The launch of the celebrations, in January, featured the much anticipated launch of the Historical Mapping Project. Undertaken by Barrie Crampton and with the assistance of CGIS, the project tells the story of the settling of the Perth Military Settlement, including all of the original Townships. Employing digital mapping technology and resurrected original maps of the survey of 1815, in an interactive electronic setting it shows the settlement of the soldiers and settlers by individual lot, concession, names of the original and subsequent families and also shares their stories for a lasting on-line legacy on the history of the current municipalities.  Click here to view.

In April, three of the Township’s maple syrup producers (Coutts Country Flavours, Temples Sugar Bush and Oliver’s Mapleworks) teamed up to offer a ‘Pioneer Maple weekend’ on their properties where visitors got to experience farm life on a rural property as it was 200 years earlier. Activities such as sheep shearing, wagon rides, maple syrup production and taffy on the snow were available. Together with the open houses, Bethel United Church on Port Elmsley Road hosted a pancake breakfast on April 2nd that provided fuel for many visits to the sugar bushes!

A Re-enactment of the Settlers’ Route took place in May where several volunteers dressed in period costumes retraced the historic route taken by the settlers 200 years ago. The trek started in Brockville and found the Trekkers pass through Lyn, Athens, Delta, Portland and Rideau Ferry before entering the Perth Tay Basin.

The Township hosted its signature event, in May, at the Municipal Offices with pioneer games as well as displays and booths that told the story of Drummond/  North Elmsley and its people. The event was highlighted by presentations honouring original settlers and their farms. A cedar rail fence demonstration of four unique fence sections remain in place today in tribute to this local specialty. Henry Norwood, Wade Foster and others performed throughout the afternoon. The 200th Anniversary Committee extends a special thanks to the Drummond Second Line Women’s Institute for catering a delicious lunch that was free to all.

The legacy farms project recognizes family farms in both Drummond/North Elmsley and Tay Valley that have been operational for at least 100 years. Following an application process, over 35 farms in Drummond/North Elmsley, in 100 year, 150 year and 200 year categories have been identified and recognized. Every legacy farm recipient was invited to the Heritage Day celebration where certificates were handed out. Permanent legacy farm signs proudly hang from farm posts and alongside driveways throughout the Township.

The ‘Settler’s Trail’ project commemorated the route of the original trek by the original settlers, War of 1812 veterans and others from Brockville to the Perth Military Settlement. The trail was symbolically unveiled at the Rideau Ferry Dock Bridge, close to the actual embankment and an interpretive panel brings to life the events and the journeys that so many had made. Tay Valley and Drummond/North Elmsley collaborated on this project and the drivers are reminded of this trail when they enter both Townships along this route.

The ‘Celebrate Balderson’ weekend in july highlighted the dairy heritage of the area and Balderson’s most famous export on a nice summer weekend. The celebration was a locally and volunteer driven occasion put on with the help of the Lanark County Milk Committee, local 4-H clubs, churches and residents and included displays, special church services, community meals and lots of milk and ice cream. The displays included a replica of the Mammoth cheese, which was a 22,000 pound curd produced from the milk of local farmers that originally traveled to the World’s Fair 1893 in Chicago. A historical panel highlighting the people, places and industry of this beautiful village was unveiled at the Balderson Cheese Factory building and will be a permanent legacy for the community.

This was a combined road tour and social event organized by Drummond residents to celebrate the history and pride of the community. The first part of the day started with a road tour to visit historically significant places in the Township including local farms, churches, hamlets and cemeteries. Maps were provided and the self-guided tour lasted over the course of the afternoon.  Everyone was invited to a get together at the Ferguson’s Falls Hall afterwards for a meal and
an evening of entertainment. There were door prizes and a performance from the musical group ‘Memory Lane

Constructed 1858-61 the home is a unique representation of the Ontario cottage architectural style with a unique L-shaped design and inhabited by some of Lanark County’s most prominent citizens over the last 150 years.

For more information visit their website

Constructed in 1873 out of locally quarried stone, this building educated 100 years of North Elmsley students until it was eventually converted into apartments.

For more information visit their website

For more historical information on school houses in Drummond/North Elmsley, please visit one-room school houses .

Constructed in 1849 this Georgian-style stone house was home to some of the most prominent farmers of the area and is notable for its pillars and intricate hand carved finishing's and is considered a landmark along the Scotch Line Road.

For more information visit their website

Constructed in 1847, the Sneyd House is located at 44 South Street on the outskirts of Perth, in the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley. Built in the Neo-classical style, this home remains an excellent example of residential houses constructed during the era.

The Sneyd House was recognized for its heritage value by the former Township of North Elmsley, By-Law 84-43, on 3 January 1984.

For more information visit their website

You will be able to experience wildlife, camping, hiking, boating/canoeing, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature trails at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park. Situated on Big Rideau Lake this park offers tours of a c. 1900 mica mine, the Silver Queen Mine, as well as other interpretive programs. During the summer months the Park Store is open.

Address: 2243 Elmgrove Road, Perth, Ontario
Phone: 613-267-5060
Website

Located on the Trans Canada Highway (hwy #7) Sharbot Lake Provincial Park offers camping, scenic nature trails, playground for the kids, sandy beaches, two lakes to choose from, fishing, boating and canoeing. Shower and washroom facilities are available. Canoe, boat and paddleboat rentals are available.

Address: 25467 Hwy 7, Sharbot Lake, Ontario
Phone: 613-335-2814
Website

Silver Lake Provincial Park located west of Perth (hwy 7) offers great swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Enjoy all the park amenities within easy walking distance, great for young families with a good playground. Clean facilities and friendly staff are their top priority. Open May to September.

