A message from Valley Heartland regarding COVID-19 support for local businesses

On March 16th, 2020, to help weather the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic on local small and medium-sized businesses, Valley Heartland reduced lending rates to prime, developed a simplified application, and waived all app and admin fees on loans up to $15,000.  

Resiliency Loans

Since March 16^th, Valley Heartland has responded to 59 new loan inquiries related to COVID-19 and received 39 completed applications. To put this in perspective, on average, the CFDC receives 31 applications per year. Each request is carefully considered, and applicants are also being advised on cash flow strategies and other government funding options available.

Existing Loans

Valley Heartland has provided three months of deferred loan payments for existing loan clients. 

• Postponement of loan payments for three months across Valley Heartland’s total portfolio of over 85 businesses keeps funds circulating in the local economy at this critical juncture.
• Before the COVID-19 situation, Valley Heartland had $4.6 million at work in Lanark County, and North Leeds, the protection of those funds and businesses remains a supreme priority.

We are mindful that our field of vision does not become restricted to the immediate foreground.  Our staff and board continue to monitor the rapidly evolving pandemic and are taking steps to pivot support when necessary.

Response, Recovery & Resilience

There is a decent probability these first actions will not, on their own, be sufficient, and that further measures by the Government of Canada, FedDev Ontario, and Community Futures organizations will be required to counter the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on rural economies.

We recognize that businesses in our communities are vital and are vulnerable to the inescapable economic effects of this pandemic. We are actively and continuously in consultation with elected officials and Federal colleagues in pursuing and securing flexible, creative approaches to support businesses as we navigate this challenging and uncertain time. This means daily communication with our FedDev Officer and semi-weekly meetings with both the Ontario and Eastern Ontario CFDC Network to put forth recommendations that enable bold and immediate action by the Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario to backstop, capitalize, and fund new programming through Community Futures organizations.

These actions are the beginning of three phases of work ahead of Valley Heartland:

Staying Connected

As you are aware, things are changing quickly, and an evidence-based perspective on the impacts of the coronavirus is essential. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any ideas, feedback, or suggestions. There are several possible futures, all dependent on how we respond to coronavirus and its economic aftermath. Any timely data and insights you can offer help our organization navigate through these unprecedented times and support businesses through to a more stable period.

Our Team

Like you, Valley Heartland staff are deeply respectful of the need for physical distancing in helping to arrest the impacts of COVID-19 on our nation and global communities. Thus, the team remains available remotely via email, phone, and social media. Safety is of paramount importance to us, and we continue to take necessary actions to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the Board of Directors so we can maintain support for local businesses.  

Valley Heartland would like to thank the staff, board, and partners who have continued to remain focused, committed, and resilient. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Valley Heartland CFDC, we hope that you stay positive, stay well, and stay connected.

Contact Information:

Tina Stevens, GM 613-283-7002 ext. 103
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Amber Coville, Business Development Officer 613-283-7002 ext. 110
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We will continue to provide updates as our response evolves.

March 23-30, 2020

(LANARK COUNTY, ON) – Between Monday, March 23 and Monday, March 30, 2020 officers from the Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 273 calls for service.

The calls included:

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Total: 8 Including:
Car / Deer: 4
Parking Lots: 3
Single Motor Vehicle off Road (“in ditch”): 1

Impaired Drivers – 1

Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on March 24, 2020, a passing motorist observed a vehicle in the ditch in Tay Valley Township and notified Lanark County OPP. Officers attended and conducted their investigation and located the driver which resulted in the arrest and charge of Shawn O’CONNOR, age 54 of Tay Valley Township with Impaired Operation – Over 80 and Impaired Operation. The accused was released from custody on an Appearance Notice for a scheduled court date of May 25, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth. There were no injuries in this collision.

Domestic Incidents – 23 (no charges laid)

With people spending lots of time together inside, verbal domestics are on the rise in Lanark County. Sometimes as adults, we too need “time out” but unlike children, we need to give ourselves the “time out.” Take a breath, count to 10, leave the room or go outside (if possible) to take a break. We’re all under a lot of pressure these day; we need to remember we are all in this together and need to find things to do to occupy our time and minds in positive ways.

