Overview
Welcome to Mississippi Mills – A Natural Place to Grow
For business and for play – Mississippi Mills is ideally located in the middle of some
of the most beautiful natural environments in all of Lanark County. Businesses in this
community range from unique retailers to world class puppeteers. They are all here
because of our exceptional sense of community.
Mississippi Mills is a natural place to grow. With its small town charm and sense
of community, life in Mississippi Mills is guided by a warm spirit of pride and
cooperation. Here, people appreciate each other and understand the importance
of neighborliness, support and friendship. We value the beauty and diversity of
the unspoiled natural environment that brings richness to our lives and we are
committed to ensuring it maintains its integrity. Mississippi Mills brings together
people from all walks of life, each contributing their knowledge, their values and their
dreams to create a solid sense of community that ensures harmony and opportunity
for all.
Mississippi Mills is comprised of extensive rural and agricultural areas surrounding
a small friendly town and several picturesque villages and hamlets. Here you’ll find
heritage homes, quiet residential streets, prosperous farms and a beautiful rolling
countryside filled with wide open spaces that invite you to breathe in the fresh
country air. Located just 20 minutes from Kanata and 40 minutes from downtown
Ottawa, Mississippi Mills also offers a progressive environment for enterprise in our
business park, a thriving retail atmosphere in our downtown core and many artistic
and recreational opportunities.
Almonte Riverwalk
Quality of Life
Parks
The Town of Mississippi Mills recognizes that parks and recreation are essential
components of the community’s livability. Mississippi Mills is fortunate to have a
long history of investment in parks and recreation and its numerous community and
neighbor parks are a testament to this commitment.
Mississippi Mills’ parks and trails, facilities, programs and services are designed and
delivered to provide the greatest benefit to the community as a whole as well as to
promote personal growth and enhance the quality of life of individual participants.
Special Places
Picnic and rest areas can be found in special places, like Riverwalk, Mark’ s Outlook
and the stunning Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.
Arenas
Mississippi Mills operates two (2) regulation size rinks (200’ x 85’) and offers ice from
September to April. Dry floors available from April to August each year. The Almonte Community Centre is home to the Junior “B” Almonte Thunder, the
Almonte Skating Club, the Almonte Raiders, and the Almonte/Pakenham Thunder
Minor Hockey Association.
Community Sports
Keeping active is an integral part of Mississippi Mills’ culture. A variety of recreational
and competitive sports are offered throughout the community thanks to the
dedicated efforts of a large network of volunteer organizers, fundraisers and coaches.
The following is a list of recreational facilities offered in Mississippi Mills:
Summer/Fall
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
playing fields (soccer, football)
softball/baseball diamonds
tennis courts in Almonte’s Gemmill Park
ball hockey
horseshoe pits
lawn bowling
golf (Mississippi Golf Club, Pakenham Highlands)
beaches
fishing
boat launches
children’s playgrounds
Winter
•
•
•
•
•
downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Mount Pakenham
2 Arenas (Almonte Community Centre, Stewart Community Centre)
outdoor skating rinks
sliding in Gemmill Park
curling rinks
•
•
•
Cross country ski trails
Ski doo trails
Ice fishing
Cycling
Mississippi Mils is fast becoming a destination for cyclists. With avid riders, commuters
and those out for fun we have some of the best and most scenic thoroughfares for safe
cycling in Eastern Ontario. For routes and other interesting cycling information visit
www.mmbicyclemonth.ca.
Seniors Activities
The Mills Community Support and local seniors club offer a variety of recreational,
cultural, educational and social opportunities for those over the age of 55 years.
Artistic Community
A large number of professional artists and artisans make Mississippi Mills their home
and the strength of the Town’s artistic offerings belies its small size. Painters, sculptors,
potters, spinners, weavers, puppeteers, wood carvers, animators, film makers,
photographers, jewelers and glass artists flourish in our creative environment.
Arts Tours
The Crown and Pumpkin Studio tour held each Thanksgiving weekend, welcomes
visitors to artists studios in the Ramsay and Clayton area. The Maple Run Studio Tour
held each spring combines the sweet maple treats of Fulton’s sugar bush with the
artists of the Pakenham area.
Performing Arts
Mississippi Mills features a particularly strong presence of the performing arts, both
amateur and professional, as well as our own theatre group that performs in the
Almonte Old Town Hall auditorium. Named to CBC Radio 3’s shortlist for Best Live
Performance venue, Almonte Old Town Hall is well known for its acoustics and is
regularly used by the CBC to record concerts. Almonte in Concert and FOLKUS both
offer music series on a regular basis.
Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival
Health Services
Many medical and alternative medicine services are available within Mississippi Mills.
Almonte General Hospital
75 Spring Street, Almonte, ON KOA 1A0
613-256-2500 (phone)
613-256-4889 (fax)
www.almontegeneral.com
The Almonte General Hospital has been providing excellent medical care to area
residents for generations. The Hospital’s dedicated and highly trained doctors and
nurses, modern facilities and smaller size combine state-of-the-art services with the
personal care and attention that only a small community hospital can provide. The 52bed Hospital provides an extensive range of services, including 24-hour emergency
services, a complete range of obstetrical care and the Region’s Chronic Care and Day
Hospital programs.
Ottawa Valley Family Health Team
95 Spring Street, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0
www.ovfht.ca
613-256-9370
The following family physicians belong to the Ottawa Valley Health Team:
Dr. Heather Abramenko, Dr. William Blaine, Dr. Christiane Deschenes, Dr. Mike Dolan,
Dr. Franz Ferraris, Dr. Melissa Forbes, Dr. Ursula McGarry, Dr. Graeme McKillop, Dr. Jody
Murray, Dr. Anne Oldfield, and Dr. Cecil Rytwinski
Family Physicians
Dr. Michael Prevost
46 Spring Street, Almonte
613- 256-0342
Dr. K. Stillman
77 Brae Street, Almonte
613-256-5480
Dr. J. Kiskis
106 Renfrew Street, Pakenham
613- 624-5480
Dr. D. Vilis
Renfrew Street, Pakenham
613- 624-5480
Dentists
Almonte Dental Care
70 Bridge Street, Almonte
613-256-5600
Dr. Sharpe
245 Union Street, Almonte
613-256-2183
Dr. Naji Louis
7 Houston Drive, Almonte
613-256-1333
Dr. Labenek
98 Queen Street, Almonte
613-256-0572
Optometrist
Dr. Evelyn St. George
Dr. Andre St. George
55 Spring Street, Almonte
613-256-0770
Physiotherapists
Almonte Massage Therapy
118 Water Street, Almonte
613-256-8022
CBI Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
75 Spring Street, Almonte
613-256-1965
Chiropractors
Almonte Chiropractic Centre
10 Houston Drive, Almonte
613-256-2813
Hands on Healing Centre
125 Bridge Street, Almonte
613-256-0222
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
The Leeds, Grenville Lanark and District Health Unit provide services that promote
and protect public health and the environment, and ensure residents’ access to health
services and information. The department operates clinics, community care centers and
district offices throughout the Lanark County.
Detailed information on various Health Unit programs and services can be found on
their web site www.healthunit.org or by phone at 613-283-2740.
Community and Faith
Community Organizations
Mississippi Mills has a large and varied collection of community organizations. Here are
but a few. For a more comprehensive listing please ask for a copy of the Messenger.
•
United Way of Lanark County – is non-profit organization which works to
improve lives and build community. www.lanarkunitedway.com
•
TYPS (Taking Young People Seriously) – provides youth with programs and
opportunities to develop life skills . www.typsyouthcentre.org
•
Almonte/Ramsay & District Home Support Program (The Mills) – this group offer
services for seniors and individuals with disabilities with services to enable them
to stay in their home such as Meals on wheels and maintenance. www.themills.
