Summer Events
Art Dodds Park Splash Pad
Have you been to Arnprior’s newest splash pad? It opened last summer at 28 Fairview Crescent
Message from the Mayor
With the weather warming up it is so nice to see everyone out enjoying our beautiful town The summer is always such a busy time with all the events our team has planned, and this year is no different As we begin the refresh of Robert Simpson park this summer, some of your favourite annual events may have moved due to the construction so double check the location before heading out on page 8
It looks like another hot summer ahead! If you are looking for a way to stay cool you can visit our newest splash pad at 28 Fairview Crescent, go for a public swim or skate at the Nick Smith Centre or enjoy the beaches at Robert Simpson Park and McLean Park See page 15 for more tips on staying safe this summer
I encourage you to prepare for the municipal election this fall by ensuring you are on the voters list Municipal elections have a direct impact on your daily life—from public safety to community services By voting, you ensure your voice is heard where it matters most: in shaping the place you call home Learn more and get prepared for election day on page 4
Have a wonderful summer and remember I am only a phone call or email away!
Lisa McGee, Mayor lmcgee@arnprior ca | 613-623-4231 ext 1815
Upcoming Billing Due Dates
Water/Wastewater: July 31 and September 30, 2026
Tax Installment: August 31 and November 30, 2026
For more information on paying your bills, visit arnprior.ca/waterbills, arnprior.ca/taxbills or contact Town Hall at 613-623-4231
Go paperless! Switch to digital water bills at arnprior.ca/waterbills
Advisory Committees are open to the public? Meeting packages can be found at arnprior ca/meetings
Upcoming Council Meetings:
· June 8 and 22, 2026
· July 13, 2026
· August 24, 2026
Robert Simpson Park Refresh
The Town of Arnprior is fortunate that a significant portion of the waterfront within Town limits is public recreation space. The Town’s Waterfront Master Plan provided key recommendations to guide enhancements to our waterfront parks, trails and amenities that started with the Gillies Trail (waterfront trail) that was completed in 2024 Now the Town is working through the refresh of the crown jewel of its waterfront, Robert Simpson Park
Starting this Summer, Phase 1A of the Robert Simpson Park Refresh will get underway delivering new play structures, swings, splash pad, paved pathways, seating, lighting and tree planting This refresh of Robert Simpson Park will enhance accessibility and overall user experience for the many community events, family gatherings and programs that have made Robert Simpson Park a prized destination for residents and visitors alike
Tired of the same old streaming service? Catch Council meetings on the Town’s YouTube channel!
Water Use Restrictions
From May 1-September 30 you can conduct outdoor watering and vehicle washing based on your house number:
Even-numbered households on even-numbered calendar days only
Odd-numbered households on odd-numbered calendar days only For any further water restrictions see www arnprior ca/savewater
Tips for saving water in the summer:
Lawns only require about 1 inch of water per week! Measure your use with a shallow container
Let grass grow to 6-8 cm (2½ to 3 inches) before cutting
Use grass clippings and or leaf mulch to aid in moisture retention on the lawn
Mulch your garden/flower beds to help soil retain moisture
Check hoses and sprinklers for leaks prior to use
Reduce your lawn and grow drought-tolerant perennials. Choose native plants best-suited for our climate
Incorporate drought tolerant, mow-able groundcover into your lawn such as wild strawberry or field pussytoes
Growing Biodiversity!
Marina Pollinator Meadow : First year of growth for the native pollinator plants! Thanks to our Environmental Advisory Committee, Arnprior and District High School, M Sullivans & Sons and Canadian Wildlife Federation
Library and Town Hall: The gardens will be getting a new look as we are adding native, drought tolerant perennials
Tree Planting: We’ll be adding 22 species of trees throughout parks, trails and cemeteries in 2026 with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Learn more about these projects at arnprior ca/engage Help us track species in our neighbourhoods using the iNaturalist
Notice to the Municipal Electors of the Town of Arnprior2026 Town of Arnprior Municipal and School Board Election
Notice is hereby given that the next Regular Municipal and School Board Election in theTown ofArnprior is on October 26, 2026, to elect the offices of:
One (1) Mayor
One (1) Deputy Mayor (Representative at County of Renfrew Council)
Five (5) Councillors
School BoardTrustees (Renfrew County District School Board; Renfrew County Catholic District School Board; Conseil des écoles publiques de
l'Este de l'Ontario / Eastern Ontario French-Language Public School Board; Conseil des écoles Catholiques du Centre-Est / Eastern Ontario French-Language Catholic School Board)
The new term of Council will begin on November 15, 2026, with the Inaugural Meeting of Council taking place on November 16, 2026. This new term of Council will end on November 14, 2030.
