Township of Drummond North/Elmsley

Approves 2026 Budget

At its meeting on December 9^th, 2025, Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council gave final approval to its 2026 budget.  The 2026 budget translates to a 6.98% residential tax rate increase.

This fiscally responsible budget allows the municipality to maintain and deliver the same services the community relies on, invest more money in asset replacement priorities, and conduct maintenance and repairs to keep all assets in good working condition.  This approach will ensure that the Township remains well-positioned to meet current needs while preparing for future requirements.

A 6.98% residential tax rate increase equates to an approximate increase of $94.86 on a residential property that is assessed at $300,000.

The total 2026 tax requirement of $6,140,460 is $546,604 more than was required in 2025.

The largest operating budget pressure the Township faces for 2026 is for policing services which equates to approximately 61% of the overall increased tax requirement. Other pressures for 2026 include: increased benefit costs for staff; additional funds to reserves; increased fire service costs; and reduced revenue from Provincial Offences Act offenses.

Capital projects for 2026 include:

• Richmond’s Road/Drummond Concession 5B $1,278,720
• Spot Paving & Crack Sealing – throughout the Township $ 140,000
• Grader & Mounted Roller Packer $ 549,750
• Financial System Replacement $ 200,000

For further information, please visit www.dnetownship.ca

NOVEMBER 27, 2025 - Seasonal rainfall and cooler temperatures over the past month have resulted in measurable hydrologic recovery across the Rideau Valley watershed. Monitoring data indicates widespread increases in streamflows, baseflows, and groundwater levels.

Despite these improvements, notable residual deficits remain within the upper watershed region. Water levels within the upper reservoir lakes remain well below the long-term historic average, and some private wells may still be vulnerable to water-supply constraints.

Based on the hydrologic recovery observed to date, the Rideau Valley Water Response Team has downgraded the watershed’s status to a Level 2 low water advisory, from the more severe Level 3 advisory in place since August 2025.

A Level 2 advisory indicates that moderate water-supply concerns may persist, although conditions have improved relative to those observed earlier in the season. Under the Level 2 advisory, a 20% water-use reduction is recommended to support continued groundwater recharge and to reduce the risk of further impacts to private water-supply systems during the recovery period.  

Residents who may still be experiencing water-supply issues are encouraged to report these impacts via the RVCA Report a Low Water Impact form. These reports assist staff and municipal members in evaluating the extent and current state of the water supply issues.

Level 3 low water conditions were initially declared in August 2025 in response to significant rainfall deficits, elevated temperatures, and high seasonal water demand. Numerous reports of dry or low-yielding private wells were received, in addition to observations of severely low water levels and zero-flow conditions in many local rivers and streams.

Groundwater systems were particularly affected this season, with sustained declines observed across the monitoring network and several wells reaching new record lows within their 20- to 25-year periods of record.

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.

Current Conditions

Rainfall conditions over the past three months have generally returned to near-seasonal levels, with several widespread events contributing to a reduction in the cumulative rainfall deficit. The cool fall temperatures and sustained precipitation have promoted soil-water infiltration, with early indications of groundwater recovery observed.

Despite this improvement, the effects of the summer deficit remain evident, and precipitation has not yet fully offset these earlier shortfalls. The current 10-day Environment Canada forecast indicates near-seasonal temperatures and moderate mixed-precipitation.

Rainfall

• 90-day totals across the watershed range from 80%–100% of the long-term average for this time of year 
• 30-day totals are slightly above average, ranging from 130%-160% of the seasonal normal

Streamflows

Streamflows and water levels across the major subwatersheds have shown substantial improvement but remain below long-term seasonal averages. Baseflows, representing the groundwater contribution to streamflow, have resumed in several reaches that were previously dry or exhibiting near zero-flow conditions.

Groundwater

Data from the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network show that levels in several shallow bedrock wells have returned to conditions comparable to those observed in May–June of this year. Broad recovery signals were evident across most wells from late October through mid-November, however, the recovery rate has slowed with the sub-zero temperatures.

Navigation & Reservoir Levels

 Water levels within Bobs Lake, Big Rideau Lake & Wolfe Lake remain below the long term historic average. Outflows have been reduced to operational minimums to conserve upstream storage and mitigate further declines in lake and downstream river levels.

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.

Recommended Actions

Private Wells 
Residents relying on groundwater wells are encouraged to use water efficiently to help protect the shared aquifer systems that supply both deep and shallow wells. Excessive or sustained withdrawals from deeper aquifers can lower groundwater levels and reduce the movement of water between deeper and shallower layers, which can increase the risk of local well shortages. Those experiencing well performance issues are encouraged to report these impacts via the RVCA Report a Low Water Impact form. These reports assist staff and municipal members in evaluating the extent and current state of the water supply issues.

