South East Health Unit 

Media Release

April 1, 2025

It’s Oral Health Month. Get With the Programs!

April is Oral Health month. To celebrate, the Health Unit is increasing awareness about government-funded programs available to help families and individuals of low-to-moderate incomes access essential dental care. Good oral health is vital for overall health across the lifespan. This month, we urge residents to learn more about the following programs, and to take advantage of them if they meet the criteria. If you need help determining which program you may qualify for, we recommend speaking to a member of our oral health team at 1-800-660-5853.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP):

• The OSDCP is a provincially-funded dental care program that provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older, are a resident of Ontario, meet the income requirements, and have no other form of dental benefits apart from the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) (e.g. private insurance, Ontario Works dental benefits, OSDCP dental benefits, or non-insured health benefits).
• The current income eligibility is an annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior, or a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple
• If seniors have successfully enrolled in both the OSDCP and CDCP, they can only use one program at a time. Benefits cannot be coordinated. We recommend speaking to a member of our Oral Health Team to discuss details of both programs to help them choose which program is best for them based on their individual needs.
• OSDCP clients may access treatment in locations across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties. Access to these services will be provided by Rideau Community Health Services (RCHS). To book appointments, residents may call 1-844-973-1400.

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO):

• The HSO program is a provincially-funded dental care program that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 and under from eligible low-income households
• HSO core program income eligibility starts at a family net income of $27, 746 or lower for one dependent child in the household. As the number of dependent children in the household increases, so does the family net income to qualify. The income eligibility chart can be accessed at https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care If enrolled in the core program, coverage is for a one year period
• The Oral Health Team at South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit) can assist families to access and enroll their children in the Emergency and Essential Stream of the program (HSO-EESS) if their child has urgent needs and it is a financial hardship to cover the cost of treatment. If enrolled in the emergency stream, coverage is for a six month period, to a maximum of three enrollments per lifetime
• HSO clients may access dental treatment at any local dental office that accepts the HSO program
• For more information on how to apply, residents may contact the oral health program at 1-800-660-5853, ext. 2456 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care

Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP):

• CDCP is a federally funded dental care program that helps cover the cost of preventive, routine and emergency dental services for eligible seniors aged 65 and older, children under the age of 18, and adults 18 + with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate
• Recently, the federal government announced that all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 years-old will be able to apply for the CDCP in May 2025; with coverage possibly starting as early as June 1, 2025.
• To qualify, be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, filed their tax return for the previous year, have no access to dental insurance, and have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. From March 2025 onward, current CDCP members must take action to renew their coverage. CDCP members must have filed their 2024 tax return and received their 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency before applying for renewal at canada.ca/dental, in My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by telephone.
• CDCP clients may access dental treatment at any local dental office that accepts the CDCP. A list of participating dental offices can be found at https://www.sunlife.ca/sl/cdcp/en/member/provider-search/
• CDCP clients may be responsible for a co-payment based on their adjusted family net income. It is important to note that that CDCP fees do not fully reimburse what a dental office typically charges. Regardless of income level, dentists will have the choice to charge their patients additional fees to cover the dentist’s standard fees not covered by CDCP
• For more information on how to apply, residents may contact Canada.ca directly at 1-833-537-4342, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html, or visit any Service Canada Centre

For more information on oral health for your family and for additional oral health resources, visit: Oral Health - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or contact 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685 extension 2456.

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Township of Drummond North/Elmsley

Agricultural Forum and Lunch

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Drummond/North Elmsley Township hosted an Agricultural Forum and Lunch at Ferguson’s Falls Community Hall. The event was attended by Council members, staff, and approximately 45 farmers and other agricultural professionals.

The forum provided a valuable learning opportunity for everyone present. The topics covered included farm succession planning by Andrew Leach from Farm Life, municipal drainage by the Township’s drainage superintendent Monica Shade from Shade Group.

Staff shared updates on changes to the 2025 Building Code, agricultural burn permits, and the Township’s new official plan. The forum was a crucial occasion for Council and staff to connect with the agricultural community, understand their challenges, and address their concerns.

For further information contact:

Kyra Dobbie, Development Services Clerk

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley

310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth, ON, K7H 3C7
613-267-6500 x 232

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Media Release - Small Business Advisory Centre - Starter Company Plus Funding Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boosting Local Business: 8 Entrepreneurs Receive Training and Over $38,000 in Starter Company Plus Funding

Smiths Falls, Ontario – March 25, 2025 – The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County, Northern Leeds Grenville) is proud to announce that eight local businesses from Lanark Highlands, Beckwith, Tay Valley, Smiths Falls, and Mississippi Mills have been awarded a total of $38,250 in funding through the Starter Company Plus Program. This initiative, funded by the Government of Ontario, provides selected entrepreneurs with essential training, coaching, and the opportunity to pitch for microgrants of up to $5,000 to support their business growth.

