Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

If you're currently experiencing or recently experienced a dry well or other low water impact, let us know!

This will help us plan for future low water events: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed.../low-water-response-program

For immediate release 
Nov. 4, 2025 

Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is urging all residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as laboratory confirmation of the first cases of Influenza A have been reported for the 2025/26 respiratory season. Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults. 

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge to everyone 6 months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario. Residents are encouraged to get up to date on their influenza vaccination as soon as they are eligible. The flu shot reduces the risk of severe illness, and helps protect individuals and local health-care resources. 

Flu vaccine is available for eligible individuals through health-care providers and participating pharmacies. For individuals under 5 years of age who are unable to receive flu vaccine through their health-care provider, SEPH is offering clinics. Visit the link for your local area to book an appointment: 

1. Hastings Prince Edward region
2. Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington region
3. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region

“Becoming immunized against influenza every year is an important step in protecting the health of vulnerable members of our community and the capacity of our health-care services, and is highly recommended for anyone who is able to do so. Influenza can result in severe outcomes and pose serious health risks to anyone, especially to those who have underlying medical conditions, those over 65 years of age, and young children,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer for SEPH. 

In addition to immunization, individuals should practice hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into their elbow, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces to help prevent transmission. 

Symptomatic individuals should stay home when they feel unwell. Influenza symptoms include: 

1. fever (greater than 38⁰C/100.4⁰F) 
2. cough or chills 
3. headache or muscle aches 
4. loss of appetite 
5. nausea or vomiting (mainly exhibited in young children) 
6. sore throat 
7. runny nose 

Individuals with influenza may remain infectious for several days after symptom onset. When recovering from any respiratory illness, consider wearing a mask when around others, and avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or living in a high-risk setting (e.g., long-term care home) for 10 days from symptom onset. 

Looking for a way to contribute to the community? Interested in community safety? Apply for one of two vacant Provincial Appointee positions on the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment Board!

The Board advises the OPP Detachment Commander with respect to police services within Lanark County. Currently there is a representative from each of the eight local municipal councils on the Board, along with two members jointly appointed as community representatives. The Solicitor General appoints two provincial representatives and is seeking applications.

The Board meets approximately 10 times per year, and Board Members are compensated through the municipality.

Qualifications for Provincial Appointees are as follows:

• Should be active members of their community with a general knowledge of OPP Detachment Boards duties and responsibilities and awareness of community safety issues and programs within their local community. 
• Must be residents of Ontario and cannot be a judge; justice of the peace; a member (past or present) of the OPP; a current member of any other police service in Ontario; a former member of any other police service in Ontario unless they have ceased to be a member for at least one year; a special constable or a First Nation officer; a person who practises criminal law as a defence counsel or as a prosecutor; a director, officer or employee of a prescribed policing provider or any other prescribed persons. 

How to apply

Learn more about the Lanark County OPP Detachment Board here: https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Agency/794

To apply for a Provincial Appointee position, create an account through the Public Appointments Secretariat at https://www.ontario.ca/page/public-appointments

Once you have completed your profile, click the box indicating “My Interest” beside Lanark County OPP Detachment Board at the following link: https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Vacant-positions

Free Contractor Training
High Performance Homes & Better
Homes Lanark

Lanark County is partnering with industry leader, Building
Knowledge Canada Inc., to offer local contractors free training on
high performance homes and Better Homes Lanark, a home
energy retrofit program launched by the County earlier this year.

Contractors who attend the training will be listed on the Better
Homes Lanark website, making it easier for residents to plan their
retrofit projects.

The training will take place at the Lanark County
building on the following date:

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8:00am - 12:00pm

Public Works Training Room, Perth
Learn more and register:

https://betterhomeslanarkcontractortraining.eventbrite.com

Program Information Session
Better Homes Lanark

Lanark County is offering a virtual program information session on
the home energy retrofit program, Better Homes Lanark.

Learn how the Better Homes Lanark program can help make your
home more comfortable, efficient and affordable by providing you
with retrofit coaching, financing and incentives for energy efficiency
upgrades. This new local program is delivered by the County of
Lanark in partnership with local municipalities and EnviroCentre.
Thursday, October 30th 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Register for this free information session here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kCgrMzGyQGqrBL9cl9uakAhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kCgrMzGyQGqrBL9cl9uakA

Visit lanarkcounty.ca for more information.

