MMR/MMRV Vaccine Clinic Happening in Brockville

March 18, 2025

South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) is offering a Measles Mumps Rubella /Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (MMR/MMRV) immunization clinic in Brockville for eligible individuals who are not up to date with their Measles immunizations.

This clinic will focus on the following groups:

• Children 1 to 4 years of age needing MMR
• Children over 4 years of age who have not received the recommended 2 doses of MMR (second dose includes Varicella, MMRV)
• School educators and childcare workers who do not have 2 doses of measles vaccine, which may have been given as MMR or a separate measles vaccine

MMR/MMRV immunization clinic info:

Date: March 26, 2025

Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm

Where: South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit), Brockville office, 458 Laurier Boulevard

How: Please book into this clinic using the following link

If you need assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313.

Contact:

For media inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South East Health Unit Media Release

 March 4, 2025

For immediate release

Well Water and Localized Flooding

 Thawing of snow and ice combined with spring rains may cause localized flooding on some properties.  Flood water and water ponding around wells can affect the safety of your drinking water. The South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) is advising residents whose wells are directly affected by flooding to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water, or use an alternate safe source until you test your water and confirm that it is safe to drink.

 A few tips to keep in mind if your property is prone to flooding:

• monitor weather and take warnings seriously
• monitor your local conservation authority website and alerts for localized flooding risks
• ensure drainage ditches, etc. around your home are clear and can function during periods of heavy rain
• label the shut off valves and the direction to turn off the gas, water, power, etc. If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas, etc.
• maintain your home to keep water out
• move items likely to be affected by a flood water to higher areas where possible
• ensure chemicals, cleaners; gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water
• ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps in the event of power outage. Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water
• have an emergency kit stocked; be sure to include important documents, cash, safe drinking water, food and medication

It’s important to regularly test your well water tested for bacteria. Run off from heavy rain and snow melting may affect the safety of your drinking water. Bacteria in your well water may not affect the taste or smell of your water. Testing your well water is the only way to know for sure if your drinking water is safe to consume or if it is contaminated with bacteria and requires some actions to protect the health of your family. The Health Unit recommends that you test your well water at least three times a year, or after any weather events such as flooding that may affect the safety of your drinking water.

Visit the Well Water Sampling section of our website for drinking water information including:  where you can pick up and drop off your free water bottle samples; how to take a sample; how to disinfect your well (if required). For more information, call us at 1-800-660-5853 or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit. We are also now on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z For more information about emergency preparedness please visit Emergency Preparedness – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Contact

For media interviews, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

March 4, 2025

South East Health Unit confirms one positive case of measles in Hastings County; investigating a number of probable cases

South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) has confirmed one measles case and is investigating a number of probable cases in Hastings County. The positive case is in an unvaccinated adult who travelled within the province. Public Health is reaching out to known contacts of the confirmed and probable cases. If you are not contacted by SEHU, you have not been identified as a close contact.  

Measles is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection that can cause severe life-long complications. SEHU is urging individuals and families to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccines and to remain watchful for symptoms, especially if not fully vaccinated. Ensuring your vaccines are up to date is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and prevent the spread of measles in our community.

SEHU is offering vaccine clinics for those whose vaccines are not up to date. Appointments can be booked at hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body.

The risk of transmission to those vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine is very low, and when it does occur tends to show a reduction in the severity of symptoms.

People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and those who are not fully vaccinated. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.

For more information about measles, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/measles-faqs/.

Media contact:

Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South East Health Unit
Media Release

School Immunization Records Assessment expanding to UCDSB in February

Last month, South East Health Unit (formerly the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) began conducting immunization record assessments for students born in 2020, 2017 and 2008. Having up-to-date immunization records inform us of vaccine coverage rates (those that have protection against these diseases), which allows public health to act swiftly to prevent additional cases should cases of a communicable disease occur in the school setting.

As of December 2024, over 3,000 students’ (born in 2008, 2017 and 2020) immunization records are incomplete or completely missing in the provincial record system for our area.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, the Medical Officer of Health will be issuing an order of suspension for each of the students who still do not have any immunization record submitted to the health unit by the stated deadline.

The suspension from school is for up to 20 school days, starting on the date stated in the notice (this varies by school board).

Suspension orders for students born in 2008 and 2017 in the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be mailed out by February 10. The orders for students in junior kindergarten will be placed in the students’ backpack the week of February 10, instead of by mail.

The start of the 20 day suspension period for UCDSB will be March 26 for students who still do not have any immunization records submitted to the Health Unit by March 25.

The suspension will be rescinded by public health when one of the following requirements is met by the parent/guardian:

1. Provide a record of immunization using the Health Unit online portal. We require a copy of an official immunization record from a health care provider.
2. Provide the health unit with a statement of medical exemption to exempt the student from immunization requirements.
3. Provide the health unit with a statement of conscience or religious belief affidavit to exempt the student from immunization requirements. Questions regarding the process should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
4. Submit proof of a booked immunization appointment to provide the student with the required vaccines by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
5. Parent or guardian initiates a request for an exemption under the Immunization of School Pupils Act by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parents/guardians needing assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2313.

