August 8, 2024

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
 
A low-pressure system associated with remnants of Tropical Storm Debby is expected to produce heavy rainfall throughout the region. Local estimates of 50 to 100 mm of rainfall are possible beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. Despite above normal precipitation over the last month, stream flows have generally stabilized at normal seasonal levels.
 
Although riverine flooding is not anticipated at this time, all water levels and flows across the Rideau Valley Watershed are expected to increase. Depending on the location and rainfall intensity, localized flooding in low-lying areas, including ditches and stormwater features, may be possible. Flows on the Rideau River are not expected to increase significantly.
 
It is advised that residents adjacent to smaller tributaries and streams take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve 
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase 

Until the water levels and flows recede, the RVCA advises the public to exercise extreme caution around ALL WATERBODIES and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water.
 
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, August 16, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
 
                                                            

More Information:
Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

MVCA is asking some big questions about how it manages land and the programs and services we deliver. Do we need more conservation areas in the watershed? Should we be delivering heritage programs and services? How should we cost recover for programs of local benefit?

Have a say in the future of your watershed and the programs delivered by MVCA!

Deadline for comments: September 6, 2024

To view the discussion paper and learn more, visit: https://mvc.on.ca/current-initiatives/land-conservation-resource-management-strategies/

CAUTION – The water is not recommended for swimming at the Rideau Ferry Yacht Club beach. The latest bacterial tests of the water indicated unacceptable levels of bacteria. Testing is performed weekly by the Health Unit, for more information please visit their website https://healthunit.org/health-information/recreational-water/weekly-beach-results

Media Release
Health Unit
July 15, 2024

High temperatures and humidity are expected to continue and this may affect your health. Becoming over heated can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems.

If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat seek medical attention immediately:

• Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision
• Difficulty or rapid breathing
• Severe headache or confusion
• Convulsion
• Fever

Everyone is at risk; however the following people are in greater danger of being affected:

• Elderly
• People with chronic illness or who take certain medications
• Infants and preschool children
• People who have challenges with housing and shelter
• People who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged period

Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, advises to keep cool and hydrated this week and to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Don’t skip meals, instead eat smaller amounts more often. Use Canada’s New Food Guide. Check out the snacks on this page. If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.

For those who don’t have air conditioning and are looking to find a way to stay cool:

• There are a few cooling centres being set up in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark area. We will be posting on our website as we learn about them. Cooling Centres in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
• In your house, keep electric lights off or turned down low.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.
• To keep yourself cool:
  • Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
  • Visit a local splash pad.
  • Visit a local beach; weekly beach water testing results are found here: Weekly Beach Results – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Environment Canada and Climate Change issues warnings when the:  

• Daytime temperature of 31ºC or higher and nighttime temperature not cooler than 20ºC for at least two days, or
• Humidex of 40ºC for at least two days

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures page. For specific health heat-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.

Contact

For media interviews, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IMPORTANT INFO! CP Railway will be conducting maintenance on the GLENVIEW ROAD RAIL CROSSING beginning Wednesday, July 10 to Thursday July 11.

To accommodate the maintenance the crossing will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED during these times, (July 10-11) Detours will be put in place.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority 

Please be advised that the RVCA, SNC and RRCA are pausing consultation on updated wetland mapping. We appreciate the feedback and comments we have received to-date and support direction we received from the Ministry of Natural Resources giving us time to work on a local approach.

Over the coming months, the conservation authorities will work with ministry staff, municipalities and stakeholders to develop this local approach. Please note that this means that open houses and one-on-one meetings with property owners will be paused and rescheduled at a later date.
• CANCELLED – Open House on June 26 (RVCA Administrative Office, Manotick)
• CANCELLED – Open House on June 27 (SNC Administrative Office, Finch)

If you have any questions, please contact RVCA staff at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267- 3504 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Perth & District Union Public Library will be hosting a launch party for the library’s 2024 TD Summer Reading Club on Friday June 28 from 10:30am-2:30pm. The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. This free program is co-created and delivered by more than 2,000 public libraries across Canada. It’s designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading their way.

