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Gavel on table

At last night’s meeting, Council heard a delegation from Matt Craig, Manager of Planning and Regulatory Services with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, who provided information on the MVCA’s Category 2 and 3 non-mandatory programs and services agreement with the Municipality. Category 2 (e.g. watershed planning and monitoring), and Category 3 (e.g. stewardship programs, support to lake associations and the Mill of Kintail), are programs and services defined in the Conservation Authorities Act. Following the delegation, Council passed a motion directing staff to execute the agreement, which comes into effect January 1, 2024.

Upper Canada District School Board Ward 1 Trustee Lynda Johnston appeared as a deputation with Chair John McAllister and Ron Ferguson, Director of Education, to provide an update. They confirmed that there are no discussions related to school closures for the Upper Canada District School Board. Details about the $4.1M investment in Pakenham Public School were shared, which include HVAC upgrades to allow for the school to be fully air-conditioned.  

Council awarded the contract for Audit Services to KPMG LLP for 2023-2025, with an option to review for 2026 and 2027. KPMG LLP has provided audit services for the Municipality since 2021, when the company merged with Allan and Partners LLP.

Councillor Bev Holmes’ Motion to rename Centennial Square in downtown Almonte to The Dr. James Naismith Square was unanimously supported by Council. Centennial Square is the location of the bronze statue of Dr. James Naismith and the change recognizes the historical significance Dr. Naismith has had on Mississippi Mills.

Council passed a motion to extend the appointments of David Goldsmith and Patrick McNeil for an additional term on the Mississippi River Power Corporation Board.

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

  • Quarterly reports were received for Recreation and Community & Economic Development Departments.

  • Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. provided a presentation on the 2023 Development Charges Background Study. The Development Charges Act requires a background study at least every five years to forecast the Municipality’s future residential and non-residential growth determining infrastructure needs and costs.

  • Committee of the Whole recommended the award of contract for the 2023-2026 Almonte Ward Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and CCTV Program to Clean Water Works Inc. in the amount of $285,527.50, plus HST.

  • The redistribution of the Municipality’s advertising budget was discussed, following the announcement that Metroland will no longer print a weekly community newspaper. Staff were directed to bring back options to reallocate funds to increase local radio ads, increase targeted social media ads, online advertising with Inside Ottawa Valley and the development of municipally-led information. Council also provided direction to staff to create a job description for a Junior Communications Officer to be evaluated in 2024 budget deliberations.

  • Council Principles and Priorities 2023-2027 was recommended for approval. This document sets out key actions Council wishes to accomplish during this term of office and helps shape budgets and staff workplans.

Bicentennial Events:

  • September 23 – ‘The Story of Almonte’ Part 2 – documentary film by Rob and Sharon Newton. Stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 2 p.m. to view part 2 of this documentary with a special introduction by Rob and Sharon Newton. Donations to the food bank will be accepted.

  • October 14 – Yellow Bus Farm Tour II, exploring the rural farming community. Tickets are $30 each and available at Almonte Old Town Hall, Nicholson’s, Clayton General Store and the Almonte library.

  • October 14 – RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon rides from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Almonte Fairgrounds. This is a free event. Weather permitting.

  • October 14 – Bicentennial Old Fashioned Harvest Dinner & Dance at the North Lanark Agricultural Society Hall. Tickets are $40 and are available at Almonte Old Town Hall, Nicholson’s, Clayton General Store and the Almonte library.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Special Council Budget Meeting – September 26th, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.