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..

French eBooks and eAudiobooks now available at the Perth & District Library

The Perth & District Union Public Library now provides access to Cantook, a digital collection of French eBooks and eAudiobooks. The platform hosts 11,000+ ebooks and 1,300+ audio titles from Franco-Ontarian, Québécois and international publishers, and for adults, teens and children. It also hosts a wide selection of current and popular translations, by authors such as  Louise Penny, Kristin Hannah, Sarah J. Maas, and Michael Connelly.

“We're delighted to have access to this resource via the Ontario Library Service consortium, which will allow us to support our French readers with many more and regularly updated titles than we could on our own”, said Emily Fournier, Library Specialist - Adult & Senior Services.

The new French eBook and eAudiobook collection can be accessed with a Perth & District library card and at the following url: https://perthunionpubliclibrary.cantookstation.com/.

The Ottawa District Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) received a report regarding a possible harmful algal bloom.

That possible HAB was observed at 11:34 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 155 McCreary’s Beach Road, (McCreary’s Beach Resort), Drummond-North Elmsley Township, at a pond, adjacent to Mississippi Lake. 

Based on conversations with the Leeds/Lanark/Grenville Health Unit, a site visit will not be conducted. There are no public beaches, recreational camps, or small drinking water systems that draw drinking water from the lake.

Another possible HAB was observed at 3:25 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, on Charlie Drive in Drummond-North Elmsley Township, at Ebbs Bay, Mississippi Lake.

Based on conversations with the Southeast Health Unit, a site visit will not be conducted.

For general information on blue-green algae, please refer to the MECP’s website at Blue-green algae | ontario.ca.

Lanark County Internet Service Options

Lanark County, ON — September 19, 2025

Lanark County has been made aware that residents who currently receive internet services from Community Fibre Company (CFC) may have their service interrupted in the coming weeks.

To support those impacted, the County is providing a list of internet service providers (ISPs) and tools to help residents find new connectivity options.

How to Find a New Internet Provider

Residents are encouraged to use the following tools:

- National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map
  Search by address to view available providers, service types, and coverage.
  https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/139.nsf/eng/home

- AHSIP Interactive Map
  Part of Ontario’s Accelerated High Speed Internet Program. Residents must click on the coloured roadway lines to view service details.
  www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-connects-making-high-speed-internet-accessible-every-community
  (Note: This map shows fibre builds underway by Bell, Rogers, and Xplore, expected to complete by 2025, though timelines may shift.)

ISPs Offering Immediate Solutions

Rogers Communications Inc.

Wireless broadband available in Montague, Beckwith, Carleton Place, and Lanark Highlands.
Visit www.rogers.com or a physical location:
- Carleton Place (515 McNeely Ave Unit 1B)
- Smiths Falls (60 Lombard St Unit 4)
Residents can leave with equipment and set up service immediately.

Bell Canada Ltd.

Visit www.bell.ca or their physical location in Smiths Falls (123 Lombard St Unit #7)

Storm Internet

Coverage in Montague, Beckwith, Carleton Place, and Lanark Highlands.
Visit https://www.storm.ca or their Perth location:
2896 Rideau Ferry Road, Unit 106, Perth
Phone: 613-267-3801
Technician visit required for signal check and installation.

Xplore

Offers 5G Ultra in many Ontario locations.
Visit https://www.xplore.ca or contact local distributor:
DKS Xplore, 27 Kearnsley Way, Stittsville
Phone: 613-218-8671
Technician visit required for setup.

Starlink

Satellite-based service available across Lanark County.
Visit https://www.starlink.com
Equipment shipped directly to residents; self-installation required.

Further resources will be added here as they become available.

Please note that, while Lanark County is committed to assisting residents affected by the outage by providing available information, we are not involved in any decision related to the service outage. If you are an effected customer, we encourage you to reach out directly to your provider for further information.

For immediate release

September 15th, 2025

Lanark County 2025 Construction Update

Lanark County Public Works is pleased to provide this update on construction projects taking place in 2025. In total, 24.8 kilometers of roadway have been upgraded with paved shoulders, and 16.2 kilometers have had micro-surfacing completed. These upgrades represent a significant investment in infrastructure, safety, and accessibility for all road users.

Highway 43 (CR43)

From Station Road to Mazie Street, this section now features paved shoulders, completing a continuous stretch from Perth to Smiths Falls. This enhancement greatly improves cyclist and pedestrian safety.

Scotch Line Road (CR10)

From Glen Tay Road to Otty Lake Side Road, upgrades include paved shoulders and drainage improvements. A left-turn slip lane at Glen Tay Road has been added to improve traffic flow and safety.

Roadways upgraded with paved shoulders and improved drainage:

• Waba Road (CR20) -From Shaw Road southerly for 4.6 km
• Ferguson Falls Road (CR15) - From Pine Grove Road to Highway 7
• Highway 511 (CR511) From 3 km north of Tatlock Road northerly for 3.4 km
• Derry Side Road (CR17) From Beckwith 9th Line southerly for 1.9 km

Innovative Construction Practices

This season saw the successful trial of night paving on Highway 511, Ferguson Falls Road, Waba Road, and Derry Side Road. Based on its effectiveness, the County will permit night paving as an option for future projects.

Micro-Surfacing Pavement Preservation

• Maberly-Elphin Road (CR36): Robertsville Road to Elphin
• McDonalds Corners Road (CR12): Mill Avenue to Elphin
• Townline Road (CR7B): Joseph Street to McNeely Avenue

Blakeney Bridge Replacement

Construction on the Blakeney Bridge has been completed. The single-lane bridge has now been replaced with a modern two-lane modular structure featuring a widened shoulder and a dedicated pedestrian walkway.

5-Arches Bridge

Work on the bridge began in mid-August and is focused on replacing the concrete jackets surrounding the original stone footings in the Mississippi River. This phase is scheduled to continue through October of 2025, with temporary closures to facilitate dewatering access. In 2026, additional restoration will include the replacement of the parapet stones and the asphalt deck, requiring the closure of the bridge during the work.

OVRT (Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail)

 Sections of the OVRT north of Almonte were resurfaced with new stone dust, improving trail conditions and user experience for cyclists, walkers, and other recreational users. Wayfinding signage is scheduled to be installed this fall.

Tay-Havelock Trail

 More than 12 kilometers of the Tay-Havelock Trail have been resurfaced with new gravel and stone dust, extending from the trailhead westward. The work includes brushing and tree removal, drainage enhancements, granular base installation, and stone dust surfacing, with wayfinding signage also planned.

The County extends its sincere thanks to all residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation throughout this important construction season. These improvements will serve our communities for years to come.

Sean Derouin, Lanark County’s Public Works Director, celebrated these achievements, “This year’s road and bridge improvements reflect our commitment to building safer, more accessible infrastructure for everyone in Lanark County. We’re grateful for the public’s patience and support throughout the construction season.”