Lanark County Council has adopted an update to its long-term growth management framework, a move that will require all eight local municipalities—including Mississippi Mills—to revise their population, housing, and employment forecasts.
Adopted on May 13, 2026, the Official Plan Amendment No. 17 incorporates new data to guide how the region prepares for future development. The update is based on the Lanark County Growth Management Strategy (2025), which was prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.
Because local official plans must be consistent with the county-wide policy, municipalities across the region will now need to bring their own planning documents into alignment with these new forecasts. According to the county, this update leaves significant room for local municipalities to manage their own growth, recognizing that each area has different opportunities and challenges.
The amendment process included a period of public consultation, which featured a public meeting held on February 18, 2026, at the Lanark County Administrative Building in Perth. Planning Manager Mike Dwyer, who presented the amendment to council, noted that the final document follows a policy-by-policy review that began earlier this year.
Residents or officials looking for more information on the planning process can reach out to the Lanark County Planning Department by calling 1-888-9-LANARK, extension 1520.
