Council Highlights – August 11, 2026

Last night, Council held its first meeting since the summer break. They approved several by-laws to recognize the following buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act for their cultural and historical importance:

• Snedden House (198 Church Street, built in 1866) – A good example of an Ontario cottage. It was built by William Snedden at the corner of Country and Church streets in Almonte
• Teskey House (492 River Road, original house built in 1837 with addition in 1844) – An example of Georgian Classical architecture. The house overlooks the original site of Joseph Teskey’s grist mill in Appleton.
• Black Watch Building (34 Mill Street, built in 1909-1910) – An example of early 20th century commercial architecture. It contributes to the unique character of Almonte’s historic downtown. 

Council also approved borrowing funds to pay for equipment and infrastructure projects that were purchased or completed in 2025, including:

• A Volvo loader and plow truck ($693,899.25)
• New compressors at the Stewart Community Centre in Pakenham ($47,040)
• The Mercer-Marshall storm sewer and culvert, the renewal of the Concession 8 Bridge and the new pedestrian crossing on the Blakeney Bridge ($1,939,389.91)
• Water and sanitary sewer upgrades on Union Street North and Mercer-Marshall, as well as a new watermain on Carss Street ($1,826,473.86)

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

• Approval of the updated Reserve and Reserve Funds Policy, which explains how the Municipality saves and manages money set aside for future needs and projects.
• Recommendation to make the Mississippi Mills Fire Department Strategic Coordinator a full-time permanent position.
• Quarterly reports for the Clerks Department, Corporate Services and Childcare Services.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.