Highlights of the April 20, 2021 Council Meeting

Council adopted Official Plan Amendment (OPA) 22 which expands Almonte’s settlement area boundary. The expansion areas consist of Area 1 (17 hectares), Area 2 (21.9 hectares), Area 3A (25.1 hectares), and Area 4 (8.9 hectares). Once Council adopts the corresponding bylaw, which will be on the Council agenda May 4^th, the OPA will go to Lanark County for review.  As our approval authority for planning matters, the County will review OPA 22 and hold an additional public meeting before it is finally considered by County Council and approved, modified, or refused.  The County will decide within 180 days. For more information on OPA 22 please visit the municipal website under Public Engagement.

The zoning for Mississippi Mills Business Park, located in Almonte, has been amended to “Business Park Special Exception (E1-X).” The new zoning permits a range of additional light industrial and commercial uses such as automobile body shop/car wash/dealership/rental, building supply, commercial storage, dry cleaning, office, recreational vehicle sales, and technology industry.

A Fire Safety Grant through the Province’s 2021 COVID -19 Relief Funding for Municipalities program has been authorized by Council. The Municipality will be provided a total of $7,800 for training and enhanced fire safety inspection tools.

The 2020 Year End results were received by Council on Tuesday. Throughout 2020, updates were presented to Council demonstrating revenue losses due to challenges related to Covid-19.  However, with the receipt of Provincial grant funding for the Municipality and the receipt of funding from the County of Lanark for the Daycare, 2020 resulted in a positive financial position overall.

Council approved three (3) important Proclamations at the meeting.

The first was the proclamation for the month of April as Limb Loss Awareness month. Losing a limb can result in physical, spiritual and financial challenges that affect how people live their daily lives. The Municipality would like to raise awareness about these challenges.

The next proclamation involved Emergency Preparedness Week from May 2 - May 8, 2021. This annual campaign encourages Canadians to take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

1. Know the Risks
2. Make a Plan
3. Get an Emergency Kit

May is proclaimed as Museum Month in Mississippi Mills. Museums, art galleries and heritage sites reflect our local history and culture, contribute to our development and are valuable resources for education, community hubs and diversity and inclusion. The Municipality encourages residents and tourists to visit our local museums virtually in the month of May.

The following staff reports were heard by Committee of the Whole and will be brought forward to Council at an upcoming Council meeting for final approval:

• Award of Contract – Levi Bridge Replacement Tender 18-053
• Community Digital Sign Policy and Fees
• Appointment of Employer Bargaining Committee

A reminder that the municipal offices and facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. Staff check emails and voice messages regularly to continue to serve residents; please allow additional time for a response. Water samples can be dropped off at the Almonte Library branch. Payments and documents can be dropped off in our secure drop box/safe at the back of the municipal office located at 3131 Old Perth Road, Almonte.

Upcoming Meetings:

• OPA 29 Prime Agricultural Area Designation Review Information Session – April 28, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
• Regular Meeting & OPA 29 Public Meeting – May 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• Regular Meeting – May 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.