Council Highlights – June 3, 2025

Last night’s Council meeting began with two public meetings. The first was a statutory public meeting related to a plan of subdivision and zoning by-law amendment for the Brown Lands subdivision, located north of Strathburn Street. A staff report will come to a future Council meeting in late summer or early fall.  

The second public meeting involved a zoning by-law amendment to allow four units as-of-right on each residential lot in certain parts of Almonte. This change is part of the Housing Accelerator Fund projects, which aims to fill empty spaces in neighbourhoods and provide more places for people to live.   

Council asked staff to update policies and by-laws about Strong Mayor Powers. On May 1, 2025, Mississippi Mills became one of 216 municipalities in Ontario to get these powers under the Municipal Act. This gives Mayors more control over legislation, finances and management. They can guide staff, help organize departments, plan budgets and more. To make it clear for the public, a Strong Mayor Powers page has been created on the municipal website with more details and links to all the Mayor’s decisions. 

A recommendation report on the BuildingIN program was received as information by Council. This program aims to create more housing by using land that isn’t fully used in urban areas. It focuses on building small, multi-unit homes to help with the housing shortage. After research and consulting with the community, the recommendations include allowing up to 12 residential units as-of-right on lots within certain neighbourhoods in Almonte while keeping the same look and feel of the area. The plan also includes new ideas for parking. 

Council permitted the Mayor and Clerk to enter into subdivision agreements for the Weavers Way and Mill Valley Living subdivisions. Weavers Way is located on the south side of Appleton Side Road with Mill Valley Living next to it. 

The contract for rehabilitation of the Ninth Line Bridge was awarded to Bonnechere Excavating Incorporated for $794,732. Through a regular inspection, problems were found with the bridge’s deck, barriers and other parts underneath, requiring major repairs. The project is expected to start this year. 

Council awarded the 2025 surface treatment program works to Arnott Brothers Construction Limited for $852,304.50. Surface treatment is used as a budget-friendly way to make rural roads last longer. The following roads have been chosen for 2025: 

• Concession 8 North Pakenham (Waba Road to Barrie Road)
• Darks Side Road (Kinburn Side Road to the municipal boundary)
• Rae Road (Ramsay Concession 8 to County Road 29) 

The contract for 2025 sidewalk replacements in the Municipality was awarded to Les Parisien Construction Limited for $98,772.75. With a total of $273,315 allotted for sidewalk replacements this year, Council asked staff to bring back a report with more information on other sidewalk works that could be done within the budget.  

Council supported a notice of motion from Councillor Denzil Ferguson calling for a review of the open air burning by-law for agricultural properties. Staff will come back to Council with a report containing options for allowing controlled burning on certain agricultural properties. 

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

• The 2025 Development Charges Background Study update and by-law. 
• Amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law so any development, construction and building projects done by the Municipality will be excused from planning applications and fees.   
• Site preparation works for construction of the new childcare facility at 34 Victoria Street. 
• The quarterly report from the Project Management Office.  

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – June 17, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council. Special Council meeting to follow to approve Committee of the Whole items before July summer recess.
• Special Council Meeting – June 25, 2025 at 9 a.m.