Council Highlights – May 6, 2025

Jenni Poulin, Manager of Senior Services with Carebridge Community Support, kicked off the Council meeting with a delegation on the non-profit organization’s programming and activities. Carebridge provides programs, services and housing for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities, including foot care, frozen meals, trips and outings and more. Programs are offered within the seniors active living centre at the Stan Mills Centre (375 Country Street in Almonte) and now in Pakenham. The centre is open to any senior or seniors group in Mississippi Mills. Council also directed staff to share and promote information from Carebridge through municipal channels. View the presentation.

A public meeting was held on the 2025 Development Charges By-laws and background study. Development charges or DCs, are fees charged by municipalities on new residential and non-residential properties that help pay for a portion of the costs to upgrade municipal services, infrastructure and capital projects. The new proposed by-law updates development charges for services related to a highway, childcare services, plans and studies, wastewater services and water services. This matter will come before Council for discussion at a future meeting.

A second public meeting focused on a Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) missing middle housing initiative, which aims to build more homes within the municipality and allow for missing middle housing in all residential zones in Almonte. Missing middle housing is a concept that encourages multi-unit or clustered housing types that fill the gap between single family homes and apartment buildings, providing more affordable housing options. Council will discuss this at an upcoming meeting.  

Another HAF initiative to update zoning for municipally-owned lands was highlighted during a third public meeting. The Municipality has done an inventory and assessment of surplus and under used municipal land to identify lands most suitable for housing. This initiative will come before Council for discussion at a future meeting.

New communications equipment for the Mississippi Mills Fire Department (MMFD) was approved by Council. For a cost of $16,045.66, a vehicular repeater and radio for the Pakenham Station 2 pumper, along with 12 additional portable radios, will be purchased. This equipment will improve clarity and safety of staff and enhance the quality of MMFD’s radio equipment. 

The contract for a new enterprise resource planning system was awarded to MNP Digital for $798,558, which covers implementation costs and a five-year contract. The new financial information system, SylogistGov, has many benefits, including a secure citizen portal which will provide residents with more access to information. Through the portal, they will be able to log in and view, print and pay bills and licenses, with the goal of preventing additional late payment, mail disruption and statement reprint fees. 

Council also awarded the consulting contract for the Environmental Assessments for the Gemmill’s Bay sewage pumping station and wastewater treatment plant expansion. The EAs will be done by CIMA Canada Inc for $319,170.24 and involves making sure potential environmental effects are considered before beginning infrastructure projects. Both projects were identified in the 2024 Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Master Plan. 

Council proclaimed May 25-31, 2025 as National AccessAbility Week in the Municipality. This week promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, celebrating their contributions while recognizing efforts to remove barriers to create a welcoming society for everyone. The Mississippi Mills Accessibility Advisory Committee advises and assists Council and staff to promote and facilitate accessible services and facilities within the municipality. Watch the municipal newsfeed and social media channels during National AccessAbility Week for tips and information.  

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

• The 2024 statement of reserve funds, relating to development charges.
• Approval of the Donation and Sponsorship Policy.
• The recommendation report for a land sale request on Ramsay Concession
• The recommendation report for a zoning by-law amendment at 1908 Ramsay Concession 4B.
• Discussions regarding the Public Realm Plan and inclusion of community projects, such as the Alameda stone wall and Dungarvon Folly initiatives.
• An information report on the 2025 vegetation management pre-season program plan.
• Quarterly reports for Development Services and Engineering and Roads and Public Works.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – May 27, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – June 3, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.