Mike Asselin

This Community Official Plan for the Municipality of Mississippi Mills serves as a legal guide for development, growth, and change. It commits to managed, coordinated, and fiscally responsible growth, emphasizing environmental sustainability, sound resource management, and the protection of natural and agricultural resources. The plan implements a 70/30 settlement strategy, directing 70% of future growth to Almonte and 30% to rural areas and existing villages. Its overarching goal is to maintain and strengthen the municipality's environmental, economic, physical, and social fabric while preserving its small-town and rural character and fostering economic development and employment opportunities.

This strategic plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to enhance economic development and community well-being in Mississippi Mills. Key strategies focus on supporting local artisans, celebrating history, hosting community festivals, and improving public spaces. The plan details specific initiatives for sustainable agriculture, including promoting farm diversity, optimizing land use, and supporting innovation. It also addresses the construction industry through workforce development and sustainable practices, and the healthcare sector via advocacy, partnerships, and community health programs. Furthermore, the plan aims to boost tourism and cultural vitality through unified promotion, infrastructure enhancements, and year-round engagement.

This Economic Development Strategic Plan aims to chart a course for sustainable development, ensuring that Mississippi Mills continues to flourish as a dynamic and welcoming place to live, work, and invest. It focuses on key areas such as population expansion and investment attraction, supporting diverse sectors including agriculture, niche food manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. The plan also emphasizes fostering a strong sense of place, promoting tourism and culture, and engaging with businesses to address challenges and opportunities for growth. The overarching goal is to enhance economic resilience, foster sustainable growth, and improve community infrastructure.

The Economic Development Strategic Plan for Mississippi Mills aims to define the community's economic vision and establish a tangible plan for its future. The plan outlines economic opportunities, recommends strategic priorities, and proposes actions to achieve economic sustainability and aspirations. Key areas of focus include employment, workforce management, culture and heritage, managed growth, investment readiness, business retention and expansion, environment, branding, transportation, and sector-specific development in healthcare, tourism, rural/agricultural businesses, downtown districts, manufacturing, niche food, and small/home-based businesses. The municipality will collaborate with stakeholders to implement these goals.

This Community Official Plan for the Municipality of Mississippi Mills outlines a comprehensive framework for managing future growth and development while safeguarding agricultural resources and preserving the distinctive rural and small-town character. The plan promotes managed, fiscally responsible, and environmentally sustainable growth, guided by a 70/30 settlement strategy directing development towards Almonte and various rural/village areas. Key priorities include establishing detailed land use policies for environmental protection, agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial, and open spaces, alongside general policies addressing urban and rural design, heritage preservation, economic development, and essential services, all aimed at fostering harmonious new development and ensuring long-term community vitality.