The Mississippi Mills Council Chamber was packed to overflowing on Tuesday evening for the vote on the adoption of a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) in Almonte.
Council was packed with advocates of both sides of the issue. Councillor Denzil Ferguson, who opposes the HCD, asked for recorded vote which was duly held. All council members with the exception of Councillors Ferguson and Paul Watters voted for the establishment of the HCD.
A Heritage Incentive Grants program available to owners of properties in the HCD was also approved, with minor amendments to the composition of the Heritage Advisory Panel which will administer the grants. The grant amounts range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000. based on 50% of eligible construction costs of the approved work. The grant funds approved by the municipality must be at least matched by the owner of the property.
For more information about Almonte and its heritage value, see the Almonte Heritage Conservation District Study.