Message from the Mayor
Whatanamazingyearwehavehad!Fromourmuchlovedannualevents,anumberofnewbusinessesopeningand therevitalizedNickSmithCentrerinksithasbeenanotherbusyyearfortheTown
Wehavealreadystartedplanningfor2026withpublicconsultationonamajorprojectplannedthisyear,theRobert SimpsonParkRefresh.Wearegatheringinputontheproposedoptionsfortheupperportionoftheparkwhilewe exploresolutionsforthebeachfront Stayuptodateonthisprojectatwwwarnpriorca/RefreshRSP
Thisguideisfullofsomuchtodothiswinter.Ihopeyoutakethetimetoreadthroughallthatstaffhaveplanned andtakeadvantageofwhatourbeautifulTownhastoofferineveryseason
IfyouhavesomeitemslefttocheckoffyourChristmaslistIencourageyoutoshoplocalthisholidayseason We havesomanyamazinglocalbusinessesandmakersthataresuretohavesomethingforeveryoneonyourlist Haveawonderfulholidayseason,andremember,Iamonlyaphonecalloremailaway!
LisaMcGee,Mayor|lmcgee@arnprior.ca|613-623-4231ext.1815
Get on the voters list today.
Upcoming Billing Due Dates
Water/Wastewater: January 30 and March 31
Tax Installment: February 27
For more information on paying your bills, visit arnprior ca/waterbills, arnprior ca/taxbills or contact Town Hall at 613-623-4231
Go paperless! Sign up for iCity Online using the PIN found on your latest tax bills!
Council Meetings
Did you know meetings of Council and its Advisory Committees are open to the public? Meeting packages can be found at arnprior ca/meetings
Upcoming Regular Council Meetings: December 8
January 12 and 26
February 9 and 23
Special Council Meetings: December 3
February 2 and 3
Catch Council meetings on the Town’s YouTube channel!
Thediversionoffoodandorganicwastefromthe landfillisawaythatourcommunitycansignificantly reducehouseholdemissionsthatcontributeto ClimateChangeandextendthelifeofourlandfill
CompostingOptions:
Backyardcomposting:Compostersareavailable forsaleatTownHallfor$7062
CounterTopComposting:2differentsized FoodCyclerscanbepurchasedatTownHallorthe NickSmithCentre
Privateweeklypick-upbyJustGoodCompost
Learnmoreatarnprior.ca/composting
Winter Parking Restrictions in Effect
Nov 15 to Mar 31
No On-Street Parking 12 - 7 am
If you receive a parking ticket: Pay online or In-person at Town Hall
Winter Parking Fines range between $50 and $91
Visit arnpriorca/parking for more information
Overnight Winter Parking Areas
Vehicles can park in these areas overnight All vehicles parked in these areas must be removed between 7 am and 9 am for winter maintenance
Robert Simpson Park - 10 spaces
400 John Street North
M. Sullivan & Sons Park - full lot 61 Moe Robillard Street
McLean Ball Diamond #1 - full lot 153 MacLean Avenue
Nick Smith Centre - 10 spaces 77 James Street
Changes to the 2026 Budget Process
AsofMay1,2025,theOntariogovernmenthasexpandedStrongMayorpowerstotheTownofArnprior asperO.Reg.530/22.StrongMayorpowersofferresourcestoheadsofCounciltoacceleratethe implementationofkeysharedmunicipal-provincialprioritiessuchashousing,transit,andinfrastructure
AspertheMayoralDecision#MDE-2025-01(arnprior.ca/strongmayor)therearechangestothebudget processfor2026.Therearenosetbudgetdeliberationmeetingsscheduledatthistime. Ifdirectedbythe Mayor,thebudgetandmeetingdateswillbepostedatwwwarnpriorca/budget Thelegislationdoes outlinespecifictimelinesfortheadoptionofthebudget:
By February 1 the Mayor must introduce a proposed budget.
Up to 30 days* after receiving the proposed budget Council can make amendments to the proposed budget by passing resolutions with a simple majority vote
Up to 10 days* following the Council amendment period the Mayor can veto one or more council amendments.
Up to 15 days* following veto period Council can override some or all of the Mayor’s vetoes with a 2/3 majority of council vote.