Eligibility criteria to run for municipal office:
ACanadian Citizen.
At least 18 years of age at the time of filing nomination papers
Someone who resides in theTown ofArnprior, or is the owner or tenant of land in theTown ofArnprior, or the spouse of such owner or tenant
Has collected twenty-five (25) qualifying signatures (Endorsement of Nomination Form 2), and pays the appropriate fee.
Not prohibited from voting under any law or legislation.
Nomination Period for Candidates is May 1, 2026 –August 21, 2026
Nomination Period Begins - Friday, May 1, 2026 –Thursday,August 20, 2026, in person, during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, excluding holidays) Nomination Day – Friday,August 21, 2026, nominations can only be filed in person between the hours of 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Interested Candidates can pick up Candidate Information Packages during regular business hours, at the Clerk’s Office, beginning May 1, 2026.
Campaigning:
Campaign expenses may not be incurred until nomination papers are officially filed This includes costs such as website development, domain registration, promotional materials and advertising Any expenses incurred prior to nomination cannot be included in your financial statements and will not be reimbursed.You may express your intent to run through unpaid promotions such as social media posts, provided no money is spent. This is outlined in Section 88.20(1)-(2) of the Municipal ElectionsAct, which states that no campaign expenses may be incurred until a person is officially nominated More regulations on Municipal Elections can also be found in O Reg 101/97
Alternative Voting
On July 14, 2025, theTown ofArnprior Council passed By-law No 7612-25 to authorize the use of alternative voting (internet and telephone voting) for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election These electronic election methods ensure that eligible electors can participate in an accessible, convenient, and safe method of voting.
Eligibility criteria to Vote
In accordance with Section 17(2) of the Municipal ElectionsAct, 1996, a person is entitled to be an elector at an election held in a local municipality if on voting day they: reside in the local municipality (Town ofArnprior) or are the owner or tenant of land there, or are the spouse of such owner or tenant; are a Canadian citizen; are at least 18 years old; and are not otherwise prohibited from voting by law
Voting Process
Eligible electors should expect to receive a Voter Information Letter (VIL) at the beginning of October and will be able to begin electronically casting their ballots when the voting period begins The voting period will begin on October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a m until the voting period ends on October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
Ballots can only be cast electronically using a computer, tablet, or smartphone or by telephone.
VotingAssistance
To provide eligible electors with voting assistance during the voting period or to be added or make changes to personal information on the Voters’List, a Voter Help Centre will be located at theTown ofArnprior Municipal Office – 105 Elgin St. W.Arnprior.The hours of operation for the Voter Help Centre will be posted online on the Town’s dedicated election webpage
For further information about the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, please visit theTown’s dedicated election webpage at www.arnprior.ca/election and Ontario.ca-Municipal Elections If you have questions, you may also call our office at 613-623-4231 Ext. 1817.
Kaila Zamojski,Town Clerk/ Returning Officer Town ofArnprior election@arnprior.ca | 613-623-4231 Ext. 1818
Every year the Arnprior Fire Department has to investigate a fire caused by potting soil In fact, just this year alone our community has suffered fire losses due to potting soil fires
You may think you are putting your cigarette out into “dirt”, when in fact you are creating an opportunity for fire Many potting soil mixes on the market today contain as much or more organic material as inorganic material For example, potting soil can be made of shredded wood, bark, and/or peat moss with minimal amounts of what we call real soil (dirt) Styrofoam pellets, perlite and vermiculite are some of the other tems that are often added to the soil mixture for aeration and water retention.
In addition, many mixtures also include different types of fertilizers. Some fertilizers are oxidizers, which will make a fire that does start, grow at an even faster rate.
Helpful Hints
Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Keep an ashtray in areas where someone might be smoking around potted plants. This is a great idea for large shopping complexes or your business. If you have dead plants in pots in and around your home, discard them properly. Throw them out in the trash or take the soil from the pots and spread it in your yards or gardens. Keep your plants well-watered and maintained. If you keep your potting soil in your garage or on your deck, do not leave it near any combustible material.
DON’T WAIT -
Check the Date!
The Best BBQs are Fire Safe
Never BBQ in a garage, tent of enclosed space.