Municipal 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.

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

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 

RVCA Report A Low Water Impact Form: www.rvca.ca/watershed-management/low-water-response-program

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

The Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is accepting applications for a Part-Time Permanent Landfill Attendant. Reporting to the Public Works Manager, the Landfill Attendant is responsible for the operation of the Landfill weigh scales, covering and compaction, calculating and recording financial transactions, interacting with waste site customers, and maintaining the security of the Landfill Site. 

The ideal candidate will have a secondary school diploma, successful Criminal Reference Check, the ability to operate heavy equipment, experience with computers, weigh scales and debit/credit machine, good knowledge of Safety Regulations and Procedures, the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and be in good physical condition. A DZ licence and experience plowing snow on Township roads would be considered an asset.

The wage range is $27.86-$32.04 per hour (2025 rates). This position does not include benefits. Hours include Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Saturday (November to April) 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Saturday (May - October) 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A detailed job description is available. 

This posting will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Please reply in confidence with a detailed cover letter and resume to:

Janie Laidlaw, Clerk

Township of Drummond North/Elmsley
310 Port Elmsley Road
Perth ON   K7H 3C7
(613) 267-6500 ext 251

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

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please contact Janie Laidlaw, Clerk.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes only. 

In Memory of William "Bill" Franklin MacPherson

The Township offers sincere condolences to the MacPherson family. Bill’s dedication to public service
as a Councilor for North Elmsley Township from 1978-1994 and as an Upper Canada District School Board Trustee
from 2000-2022 reflects his commitment to the wellbeing of our community.

Known and respected as a farmer in North Elmsley, Bill’s memory will continue to inspire, and his contributions
and commitment will not be forgotten.

On behalf of Council and Staff of the
Township of Drummond/North Elmsley

For immediate release 
November 21, 2025  

Over the last several months, Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has been critically assessing the best way to serve the southeast region as a unified agency.

Among activities like merging teams across the region and harmonizing our programming, the agency has also been looking at the best way forward to continue providing core, mandated public health services across our new region, especially to rural areas.

“The merger has given us time and funding to truly look at how we were delivering programs and services as legacy agencies, and to find new and innovative ways to provide programs and services together, as Southeast Public Health,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of SEPH.

Through this process, a comprehensive assessment of SEPH office locations, service usage, and occupancy costs was undertaken. Community needs, evolution of service delivery models, and workforce preservation were also evaluated. The findings from this assessment indicated that several leased office locations were being underutilized, and that cost savings from terminating these leases could be reinvested back into the agency to fund new and effective ways of offering programs and services. This approach will protect core public health programs and services while enhancing the long-term sustainability of our agency.

Following this assessment, the decision was made to relinquish leases for offices within proximity (50 km or less) to offices owned in Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, and Smiths Falls as of March 1, 2026. 

The affected office locations are as follows:

• Almonte
• Gananoque
• Kemptville
• Napanee
• Perth
• Picton
• Trenton

Operations will also discontinue at the office owned in Cloyne on March 1, 2026, where the space has been underutilized as it is not conducive to facilitating SEPH programs and services. Operations will continue in the leased office in Bancroft, due to its significant distance from the four owned offices.

In the coming months, we will introduce rural service strategies that will employ evidence-based ways of delivering services to rural communities that leverage existing community strengths and resources, while focusing on key areas like connectivity and integration of programs and services across southeast region.

“I want to assure you that we remain fully committed to the health and well-being of our rural communities,” said Dr. Oglaza. “The decision to close these offices was aimed at optimizing operations while continuing to serve the community's needs.”

Staff will work closely with our partners to continue delivering essential public health programs and services in these areas. There are no permanent employee positions being eliminated due to these changes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Proposed Consolidation of Eastern Ontario Conservation Authorities

November 21, 2025

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) proposes to consolidate Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) with four other CAs to form the St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority, an area over 18,500 km2 and 46 municipalities.   The province is also proposing to establish a new provincial Agency to oversee the activities of the regional conservation authority with the powers to direct regional strategic planning, and financial and operational matters.

The eleven municipalities that sit on MVCA’s Board of Directors would fund the new region and help fund the new provincial Agency.  No details have been provided regarding how local municipalities would retain meaningful oversight of the new regional authority and control increases to municipal levies.  Currently, municipalities fund ~68% of MVCA’s annual operating budget compared to a combined provincial and federal contribution of 5%.

