PA Day and Summer Day Camps Registration Open!

MVCA is offering nature-based camps filled with outdoor learning, games, and fun at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area this spring and summer!

Nature-based learning includes outdoor exploration, guided hikes, stream studies, games, and more!

Day camps are for children ages 6 to 12 run and will run 9 am – 4 pm. Early drop-off and late pick-ups are available by pre-registration.

Upcoming Camps:

• P.A Day Camps: April 11, May 30 and June 27
• Summer Adventure Camps: weekly from July 7–August 22.

Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the adventure this summer with MVCA!

For more information and to register, visit: mvc.on.ca/education-programs

Contact:

Emma Higgins, Program Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hazard Identification & Management Strategy 

MVCA is required by the province to identify and manage natural hazards and wetlands within its jurisdiction.  Natural hazards include:  floodplains and areas of erosion and unstable soils or bedrock.  Development of the Strategy will involve identifying and prioritizing information and mapping gaps and developing an approach for addressing them.  More information on our regulatory mapping program can be found here.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be contacted when the draft strategy is scheduled for consideration by MVCA’s Policy & Planning Committee later this year.

2025 Flood Plain Mapping projects

MVCA is preparing or updating floodplain mapping for the following areas this year.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to receive information or notifications regarding any of these projects.

• Fall River, Townships of Tay Valley and Drummond North Elmsley
• Feedmill Creek, Stittsville
• Shirley’s Brook, Kanata
• Tributaries A, B, C to the Carp River, West Carleton

Flood plain mapping involves confirming elevations in and adjacent to a watercourse, current land uses within the drainage area, and modeling run-off and hydraulic flows under different scenarios to determine where the land will flood under a 1:100 year event.  This work may also identify and map erosion risks and a river’s meanderbelt.

Stewardship Programs

MVCA offers a variety of stewardship programs.  Do you have a project idea for 2025?  Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more or call 613-253-0006 ext. 253.

ALUS Mississippi-Rideau (ALUS):

Provides farmers with financial and technical support to implement stewardship projects on marginal farmland.  This may include yearly payments to maintain their projects.  Funding is available in 2025 for wetland creation/restoration, tree and shrub planting, pollinator patches, delayed haying, and more.

Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORWCP):   

Provides grants to rural and agricultural landowners within the City of Ottawa for projects such as exclusion fencing, chemical storage, precision farming and more.  Visit our website for a full list of eligibility criteria and projects.

Eastern Ontario Farm Stewardship Collaborative (EOFSC): 

Helps farmers to build on proposed projects by providing 1-stop shop access to a variety of on-farm and rural stewardship programs within the region.  Visit https://eofsc.ca/ to learn more.

Land Conservation & Resource Strategy

 The Strategy was approved by our Board in December and will guide the work of MVCA over the next 10-20 years.

Sally McIntyre | General Manager  | Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
10970 Highway 7, Carleton Place, ON  K7C 3P1
www.mvc.on.ca |t. 613 253 0006 ext. 223 |  f. 613 253 0122  | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lanark County outlines construction projects for 2025

 March 21st, 2025

Lanark County outlines construction projects for 2025

Lanark County has set its plan for the 2025 construction season, with the public works department aiming to complete pavement preservation on 16.2 kilometers of roads this year and rehabilitation and paved shoulders scheduled for 24.8 km.

The county oversees the construction, operation, repair and maintenance of more than 560 km of roads and 82 bridge and culvert structures.

The total capital budget for this year is $12.17 million, with the federal Canada Community-Building Fund covering almost $2.2 million and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund covering $735,973.

“We’re making good progress on our initiative to pave shoulders on all county roads, with a further 24.8 km planned for this year,” said Terry McCann, public works director.

“Reliable and safe infrastructure is critical to quality of life in Lanark County and is one of our largest assets,” said Warden Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor). “The county sets construction priorities based on a five-year planning process approved by council that helps us to maintain our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way.”

