Council Highlights – September 23, 2025

The meeting opened with a delegation from Sue Brandum and Sadie Brule with Climate Network Lanark. The non-profit supports grassroots climate action and they are seeking the Municipality’s help in promoting their programs and green initiatives available to Lanark County residents. Council asked staff to work with Climate Network Lanark to assist with promotion and communication of these resources. Watch the municipal website and social media channels for more details. View the presentation.

As a follow-up to her previous presentation to Council in January, Council heard from Gabriella Salera, Project Coordinator with Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew regarding their partnership with the Municipality on a municipal inclusion charter and welcome package. Mississippi Mills was chosen as the pilot community for this initiative. The project will set out guidelines for fair and inclusive leadership and ensure a welcoming environment for residents. View the presentation. Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 7 at 4 p.m. to talk about the plan for the inclusion charter.

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited received the $196,000 (plus HST) contract for hard surface renewal works in the Municipality. Road improvement works include:

• Ramsay Concession 8 (between County Road 29 and municipal limits)
• Pick Road
• Argyle Street (between St. George Street and Country Street)

Council gave the contract for asphalt mill and overlay of Water Street in Almonte to Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited in the amount of $175,957.80 (plus HST). This project includes updated paving of Water Street and extending new paving to municipal limits. 

Clearwater Structures Inc. received the $215,407 (plus HST) contract for the 2025 sanitary sewer lining program. This work is an important part of the Municipality’s capital program to stop infiltration into the sanitary sewer system.

Council received the 2026-2035 Long Term Financial Plan, a 10-year plan prepared by KPMG. It outlines the capital and operating budgets, staffing, money sources and reserve fund needs of the Municipality. Council also asked staff to create a work plan to follow KPMG’s suggestions, which include updating financial policies, and adding a capital levy and life-cycle costing. View the plan.

September 28, 2025 was proclaimed as British Home Child Day by Council. From 1869-1948, over 100,000 children from across the United Kingdom were relocated to Canada through child migration programs. This day invites people to think about the history of British Home Children and to honour the impact they had on Canadian communities. View the proclamation.

Council also proclaimed September 30, 2025 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Mississippi Mills. This day honours the history and legacy of residential schools and the people affected by them. It helps Canadians learn about the experiences of survivors, their families and communities, and supports the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. View the proclamation. The youth of Almonte United Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, with support from Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, will host a Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil September 30 in Almonte’s Riverfront Park. The vigil begins at 7 p.m.

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

• Approval of draft plan of subdivision conditions for the Brown Lands and Hannan Hills subdivisions.
• Quarterly reports for Community and Economic Development and the Project Management Office.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Special Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 4 p.m.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.