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April 6, 2023
From the Office of the Mayor
Mother Nature sure had something to say yesterday. As we head into the long Easter weekend, I’d like to pause to thank some pretty incredible staff and partners.
The Mississippi Mills Fire Department responded to well over 15 calls since yesterday in Mississippi Mills as well as calls for mutual aid from neighbouring communities. At times, the pages from dispatch were coming in only moments apart. As they always do, the dedicated members of the MMFD turned the green lights on their vehicles and answered call, after call, after call. Thank you for a very long day and night of response and fighting fire to keep us and our neighbours safe!
I’d also like send a shoutout to the Smiths Falls Fire Department who provides dispatch services to all municipalities in Lanark County. Knowing the volume of calls generated in Mississippi Mills, I can only imagine how intense the last 24 hours were. Thank you for your professionalism and being that critical link between an emergency and our fire personnel.
In Mississippi Mills, our Public Works crew were able to respond to the storm and keep roads clear and safe within our service standards. This took organization, experience, excellent leadership, teamwork and long hours! When the Public Works crew clocks off this afternoon, 99% of brush will be cleared from Municipal roads. There is still work to be done, but I hope they get a good rest over the long weekend.
We are also fortunate to have partners like the Almonte Civitan Club and Mississippi Mills Youth Centre who are willing to open their doors to those in the community who need a warm place to be, to pick up ice or gather water or simply charge a device while waiting for power to be restored. Special thanks to Hydro One and Ottawa River Power Corporation for working diligently to get us all back on the grid.
Lastly, thanks to the core crew of staff who join myself and Deputy Mayor Minnille on the Municipal Emergency Control Group for being flexible, foreseeing challenges and solving problems. The MECG will be monitoring the situation as well as flood risks throughout the weekend.
The Municipal Update following yesterday’s storm is available here: www.mississippimills.ca/en/news/municipal-update-weather-event-april-6-2023.aspx
Wishing everyone in Mississippi Mills a warm, dry and sunny Easter weekend!
Mayor Christa Lowry
Municipality of Mississippi Mills