At any step , if there are no amendments or vetoes, the budget is deemed to be adopted by the municipality. *Council or the Mayor can shorten any time period via resolution or decision
Submit your budget feedback by completing the form at
Recreation
Sports Leagues
and Programs
Indoor Volleyball | 10 Week Season
Wednesdays:6:00pm-9:00pm
TeamRegistration:Resident:$300|Non-Resident:$450
IndividualRegistration:Resident:$60|Non-Resident:$90
Pickleball | Ages 16+
Sunday-Thursday:VaryingTimes
Resident:$4|Non-Resident:$6
Save$1withtheOlderAdultsClub
VisitArnpriorca/Pickleballforthedailyschedule
Programming
PreschoolExplorers|Ages2+
NickSmithCentre|Weekly
Resident:$8|Non-Resident:$12 Monday,Wednesday:10:00am-12:00pm
Thisprogramisdesignedtoprovidesocialinteractionto thoseaged2+beforetheyheadofftoschool.Weare equippedwithlotsoftoys,books,crafts,andmusic suppliestoprovidefunandengagingprogrammingeach session
Ready,Set,Go!|Ages0-6
NickSmithCentre|Tuesdays:10:00am-11:30am Freedrop-inprogram
OperatedbyEarlyON,thisgrossmotorskillsprogram providesawarmandsafeplacetobringyourlittleones
DayCamps|Ages4-12
December22
December23
January30
Resident:$45|Non-Resident:$6750 8:30am-4:00pm|NickSmithCentre HolidayCamp
December29–January2
Resident:$180|Non-Resident:$270
8:30am-4:00pm|NickSmithCentre
Varietyofgamesandactivitiesincluding swimming,skatingandmore!
Table Tennis
SundaysandMondays:VaryingTimes
Resident:$4|Non-Resident:$6
Save$1withtheOlderAdultsClub
Badminton | Ages 16+
SundaysandTuesdays:5:00-6:30pm
Resident:$4|Non-Resident:$6
Save$1withtheOlderAdultsClub
DramaLab|$125
StJohnXXIIISchool|Tuesdays
Ages6-8:5:15pm-6:15pm Ages9-11:6:15pm-7:15pm
This12-weekprogramisdesignedtointroduce participantstoabroadrangeoftopicsinthedramatic arts YoungActorsAcademy|$140
StJohnXXIIISchool|Tuesdays:7:15pm-8:30pm Ages12-15
12-weekcomprehensiveexplorationintoactingand techniquesofstagecraft
Crafts&Craft
December20|February28
Resident:$25|Non-Resident:$3750 6:00pm-7:30pm|NickSmithCentre
MakeacraftandenjoyacraftbeerfromColdBear BrewingCo
Join us for Walk the Halls
Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at Arnprior District Highschool Excluding December 24 + 31
Youth Club helps remove physical and financial barriers to participating in sport
Members get all access to youth drop-in programs including Sledge Hockey, Junior Youth Night, Youth Night, Craft Programs and events while receiving subsidized afterschool programming and sports programming
January- May Membership
AfterschoolProgram
Weekly|$3/daywithYouthClubMembership
Mondays|St JohnXXIIISchool:3:30-5:30pm
Tuesdays|SeniorsActiveLivingCentre:3:00-5:00pm
Wednesdays|SteelheadsandStrikes:3:00-5:00pm*
Thursdays|ArnpriorMuseum:3:00-5:00pm
*Wednesdayprogramfeeis$6
Afterschoolfunactivitiesdesignedtoembraceactiveplayand creativity.YouthClubmembershiprequiredtoparticipate.
Resident: $50 | Non-Resident: $75 Go
Older Adults Club
Plus free access to:
Sledge Hockey (weekly | Sunday)
Junior Youth Night (monthly | Fridays)
Youth Night (twice monthly | Fridays) Craft Program (monthly | Tuesdays)
Thanks to grant funding from the Province of Ontario's Seniors Community Programming Grant, seniors can access a variety of active and social programs while receiving $1 off many popular programs
This project will run from September 2025 through March 2026 and can be accessed through a monthly fee of $10
An Older Adults Club membership provides you free access to:
Mondays: 1:00 pm Pilates Class
Wednesdays: 10:00 am Seasonal Activity | 6:00 pm Games Night
Thursdays: 10:00 am Coffee and Cards
Fridays Monthly 10:00 am Event/Seminar/Workshop
The Older Adults Club also provides $1 00 off of the following popular programs:
Tween Dance January 30 7-9 pm I made the cover!
