Arnprior Life - Winter 2023/2024

Stay Connected www.arnprior.ca Download the Arnprior App arnprior@arnprior.ca Arnprior ArnpriorLife Arnprior Life Town Hall 105 Elgin Street West Arnprior, ON K7S 0A8 613-623-4231 Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Arnprior Life

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Winter 2023/2024

What is a FoodCycler?

Stay Active this Winter

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Swimming, Skating & Shinny

Holidays in Arnprior

Book your Birthday Party with Us!

Hidden Gem

Lending Hub Nick Smith Centre Free rentals of snowshoes, cross-country skis and skates arnprior.ca/lendinghub 1

Message from the Mayor Hello Arnprior!

Wow - what a busy and wonderful first year as Mayor! I am proud of all that we have accomplished over the last year, including the creation and adoption of the Town’s Strategic Plan, which will guide us over the coming years towards our new vision; “To be a sustainable and welcoming community, by respecting our history and building our future together.” I encourage you to review the Town’s Strategic Plan at arnprior.ca/strategicplan to see what we have created as our compass.

The Town has also started our annual budget process. I encourage you all to take the time to attend or watch some of the budget meetings to learn more about where your tax dollars go, and for you to provide your thoughts on how tax dollars are allocated.

Winter tends to be the time when we like to hide away but there is so much to do this season, from fun events like Famfest and free holiday skating, to activities such as sledge hockey and our ever popular Walk the Halls program. Take a few minutes to read through this guide and learn more about how you can get out and get involved this winter.

If you still have some presents to check off your list please try to support local when you can. We have a large selection of great local businesses that are happy to assist you in finding the perfect gift, offer an amazing experience and create some incredible holiday memories.

I wish you and your family happy holidays, Lisa McGee, Mayor lmcgee@arnprior.ca | 613-623-4231 x.1815

Calling All Students!

Watch for our 2024 summer student job opportunities posted in February at www.arnprior.ca/employment

Upcoming Billing Due Dates Water/Wastewater: January 31st 1st Tax Installment: February 29th For more information on paying your bills, visit arnprior.ca/waterbills or arnprior.ca/taxbills or contact Town Hall at 613-623-4231

Pre-authorized Payment Program Never miss a tax or water/wastewater payment by setting up a pre-authorized payment plan. Complete the Pre-Authorized Payment Application online or download the application and bring it with a void cheque to Town Hall.

There are two types of pre-authorized payment plans for taxes: • Instalment plan (pay 4 instalments throughout the year) • Monthly plan (pay 10 instalments on the first day of each month from February to November) Please indicate which plan you’d like on your application.

For further information regarding this option, please refer to our website at www.arnprior.ca/taxbills | www.arnprior.ca/waterbills or contact the Finance Department at 613-623-4231.

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2024 Budget Process

Council Meetings

Annually, the Council of the Town of Arnprior considers public feedback in the budget process. Residents are encouraged to review the draft budget when published at www.arnprior.ca/budget.

The 2024 Budget process will take place in Council Chambers on the following dates/time: • • • •

Dec. 6th and 11th Jan. 8th and 29th Feb. 5th, 6th, 12 and 26th

To view Council agendas, minutes or recordings of live or past Council meetings visit: www.arnprior.ca/meetings

January 8th, 2024 at 6:30 PM – Tabling of the Draft 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets February 5th, 2024 at 5:00 PM – Budget Deliberations February 6th, 2024 at 5:00 PM – Budget Deliberations (if needed) February 12th, 2024 – Adoption of the Final 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets

Agenda packages are made available on the Friday in advance of Council meetings on the Town’s website at www.arnprior.ca/meetings. All Council meetings are open to the public and also livestreamed and published on the Town’s YouTube channel at www.arnprior.ca/youtube.

What is this square ?

QR codes are used throughout this guide to assist you in getting more information on topics of interest. To use these codes, open the camera on your phone and hold it over the code, then click the link to open the webpage on your phone.

Residents are required to license their dogs and cats annually with the Town of Arnprior. Licensing is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and it helps to ensure that lost animals are able to be quickly and safely returned to their owners.

Annual pet registration can be completed in-person at Town Hall starting on December 1st, 2023 or online at www.arnprior.ca/pets starting on January 1st, 2024.

Pet registration is free in January and February.

FoodCyclerTM Pilot Program

To encourage at-home composting and reduce the amount of organic material going to the landfill, the Town of Arnprior is partnering with FoodCycle Science to host a pilot program for Arnprior residents with the FoodCyclerTM countertop composter system. We are looking for 100 households to participate in a 12-week monitoring pilot program in exchange for a subsidized cost to purchase a unit.