Break and Enters – 0

Thefts – 27

Lanark County/Carleton Place OPP received 21 calls between March 23-30, 2020, for thefts from UNLOCKED vehicles: 1 in Drummond-North Elmsley, 12 in the Town of Perth, 4 in Mississippi Mills Township and 4 in Tay Valley Township. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, lock your vehicles regardless of where you live and what time of day or night it is. Several of these calls involved numerous vehicles and wallets left inside and stolen. Don’t leave your wallet or computers in your car overnight. These are crimes of opportunity and your unlocked cars are easy targets...even just for loose change or hand sanitizer.

Mischiefs – 6

Carleton Place OPP were called to a gas station on Christian Street in Mississippi Mills Township on March 25, 2020 regarding an attempt break-in overnight. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

There were reports of vehicles gone through but nothing apparently stolen in both the Town of Perth and Tay Valley Township between March 23-30, 2020.

Frauds – 3

Lanark County OPP wish to remind people when looking to rent/purchase homes online to check reputable sites as fraudsters are putting pictures of homes on fake sites or on legitimate sites (like KIJJI) of residences NOT for sale or rent. Would-be buyers send money to the fraudster for properties where the real owner has no idea what’s going on until someone shows up looking to move in.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters are playing on people’s fear by sending emails and even calling to tell people them they have tested positive for the virus. In these trying times, try to limit your time searching and reading about the pandemic. When you do look for information, go to trusted sites (government, ministry of health) or major news outlets. Also watch out for fake emails looking for COVID-19 financial support. If you want to support agencies, go directly to the agency website or call them rather than clicking on any links in emails sent to you.

Liquor Licence Act Charges - 0

Mental Health - 3

If your require assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, help is just a call away:

• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or text the word ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.
• Mental Health Crisis Line – Lanark Leeds & Grenville Mental Health 1-866-281-2911
  Or check out some apps on your phone:
  • Mindshift – free app that provides tips on managing anxiety
  • Booster Buddy – free app for teens and youth to improve their mental health

CRIME STOPPERS

Any person with information regarding any criminal activity should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

Contact:
Provincial Constable Lori LOBINOWICH
Community Safety / Media Relations Officer
(613) 264-7233
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March 30, 2020

All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed

TORONTO — In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, the Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces and restrictions on social gatherings. In addition, Ontario is issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"I made a commitment to be open and upfront about what we need to do as a province to beat this virus," said Premier Ford. "Based on the best medical advice available, we are taking further steps today to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians by closing outdoor recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, and extending our emergency orders to save lives. We all need to work together and do our part to stop COVID-19 by staying home, practising physical distancing, and avoiding social gatherings."

This new order would close all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed.

"We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province" said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians' health and wellbeing."

"The health and well-being of Ontarians is a top priority of our government as we navigate through the COVID-19 health crisis. I know our municipal partners are already taking action locally to protect their residents," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "This order makes the rules around closing shared outdoor recreational amenities consistent across the province."

To ensure the province is able to continue its extensive efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Ontario will also extend the March 17, 2020 declaration of emergency and subsequent emergency orders, regulations and amendments issued under s.7.0.1 and 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The following declaration and orders have been extended and will be in effect until April 13, 2020:

• Declaration of a provincial emergency
• Closure of public places and establishments with exemption for emergency child care for health care and frontline essential service workers
• Prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people
• Enforcement of emergency orders
• Work deployment f or health service providers
• Work deployment for long-term care homes
• Electronic service of documents
• Electricity pricing
• Drinking water and sewage
• Closure of non-essential workplaces
• Traffic management
• Prohibiting unconscionable pricing for necessary goods
• Streamlining requirements for long-term care homes

QUICK FACTS

• Ontarians should stay home except for essential reasons, and to limit the number of these essential trips. Essential reasons include accessing health care services and medication, grocery shopping, walking pets when required and supporting vulnerable community members to meet the above needs. It is strongly recommended that people over 70 years old or who have compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical conditions self-isolate and get help with essential errands.
• Ontarians must strictly practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people and keep at least two metres away from people outside of their household.
• On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They must not go to work, grocery stores or on walks. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days and contact their primary care providers or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) if they experience symptoms.
• Take everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health : wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
• For public inquiries, call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (toll-free in Ontario only).

