Mayor Christa Lowry discusses priorities shaping the municipality heading into 2026
As part of Hometown News’ year end series, Mayor Christa Lowry shares her perspective on the decisions, pressures and priorities that shaped Mississippi Mills in 2025.
From long term financial planning and infrastructure realities to housing, child care and community trust, Lowry reflects on what council and staff tackled this year and what lies ahead as the municipality looks toward 2026.
What was the single most important decision you made this year, and why?
Completing the long term financial plan and adopting a capital levy. These decisions were not easy. No council wants to raise taxes. But they were necessary. Like most municipalities across Ontario, Mississippi Mills faces a growing infrastructure gap made harder by aggressive cost escalations over the past few years. While this financial reality is daunting, these decisions set the stage for the municipality to grow responsibly, maintain existing infrastructure, and preserve the quality of life residents value.
What was the hardest part of the job in 2025 that residents may not see?
Residents often see the outcome, but not the work and complexity behind decisions. That includes the research, advocacy, and difficult trade offs that come with limited resources. Criticism and misunderstanding are inevitable, and at times that can weigh heavily. Even when choices are hard or unpopular, I stay focused on fairness, transparency, and the big picture for Mississippi Mills.
Is there a decision or moment you would handle differently now?
If I could handle one thing differently, it would be how we explained seasonal watering restrictions. Our water source, the Nepean Sandstone Aquifer, is vast and reliable. It is the same source Ottawa uses. Our issue is not supply. It is infrastructure. Our wells and storage are not limitless. Water conservation is always important and the right thing to do, but the restrictions caused confusion. Next year, we will communicate that more clearly.
What issue took up more time and energy than you expected?
Finalizing MM2048. These plans are robust and cover nearly every service the municipality touches. Balancing growth pressures while preserving the unique character of Mississippi Mills requires a great deal of collaboration and careful thought, but it lays the foundation for the next 25 years.
What do you believe council or staff got right this year?
Council got it right by investing in a new child care facility. It will not solve the child care shortage, but adding 78 new spaces and replacing the aging current centre is a significant step forward for families and our youngest residents.
On the staff side, the team delivered exceptional results by securing $3.3 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund and creating tools to support more affordable and attainable housing options in Mississippi Mills. Staff met every target before the end of 2025, which will help unlock missing middle housing in the years ahead.
Where do you think the municipality fell short?
The work on MM2048 was a major achievement, and the feedback from residents was very encouraging. Where we could have done better is explaining what the municipality controls and what is market driven. For example, residents often ask for more or different stores, but those decisions are made by the market, not government. Our role is to ensure roads, services, and zoning are in place to support private investment. MM2048 does exactly that. Going forward, I want to make this distinction crystal clear.
How do you respond to residents who feel unheard or frustrated?
I start by listening to understand. Frustrations are often valid. Council’s role is to make decisions in the best interest of more than 15,000 residents, which means balancing many competing priorities. Even when the outcome is not what someone hoped for, their feedback matters and often helps shape future decisions.
What is the most urgent issue heading into 2026?
Housing affordability and infrastructure planning. Over the past decade, infrastructure construction costs across Ontario have increased by about 70 per cent. In Mississippi Mills, we face $171 million in infrastructure investment needs over the next five years alone. That is eight times our current debt load and three times our borrowing limit. Over 25 years, projected needs rise to $643 million in today’s dollars. These challenges demand tough choices, bold ideas, and strong advocacy with provincial and federal partners.
How do you define success in this role?
Success as mayor begins with earning and keeping the trust of residents. It means making participation accessible and clearly explaining the reasons behind decisions. At a time when municipalities face rapid and complex change, success also means building partnerships and being a strong advocate for the community with upper levels of government. Ultimately, success is leaving Mississippi Mills stronger and more resilient than when I began.
When your term is over, what do you hope people remember about your leadership?
That I led with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to the people and future of Mississippi Mills.
Will you run in the 2026 municipal election? If not, who would you endorse for the position?
It is too early to make that decision. My focus right now is on continuing to serve the residents of Mississippi Mills to the best of my ability.
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