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A Special Committee of the Whole meeting was held on January 10th, 2023. This is the first of two special budget meetings where Departments will present the draft 2023 budget. Presentations from senior staff took place throughout the day for members of Council to consider the various capital and operating budget requests from municipal department, which on this day, included Roads and Public Works, Protective Services, and Development Services.
Roads and Public Works key services include operations, maintenance and asset management of the Municipality’s core assets, regulatory compliance, and waste services. The draft 2023 budget includes Princess Street renewal (sanitary water, road and sidewalk infrastructure), surface treatment projects on Concession 10 Pakenham, Concession 12 Ramsay and Blakeney Road, pavement preservation in Blakeney including traffic calming measures (co-tendered with Lanark County) and replacement of a plow truck.
Treatment of the Water and Wastewater is managed through a contract with Ontario Clean Water Agency, and the distribution of the watermains and wastewater collection system is managed and operated internally by Public Works. It’s important to note that water and wastewater costs are 100% covered by user fees paid by those on municipal water/wastewater services. The draft 2023 budget includes renewal of water and sanitary infrastructure on Princess Street, support for digital management of drinking water system, design of infrastructure upgrades and improvements and infiltration prevention/sewer lining.
Protection Services oversees Animal Control, By-law, Emergency Management, Fire and Police. In 2022, By-law filled 541 complaints including 182 complaints under Animal Control. Fire responded to 178 calls, and the OPP have responded to approximately 1,661 calls based on a 4-year average in Mississippi Mills (2022 stats currently not available). The draft 2023 budget for Protection Services includes the hiring of a full-time Fire Prevention Officer, training centre upgrades, fire truck tire replacement, fire hose replacement and increased fleet maintenance.
Development Services consists of Building, Planning and Engineering. In 2022, 357 building permits were issued and there were 113 new residential units. 56 permits are currently being processed. In 2022, Planning and Engineering saw an unprecedented number of development applications - a 60% increase since 2018. The draft 2023 budget includes staff additions, capital projects including the Planning Project Umbrella (coordination of Water/Wastewater Master Plan update) and the Affordable Housing Grant Program.
For a more in depth look at each of the department’s background and budget items, click here.
The next Special Committee of the Whole is Thursday, January 12th, 2023 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It will be livestreamed on the municipal website and is open to the public for anyone wishing to attend in person. The following departments will make presentations to Council: Corporate Services, Childcare, Recreation and Economic Development. Click here to view the agenda.
Budget Schedule:
- Thursday, January 12, 2023 9:00 am to 2:00 pm: Senior staff to complete presentations to Committee of the Whole. Committee of the Whole to provide direction and identify projects or areas they would like public feedback on.
- Public Engagement: January 20 to February 10, 2023 - Public survey seeking input will be circulated and available for pick up at municipal buildings.
- Tuesday, February 28, 2023 6:00 pm: Present survey results and finalize the budget with Committee of the Whole.
- Tuesday, March 14, 2023 6:00 pm: Council to approve the 2023 budget.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Hybrid Council Meeting and Bicentennial Launch – January 17th, 2023 at 6:00 pm Committee of the Whole Meeting to follow Council.
All meetings are open to the public. There will be an opportunity for public engagement and feedback prior to the budget being approved by Council in March.
