For Immediate release

Aug. 21, 2025

First two human cases of West Nile Virus this year identified in the South East Health Unit region

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after one confirmed and one probable case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection have been identified in the region.

WNV is an infection spread to humans usually through the bite of an infected mosquito. Four out of five of people with WNV will experience no symptoms, while others may develop several days of mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and body aches, two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Less than one per cent of infected persons develop more severe disease, including neurological disease that can be fatal. The risk of severe disease is higher for older people, those with immune compromise, and those with high blood pressure.

There is no specific treatment for the infection, and no vaccine. As a result, preventing mosquito bites is the main way to protect yourself and your family against WNV.

Tips for preventing mosquito bites include:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Using insect repellent with DEET or icaridin (always follow directions for use, especially for children).
• Avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Removing standing water outside your home.
• Fixing tears in window and door screens.
• Covering rain barrels with screen mesh.

For more information, visit the WNV webpage.

These cases were identified in a resident in the Rideau Lakes, Westport area and a resident in the Smiths Falls area; however, birds and mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been found all across the health unit’s region throughout the years. There have also been positive mosquito pools identified within the region in 2025 since monitoring started in June.

Public Health conducts regular mosquito trapping to test mosquitoes for West Nile Virus. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative also monitors wildlife for evidence of West Nile Virus. Residents can report dead birds by visiting their site at:

cwhc-rcsf.ca/report_and_submit.php.

Aug 19, 2025

Due to ongoing rainfall deficits and prolonged heat waves, the Rideau Valley Water Response Team has declared a Level 3 Low Water Advisory for the Rideau Valley Watershed after officials met to discuss conditions on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Level 3 conditions are triggered when rainfall deficits fall below 40% of the long-term average and/or when streamflow’s 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.

Current Conditions

Rainfall over the past several months has been highly variable, but overall conditions remain significantly below normal. To date, the Ottawa region has recorded 22 days with temperatures above 30 °C, further contributing to drought impacts. Looking ahead, the 7-day weather forecast shows possible minor rainfall of 10-15 mm through the weekend, and day-time temperature highs ranging from 20C to 30C across the region.

Rainfall

• 90-day totals across the watershed are 50–70% of the long-term average for this time of year
• 30-day totals are of particular concern, with most areas receiving less than 40% of normal rainfall

Streamflows

• Flows are reduced significantly across all Rideau Valley sub watersheds
• Flows on the Jock River are approaching the 1:20 year return period low flow, and have fallen to less than 30% of the typical summer low flow

Lake & Reservoir Levels

Parks Canada staff continue to closely monitor water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system. The drawdown of reservoir lakes in the Tay River and Upper Rideau sub watersheds is being carried out at the minimal levels required to maintain navigation along the Rideau Canal. Currently, water levels in the reservoir lakes (Bob’s Lake and Wolfe Lake) and the navigation lakes (Upper Rideau Lake and Big Rideau Lake) are below normal and are expected to decline further. Levels on the Rideau Canal system are currently being maintained within navigable range.

Recommended Actions

Ongoing drought conditions are placing increased pressure on both surface water and groundwater supplies, making water conservation essential. Residents and businesses across the Rideau Valley watershed are strongly encouraged to reduce their overall water use and suspend non-essential water activities until natural supplies begin to recover.

Private Wells

Residents relying on groundwater wells are urged to use water responsibly to help protect the aquifers on which they depend. Residents experiencing well water supply issues are encouraged to reach out to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks “Wells Help Desk” (Wells on your property | ontario.ca) for guidance. If direct intervention is required, residents should contact a licensed well contractor for assistance.

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. However, conservation measures are still strongly encouraged to reduce overall demand and to support broader watershed resiliency.

General Advisories

All residents are encouraged to follow municipal updates for guidance on water conservation, water source conditions, and information on fire bans, as dry groundcover and vegetation have increased fire risk.

Permit Holders

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

To better understand local conditions, landowners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact Isabelle Maltais by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems.

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

RVCA website: www.rvca.ca

Hourly and daily streamflow’s and water levels:

www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels

August 11, 2025

Level I Low Water – First indication of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level. Key focus is conservation of water. 

Watershed Conditions: June and July experienced below-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures, resulting in dry conditions throughout the Mississippi River Watershed. Over the past 90 days, recorded rainfall across the watershed has fallen under 80% of the long-term seasonal average. Conditions have worsened in the last 30 days, with rainfall dropping to under 50% of the seasonal norm. Looking ahead, the 7-day forecast predicts less than 10 mm of rainfall, while daytime high temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 35°C across the region.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River watershed have reached Level I Low Water threshold under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Actions: The MVCA is encouraging all water users that are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network to reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of the low water conditions.

Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual taking as much as possible. Residents are also urged to use water conservatively by using rain barrels to water lawns and gardens and avoid using pressure washers to clean houses, driveways, decks and fences. Please check your municipality’s website for current water usage restrictions.  All residents throughout the Mississippi Valley watershed should be aware of any bans or bylaws that may be in place in their municipalities regarding watering or fire bans. 

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. 

Duration: This message is in effect until an update has been issued.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:

MVCA Duty Officer

613-220-8462

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

More Resources:

City of Ottawa: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/water-utility-bills/water-conservation

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: 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 View online version

Update August 10, 2025 - Level 3 Fire Ban in place.  Absolutely no fires permitted at this time.

Media Release

Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls are inviting residents and visitors to participate in the second round of public consultation for the Rural Transit Feasibility Study, which aims to explore solutions for improving transit options across the region.

The study, led by consulting firm Arcadis, is assessing current transportation challenges and developing strategies to enhance mobility for rural communities. Based on feedback from the first round of consultation, the project team has developed several transit scenarios and is now seeking input on their benefits and trade-offs.

