Berta Madrigal Abaroa

The Committee of the Whole discussed several key items, including heritage designation intentions for properties at 100 Bridge Street, 492 River Road, and 34, 36, and 38 Mill Street. Staff reports and recommendations were reviewed regarding the activation of the service water system at the Almonte Wastewater Treatment Plant, a staffing addendum for the Public Works Service Delivery Review, the amendment of the Mill Run 7 and 8 subdivision conditions, and the conveyance of non-viable lands at the Brown Lands subdivision. Additionally, the committee addressed the Community Services Master Plan guiding principles, the Almonte Tennis Court Rehabilitation project, and the 2026-2031 Economic Development Strategic Plan. Progress reports on the Community Safety and Well Being plan, pickleball and tennis facilities, and the new committee chair were also received as information.

Council discussed and approved various items, including contract awards for road reconstruction and water/sewer replacement, zoning by-law amendments for residential developments, and the implementation of a Housing First Land Sale Program to incentivize affordable housing. The council also authorized a joint planning initiative for aquatic recreation, commissioned a birchbark canoe, and addressed municipal resolutions, including support for fire services funding. Additionally, Council handled property acquisitions and reviewed administrative by-laws.

This Climate Action Plan for the Municipality of Mississippi Mills serves as a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance operational resilience, and support sustainable municipal growth. It establishes a baseline of corporate and community GHG emissions, analyzes historical and projected climate impacts, and identifies key areas for improvement including municipal facilities, fleet, water/wastewater, streetlighting, as well as community residential, commercial, industrial, institutional buildings, transportation, and solid waste management. The plan's objective is to define targets, strategies, and actions for systematic climate action, with future steps including setting GHG reduction targets and developing an implementation roadmap.

The committee discussed two minor variance applications. The first application involved the demolition of eight existing buildings and the construction of a new 780-square-meter storage and maintenance building at the Mississippi Golf Course, including requests for height and setback variances. The second application involved the proposed development of an additional residential unit at 2030 Ramsey Concession 12, with discussions focusing on square footage and the requirement for an environmental impact study due to the property's proximity to a natural area.

The council discussed the 2025 Treasurer's Statement of Reserve Funds regarding development charges, noting the reporting requirements under the Development Charges Act. Additionally, the council reviewed a proposal to participate in the provincial Development Charge Reduction Program, which aims to assist municipalities in reducing development charges for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects that enable housing development. Key infrastructure projects identified for potential funding include the Almonte Wastewater Treatment System Expansion and the development of new municipal wells.