Community Safety and Well-being Plan update completed

The Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Advisory Committee for Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls has released its updated plan for 2025 to 2029.

CSWB plans are provincially mandated for municipalities to complete. The first plan for Lanark County and Smiths Falls was approved in 2019, prior to being mandated. The update was adopted this spring by all Lanark County municipalities and the Town of Smiths Falls, and was endorsed by Lanark County Council as well.

“We are excited to proceed with the implementation of this plan, which reflects the community’s assets, risk areas and short- and long-term goals to support safety and well-being,” said Committee Co-Chair Jodi Empey, Smiths Falls Police Chief. “We have a strong record of community collaboration here along with a wealth of existing assets we can build on as we tackle identified issues.”

The CSWB advisory committee consists of more than 20 members representing a range of sectors: justice, youth, community organizations, health care, social services and housing, victim services, education, culture and diversity, climate and environment, and local government. The committee began the work of updating the plan in 2023. It used the original plan as a foundation and identified key themes, conducted surveys, interviews and focus groups and reviewed local data and reports. This led to the identification of assets, gaps, outcome statements and development of goals, measures and strategies.

The new plan includes six outcome statements as a vision for the community, along with four theme areas (affordability and quality of life, health, violence against persons, and priority populations and diversity). Within each theme are several pillars that include information about assets, risks/issues and relevant data, followed by goals, measures and strategies to show how the work will be done.

“Very early in the process it was clear housing, food security and income were big concerns in our community,” said co-chair Deanna Theander, who is United Way East Ontario’s regional director for Lanark County. “Evidence shows enhancing access to these basic needs can mitigate risks in other areas, such as health and mental health.”

The advisory committee will be working on an implementation plan with more detailed steps and measures over the coming months. “We learned during the pandemic that CSWB plans are living documents, and the implementation plan will reflect this as we adapt to changing circumstances or new information,” said Stephanie Gray, CSWB Plan coordinator. “Annual progress updates will be developed for councils, stakeholders and the public as we go.”

Download/view the 2025-2029 Community Plan for Safety and Well-Being

For immediate release
June 5, 2025

Special Air Quality Statement

Environment Canada has issued Special Air Quality Statements for various areas within the South East Health Unit (SEHU) region. Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Wildfire smoke is expected over the area today. The potential for ground level smoke may continue tonight into Friday for some areas.

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale designed to help people make decisions to protect their health by limiting exposure to air pollution.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath, Public Health recommends you reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity until Environment Canada lifts the special air quality statement.

During a special air quality statement, everyone is at risk; however, the health risks are highest for:

• People with lung disease, such as asthma
• People with heart disease, such as congestive heart failure
• Children and seniors
• People with diabetes
• People participating in sports or strenuous work outdoors

Follow your health-care provider’s advice about exercising and managing an existing medical condition. Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

As smoke levels rise, so do health risks. Please follow these protective measures to reduce your exposure:

• Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
• When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
• Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Precautions can include using a clean, high-quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
• If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitting NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or equivalent can help reduce your exposure to harmful fine particles. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
• Check in on others who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality, such as older adults, young children and people with existing health conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Details on these Air Quality Statements are available on Environment Canada’s website. Additional information on air quality is available on the Government of Canada’s website.

Media contact:

Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist

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

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained the services of Egis and LEA Consulting Ltd. Joint Venture (Egis-LEA Joint Venture) to carry out the Detail Design and Environmental Assessment for the reconstruction of Highway 7 in the Town of Perth from approximately 1.3 km west of County Road 511 easterly to Wayside Drive West, approximately 4.5 km, County of Lanark. A key map showing the location of the study area is below;

More detailed information including plan drawings are available for viewing at www.highway7improvements.com.

The Detail Design is following the approved planning process for Group “B” undertakings under MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000), with opportunity for public input throughout.

The purpose of this letter is to invite interested stakeholders to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) for this project. The purpose of the PIC is to provide an opportunity to review and discuss the study with members of the Project Team and provide comments on the Detail Design. This PIC will be an informal drop-in style where representatives from MTO and Egis-LEA Joint Venture will be available to answer
questions and discuss the project.

