Council Highlights – April 29, 2025

Last night’s Council meeting opened with a delegation from Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce Manager Jackie Kavanagh and board chair Chelsea Snyder. They provided an update on their activities, including advocacy efforts and business networking offered. The chamber supports 380 members, including 50 businesses in Mississippi Mills and are hoping to explore further opportunities to better support businesses in the Municipality. View the presentation.

Council approved safety improvements in the Village of Blakeney, including reducing the speed limit on Blakeney Road (from Blakeney Bridge to Martin Street North) from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. This will align with the speed limit Lanark County has imposed on the Blakeney Bridge. Following concerns by residents about traffic and pedestrian safety, other recommendations are:

• A courtesy crosswalk at the intersection of Blakeney Road and Centre Street
• A digital display speed sign to promote traffic calming

The purchase of a new front end loader for Roads and Public Works was approved by Council. Nors was awarded the tender for the new loader, a more fuel-efficient Volvo L70H2, for $285,700, plus HST. This new piece of equipment replaces a 2006 Volvo L70 loader, being traded in for $20,000, which has been applied to the purchase of the new front end loader.  

Council proclaimed May as Museum Month. Mississippi Mills is fortunate to have three museums – Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Mill of Kintail Museum and North Lanark Regional Museum – that provide important contributions to the community through learning, building community connections and driving the local economy. Museum Month coincides with International Museum Day on May 18, which raises awareness of museums as places of learning, innovation and cultural understanding. 

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

• The purchase of a vehicular repeater and radio for Mississippi Mills Fire Department’s Pakenham pumper, as well as 12 additional portable radios for $16,045.66.
• Award of contract for a new enterprise resource planning system to MNP Digital. The total cost of implementation and a five-year contract is $798,558.
• The recommendation report for the draft plan of subdivision for 122 Old Mill Lane in Appleton.
• Award of contract for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Gemmill’s Bay sewage pumping station and wastewater treatment plant expansion to CIMA Canada Inc. The EA cost is $319,170.24.
• The annual integrity commissioner report for 2024.
• Quarterly reports for Corporate Services and Recreation Department. 

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – May 6, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – May 27, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.