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Green, blue and white graphic with the text 'Council Highlights'

Last night’s meeting began with a delegation from Danielle Shewfelt, Public Health Nurse with the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit. Shewfelt provided information on the Older Adults of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Review undertaken by the Health Unit. It assessed the services and supportive tools needed for older adults in order to make our communities more age friendly. 

A Public Meeting was held regarding a Zoning By-law Amendment for 112 Cedar Hill Side Road in Pakenham, to re-zone the lands to permit rural commercial uses in the future. The matter will come to a future Council meeting for discussion.

Council approved awarding the contract for the Union Street North Rehabilitation to R.W. Tomlinson Limited, in the amount of $4,892,022.56. This project was identified in the 2018 Water and Wastewater Master Plan as necessary to support future development in Almonte. Work involves increasing the size of the existing watermain, sanitary and storm sewers along Union Street (from Carss Street to Main Street East), and the addition of new curbs, sidewalk and asphalt. Works relating to water and sewer will be paid for through water and sewer user fees.

The Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, along with Draft Plan of Subdivision conditions for Mill Valley Estates was approved by Council. This development, located along the northeast side of Old Almonte Road/Paterson Street and the south side of Appleton Side Road, will feature 531 residential units. A future business park block is proposed at the north corner of the subdivision. Lanark County is the approval authority for Plans of Subdivision and Official Plan Amendments.

Council endorsed the Protection of Lot Grading and Drainage Features By-law. This regulates lot grading and drainage features within the Town of Almonte only and provides concise framework for staff to address grading and drainage issues. The by-law also provides clear requirements for homeowners for grading changes to their property. Associated with this by-law is the creation of a comprehensive lot grading and drainage guide for homeowners, as well as a postcard to educate residents.

The Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) By-law was adopted by Council. AMPs are a tool Municipalities are permitted to use to encourage compliance with Municipal by-laws. Not considered fines or to be punitive in nature, AMPs will be fully administered by the Municipality rather than the provincial court system. All penalties collected stay within the Municipality, unlike the Provincial Offences Act, which shares the collective total of fines in Lanark County with other Municipalities in the county. This by-law will be piloted for one year, after which it will be reviewed by staff. A public education campaign on the by-law will roll out this spring.

Council approved updates to the Reserves and Reserve Fund Policy. Identified during the 2024 Budget process, the changes consolidate and simplify reporting and tracking of reserves and reserve funds, to provide greater clarification and efficiency.    

Council declared May 5, 2024 as World Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Day in the Municipality of Mississippi Mills. PH is a complex and serious lung disease that is often misdiagnosed. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with PH, but as many as 10,000 may be affected by the condition. Almonte Old Town Hall and the Falls will also be illuminated in purple on May 5 in recognition of World PH Day.

Committee of the Whole also heard the following items, which will be brought forward for approval at a future Council meeting:

  • Quarterly reports were received from Corporate Services, Recreation and Culture, the Clerks Department and Childcare Services.

  • Updates to the Establishing and Regulating By-law and Emergency Management Program By-law amendments from Protective Services.

  • Options for development of a local Climate Action Plan.

  • Recommendation for approval of the Zoning By-law Amendment for 6299 County Road 29 to permit a battery energy storage system.

  • Consideration of a new Building By-law and Building Officials Code of Conduct.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.