The PIC will be held as follows:

May 29, 2025
Businesses Owners: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open to Public: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Perth Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244
26 Beckwith Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1B5

We invite you to attend the Preview Session for external agencies, Indigenous Communities and municipalities scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., or the separate public drop-in session which will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

At the completion of the Detail Design, a Design and Construction Report (DCR) will be prepared detailing the existing biophysical and socio-economic environment, summary of design features, potential impacts of the undertakings, and required mitigation measures. The DCR will be made available for a 30-day comment period. Notification of the DCR completion will be published digitally in in the Perth Courier to explain the
review process and identify locations where the DCR can be reviewed.

To obtain additional information or to provide input at any point during the study please visit the project website www.highway7improvements.com or contact:

Khaled El-Dalati, P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
Egis
6240 Highway 7, Suite 200
Woodbridge, ON L4H 4G3
Tel: 437-350-4683
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chris Belanger
Senior Project Manager
Ministry of Transportation – Project Delivery East
1355 John Counter Boulevard
Kingston, ON K7L 5A3
Tel: 613-583-4573
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All information/comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in project documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments become part of the public record.

If you have accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above. 

Highway 7 Reconstruction - Notice of Public Information Centre

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained the services of Egis and LEA Consulting Ltd. Joint Venture (Egis-LEA Joint Venture) to carry out the Detail Design and Environmental Assessment for the reconstruction of Highway 7 in the Town of Perth from approximately 1.3 km west of County Road 511 easterly to Wayside Drive West, approximately 4.5 km, County of Lanark. A key map showing the location of the study area is below;

More detailed information including plan drawings are available for viewing at www.highway7improvements.com.

The Detail Design is following the approved planning process for Group “B” undertakings under MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000), with opportunity for public input throughout.

The purpose of this letter is to invite interested stakeholders to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) for this project. The purpose of the PIC is to provide an opportunity to review and discuss the study with members of the Project Team and provide comments on the Detail Design. This PIC will be an informal drop-in style where representatives from MTO and Egis-LEA Joint Venture will be available to answer
questions and discuss the project.

The PIC will be held as follows:

May 29, 2025
Businesses Owners: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open to Public: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Perth Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244
26 Beckwith Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1B5

We invite you to attend the Preview Session for external agencies, Indigenous Communities and municipalities scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., or the separate public drop-in session which will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

At the completion of the Detail Design, a Design and Construction Report (DCR) will be prepared detailing the existing biophysical and socio-economic environment, summary of design features, potential impacts of the undertakings, and required mitigation measures. The DCR will be made available for a 30-day comment period. Notification of the DCR completion will be published digitally in in the Perth Courier to explain the
review process and identify locations where the DCR can be reviewed.

To obtain additional information or to provide input at any point during the study please visit the project website www.highway7improvements.com or contact:

Khaled El-Dalati, P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
Egis
6240 Highway 7, Suite 200
Woodbridge, ON L4H 4G3
Tel: 437-350-4683
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chris Belanger
Senior Project Manager
Ministry of Transportation – Project Delivery East
1355 John Counter Boulevard
Kingston, ON K7L 5A3
Tel: 613-583-4573
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All information/comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in project documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments become part of the public record.

If you have accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above. 

Highway 7 Reconstruction - Notice of Public Information Centre

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release

[Perth, Ontario] — The County of Lanark is proud to announce the June 2, 2025 launch of the Better Homes Lanark program, an innovative initiative designed to help homeowners increase the energy efficiency of their homes, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a greener community. This program reflects Lanark County’s commitment to environmental responsibility and support for residents in improving their homes.

How It Works: The program offers accessible financing for single-family homeowners interested in deep energy retrofits, such as insulation upgrades, energy-efficient windows and doors, heating systems, solar panels, and more. Through a streamlined application process, participants can secure low-interest loans repaid gradually through their property tax bills, making home energy retrofits affordable and manageable. We know home energy retrofits can be complex, which is why Better Homes Lanark also offers a free Retrofit Coach service to all applicants to provide expert support at each step of your retrofit journey.

Program Benefits:

• Energy Savings: Homeowners can lower their utility bills by investing in home improvements that reduce energy consumption.
• Increased Comfort: Participants will enjoy better insulation, temperature regulation, and overall living conditions in their upgraded homes
• Environmental Impact: By reducing residential energy usage, the program contributes to Lanark's sustainability goals and helps combat climate change.
• Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades often increase the long-term market value of a home.
• Grants: Homeowners may be eligible for up to $5,000 in grants to support their deep energy retrofits.
• Resiliency: Homeowners can use part of their financing for non-energy home improvements, such as protection from damaging environmental events like floods, storms, and heat waves.

