Childcare, jobs and housing top Mississippi Mills agenda at AMO

Mississippi Mills officials presented a series of local priorities at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, held Aug. 17–20 in Ottawa.

Mayor Christa Lowry, Deputy Mayor Rickey Minnille, Councillors Bev Holmes, Mary Lou Souter and Jane Torrance attended the event, along with CAO Ken Kelly and Clerk/Deputy CAO Jeanne Harfield. The annual conference brings together municipal leaders and provincial representatives for meetings, workshops and policy discussions.

A media release from the Municipality explains that over three days, the Mississippi Mills delegation met with ministers, parliamentary assistants and agencies to press for action on issues ranging from childcare and housing to economic development and energy.

Key discussions included:

• Meeting with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education Billy Pang about childcare expansion projects and the need for more spaces in the community.
• A delegation with Parliamentary Assistants to the Minister of Rural Affairs Steve Pinsonneault and Robert Bailey on attracting agri-tech companies and jobs to Mississippi Mills.
• Talks with Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini about support for acquiring 2 Industrial Drive in Almonte.
• A meeting with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack about funding partnerships for sustainable growth.
• A joint delegation with Bonnechere Valley and Renfrew officials to Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff on the role of small hydro generation.

“Mississippi Mills is committed to ensuring our voice is heard at the provincial level,” said Lowry. “At AMO, we engaged in meaningful conversations about how communities like ours in rural Ontario can thrive through strategic investment, smart growth and strong partnerships.”

Council members also attended sessions on housing, infrastructure, climate resilience and municipal governance.