Attendees will be able to register for the program, get a free book, and receive a copy of the library's summer programming calendar. Every book read is a ballot to enter to win one of two new bicycles from Canadian Tire Perth.

Date: June 28, 2024

Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm

Location: Perth & District Library, 30 Herriott St, Perth ON

Notes for Media

Heidi Taber, Children’s Librarian, will be available to the media at the event.

Contact Information

Perth & District Union Public Library

Contact: Erika Heesen, (613) 267-1224

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What is the Silver Chain Challenge?

The Silver Chain Challenge is an exciting, community-driven initiative that invites residents and visitors of Lanark and Renfrew Counties to engage in friendly competition while promoting physical activity and environmental stewardship. This annual event challenges participants to share their cycling and walking photos through the month of June, celebrating active transportation and its benefits for health and well-being. The competition is open to both residents and visitors. The county with the most participants entered will be declared the winner.

Get Active, Have Fun!

Whether you're an avid cyclist, a weekend walker, or someone looking to add a bit more activity into your daily routine, the Silver Chain Challenge is perfect for you. This event isn't just about competition; it's about setting personal goals, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring the scenic beauty of our beautiful region. By participating, you not only contribute to your own health but also help promote a culture of active living in your community.

Please share your photos on social media using the hashtags #SilverChainChallenge and #LanarkCounty to spread the word and encourage others to join in. 

How Does It Work?

1. Walk or bike in Lanark or Renfrew County. This can be in your neighborhood or on one of our incredible trails.
2. Take a Photo! Say "cheese" and show us your favourite activities. Get creative! 
3. Upload your photo to our competition. Use the embedded form below, or follow this link to enter the Silver Chain Challenge. You can enter once per day. The County with the most submissions will be declared the winner.
4. Celebrate and Win: All submissions will be entered into a draw for cool swag and prizes.

Why Join the Silver Chain Challenge?

• Boost Your Physical Health: Regular physical activity is known to improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and reduce stress.
• Enhance Mental Well-being: Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity can greatly improve mental health and mood.
• Community Engagement: Be part of a community-wide effort to foster a culture of health and sustainability.
• Environmental Impact: Promote and practice active transportation that contributes to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
• Discover Lanark County: Explore the beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns of Lanark County in a fun and engaging way.
• Win prizes: All submissions will be entered into a draw to win Lanark County swag or 1 of 3 $50 gift cards to a locally owned business of the winner's choice. 

Ready to Take the Challenge?

We can do this together! Join your fellow residents in making Lanark County a healthier, more active, and more connected community. Make your plans for the Silver Chain Challenge today and start gearing up for a month full of activity, fun, and community spirit. Let's make a positive impact together! Share your active transportation photos on social media using #SilverChainChallenge and #LanarkCounty and spread the word.

Lanark County has an incredible wealth of beautiful trails! Visit the Lanark County tourism website to start planning your routes around our beautiful county. 

For more information on how to participate in the Silver Chain Challenge, please visit www.lanarkcounty.ca/silverchain.

 For more information/media interviews, contact:
Vanessa Dow, Tourism and Corporate Relations Coordinator
613-267-4200 x 1701 
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Lanark County
Media Release
June 10, 2024

Three sections of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) will be closed for surface work from Monday, June 17 to Friday, June 21.

Facilities Coordinator Jonathan Allen explained the work is part of a successful funding application approved by the Trans Canada Trail.

The sections that will be closed are as follows:
• Kelly Jordan Road to Ford Road (Montague Township)
• McLachlin Road to County Road 10 (Beckwith Township)
• County Road 10 to Beckwith 6th Line (Beckwith Township)

“The section of the OVRT that is part of the Trans Canada Trail is from Kelly Jordan Road in Montague Township to Coleman Street in Carleton Place,” Allen said. “We are grateful to the Trans Canada Trail for the funding to enable this work to improve the OVRT.”

For more information/media interviews, contact:
Jonathan Allen
Facilities Coordinator Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3170
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway will be conducting a full replacement of the panel at the Drummond Street railway crossing. A full crossing closure will be in place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14 to accommodate the work. Detours will be in place, however, we recommend using alternate routes and giving yourself extra time for the duration of the closure.