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Gavel on table

To open last night’s first Council Meeting of 2024, Mayor Christa Lowry presented the Mayor’s Annual Address for 2023. Mayor Lowry highlighted Bicentennial celebrations, the completion of the Downtown Almonte Revitalization Project, as well as advocacy efforts and Council priorities for 2024. Click here to read the Mayor’s Annual Address.

Council heard a delegation from Sherryl Smith, representing Bridging Generations, a volunteer-run citizen action group focused on making Pakenham an Age-Friendly community. A report and recommendations on Aging in Pakenham was presented. The findings are the result of a survey filled out by older adults during the June 2023 Health & Wellness Fair held in Pakenham. View the presentation here.

Council authorized the sole source procurement for the $900,000 purchase of a new Metro Star Fire Pumper from Dependable Fire Equipment. Time pressures, a limited budget and limited product options are factors in the decision to sole source the pumper, as purchasing through a Request for Proposals process would be significantly over budget and result in a 2-3 year wait time. This item was included in the 2024 capital projects for the Mississippi Mills Fire Department. This new truck will replace the pumper at Station 2 in Pakenham, which will remain in service as an additional fire response pumper.

A proposed resolution from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) regarding social and economic prosperity received Council support. The resolution asks the Province of Ontario to work with AMO to undertake a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review of revenues, costs and financial risks. This would include an analysis of Ontario’s infrastructure investment and service delivery needs. According to AMO, a third of municipal spending in Ontario is for services in areas of provincial responsibility.

Council passed three By-laws establishing water and sewer services rates, temporary borrowing and the interim tax levy.

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

  • Quarterly reports from Development Services and Engineering and the Clerks Department were received.

  • Committee of the Whole received information on proposed Blakeney Bridge Island Lookout concepts but declined moving forward with the initiative.

  • In the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Lowry provided an update on Advocacy Initiatives, including proposed collaboration with municipal partners and other agencies.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.

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