Place your BBQ away from wooden fences, walls and anything that burns.
Charcoal Grills
There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
Electric charcoal starters do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. When finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Propane Grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose.
A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rules
Existing Homes - Attention Homeowners & Landlords
Requirements Starting January 1, 2026
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, and deadly gas Keeping your family safe means ensuring you have working CO alarms properly installed in your home New requirements came into effect on January 1, 2026, that expand where CO alarms must be placed in existing homes
Where Do the New Requirements Apply?
The updated requirements apply to all existing homes that have any of the following:
A fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood)
A fireplace
An attached garage
Effective January 1, 2026: Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home (e g , an appliance in a utility shed)
Common types of homes include Detached or semi-detached houses, townhouses, and cottages
Where Must CO Alarms Be Installed?
If your home meets any of the conditions above, you must install a CO alarm in these two locations:
1 Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms)
2 Effective January 1, 2026: On every storey (floor) of your home, including storeys that do not have a sleeping area
Priorpalooza
| 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Presented by OPG, this annual music festival moves to McLean Park, showcasing local talent from across Eastern Ontario. This free, familyfriendly event provides something for all ages throughout the day. This event is made possible by local sponsors and community support
Live Music | Cold Bear Beer Garden | Optimist Club Kids Zone Food & Community Booths | Free Watersport | Volleyball Tournament
Arnpior.ca/Priorpalooza
Arnprior Market | Sundays | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Arnprior Market returns for another season on June 7! Spend a Sunday downtown from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm strolling the Arnprior Market. Come browse and shop over 30 vendors, and the many downtown businesses open for Sunday shopping and dining! Booths are free for Youth and Community groups!
Sponsored by Valley Home Group, part of Royal LePage Team Realty
Concerts in the Park | Sundays | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Annual summer series showcasing local talent in Eastern Ontario, presented by Ontario Power Generation. Shows run from 2:00 pm4:00 pm for eleven Sundays, beginning June 7. Split between Hydro Park East and McLean Park, this 11 week series has varying genres and sounds. Bring a lawn chair and kick back and relax to live music.
Arnprior.ca/Concerts
School’s Out Beach Party | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The 4th Annual School's Out Beach Party is set for Thursday, June 25 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at McLean Park and McLean Ball Diamonds, presented by Kirk Orthodontics. This event features a guarded beach, waterslide, bouncy castles, and many more games and activities to celebrate the start of summer.
Arnprior.ca/BeachParty
Double check the event location as some have moved this year!
Canada Day | 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Arnprior is known to be one of the best Canada Day Celebrations around! Enjoy a variety of free activities across Arnprior including breakfast, a bike parade, duck race, live music, food vendors, Valley Flea, fireworks and more! There's something for everyone!
Arnprior ca/CanadaDay
Presenting Sponsor Pillar5 Pharma
Dragon Boat Festival | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Dragon Boat Festival is back! This annual festival welcomes teams from across Ontario and Quebec for races on the Madawaska River. Whether you want to register your team and participate or cheer on the competition, the action is sure to be exciting.
Arnprior ca/DragonBoat
Cultural Night Market | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Cultural Night Market will return on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Arnprior's historic Downtown. The Cultural Night Market will feature diverse performers and vendors in an exploration of the different cultures and heritages in our community and beyond.
Arnprior.ca/NightMarket
CampWanna Go|Weekly|June29 August28
Nick Smith Centre | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Ages 4-10 | Resident: $225, Non-Resident: $337.50
Each week has a theme ranging from arts to sports to world travel and more. This camp has a mix of structured and unstructured activities led by trained and experienced summer staff Monday to Thursday, campers will be at the Nick Smith Centre swimming, playing outside on the play structure, grass space, and nearby trails as well as indoor arts and crafts, and features activities based on that week’s theme. Friday is our adventure day operating out of the hall of the Emmanual Anglican Church, which includes a BBQ lunch from JayDog. Each week we visit the O’Brien Theatre for a movie (popcorn and drink included), Steelheads and Strikes, and local parks
SportsCamp|July20-24
St. John XXIII School | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Ages 6-12 | Resident: $275, Non-Resident: $412.50
Sports Camp is a one-week camp where campers aged 6-12 will spend their day doing various sporting activities The camp will utilize the school gym, school yard and Legion Park, including the Sullivan Rink of Dreams. Each day will feature multiple counsellor led activities centered around one large sport.
