Council Highlights – August 26, 2025

At last night’s meeting, Council asked staff to submit an expression of interest to the Province of Ontario to acquire the 2 Industrial Drive property in Almonte. It used to be the Land Registry Office, but the Province no longer needs the building, and it currently sits vacant. The building is in good condition, has a central location and plenty of parking, making it ideal for use as a community services hub and new home for the OPP Community Safety Office.

Council got an update on the Mississippi Mills Childcare Expansion Project, located at 111 Menzie Street (formerly 34 Victoria Street). Work on the site started in early August and a groundbreaking ceremony was held August 14 to officially launch the project. Construction for stormwater infrastructure will be done by Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited and is being paid for through our Housing Accelerator Fund (federal grant). The project is moving ahead, on time and within budget.

Council has chosen Councillor Jane Torrance to represent them on the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce Board. She’ll work with municipal and Chamber staff to help strengthen connections with local businesses in Mississippi Mills. 

Updates to the Municipal Facility and Asset Naming Policy were passed. This policy was last updated in 2012, and outdated references were removed, making the process easier for residents. 

Council authorized borrowing for capital projects, which were approved in the 2024 Budget:

• $451,727.33 for a plow truck and half-ton truck;
• $646,460.40 for a fire truck;
• $740,203.40 for chiller and condenser replacements at the John Levi Community Centre and Almonte Curling Club; and
• $260,646.49 for storm sewer improvements.

The Procedural By-law review and update was endorsed by Council. Major changes include moving closed session discussions to the end of Council meetings, so meetings can start at a consistent time, and publishing agenda packages five days ahead of meetings instead of the current four, giving Council members and members of the public more time to prepare. Some updates were also made to include new rules related to Strong Mayor Powers.

Council proclaimed September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in the Municipality. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County empowers youth by connecting them with caring volunteer mentors. As part of this proclamation, Almonte Old Town Hall and the falls will be lit in teal on September 18 to mark Big Brothers Big Sisters Day.

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

• A new Mississippi Mills Community Impact Grant Policy that introduces a two-intake model.
• The 2026 Fees and Charges for municipal services and activities.
• A recommendation report for the extension of the Glen Isle Shores subdivision.
• Quarterly reports for Delegated Authority, Recreation and Culture, Development Services and Engineering.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.