Projects for 2025 include:

County Road 10 (Scotch Line Road): G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company Ltd. will be working on County Road 10 beginning April 14. Work includes pulverizing, construction of a left- turn lane at Glen Tay Road, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt for 2.5 km from Glen Tay Road to Otty Lake Side Road. Work is to be completed by May 23 at a cost of $752,133.

County Road 15 (Ferguson Falls Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 15 beginning July 7. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt from Pine Grove Road to Highway 7 for a distance of 4.8 km. Work is to be completed by Sept. 7 at a cost of $1.44 million.

County Road 17 (Derry Side Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 17 beginning June 9. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt beginning at Beckwith 9th Line for a distance of 1.9 km southerly. Work is slated to be completed by July 18 at a cost of $600,506.

County Road 20 (Waba Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 20 beginning May 5. Work includes pulverizing adding granular, complete drainage and paving with warm mix asphalt from Shaw Road southerly for a total length of 4.6 km. Work is scheduled to finish by June 20 at a cost of $1.29 million.

County Road 43 (Highway 43): G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company Ltd. will be working on County Road 43 beginning May 19. Work includes granular shouldering and paving with warm-mix asphalt from Station Road to Mazie Street for a distance of 7.6 km. Work is scheduled to be completed by July 11 at a cost of $1.77 million.

County Road 511 (Highway 511): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 511 beginning May 15. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular and completing drainage work for 3.5 km west of Black Creek Road. Work is scheduled to be finished by June 30 at a cost of $1.37 million.

Blakeney Bridge: Looby Construction will continue final work on the Blakeney Bridge replacement, located 800 metres east of Highway 29 on Blakeney Road. This includes the installation of the west bridge structure as well as guide rails, road alignment improvements and paving. To facilitate the bridge replacement work, bridge access will continue to be closed to the public. Work is scheduled to be finished in June at an estimated total cost of $1 million coming from county reserves.

5-Arches Bridge: A yet to be determined contractor will begin work on the 5-Arches bridge located in Pakenham on Kinburn Side Road. Work includes repairs to the existing concrete pier jackets and repointing deteriorated masonry joints. Work is scheduled to begin in July and extend until December at an estimated cost of $1.5 million, with $750,000 coming from county reserves.

Culvert Replacements: A total of 13 culverts will be replaced on County Roads 36, 12, 21,11 and 17 from April to August by Goldie Mohr Ltd. at a total cost of $361,964.

Micro-surfacing: Miller Paving Ltd. Will be completing micro-surfacing on various county roads. This pavement preservation work is scheduled to take place from June 3 to Aug. 2 on County Roads 7B, 12 and 36 at a total cost of $1.1 million.

Shouldering: Crains Construction Ltd. will be completing granular shouldering on various county roads. A total of 21 km of shoulder gravel improvement will be taking place on County Roads 12 and 36 at a total cost of $172,300.

McCann notes traffic may be reduced to one lane periodically during these projects. “We ask motorists to please obey signage and traffic control personnel during construction to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Also watch for the county’s public works crews cleaning bridges and conducting roadside mowing, pothole patching and sign repairs throughout the summer. Regular road maintenance activities through other contracts throughout the season include ditching, brushing, crack sealing, line painting and safety barrier repairs.

For more information/media interviews, contact:

Sean Derouin
Public Works Manager
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194

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

MMR/MMRV Vaccine Clinic Happening in Brockville

March 18, 2025

South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) is offering a Measles Mumps Rubella /Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (MMR/MMRV) immunization clinic in Brockville for eligible individuals who are not up to date with their Measles immunizations.

This clinic will focus on the following groups:

• Children 1 to 4 years of age needing MMR
• Children over 4 years of age who have not received the recommended 2 doses of MMR (second dose includes Varicella, MMRV)
• School educators and childcare workers who do not have 2 doses of measles vaccine, which may have been given as MMR or a separate measles vaccine

MMR/MMRV immunization clinic info:

Date: March 26, 2025

Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm

Where: South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit), Brockville office, 458 Laurier Boulevard

How: Please book into this clinic using the following link

If you need assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313.

