Mississippi Mills briefs: Aligning with current provincial policy, $20,000 tourism grant

ALMONTE – At Tuesday (March 19) night’s meeting, council approved the project framework for Official Plan Amendment 28 – Rural Villages and Rural Vitality.

“This will ensure all policies, including any associated Zoning Bylaw Amendments are aligned with current provincial policy and planning trends and provide a municipal planning framework that is supportive of the rural villages and the rural areas, all of which play an important role in the vitality of Mississippi Mills,” Mississippi Mills communications coordinator Ashley Kulp released in a statement yesterday (March 20).

Components in the process include identifying constraints/opportunities to development in the rural area, a Rural Village Commercial Review, Village Zoning Review, rural and agricultural policies, on-farm diversified uses, Rural Severance Policy Review and more. Watch for public consultation opportunities set to begin this spring.

Council directed staff to enter into an agreement with the Federal Economic Development Agency after the municipality was successful in receiving $20,000 in funding through the Tourism Growth Program to create an Arts and Heritage Route across Lanark County.

Council acknowledged clerk/deputy CAO Jeanne Harfield and deputy treasurer Andrew Hodge, recent graduates of the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO).

“Both Jeanne and Andrew were recognized as academic high achievers and were inducted into AMCTO’s Academic Honour Roll,” Kulp said. “Congratulations on this significant achievement.”

Two bylaws were passed by council: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 6443 Martin St. North and amendments to council remuneration, which updates per diem and meal allowance rates to be in line with Lanark County.

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

• A report and draft bylaw on the introduction of Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs).
• “Amendments to the Municipal Act has given municipalities the authority to introduce AMPs as a civil mechanism for enforcing compliance with regulatory requirements and municipal bylaws,” Kulp said.
• Updates to the 2024 Community Awards criteria and application process, which refines procedures and adds two new award categories – Welcoming Community Champion and Business Champion.

Upcoming meetings

• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 9, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.
• Hybrid Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to follow council.