The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained the services of Egis and LEA Consulting Ltd. Joint Venture (Egis-LEA Joint Venture) to carry out the Detail Design and 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. A key map showing the location of the study area is below;

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

The Detail Design is following the approved planning process for Group “B” undertakings under MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000), with opportunity for public input throughout.

The purpose of this letter is to invite interested stakeholders to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) for this project. The purpose of the PIC is to provide an opportunity to review and discuss the study with members of the Project Team and provide comments on the Detail Design. This PIC will be an informal drop-in style where representatives from MTO and Egis-LEA Joint Venture will be available to answer
questions and discuss the project.

The PIC will be held as follows:

May 29, 2025
Businesses Owners: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open to Public: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Perth Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244
26 Beckwith Street East
Perth, ON K7H 1B5

We invite you to attend the Preview Session for external agencies, Indigenous Communities and municipalities scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., or the separate public drop-in session which will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

At the completion of the Detail Design, a Design and Construction Report (DCR) will be prepared detailing the existing biophysical and socio-economic environment, summary of design features, potential impacts of the undertakings, and required mitigation measures. The DCR will be made available for a 30-day comment period. Notification of the DCR completion will be published digitally in in the Perth Courier to explain the
review process and identify locations where the DCR can be reviewed.

To obtain additional information or to provide input at any point during the study please visit the project website www.highway7improvements.com or contact:

Khaled El-Dalati, P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
Egis
6240 Highway 7, Suite 200
Woodbridge, ON L4H 4G3
Tel: 437-350-4683
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

All information/comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in project documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments 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. 

Highway 7 Reconstruction - Notice of Public Information Centre

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release

[Perth, Ontario] — The County of Lanark is proud to announce the June 2, 2025 launch of the Better Homes Lanark program, an innovative initiative designed to help homeowners increase the energy efficiency of their homes, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a greener community. This program reflects Lanark County’s commitment to environmental responsibility and support for residents in improving their homes.

How It Works: The program offers accessible financing for single-family homeowners interested in deep energy retrofits, such as insulation upgrades, energy-efficient windows and doors, heating systems, solar panels, and more. Through a streamlined application process, participants can secure low-interest loans repaid gradually through their property tax bills, making home energy retrofits affordable and manageable. We know home energy retrofits can be complex, which is why Better Homes Lanark also offers a free Retrofit Coach service to all applicants to provide expert support at each step of your retrofit journey.

Program Benefits:

• Energy Savings: Homeowners can lower their utility bills by investing in home improvements that reduce energy consumption.
• Increased Comfort: Participants will enjoy better insulation, temperature regulation, and overall living conditions in their upgraded homes
• Environmental Impact: By reducing residential energy usage, the program contributes to Lanark's sustainability goals and helps combat climate change.
• Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades often increase the long-term market value of a home.
• Grants: Homeowners may be eligible for up to $5,000 in grants to support their deep energy retrofits.
• Resiliency: Homeowners can use part of their financing for non-energy home improvements, such as protection from damaging environmental events like floods, storms, and heat waves.

Lanark County Warden Toby Randall noted that, "The Better Homes Lanark program is a transformative initiative that empowers homeowners to invest in energy efficiency and sustainability. By making deep energy retrofits more accessible, we are building a greener, more resilient future for Lanark County—one home at a time."

99 Christie Lake Rd., Perth, ON K7H 3C6 * Tel.: 1-888-9-LANARK * Fax: 613-267-2964 *

www.lanarkcounty.ca

The Better Homes Lanark Program is partially funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Lanark County invites residents to learn more about the program and the application process by visiting www.lanarkcounty.ca/betterhomeslanark.

For more information/media interviews, contact: Elizabeth Boldt

Climate Environmental Program Coordinator, Lanark County

1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3105

TAKE NOTICE, that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley proposes to enact a By-law for the sale of lands described as follows:

PART S 1/2 LOT 3, CONCESSION 6, NORTH ELMSLEY AS IN RS178601A, T/WRS35456; DRUMMOND NORTH ELMSLEY (05235-0151(LT))

The proposed By-law will come before Council for consideration at its regular meeting to be held on the June 10^th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Township Council Chamber at 310 Port Elmsley Road. At that time, the Council will hear any person who claims that their land may be affected and who applies to the Clerk to be heard either in person or by his or her counsel, solicitor or agent.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MAP is available at the Municipal Office.