on.ca
•
Almonte Citivan Club – provides volunteers services to individuals and the
community. www.almontecivitan.com
Seniors Services
Community Home Support, Lanark County
5 Arches Drive, Pakenham
613- 624-5647
Mills Community Support Corporation
67 Industrial Drive, Almonte
613- 256-4700
Retirement Homes
Country View Lodge
4676 Dark’s Side Road, RR4 Pakenham
613-624-5714
Fairview Manor
75 Spring Street, Almonte
613- 256-3113
Retirement Planning
Co-operators The
139 Queen Street, Almonte
613- 256-4344
Churches
Almonte Baptist Church
207 Reserve Street, Almonte
613- 256-5655
Anglican Parish of Clayton
613-256-2233
Almonte Presbyterian Church
111 Church Street, Almonte
613- 256-2184
Anglican Parish of Pakenham
16 Jessie Street, Pakenham
613- 624-5463
Almonte Reformed Presbyterian
Church
273 Almonte Street, Almonte
613- 256-2816
Cornerstone Community Church
(Free Methodist)
1728 Concession 11A, Almonte
613- 256-4995
Almonte United Church
106 Elgin Street, Almonte
613-256-1355
Holy Name of Mary Parish
134 Bridge Street, Almonte
613- 256-1034
St Paul’s Anglican Church
70 Clyde Street, Almonte
613- 256-1771
Education
Upper Canada District School Board schools in Mississippi Mills:
Almonte and District High School
126 Martin Street, Almonte
p. 613-256-1470
R.Tait Mckenzie Public School
175 Patterson Street, Almonte
p. 613-256-8248
Pakenham Public School
109 Jeanie Street, Pakenham
p. 613-624-5438
Naismith Memorial Public School
260 King Street, Almonte
p. 613-256-3773
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario schools in Mississippi Mills and area:
Holy Name of Mary Catholic School
110 Patterson Street, Almonte
p. 613-256-2532
Notre Dame Catholic High School
157 McKenzie Street , Carleton Place, Ontario
p. 613-253-4700
Cooperative Education
Almonte Cooperative Nursery School
106 Elgin Street, Almonte
Daycare
Almonte Daycare Centre
208 State Street, Almonte
Linda Lowe Daycare
www.lindalowedaycare.com
106 Isabella St , Pakenham
p. 613-256-0286
p. 613-256-3883
p. 613- 624-5320
Continuing Education
The following colleges and universities are located within a 40 minute drive of
Mississippi Mills. Each school offers a wide range of programs:
Ottawa University
Carleton University
Algonquin College
www.uottawa.ca
www.carleton.ca www.algonquincollege.com
Libraries
The libraries of Mississippi Mills are a community resource that offers a wide range
of books, music, movies, magazines and information to anyone with a library card. In
addition, the Almonte Branch provides two Internet Computers and the Pakenham
Branch provides one for public use.
Almonte Branch, 155 High Street
613-256-1037
Peter Nelson, Chief Librarian
Pakenham Branch, 128 McFarlane Street
613-624-5306
Mary Jack, Librarian
Business Community
The creation of the Town of Mississippi Mills in 1998 brought together the former Town
of Almonte and the Townships of Ramsay and Pakenham into one local government
structure, responsible for providing services to a diverse small town and rural
population of approximately 12,000 people.
The economic base of Mississippi Mills is very diverse. With the agricultural industry
as an economic main stay, a strong and vibrant small business sector, an expanding
tourism and arts sectors and a growing high tech sector, the Mississippi Mills economy
has many positive attributes on which to grow.
There are four main themes to Mississippi Mills’ economic development strategy:
(i) Mississippi Mills is a special place to live and work and future commercial and
industrial investment can add to and benefit from what is offered;
(ii) the retention and expansion of existing businesses and economic sectors within the
community represent the best way in which to expand the Town’s economy;
(iii) home-based businesses represent an important business start-up opportunity and
help keep entrepreneurs within the community; and
(iv) a successful economic development strategy requires strong and committed
partnerships, both within the community and regionally.
What makes the business community of Mississippi Mills Unique?
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“It is ideally located”
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“ We have world class thinkers and doers”
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“Mississippi Mills fosters a dynamic, creative atmosphere”
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It is a popular, accessible community
•
Business still begins with people, people in Mississippi Mills are always willing to
make the time
•
Supportive of new businesses
Downtowns
Our downtown cores are unique and vibrant, much like the community itself. With
significant and groundbreaking redevelopment projects anchoring key points on
Mill Street in Almonte, a gorgeous and well planned Riverwalk designed to link the
downtown with the Mississippi River which was so much a part of the Town’s past
growth. For more information on the variety of shops and restaurants in Almonte visit
www.downtownalmonte.ca.
Pakenham’s wide streets and mix of residential, retail, office, service, medical, cultural
and administrative uses make it a very attractive option as well.
Unique and inviting, our downtown corridors provide investors with limitless potential
for a variety of business options.
Mississippi Mills Business Park
There are currently 24 lots available in the business park.
The cost per acre is $50,000. The business park has water and sewer services, natural gas,
telephone and regular 120/240 kw hydro service. Phase 3 hydro power is available at an
additional cost.
Development charges apply to commercial development (water/sewer, storm water
components only) but not to industrial development.
