Back to SearchThe last Council meeting of 2020 began with the Mayor’s Annual Address. Mayor Lowry spoke about the challenges we’ve faced with COVID-19 and the effects it has had on the community, but also how our community has pulled together to support each other during these difficult times. Mayor Lowry spoke about the Municipality’s accomplishments over the past year and the capital projects to be completed in the coming years. She thanked frontline workers, social service agencies, community organizations, volunteers, and helpful neighbours among others. The Mayor’s Annual Address is attached to these highlights. Let’s reflect on this past year and project positivity into the new year. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all!
The Years of Service Awards are given to employees who have shown dedication to the Municipality over many years. The Mayor congratulated and thanked staff for their years of service with recognition given to the following award recipients:
- Amanda McCartney, Assistant Teacher, Daycare - 10 years
- Gina Timmins, Assistant Teacher, Daycare - 10 years
- Jessica Jones, ECE Teacher, Daycare - 10 years
- John Larose, Cleaner/Janitor, Daycare - 10 years
- Sarah Fourney, ECE Teacher, Daycare - 10 years
- Geoff Timmins, Water Operator, Lead Hand Public Works – 15 years
- Cindy Hartwick, Roads and Public Works Admin Clerk – 20 years
- Heather Hahn, Retired Library Assistant, Almonte Branch – 20 years
- Joanne Silief, Tax and Water Clerk – 20 years
- Patricia Shanks, Assistant Teacher, Daycare - 20 years
- Rhonda Whitmarsh, Treasurer – 20 years
- Ryan Byers, Head Teacher, Daycare - 20 years
- John Gleeson, Operator 1, Lead Hand, Roads & Public Works – 25 years
- Sue Robertson, Retired ECE Teacher Daycare - 35 years
The Years of Service recognition from last night’s meeting can be viewed on the municipal website. A 2020 Mississippi Mills Years of Service Awards Video has been shared on Youtube to recognize these staff.
Karen Kane, former Daycare Director retired in March 2020 after 35 years of service in childcare with former Town of Almonte and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills. Karen put her heart and soul into her job each and every day with a huge smile and a tremendous sense of humour. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff and Council were unable to celebrate her retirement and achievements at the time. Last night Council congratulated Karen on her 35 years of service to the Municipality and her well-deserved retirement. Thank you Karen, and good luck in your future endeavours!
After a series of special Committee of the Whole meetings, Council has officially approved the 2021 Budget. Council has had to balance key initiatives and make some difficult decisions to establish the final 2021 budget. Some of the highlights include road and bridge work, information technology strategy development, upgrades to facilities, the next phase of the business park, Mill Run Park, and allocations to reserves for future capital.
The following staff reports were heard by Committee of the Whole and will be brought forward to Council at an upcoming Council meeting for final approval:
- Official Plan Amendment 22 - Urban Settlement Area Boundary (Virtual Open House to be held in January)
- Lifting 0.3m Reserve - Mill Run Phase 5
- Amendment to the Development Charges Background Study - Almonte Branch Expansion
- 2020 Wild Parsnip Program
- Mississippi Mills Bicentennial Planning Committee
- By-law Services Contract Extension
- Planning Related Legal Matters Update
The Municipal Offices will be closed for the holiday season from Thursday December 24th at 12 pm noon to Monday January 4th at 8:30 am. In case of a municipal emergency please call the Public Works emergency pager (613) 256-3167. For your convenience a mail slot is located at the back door to drop off payments and other documents.
As 2020 comes to a close the Municipality would like to wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
Upcoming Meetings:
- Regular Meeting – January 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
- Regular Meeting – January 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
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