The health unit has immunization clinics in five locations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Families who have received a suspension letter are welcome to book into one of these clinics if unable to access an appointment with their own health care provider. The link to book an appointment is found on this page.

For more information on required immunizations for school and daycare attendance, please go to our website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/immunization/

Contact:

For media interviews, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Compass Greenfield Development is holding a Public Community Meeting for the Golden Leaf Agrivoltaics Project

Date:               February 11^th, 2025

Time:              6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location:       Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244

26 Beckwith St E, Perth ON K7H 1B5

The proposed Project will incorporate a ground-mount solar photovoltaics generator as well as sheep grazing.

The Golden Leaf Agrivoltaics Project would be located at Part Lot 17, Concession 10 geographic Township of Drummond (opposite the intersection at Drummond Concession 1 & Ebert Road)

The public community meeting will allow attendees to ask questions and provide feedback on the project for the full duration of the meeting. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For greater public access, a project website has also been created at https://goldenleafagrivoltaics.ca/.  You can find notice of the meeting, along with FAQ and all other updates on the proposed Project.

COUNTY OF LANARK

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PASS A BY-LAW FOR THE BETTER HOMES LANARK PROGRAM

TAKE NOTICE that the County of Lanark and the following municipalities within the County of Lanark intend to pass a by-law under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and Ontario Regulation 586/06: Local Improvement Charges – Priority Lien Status, to implement the Better Homes Lanark (BHL) program.

• Town of Perth
• Municipality of Mississippi Mills
• Township of Beckwith
• Township of Drummond North Elmsley
• Township of Lanark Highlands
• Township of Montague
• Township of Tay Valley
• Town of Carleton Place

Purpose of the By-law

The proposed by-law will enable the residents of the County of Lanark within the participating local municipalities to participate in the Better Homes Lanark program, which assists homeowners in financing energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, such as:

• Insulation improvements,
• Installation of high-efficiency heating or cooling systems,
• Solar panel installations, and
• Other eligible home retrofits.

Financing for these upgrades will be provided through Local Improvement Charges (LICs) applied to property tax bills, ensuring repayment over time.

Eligibility

The program is voluntary and available to all residential property owners in the participating local municipalities who meet the eligibility criteria. Participation requires an agreement between the property owner and the local municipality, who agree to the LICs being charged against their property.

Details of the Local Improvement Charges

1. Financing will be repaid through an additional charge on participating properties' tax bills.
2. The charge will include the principal amount and applicable interest.
3. Repayment terms will be determined by the agreement between the property owner and the program administrator.

Adoption Dates:

The Better Homes Lanark Bylaw will be duly adopted at their respective municipalities on the following dates:

Additional Information

For more information about the proposed By-law or the Better Homes Lanark program, please contact:

County of Lanark, 613-267-4200

Elizabeth Boldt, Climate Environmental Coordinator - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x 3105

Jasmin Ralph, Clerk - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x1502

Joan Pratt, Business Manager - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. x 3110

Dated this 29th day of January, 2025, at Tay Valley Township Ontario.

Community Open House: Smiths Falls Youth Arena Feasibility Study

As part of the Youth Arena Feasibility Study conducted by Nustadia Recreation Inc., the Town of Smiths Falls is excited to host a Community Open House to discuss proposed building options for the Youth Arena. This event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the study’s insights, review potential design options for the facility, and share their feedback to help shape the future of our recreation infrastructure.

Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Smiths Falls Community Centre Hall

What to Expect:
• Displays showcasing design options for the arena, including renovation and new-build possibilities.
• Opportunities to speak with Town staff and project consultants to gather your valuable input on priorities for the arena.

Your voice matters!

Join us to ensure that the Smiths Falls Youth Arena continues to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.

South East Health Unit Media Release

Jan. 16, 2025

Eastern Ontario public health units address growing crisis of food insecurity

EASTERN ONTARIO - Public health units across eastern Ontario are collaborating to raise awareness about the growing problem of food insecurity, which is having a profound impact on individuals and families in the region. Food insecurity is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. This issue not only threatens the physical and mental health of both adults and children, but also places increased pressure on health-care services.

Food insecurity is a widespread issue that is increasingly being seen at the regional, provincial, and national levels. In 2023, nearly one in four households (24 percent) experienced food insecurity in the eastern region of Ontario, a significant rise from 16 percent the previous year.

Public health units across the province monitor food affordability by comparing the costs of food and rent to various individual and household income scenarios. Findings from these scenarios show that an individual receiving Ontario Works in eastern Ontario struggles to afford both food and rent, with a monthly deficit ranging from -$263 to -$795. Data collected also indicates that low-income households face similar challenges and are unable to meet their basic needs after paying for rent, utilities, transportation, clothing, medications and other essentials.