 For immediate release

Oct. 23, 2025

Paramedic Master Plan Received for Consideration: Lanark County Council has received the “Ten-Year Paramedic Human Resources and Facilities Master Plan” and directed staff to bring the recommendations from the report to a future corporate services committee meeting for discussion.

Senior Consultant Hannah Mayes-Frenett explained Operational Research in Health (ORH) looked at the data for the paramedic service, analysed it to understand operations, used predictive modelling for the future and conducted consultation to learn more about the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS). The objective is to help to address call volume projections and determine an optimal number and location of facilities, vehicle requirements to meet response time standards and staffing model recommendations (including support staff).

ORH analysed data from 2020 to 2024 and found an annual increase in incidents of about 5.5 per cent per year and an average call time (from vehicle enroute to cleared) to be just over an hour, with time at the hospital the greatest contributor to this.

Mayes-Frenett said information from site visits, interviews and documentation review found staff were complimentary about the LCPS and the county, but a theme emerged about an inability to be truly proactive rather than reactive, relating to staffing, physical capacity issues, funding constraints for the Community Paramedicine Program and technological inefficiencies.

She explained ORH’s modelling software simulates the entire life cycle of emergency incidents, using historical data and a baseline for 2025. They projected demand over the next 10 years, including population and aging and found the number of incidents per day is expected to increase from 31 in 2024 to 49 in 2035. The projections were used to determine what resources would be needed to offset the demand, including increasing vehicle hours, additional paramedics and relocation of two bases to improve capacity for ambulances. The report also addresses some alternative scenarios and makes recommendations around additional support services. ORH has provided a phased plan for consideration. For more information, contact Kurt Greaves, CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101.

Update on Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Received: Lanark County Council received an update from Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) President and CEO Michael Cohen on the core capital campaign and the hospital.

Cohen explained this year’s key strategic plan activities focus on improving best practices and care delivery and efficiency in their operating rooms, along with a renewed focus on engaging patients to improve care. This involves improving throughput in operating rooms, launching a new Nursing Model of Care, enhancing patient engagement and experience, and beginning to advance the hospital redevelopment project.

He noted patient occupancy rates are more than 100 per cent in the hospital due to high volumes and a large number of patients waiting for long-term care beds. Recruitment and retention continue to be areas of focus and have seen success with full-time positions, but there are still challenges with filling temporary positions. There is also a new resuscitation area at the Smiths Falls site and the third-floor nursing station renovation at the Perth site is nearing completion. There is also new funding to increase MRI hours. Cohen noted the hospital had a good year financially, with additional funding received.

Cohen outlined the three stages for hospital redevelopment planning: early planning, detailed planning and construction. PSFDH is in the early planning stage, with a pre-capital submission completed in February 2023 to outline general intent and high-level parameters and cost. Cohen said they will be starting the master plan component of this stage next year, which includes community engagement and involves outlining future demand, state of existing facilities, analysis of options, general project costs and schedule and other details to outline high-level space requirements. Cohen said it could be at least six to eight years before there is a new site.

As part of the core capital campaign, Cohen said the new electronic patient record system was implemented last December and commended staff for its smooth implementation. Cohen thanked council for its continued support for “safe and high-quality patient care at our hospital.” The hospital is seeking support from the county to renew its $169,500 commitment in support of next year’s campaign, and to expand the scope to support the redevelopment project and clinical capital replacement. For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

Upcoming Meetings: County Council, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m.; Community Services, Nov. 12 (following County Council); Corporate Services, Nov. 12 (following Community Services). Special Corporate Services (Budget), Nov. 21 9 am. Inaugural Meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. County Council, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 5 p.m.; Public Works, Nov. 26 (following County Council); Economic Development, Nov. 26 (following Public Works). Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on Instagram!

The Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is hereby giving notice that amendments to the Procedural By-Law will be considered at the November 4^th, 2025 Council meeting.

The purpose being to update various sections of the bylaw to reflect current legislation, policies and current practices. A copy of the draft bylaw with changes indicated can be found here:  By-Law No. 2025-0xx – Procedural By-Law

The meeting will commence at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, located at 310 Port Elmsley Road.  For further information, please contact Janie Laidlaw, Clerk at jlaidlaw@dnetownship (613) 267-6500 x 251

Dated this 15^th day of October, 2025.
Janie Laidlaw, Clerk

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council has scheduled a Special Meeting in the Council Chambers on October 30^th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to consider the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget and any changes in fees.

