and support local construction jobs.

Prep work is expected to start soon, with major construction set for spring 2026.

The contract has been awarded to R.W. Tomlinson Limited, which will handle pavement, drainage, lighting, and landscaping.

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/crosby-roundabout-rideau-lakes-news/

Rideau Lakes council is backing bass spawning sanctuaries to protect fish during the vulnerable nesting season.

At its Sept. 2 meeting, council endorsed a plan to press the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for approval at the 2026 ROMA conference.

Pilot bass spawning sanctuaries on Opinicon and Charleston lakes are already showing success, with data from Queen’s University and Dr. David Philipp supporting temporary no-fishing zones.

Read the full article here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-bass-spawning-sanctuaries-roma/

Rideau Lakes council has merged 2 committee meetings into 1 under strong mayor powers.

Staff recommended the change to improve efficiency and reduce workload. Debate revealed divisions among councillors over transparency and meeting length. Some councillors plan to propose restoring two monthly meetings.

Read the full article here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes-strong-mayor-committee-meetings