Council Highlights – April 28, 2026

At Tuesday’s meeting, Council approved the second round of funding for the 2026 Community Impact Grant Program. A total of $5,899 in grants and $3,800 in in-kind support will be given out.

Organizations receiving funding:

• A Meal for All – Multicultural Food Fair
• Almonte in Concert
• Pakenham Seedling Library
• One Mississippi – A River Reconciliation Project
• Almonte Civitan Club Kids Bike Safety Rodeo
• Almonte Readers and Writers
• Blakeney Neighbourhood Picnic
• Riversong Players theatre group

The Community Impact Grant Program began in late 2025. It was created to offer a fair, flexible, and clear funding model. The program has two funding periods each year. The first one supports bigger projects that need early planning. The second one supports projects happening between April and December, especially those that are seasonal or need quick action.

Council reviewed and supported the Community Services Master Plan workplan for 2026–2030. The projects in this plan – such as a Gemmill Park Master Plan, a Waterfront Access Master Plan, a Trails and Pathway Master Plan, and work to strengthen community partnerships – will be added to future draft budgets for Council to consider. View the recommendations.

Council approved a new by-law to change the speed limits on parts of Old Almonte Road and Paterson Street. The speed limit on Old Almonte Road will be 60 km/h from the point where Old Almonte Road and Paterson Street split, all the way to the intersection with Appleton Side Road. The speed limit on Paterson Street will be 40 km/h from Ottawa Street to the point where Paterson Street and Old Almonte Road divide.

The month of May was declared Guillain-Barré Syndrome/Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Awareness Month by Council. The month helps raise awareness and share information about these rare autoimmune nerve disorders. For more information: GBS/CIDP Foundation.

Committee of the Whole also discussed the following items, which will be brought forward for approval at a future Council meeting:

• Members sent the Recreation Club Capital Recovery Fund to staff for further review with a report back to the committee on May 26, 2026. Staff will use the guiding principles identified in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and input from Council in the follow-up report.
• The recommendation report for draft plan extension of two years for Baker’s Quarry subdivision.
• Part A of the Mississippi Mills Climate Action Plan and direction to staff to complete Part B, which includes community consultation, goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and steps to reach those goals.
• Quarterly reports from Recreation and Culture, and Corporate Services.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.