CONTACTS

Ivana Yelich
Premier’s Office
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Hayley Chazan
Minister Elliott’s Office
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Office of the Premier
http://www.ontario.ca/premier

March 25, 2020

• Remove all valuables from storefront displays
• Remove all cash from tills and leave open with the cash tray out and visibly empty
• Ensure alarm systems are working and all contact lists are up-to-date
• Post on doors/windows that the premises are monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept on the premises. Include the 1‑888‑310‑1122 number to call the OPP should anyone notice a break-in or damage
• Clean all windows and floors prior to leaving and note when you’ve done so (have a log) as this will help investigators should there be a break-in
• Consider a surveillance system which can be monitored remotely by phone/online
• Consider putting a laminate on all windows/glass to discourage and help prevent easy entry
• Keep some lighting on inside to help with video surveillance and consider lighting on timers if possible
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure
• Ensure all exterior lighting is functioning and on – consider motion sensor lights as another option
• Remove anything on the exterior which could be used to gain entry to your premises (bricks, ladders, poles, construction materials)
• Regularly check the building and keep track of when you check (have a log) but go at different times
• Like your home, if it looks cared for and looks like someone is home or around regularly, thieves will move on to other locations 

To the general public, Lanark OPP would request that we all help to keep our families, communities and businesses safe and secure. If you see any suspicious activity around a business that you know are closed or any homes where people aren’t around, call police or report online if not in progress.

CONTACT:
Provincial Constable Lori LOBINOWICH
Community Safety / Media Relations Officer
613-264-7233
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March 23, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Township of Drummond North Elmsley has closed the Municipal Office to the public until further notice. Building permits and inspections are still being provided subject to some limitations.

The Building Department continues to support construction projects in the Township and is available to provide information, pre-consultation, permit processing as well as inspection services. Check the Building Permits page on our website  for required the forms and applications or call 613-267-6500 if you can’t find what you are looking for.

Applications, building plans and other pertinent information can be received in electronic format or hard copies can be placed in a portable drop box located on a table outside the Township office at 310 Port Elmsley Road. This drop box is only available during business hours from 8:30am-4:30pm.

At the present time, only cheques are accepted for payment and can be mailed or left in the secure drop box location on the wall at the main entrance to the office.

Building inspection services will continue although inspectors will not enter any occupied areas of buildings. Inspectors may request that no trades or site personnel be in the building during the inspection and that the physical distancing of 2-meters will be adhered to while on-site.

If you need to book an inspection, have questions, or need assistance with anything to get your project started, don’t hesitate to contact me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-267-6500. Stay safe and stay healthy. Peter Echlin Chief Building Official

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit - MEDIA RELEASE

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other when we have to go out in public. Public Health is working with our food stores to ensure this vital service continues so we all have access to safe food. Many food stores have put strong measures in place to protect their staff and the public.

The following practices will also help reduce your exposure in the grocery store setting and protect those who are providing this vital service.

If you are sick do not go out and shop. STAY HOME.
If you have arrived home from travelling, DO NOT SHOP, ask a friend or family member to help or Take advantage of on-line curb side services or grocery delivery services.

Keep Clean

• Clean the handle of your cart.
• Bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer, although the stores have been trying hard to keep a public stock the supplies are short.
• Wash or sanitize your hands as you enter and after to get into your car.
• If you use reusable bags or containers be sure to clean and sanitize these between uses.

Keep your distance

• Avoid shopping in large groups.
• Keep your distance from other shoppers and employees while in the store, 2 arms- length from each other is an easy way to measure your distance.
• Avoid common greetings, such as handshakes a simple wave and a friendly smile is just as effective.
• If the grocery store seems busy, come back another time to prevent larger gatherings.
• Offer to grocery shop for those who are self-isolating or those who may be at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health.

Keep Safe

• Remember everyday food safety practices such as separating raw meat from ready to eat food in your cart.
• Wash fruits and vegetables when arriving home and before eating.

Please do not hoard, when you do this your friends and neighbours may go without.

