Council Highlights – March 10, 2026

Council has approved updates to the Reserves and Reserve Funds Policy after a recent review. This includes combining the two Mississippi Mills Fire Department reserve accounts into one and moving $3,709,832 from the general capital reserve into the operating and capital stabilization reserves. This review is part of the Municipality’s long-term financial planning, completed by KPMG. They found it to be sound and recommended that the minimum reserve amounts be checked every year to make sure they are still appropriate. They also noted that stabilization reserves are important, and that tracking reserves on a per-household basis is a good way to measure financial stability.

The zoning by-law amendment for 195 and 197 Adelaide Street was approved by Council. This will rezone the lands to allow a smaller minimum lot area and lot frontage for semi-detached homes.

Council has asked Mayor Lowry to send a letter supporting a Private Member’s Bill from Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston MPP John Jordan. The bill calls for the province to create a framework for rideshare services. This would improve access to safe, affordable and reliable transportation for people living in rural and northern communities across Ontario.

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

• The recommendation to write off taxes on properties described as uncollectible.
• The draft Hard Surface Roadway Prioritization Policy for capital renewals.
• Quarterly report for the Project Management Office.
• Council directed staff to bring forward information on potential impacts the proposed ALTO high speed train lines may have on Mississippi Mills. The comments will then be submitted to ALTO by the consultation deadline, which has been extended to April 24.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 14, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.