Since 2020, over $3 million of local municipal dollars have been invested in the eleven dams and six conservation areas owned or managed by MVCA.  MVCA was able to secure an additional $1.38 million in grants to help implement those capital works.  Currently, MVCA is undertaking final design of a $6 million replacement of the Kashwakamak Lake Dam for which it is receiving a 40% grant from the federal government.

MVCA was established in 1968 when the municipalities of the Mississippi and Carp river watersheds agreed to work together to address aging dams, manage natural hazards, and enhance land conservation.  For over 50 years MVCA has established and maintained conservation areas; built, maintained, and operated dams; provided water data and flood warnings to landowners; and provided local stewardship programs and outdoor education to generations of students.  MVCA is managed by local elected leaders, is located in the watershed, and supports the activities of community partners.

The province’s proposed new CA boundaries can be viewed on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) website at www.ero.ontario.ca (posting 025-1257). The province is seeking feedback on its proposal.  Feedback can be submitted on the ERO website.  The commenting period ends December 22, 2025.

MVCA staff will be engaging with board members to prepare its submission to the Ministry and would appreciate receiving any comments submitted to the province to help inform those discussions.

To learn more about the MVCA’s programs and services, visit www.mvc.on.ca  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is accepting applications for a Part-Time Permanent Landfill Attendant. Reporting to the Public Works Manager, the Landfill Attendant is responsible for the operation of the Landfill weigh scales, covering and compaction, calculating and recording financial transactions, interacting with waste site customers, and maintaining the security of the Landfill Site. 

The ideal candidate will have a secondary school diploma, successful Criminal Reference Check, the ability to operate heavy equipment, experience with computers, weigh scales and debit/credit machine, good knowledge of Safety Regulations and Procedures, the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and be in good physical condition. A DZ licence and experience plowing snow on Township roads would be considered an asset.

The wage range is $27.86-$32.04 per hour (2025 rates). This position does not include benefits. Hours include Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Saturday (November to April) 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Saturday (May - October) 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A detailed job description is available. 

This posting will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Please reply in confidence with a detailed cover letter and resume to:

Janie Laidlaw, Clerk

Township of Drummond North/Elmsley
310 Port Elmsley Road
Perth ON   K7H 3C7
(613) 267-6500 ext 251

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

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please contact Janie Laidlaw, Clerk.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes only. 

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

IT'S YEAR 40'' - FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES OPP ANGEL TREE

(LANARK COUNTY, ON) - It's year 40 for the Angel Tree program in Lanark County and the surrounding area.

This year the Family and Children's Service of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville/ Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Angel Tree program is starting off with a record 1015 angels. The "angels", assigned to trees, represent children directly affiliated with Family and Children's Services and related programs. The goal is to provide a Christmas gift for each child. There will also be a selection of tags as an option of purchasing a gift card for a teen or groceries for a family.

The municipal offices of Tay Valley, Lanark Highlands, Drummond-North Elmsley, Montague, Beckwith, Town of Mississippi Mills and the Pakenham Library have been supporting the program since the beginning and are participating once again. We thank those employees who continue to monitor the trees and assist with the dispersal of the angels into the communities.

Our community partners this year in Perth are Albany, Eaton, Lanark County Administration, Wilson Street Auto Fleet & Tire, Spring Children, Perth Hospital, Perth Athletic Center, Lanark Dance Company, Perth Town Hall, Perth Home Hardware, and Uniglass Plus.

In Carleton Place the community partners are Kirk Orthodontics, Walmart, Connect Well, The Studio School of Dance, and Heritage Dental. These community partners broaden the dispersal of angels within their workspaces and are a great assistance to our program. There will also be a Gift Card tree in Almonte at the CareBridge Community support building.

In Smiths Falls, OPP East Region Headquarters continues to conduct an internal distribution of angels to OPP employees. Rideau Home Hardware and 2 Guys for Lunch will be our community partners.

In Almonte, the community partners are Almonte Chiropractic and Care Bridge Community Support.

A special thanks to the U-13 Rep B Perth Lanark Wings team and parents. They tied all 1015 tags for the Angel trees. They did fantastic and were a very big help.

We are certain that this year's goal will be met. Effective Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Angel Trees bearing "Angel Cards" will be distributed for pickup to the following locations for anyone wishing to select an angel. We appreciate the support more than ever this year.

Gifts (preferably unwrapped or in a gift bag) should be returned to the tree before Monday, December 8, 2025. Ensure the Angel Card is affixed to the gift AND the gift contents are printed on the back of the card.

Donations of money and items of new clothing/toys are gratefully accepted. Lanark County OPP will be collecting from all of the locations on December 9 and 10 and will be delivered to Family and Children's Services for distribution.

We thank everyone for participating. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The History of the Lanark County Child and Family Services / OPP Angel Tree: Year 40