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Here’s what happened at the Oct. 1 meeting of Mississippi Mills council

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Council recognized Roads and Public Works employee, Ben Kipp, who placed first at this year’s Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo, earning the “Driver of the Year” title. Pictured, 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. – Photo via the Municipality of Mississippi Mills

A meeting of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills Council took place on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 1. Below are highlights, courtesy of the municipality.

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 also 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, held on September 25 at the Douro Community Centre, tested the skills of municipal equipment operators from across Ontario through a series of obstacles. This was Ben’s 8th trip to the Provincials, and his second time bringing the title home to Mississippi Mills, having previously won in 2022. Congratulations, Ben!

Community Safety Zones:

Council approved the creation of new Community Safety Zones in Pakenham and Almonte:

  • Pakenham: Jeanie Street (County Road 29 to MacFarlane Street) and MacFarlane Street (to the intersection of Jessie Street).
  • Almonte: King Street (Perth Street to Argyle Street).

In addition, improvements will be made to existing zones on Paterson Street (Ottawa Street to Robert Hill Drive) and Martin Street (Brookdale Street to Maude Street), which will include upgraded signage, seasonal centre line treatments, and digital display speed signs. These enhancements, part of the approved 2024 Community Safety and Well-being projects, will improve pedestrian safety, especially in school zones, and manage traffic flow.

Fire Master Plan and Service Review:
Council endorsed the Fire Master Plan (FMP) and the Fire Service Review and Modernization Plan (FSRMP). The FSRMP provides a high-level review, costs, and strategies to achieve the 21 recommendations of the FMP, completed in 2023 by The Loomex Group. The Mississippi Mills Fire Department (MMFD) has already implemented five of the 21 recommendations, including:

  • Fire protection agreements.
  • Updating the Establishing & Regulation By-law.
  • Personal Protective Equipment storage.
  • Regular engagement sessions.
  • Mutual aid/joint training.

The remaining 16 recommendations focus on health and safety, training, prevention, operations, and staffing.

Community Services Master Plan Update:
Council endorsed reallocating $27,000 from the part-time childcare administrative position’s salary budget to engage an architect to complete a design brief. Staff was directed to draft a plan for the development of future childcare spaces to replace the 208 State Street facility and add 75 new childcare spaces allocated from Lanark County.

Committee Updates:
Council accepted the resignation of Jill McCubbin from the Heritage Advisory Committee and directed staff to post the vacancy on the Municipality’s website.

Committee of the Whole Discussions:
Several items were discussed and will be brought forward for approval at future meetings:

  • Presentation of the 2023 Audited Financial Statements.
  • Part 2 of the Reserves and Reserve Funds Policy review.
  • Grant application for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (Stream 1) for improvements at the John Levi Community Centre (deferred to October 8).
  • Information report on the Department of Development Services and Engineering’s involvement in the BuildingIN program, which encourages more infill housing.
  • 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.

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