Rideau Lakes council voted January 5th to proceed with tendering for the Chantry municipal office project, despite staff warning the move conflicts with an earlier decision to explore putting the issue before voters in the 2026 municipal election.
Council was reviewing and adopting minutes and committee recommendations from Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 when the conflict emerged. Recommendation 114-2025 directs staff to issue a tender to obtain market pricing for the Chantry project in support of the township’s Asset Management Plan.
Staff flagged the recommendation as contradictory to a Dec. 1 council motion that directed staff to report on legislative requirements and timelines for placing a question on the 2026 municipal election ballot asking residents whether the Chantry office project should proceed to tender.
Councillor Deborah Hutchings voted in favour of the tender motion once it was brought forward separately. Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield, alongside Councillors Jeff and Paula Banks also supported the motion, making the argument that obtaining market pricing would be necessary regardless of whether a ballot question ultimately proceeds.
Council ultimately approved the recommendation and directed staff to proceed with tendering strictly for information-gathering purposes and not as a commitment to construction.