Agriculture
Total number of farms
240
Total number of operators
350
Mississippi Mills contains a thriving agricultural community. It is well known for its
many dairy producers, and the area contains numerous Maple Syrup farms including
Fortune Farms and Fulton’s Pancake House. Almonte hosts a thriving farmer’s market
on Saturday mornings, and the entire Mississippi Mills area features many agricultural
activities, including fairs in Pakenham, Almonte and Middleville.
Services
Roads
The municipal and county roads of Mississippi Mills are well maintained and provide
easy access to Highway 7, Highway 417 and Highway 29 to Highway 401.
Air
Nearest International Airport
Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Ottawa 37 miles (60 km)
Nearest General Airports
Carp Airport, Carp
Cargo and Charter flights and flight training
9 miles (15 km)
Rail
Mississippi Mills has no rail access within the community. Nearest stations include:
• Smiths Falls (42 km)
• Barrhaven (Southwest Ottawa)
• downtown Ottawa
For more details contact Via Rail at www.viarail.ca
Couriers
UPS
1-800-PICK-UPS
Federal Express
1-800-463-3339
Purolator Courier Ltd. 1-800-SHIP-123
Telecommunications
The business areas of Mississippi Mills are completely wired for all your communication
needs. There are many affordable, efficient options for internet connection, including
DSL, cable, fibre loop, satellite, terrestrial microwave and wireless access.
Municipal Services
The Council of the Town of Mississippi Mills is the primary decision-making body for the
municipality. Council relies on the reports of staff, recommendations of its committees
and input from the public to make the decisions that affect the community and quality
of life.
The Council of the Town of Mississippi Mills is comprised of a Mayor and 10 Councillors.
For more information on Council and municipal processes contact:
Shawna Stone, Clerk
613-256-2064 ext. 226, [email protected]
Federal Government Services
Valley Heartland - Community Futures Development Corporation
The Lanark County and North Leeds office is staffed by professionals who encourage
entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities. Through the office, the
Government of Canada provides funding, advice and support.
91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B
Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 5L3
Phone: 613-283-7002
Email: [email protected]
Provincial Government Services
Ontario Business Connect provides online access to registration for business name, GST,
corporate income tax, payroll deduction, and import/export accounts.
www.cbs.gov.on.ca/obc
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Rural Development Division
284B Wallbridge-Loyalist Road, Box 610, Belleville,
ON K8N 5B3 www.omafra.gov.ca
Financial Institutions
Bank of Montreal
62 Mill Street, Almonte
613-256-3456
Royal Bank
2534 Country Road, Pakenham
613- 624-5243
Royal Bank
443 Ottawa Street, Almonte
613- 256-3625
Media
Almonte/Carleton Place EMC
65 Lorne Street, PO Box 158, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1
613-283-3182 or 1-800-267-7936
The Humm
PO Box 1391
Almonte ON K0A 1A0
613-256-5081
myFM 107.7
321B Raglan Street
Renfrew, Ontario
K7V 4H4
613.622.6936 (Arnprior Studio)
www.myfmradio.ca
Valley Heritage Radio 98.7
P.O. Box 945, 3009 Burnstown Rd.,
Renfrew Ontario, K7V 4H4
613-633-6308
www.valleyheritageradio.ca
Numerous print media, radio and television stations are located in the City of Ottawa. All
of which can be accessed in Mississippi Mills. For a comprehensive list Google Ottawa
media outlets.
Utilities (Gas, Hydro, Water and Sewer)
Gas
Available in Almonte through the following service provider:
Enbridge Gas Distribution
For current rates and information visit their website: www.cgc.enbridge.com
Hydro
Available through the following suppliers:
Almonte – Ottawa River Power Corporation
Pakenham, Blakeney, Ramsay - Hydro One
For current rates and information visit their websites:
www.orpowercorp.com
www.hydroone.com
Water and Sewer (Almonte only)
A water and sewer services annual base charge of $402.45 shall be imposed upon the
owners of lands that are supplied with water and/or sewer services.
The rates for consumption per one thousand gallons of water shall be $9.88 per billing.
The Water and Sewer Services Base Charge shall be payable in three equal instalments of
$134.15 each.
Sewage treatment system
• Four-cell Lagoon system (natural aerobic process)
• Two settlement ponds and two polishin ponds
• Treated with Alum to reduce Phosphorus
• Capacity 860,000,000 litres
• System operated by Ontario Clean Water Agency (Crown
Corporation regulated by Ministry of the Environment)
• Proposed solid separation plant
Mississippi Mills is currently working on the design of the new treatment plant. The
tender for construction was released in the spring of 2010. Construction will take
approximately 2 years. The plant will be in operation in the summer/fall of 2012. Upgrades will also be done at the main pump station, which will increase capacity and
provide backup power for the pump station. The system is being designed to accept
septage and is sized to meet the 2031 growth projections.