FoodCyclerTM is a countertop unit that converts food waste through a drying and grinding process, into a dry, odorless, nutrient-rich soil amendment.

The basics of the pilot program are: 1. Purchase a FoodCyclerTM at a subsidized cost 2. Track the number of cycles over a 12-week period 3. Complete a survey at the end of the 12-week period How To Purchase The Town of Arnprior has procured one hundred (100) FoodCyclersTM which can be purchased on a first-come-firstserved basis at www.arnprior.ca/foodcycler. Purchasers will be informed when they are ready for pick-up in early 3 February 2024.

Recreation Programs Junior Programs Preschool Explorers | Ages: 2+ and toliet trained A drop-off program where your preschooler can learn to socialize, share, and communicate with peers. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am - 12:00 pm Drop-in and discounted price options Ready, Set, Go! | Ages 0-6 Operated by Arnprior EarlyON, this gross motor skills program provides a warm and safe place to bring your little one. Tuesdays from 10-11:30am in the community hall. This is a free, drop-in program.

Junior Youth Night | Ages: 4-7 Parent free programming where our staff guide the youth through themed programming and allow them to take the activity in their own direction with their friends. Runs once a month on Fridays from 5-6 pm.

Resident $10, Non-resident $15.

Youth Club Youth Club is a membership-based initiative that subsidizes youth programs and events in Arnprior. For a rate of $10/month, youth receive all access to the following activities.

Visit arnprior.ca/YouthClub to learn more and join.

Youth Nights Friday night programming where those aged 8-13 have a safe place to participate in themed programs Two Fridays a month from 6-8pm Craft Program Monthly make-and-take crafting at the Nick Smith Centre with pizza Tuesdays from 5-6:30pm

Nick Smith Centre | 77 James Street Phone: 613-623-7301 Email: recreation@arnprior.ca Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 9:00 pm Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Youth Programs Drama Lab | Ages 6-11 12 week program designed to introduce participants to a broad range of topics in the dramatic arts.

• Tuesdays at St. John XXIII School • Ages 6-8 – 5:15-6:15pm • Ages 9-11 – 6:15-7:15pm Young Actors Academy | Ages 12-15 12 week program that embarks on a comprehensive exploration into acting techniques and stagecraft.

Tuesdays at St. John XXIII School 7:15-8:30pm Introduction to Electronic Music | Ages 13+ Learn the basics of creating a beat with electronic equipment. Thursdays, 7:00 - 7:45 Red Cross Babysitting Course Operated by 13 First Aid and ran out of the Kenwood Centre, Nick Smith Centre or Arnprior Public Library Visit Arnprior.ca/registration to find the next available course Stay Safe! Course Operated by 13 First Aid and ran out of the Kenwood Centre, Nick Smith Centre or Arnprior Public Library.

Visit Arnprior.ca/registration to find the next available course.

School Year Camps Holiday Camp *NEW* January 2-5, 8:30am-4pm at the Nick Smith Centre Resident $160, Non-resident $240

PA Day Camp Afterschool Program February 2, 8:30-4pm at the Nick Smith Centre Twice weekly during the school year in or near Arnprior schools. Running from the end of school until Resident $40, Non-resident $60 5:00pm March Break Camp March 11-15, 8:30-4pm at the Nick Smith Centre Seasonal Events Resident $200, Non-resident $300 Dances, Pool Parties, Park Events and more!

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Swimming Lessons The swimming lesson schedule will be visible online starting Dec. 18th at www.arnprior.ca/ registration.

Aquafit and Adult Lessons Registration: Jan. 2nd at 9:00 am for residents Jan. 4th at 9:00 am for non-residents Kids Swimming Lessons Registration: Jan. 3rd at 9:00 am for residents Jan. 5th at 9:00 am for non-residents We recommend registering online and reviewing the registration tips as some classes fill within minutes.

Aqua Fitness Switch up your fitness routine with one of our many aqua fitness classes! These classes are great for people of all ages and abilities. Since they are done in the water, they are much better on your joints while still getting your heart rate pumping!

We offer a variety of classes during the week to suit all schedules and many have a drop-in options.

Aqua Fit | Excel Water Fit | Aqua Jogging Greyfish Masters Swim Program Aqua Boot Camp | Discover Scuba

Adult Drop In Programs

Our drop in programs are co-ed for ages 16+. Visit arnprior.ca/dropin to see the weekly schedule.

