LAURIE WEIR

Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry used her annual address to reflect on a year of resilience, achievements, and planning for the future. Despite challenges including housing, healthcare, childcare, and rising costs, the municipality made strides in infrastructure development, advocacy, and community engagement in 2024.

Highlights of 2024

Infrastructure and planning

• Adopted the Mississippi Mills Transportation Master Plan and Water and Wastewater Master Plan to guide future growth.
• Began long-awaited upgrades to Mercer Street and Marshall Street, enhancing infrastructure, paving, and sidewalks.

Community safety and well-being

• Directed $180,000 to safety and engagement initiatives, including:
  • Expanding Lanark Transportation’s Ride the LT shuttle service to Mississippi Mills.
  • Introducing and improving community safety zones in Pakenham and Almonte.
  • Establishing a youth advisory panel to connect with younger residents.

Advocacy efforts

• Engaged provincial ministers to advocate for local priorities in infrastructure, rural development, finance, and social services.

Economic and community development

• Welcomed nearly 20 new businesses and recognized long-standing establishments at the Mississippi Mills Business Appreciation Awards.
• Hosted new community events, including:
  • The Multicultural Potluck on Mill Street.
  • The Summer Solstice Celebration featuring Indigenous music and activities.
  • The Canadian Library Project, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
  • The inaugural Reconciliation Through Art event, showcasing Indigenous artists.

Staff excellence

• Celebrated notable achievements, including:
  • Public Library CEO Christine Row being named Public Librarian of the Year.
  • Mississippi Mills Public Library receiving the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence.
  • Roads and public works employee Ben Kipp winning Driver of the Year at the Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo.
  • The Mississippi Mills Fire Department’s Fireballs team clinching first place in the Eastern Ontario Fire Games.
  • Firefighter Jeff Mackenzie representing the community at the Firefighter Challenge World Championships.

Looking ahead to 2025

Lowry outlined ambitious plans for the coming year, including finalizing the economic development and community services master plans, addressing childcare demands with 78 new spaces from the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program, and completing Official Plan Amendment 28 to balance rural character with growth.

As Mississippi Mills embraces the new year, Lowry’s vision emphasizes growth, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to community well-being.