“We are excited to see entrepreneurs from Lanark Highlands, Beckwith, Tay Valley, Smiths Falls, and Mississippi Mills take part in this program. Their commitment to launching and growing their businesses is truly inspiring,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/Northern Leeds Grenville).

One of the recipients, Cole Gordon of Quick Coat, expressed appreciation for the program, stating, “The Starter Company Plus program has given me the opportunity to work on my business instead of in it. With the professional coaches, it has ensured this time was productive and focused on the exact areas of my business that need attention.”

The successful participants of the Starter Company Plus Winter/Spring 2025 cohort include:

Front row (left to right):

• To The Moon and Back Almonte – Katrina Morrison, Almonte, ON (www.tothemoonandbackalmonte.com)
• Cedar and Light Yoga – Lindsey Lambden, Mississippi Mills, ON (www.lindseylambden.com)
• The Natural Tannery – Danielle Prophet, Maberly, ON (www.thenaturaltannery.com)

Back row (left to right):

• Schofield Solutions Inc. - Amanda Schofield, Beckwith, ON (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Jabreezy’s Doughnuts – Jessica Bree, Smiths Falls, ON (www.jabreezysdoughnuts.ca)
• Elizabeth Confections– Dale Robertson, Lanark Highlands, ON (www.elizabethconfections.ca)
• Quick Coat – Cole Gordon, Smiths Falls, ON (www.quickcoat.ca)
• Trellis Mental Health Support Strategies – Beth O’Halloran, Almonte, ON (www.trellishealth.ca/)

About the Small Business Advisory Centre Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville:

The SBAC offers free information and advisory services for anyone interested in starting their own small business and for existing small business operators. The Centre is an initiative of the Ontario Government and partners with the Town of Smiths Falls, the County of Lanark and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.  A business advisor is available by appointment for one-on-one sessions. The SBAC provides a number of business webinars/workshops/programs throughout the year which you can find on our website www.smallbizcentre.ca,  you can reach us at  613-283-0062 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information contact:

Cindy James

Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville)
Phone: 613-283-0062
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                     
Website: www.smallbizcentre.ca 
Facebook: @smallbizcentre

PA Day and Summer Day Camps Registration Open!

MVCA is offering nature-based camps filled with outdoor learning, games, and fun at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area this spring and summer!

Nature-based learning includes outdoor exploration, guided hikes, stream studies, games, and more!

Day camps are for children ages 6 to 12 run and will run 9 am – 4 pm. Early drop-off and late pick-ups are available by pre-registration.

Upcoming Camps:

• P.A Day Camps: April 11, May 30 and June 27
• Summer Adventure Camps: weekly from July 7–August 22.

Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the adventure this summer with MVCA!

For more information and to register, visit: mvc.on.ca/education-programs

Contact:

Emma Higgins, Program Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hazard Identification & Management Strategy 

MVCA is required by the province to identify and manage natural hazards and wetlands within its jurisdiction.  Natural hazards include:  floodplains and areas of erosion and unstable soils or bedrock.  Development of the Strategy will involve identifying and prioritizing information and mapping gaps and developing an approach for addressing them.  More information on our regulatory mapping program can be found here.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be contacted when the draft strategy is scheduled for consideration by MVCA’s Policy & Planning Committee later this year.

2025 Flood Plain Mapping projects

MVCA is preparing or updating floodplain mapping for the following areas this year.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to receive information or notifications regarding any of these projects.

• Fall River, Townships of Tay Valley and Drummond North Elmsley
• Feedmill Creek, Stittsville
• Shirley’s Brook, Kanata
• Tributaries A, B, C to the Carp River, West Carleton

Flood plain mapping involves confirming elevations in and adjacent to a watercourse, current land uses within the drainage area, and modeling run-off and hydraulic flows under different scenarios to determine where the land will flood under a 1:100 year event.  This work may also identify and map erosion risks and a river’s meanderbelt.

Stewardship Programs

MVCA offers a variety of stewardship programs.  Do you have a project idea for 2025?  Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more or call 613-253-0006 ext. 253.

ALUS Mississippi-Rideau (ALUS):

Provides farmers with financial and technical support to implement stewardship projects on marginal farmland.  This may include yearly payments to maintain their projects.  Funding is available in 2025 for wetland creation/restoration, tree and shrub planting, pollinator patches, delayed haying, and more.

Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORWCP):   

Provides grants to rural and agricultural landowners within the City of Ottawa for projects such as exclusion fencing, chemical storage, precision farming and more.  Visit our website for a full list of eligibility criteria and projects.

Eastern Ontario Farm Stewardship Collaborative (EOFSC): 

Helps farmers to build on proposed projects by providing 1-stop shop access to a variety of on-farm and rural stewardship programs within the region.  Visit https://eofsc.ca/ to learn more.

