Council Highlights – June 9, 2026

To start off last night’s meeting, Council heard from John Dalgity, President of Almonte Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240. He shared details on the Legion’s position regarding the Heritage Advisory Committee’s recommendation to designate the Legion building at 100 Bridge Street as a heritage site. The committee passed a motion on May 6 asking Council to issue a notice of intention to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. Council added the property to the Heritage Register in October 2009.

A petition was presented to Council from Montgomery Park Road residents asking for limits on short-term rentals for waterfront properties. Their concerns include noise, security, increased traffic, parking problems and the strain on septic systems. Council received the petition as information and asked staff to prepare a report for discussion at a future meeting. 

Council agreed to use the remaining funds from the Well 7 and 8 expansion project for the groundwater model update, source protection planning and the Well 9 and 10 site selection and testing project. The 2024 Mississippi Mills Water and Wastewater Master Plan had suggested expanding Wells 7 and 8 as a short-term way to meet Almonte’s growing water needs. However, new technical studies show that major upgrades to those wells are no longer necessary. By shifting the funds to planning for Wells 9 and 10, the Municipality can speed up that project. There remain no concerns about the community’s water supply.

Council approved assigning the remaining available water and wastewater capacity for 2026 to new development. This is reviewed every three months to make sure the system is managed responsibly while long-term planning continues. Upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, along with repairs to several water system leaks, are expected to lower the demand on municipal wells and reduce how much sewage the plant needs to treat. According to the report, the Municipality has a strong water supply and enough sewer capacity to support growth for the next 10 years with the current infrastructure.

The contract for the supporting studies for the Northern Watermain Crossing project was approved by Council and given to Ainley Group for $228,347. The Northern River Crossing is a major project in the 2024 Mississippi Mills Water and Wastewater Master Plan. It involves building a third 300-metre trunk watermain under the Mississippi River. The new crossing would run from the west end of Carss Street at Union Street to the County Road 29 (Dunn Street) area. This new watermain will improve water flow in the northwest part of the system and make sure there is enough water pressure for fire protection in the future development areas to the north. These early studies will help prepare for the Environmental Assessment stage of the project.  

Council also approved the purchase of a new sidewalk plow for the Roads and Public Works Department. The winning bid came from Joe Johnson Equipment for $246,466.44. This plow will help the Municipality keep sidewalks clear in the winter and ensure public safety. 

Council gave early budget approval to commission Knowledge Keeper and Master Canoe Builder Chuck Commanda to build an 11-foot birchbark canoe. He will guide members of the community through the process using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. He plans to gather materials this spring and finish building the canoe in 2027. The project will give the community a hands-on chance to learn about Indigenous heritage and traditional building methods. Knowledge Keeper Commanda has shared his skills in schools, museums, parks and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada. This work supports the Municipality’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, including Call to Action 57, which focuses on educating public servants and the public about the history of Indigenous Peoples. 

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

• The contract award for the Old Almonte Road Reconstruction to Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited for $1,085,446.50.
• The contract award for the King Street water and sewer replacement to GOA Paving for $2,271,297.85.
• A recommendation to extend the Mississippi Mills Dog Park pilot for up to five years at the Snedden-Casey Ball Diamond.
• Publishing of the Performance Measurement Dashboard on the municipal website. This dashboard gives Council and the public useful data about the many services the Municipality provides.
• Approval of the Development Charges Front Ending Agreement Policy.
• The recommendation report to amend the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan to include the Housing First Land Sale Program.
• A zoning by-law amendment for municipally owned lands at Adelaide and McDermott streets.
• A Notice of Motion from Councillor Jane Torrance to explore working with neighbouring communities on aquatic recreation infrastructure and programming.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Special Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 16, 1 p.m.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.