Council Highlights - October 6, 2026

Last night Council had a special presentation for long-serving Councillor Denzil Ferguson. Councillor Ferguson first entered municipal politics in 1988 and has been a steady and valued member of the Municipal Council for over 35 years. On hand to celebrate and thank Councillor Ferguson were: MPP John Jordan who presented Councillor Ferguson with a plaque honouring his achievements and commitment to local government, former members of Council, staff, friends in the community and the Ferguson family. Mayor Lowry spoke on Councillor Ferguson’s many contributions, stating “He has remained unmistakably and unapologetically Pakenham” and thanked Councillor Ferguson for “your leadership, your friendship, and your humour, your steadfast commitment to Pakenham, for giving such an extraordinary portion of your life to public service.” Councillor Ferguson’s eldest child, Collins Ferguson highlighted the lessons his father shared through his commitment to civic engagement, the importance of community and the lasting legacy of his father. Councillor Ferguson will be retiring from municipal government at the end of this term of Council. Those present celebrated Councillor Ferguson by sharing cake and memories.

Pictured above: Deputy Mayor Minnille, Margie Ferguson, Councillor Denzil Ferguson and Mayor Lowry.

Council heard from the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) as well as GFL on the operations of the wastewater treatment plant and the administration and regulations surrounding biosolids. The presenters spoke on the required compliance actions as well as the biosolids spreading process. Members of Council asked a number of questions including the how biosolids are spread, PFAS testing and the amount of
provincial and federal regulations for the use of biosolids.

Two public meetings were held for proposed zoning by-law amendments. The first application for 5766 County Road 29 is relating to a proposal for an additional residence which will allow for additional occupants at the current property owned by Lanark County Alliance. The second public meeting related to 507 Drummond Side Road as a result of a severance of the property. Members of the public may provide comments to the municipality directly at mplanner@mississippimills.ca.

Council approved the proposed 2027 Fees and Charges proposal. Fees and Charges are set annually and are adjusted based on multiple considerations including: cost of living, actual costs, and best practice review. A by-law to approve the fees and charges by-law will be brought forward to a future Council meeting. The new fees will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

Two subdivision agreements were approved. The first for Hilan Village and the second for Mill Run phases 7 and 8. Hilan Village will see 116 new units with work on the site commencing this year. Phases 7 and 8 of Mill Run will see 98 new units with work commencing this fall.

Council approved a number of time sensitive items relating to awarding contracts and tenders. Due to the break in Council meetings for the municipal election, staff sought Council approval for contracts for work to be commenced this year. The following works were awarded:

• Tandem Snowplow - awarded to Aebi Schmidt Canada in the amount of $413,557.80, excluding HST
• Asphalt Paving Contracts - awarded to D Rock Paving in the amount of $125,323.44, plus applicable HST, for the 2026 Mill and Overlay Program and to Canada Paving & Construction (1998) Ltd. in the amount of $222,962.36, plus applicable HST, for the surface restoration of Adelaide Street.
• 2026 Sidewalk Replacement Program - awarded to Aloia Bros. Concrete Contractors Ltd. in the amount of $192,322.55 plus HST.
• Winter Maintenance Salt Contract - awarded to Compass Minerals, for a five year term.
• Groundwater Modelling in Support of New Production Well - awarded to Stantec, in the amount of $397,687.95 (HST excluded)

Council approved the Better Homes Lanark by-law for a Mississippi Mills property owner. The Better Homes Lanark Program is managed by Lanark County and offers low-interest loans for single-family homeowners within Lanark County to complete home energy retrofits. To learn more about the program, visit the Lanark County website.

Committee of the Whole considered the following items:

• Biosolids and Septage Management in Mississippi Mills - an overview of the biosolids and septage management programs and operations in Mississippi Mills and proposed project plan to review the existing practices.
• Project Management Office Quarterly Report

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Inaugural Meeting of Council – Monday, November 16, 2026, 6 p.m. Ron Caron Auditorium at Almonte Old Town Hall

Note there will be a break in October of regular Council meetings due to the Municipal Election. Early voting opens on Monday, October 19th at 10:00 am and Election Day is Monday, October 26th. Polls close on October 26th at 8:00 pm.