Budget Spotlights

The annual budget process for 2024 is scheduled to begin in July of 2023, so that adequate time and attention can be given to proactive and informed budgeting. The budget schedule includes milestones for community stakeholders, Council, senior staff, and the Finance team.  We are aiming for final adoption of the budget in December of 2023 so that we can begin the new year with a budget and plan in place.

Identified stakeholders in the 2024 budget process include residents and community partners, Council, senior staff, and the municipality’s finance team. A collaborative approach to development and adoption of the budget will help us consider the priorities and planning that meet the needs of the community in a fiscally responsible manner.

To enhance communication, we are once again planning bi-weekly ‘budget spotlight’ bulletins which will provide information to the public about the budget, priorities, plans for spending, legislative requirements, and the decision-making process.

Below is a summary of the budget approval process and timeline. Residents are encouraged to participate in the 2024 budget process by watching upcoming meetings live on our website and participating in the public engagement survey launching in August 2023.  

Property taxes are collected on behalf of the Municipality and the school boards. Of your property taxes, approximately 50% funds Lower-tier Municipal services, 34% funds Upper-tier County municipal services and 16% funds the school boards.

The Municipality’s share of taxes pays for municipal services, such as:

• Fire Services

• Libraries

• Parks maintenance

• Recreation programs

• Snow removal / winter maintenance

For every dollar the Municipality spends: 

• 46% comes from Property Taxes

• 5% comes from Grants and Subsidies

• 18% comes for Rate Revenue (water, wastewater and stormwater)

• 21% comes from User Fees

• 2% comes from Reserves

• 6% Other Revenues and Penalties

The school boards' (educational) share of taxes is directed to:

• Upper Canada District School Board

• Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

• Conseil Scholaire Catholique De District Centre/Est

• Conseil Des Ecoles Publiques De L’Est

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS

The Municipality’s capital budget allocations ensure that funds are invested to renew and build infrastructure to support residents in our community now and as we grow.  In 2023, funds were allocated as follows. 

• Roads and Public Works – 57%

• Water & Sewer – 26%

• Recreation & Parks – 6%

• All other capital projects – 11%

Formerly known as the Almonte Daycare Centre, Mississippi Mills Childcare Services marked its milestone 50^th anniversary in 2022!

MMCS has a capacity of 379 children, offering full day care, as well as before and after school programs, at four locations across the municipality:

• 208 State Street (full day care)

• R. Tait McKenzie Public School (before and after school program)

• Naismith Public School (before and after school program)

• Holy Name of Mary Catholic School (full day care, before and after school program)

All MMCS programs are planned and implemented by qualified Early Childhood Educators. Specialized services, including speech therapy and behaviour development, are also offered for each child’s individual needs through ConnectWell Community Health.

The following projects are included in the draft 2024 Budget:

• New wall shelving units to replace damaged/older units

• Sun shade for 208 State Street building

• Fencing to divide preschool yard at 208 State Street

For more information on Mississippi Mills Childcare Services, including registration forms, visit: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/child-care.aspx.  

• Fire and Police

• By-law Enforcement

• Emergency Management

• Animal Control

FIRE AND POLICE

Police services are provided by the Ontario Provincial Police. The Police Services Act legislates policing in Ontario and authorizes the OPP to provide:

• Crime prevention

• Law enforcement

• Assistance for victims of crime

• Public order maintenance

In 2023, the OPP have responded to 1,149 calls in Mississippi Mills, surpassing the five-year average for service calls.

The Mississippi Mills Fire Department (MMFD), which includes Station 1 in Almonte and Station 2 in Pakenham has. So far in 2023, MMFD has responded to 132 calls for service. The top three incidents are:

• False fire calls – 19

• Property fires/explosions – 18

• Public hazard – 16

For more on Emergency Services, visit: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/emergency-services.aspx.

BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Municipality responds on a complaint driven basis for By-law enforcement. Residents with concerns about property standards, noise, winter parking or other miscellaneous by-law infractions are encouraged to file a formal complaint with the Municipality.

So far in 2023, By-law has filled 293 complaints, including:

• 105 complaints for parking issues

• 82 complaints for animal control

• 30 complaints for property standards

For more on By-law Enforcement, visit: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-hall/by-law-enforcement.aspx.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act requires Ontario Municipalities to implement a mandatory emergency management program.

Mississippi Mills has a Municipal Emergency Control Management Group which meets regularly to direct the Municipality’s response in the event of an emergency and implements the Municipality’s Emergency Response Plan.

ANIMAL CONTROL

The Municipality’s animal control regulations are based on the consolidated By-law 14-21. For more information on animal control services, visit: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/animal-control-services.aspx. 