Pickleball Mondays 2:30-4 pm Tuesday & Thursdays 1-2:30 pm, 2:30-4 pm, Wednesdays 7-9 pm, Sundays 5-7 pm Drop in fees: Residents: $4, Non-residents: $6 Badminton | Open to all Ages Tuesdays 7:30-10:30pm Sundays 7-10 pm Drop in fees: Residents: $5, Non-residents: $7.50

Wintermission Your one-stop-shop for all things winter in Arnprior! Learn how you can stay active and healthy while discovering all our area has to offer at arnprior.ca/wintermission

Adult Programs Meditation and Mindfulness Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm $40/Session, $12/drop-in Conditioning and Balance Free fitness program in partnership with the Arnprior Family Health Team Monday/Friday 12:30-1:30pm Tuesday/Thursday 8:15-9:15am Walk The Halls Free walking program sponsored by the Arnprior Rotary Club Arnprior District High School – Tuesdays 6-7:30pm Nick Smith Centre – Thursdays 10am-12pm Visit Arnprior.ca/walking for more information

Leagues Indoor Volleyball | Ages: 16+ Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00 pm at Walter Zadow Public School. Runs Jan 10th - Mar 20th Sign up as an individual ($60) or a team ($300).

Sledge Hockey | Open to all Ages Sundays 10:30 - 11:20 am, Equipment provided Resident $60, Non-resident $90

Program Registration Tips Browse and register for programs online at www.arnprior.ca/registration or at the Nick Smith Centre Some programs fill up quickly! Here are some tips for successful registration: 1. Create your online account before registration day.

2. Ensure you can access your account before registration day.

3. Ensure your credit card is on file or have money pre-loaded on your account at the Nick Smith Centre. Visa Debit is not accepted online.

4. Know what program you would like to register for in advance.

5. If your preferred program is sold out, please join the waitlist.

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See page 8 for all the Holiday Fun we have planned such as Free Skates and $2 Swims!

Public Swimmi

Lane Swim For adults 16+ who can complete continuous lane swim strokes Parent & Tot For guardians aged 16+ with children 5 and under in the shallow end. Max 2 children per guardian Public Swim For all ages; unstructured swim time Senior Swim For those aged 60+ Therapy Swim Ideal for those with chronic pain/illness or recovery Drop In Aqua Fitness Programs

Monday 7:00 am 8:00 am 12:00 pm

Tuesday 7:00 am 8:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm (1/2 pool) 8:00 pm 10:00 am (1/2 pool) 2:00 pm (1/2 pool)

10:00 am

Toonie Swim 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm 1:00 pm

11:00 am

Wednes 7:00 am 8:00 am 12:00 p

11:00 am

2:00 pm (1/2 pool)

2:00 pm

9:00 am Aquafit 1:00 pm Excel Water Fit

9:00 am 1:00 pm

Non-swimmers aged10 and under and all children aged 5 and under must be accompanied by a guardian at lea Children aged 6 to 10 must demonstrate their ability to swim 25 m

Public Skating Schedule Public Parent & Tot (Free) Toonie ($2)

Sun 3:00 pm

Mon

Tues

1:00 pm 1:00 pm 12:00 pm 12:00 pm

Wed

Thur

1:00 pm 12:00 pm

1:00 pm 12:00 pm

Fri 6:00 pm 1:00 pm 12:00 pm

Sat 6:00 pm

The Town has 3 outdoor rinks open daily 7:00 am - 9:30 pm depending on weather and ice conditions Learn more at arnprior.ca/rinks

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ing Schedule

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Thursday 7:00 am 8:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm (1/2 pool) 8:00 pm 10:00 am (1/2 pool) 2:00 pm (1/2 pool)

Friday 7:00 am 8:00 am 12:00 pm

Toonie Swim 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm 1:00 pm

10:00 am 7:30 pm 11:00 am

m (1/2 pool)

Saturday 4:00 pm

Sunday 7:00 am 8:00 am 4:00 pm

3:00 pm (1/2 pool)

3:00 pm (1/2 pool)

2:00 pm

2:00 pm

3:00 pm (1/2 pool)

3:00 pm (1/2 pool)

2:00 pm (1/2 pool)

Schedule subject to change please confirm at 9:00 am Aquafit www.arnprior.ca/swimming 1:00 pm Excel Water Fit or call 613-623-7301

m Aquafit m Excel Water Fit

Tear me out and put me on the fridge!

sday m m pm

(Jan. 8th - Mar. 28th)

ast 16 years of age who is responsible for the direct supervision of the child and swimming within arm’s reach. meters uninterrupted to be permitted to swim unaccompanied.

Recycling & Garbage Collection Schedule Public Shinny Schedule

All skates and shinny Mon Tues 2023 Wed Thur Fri September to December games are 50 min. Times Ringette (age 10 -15) 4:00 pm 3:30 pm September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 are subject to change due Minor (Age 9-12) 4:00 pm F S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T to facilitySavailability.

