Smooth Rock Falls council defers Sunday arena-operations decision; sets $3,500 for October 2026 events

Smooth Rock Falls council has deferred a decision on regular Sunday arena operations at the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre during the arena season while staff consult local groups that use the facility, according to the town’s meeting highlights from its Sept. 8, 2026 regular meeting. Council also approved a budget of up to $3,500 for community events and recreation activities during October 2026.

The deferred decision affects whether the arena operates six or seven days a week during the season, while the October budget is intended to support planned fall activities, including seasonal and Halloween programming.

Council considered a staff report on regular Sunday operations at the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre and delayed a final decision to allow staff to speak with local groups that regularly use the arena about their scheduling needs. The consultations are intended to help council determine whether a six-day or seven-day arena operation is required.

Council also supported a resolution from the Municipality of Trent Hills asking the Province of Ontario and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to review the impacts of eliminating the Second Injury and Enhancement Fund. The resolution also calls for consultation with affected employers. It asks that a modernized, revised, or replacement program be considered to provide cost relief when pre-existing conditions contribute to the cost or length of a workplace injury claim.

Council reaffirmed its previous support for the Prescription Diversion Project and supported recommendations from Addiction Medicine Canada on additional safeguards for opioids prescribed through Safer Supply programs. The town’s highlights said the recommendations include requirements related to directly observed consumption and maximum daily dose limits.

Council directed administration to list four municipally owned residential properties with Re/Max at market value: 15 Highway 11, 23 Highway 11, 7–9 Dupont Street, and 186 Cloutierville Road. Councillor Leslie Gagnon abstained from voting on that resolution.

Council also declared a number of municipal assets surplus to the town’s operational needs, set minimum bid amounts for each item, and directed that the assets be offered for sale through a public tender process in accordance with the town’s Disposal of Surplus Assets Policy.

Several ongoing municipal projects were discussed during council question period. The town is awaiting delivery of a sand dome, with installation to proceed after delivery as scheduling permits. Work is also progressing on the cemetery crypt, and the existing crypt is expected to be demolished once the new structure is completed. The landfill expansion remains in progress and continues to be subject to regulatory review and approval requirements.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.