2024 BUDGET

The draft 2024 Budget includes the following equipment and capital upgrades for Protective Services:

• Replacement of the 2007 pumper at MMFD Station 2 in Pakenham - $900,000

• 8 sets of bunker gear, boots and gloves for fire department – $36,000

• 20 lengths of high vault hose for fire department – $22,000

• 8 sets of water rescue suits, helmets, life jackets and rope – $30,000

The key services for the Roads and Public Works Department include operations, maintenance and asset management of the Municipality’s core assets, regulatory compliance and waste services. Beautification services has also transitioned to the Roads and Public Works Department.

The Municipality maintains more than 360 kilometres of roads in Mississippi Mills. The department includes 16 full-time employees, 3 seasonal and 1 casual employee.

Did you know the total replacement costs of the Municipality’s core infrastructure assets is estimated at $316.8 million? How is that broken down?

• 39% for road network

• 26% for wastewater infrastructure

• 14% for water infrastructure

• 12% for stormwater infrastructure

• 9% for bridges and culverts

2024 PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS - ROADS AND PUBLIC WORKS

The draft budget contains $6,135,385 in proposed capital projects for Roads and Public Works. Projects include:

• $1.8 million – Renewal of paved roads (Mercer Street, Marshall Street, Adelaide Street and Union Street North)

• $750,000 – Concession 9 Bridge renewal

• $711,232 – Renewal of surface treated roads

• $500,000 – Mercer Street/Marshall Street Storm Sewer Replacement

• $410,000 – Grader replacement

• $402,965 – Union Street North Storm Sewer replacement

• $340,250 – Gravel maintenance in Ramsay Ward

• $280,000 – New salt storage shed in Pakenham

• $267,955 – Sidewalk repairs

• $240,000 – Loader replacement

• $150,000 – Mercer Street culvert rehabilitation

• $134,925 – Gravel maintenance in Pakenham Ward

WINTER CONTROL

The Municipality is responsible for winter road maintenance including plowing, sanding and salting more than 360 kilometres of roadway.

The Municipality must comply with Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standard for all roads.

For more on winter control and parking: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/winter-control-and-parking.aspx.

WATER AND WASTEWATER

Treatment of Water and Wastewater is managed through a contract with Ontario Clean Water Agency, and the distribution of the watermains and wastewater collection system is managed and operated internally by Public Works. It’s important to note that water and wastewater costs are 100 per cent covered by user fees paid by those on municipal water/wastewater services.

Visit https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/water-and-sewage.aspx for more information.

2024 PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS - WATER AND SEWER

The draft budget contains $7,396,473 in proposed capital projects for Water and Sewer. Projects include:

• $2,534,900 – Union Street North Watermain (Main Street to Carss Street)

• $1,373,129 – Union Street North Sanitary (Main Street to Carss Street)

• $795,000 – County Road 29 Watermain and Looping Well 6

• $627,595 – Union Street to Carss Street Forcemain

• $500,000 – Mercer Street/Marshall Street Sanitary

• $500,000 – Mercer Street/Marshall Street Watermain

• $380,000 – Design and construction for Carss Street Watermain (Mitcheson to Union streets)

The Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL) operates two branches – Almonte (located at 155 High Street) and Pakenham (located at 128 MacFarlane Street).

MMPL’s goal is to inspire lifelong learning, provide equitable access to information, advance knowledge and strengthen our community. Their vision is an informed, engaged, creative and connected community.

Christine Row is Chief Executive Officer and Monica Blackburn is Deputy Librarian. MMPL is governed by a board of trustees, composed of 7-9 individuals, the majority being representatives of the community and one member of Mississippi Mills Council. Trustees are appointed by Council for a term of 4 years.

The board’s role is to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library services that reflects the community’s unique needs. It is an independent body and not a committee of Municipal Council.

Some interesting statistics from the library’s most recent 2022 annual report:

• 128,712 – number of physical items circulated (an increase of 24% since 2017)

• 27,549 – number digital items circulated (an increase of 225% since 2017)

• 1,065 – number of library programs offered (an increase of 150% since 2017)

• 189 – number of children’s summer programs offered at both branches

Residents can access a wide range of books and media at their fingertips, but MMPL also provides meeting space for the community, Tech Tutor and 3D printing programs, as well as interlibrary loans, a digitization lab and seniors’ services, to name just a few.

2024 PROJECTS

Proposed capital projects in the draft 2024 budget for the library, include:

• $7,000 – Technology upgrades (new computers)

• $2,000 – Display shelving/furniture

For more information on the MMPL, visit https://missmillslibrary.com. 

The Mississippi Mills Development Services and Engineering department consists of building, planning and engineering.

In 2022, the department experienced an unprecedented number of development applications – a 60% increase since 2018. So far in 2023, that busy trend has continued with four subdivision applications, proposing hundreds of new residential lots to be developed in the coming years, and 250 building permit applications received.

