Council’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Report Card – Housing Accelerator Fund Initiatives

As the 2023–2027 Council term nears completion, we’re sharing a series of “report cards” by highlighting progress on Strategic Plan initiatives.

Today’s update highlights key projects supported through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and aligned with the Strategic Plan principle – Welcoming, Inclusive, Active and Healthy Community. Other HAF initiatives that support a welcoming and inclusive community - ending exclusionary zoning and 4-units-as-of-right.

In January 2025, Mississippi Mills secured over $3.3 million in three‑year funding through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This investment supports the goal of enabling 414 new homes in the Municipality over the next three years. 

Almonte Downtown Secondary Plan

Adopted by Council in November 2025, the Almonte Downtown Secondary Plan supports the creation of more affordable and rental housing in the downtown core by simplifying planning policies and encouraging development on underused sites. Incentives – such as additional permitted height – are available when projects include affordable units.

The plan provides a framework for growth that protects and enhances the downtown’s unique character, including: 

• Urban design guidelines
• Riverwalk interface design guidelines
• Affordable housing
• Conceptual massing
• Municipal services, infrastructure and sustainability
• Public art and placemaking

Read the Almonte Downtown Almonte Secondary Plan.  

Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Adopted in late 2025, the Affordable Housing CIP is designed to stimulate private sector investment in new affordable units through grants and forgivable loans. The CIP establishes a structured set of municipal incentives to support community revitalization and encourage the development of affordable housing.

Programs available through the CIP include:

• Tax Increment Equivalent Rebate (TIER)
• Municipal Incentive Rebate
• Development Charge Rebate
• Plans and Studies Rebate
• Affordable Additional Residential Unit Rebate

Read the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.  

In addition to these HAF initiatives, the Municipality also adopted a Public Real Plan which, while not funded through HAF, strongly supports this Strategic Plan principle.

Public Realm Plan

Adopted by Council in November 2025, the Public Realm Plan for Almonte Downtown and Ottawa Street sets a long‑term vision for how two of Almonte’s most important commercial areas can evolve into more vibrant, accessible, and welcoming public spaces. 

The plan is rooted in extensive community input and reflects the character, heritage, and aspirations of residents and businesses. Rather than prescribing fixed designs, it provides a flexible framework that supports incremental, achievable improvements over time.  

Key goals of the plan include strengthening the pedestrian experience, improving safety and accessibility, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the cultural and historic identity of Almonte’s core areas.

Guiding principles and strategies focus on:  

• Urban design guidelines
• Connectivity and accessibility
• Wayfinding and navigation
• Lighting, streetscaping, and pedestrian comfort
• Heritage conservation, public art, and placemaking 
• Opportunities for gathering spaces, seasonal animation, and community events 

Read the Public Realm Plan.