For additional information please contact:
Troy Dunlop
Director of Roads and Public Works
613-256-2064 ext.233 [email protected]
Emergency and Protective Services
Fire Departments
The Mississippi Mills Fire Department consists of 50 highly trained volunteers under the
direction of a full time Fire Chief. Our Department services almost 12,000 residents in an
area of approximately 523 square kilometers.
The Fire Department responds to an average of 300 calls per year. These calls vary from
fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, water/ice rescues and hazardous material
spills. The department also provides assistance to neighbouring fire departments when
required.
All emergency calls dial 911
Almonte Fire Department
Chief - Art Brown
[email protected]
613-256-1589
Pakenham Fire Department
613-624-5577
Policing
Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.)
613-267-2626 (non emergencies)
Mississippi/Tay Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-TIPS
Police Services Board
The Mississippi Mills Police Services Board consists of two members of council, two
provincial appointees and one council appointed community member. Working
through the business plan, completed in 2007, the Board hopes to:
• Address drug-related incidents.
• Increase officer visibility
• Increase traffic enforcement
• Reduce incidents of mischief / vandalism
For more information please contact:
Diane Smithson, CAO
613-256-2064 ext. 225, [email protected]
Facts and Statistics
Population
On January 1, 1998, Ramsay, Pakenham and Almonte amalgamated to form the Town of
Mississippi Mills.
In 2011, Mississippi Mills (Town) had a population of 12,385, representing a percentage
change of 5.5% from 2006. This compares to the national average growth of 5.9%
Mississippi Mills
2001
2006
2011
11,647
11,734
12,385
Population by Age and Gender
Characteristics
Total
Male
Female
Total Population
0 to 4 years
5 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 44 years
55 to 64 years
65 to 74 years
75 years and older
Median age of the population
% of the population aged 15 and over
11,735
565
1555
890
650
2720
1575
845
875
43
82
5830
290
480
475
345
1085
805
420
335
42
81
5905
270
720
510
300
1415
770
420
535
43
83
Population by Education
Total
Total Population Age 15 and over
No Certificate, Diploma or Degree
High School Certificate or Equivalent
Trade Certificate or Diploma
Non university Certificate or Diploma
University below the Bachelor Level
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
9380
1840
2475
685
2170
250
1960
Occupation
Total labour force 15 years and over by occupation - 2006 Census data
Sales and service
Business, finance, administration
Trades, transport and equipment operators
Management
Social Science, education, government
Natural and Applied Sciences
Health
Art, culture and recreation
1310
1035
995
750
700
555
375
215
SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA CENSUS (2006)
Major Employers in Mississippi Mills
Private Sector
Business
Mount Pakenham
Patrice’s Independent Grocer
NeilCorp Homes
Levi’s Home Hardware
Sector
Recreational Services
Food and Beverage Stores
Development
Home Care
#
275
75
100
40
Public Sector
Business
AG Hospital
Town of Mississippi Mills
Almonte&District High School
Sector
Health Care
Government
Educational Services
#
375
112
60
Household Income
Median Individual Income
Median Family Income
$29,585
$67,114
Housing
Mississippi Mills boasts a broad variety of homes, communities and housing prices.
Apartments and condominiums, single-family homes and townhomes. Planned
residential communities developed by local homebuilders, offer housing with cuttingedge amenities.
Towns, villages and hamlets within Mississippi Mills (Almonte, Pakenham, Clayton,
Blakeney, Appleton) offer a blend of old and new, with housing that surrounds historic,
small central business districts distinguished by quaint boutiques and restaurants.
Building Permit Activity
Average Value of Dwellings
$179,676
Building Permit History (new construction)
Commercial and Residential Starts (Number of Permits Issued)
Year
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Commercial
Value
$198,000
$5,000
$1,800,000
$650,000
$2,306.650
$24,720,000
# of
Permits
3
1
5
2
3
1
Residential
Value
$13,813,000
$11,901,000
$11,691,000
$8,932,500
$13,066,000
$18,235,956
# of Permits
80
67
58
36
58
71
2011
$592,000
3
$22,985,522
77
Construction Rate Fees
Multi Residential, Commercial, Institutional
$0.77 per sq. ft
*There are no development charges for industrial development.