Back to SearchCouncil began with the Annual Dedication to Indigenous Peoples. Algonquin Elder Larry McDermott from the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation was invited to address Council. Respecting Indigenous protocol, Mayor Lowry offered tobacco to Elder McDermott in request for the smudging ceremony and for his guidance to Council. Elder McDermott presided over a sacred ceremony which included smudging before Mayor Lowry officially acknowledged the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe. In his address, Elder McDermott provided history of the Wampum Belt, Indigenous relations, Natural Law and working together to address the commitment to future generations. Mayor Lowry thanked Elder McDermott for sharing his knowledge with Council and for his friendship. In closing, Acting Clerk Moyle read a letter from Karen Luyendyk on behalf of Mississippi Mills All My Relations. Both the Land Acknowledgment and letter are attached to the highlights.
After the Annual Dedication to Indigenous Peoples, the statutory Public Meeting for the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) 22 - Almonte Settlement Area Boundary Review commenced. Council heard from five (5) members of the public. Written comments regarding the OPA 22 can still be sent to Maggie Yet, Planner I, at myet@mississippimills.ca for Council’s consideration. For more information on OPA 22 please visit our Public Engagement page.
Council approved the Safe Property By-law during last night’s meeting. The current administrative process for Property Standards complaints received under the Property Standards By-law is cumbersome and inefficient. The new process contained in the Safe Property By-law reduces the administrative process and allows by-law officers to issue a ticket with a corresponding fine without receiving complaints from neighbours.
The 2021 Municipal Grants have been approved. Each year funds are allocated in the budget for grants to community groups and various organizations under the municipal grant program. Nine (9) different groups received funding this year totalling $9,000. These groups included North Lanark Agricultural Society, Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band, Mississippi Lakes Association, Almonte Celtfest and Pakenham Civitan Club.
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 (OPA) 27 - Houchaimi Seniors' Residence (Houchaimi Holdings Inc)
- Fire Protection Agreement to Provide Automatic Aid
- Countdown Public Art Legacy Project
- Live Streaming Service Upgrade
Due to the Provincial State of Emergency and Stay at Home Order the municipal offices and facilities are still closed to the public. Staff will regularly be checking their emails and voice messages to continue to serve residents, please allow additional time for a response. Payments and documents can be dropped off in our secure drop box/safe at the back of the municipal office located at 3131 Old Perth Road, Almonte, and will be checked regularly.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Regular Meeting – February 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual)
- Regular Meeting – February 16, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Attachments:
