Mayor and Council

Council meets on Tuesdays, at least twice monthly (except July, during summer recess), to discuss matters of the municipality that are provided on Council and Committee of the Whole agendas, which are publicly posted five calendar days before each meeting (except under special circumstances). The decisions primarily focus on the priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan. Councillors also sit on a variety of committees and boards, offering specialized input and advice to Council.

Committee of the Whole (COW) generally meets immediately following Council. COW facilitates the decision-making process of Council, where the seven members of Council meet to debate staff report recommendation options, review correspondence, and address other new business. Generally, recommendations made by the COW will be placed on the next Council meeting agenda, giving Councillors time to reflect and inform their final decision.

The Council & Committee of the Whole Meeting Calendar lists meeting dates and times for your reference. 

Yes, all meetings are open to the public unless specified as a "closed" or "in-camera" meeting, which are only called for meeting topics as allowed by the Municipal Act. Reasons for a closed meeting may include protecting an individual's privacy, holding training for Council, or preserving negotiations. Learn more about closed meetings from the Ontario Ombudsman website.

Interested residents and stakeholders are welcome to watch open meetings in person at the Municipal Office's Council Chambers (3131 Old Perth Road) or online on the Municipality's YouTube channel. Meeting dates and agendas are available on the Council & Committee of the Whole Meeting Calendar webpage.

To speak at a meeting, please make a delegation request. If your request is approved, you will be added to the meeting agenda. 

Yes, residents and interested stakeholders are welcome to make a delegation request to speak at a Council or committee meeting. If the delegation request is accepted, you will be added to the meeting agenda. Please note that meeting agendas are published five days before the meeting; the request must be processed before then.

Visit our Speaking Before Council page for more information. 

There are many ways for residents to get involved in local government. For example, you can:

• Be in the know by staying up to date through Council agendas
• Watch Council meetings in-person at the Municipal Office (3131 Old Perth Road, Almonte) or online on the Municipality's YouTube channel. 
• Speak at a council or committee meeting as a delegation by making a delegation request. 
• Follow municipal news through our website newsfeed and quarterly newsletter.
• Engage with our content on Facebook and Instagram.
• Contact your Councillor(s) to share ideas, voice opinions, or raise concerns.
• Report concerns through our online reporting tool. 
• Join a committee or board.
• Run for Council during an election.
• Circulate and present a petition that complies with the Municipal Petition Policy. 

You play an important role in municipal government, not only when you cast a ballot but when you make your voice heard on issues that matter to you. For more resources on how to get involved in your local government, check out the Healthy Democracy Project webpage by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

For more information on the Mississippi Mills' Integrity Commissioner, Council Code of Conduct, and conflicts of interest processes, please visit the Council Complaints and Transparency page.