Council Highlights – November 4, 2025

Last night’s meeting opened with a presentation from Canadian Armed Forces Capt. Theodore Van Hezewyk as part of the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989 as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator and has served in Syria and Afghanistan. Capt. Van Hezewyk was posted to Ottawa in 2023 and now works with Radar and Control System as the technical advisor with Administration and Material Equipment Procurement. The National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program helps connect members of the Canadian Armed Forces with local groups so they can share their experiences and stories.

Council also heard from members of the Royal Canadian Legion Almonte Branch 240. Master Warrant Officer Mike Wiggins and board member John Dalgity shared news about the Legion’s programs. They talked about the Honouring Our Veterans Banner Program, which started in 2024. They also spoke about how local students are getting involved in learning more about veterans and the important roles they’ve played in our history. View the presentation.  

Almonte Tennis Club President Liz Rootham and Registrar Ralph Holm spoke to Council about improving the tennis courts at Gemmill Park. The courts are owned by the Municipality but are run by the tennis club. They shared a presentation with Council to explain upgrades needed and how much the club can contribute to improvements. Council received their presentation for information. View the presentation.

Council agreed to add a 1% capital asset levy to the 2026 Budget. This money will be set aside in a reserve account to help pay for future projects and repairs. This recommendation came from municipal auditors, KPMG, as part of long-term financial planning. It will help the Municipality take care of important infrastructure like roads, bridges, facilities and equipment. Municipalities across Ontario are finding it harder to afford fixing and replacing this vital infrastructure.

Council approved a report to end exclusionary zoning. This means more types of homes, like single family homes and semi-detached houses can now be built within the Residential First Density zone in Almonte’s urban area. This is part of the Municipality’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Council proclaimed November 5-11, 2025 as National Veterans’ Week. During this time, we honour and remember the service and sacrifices of veterans, past and present, who have served in wars and military missions. People can participate in the week by going to local ceremonies, learning about veteran stories and supporting programs run by the Royal Canadian Legion. Local Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held in:

• Clayton: Sunday, November 8, 10:45 a.m. at the Clayton Cenotaph (across from Clayton General Store).
• Almonte: Tuesday, November 11, 10:45 a.m. at the Almonte Cenotaph (next to Almonte Old Town Hall).
• Pakenham: Tuesday, November 11 at 10:45 a.m. at the Pakenham Cenotaph (in front of Pakenham Public School).

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

• Recommendation to adopt the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.
• Approval of the zoning by-law amendment for 4 Units As-of-Right (allows up to three extra units to a single-detached house).
• Flow monitoring results for Riverfront Estates and Mill Run subdivisions and recommendation to increase allocated capacity duration for draft approved plans of subdivision.
• Support for the action plan for museum recommendations in the Community Services Master Plan.
• Quarterly reports for Corporate Services and Development Services and Engineering.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Special Council Meeting (2026 Budget) – Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6 p.m.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.