County Council Media Release - October 13, 2021

County Approves Expansion of Urban Settlement Area in Almonte: Council has passed a by-law approving an official plan amendment (No. 11) to its Lanark County Sustainable Communities Official Plan (LCSCOP), as well as a modified approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 22 of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills Official Plan, allowing for the expansion of the urban settlement area of the Almonte community.

This follows a report by County Planner Julie Stewart to the economic development committee late last month. She indicated the proposed amendment is supported by the Municipality of Mississippi Mills Official Plan Amendment No. 22, in which a comprehensive review of the urban settlement boundary determined the need for the expansion. Both amendments are proceeding concurrently and aim to accommodate population projections to the year 2038 with the addition of five blocks of land. This applies 70 per cent of the projected future growth of the Almonte area on full municipal services.

The approved option, as outlined in the technical report submitted by Stewart in September, includes a modification to the original proposal by adding two new areas: one designated residential; the other consisting of 17 hectares that would change in designation from rural to residential with the remainder of the block designated a special policy area (unevaluated wetlands). The wetland would be assessed and approved by the necessary authorities prior to consideration for any development, and a further amendment would then be required if it is demonstrated there would be no negative impacts on natural features or ecological functions.

A public meeting regarding the amendment was held by the county on Aug. 25, with several delegations providing input. For more information, contact Julie Stewart, County Planner, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1520.

Warden Congratulates Community Builders: Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) opened the Lanark County Council meeting by acknowledging recipients of the Community Builder Award program of the United Way of Eastern Ontario on Oct. 5.

“The program honours the outstanding volunteers and champions of community that exist all around us—those organizations, partnerships, agencies, neighbourhood groups and individuals who work tirelessly and collaboratively to make our communities better for everyone,” she said. 

This year, Dr. Paula Stewart of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit was among four medical officers of health recognized for her community leadership and pandemic response efforts. “I personally could not think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious award, as Dr. Stewart and her staff have continually demonstrated the highest level of community impact through this pandemic, working tirelessly to keep us all educated, safe and well.”

Dr. Robert Cushman of the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, Dr. Vera Etches of Ottawa Public Health and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit also received awards during the event.

The efforts of local participants from the Community Response Table were also recognized, including Erin Lee from Lanark County Interval House, Stephen Sliwa from the Upper Canada District School Board, Rebecca Fromowitz of Lanark County Mental Health, Patti Lennox of Lanark County Successful Aging Advisory Committee, Kara Symbolic from the North Lanark Community Health Centre (now ConnectWell Community Health), Rachel Roth of YAK Youth Centre (on behalf of the Lanark County Youth Centre Coalition) and Ramsey Hart of The Table Community Food Centre.

“The ceremony was overflowing with community pride,” Lowry said. “I continue to be touched by the outpouring of goodwill I’ve witnessed and heard about throughout our community during the pandemic. I’ve always been confident that, together, we will come out of this stronger than ever if we take time to stop and see the silver lining in our everyday and recognize the efforts we are all making to ensure we continue to keep our friends, family and neighbours healthy and safe.”

For more information, contact Leslie Drynan, Clerk/Deputy CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.