Contact:

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

South East Health Unit Media Release

 March 4, 2025

For immediate release

Well Water and Localized Flooding

 Thawing of snow and ice combined with spring rains may cause localized flooding on some properties.  Flood water and water ponding around wells can affect the safety of your drinking water. The South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) is advising residents whose wells are directly affected by flooding to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water, or use an alternate safe source until you test your water and confirm that it is safe to drink.

 A few tips to keep in mind if your property is prone to flooding:

• monitor weather and take warnings seriously
• monitor your local conservation authority website and alerts for localized flooding risks
• ensure drainage ditches, etc. around your home are clear and can function during periods of heavy rain
• label the shut off valves and the direction to turn off the gas, water, power, etc. If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas, etc.
• maintain your home to keep water out
• move items likely to be affected by a flood water to higher areas where possible
• ensure chemicals, cleaners; gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water
• ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps in the event of power outage. Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water
• have an emergency kit stocked; be sure to include important documents, cash, safe drinking water, food and medication

It’s important to regularly test your well water tested for bacteria. Run off from heavy rain and snow melting may affect the safety of your drinking water. Bacteria in your well water may not affect the taste or smell of your water. Testing your well water is the only way to know for sure if your drinking water is safe to consume or if it is contaminated with bacteria and requires some actions to protect the health of your family. The Health Unit recommends that you test your well water at least three times a year, or after any weather events such as flooding that may affect the safety of your drinking water.

Visit the Well Water Sampling section of our website for drinking water information including:  where you can pick up and drop off your free water bottle samples; how to take a sample; how to disinfect your well (if required). For more information, call us at 1-800-660-5853 or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit. We are also now on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z For more information about emergency preparedness please visit Emergency Preparedness – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Contact

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

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

March 4, 2025

South East Health Unit confirms one positive case of measles in Hastings County; investigating a number of probable cases

South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) has confirmed one measles case and is investigating a number of probable cases in Hastings County. The positive case is in an unvaccinated adult who travelled within the province. Public Health is reaching out to known contacts of the confirmed and probable cases. If you are not contacted by SEHU, you have not been identified as a close contact.  

Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications. SEHU is urging individuals and families to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccines and to remain watchful for symptoms, especially if not fully vaccinated. Ensuring your vaccines are up to date is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and prevent the spread of measles in our community.

SEHU is offering vaccine clinics for those whose vaccines are not up to date. Appointments can be booked at hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body.

The risk of transmission to those vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine is very low, and when it does occur tends to show a reduction in the severity of symptoms.

People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and those who are not fully vaccinated. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.

For more information about measles, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/measles-faqs/.

Media contact:

Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South East Health Unit
Media Release

School Immunization Records Assessment expanding to UCDSB in February

Last month, South East Health Unit (formerly the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) began conducting immunization record assessments for students born in 2020, 2017 and 2008. Having up-to-date immunization records inform us of vaccine coverage rates (those that have protection against these diseases), which allows public health to act swiftly to prevent additional cases should cases of a communicable disease occur in the school setting.

As of December 2024, over 3,000 students’ (born in 2008, 2017 and 2020) immunization records are incomplete or completely missing in the provincial record system for our area.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, the Medical Officer of Health will be issuing an order of suspension for each of the students who still do not have any immunization record submitted to the health unit by the stated deadline.

The suspension from school is for up to 20 school days, starting on the date stated in the notice (this varies by school board).

Suspension orders for students born in 2008 and 2017 in the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be mailed out by February 10. The orders for students in junior kindergarten will be placed in the students’ backpack the week of February 10, instead of by mail.

The start of the 20 day suspension period for UCDSB will be March 26 for students who still do not have any immunization records submitted to the Health Unit by March 25.

