Here’s what happened at the Dec. 3 meeting of Mississippi Mills council

Road work costs, loan for textile museum and more. Here’s what happened at Tuesday’s meeting of Mississippi Mills council, as submitted by the municipality.

Opening last night’s meeting was a delegation from Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa CEO Sara Cooper, who provided insight into the organization’s affordable housing efforts and mortgage model. Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa has assisted 100 families, including over 200 children, since its inception in 1993. The delegation was received as information. View the presentation here.

Council endorsed amendments to the Duty to Accommodate Policy, which was reviewed to ensure legislative compliance, efficiency, and industry best practices. The scope of the policy, which establishes guidelines for medical and non-medical accommodations that promote an inclusive and diverse workforce, was also adjusted to address all facets of accommodation. The new Exit Interview Policy was also approved, ensuring a standardized process for receiving feedback from outgoing employees to understand and identify effective retention strategies.

The 2025 Capital Priorities for Hard Surfaced Roadways were received for information by Council, based on the annual road condition evaluation. Proposed capital works for 2025 include:

• Surface treatment of 8th Concession North, Pakenham Ward (from Barrie Road to Waba Road): $743,000.
• Surface treatment of Rae Road, Ramsay Ward (from County Road 29 to 8th Concession): $750,000.
• Surface treatment of Darks Side Road, Pakenham Ward (from Kinburn Side Road to municipal limit): $552,000.
• Pavement renewal (sewer and water) of King Street, Almonte Ward (from Perth Street to Metcalfe Drive): $610,000.
• Micro surfacing of Townline Road West, Ramsay Ward (cost sharing): $45,000.

This evaluation also informs the 2026-2029 strategy for paved and surface-treated roadways to undergo preservation treatments.

Council passed a by-law authorizing a loan agreement between the Municipality and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum for a $30,000 interest-free loan to be reimbursed over a two-year period.

A land sale request from an abutting landowner for Dalkeith Street in the Village of Pakenham was also approved by Council. The lands are part of an unopened road allowance and were deemed non-viable.

Council approved three Zoning By-law Amendments. The first pertained to 7317 County Road 29, which adds “restaurant” as a permitted use to the zoning for the lands. The second, for 420 McIntosh Way, is required as a condition of a consent application to sever a parcel of property to be added as a lot addition. The final amendment for 125 Bridge Street is also a condition of a related consent application and will create a new vacant lot.

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

• The new Water Works By-law, which combines new and existing provisions from six active by-laws and the Cross Connection Policy.
• Acceptance of the final 2024 Water Wastewater Master Plan and staff direction to prepare a workplan for project implementation.
• Endorsement of the Capacity Allocation Policy and associated by-law.
• An update from the Project Management Office.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Hybrid Council Meeting – December 10, 2024, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – January 14, 2025, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow Council.