2026 Community Awards Spotlight – Community Builder Brent Eades

The Community Builder Award honours outstanding individuals whose long-term dedication has helped shape the well-being and spirit of Mississippi Mills. These individuals have shown leadership, vision and commitment to positive change. They inspire the rest of us to reach our potential and impact the community for the better.

For more than a decade, Brent Eades has been one of the driving forces behind The Millstone, the volunteer‑run news platform that has become an essential source of local news, history, culture, and community connection in Mississippi Mills. At a time when many communities across Canada have lost their local newspapers, The Millstone has remained a trusted, reliable, and deeply valued publication — thanks in large part to Brent’s leadership, dedication, and steady hand.

As Editor‑in‑Chief, Brent manages the daily operations of the paper and contributes an impressive range of content: news stories, historical pieces, editorials, and photography. His work ensures that residents stay informed, engaged, and connected to the place they call home.

Brent and his family moved to the area nearly 40 years ago from Ottawa. Over the course of his career, he worked in communications at the highest levels — including positions in the Prime Minister’s Office and with a federal finance minister — before spending 25 years at the Bank of Canada, where he retired three years ago. He brought that wealth of experience back to his community, and Mississippi Mills has benefited enormously.

His contributions extend far beyond journalism. Brent built and continues to maintain Almonte.com, a longstanding community website that helps residents and visitors discover local history, businesses, attractions, and events. It has become a digital front door to the town — a resource that reflects both his technical skill and his deep affection for the community.

Brent also lends his expertise to local non‑profits, helping organizations strengthen their digital presence and reach more people. He has built or maintained websites for The Hub, the North Lanark Regional Museum, the Centre for Creative Living, the Mississippi Mills Community Fund, and many others. His volunteer work has helped these groups share their stories, promote their programs, and connect with the people they serve.

Brent has strengthened Mississippi Mills in ways both visible and behind the scenes — through storytelling, digital stewardship, and a steadfast commitment to keeping people informed and connected.

His nominators had this to say about him:

“It is largely due to Brent’s contribution that The Millstone gained readership quickly and became a major contributor to communication in this community…Brent is generous with his time, displays excellent judgment and impeccable integrity and he has been a joy to work with…he has devoted his expertise in technology to the benefit of many organizations and businesses in town and I believe he richly deserves this recognition.”

“Brent works voluntarily and has created a virtual free newspaper that many readers in Almonte have made a daily read. Brent has advertised most of the events happening in Almonte and has helped us all build community in Almonte and the surrounding area. In these times of declining local news outlets, Brent has provided a valuable service in keeping us all connected. He has done so for free and should be recognized for his considerable work on behalf of our community.”

Congratulations, Brent!