The Leeds, Grenville, Lanark District Health Unit understands this is a very stressful and uncertain time for everyone. Physical distancing can also lead to social isolation, check on the well-being of friends and family but please do it safely.

Try to spend some time outside each day.

https://healthunit.org/

Master Fire Plan and Community Risk Assessent

SEALED PROPOSALS, on forms supplied by Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Rescue, will be received at the Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Rescue Administration Office, at the address indicated below, until 11:00 a.m. local time, as determined by the clock on the computer located in the Fire Chief’s office, on Friday, April 17^th, 2020. Proposals will be opened, in public, at the Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Rescue Administration Office immediately following closing.

Tender and proposal packages may be picked up at the Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Rescue Administration Office.

Download the Tender and proposal package.

For further information contact:

Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Rescue
Megan Moore, Administrative Assistant/Treasurer
T:  613-267-2596 ext. 4
E:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
14 Sherbrooke Street East
Perth, Ontario   K7H 1A2

Friday, March 20, 2020

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley activated its Emergency Management Community Control Group (CCG) last week. The CCG meets at least weekly to review the latest guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada and relevant local, provincial and federal health authorities. We are working to ensure that our municipal practices are aligned with the latest recommendations to minimize the spread of the virus.

WE ARE TAKING IMPORTANT STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY PROTECTED

We’ve implemented our business continuity plan so that essential services continue while staff enact the social distancing required to keep employees and all community members safe.

A small staff group is working at the municipal office via phone and email while the building remains closed to the public. The Roads Crew continues with spring road maintenance as weather conditions allow. Preparations for the reconstruction of Tennyson Road are ongoing. Curbside collection of garbage and recycling continues as usual; the landfill is open for normal operations except for the ReUse Centre, which is closed until further notice.  Building inspections continue with some modifications for occupied, interior spaces to ensure social distancing .

WORK WITH US REMOTELY

Township staff and Council are limiting in-person meetings until the virus is no longer a threat to any of us. To keep everyone safe, we have some employees working from home while the rest of us maintain appropriate distances at work. For meetings that must be conducted in person, we are taking additional precautions :

• Staff clean their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• No hand shaking. Reducing physical contact is in the best interests of everyone’s health and safety.
• Staff are cleaning and disinfecting workstations, door handles, counters, tables and other commonly touched surfaces regularly.

• We continue to inform our employees and the public about preventive hygiene methods to minimize the potential risk of infection.
• We encourage responsible containment measures by ensuring that any employee who is required to be quarantined will be paid and have access to their benefits during that time.

BEING VIGILANT

These precautionary measures have been taken to limit the potential spread of the virus, to support our employees in this challenging time and to ensure we maintain our ability to serve residents.

We ask everyone to please be diligent in protecting yourselves against contracting the virus and recommend that you follow https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html for the latest information on how to stay safe and healthy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the municipal office: 613 267 6500.

Cindy Halcrow, Clerk Administrator

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www.dnetownship.ca

Download pdf

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency in the province as it looks to combat the spread of COVID-19 and prevent coronavirus from overwhelming its health-care system.

Read the full CBC article.

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley continues to follow instructions from the Public Health Authorities to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Effective immediately the Township has implemented these measures until further notice:

• Public access to Township-owned buildings (Municipal Office, Drummond Hall and Garage and Ferguson Falls Hall) will not be permitted;
• The Township will remain open for business, providing services by phone and email;
• The Code Road Landfill will remain open during its regular hours;
• The Re-Use Centre at the Code Road Landfill will be closed for both drop-off and pick-up of items. Residents are requested to not bring items to the Re-UseCentre during this time;
• Payments to the Township should be made using on-line banking, by mailing a cheque, or by dropping payment in the mailbox at the front door of the municipal office at 310 Port Elmsley Road;
• Please call 613-267-6500 or check online at www.dnetownship.ca for a directory of services and contact information.

The Township will continue to monitor the situation and take direction from the Federal, Provincial and local health agencies. As the situation continues to evolve, we will keep you updated through the Township’s website and social media platforms.

Residents and staff are encouraged to be proactive. Please follow Health Unit directives on social distancing to protect yourselves and your families during this time.

Regards,

Steve Fournier, Reeve