There are now two trails complete. The yellow trail is 0.7 kms and the blue trail is 2.7 kms. The trails wind through a mainly pine woodlot that was planted by our local Scout groups many years ago. Access to the trail is off the Code Road across from the Township’s Waste Disposal site. There is a small parking lot so vehicles can park on site and the two trails are clearly marked.

Expansion of the trail network will be proceeding in 2024 with a goal of establishing 8+ kilometers of trail that will pass through a variety of wooded and open areas for hiking, skiing, bird watching and educational activities.

Avid hikers have no shortage of natural and cultural features to explore on this remarkable all-season, 387-km trail between Ottawa and Kingston. With a range of rugged Canadian Shield lands contrasted with quiet meadows and farmers’ fields along stretches of roadway, this trail offers something for everyone. There are multiple access points. Parking at Conlon Farm or at the Crystal Palace in Perth, Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls (and Rosedale Hall in Montague, 657 Rosedale Road South, Smiths Falls?). 613-545-0823 (Rideau Trail Association)

For more information visit their website

This 105.7-km route on Lanark County roads connect the Cataraqui Trail, the Tay Havelock Trail and the new Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) to extend your scenic journey through the historic communities of Carleton Place, Almonte, Lanark, Perth and Smiths Falls. Multiple access points.

For more information visit their website

Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area and the Migratory Bird Sanctuary and its 3km hiking trail through forest overlap on Mississippi Lake near Innisville and are beautiful spots to connect with nature. Onsite facilities include a picnic area, boat launch, trail and washroom. Portions of the bird sanctuary are seasonally restricted from September 15 to December 15, except for direct access to Mississippi Lake via the McIntyre Creek boat launch. Access by water or Drummond Concession 9A or by land from Drummond Concession 9A southwest of the parking lot and across from the laneway access to a private residence at 1091 Drummond Concession 9 A. The entrance is a little overgrown.

For more information visit their website

The 296km Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail is a multi-use corridor that stretches from Smiths Falls to just shy of Mattawa, passing through Lanark County, Renfrew County (where it is also known as the Algonquin Trail) and Papineau-Cameron Township.

For more information visit their website

Located on the Tay Marsh, this watery environment nurtures a variety of diverse plant and wildlife species. Deer, ducks, Canada geese, rabbits, bluebirds and wild turkeys are some of the wildlife that is found in this 257-hectare reserve. This conservation area is specifically geared to wildlife management.

Location:
100 Wild Life Rd
Perth ON K7H 3C7

For more information visit their website

The Sanctuary provides a high-quality example of rolling forested ecosystems of the Canadian Shield and includes a 2-km interpretative trail. The open wetlands are part of the Scotch Corners Provincially Significant Wetland Complex. Twenty-three plant species rare or sparse in the region and seven Species at Risk have been found.

Location:
318 Drummond Concession 11
Carleton Place ON K7C 0C5

For more information visit their website

Located in Temples Sugar Bush, this 15-20 minute trail takes you through a sugar bush forest. Enjoy the many species of insects, birds, trees, and animals.

Location:
1700 Ferguson’s Falls Road
Lanark ON, K0G 1K0

For more information visit their website

Location:
Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre
71 Cornelia St
Smiths Falls ON K7A 1T7

Phone:
613-283-1265

For more information visit their website

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Official Plan is a legal document under the Planning Act that came into force and effect on December 17, 2012.  The Official Plan is a strategic planning document which guides the growth, development, and land use changes in Drummond/North Elmsley until 2032.  The Official Plan (OP) determines how the Township will manage issues such as: residential growth, housing, aggregate, agriculture, natural heritage conservation and climate change, to name a few.

The Official Plan is required to be consistent with the provincial requirements for land use planning as expressed in the Provincial Policy Statement 2020.  There is also a requirement for the Township’s Official Plan to conform to the Lanark County Sustainable Communities Official Plan (SCOP 2012).

An Official Plan:

• Informs the public on what the province, county and municipality's general land use planning policies are;
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets the community's needs;
• helps all members of the community understand how their land may be used now and in the future;
• helps decide where roads, parks, trails, and other services will be located;
• provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning by-laws to set local regulations and standards, such as size of lots, or development setbacks from water or gravel pits;
• provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional, and provincial interests; and,
• shows Council's commitment to the sustainable future of the community.

Once an Official Plan is approved, the Planning Act stipulates that a council shall revise the plan no less frequently than:

1. 10 years after it comes into effect as a new official plan; and
2. every five years thereafter, unless the plan has been replaced by another new official plan

One of the primary purposes of undertaking the review is to ensures the Township’s Official Plan is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and that it has regard to matters of provincial interest.

The Official Plan Review also provides an opportunity for Council and the community express their opinions about the official plan and to ensure that this key document continues to address local priorities and evolving community needs.

The Council is committed to reviewing and, where necessary, updating its Official Plan policies to ensure they remain current, consistent with Provincial legislation and policies, and reflective of local planning principles and objectives.  This OP review and update will incorporate the 2020 updated Provincial Policy Statement to guide Drummond/North Elmsley in making informed planning decisions consistent with provincial direction.  A professional planning firm was retained by the Township to assist in this review.

This project is being completed in consultation with Lanark County who is the approval authority for changes made to local Official Plans by lower tier municipalities.  In addition to broad agency consultation, the public is encouraged express their views on the Official Plan.

Please note that the Township's existing Official Plan (including Schedule A and Schedule B), the County of Lanark Sustainable Communities Official Plan, the 2020 Provincial Policy Statement and a link to the Ontario Citizens Guide on Official Plans are accessible through this web page.

Opportunities for public input on the Official Plan Review and Update will be provided during the review process.  The Planning Act requires that Council hold a Special Meeting, open to the public to discuss possible revisions to the Official Plan.  In addition, Council is required to consult with Lanark County (the approval authority) and prescribed public bodies with respect to any changes or updates they may require.

On July 25th 2012 the Township’s current Official Plan came into effect once the Ministry’s approval was finalized. 

Current Official Plan

Planning Report - April 12, 2022

Planning Issues and Policy Options Report, May 10, 2022

Red Lined OP with Recommended changes by Council, June 19, 2023

Schedule A Layout, June 19, 2023

Schedule B Layout, June 19, 2023

Schedule C Layout, June 19, 2023

Official Plan Amendment No. 9 - Final May 14, 2024

Official Plan Amendment No. 9 - Redlined July 9, 2024

Official Plan Amendment No. 9 - Summary of Amendment July 9, 2024

Official Plan Notice of Adoption - August 28, 2024

Schedule A Layout - Adoption

Schedule B Layout - Adoption

Schedule C Layout - Adoption

By-Law No. 2024-043 Official Plan Amendment No. 9 (Certified True Copy)