Lanark County Warden Toby Randall noted that, "The Better Homes Lanark program is a transformative initiative that empowers homeowners to invest in energy efficiency and sustainability. By making deep energy retrofits more accessible, we are building a greener, more resilient future for Lanark County—one home at a time."

99 Christie Lake Rd., Perth, ON K7H 3C6 * Tel.: 1-888-9-LANARK * Fax: 613-267-2964 *

www.lanarkcounty.ca

The Better Homes Lanark Program is partially funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Lanark County invites residents to learn more about the program and the application process by visiting www.lanarkcounty.ca/betterhomeslanark.

For more information/media interviews, contact: Elizabeth Boldt

Climate Environmental Program Coordinator, Lanark County

1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3105

TAKE NOTICE, that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley proposes to enact a By-law for the sale of lands described as follows:

PART S 1/2 LOT 3, CONCESSION 6, NORTH ELMSLEY AS IN RS178601A, T/WRS35456; DRUMMOND NORTH ELMSLEY (05235-0151(LT))

The proposed By-law will come before Council for consideration at its regular meeting to be held on the June 10^th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Township Council Chamber at 310 Port Elmsley Road. At that time, the Council will hear any person who claims that their land may be affected and who applies to the Clerk to be heard either in person or by his or her counsel, solicitor or agent.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MAP is available at the Municipal Office.

Dated this 14^th day of May, 2025

For further information contact:          

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
Janie Laidlaw, Clerk
310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth ON K7H 3C6
T: 613-267-6500  ext. 251

Rural Transportation Feasibility Study

Media Release

May 7, 2025

Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls are conducting a Rural Transportation Feasibility Study to explore solutions for improving transit options in the region. The study aims to assess current transportation challenges, identify potential services, and develop strategies to enhance mobility for residents and visitors. The consultant selected through RFP process to support the project is Arcadis. 

We Want to Hear from You

Join us for an informal drop-in session to learn more about the study and provide your input to the project team. We need your help to identify issues, need and opportunities relating to transit. No registration required.

Drop in events will take place:

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 - 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Town of Smiths Falls - Town Hall - 77 Beckwith St North

 Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Town of Perth - Perth and District Pool - 3 Sunset Blvd

 Thursday May 22nd, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Municipality of Mississippi Mills - Almonte Library - 155 High St

 If you are unable to attend an in-person event, you are complete the online survey in order to provide feedback to the project team.

Rural Transit Feasibility Study - Online Survey

Emergency Preparedness Week – Are You Prepared? Be Prepared:

May 2, 2025

Next week is Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week which runs from May 4 to 10, 2025. Ontario’s theme  is “Plan for Every Season”. This theme reflects a range of seasonal hazards faced by Ontarians each season - flooding in the spring, extreme heat in the summer, power outages, ice storms and general preparedness.

This theme compliments the national theme “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” released by Public Safety Canada, and is in alignment with Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to keep the province safe, practiced and prepared.

Safety starts with being prepared and having a plan. All Ontarians have a part to play in preparing for emergencies.

Below are links to brochures:

Emergency Preparedness Starts with You

Heat Related Illness

Power Outage

Guide for People with Disabilities

Guide for Seniors

Guide for Pets

Guide for Winter Storms and Extreme Heat 

For more information, please visit:

Making an emergency plan - Canada.ca

Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca

Emergency Preparedness Week | ontario.ca

REAL’s annual Rain Barrel and Native Plant Sale is set for Saturday, June 7.  Preorder rain barrel, accessories or replacement parts at rainbarrel.ca/REALDeal .  A great selection of native plants from Natural Themes, Frankford will be available on pick up day, no preordering necessary.  Sale runs from 10 am – 2 p.m. at the REAL Deal Store, 85 William St. W., Smiths Falls. Proceeds from the sale support REAL’s monarch gardens.  See www.REALaction.ca for more on the sale or REAL’s many environmental activities.

REAL offers Home Energy Assessments by an experienced energy auditor.  Assessing the energy performance of your home helps you choose the energy efficiency upgrades that will save the most money on your energy bills and lower your greenhouse gas emissions.  A new heat pump advisory service can be combined with an energy assessment to help you choose the most effectively sized air source heat pump system for your home.  Contact Alan Leonard at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book an appointment or see www.REALaction.ca.

REAL is a non-profit environmental organization based in Smiths Falls and serving surrounding municipalities in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.