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Highlights of the April 5th, 2022 Council Meeting
Last night, Council held a public planning meeting for Official Plan Amendment 29 and Zoning By-law amendment for the Prime Agricultural Area Designation Review (LEAR). This was the second public meeting held on this matter and comes after over a year of study, review and consultation. The LEAR is a process created by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to evaluate (or “score”) lands for agriculture based on the land's characteristics and other factors affecting agricultural potential. Updating the municipality’s prime agricultural area is a requirement by the Province through the Provincial Policy Statement. Last term, the Agricultural Advisory Committee identified a LEAR study as their preferred process to carry out the required prime agricultural area update. More information on the LEAR can be found here.
During the public meeting, J.L. Richards planning consultants provided a presentation and update on the LEAR methodology, objectives, weighting, considerations and the recommended agriculture designations for the lands in Mississippi Mills. The presentation is available on the municipal website and can be located here. Following the presentation, members of the public provided comments virtually. All verbal and written comments submitted will be part of the public record.
Members of the public may continue to submit written comments until the by-laws to amend the zoning and official plan are passed by Council. Please send written comments to the attention of Melanie Knight, Senior Planner mknight@mississippimills.ca. A recording of the public meeting is available on the municipal website here. If a member of the public is unable to view the video or presentation due to internet issues, please feel welcome to contact the municipality for accommodations.
A new Community Awards Policy was passed by Council last evening. This policy recognizes members of our community for their contributions in the following categories: Inspiring Youth, Outstanding Senior Citizen, Exceptional Volunteer Appreciation, Community Builder of the Year, and Key to the Municipality. The deadline for 2022 submissions will be May 1st. Please watch for nomination information which will be released soon.
To cap off the meeting, Council made two proclamations. The first proclaims April 7th, 2022 as Green Shirt Day to recognize and raise awareness for organ and tissue donations in honour of Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet. Mr. Boulet lost his life in the tragic accident but through organ and tissue donation saved the lives of six individuals.
Council also proclaimed May as Museum Month. We encourage all Mississippi Mills residents and tourists to visit our local museums in May, virtually or in person.
The Committee of the Whole heard the following items, which will be brought forward at an upcoming Council meeting for final approval:
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Twin Elm Farms
• Insurance Premiums and Carrier Update
The municipal office at 3131 Old Perth Road is open to the public. Only one (1) person is permitted at the front desk at a time. Staff will continue to check emails and voice messages regularly to continue to serve residents; please allow additional time for a response.
Water samples can be dropped off at the Almonte Library branch. Payments and documents can continue to be dropped off in our secure dropbox/safe at the back of the municipal office.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Hybrid Regular meeting of Council and Committee of the Whole – April 19th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
- Hybrid Regular meeting of Council and Committee of the Whole – May 3rd, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