The suspension will be rescinded by public health when one of the following requirements is met by the parent/guardian:

1. Provide a record of immunization using the Health Unit online portal. We require a copy of an official immunization record from a health care provider.
2. Provide the health unit with a statement of medical exemption to exempt the student from immunization requirements.
3. Provide the health unit with a statement of conscience or religious belief affidavit to exempt the student from immunization requirements. Questions regarding the process should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
4. Submit proof of a booked immunization appointment to provide the student with the required vaccines by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
5. Parent or guardian initiates a request for an exemption under the Immunization of School Pupils Act by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parents/guardians needing assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313.

The health unit has immunization clinics in five locations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Families who have received a suspension letter are welcome to book into one of these clinics if unable to access an appointment with their own health care provider. The link to book an appointment is found on this page.

For more information on required immunizations for school and daycare attendance, please go to our website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/immunization/

Contact:

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

Compass Greenfield Development is holding a Public Community Meeting for the Golden Leaf Agrivoltaics Project

Date:               February 11^th, 2025

Time:              6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location:       Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244

26 Beckwith St E, Perth ON K7H 1B5

The proposed Project will incorporate a ground-mount solar photovoltaics generator as well as sheep grazing.

The Golden Leaf Agrivoltaics Project would be located at Part Lot 17, Concession 10 geographic Township of Drummond (opposite the intersection at Drummond Concession 1 & Ebert Road)

The public community meeting will allow attendees to ask questions and provide feedback on the project for the full duration of the meeting. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For greater public access, a project website has also been created at https://goldenleafagrivoltaics.ca/.  You can find notice of the meeting, along with FAQ and all other updates on the proposed Project.

COUNTY OF LANARK

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PASS A BY-LAW FOR THE BETTER HOMES LANARK PROGRAM

TAKE NOTICE that the County of Lanark and the following municipalities within the County of Lanark intend to pass a by-law under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and Ontario Regulation 586/06: Local Improvement Charges – Priority Lien Status, to implement the Better Homes Lanark (BHL) program.

• Town of Perth
• Municipality of Mississippi Mills
• Township of Beckwith
• Township of Drummond North Elmsley
• Township of Lanark Highlands
• Township of Montague
• Township of Tay Valley
• Town of Carleton Place

Purpose of the By-law

The proposed by-law will enable the residents of the County of Lanark within the participating local municipalities to participate in the Better Homes Lanark program, which assists homeowners in financing energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, such as:

• Insulation improvements,
• Installation of high-efficiency heating or cooling systems,
• Solar panel installations, and
• Other eligible home retrofits.

Financing for these upgrades will be provided through Local Improvement Charges (LICs) applied to property tax bills, ensuring repayment over time.

Eligibility

The program is voluntary and available to all residential property owners in the participating local municipalities who meet the eligibility criteria. Participation requires an agreement between the property owner and the local municipality, who agree to the LICs being charged against their property.

Details of the Local Improvement Charges

1. Financing will be repaid through an additional charge on participating properties' tax bills.
2. The charge will include the principal amount and applicable interest.
3. Repayment terms will be determined by the agreement between the property owner and the program administrator.

Adoption Dates:

The Better Homes Lanark Bylaw will be duly adopted at their respective municipalities on the following dates:

Additional Information

For more information about the proposed By-law or the Better Homes Lanark program, please contact:

County of Lanark, 613-267-4200

Elizabeth Boldt, Climate Environmental Coordinator - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x 3105

Jasmin Ralph, Clerk - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x1502

Joan Pratt, Business Manager - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x 3110

Dated this 29th day of January, 2025, at Tay Valley Township Ontario.

Community Open House: Smiths Falls Youth Arena Feasibility Study

As part of the Youth Arena Feasibility Study conducted by Nustadia Recreation Inc., the Town of Smiths Falls is excited to host a Community Open House to discuss proposed building options for the Youth Arena. This event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the study’s insights, review potential design options for the facility, and share their feedback to help shape the future of our recreation infrastructure.

Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Smiths Falls Community Centre Hall

What to Expect:
• Displays showcasing design options for the arena, including renovation and new-build possibilities.
• Opportunities to speak with Town staff and project consultants to gather your valuable input on priorities for the arena.

Your voice matters!

Join us to ensure that the Smiths Falls Youth Arena continues to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.