View full program schedules and register at Arnprior.ca/OlderAdultsClub
Arnprior+DistrictMuseumPresents
AcommunityexhibitionshowcasingworkbyYuliaShternandSanjay Sundram Bothartistsusearttogenerateconversationsandinspire creativeactionaroundclimatechange;theirworkwillbeonexhibit November2025-March2026.
Yuliaupcyclesfoodpackagingmaterialsintovibrant3Dsculptures ofanimals,someendangeredorextinct Sanjay,alongsidehisdaughterNandini,hascreatedcomicsonoceanwarming andleadsworkshopswithchildreninCanadaandIndiatoexploreartistic responsestoclimatechange
Seniors Swim | Pickleball | Badminton | Table Tennis
Public Skate and Shinny Schedule
Schedule subject to change
Always check online prior to arriving arnprior ca/skating
There is no cost for skate times in coloured text
Individuals seeking participation in Shinny Hockey or Shinny Ringette are required to enroll in a free Shinny Membership to complete an annual waiver We strongly advise completing the waiver online in advance
Public Swimming
Effective January 10, 2026
Coloured text indicates the swim is in half the pool
Non-swimmers aged 10 and under and all children aged 5 and under must be accompanied by a participating guardian at least 16 years of age who is responsible for the direct supervision of the child and always swimming within arm ’ s reach. Children aged 6 to 10 must be tested to demonstrate their ability to swim 2 pool widths uninterrupted to be permitted to swim unaccompanied or in the deep end.
Become a Lifeguard
Step 1: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid - January to March, Sundays 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Step 2: Bronze Cross - January to March, Sundays 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Step 3: Lifesaving Swim Instructor with Lifesaving Instructor - February 13-15 and 20-22
Step 4: National Lifeguard-Pool and - December 22-24 and 29-31, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Standard First Aid with CPR C - March 16-20, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Recertification: Bronze Cross - March 8, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Recertification: National Lifeguard - December 31, 7:00 am - 12:00 pm or March 20, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Aquatics
The swimming lesson schedule will be visible online starting December 1, 2025 at arnprior.ca/swimming.
Children'sLessonRegistration: Resident:December9at9:00am Non-Resident:December11at9:00am We recommend creating an online account, reviewing registration information and registering online as many classes fill within minutes at www.arnprior.ca/registration.
PoolMemberships
Unlimitedaccesstolaneswims,publicswims,toonieswims,parentandtotswims,seniorswims,andtherapyswims
AnnualmembershipfromJanuary1toDecember1(proratedbasedonthedateofpurchase) Children(15andunder)andseniors(60andover):Residents$350|Non-Residents$525 Adults(ages16–59): Residents$475| Non-Residents$712.50
Fullmembershipdetailsandregistrationinformationareavailableatwww.arnprior.ca/swimming.
Garbage and Recycling Schedule
Blue Box recycling has fully transitioned to extend producer responsibility program administered through Circular Materials Ontario (CMO) as of January 1, 2026. This may mean changes to recycling collection, updates will be posted at arnprior ca/garbage in January
Garbage or December recycling collection issues contact Topps Environmental: 613-257-1195 | support@toppsenv.com
Free Christmas Tree drop off at the Arnprior Landfill until January 31
New composting options on page 2
Garbage and Recylcing schedules can be found at arnprior ca/garbage
Wintermission
Location:NickSmithCentre
Dec 19Jan 2 Free Daily Ice Skating
ExcludingDecember25,26,+January1
FullscheduleavailableonlineArnpriorca/Wintermission
Movement Monday Free weekly fitness classes | Nick Smith Centre | 6:00pm
Dec 29 – Group Fitness (UF Gyms)
Jan 5 – Zumba (Katrina Kahn)
Jan 12 – Booty Bands Full Body (Simply Hart)
Jan 19 – Stretch, Strength + Core (Colleen Barrie)
Jan 26 – Aqua Fitness (Valerie Chambers)
Feb 2 – Chair Fitness (Danielle Hill)
Feb 9 – Mat Pilates (Denise Wiese)
Feb 23 – The Blend (Ro Nwosu)
Jan 7 -
Feb 25
Dec 29Feb 23
Outdoor Wednesday Free weekly outdoor activity | 10:00 am
January 7 – Snowshoeing
January 14 – Snowshoeing
January 21 – Snowshoeing
January 28 – Ice Skating
February 4 – Ice Skating
February 11 – Cross County Skiing
February 18 – Cross Country Skiing
February 25 – Tai Chi (indoors)
Thereissomethingforeveryoneatthismuchanticipatedannualevent Visit www.facebook.com/ArnpriorOptimist/forafulllistofeventsforfamiliesandyouth!
