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Group stands around food donations

The results of the Mississippi Mills Bail Out Fundraiser were announced at Tuesday night’s meeting. The community came through to ‘bail out’ our council members by contributing a total of $905 in monetary donations and 315 lbs of food to benefit the Lanark County Food Bank – The Hunger Stop. The two-week campaign, in partnership with the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police ran from August 16 to August 31. Four council members were ‘charged’ – Mayor Christa Lowry (over the limit caffeine consumption); Ramsay Ward Councillor Bev Holmes (overscheduling herself); Ramsay Ward Councillor Vicki Lowe (underaged grandma); and Almonte Ward Councillor Jane Torrance (playing her bagpipes).

“I am so pleased the community embraced this fundraiser and helped ‘bail out’ our Council members for a good cause,” stated Mayor Christa Lowry. “As we face inflation challenges that have brought a 20% price increase on food purchases, it’s more important than ever we support the important work the Food Bank is doing to feed our community.”

According to the food bank’s latest annual report for 2021-2022, its client base is made up of 52% adults, 37% children and 11% seniors.

Council heard a deputation from Stephanie Gray, Co-ordinator of the Lanark County Situation Table, who provided an update on the Community Safety & Well-being Plan for Lanark County & Smiths Falls. The regional plan, adopted by Lanark County Municipalities in 2019, is community-driven and identifies priority risks such as systemic discrimination and other social factors contributing to crime, addiction, etc., and strategies to reduce those risk factors. The plan is currently being updated; watch for opportunities to provide input.

Two public meetings for Zoning By-law Amendments were held. The first corrected mapping errors and amended definitions; while the other amendment related to 171 Montgomery Park Road in Ramsay Ward to rezone the subject property to permit the redevelopment of the site with a permanent year-round dwelling and attached garage. Council will consider these items at a future meeting.

Council approved the new Community Engagement Strategy. The strategy’s provides a comprehensive vision for public engagement based on global standards of practise set by the International Association for Public Participation. The strategy follows a four-step process: Define, Create, Deliver and Share, and also includes an Indigenous Community Engagement Protocol, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion focus to continue building on meaningful engagement. The strategy will be implemented through the development of a step-by-step handbook for staff, and a new engagement section will be included in staff reports to Council.

A Notice of Motion from Councillor Jane Torrance was passed, pertaining to non-resident user fees for aquatic programs. Staff was directed to develop a pilot reimbursement program and related policy that will allow residents of Mississippi Mills to be reimbursed the difference between resident and non-resident fees charged for use of aquatic programs (such as public swim fees, swimming lessons, aquafit, etc.) at municipal facilities in Carleton Place, Arnprior or West-Ottawa, effective September 2023. Council set the program’s annual allocation at $25,000.

The results of this pilot program will be considered in advance of the 2025 Budget through the Community Services Master Plan.

Council approved a request from Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds Grenville to light up Almonte Old Town Hall in blue on September 21, in recognition of World Alzheimers Day.

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 Protective Services and Mississippi Mills Childcare Services.

  • Committee of the Whole recommended awarding the contract for Audit Services to KPMG LLP for 2023 to 2025, with an option to renew for 2026 and 2027. 

  • A Notice of Motion from Councillor Bev Holmes to rename Centennial Square in downtown Almonte to Dr. James Naismith Square, in recognition of the historical significance Dr. James Naismith has had on Mississippi Mills. Centennial Square is the location of the bronze statue of Dr. Naismith in downtown Almonte.

Bicentennial Events:

  • September 9 – OPP Golden Helmets perform in Pakenham.

  • September 15 – Meet the Artists of The Seven Gifts, hosted by Sivarulrasa Gallery.

  • September 17 – Unveiling of The Seven Gifts art installation at Riverfront Park.

  • 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 and Bicentennial Harvest Dinner & Dance.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Hybrid Council Meeting – September 19th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.

  • Hybrid Special Committee of the Whole 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.