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Wooden gavel rests on wooden desk.

At last night’s meeting, Council heard a deputation from Elizabeth Gallant, Lanark County Climate Environmental Coordinator, with details about the Lanark County Climate Action Plan. The plan has two sections aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The corporate section focuses on reducing emissions at County owned facilities (25% reduction target by 2030 and 80% by 2050); while the community emission reduction target is set at 10% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Council also directed staff to bring forward a report to investigate options on how to develop a municipally-focused climate action plan as well as climate related grants.

Drainage Superintendent Lorne Franklin provided a deputation on the duties of the role, an overview of municipal drainage systems and municipal responsibilities.

Council approved the 2024 Fees and Charges By-law. The purpose of this by-law is to recover costs associated with providing municipal services and activities, such as burn permits, childcare fees, facility rentals, etc. The updated fees and charges reflect market rates compared to other municipalities.

Following a review of the pedestrian crossovers (PXO) in Downtown Almonte, Council has approved reducing the category level of the two PXOs on Mill Street, which will allow the installation of smaller, more historic looking posts. The review stems from a June 2023 decision of Council to consider removal of the two PXOs, but the report recommended they be retained due to the overall safety benefits they provide to the area. Costs to retrofit the PXOs will be realized through the surplus from the Downtown Almonte Renewal Project.

Councillor Vicki Lowe was announced as the next Committee of the Whole Chair, effective December 1, 2023, taking over from Councillor Bev Holmes, who assumed the position in June 2023. The Chair for Committee of the Whole rotates every six months.

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

  • Quarterly reports from Recreation and Culture and Community and Economic Development.

  • The 2022 Audited Financial Statements, presented by Lori Huber from KPMG.

  • The recommendation to approve the Development Charges Background Study and eight related by-laws.

  • The lifting of the holding zone and Zoning By-law Amendment for 430 Ottawa Street to permit a portion of the property to be redeveloped.

  • The recommendation to increase by-law enforcement contract hours of service from 20 hours per week to 50 hours per week, to allow for a greater presence in the Municipality and ability to respond to complaints more efficiently. This change would also merge by-law and animal control services into one contract, reflecting an overall cost savings.

  • Council referred the Traffic Calming and Public Safety Review back to staff with direction to schedule a special meeting to identify traffic calming and community safety and well-being priorities.

  • A Notice of Motion from Councillor Denzil Ferguson to direct a review of rural non-farm severance policies and policies related to Additional Residential Units in rural and agricultural areas as part of the Official Plan Amendment 28, Rural Villages and Rural Vitality.

  • The Mississippi Mills Public Library’s 2024 Budget, as presented by CEO Christine Row. In 2023, the library experienced an increase in total circulation and programs delivered.  

Bicentennial Events:

  • November 24-26 – Spinning Yarns: The Millworkers’ Musical at Almonte Old Town Hall. This musical theatre production highlights textile mill workers. Written by Fern Martin, directed by Kris Riendeau, and produced by Barb Dickson and Michael Rikley-Lancaster.

  • December 1 – Light Up the Night outdoor holiday concert on Mill Street. Wayne Rostad is back as host. Join us for a night of singing, dancing and storytelling.

  • December 2 – Pakenham Santa Claus Parade at 1 p.m. This year’s theme celebrates our Bicentennial – pick an era or decade over the last 200 years.

  • December 3 – Almonte Santa Claus Parade at 5 p.m. and shares the same theme as the Pakenham parade.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.