Location:NickSmithCentre Allages Free 9-18
Jan Optimist Winter Carnival
FamFest Weekend | Free Family Fun 13-16
Feb
Friday – Live Music with The Derringers
Saturday – DJ Skate Party at Sullivan Rink of Dreams - Family Feud Game
Sunday – Winter Activities at Hydro Park East
Monday – Family Day Activities at the Nick Smith Centre
Holiday Lights Contest Holiday Lights Contest
Be part of our annual Holiday Lights Contest and help spread the holiday spirit throughout Arnprior. Whether it is your home, your business, your school, church or club let's light up Arnprior this holiday season.
Submit a location by December 20 or view the Arnprior Holiday Light tour map at www arnprior ca/holidaylights
Free rentals of snowshoes, cross-country skis skates and helmets
www.arnprior.ca/lendinghub
www.arnprior.ca/lendinghub snowshoes, cross-country skates and helmets
Pet Registration is free in January and February Register online at www.arnprior.ca/pets
NSC Arena Revitalization
Ice returned to the Nick Smith Centre on September 25, 2025 with the re-opening of the Glenn Arthur Arena.
Exactly one moth later, Bert Hall Arena opened on October 25, 2025 completing the 7month work on the arena surfaces
Work will continue to complete various off-ice project elements including the mezzanine, meeting rooms and storage spaces which will open in the New Year.
Watch for news on an official grand opening event once the project is fully complete
Help Us Keep The Community Safe and Fire Hydrants Clear Fire Safety
Despite the best efforts of Town Staff, snowfall may still leave some fire hydrants obstructed A clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home - or even your life If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it
You could perform a valuable public service by shoveling out and clearing 1 meter or 3 feet around any fire hydrants near your home during and after a snowstorm that Town staff may have not had a chance to clear yet.
A few scoops of snow today could make all the difference later.
Carbon Monoxide
New carbon monoxide (CO) alarm rules are coming for existing homes including detached and semidetached houses, townhomes, and cottages Effective January 1, 2026
You must have carbon monoxide alarms if: You have a fireplace
You have a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove)
You have heated air that comes from a fuelburning appliance not located inside your home
Where to install CO alarms:
Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms) On every storey of your home, even storeys without bedrooms.
Contact the Fire Department or visit Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide for more information.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If the CO alarm sounds, you must get fresh air. Move outdoors, by an open window or near an open door Call the fire department from a fresh air location Stay there until help arrives
When warming a vehicle, move it out of the garage, even if garage doors are open
Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with ice or snow
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up
Clear all debris from dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace vents
A generator should be used outdoors. Use in a well-ventilated location away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
StayingSafewith Lithium-ionBatteries
Protectyourhomeandyourdevices
Checklist
Use only the charger and battery recommended by the device manufacturer
Keep batteries away from heat, water, and flammable materials
Charge devices on a hard, flat surface not on beds, couches, or under pillows
Unplug devices once fully charged; avoid charging overnight or unattended
Never use batteries that are swollen, leaking, discoloured, or smell odd Don’t modify, rebuild, or mix battery parts
Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from sunlight Don’t store or charge batteries below 0°C
Recycle batteries at an approved drop-off location. Follow local municipal guidance on battery disposal
Keep battery-powered devices away from exits or escape routes
Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, but misuse can lead to fire risks. They pack a lot of power into a small space. If they are damaged, defective or used incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
WhatIsaLithium-IonBattery andWhereIsItUsed?
Lithium-ion batteries are today’s most common rechargeable batteries. They’re found in many devices at home and work, including phones, laptops, power tools, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles
What’stheRisk?
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode—especially if they’re damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. In some cases, internal damage can trigger a chain reaction called thermal runaway.
KnowtheWarningSigns
Stop using the battery and call 9-1-1 if you notice an odour, change in colour, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, or odd noises.