A Public Meeting to hear comments and answer questions from the public will be held on Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. The Township strongly encourages written comments to be submitted prior to the public meeting.

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council intends to adopt the 2026 Budget at the Council meeting to be held on December 9^th, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. 

Your participation at these meetings is welcome and encouraged. Copies of the draft budget will be available on the Township website as of October 27^th, 2025 or by contacting the Treasurer.

DATED at Township of Drummond/North Elmsley this 3^rd day of October, 2025.

For Further Information contact:

Angela Millar, Treasurer                                                        
Township of Drummond/North Elmsley                     
310 Port Elmsley Road                                              
Perth ON  K7H 3C7                                                    

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: 613-267-6500 Ext. 215
www.dnetownship.ca

OCTOBER 10, 2025 - Due to persistent rainfall deficits, diminished baseflows and above average temperatures, the Rideau Valley Water Response Team is maintaining a Level-3 Low Water Advisory for the Rideau Valley Watershed after officials met to discuss conditions.

Level 3 conditions are triggered when rainfall deficits fall below 40% of the long-term average and/or when streamflows decline to severe low-water thresholds (typically below the 10-year return period low flow).

A Level 3 Low Water Advisory is not a declaration of an emergency, but an indicator of significant dry conditions and impacts observed across the Rideau Valley watershed.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority provides science-based advice and coordination during low water conditions but does not have the authority to enforce water use restrictions. Decisions related to restrictions or bylaws rest with individual municipalities and provincial agencies.

Historical Norms

The fall season is typically a crucial annual period where our surface water and groundwater systems are replenished. The cooler conditions, reduced plant-use of water, and consistent rainfall typically allow our soils and the underlying groundwater aquifers to be replenished. Under normal conditions, the region would receive between 80-100 mm of rain each month during the fall, contributing to gradual aquifer replenishment, which leads to subsequent baseflow* recovery.

*baseflow is the long-term sustained flow in a stream or river that comes from seepage out of our groundwater aquifers.

Current Conditions

Rainfall and streamflow conditions from July through to October have remained significantly below normal, with strong persistent deficits noted across the region. In addition, no clear signs of typical groundwater aquifer replenishment have been observed at select wells in the local groundwater monitoring network.

A Level 3 Low Water Advisory is not a declaration of an emergency, but an indicator of significant dry conditions and impacts observed across the Rideau Valley watershed.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority provides science-based advice and coordination during low water conditions but does not have the authority to enforce water use restrictions. Decisions related to restrictions or bylaws rest with individual municipalities and provincial agencies.

Historical Norms

The fall season is typically a crucial annual period where our surface water and groundwater systems are replenished. The cooler conditions, reduced plant-use of water, and consistent rainfall typically allow our soils and the underlying groundwater aquifers to be replenished. Under normal conditions, the region would receive between 80-100 mm of rain each month during the fall, contributing to gradual aquifer replenishment, which leads to subsequent baseflow* recovery.

*baseflow is the long-term sustained flow in a stream or river that comes from seepage out of our groundwater aquifers.

Current Conditions

Rainfall and streamflow conditions from July through to October have remained significantly below normal, with strong persistent deficits noted across the region. In addition, no clear signs of typical groundwater aquifer replenishment have been observed at select wells in the local groundwater monitoring network.

Rainfall

• Looking ahead, the 10-day Environment Canada forecast shows only limited precipitation, with total accumulations of 2–4 mm expected across the region. 90-day totals across the watershed are 40%–60% of the long-term average for this time of year 
• 30-day totals are of particular concern, with most areas receiving less than 35% of normal rainfall.

Streamflows

• Streamflow and water levels have diminished significantly across all Rideau Valley subwatersheds
• Severely reduced to absent baseflows have resulted in prolonged critical low flow conditions in both Kemptville Creek and the Jock River, with several reaches now highly fragmented or disconnected.
• Kemptville Creek has experienced persistent periods of near-zero flow, with only brief fluctuations in response to minor rainfall events. Current conditions represent the lowest sustained flows on record (1969–present).

Groundwater

• Data from the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network indicate sustained and continuous declines in groundwater levels across the region, with select wells reaching new record lows within their 20- to 25-year period of record.