Food insecurity is not a budgeting or lack of food skills issue; it is a direct result of inadequate income. Poverty is the root cause and addressing food insecurity requires systemic, income-based solutions to ensure people can afford the basic essentials of life. Income-based solutions could include: 

• Indexing social assistance rates to the cost of living, ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation and rising living expenses.
• Reassessing the existing income support programs for individuals with low-incomes, including child benefits and disability benefits.
• Expanding tax filing programs to ensure households living with low-incomes have access to eligible government subsidies.
• Enhancing employment standards to improve benefits and ensure livable wages for all workers.

Learn more about food insecurity and effective responses by visiting: https://proof.utoronto.ca/

For more information from your local public health agency, visit:

• Eastern Ontario Health Unit
• Ottawa Public Health
  • South East Health Unit, formerly:
  • Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
  • KFL&A Public Health
  • Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

For interviews, contact:

• Eastern Ontario Health Unit – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• South East Health Unit, formerly:
  • Hastings Prince Edward Public Health – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • KFL&A Public Health – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.g
• Ottawa Public Health – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley will soon have a second brand-new plow truck clearing the roads. The Township is thrilled to announce the addition of 2 new plow trucks to its fleet, bringing the total to six. The new trucks will replace a contracted plow route as well as an older unit, enhancing our winter maintenance capabilities.

This new chassis is a 2025 International truck, plow and harness built by Tenco and outfitted and supplied by Oakes Truck Sales right here in Drummond North Elmsley Township. It is currently being equipped with GPS, and the sander/salter is being calibrated to our specific needs. The trucks will be operational this month.

These new additions to our convoy will enhance efficiency during critical storm events, ensuring the safety of our residents and drivers when it matters most. By improving our winter maintenance capabilities, we are committed to providing better service and fostering a safer community for everyone, says Reeve Fournier.

The trucks are used extensively in the summer to apply water and gravel to the road network to support our grading operations.

Tom Oakes presented Reeve Steve Fournier with the keys to the newest addition to the Township’s fleet. And yes, it is red! The Public Works Manager subsequently removed the keys from Fournier’s hand in case he had any ideas of test driving the truck.

Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment for the Reconstruction of Highway 7 in the Town of Perth, G.W.P. 75-99-00 

THE PROJECT
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained the services of Egis (formerly McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.) and LEA Consulting Ltd. Joint Venture (Egis-LEA Joint Venture) to carry out the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment for the reconstruction of Highway 7 in the Town of Perth from approximately 1.3 km west of County Road 511 easterly to Wayside Drive West, approximately 4.5 km, County of Lanark. The study is following the approved planning process for a Group B undertaking in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000), with the opportunity for public input throughout.

The Study includes:

• Resurfacing of the highway throughout the project limits;
• Widening of Highway 7 between County Road 511 and Perth Mews Mall and between Wilson Street and Drummond Street, approximately 2.5 km to accommodate a continuous two-way left turn lane;
• Construction of dedicated left turn and right turn lanes at the following intersections: County Road 511, Perth Mews Mall, commercial property at Wilson Street, Drummond Street West and Wilson Street;
• Construction of a left turn slip around for vehicles turning left in mainline Highway 7 onto Dufferin Road;
•  Construction of a centerline left turn lane east of Drummond Street in an eastbound direction only to various businesses;
•  Providing upgraded commercial entrances as required throughout the project limits;
• Closing Dufferin Road at Drummond Street West and Morris Road South at Highway 7;
• Construction of a new municipal roadway from Dufferin Road Southerly to Highway 7 with a new intersection at Highway 7; and
• Intersection improvements and widening at County Road 511.

Additional detailed information including plan drawings are available for viewing at www.highway7improvements.com.

TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT ADDENDUM

The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that an addendum to the Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) for the Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment for Highway 7 from west of County Road 511 to Wayside Drive West, Town of Perth, GWP 75-99-00, May 2009, has been prepared to document changes to the Preliminary Design such as additional property requirements. A copy of the TESR Addendum will be available from November 28^th, 2024 to January 10^th, 2025 for a 30-day comment period at www.highway7improvements.com. If you have any accessibility needs to review the TESR Addendum, please contact one of the project team members below.

COMMENTS
Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team by January 10^th, 2025. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to one, or both, of the project team members listed below.

Mr. Bob Boutilier
Project Manager
Egis
516 O’Connor Drive
Kingston, ON K7P 1N3
tel: 343-344-2638 or
toll free: 1-888-348-8991
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mr. Chris Belanger
Senior Project Manager
Ministry of Transportation – Project Delivery East
1355 John Counter Boulevard
Kingston, ON K7L 5A3
tel: 613-583-4573
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e., requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g., require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry. Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy those potential adverse impacts, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request.

The request should be sent in writing or by email to:

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 1P5
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor
Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A copy of the request should also be sent to the project team members listed above by mail or by email. All information/comments will be maintained on file during the study and may be included in the study documentation. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

If you have accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above.

NOTICE ISSUED ON: NOVEMBER 28^th, 2024