Address: 22726 Hwy 7, Maberly, Ontario
Phone: 613-268-2000
Website

During the winter season, the ice surface is used for hockey, pleasure skating, figure skating and broomball, trade shows and events by a number of groups.

Address: 67 Princess Street, Lanark, Ontario
Phone:613-259-3345
Website

The Perth and District Community Centre is the home of the Perth Blue Wings Junior Hockey Club, Perth Lanark Minor Hockey, Perth Girls Hockey Association and the Perth Figure Skating Club. The ice season begins on the first Tuesday after Labour Day and runs until the end of March each year. During the summer months the arena slab is used for dances, concerts or trades shows.

Address: 2 Beckwith Street, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-2455
Website

The Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre is a place for many recreational opportunities, inside and out. From the skateboard park, baseball diamond, tennis courts to the walking concourse, figure skating, hockey and events, the Community Centre caters to the active lifestyle.

Address: 71 Cornelia Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario
Phone:613-283-4124
Website

Located at 3 Sunset Boulevard, the Indoor Pool offers a variety of programs, including swimming lessons, aquafit classes, therapeutic classes, public, family, senior and adult swim times, Masters Swim Club and Scuba lessons.

The Pool is the home of the Perth Stingrays Aquatic Club and 2008 Olympic contender Mike Brown. There is a multi-purpose room, as well as sauna and pool time for rent. The Annual Indoor Pool Triathlon is held the first Sunday every June.

Address: 3 Sunset Boulevard, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-5302
Website

Situated in the southeast corner of Perth, Conlon Farm boasts 50 acres of outdoor fun. Soccer fields, ball diamonds, basketball courts, beach volleyball court, tennis courts, huge playground and splashpad, skateboard park, skating rink, toboggan hill and cross-country skiing. Snack Bar and washrooms (open May to October), lots of parking, picnic tables and walking paths make Conlon Farm a great place to spend your time while in Perth.

Completely open terrain for cross-country skiing – no designated trails. Toboggan hill and outdoor rink.

Admission: Free!

Address: 127 Smith Drive, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-3311 Ext. 2221
Website

The process to develop a Community Plan for Safety and Well-being for Lanark County and Smiths Falls began in late 2016. A Steering Committee with representation from the justice, community/youth, health care, social services/housing, victim services, education, Indigenous and local government sectors was established, and consultations and research began. To read more download the plan.

Download/view the 2025-2029 Community Plan for Safety and Well-Being

Download/view the 2025 Development Charges Pamphlet

Download/view the 2024 Development Charges Background Study - Notice of Passing

Download/view the 2024 Addendum to Development Charges Background Study

Download/view the 2024 Development Charges Background Study

Download/view the 2024 Annual Development Charges Statement

Download/view the 2023 Annual Development Charges Statement 

Download/view the 2022 Annual Development Charges Statement

2025 Budget Presentation Slides

Download/view Financial System and Processes 3rd Party Review

Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan

Ontario Regulation 397/11 was created under the Green Energy Act, 2009 and is being phased in over a number of years. 

Phase One

• The first phase required that Ontario public sector organizations complete a summary template that details the energy consumption, size, age and usage plans of each building they own.
• The Township submitted the first report in July 2013, as required. The report must be updated yearly thereafter.“A public agency shall prepare, publish, make available to the public and implement energy conservation and demand plans or joint plans in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of the Act and with this Regulation.

An energy conservation and demand management plan is composed of two parts as follows:

Phase Two

• A summary of the public agency’s annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for its operations.
• A description of previous, current and proposed measures for conserving and otherwise reducing the amount of energy consumed by the public agency’s operations and for managing the public agency’s demand for energy, including a forecast of the expected results of current and proposed measures.”The plan provides a framework to incorporate various initiatives identified in the plan in future operating and capital budgets.

2011 Baseline

Ontario Regulation 397/11 also requires “confirmation that the energy conservation and demand management plan has been approved by the public agency’s senior management.”

The Township owns and operates more than 4 buildings, 2 buildings are reported twice, as a public works garage and as a municipal office and community hall. For the purposes of this regulation, the DNE/TV Fire Hall located in the Town of Perth is included in this report.  Under the provisions of Regulation 397/11, 422 of these require energy and emission monitoring and reporting.  In 2011, the Township produced 108,394.93242 KG of GHG emissions.

Download/view the Public Works Department Review

Code Road Landfill Annual Report 2024.

Recreation Master Plan

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley, Tay Valley Township, and the Town of Perth - Joint Recreation Master Plan

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley, Tay Valley Township, and the Town of Perth prepared a joint Recreation Master Plan to guide the municipalities’ direction in planning recreational facilities and services.   The Recreation Master Plan (RMP) is a flexible blueprint to guide planning and decision making for parks, recreation, and cultural assets over the next ten years (to 2030). This Plan is intended to help the four area municipalities manage the development of parks and trails, recreation and cultural facilities and services, and programming and events. It will help to ensure that planning for parks, recreation, and culture improvements in the municipalities prioritizes investment in essential infrastructure and programming that contributes to the health and well-being of residents and visitors. 

Download the Recreation Master Plan

Download/view the Strategic Plan 2019-2026

Resolution No. 159-19

December 17, 2019

WHEREAS the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley recognizes and values the role of natural vegetation and tree canopy in the overall health of our natural environment;

AND WHEREAS Section 270 (1) 7 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that a Township shall adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the manner in which the Township will protect and enhance the tree canopy and natural vegetation in the Township.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley adopts the policy of a public education program aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of preservation and the best practices to manage tree canopies and natural vegetation.

Download Tree Canopy Background Information

Lanark County BR+E Report
Drummond/North Elmsley Final BR+E Survey Results