Council Highlights - August 29th, 2023

Council heard a delegation from Tina Stevens, General Manager of Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, who provided an update on the organization’s programs and services. Valley Heartland manages an investment fund of $9.5 million and provides business development support to Lanark County communities.

Council approved an amendment to the Animal Control By-law, concerning dogs running at large. The new subsection of the by-law states a dog or other animal is considered running at large unless on the owner’s property or is constrained on a leash, under direct control of the owner, contained within a vehicle or cage or fenced in on the owner’s property. Dogs are permitted to run at large in an area that is securely enclosed and specifically designated as a dog park by the Municipality.

Updates were approved for the Petition and Proclamations Policies, providing better clarity and ease for public participation. A major change to both policies is the addition of updated online templates on the Municipal website. The Proclamations Policy also now includes a new section for building illumination requests. The recent upgrade of lighting at Almonte Old Town Hall now allows for it to be lit up in certain colours throughout the year.

Funding support in the amount of $5,000 for Cadho was approved by Council to assist with professional services for Carebridge Community Support’s affordable housing project at 34 Victoria Street in Almonte. Cadho is a non-profit real estate developer engaged by Carebridge to provide project management support.

Council approved amendments to the Council Remuneration Policy and Mayor’s Honorarium Policy to provide greater clarity and endorsed a more fulsome review in 2025. One of the changes made to the Mayor’s Honorariam Policy is a rename to Mayor’s Expenditure Policy to more accurately reflect its use, which is for extraordinary expenses.

Council declared September 2023 as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in the Municipality. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is committed to helping children and youth reach their full potential by matching them with volunteer mentors. To mark the month, Almonte Old Town Hall will be lit in blue from September 18 to 23.

Council unanimously supported flying the Every Child Matters Flag at Municipal facilities for the month of September to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30).

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

• Quarterly reports were received from the following departments: Roads and Public Works, Clerks and Corporate Services.

• Zoning By-law Amendments for 5012 March Road (to permit a range of Highway Commercial uses), and 364 Spring Street (to permit a semi-detached dwelling).

• The draft Community Engagement Strategy was presented, which provides a comprehensive vision for public engagement, promoting a healthy and inclusive community. This strategy follows through on Council direction in 2021, to disband non-statutory advisory committees in favour of broadening engagement and feedback mechanisms to include all members of the community.

• A Notice of Motion from Councillor Jane Torrance regarding non-resident user fees for aquatic programs passed unanimously directing staff to develop a pilot reimbursement program for neighbouring municipal aquatic facilities for 2023 and 2024. The results of the pilot will be considered in advance of the 2025 Budget in the context of the Community Services Master Plan.

Bicentennial Events:

• August 31 – Movies in the Park at Central Park in Riverfront Estates.
• September 9 – OPP Golden Helmets perform in Pakenham.
• September 15 – Meet the Artists of The Seven Gifts, hosted by Sivarulrasa Gallery.
• September 17 – Unveiling of The Seven Gifts art installation at Riverfront Park.
• September 23 – ‘The Story of Almonte’ Part 2 – documentary film by Rob and Sharon Newton. Stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 2 p.m. to view part 2 of this documentary with a special introduction by Rob and Sharon Newton. Donations to the food bank will be accepted.
• October 14 – Yellow Bus Farm Tour II and Bicentennial Harvest Dinner.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – September 5^th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – September 19^th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.
• Hybrid Special Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting – September 26^th, 2023, 6:00 p.m.