Council Highlights – November 3, 2026

Council welcomed representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 Almonte in recognition of Remembrance Day 2026. Legion President John Dalgity was joined by local veterans, Retired Lieutenant-Colonel, Branch 240 Second Vice President and Poppy Campaign Chair, Kevin Cadman; Retired Sergeant Doreen Burn; and Chief Warrant Officer Mike Wiggins. Residents are invited to attend three Remembrance Day services in Mississippi Mills:

• Clayton: Saturday, November 7, 10:45 a.m. at the Clayton Cenotaph (across from Clayton General Store).
• Almonte: Wednesday, November 11, 10:45 a.m. at the Almonte Cenotaph (next to Almonte Old Town Hall).
• Pakenham: Wednesday, November 11, 10:45 a.m. at the Pakenham Cenotaph (in front of Pakenham Public School).

For more information: 2026 Remembrance Day in Mississippi Mills

Branch 240 offers a variety of supports to local veterans. One of its programs is the Veterans Coffee Morning, held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Legion (100 Bridge Street). The next cofree morning will take place this Thursday, November 5. Those looking for more information about veteran support services can contact Veteran Services Officer Matt Carson through the Legion at 613-256-2142 or admin@rcl05240.ca.

Council approved a review of the Municipality’s Biosolids Management Program. The Mississippi Mills Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) through a contract with the Municipality, produces biosolids as part of the wastewater treatment process. Biosolids are currently reused in an environmentally approved way. They are transported to licensed farm fields that are approved to receive these materials. Biosolids can be applied to the land using methods such as spraying, spreading, injecting into the soil or mixing into the soil.

The review will be completed before the next contract renewal with OCWA and will align with the ongoing Environmental Assessment for the wastewater treatment plant. A consultant will lead the review and $20,000 has been included in the 2027 Budget to complete the work. The Municipality will also improve public engagement by sharing updates at upcoming public information centres. A new webpage is being developed with information about the program, including a Frequently Asked Questions section to help residents learn more. Council requested as well that the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority provide its 2025 integrated monitoring report on the Indian River system.

Council approved an Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) application from Lanark Community Alliance for their property at 5766 County Road 29. The project would allow a second dwelling on the property to be used as supportive housing with six bedrooms. Lanark Community Alliance has also applied for a municipal incentive grant through the Affordable Housing CIP to help cover project-related fees.

Council approved the Zoning By-law Amendment to allow more on-farm diversified uses. These are businesses or activities that support a farm’s main agricultural operation. Examples include agri-tourism, farm stores, food services, renewable energy projects and energy storage systems. The new framework helps farmers create new opportunities, invest in their properties and support the local economy. 

The contract for work on the Pierce Municipal Drain was approved by Council. Lapointe Drainage Ltd. was awarded the contract for $99,331.37 plus HST. Consultation with affected property owners took place in July through a public meeting. This work will help keep the drainage system working properly and continue to serve properties in the drainage area. 

Mayor Christa Lowry was endorsed by Council for the position of Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Zone 8 Representative for the 2027-2031 ROMA Board of Directors. Zone 8 includes Lanark County, the City of Ottawa, and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. Mayor Lowry has served in this role during the current Council term, helping to bring local priorities forward in discussions with the Province and connecting communities with municipal leaders and decision makers from across Ontario.

Council approved financing for the new Mississippi Mills Childcare Services centre on Menzie Street. To reduce the amount needed to be borrowed, Council directed $605,000 from the sale of the State Street facility toward the project’s $3,718,228 in unfunded construction costs. The remaining $3,113,228 will be financed through a 25-year loan with TD Bank. The new facility opened in August.

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

• Recommendation report for Zoning By-law Amendment for 507 Drummond Side Road.
• Quarterly reports for Clerk and Administration, Corporate Services, Recreation and Culture, and Childcare Services.
• Recommendations for 2027 ROMA Conference delegations including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (museum funding) and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Development Charges Reduction Program).

Upcoming Meetings:

• Inaugural Meeting of Council – Monday, November 16, 2026, 6 p.m., Almonte Old Town Hall.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Special Council Meeting (2027 Budget) – Monday, December 14, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Special Council Meeting (2027 Budget) – Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.