Junior (Age 13-15) 4:002pm 3 4 2 3 1 1 4 5 6 1 2 7 Always check the online 12:00 12:00 prior to3 arriving5 6 Adult 7 6 pm 7 8 Age 9 16+8 1012:00 11 pm 12 13 14pm 5 12:00 9 pm 10 12:00 11 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm www.arnprior.ca/skating 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 14 15 16 17 18 Womens Age 16+ 9:30 pm 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Recycling and Garbage Collection

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29 30 31

December 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 4 5 6 7 3 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1

Plastic, Glass, and Metal Collected this Week

2

Paper Fibres and Cardboard Collected this Week

3

Garbage Collection

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

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31

27 28 29 30

26 27 28 29 30

Holiday—Municipal Offices Closed Collection Day Shifted due to Holiday Leaf and Yard Waste (May take up to 3 days to complete)

Garbage and Recycling Schedules can be Regular recycling collection occurs on eitherfound at www.arnprior.ca Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Download the Arnprior App turn on must be Leaf andand Yard Waste Collection alternates weekly between Plastic / for reminders on which recycling notifications placed at the curbside by 7:30 AM Glass / Metal and Paper Fibres / Cardboard.

For week it is and any collection changes. on November 8th, 2023 a map showing collection days by zone, please Your blue box program is now managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit, producer responsibility go torecycling www.arnprior.ca/recycling. organization. For any recycling collection inquires, new or replacement bins, missed collections and other 7 recycling questions, please contact Topps Environmental. help@toppsenv.com 257-1195 Your blue box recycling| (613) program is

Holidays in Arnprior Facility Closures Town Hall

Holiday Swim Schedule

Dec. 22nd: Closed at Noon Dec. 25th: Closed Dec. 26th: Closed Dec. 29th: Closed at Noon Jan. 1st: Closed

Join us every day at 3pm (10 am on Dec. 31st) for Tim Horton’s Toonie Swim!

Nick Smith Centre

View the rest of the holiday swim schedule at www.arnprior.ca/swimming

Dec. 24th: Closed Dec. 25th: Closed Dec. 26th: Closed Dec. 31st: Closed at Noon Jan. 1st: Closed

Museum

Closed Dec. 18th - Jan. 3rd

Landfill

Dec. 25th: Closed Dec. 26th: Closed Jan. 1st: Closed

No curbside collection

Dec. 25th & Jan. 1st

Christmas Trees are accepted at the landfill for free from December 27th – January 31st

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Visit the Nick Smith Centre to purchase swimming and skating punch passes!

Remeber to shop local this holiday season. We have a large variety of local businesses with great products and experiences perfect for gifting!

Collect stamps while you shop for a chance to win a $100 gift certifciate every month. Learn more at arnprior.ca/shop-local

Get a card and start

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Winter Holiday Safety

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.

But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

• • • •

• • • • • • •

•

Holiday decorating Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Before Heading Out or to Bed

Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• •

FACTS

! More than one-third of

home decoration fires are started by candles.

! More than two of

every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

TheNATIONAL Arnprior FIRE Fire Department 67 Meehan Street | 613-623-4231 option 2

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Winter Safety

Watch for flashing green light and pull over

Stay Safe Playing Outside This Winter • • •

Never tunnel or build forts in the snowbanks along the side of the road.

Drivers will not be able to see you, and if you’re in the tunnel, you could be “snowed in” when a truck plows next to you.

Plows can throw large chunks of ice into ditches when plowing, and could hurt you pretty badly.

It is safest to build a snow fort without a ceiling. This way, if it collapses, you will not be trapped.

No Ice Is Safe Ice Know what to do if you hear the ice crack: • Lay down on the ice.

• Call for help loudly and clearly.

• Crawl or roll back to land.

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Assisting someone who has fallen Self-rescue steps: through the ice: • Float on your stomach facing the shore.

• Do not attempt to go on the ice.

• Reach forward onto the ice; do not push • Push or throw a stick, branch, down on it. rope or floating aid to the victim. • Kick your legs to slowly push your torso • It is important to get help fast. onto the ice.

• Call 9-1-1 for expert assistance. • Crawl or roll away from the hole.

• Remember reach, throw, but do • If you can’t climb onto the ice, float in the not go! water and call for help loudly and clearly.

• Get medical help immediately.

Nominate an Individual or Organization for a Town Award

Each year, the Town of Arnprior presents Municipal Awards to recognize individuals and organizations who have shown excellence and achievement of the highest degree in the Town of Arnprior and whose contributions have enriched the lives of others and helped make Arnprior a better community.

Learn more and nominate at www.arnprior.ca/awards by February 29th.

Can’t find what you are looking for or want further information? Connect With Us!

Arnprior App

613-623-4231

@arnpriorlife

www.arnprior.ca