MuseumCamp|Weekly|June29-August28
Arnprior + District Museum | Ages 4-12 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Resident: $225, Non-Resident: $337 50
Join Arnprior + District Museum’s exciting Experimentation Station Camp this summer!
During our unique child-focused activities in science, art, and history, we share decision-making and leadership with our campers. Bring constellations to life, tell stories through film, teach your friends about topics important to you via your own exhibit, and join forces to lift up a giant carboard castle! Forget boring routines – we're diving headfirst into a world of curiosity and imagination. Give your child the gift of extraordinary this summer – a place where they can experiment in a supportive environment and discover new-found strengths Specific weekly topics will be posted on our social media platforms @ArnpriorMuseum in mid-June
Counsellor in Training (CIT)
Camp Wanna-Go and the Museum Camp are pleased to provide those ages 11-13 the opportunity to be at summer camp in an elevated role, assisting the camp counsellors.
The CITs are a registrant of summer camp at a discounted rate of 50% They are still the responsibility of our Camp Coordinators and Counsellors but put in a different environment than that of a camper. The CIT will assist the Camp Staff in preparing, leading, and organizing camp activities. In this role, they will learn valuable skills that will prepare them for life as a volunteer or staff including communication, problem solving, leadership, and more.
Extended hours available for each camp program. Camp spaces are limited, sign up today! Arnprior.ca/Camps
The summer lesson schedule will be available online beginning June 12 at Arnprior ca/Swimming
Aqua Fitness and Private Lessons
Residents: June 15 at 9:00 am
Non-Residents: June 17 at 9:00 am
Aqua Fitness Registration
Children’s Swimming Lessons
Residents: June 23 at 9:00 am
Non-Residents: June 25 at 9:00 am
Refresh your fitness routine with one of our popular aqua fitness classes. Designed for all ages and abilities, water-based workouts are easy on the joints while still delivering a heart-pumping workout. Classes are offered throughout the week, with many drop-in options available.
Aquafit | Excel Waterfit | Aqua Jogging
Recreational Swims
Lane Swim: For individuals aged 14 plus who understand lane etiquette and can complete continuous laps.
Public Swim: Unstructured swim times open to all ages. Aquatic Admission Standards apply.
Senior Swim: For individuals aged 60 plus.
Parent & Tot Swim: Aged 16 plus with children 5 and under in the shallow end only. Max 2 children per guardian
Therapy Swim: An unstructured wellness swim time open to individuals living with chronic pain, illness, disabilities, or rehabilitation exercises.
SwimSchedule
Become a Lifeguard
1
2
Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid July 6 - 10 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Bronze Cross July 13 - 17 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
3
National Lifeguard - Pool August 10 - 14 | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Recertification Opportunities
Bronze Cross Recertification June 14 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm or July 17 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
National Lifeguard (Pool) Recertification August 14 | 12:30 – 5:30 pm
Pool Maintenance Shutdown June 22 - July 5 August 29 - September 7
Preschool/Youth
PreschoolExplorers | Ages 2+
Weekly Mondays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Resident: $8 | Non-Resident: $12
This program is designed to provide social interaction to those aged 2+ before they head off to school. We are equipped with lots of toys, books, crafts, and music supplies to provide fun and engaging programming each session.
ParkProgram | Ages 4+
Weekly in July and August
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free Registration
We bring the fun to you! Visiting multiple parks each week, Recreation Staff go to a variety of parks with equipment and create games and space for free play.
GirlsSportsProgram | Ages 6-13
Weekly Thursday 6:00 - 7:30 pm Free with Youth Club membership
This pilot program is funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart and provides a girls only program where we rotate sports weekly. View the full program details at Arnprior ca/YouthClub
Skating + Shinny
Public Skate
Unstructured skate time open to all ages.
Parent & Tot / Senior Skate
Unstructured skate time for guardians with children (5 and under) and for seniors (60 plus).
Shinny Hockey
Adult/Senior
Dragon Boating | Ages 16+
Weekly Tuesdays 6:00 - 6:45 pm (10 weeks)
Resident: $120, Non-Resident: $180 Lifejacket and paddle provided.
Pickleball | Ages 16+
Sunday-Thursday: Varying Times
Resident: $4 | Non-Resident: $6
Badminton | Ages 16+
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 5:00 - 6:30pm
Resident: $4 | Non-Resident: $6
Older Adults Club
Membership based programming providing access to programs such as:
Pilates
Beach Yoga
Light Weight Workout
Line Dancing
Fun Fit Dance
Monthly Sport Courses
Coffee & Cards
Monthly events chosen by members $1 off senior swims
Purchase an annual membership for $10/month or seasonal membership for $15/month.