Dated this 14^th day of May, 2025

For further information contact:          

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
Janie Laidlaw, Clerk
310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth ON K7H 3C6
T: 613-267-6500  ext. 251

Rural Transportation Feasibility Study

Media Release

May 7, 2025

Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls are conducting a Rural Transportation Feasibility Study to explore solutions for improving transit options in the region. The study aims to assess current transportation challenges, identify potential services, and develop strategies to enhance mobility for residents and visitors. The consultant selected through RFP process to support the project is Arcadis. 

We Want to Hear from You

Join us for an informal drop-in session to learn more about the study and provide your input to the project team. We need your help to identify issues, need and opportunities relating to transit. No registration required.

Drop in events will take place:

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 - 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Town of Smiths Falls - Town Hall - 77 Beckwith St North

 Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Town of Perth - Perth and District Pool - 3 Sunset Blvd

 Thursday May 22nd, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Municipality of Mississippi Mills - Almonte Library - 155 High St

 If you are unable to attend an in-person event, you are complete the online survey in order to provide feedback to the project team.

Rural Transit Feasibility Study - Online Survey

Emergency Preparedness Week – Are You Prepared? Be Prepared:

May 2, 2025

Next week is Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week which runs from May 4 to 10, 2025. Ontario’s theme  is “Plan for Every Season”. This theme reflects a range of seasonal hazards faced by Ontarians each season - flooding in the spring, extreme heat in the summer, power outages, ice storms and general preparedness.

This theme compliments the national theme “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” released by Public Safety Canada, and is in alignment with Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to keep the province safe, practiced and prepared.

Safety starts with being prepared and having a plan. All Ontarians have a part to play in preparing for emergencies.

Below are links to brochures:

Emergency Preparedness Starts with You

Heat Related Illness

Power Outage

Guide for People with Disabilities

Guide for Seniors

Guide for Pets

Guide for Winter Storms and Extreme Heat 

For more information, please visit:

Making an emergency plan - Canada.ca

Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca

Emergency Preparedness Week | ontario.ca

REAL’s annual Rain Barrel and Native Plant Sale is set for Saturday, June 7.  Preorder rain barrel, accessories or replacement parts at rainbarrel.ca/REALDeal .  A great selection of native plants from Natural Themes, Frankford will be available on pick up day, no preordering necessary.  Sale runs from 10 am – 2 p.m. at the REAL Deal Store, 85 William St. W., Smiths Falls. Proceeds from the sale support REAL’s monarch gardens.  See www.REALaction.ca for more on the sale or REAL’s many environmental activities.

REAL offers Home Energy Assessments by an experienced energy auditor.  Assessing the energy performance of your home helps you choose the energy efficiency upgrades that will save the most money on your energy bills and lower your greenhouse gas emissions.  A new heat pump advisory service can be combined with an energy assessment to help you choose the most effectively sized air source heat pump system for your home.  Contact Alan Leonard at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book an appointment or see www.REALaction.ca.

REAL is a non-profit environmental organization based in Smiths Falls and serving surrounding municipalities in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. 

Cow Island Day Camp – Register Today!

 If you have children or grandchildren spending time at the Big Rideau Lake and you are looking for an amazing enriching experience, register today for Cow Island Day Camp. Kids will:

• Participate in carefully crafted activities intended to foster learning and curiosity
• Enjoy outdoor adventures, games, crafts, and waterfront activities instead of screen time!
• Create life-long friendships and special memories while having fun!!

The program runs June 30 to Aug 8^th, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 12:30 pm on Cow Island, and is available to campers ages 4 to 13 whose parents or grandparents are members of the Big Rideau Lake Association. Register soon as some weeks are nearly sold out. Register for camp and join or renew your membership at BigRideauLakeAssociation.com.

