MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
June 28, 2023

With the lower rates of COVID-19, high vaccination rates, and demand for Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) has been consistently decreasing, the province will be winding down its RAT programs starting June 30, 2023. All COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be closed as of June 30^th as well.

After June 30, 2023, those at highest risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 including high-priority communities will continue to have access to free rapid tests through existing channels (e.g., long-term care, etc.).

As of July 4^th, RATs will be available through our local Health Unit Offices and service sites during operating hours while provincial supplies last. While RAT test will be available to the public we remind anyone with symptoms to isolate. When symptoms improve/resolve you should wear a mask for the 10 days following symptoms onset when out in public. Staying home when sick, getting vaccinated  when eligible and washing your hands/covering your cough or sneeze are still recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses including COVID 19 even during the summer.

Resources for testing at home using RATs are available on the ministry’s website at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rapid-testing-home-use

Individuals looking for a RAT test for eligibility for Paxlovid can do a test at home. You are also encouraged to reach out to your health care provider or pharmacy for assistance.

If you need information about COVID-19 symptoms, visit: Protection from COVID‑19 and other respiratory illnesses | ontario.ca or call Ontario811 or visit:  ontario.ca/health811

For information about COVID-19 vaccine, visit: COVID-19 Vaccine - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or call our vaccine booking line at 1-844-369-1234.

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

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley proposes the passage of a by-law to stop up, close and sell that part of Part Lot 21, Concession 5, Geographic Township of North Elmsley, now Township of Drummond/North Elmsley, County of Lanark, designated as Parts 1 and 2 on Plan 27R12067 which is no longer required for municipal purposes. Any person who believes they may be adversely affected by this has an opportunity to express his or her concerns at an open meeting to be held on:

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers / Municipal Office / 310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth, Ontario

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CLOSING
KEY MAP

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the application is available by contacting the undersigned.

Dated this 31st day of May, 2023

Cathy Ryder, CAO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 613-267-6500 ext 220

Can you imagine a lake without shoal markers? Even seasoned boaters, who know where the obstacles are, can run aground when water levels change. Damages to engines and hulls can run in the thousands of dollars. Who do you think puts shoal markers in every spring and removes them every fall on the Big Rideau Lake? 

• Parks Canada? 
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority?
• The Townships? 
• Transport Canada?

Nope, it’s the Big Rideau Lake Association!!

The Shoal Marker program is the oldest program for the Big Rideau Lake Association going back to 1922 when the Association was created to promote lake safety. It’s also one of the highest budget expenditures. The more than 120 shoal markers are separate from the Transport Canada’s red and green channel markers and are essential to preserving safe navigation. The markers are stored, installed, removed, and maintained through a long-standing partnership with a local marine contractor, Steve Magee of Coolligan Carpentry who works out of Portland. 

Andew Inderwick of Nobles Bay manages the Shoal Marker program for the BRLA. He is one of five generations who have enjoyed the lake since great Aunt Winnie (Winnifred Inderwick, née Shaw) purchased the property in 1937. “When I learned that the shoal markers that improve safety and save thousands of dollars in repairs are managed by the BLRA, run by volunteers and funded by generous donors, I felt an obligation to become a member. Then 6-months later, there was a call for a volunteer to oversee the program, so I raised my hand. It has been very rewarding!”

A membership with the BRLA of just $85 is key to sustaining this program. Join today and help build our community and keep your boat afloat. Visit the BRLA website at https://www.bigrideaulakeassociation.com/ and click on the membership tab. 

Mary Pochobradsky
Director of Communications
Big Rideau Lake Association
513-885-4506 (c)

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
June 5, 2023

 Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for much of Eastern Ontario including the Counties of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.  Elevated levels of air pollution are expected due to smoke from forest fires burning in Ontario and Quebec.  Poor air quality will continue in some areas until at least Tuesday. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the closest air quality monitoring station (Kingston, Ottawa, and Cornwall) to see what the current outdoor air quality is. The AQHI can change quickly so check it regularly. Use the table below to guide your actions and see what the health messages are for the general population and people who are considered at greater risk for negative health consequences.

Use the following link for information about the current forest fire danger, forest fire activity including an interactive map, and fire restrictions across the province.

• Government of Ontario – Forest Fires

Take Action to Avoid Forest Fire Smoke

Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people who work or exercise outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing negative health effects caused by forest fire smoke. Avoid forest fire smoke by doing the following:

• Limit outdoor activities. If you have difficulty breathing, reduce your activities or stop altogether. Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors.
• Stay cool and drink lots of water to help your body cope with the smoke.
• Check in on others who may be more vulnerable to air pollution.
• Prevent outdoor air from getting into your home by:

• Keeping windows and doors sealed.
• Installing a high quality air filter in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to remove air pollution from incoming air. Set the HVAC system to recirculation mode.
• Limit the use of exhaust fans when not cooking.

• Avoid sources of indoor air pollution:

• Smoking
• Burning incense and candles
• Vacuuming
• Using wood stoves
• Using cleaning products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• For those with lung or heart disease, ensure that you have the medication you need to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

For more information, see these websites:

• Protecting your health from wildfire smoke
• Weather alerts for Canada
• Sign up for air quality alert email notifications
• LGLDHU – Air Quality

For specific air quality-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.

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

Katie Lamb

Multimedia Specialist – Social Media
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
613-345-5685 x 2285 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Find us on social @LGLHealthunit

TOWNSHIP OF DRUMMOND/NORTH ELMSLEY
Notice of Public Meeting Concerning
Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment
James
ZA 23-06

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley has received a zoning by-law amendment application which was deemed to be a complete application on May 17, 2023.

AND TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley will hold a public meeting at 5:00 pm on June 13, 2023, in the Township Council Chambers at 310 Port Elmsley Road, to consider the following item:

• A proposed site-specific amendment to Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2012-060, as amended, under Section 34 of The Planning Act, RSO 1990, for approximately 3.2 ha of land located on Part 1 of Plan 27R-11570, Part 27 of Plan 27R-555, Part of Lot 17, Concession 2, Drummond. The purpose of the amendment is to change the zoning of the property from Rural Exception 102 (RU-102) to Rural Exception 102 Temporary Use Zone (RU-102tx), to permit a Garden Suite to be constructed for a period of up to 20 years.

Full notice available Notice of Public Meeting - James

AMENDED Notice of Public Meeting Concerning
Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment
MacRae & Barr
File No. ZA-23-07

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley will hold a public meeting at 5:00 pm on June 13, 2023, in the Township Council Chambers at 310 Port Elmsley Road, to consider the following item:

A proposed site-specific amendment to Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2012-060, as amended, under Section 34 of The Planning Act, RSO 1990, affecting the lands identified above and as identified in Key Map of this notice. The purpose of the amendment is to:

• Allow an Animal Clinic a permitted use on a private right-of-way on the property that is subject to the zoning amendment.

Full Notice is available here Notice of Public Meeting - MacCrae-Barr