Public Drop-In Events will be held in August at the following locations:

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Perth Library, 30 Herriott Street, Town of Perth

4:00 to 6:00 p.m. – Almonte Library, 155 High Street, Municipality of Mississippi Mills

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Town Hall, 77 Beckwith Street North, Town of Smiths Falls

These informal drop-in sessions offer an opportunity to learn more about the study, ask questions, and share feedback directly with the project team. Public input is vital to shaping a transit strategy that reflects local needs and priorities.

For those unable to attend in person, feedback can be submitted through an online form available on the Lanark County website at www.lanarkcounty/transit until August 29th, 2025.

Update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - A Level 2 PARTIAL Open Air Fire Ban is now in effect!

Only residential fires are permitted until further notice.  Residential fires include campfires (no bigger than 30” in height & diameter), enclosed or screened in fire pits, burn barrels, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces.

We ask that all residents take extreme caution when burning. Make sure you have/obtain a burn permit, don't burn in areas with brown dead grass, don't burn when its windy, always have a water source available to extinguish the fire and never leave a fire unattended.

A burn permit is required for all open air burning. To obtain an open air burn permit: Complete your permit application online at dnetv.burnpermits.com or call 613-267-2596 ext 4.

If you are a tenant, permission from the property owner must be obtained.

Cost: All open-air burn permits are FREE.

For more information, please call 613-267-2596.

Lanark County Female First Responders Camp

Join us for a free, two-day camp on October 17 & 18, 2025, to gain hands on experience in the world of firefighting, law enforcement, and paramedic services.

Registration opens August 1, 2025 at PERTH.CA/LCFFRC

Open to self-identifying females ages 15-20 that reside in Lanark County

July 29, 2025

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is investigating an unusual number of cases of salmonella infection. As part of this investigation, we are requesting that members of the public who ate at the Rocky River Café on Wilson St in Perth Ont., on or around July 15, 2025, and have experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, contact the SEHU.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and infection of the digestive tract as well as more serious illness such as sepsis. Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 hours to 7 days, and usually 12 to 36 hours after exposure. Salmonella can be spread from person to person, most often from contaminated hands or objects. Infections can also be caused by food that has been contaminated with the bacteria.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating at Rocky River Café on or around July 15, 2025, contact the SEHU by calling the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext.2222 or click on this link to provide information for our investigation. If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you seek medical attention by contacting your health care provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call Health Care Connect at 811 or visit www.virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888-684-1999.

Although the initial exposure to salmonella is likely linked to contaminated food, there is risk that infection may continue because salmonella can be spread from person to person. Prevent person-to-person spread of salmonella by:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing and eating meals.
• If you are experiencing diarrhea and or vomiting, avoid preparing or serving food. 

• Do not attend work while ill with vomiting or diarrhea if you are a food handler, child care worker, or health care worker. 
• Children who are experiencing vomiting and or diarrhea should not attend daycare/summer camp/school until they are 48 hours symptom-free

As part of the investigation, SEHU has issued a closure order to the Rocky River Cafe under Section 13 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. We are working closely with the restaurant operators to ensure that any risk is eliminated, and the restaurant will remain closed until a full inspection determines the premises is safe to reopen.

Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and its regulations, health units are required to inspect food service premises. Health Units also respond to complaints from members of the public regarding food safety practices in food premises, as well as any other establishments that the Health Unit inspects.

Health Unit inspection reports are publicly reported, and can be found on the Health Unit’s website in the section entitled INSIGHT. SEHU remains committed to protecting the health of our community through rigorous inspection, enforcement, and education.

Frequently Asked questions

Please visit www.healthunit.org and click on the Salmonella exposure tab on the front page for more information or contact the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext.2222.

 For immediate release 

New position supports community safety activities

Lanark County has created a new position that brings together multiple roles in one place.

Stephanie Gray was hired in early June for the position of Lanark County OPP Detachment Board Support Coordinator. In this role she serves as the secretary-treasurer for the new Lanark County OPP Detachment Board, which involves managing meetings, maintaining records and providing general administrative support. Her responsibilities also include coordinating activities related to the Lanark County Situation Table and implementation of the recently approved Community Plan for Safety and Well-being, as well as providing training and ensuring legislative compliance under the Community Safety and Policing Act. Gray will also undertake communications services for the county, including media releases and social media, and actively seek out and apply for grants to support operations of the Detachment Board and community safety initiatives.

Gray has more than 30 years of experience in professional communications to the county, including journalism and consulting. She is a skilled project coordinator, community collaborator and grant writer. Her extensive background includes coordinating the Lanark County Situation Table and developing and implementing community safety and well-being plans.

“Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, ensuring that the Lanark County OPP Detachment Board, the Situation Table and the Community Plan for Safety and Well-Being across the County of Lanark are well-supported,” said Clerk Jasmin Ralph. “We are confident her appointment will greatly benefit the county and its residents, and we look forward to her contributions in enhancing community safety and well-being.”

Lanark County - Night paving operations scheduled for Ferguson Falls Road.

For immediate release.

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Company Limited is scheduled to begin overnight paving work
on County Road 15 (Ferguson Falls Road) from Pine Grove Road to Highway 7 next week.
Night paving operations will take place beginning the evening of Monday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to
6 a.m. and again each night through to Thursday, July 31.

Public Works Manager Sam Poole explained work crews will be active during overnight hours to
complete asphalt paving with minimal impact to daytime traffic. During this time, one lane will
remain open to traffic. A pilot vehicle will be in operation to safely guide vehicles through the
construction zone.

“Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, follow signage and flagging personnel, and expect
minor delays,” Poole said. “The county appreciates your patience and cooperation.”