South East Health Unit

For immediate release
April 17, 2025

Safety During Spring Clean-Up

With the spring thaw and Earth Day happening April 22, many residents are participating in spring clean-ups in the community. Spring clean-ups are a good opportunity to get outdoors, connect with neighbours and show care for our community and for each other. The health unit would like to advise the public that it is important to watch out for discarded needles when doing spring cleaning.

Needles sometimes can be found in places like garbage cans or on the ground within our community. Although the risk of infection of a blood-borne virus is very low from a needle stick injury, it is best to be safe.

If you come across a needle while you clean up, follow these precautions:

• Do not pick up with your hands.
• Do not put the cap back on a needle.
• Do not force used needles into a container.
• Do not fill a sharps container past the fill line (3/4 full).
• Do not put used needles in the garbage or recycling.

Teach children not to touch needles and to tell an adult right away. Adults can safely pick up a used needle. Here’s how:

• If available, wear puncture proof gloves, if not, use thick work gloves.
• Place a sharps container on a flat surface close to you.
• If you do not have sharps container, you should use a hard plastic or glass container with a lid that you can tightly close.
• Using tongs or pliers, pick up the needle with the sharp end away from you.
• Place the needle into the container with the tip going in first.
• Close the lid to the container tightly.
• Wash your hands.

If you do not want to pick up a needle, you can call 1-800-660-5853 for more information. Residents can also report found needles to the health unit, so we are aware of needles in the community: Report Needles Found in the Community - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. All used needles and syringes should be placed into a sharps container or drop box. Used needles can be dropped off at the following:

• your local pharmacy
• Any health unit site or community needle drop box

Follow these steps if you are injured by a needle:

• Allow the wound to bleed freely
• Clean the wound well with soap and water
• Disinfect the wound (e.g., with an alcohol swab)
• Cover with a clean bandage
• Seek medical care as soon as possible

The health unit has more information on our website at Needle Disposal and Safety - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, you can call 1-800-660-5853, and follow LGLHealthunit on social media.

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

South East Health Unit

For immediate release
April 17, 2025

Safety During Spring Clean-Up

With the spring thaw and Earth Day happening April 22, many residents are participating in spring clean-ups in the community. Spring clean-ups are a good opportunity to get outdoors, connect with neighbours and show care for our community and for each other. The health unit would like to advise the public that it is important to watch out for discarded needles when doing spring cleaning.

Needles sometimes can be found in places like garbage cans or on the ground within our community. Although the risk of infection of a blood-borne virus is very low from a needle stick injury, it is best to be safe.

If you come across a needle while you clean up, follow these precautions:

• Do not pick up with your hands.
• Do not put the cap back on a needle.
• Do not force used needles into a container.
• Do not fill a sharps container past the fill line (3/4 full).
• Do not put used needles in the garbage or recycling.

Teach children not to touch needles and to tell an adult right away. Adults can safely pick up a used needle. Here’s how:

• If available, wear puncture proof gloves, if not, use thick work gloves.
• Place a sharps container on a flat surface close to you.
• If you do not have sharps container, you should use a hard plastic or glass container with a lid that you can tightly close.
• Using tongs or pliers, pick up the needle with the sharp end away from you.
• Place the needle into the container with the tip going in first.
• Close the lid to the container tightly.
• Wash your hands.

If you do not want to pick up a needle, you can call 1-800-660-5853 for more information. Residents can also report found needles to the health unit, so we are aware of needles in the community: Report Needles Found in the Community - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. All used needles and syringes should be placed into a sharps container or drop box. Used needles can be dropped off at the following:

• your local pharmacy
• Any health unit site or community needle drop box

Follow these steps if you are injured by a needle:

• Allow the wound to bleed freely
• Clean the wound well with soap and water
• Disinfect the wound (e.g., with an alcohol swab)
• Cover with a clean bandage
• Seek medical care as soon as possible

The health unit has more information on our website at Needle Disposal and Safety - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, you can call 1-800-660-5853, and follow LGLHealthunit on social media.

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