The Municipality also launched the Affordable Housing Grant Program under a Memorandum of Understanding with Lanark County, who will administer the program on behalf of Mississippi Mills. The program provides funding in the form of a 15-year forgivable loan. Maximum funding is based on the cost of approved work items, up to $25,000, with an additional $10,000 for units built in Mississippi Mills. 

The MM2048 initiative was launched in 2023, under which seven Municipal projects are being undertaken through a coordinated approach. It was developed with a vision of setting a consistent course for our community well into the future. They include: Planning policy updates, Transportation Master Plan, Water & Waste Water Master Plan, Solid Waste Management Strategy, Community Services Master Plan, Development Charges Background Study and Economic Development Strategic Plan.

The Municipality submitted a grant application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund in the hopes of receiving grant funds to help assist with the many projects that need to be undertaken to accommodate future growth.

2024 PROJECTS

Proposed capital projects in the draft 2024 budget for Development Services and Engineering, include:

• $540,000 – To assess and design a Northern Watermain River Crossing (Carss Street across the river to Strathburn Street) through a process called a Class Environmental Assessment and Design.

• $300,000 – To assess and design an expansion to Gemmills Bay Pumping Station (Class Environmental Assessment and Design).

• $250,000 – Many other improvements and upgrades to our Municipal road network and to the Municipality’s infrastructure system (Waste/Wastewater Infrastructure Environmental Assessment and Design).  

• $60,000 – To assess and design the watermain upgrades within County Road 29 from Well 6 (located near the fire station) to Wylie (Class Environmental Assessment and Design).

• $40,000 – To begin the planning policy project called Rural Villages and Vitality to update the Municipality’s rural policies (Official Plan Amendment 28).

• $15,000 – To undertake a study to develop specific development policies (called a Secondary Plan) and a Public Realm Plan for the Downtown Almonte area.

• $10,000 – To update the Municipality’s Heritage Register List to ensure that the heritage assets in our community are protected.

Click the links below for more information:

• Building and Renovating –  https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/build-and-invest/building-and-renovating.aspx.

• Planning and Land Use – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/build-and-invest/planning-and-land-use.aspx?_mid_=76816.

• MM2048 – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/mm2048.aspx.

The Mississippi Mills Recreation and Culture Department strives to maintain a superb quality of life for our residents. The department:

• Oversees more than 20 parks throughout the entire Municipality

• Coordinates sports and leisure activities for seniors, adults and youth

• Manages sports and cultural facilities including community centres, baseball diamonds, playgrounds and Almonte Old Town Hall

• Coordinates a variety of community events, including Canada Day celebrations, Light Up the Night and Santa Claus parades

• Supports local community organizations with promotion, equipment and guidance

• Manages Tourism for the Municipality

2024 PROJECTS

Proposed capital projects (subject to change) in the draft 2024 budget for Recreation and Culture, include:

• $450,000 – To replace deteriorating Almonte Tennis Courts

• $160,000 – For new chiller and condenser at the John Levi Community Centre

• $150,000 – For replacement of refrigeration plant at the Almonte Curling Club

• $15,000 – To replace wooden gate posts deteriorating in Gemmill Park/John Levi Community Centre

• $15,000 – To replace Almonte Beach hut at the fairgrounds

• $10,000 – For removal and replacement of trees in parks

• $10,000 – To replace tables in municipal facilities

• $10,000 – For signage replacement in municipal parks

 For more information on the programs and services provided by our Recreation and Culture Department:

• Recreation programs – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/recreation-programs.aspx?_mid_=66012

• Arenas, skating and curling – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/arenas-skating-and-curling.aspx

• Parks, playgrounds and trails – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/parks-playgrounds-and-trails.aspx

• Outdoor facilities – https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/outdoor-facilities.aspx

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Community and Economic Development works in partnership with the Recreation and Culture to develop and maintain Mississippi Mills as an attractive place for residents to live, work and play. Community and Economic Development’s role is to deliver programs, policies and activities to support the economic well-being of the community.

This includes:

• Developing and maintaining community sense of place

• Embracing diversity and inclusion

• Promoting tourism

• Supporting community development

• Encouraging sustainability

• Attracting investments

• Supporting entrepreneurship and job creation

2024 PROJECTS

Proposed capital projects (subject to change) in the draft 2024 budget for Community and Economic Development, include:

• $50,000 – For the creation of an Economic Development Plan

• $24,000 – To paint heritage lights in Almonte

• $20,000 – To refurbish and repair the gazebo in Kirkland Park

• $20,000 – Towards the Mississippi Mills Business Park sign

• $10,000 – To sandblast, repair and paint tourism kiosk in front of Almonte Old Town Hall

• $5,000 – For mural refurbishment and replacement

For more information on Community and Economic Development, check out the Mississippi Mills Community Profile: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/build-and-invest/community-profile.aspx?_mid_=76215

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills 2024 budget demonstrates a commitment to maintain and renew the Municipality’s infrastructure and invest in assets in a way that supports growth.