Council Highlights - October 1, 2024

Council opened last night’s meeting with a moment of silent meditation to honour the recent passing of former Mississippi Mills Mayor Al Lunney and Municipal Law Enforcement Services’ Jim McBain. Known for his sense of humour and deep love for the community, Al served as Mayor from 2003 to 2010 and was Warden of Lanark County in 2007. As owner of MLES, Jim and his company have provided by-law enforcement services to the Municipality since 2010.

Council recognized Ben Kipp of the Mississippi Mills Roads and Public Works Department, who placed first at the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo, winning the John Gloor Trophy and the “Driver of the Year” title. The competition, which tests the skills of municipal equipment operators from across Ontario through a series of obstacles, was held September 25 at the Douro Community Centre. This was his 8th trip to the Provincials and the second time he has brought the title home to Mississippi Mills, having previously won the Roadeo in 2022. Congratulation on this accomplishment, Ben! (Pictured above, from left: Deputy Mayor Rickey Minnille, Mayor Christa Lowry, Karson Kipp, Ben Kipp, Ramsay Ward Councillor Vicki Lowe, Pakenham Ward Councillor Denzil Ferguson and Ramsay Ward Councillor Bev Holmes.)

The creation of new Community Safety Zones in Pakenham and Almonte were approved by Council. In Pakenham, the new zones will be on Jeanie Street (County Road 29 to MacFarlane Street) and MacFarlane Street (to the intersection of Jessie Street); and on King Street in Almonte (Perth Street to Argyle Street). In addition, improvements will be made to existing Community Safety Zones on Paterson Street (Ottawa Street and Robert Hill Drive) and Martin Street (Brookdale Street to Maude Street) with upgraded signage, seasonal centre line treatments and digital display speed signs. These traffic calming enhancements are part of the approved 2024 projects related to Community Safety and Well-being and will ensure pedestrian safety, particularly in school zones, while managing traffic flow effectively.

Council endorsed the Fire Master Plan (FMP) and Fire Service Review and Modernization Plan (FSRMP). The FSRMP provides a high-level review, associated costs and strategies to achieving the 21 recommendations of the FMP, completed in 2023 by The Loomex Group, which guides the Mississippi Mills Fire Department (MMFD). The MMFD have been actively working on implementation of the FMP recommendations and have already completed five of the 21, including fire protection agreements, updating the Establishing & Regulation By-law, Personal Protective Equipment storage, regular engagement sessions and mutual aid/joint training. The outstanding 16 recommendations surround health and safety, training, prevention, operations and staffing. Click the hyperlinks to view the Fire Master Plan and Fire Service Review and Modernization Plan.

In an update on the Community Services Master Plan, Council endorsed the reallocation of $27,000 in funds from the salary budget for the part-time childcare administrative position to engage an architect to complete a design brief. Staff was also directed to draft a plan for the development of future childcare space to replace the 208 State Street facility and new childcare spaces in alignment with the additional 75 spaces allocated from Lanark County.

Council accepted the resignation of Jill McCubbin from the Heritage Advisory Committee and directed staff to post the opening on the Municipality’s website for a candidate to fill the vacancy.

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

• The presentation of the 2023 Audited Financial Statements.

• Part 2 of the Reserves and Reserve Funds Policy review.

• A grant application for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (stream 1) for improvements at the John Levi Community Centre, which was deferred to the October 8 Special Council Budget meeting.

• An information report on the Department of Development Services and Engineering’s involvement in the BuildingIN program, which encourages more infill housing.

• A Housekeeping Zoning By-law Amendment to clarify provisions and correct technical errors to align with the Community Official Plan.

• Quarterly Reports from the Clerks Department and Childcare Services.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Special Council Budget Meeting – Tuesday, October 8, 6 p.m.

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.

• Special Budget Meetings – Tuesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.