Navigation & Reservoir Levels

Parks Canada has advised that, due to ongoing dry conditions and limited rainfall, water levels along the Rideau Canal are expected to drop below navigation draft requirements shortly after the close of the 2025 navigation season on October 14. Water levels may recede more quickly than usual in reaches between Long Island and Burritts Rapids, Clowes and Merrickville, Merrickville and Kilmarnock, and Kilmarnock and Edmonds. The Parks Canada’s water management team continues to monitor conditions closely and will adjust operations as needed.

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

Water levels within the upper watershed lakes and reservoirs remain below the long-term average. Following the close of the navigation season, outflows will be gradually reduced to operational minimums to conserve upstream storage and mitigate further declines in lake and downstream river levels.

Recommended Actions

Limited rainfall and groundwater recharge have caused an unusual lowering of the groundwater table; and reduced the baseflow that normally sustains our streams and rivers through late summer, fall, and winter. Although these conditions are natural, rather than the result of excessive human use, responsible water use remains important for mitigating further stress on the systems.

By lessening water use, users help sustain existing aquifer volumes, reduce pressures on shallow private wells and on our lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers, until typical conditions return.

Permit Holders:  

Holders of Permits to Take Water from surface or groundwater sources are strongly encouraged to reduce use, wherever possible. During low flow conditions, large surface & groundwater takings can significantly impact local water availability. 

Private Wells:

Residents that rely on groundwater wells are encouraged to use water efficiently to help protect the shared aquifer system. Areas that rely on the shallow groundwater system are particularly vulnerable and already experiencing significant shortages. However, water conservation measures is also important for residents using deeper aquifers, as these systems are often connected to the shallower systems and parts of our surface water systems.
 
In Ontario, private wells are managed by their owners with some regulatory support from the province. Those experiencing well performance or groundwater level issues can consider the following actions.

• seek advice from the Ontario “Wells Help Desk”
• seek assistance from a licensed well contractor, which includes many plumbers based in rural areas
• consult with your municipality about possible bulk water supply services
• consult the provincial reference: Managing Your Water Well In Times Of Water Shortage

Municipal Surface and Groundwater Systems:

Residents connected to municipal water supplies should monitor their municipality’s official channels for updates on water use restrictions.

• Urban Ottawa:

Residents served by the City of Ottawa’s central drinking water system are not subject to the same water supply pressures, as this system draws from the Ottawa River.

• General Advisories:

All residents are encouraged to follow municipal updates for guidance on water conservation, water source conditions, and information on fire bans.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant. 

More resources:

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks - Wells Help Desk: https://www.ontario.ca/page/wells-your-property#section-4

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks – Find a Licensed Well Contractor: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks – Managing Your Water Well In Times Of Water Shortage: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

Ontario’s Low Water Response program:

www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program

City of Ottawa Dry Conditions Webpage: https://www.ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/emergency-preparedness/current-and-ongoing-emergencies/dry-conditions

RVCA website: www.rvca.ca

Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels:

https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-management/streamflow-and-water-levels

RIDEAU VALLEY, October 8, 2025 – Bring the beauty of the Rideau Valley home in 2026! In honour of the RVCA’s upcoming 60th anniversary, we’ve created a high-quality 12-month wall calendar celebrating the watershed’s natural beauty.

Each month, rich landscape and wildlife photos will transport you to our watershed’s most breathtaking views, celebrate our biodiversity and honour the natural resources that protect and uplift us every day. 

Presales are open for the 12x18 wall calendar, which was designed and printed locally with FSC-certified Canadian paper. At only $20 each or 3 for $50, the calendars make great gifts for anyone who loves to work, play or live in the Rideau Valley – or any nature lover on your holiday shopping list!

Calendars ordered by December 8 should arrive before Christmas. All prices include taxes and shipping. 

Proceeds will support our charitable partner, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. This local environmental charity supports the RVCA’s stewardship and water quality programs, provides outdoor education subsidies for low-income schools and families, and operates an established land trust protecting more than 8,850 acres of natural local lands.

Congratulations to the winning photographers featured in the calendar, to be announced in the coming weeks! And thank you to the hundreds of watershed residents and visitors who submitted their inspiring shots to our photo contest throughout 2025.

Visit www.rvca.ca/calendar to order your calendar today. For more information or help ordering online, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..