Land Conservation & Resource Strategy

 The Strategy was approved by our Board in December and will guide the work of MVCA over the next 10-20 years.

Sally McIntyre | General Manager  | Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
10970 Highway 7, Carleton Place, ON  K7C 3P1
www.mvc.on.ca |t. 613 253 0006 ext. 223 |  f. 613 253 0122  | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lanark County outlines construction projects for 2025

 March 21st, 2025

Lanark County outlines construction projects for 2025

Lanark County has set its plan for the 2025 construction season, with the public works department aiming to complete pavement preservation on 16.2 kilometers of roads this year and rehabilitation and paved shoulders scheduled for 24.8 km.

The county oversees the construction, operation, repair and maintenance of more than 560 km of roads and 82 bridge and culvert structures.

The total capital budget for this year is $12.17 million, with the federal Canada Community-Building Fund covering almost $2.2 million and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund covering $735,973.

“We’re making good progress on our initiative to pave shoulders on all county roads, with a further 24.8 km planned for this year,” said Terry McCann, public works director.

“Reliable and safe infrastructure is critical to quality of life in Lanark County and is one of our largest assets,” said Warden Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor). “The county sets construction priorities based on a five-year planning process approved by council that helps us to maintain our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way.”

Projects for 2025 include:

County Road 10 (Scotch Line Road): G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company Ltd. will be working on County Road 10 beginning April 14. Work includes pulverizing, construction of a left- turn lane at Glen Tay Road, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt for 2.5 km from Glen Tay Road to Otty Lake Side Road. Work is to be completed by May 23 at a cost of $752,133.

County Road 15 (Ferguson Falls Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 15 beginning July 7. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt from Pine Grove Road to Highway 7 for a distance of 4.8 km. Work is to be completed by Sept. 7 at a cost of $1.44 million.

County Road 17 (Derry Side Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 17 beginning June 9. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular material, completing drainage work and paving with warm mix asphalt beginning at Beckwith 9th Line for a distance of 1.9 km southerly. Work is slated to be completed by July 18 at a cost of $600,506.

County Road 20 (Waba Road): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 20 beginning May 5. Work includes pulverizing adding granular, complete drainage and paving with warm mix asphalt from Shaw Road southerly for a total length of 4.6 km. Work is scheduled to finish by June 20 at a cost of $1.29 million.

County Road 43 (Highway 43): G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company Ltd. will be working on County Road 43 beginning May 19. Work includes granular shouldering and paving with warm-mix asphalt from Station Road to Mazie Street for a distance of 7.6 km. Work is scheduled to be completed by July 11 at a cost of $1.77 million.

County Road 511 (Highway 511): Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. will be working on County Road 511 beginning May 15. Work includes pulverizing, adding granular and completing drainage work for 3.5 km west of Black Creek Road. Work is scheduled to be finished by June 30 at a cost of $1.37 million.

Blakeney Bridge: Looby Construction will continue final work on the Blakeney Bridge replacement, located 800 metres east of Highway 29 on Blakeney Road. This includes the installation of the west bridge structure as well as guide rails, road alignment improvements and paving. To facilitate the bridge replacement work, bridge access will continue to be closed to the public. Work is scheduled to be finished in June at an estimated total cost of $1 million coming from county reserves.

5-Arches Bridge: A yet to be determined contractor will begin work on the 5-Arches bridge located in Pakenham on Kinburn Side Road. Work includes repairs to the existing concrete pier jackets and repointing deteriorated masonry joints. Work is scheduled to begin in July and extend until December at an estimated cost of $1.5 million, with $750,000 coming from county reserves.

Culvert Replacements: A total of 13 culverts will be replaced on County Roads 36, 12, 21,11 and 17 from April to August by Goldie Mohr Ltd. at a total cost of $361,964.

Micro-surfacing: Miller Paving Ltd. Will be completing micro-surfacing on various county roads. This pavement preservation work is scheduled to take place from June 3 to Aug. 2 on County Roads 7B, 12 and 36 at a total cost of $1.1 million.

Shouldering: Crains Construction Ltd. will be completing granular shouldering on various county roads. A total of 21 km of shoulder gravel improvement will be taking place on County Roads 12 and 36 at a total cost of $172,300.

McCann notes traffic may be reduced to one lane periodically during these projects. “We ask motorists to please obey signage and traffic control personnel during construction to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Also watch for the county’s public works crews cleaning bridges and conducting roadside mowing, pothole patching and sign repairs throughout the summer. Regular road maintenance activities through other contracts throughout the season include ditching, brushing, crack sealing, line painting and safety barrier repairs.

For more information/media interviews, contact:

Sean Derouin
Public Works Manager
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194

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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:

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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

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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
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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:

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