Council Highlights – September 1, 2026

During last night’s Council meeting, a public meeting was held about a Zoning By-law Amendment for on-farm diversified uses. This work comes from Official Plan Amendment (OPA) 28, the Rural Villages and Rural Vitality project. Started by the Municipality in 2024, OPA 28 updated Official Plan policies to better meet the current and future needs of rural villages and rural areas. The proposed zoning changes would set rules for permitted uses, lot size and coverage, parking and other development requirements for on-farm diversified uses in rural and agricultural areas. On-farm diversified uses are small businesses or activities that support and are secondary to the main farming operation. Allowing these uses can help farmers create additional income and support value-added agriculture and agri-tourism activities. Council will consider the amendment at a future meeting.

Council approved a long-term lease agreement with Lanark County for part of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT), including the Almonte Alameda and the land beside the Almonte Cenotaph. The 45-year lease creates a formal agreement for how the Alameda will be managed and is modeled after other municipalities who have entered into similar agreements with Lanark County. Lanark County will continue to own the land, while the Municipality will be responsible for its day-to-day management. This includes issuing temporary permits for activities such as festivals, events and other community uses.

Council proclaimed September 30 as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours residential school survivors, their families and their communities. It also remembers the children who never returned home and recognizes the lasting impacts of the residential school system. The day encourages people to learn about the history and reflect on the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation. On September 30, the Municipality will once again partner with Mississippi Mills All My Relations and youth organizations for a Truth and Reconciliation Vigil. More details will be shared soon. Reconciliation Through Art (September 27, October 2-4) will also take place, featuring four days of Indigenous art, music, ceremony, food and teachings. 

The subdivision agreement for Phase 1B of the Weaver’s Way subdivision was approved. This phase includes 73 new housing units and is located on the northeast side of Old Almonte Road/Paterson Street and the south side of Appleton Side Road. The agreement will now go to Lanark County Council for review and approval. Lanark County is responsible for approving all subdivision plans in local municipalities.

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

• Subdivision agreement for Phase 1 of the Hannan Hills subdivision. The entire subdivision includes 110 units.
• Subdivision agreement for Phase 1 of the Brown Lands subdivision. The entire subdivision includes 235 units. Lanark County is responsible for reviewing and approving all subdivision plans in local municipalities.
• Quarterly report from Protective Services.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole to follow Council.