Heritage Week - "Did You Know?" - Heritage Conservation Districts - February 17, 2026

Did you know that Mississippi Mills has a Downtown Almonte Heritage Conservation District? 

This week is Heritage Week, and today we’re celebrating the Downtown Almonte Heritage Conservation District. 

A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is an area protected by a municipal by-law under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Established to protect and celebrate Almonte’s unique identity as a 19th century mill town, the Downtown Almonte HCD recognizes the cultural, architectural, and historical value of our downtown core along the Mississippi River. From historic stone mills and commercial buildings to residential neighbourhoods and riverfront landscapes, the district tells the story of how Almonte grew and evolved over generations.

The purpose of the Downtown Almonte HCD is to conserve and enhance the character of what makes Almonte special, all while supporting a vibrant, living community. It guides physical change so that renovations, additions, and new development respect and contribute to the district’s historic character, while still allowing the downtown to grow and evolve. Heritage Conservation Districts strengthen community pride, encourage sustainable and adaptive development, boost local economies and tourism, and generate jobs in specialized trades. 

This Heritage Week, take a winter stroll through downtown Almonte to explore the riverfront, and appreciate the buildings and places that make Almonte a true gem in Mississippi Mills. 

This Heritage Week, we thank the residents, property owners, and volunteers who help preserve Mississippi Mills’ history, today and for generations to come. 

To read the other articles from this week, or to learn more about heritage in Mississippi Mills, visit our Heritage page.