Council Highlights – January 27, 2026

The meeting began with the Annual Land Acknowledgement and Smudging Ceremony. The ceremony was led by Indigenous Elders: Algonquin Elder Larry McDermott from Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, Algonquin Knowledge Carrier Chuck Commanda, and Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk, Turtle Clan. These traditions are an important part of the Municipality’s work toward Truth and Reconciliation. Watch for a separate press release with more details from the ceremony.

Council approved the Mississippi Mills Public Art Policy. This policy explains how public art on municipal property will be reviewed, installed, cared for, and removed when needed. It was recommended in the Community Services Master Plan, which recognizes how important public art is to the community. To help guide this work, a temporary working group will be created. This group will include community members and experts who can give advice on public art. It will only meet when there are public art proposals or related issues to discuss. View the policy.

Council deferred discussion on the proposed Council remuneration for the 2026-2030 term to the February 10 Council meeting in order to have all members of Council present for the discussion.  

Council has declared January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in the Municipality. For the rest of the month, Almonte Old Town Hall and the falls will be lit in blue. This awareness month, led by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, focuses on learning about Alzheimer’s, reducing stigma, promoting brain health, and supporting people affected by dementia. To learn more about the local chapter, the Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville, visit https://alzheimer.ca/lanark/en.

Council also declared February 11 as 211 Day. On this day, Almonte Old Town Hall and the falls will be lit in red, along with more than 70 other landmarks, to raise awareness about this important community service. The 211 helpline, run by United Way, helps people find social services, programs, and community supports. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7, even on holidays. To learn more about 211, visit https://211ontario.ca/.

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

• Quarterly reports for Corporate Services and Recreation and Culture.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.