SUBMITTED
Last night, the Council meeting started with a delegation from Rick Scholes of the Fred Lossing Observatory. He spoke about how too much light at night can harm people, animals and plants. Scholes also explained why the Municipality’s outdoor illumination by-law is important, shared ideas about better lighting for streets, businesses and homes, and why it’s necessary for builders and residents to follow these rules. Council received the presentation as information. View the presentation.
A public meeting was held to talk about changing the zoning rules for 34 Victoria Street in Almonte. This change would allow for the building of the new childcare facility. In May 2024, Council had already approved a zoning change for this land so that Carebridge Community Support could create affordable housing. Carebridge fully supports the childcare project, and the rest of the land may still be used for affordable housing. Council will discuss this item in a future meeting.
Council has approved a new Donation and Sponsorship Policy. This policy gives clear rules on how to accept, recognize and manage donations and sponsorships to the Municipality to enhance municipal services, programs, events and facilities.
The 2025 vegetation management pre-season program plan was approved by Council. Part of the larger Mississippi Mills Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP), it includes mowing and clearing plants along roads, controlling harmful weeds and cutting grass in public areas. Council approved the IVMP in September 2024.
Council unanimously proclaimed June as Pride Month in Mississippi Mills. Pride Month celebrates the talents and contributions of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other sexually and gender-diverse individuals (2SLGBTQI+). Pride in Mississippi Mills is joining other Lanark County Pride groups once again to organize a month of fun and meaningful events. These will include flag-raising ceremonies, movie nights, parades, workshops and more to bring communities together, raise awareness and support inclusion.
Committee of the Whole also heard the following items, which will be brought forward for approval at a future Council meeting:
- The 2024 Council remuneration and expenses – money Council earned and expenses they had during the year.
- Award of contract to AC Mechanical Refrigeration Ltd. for $164,200 to replace the condenser at John Levi Community Centre and to repair and replace compressors at Stewart Community Centre.
- Review of options from the BuildingIN recommendation report.
- Subdivision agreements for Weavers Way and Mill Valley Living.
- Contract award for $98,772.75 in 2025 sidewalk replacements across the Municipality to Les Parisien Construction Limited.
- Award of contract for the Ninth Line Bridge rehabilitation for $794,732 to Bonnechere Excavating Incorporated.
- The contract for the Municipality’s 2025 surface treatment program to Arnott Brothers Construction Limited for $852,304.20.
- Lease agreement renewal of 478 Almonte Street for a 10-year period to Ottawa River Power Corporation.
- An information report on impacts of Strong Mayors Powers to municipal policies and by-laws.
- A notice of motion from Councillor Denzil Ferguson to review the open-air burning by-law to look at allowing controlled burning during the day on agricultural properties.
- Quarterly reports from Protective Services and Community and Economic Development.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Hybrid Council Meeting – June 3, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
- Special Council Meeting – June 17, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council. Special Council meeting to follow to approve Committee of the Whole items before July summer recess.