Non-resident rates apply.
Pick up a schedule at the Nick Smith Centre or visit Arnprior.ca/OlderAdultsClub
Recreational, non-contact hockey with a maximum of 20 players and 2 goalies per session
Full hockey equipment is mandatory for all participants
Adult: Born in 2008 or earlier
Women: Born in 2008 or earlier
Junior: Born in 2009–2012
Minor: Born in 2013–2018
Shinny Ringette
Recreational, non-contact ringette with a maximum of 20 players and 2 goalies per session
Full ringette equipment is mandatory for all participants
For participants born 2011–2018
Arnprior + District Museum
Workshops on the road!
The Arnprior + District Museum will be taking fiber arts on the road to our partners this summer
Fleece Preparation Workshop
JUNE 4
JUNE 13
Seniors Active Living Centre, 77B Madawaska St, Arnprior 1:00pm | Free Traditional Spinning and Weaving Demonstration
Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave, Renfrew 1:30pm | Free
We’re back in town with local Spinner and Weaver Jenny Croft who will lead a free, family-friendly public fiber arts drop in. Find out about our new loom and spinning equipment that are available for public use.
Fibre Arts Drop-In
JUNE 14
Arnprior & District Museum, 35 Madawaska Street 2:00pm | Free
Installed across Arnprior, our new 12-panel exhibit developed with Guest Curator Daniel Williams reveals how and why we are reimagining what a museum can be. Discover the unique peoplefirst practices found at Arnprior + District Museum! Follow us online to find out about panel locations and similar initiatives at museums around the world.
Firework Safety Firework Safety
Thousands of Canadians, mostly children, are hurt by consumer fireworks annually, such as sparklers and firecrackers Please adhere to the following reminders for your celebrations: For required permits and rules around fireworks, go to arnprior ca/fireworks
Use of fireworks in public spaces (i e Town parks) is prohibited
Purchase fireworks from reliable sources and always follow the manufacturer’s directions
Keep unused fireworks and sparklers out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer Keep children away when lighting fireworks
Fireworks are never meant to be handheld, carried in a pocket, thrown or pointed at people
Prior to ignition, fireworks should be buried at least halfway down into a bucket of sand or earth If portable firing bases are not available, plant them directly in the ground making sure each piece is firmly supported before igniting Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass container
Eye protection should always be worn when lighting fireworks; don’t lean over when lighting
Light the fireworks at arm ’ s length, stand back and keep your face turned away If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to re-light it Let it sit in the base for several minutes and douse it with water
Always have water on hand to soak fireworks that continue to smolder after firing Sparklers should be doused with water, or allowed to cool in a safe place away from children The ends of sparklers continue to stay hot for some time, and will easily burn a child’s skin, clothing or nearby combustible material Do not use indoors
During extreme heat, the most important thing is to keep cool and hydrat Remember, heat illnesses are preventable. Here are some safety tips to co
Step 1 - Prepare for the Heat
Monitor weather conditions
Keep in touch with family members and friends susceptible to heat
Find ways to keep cool before the hot weather starts
Have cool drinks in your vehicle and keep your gas tank topped up
Step 3 - Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of cool liquids (especially water) before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration.
Step 2 - Pay Close Attention to How You - and Those Around You - Feel
Watch for symptoms of heat illness: dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva), decreased urination, changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums)
Step 4 - Stay Cool
Dress for the weather and take breaks from the heat
Keep your home cool and Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
Step 5 - Avoid Exposure to Extreme Heat When Outdoors
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight. Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Avoid sun exposure. Find or bring shade when possible. Wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection.
Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Do not use sunscreen on a child less than 6 months old.
Lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)
PFD’s and lifejackets can keep you afloat, protect you from cold water, and may save your life.
When choosing a lifejacket:
a.Check the label, it identifies if its a PFD/lifejacket, whether it’s approved, what size and weight it was made for, and how to care for it.
b.Check that it is comfortable and snug and doesn’t come up over your nose when you pull it at the shoulders
When wearing it make sure all zippers, buckles and snaps are fastened. Check PFD’s and lifejackets regularly for discoloration, fading, and tears.
Check the texture/quality of flotation material and zippers, buckles and straps.
If a boat capsizes, stay with the boat. It will float and support you, as well as reduce heat loss.
