Highlights of the September 20th, 2022 Council Meeting

At last night’s meeting, Council heard from John Naas of Blackline Consulting with respect to the creation of a Digital Master Plan for the municipality. The purpose of this digital strategy is to modernize and streamline services, processes and communications. As a next step, staff will bring forward a report to Council for consideration on the implementation plan for the 10 strategic initiatives that were identified in the plan.

Council authorized Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities to perform enforcement responsibilities for Part IV of the Clean Water Act on behalf of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.

Council approved updating the Water and Wastewater Master Plan and awarding the contract to J.L Richards in the full amount of $160,590.00 plus HST. The master plan is a guide to ensure the municipality meets current regulations, prepares for planned growth and includes considerations for future growth.

Council approved the proposed initiatives developed by the Bicentennial Working Groups for next year’s bicentennial celebrations. The funding source for the proposed events will either come from approved budget for the bicentennial, budget for existing events or projects and external grants from federal or provincial governments. Some of the events include walking tours, Indigenous artists weekend, farm tours, weekend events in Pakenham and Almonte, as well as the creation of a commemorative coin and bicentennial logo.

Council approved the three recommendations put forward by a Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) working group: adoption of Official Plan Amendment No. 29 being an amendment to repeal and replace Schedule A: Rural Land Uses with appropriate by-law amendments, and that Lanark County keep the Municipality informed of proposed modifications during the review/approval process. The Supplemental Report drafted by the Councillor working group will also be included in the package sent to Lanark County.

A Notice of Motion from Councillor Dalgity received support with respect to open storage in residential zones including but not limited to tourist trailers and recreation vehicles. Staff will conduct a best practice review of section 8.14 of the Zoning By-law.

Council congratulated Justin Helmsley on his appointment to Deputy Fire Chief. Justin has been a member of the Mississippi Mills Fire Department for more than twenty years, during which time he held the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and District Chief. He spent nearly twenty years as an Ottawa paramedic and was an instructor for the paramedic program. Congratulations Justin!

All My Relations has been working on a permanent sculpture of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. The interactive sculpture will be a permanent installation and include 7 marble pillars with animal carvings, brass castings, and an interpretive plaque. Initially the sculpture was to be installed at Kirkland Park, however, that location is no longer viable. Council therefore supported the new location in Riverfront Park. Riverfront Park is next to water and will provide a tranquil space where visitors can have time and space for quiet reflection.

The Committee of the Whole heard the following items, which will be brought forward and approved at a future Council meeting:

  • As the result of a Council resolution passed at the September 6, 2022 meeting with respect to Additional Residential Units (ARUs), the Planning Department has developed a high-level project plan and will develop a Discussion Paper to present to Council in December.
  • Award of contract to Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd, in the amount of $179,797.00 plus HST for the asphalt paving of Concession 4 Pakenham for a length of approximately 870 m between Campbell Side Road and Bayview Road.
  • Given that it is an election year, staff propose that the 2023 budget be developed by senior staff between October and December 2022, with ample opportunity for community engagement before going to Council for final approval in March 2023. In a non-election year, the process would target budget approval by Council in December.
  • Councillor Holmes put forth a Notice of Motion with respect to “The Emily Project,” which enhances emergency addresses and signage for vacant rule land. The Motion also addresses waiving the entrance permit portion of the fee for applicants wishing to purchase a property identification number sign. 

As we re-open Council Chambers to members of the public, we have a limit of 20 in the viewing gallery, which will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Preregistration is no longer required.

While masking is not required members of the public are encouraged to wear a mask as social distancing may not be possible.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Regular meeting of Council and Committee of the Whole – October 4th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Hybrid Committee of the Whole – November 1st, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. 

Reminder: Municipal Election Day is October 24th, 2022. Voting opens on October 17th, 2022. All votes will be cast electronically using internet and telephone. For more information: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-hall/elections.aspx