The Almonte lagoons and rural septage

Council had a good rest from its regular meetings in the month of July. This summer has already had more than its fair share of events for all to enjoy: the Canada Day celebrations in Pakenham and Almonte, Celtfest, the Firefighterﾒs Pancake Breakfasts, Gospelfest, the Almonte Fair, the Firefighters'' Combat Challenge, and the Heritage Days Weekend. In August we are looking forward to the Puppets Up! Festival, the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, the North Lanark Highland Games and the Pakenham Fall Fair.

But now it's time for Council to get back to work.  The first meeting in August will be the Planning Meeting on August 2, with a number of major issues on the agenda. Most of them were well covered by this newspaper last week.  I’ll comment further on the outcome in the next Mayor’s Forum.

The Almonte Lagoons and Rural Septage

An issue that will require the immediate attention of Council is the Almonte sewage treatment lagoons. This issue has implications for all residents of Mississippi Mills as consideration is being given to accepting septage from rural residents.  Over the past number of years, the lagoon has serviced only the residents of Almonte and is paid for by the water and sewage charges from the Almonte Ward.  The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) currently has the contract to operate the lagoon and Almonte's water system. The new Official Plan projects the population of Almonte to be 8127 by 2026.  If we are to assume septage from the rural community must be dealt with, expansion of the lagoon is required. However, regardless of any expansion plans, the lagoons do require additional remedial action.

Over the past months, a Technical Advisory Committee (with representatives from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Mississippi Valley Conservation Association (MVCA), OCWA and the Town of Mississippi Mills) has been reviewing the possible expansion of the lagoons. A public meeting was held in June with four options presented. The recommended option appears to be an aerated lagoon system. Projected costs, including septage facilities, are about $8 million.  If Council approves this option, the town will immediately apply for government grants. Hopefully up to 2/3 of these costs will be covered.

Two major advantages of this system compared with a mechanical system (such as the systems in Carleton Place and Arnprior) are lower capital and lower long term operating costs.  In addition, odours are expected to decrease and the aerated lagoon cells are covered.  There is also the opportunity to convert a portion of the existing lagoon into a natural vegetated area.  The complete details of this report and supporting documentation are available at the Municipal Offices and on the town’s web site (www.mississippimills.ca).

The Train Memorial

I would like to clarify my position with respect to the placement of a plaque by the CPR to recognize the contributions made by Almonte residents at the time of the tragic Almonte train wreck. It appeared that there were two distinct camps: the North Lanark Historical Society(NLHS) wanted the plaque placed on the library (the site of the old train station) and Mr. Tosh wanted it placed in front of the existing monument. A member of the NLHS asked if I would intervene to see if a "compromise" could be reached with respect to the placement of the CPR plaque.

My suggested compromise was to install the CPR plaque on a stand beside the existing monument. I felt that this locally made stand, which can be installed at whatever height is aesthetically pleasing, would in no way detract from the original memorial and would enhance the plaque. The NLHS agreed but Mr. Tosh did not. Although Mr. Tosh refused to see the proposed stand, he stated in this newspaper that it was a "monstrosity" and that I had "unilaterally decided" where to place the plaque. These comments have prompted the NLHS to go back to their initial position. Who wins when there is no compromise?

I have no strong personal feelings in this matter. My only role was to reach a settlement in which both parties made concessions so that a solution acceptable to all could be reached, that is, a "compromise". This would have ensured that the plaque could be enjoyed and appreciated by the residents in our community.

Ongoing Projects

• The water and sewer construction on Bridge, Country and Perth Streets is progressing well.  The anticipated completion date is September 30^th; however, it appears it may be completed earlier than expected.
• The County has redone a portion of Martin Street. For anyone who has travelled on Martin Street lately, you will notice some problems. Councillor Wilson and I will be addressing that issue at the next County meeting and we will report back.
• Additional water and sewer work will be commencing in the Business Park in August. 
• Meetings have been held with the residents and the owner of the Pakenham Ski Hill with the goal of improving the entrance road.
• Work continues on the Almonte Old Town Hall tower.  A further report of the costs will be forthcoming at the Finance and Administration meeting in September.

As a final comment, Council hopes to commence preliminary budget proceedings in October.  All meetings of Council are published weekly in "The Weekender".  Agendas are available on the town's website and in the libraries.  I encourage you to get involved.

Take the time to come to a meeting to become informed.  Don’t forget that next year is an election year.  As always, I am requesting your input on the issues discussed above as well as any other issues that are of concern to you. Don’t hesitate to contact me at the town offices at 256-2064, extension 300 or by email at al.lunney@sympatico.ca.

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