Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE: March 30, 2023

A Flood Watch has been issued for the Rideau Valley as a rainy weekend mixes with the residual snowpack still intact in some areas after a cool March. Potential flooding could begin to impact low-lying areas as early as Saturday and continue throughout next week.
 
Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed. As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches.
 
The short-term weather forecast indicates rain amounts of 20-30 mm and mild temperatures on Saturday April 1, with cooler temperatures on Sunday. The longer-term forecast indicates milder temperatures throughout next week with potential rain.
 
Based on the above forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed, beginning on Saturday and continuing throughout next week. The degree of increase will depend on precipitation amounts and temperatures, and may result in flooding within the following areas:

• Smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including in the City of Ottawa. This includes low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower), and agricultural lands along Cranberry Creek.
  
• The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Hilly Lane, Rideau Glen Lane, Golf Course Lane, and Barts Lane. Access concerns may arise for Cedar Beach Lane.
  
  
• The Rideau River near Kars, particularly the areas around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Street South.

With the elevated conditions, potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain were to occur before the water levels and flows begin to recede.
 
Water levels in upper watershed lakes are presently near normal for this time of year. Parks Canada staff who manage water levels for the Rideau Canal will closely monitor these water levels and have indicated that the levels are expected to rise as the snowpack continues to melt.
 
City of Ottawa crews have completed their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue.
 
With changing water levels expected over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will continue to be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.
 
As temperatures continue to rise, the potential for ice jams remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor their local river closely for signs of ice jams as spring progresses. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions but we always welcome unique observations from watershed residents.
 
Flooding along roadways is also a concern due to current snow/ice buildup on roadside ditches.
 
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas that are historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday, April 11, 2023 and may be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

More Information:
Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join Watersheds Canada for an interactive session as we share our free freshwater stewardship resources and how they can help you take action. We’ll also have time for you to tell us what you’re missing in your toolbox to take action, which will guide future resource building. 

Protecting your community’s freshwater and shoreland areas is very important but it can be hard to know where to start. You may have trouble understanding technical documents, or figuring out the “best” first step when you have limited resources. The good news is you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join our staff for an interactive session as we share some of our free freshwater stewardship resources and how they can help you take action. We’ll also have time for you to tell us what you’re missing in your toolbox to take action, which will guide future resources we create. Come with your ideas and questions because we want to help you.

Wednesday March 22, 2023. 2:30pm 

Lanark County
Media Release: March 13, 2023

From March 15 to July 2023, traffic will be reduced to one lane on the Rideau Ferry Bridge during its ongoing rehabilitation.

Dalcon Constructors Limited have been contracted by Lanark County and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville to rehabilitate the jointly owned Rideau Ferry Bridge. Construction work has been underway since September of 2021, with Dalcon completing the east side of the bridge last fall and finishing the west of the bridge this year.

To facilitate the bridge improvement work, traffic will be reduced to one 3.6-metre lane, using temporary traffic signals and temporary concrete barriers to protect the workers. Traffic delays should be expected.

Pedestrian access will be restored this summer to the east side of the bridge on the new sidewalks.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience,” said Lanark County Public Works Manager Sean Derouin.

For further information, please contact:
Sean Derouin
Public Works Manager
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194

The Friends of the Tay Watershed, in partnership with Little Stream Bakery, are looking for students who would like $1,000 to help with their college or university expenses. This year two bursaries will be awarded to students who have a special interest in the environment. The award of these bursaries is not based on marks but on a demonstrated interest in the environment and water sustainability.

These bursaries are open to Tay Watershed high school students graduating in 2022-23, as well as former Tay Watershed students who are continuing their post-secondary education.  Students who chose a gap year after graduating are also eligible.

Students can find a fillable application form and instructions re other required documents on the Friends website attaywatershed.ca/new.php#WG23

Entry criteria and forms are also available from the student’s Guidance Counsellor. Along with the application form, students are asked to write an essay of about 500 words telling the Friends why they are passionate about sustainability, the environment and water; as well as providing a letter of recommendation from a faculty teacher, and a person who is not a family member.

Application deadline is March 31^st.
For more information contact:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

March 23, 2022

At the Council meeting held on February 28, 2023, Council appointed Cathy Ryder as the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk effective March 31, 2023 to replace Cindy Halcrow who after 12 years in the position is retiring on March 30, 2023.

Ms. Ryder joined in the Township in July 2009 and is the current Township Clerk. She has been working with the Township since 2009 and is the current Clerk. Her previous employment was with the Councillor’s Office at the City of Calgary and as a Software Licensing Coordinator with Golder Associates.

Ms. Ryder has diplomas from McMaster University in Human Resources Management, Municipal Administration Program from AMCTO, Certified Municipal Manager (CMO) from AMCTO and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Guelph, Employment Law and Human Resources AMCTO and certification in IT.

Reeve Fournier stated “I am a firm believer of promoting within, saying that there is also a certain degree of integrity and past accomplishments of earning a position as well. Cathy has achieved this. Moving forward we welcome and trust Cathy to lead the municipality in a progressive manner for all future endeavours.”

Ms. Ryder added, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer and that Council supports my transition in this role. I’m look forward to working in partnership with council, staff and the community to meet the challenges ahead. I am grateful for the support and leadership of the current CAO, Cindy Halcrow, has provided me. I feel fortunate to be leading an amazing team - from Council members to our professional and dedicated staff.”

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023:

CAO/Clerk Appointment:
Council appointed Cathy Ryder as the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk effective March 31, 2023 to replace Cindy Halcrow who is retiring on March 30, 2023. Cathy has been working with the Township since 2009 and is the current Clerk. She has diplomas from McMaster University in Human Resources Management, Municipal Administration Program from AMCTO, Certified Municipal Manager (CMO) from AMCTO and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Guelph, Employment Law and Human Resources AMCTO and certification in IT

Council approved amendments to the CAO’s job description to include the Clerk responsibilities such as municipal elections, freedom of information requests, human resources and IT. Council also approved a new Deputy Clerk job description and salary gird of $61,674 to $72,347 to replace the Clerk position. The position is expected to be filled shortly.

Livestock Valuer Increase in Compensation
Council approved an increase in the compensation paid to Livestock Valuers from $65 per visit to $80 per visit and include mileage expenses. The increase is estimated to cost $600 per year.

Budget Restatement
Council approved the 2023 Budget Restatement. The Township is required underOntario Regulation 284/09 to report on amortization, post-employment benefits, solid waste landfill closure, and post-closure expenses that are excluded from the budget. In 2009, accounting standards and financial reporting requirements changed significantly, with the most notable change being the requirement to report on tangible capital assets. However, these accounting standards do not require budgets to be prepared on the same basis. Drummond/North Elmsley continues to prepare budgets on the traditional cash or a modified accrual basis. Cash basis budgets do not include the requirement of accrual accounting and accounting for non-financial assets such as Tangible Capital Assets. Allowable expenses as per Ontario Regulation 284-09 include: amortization expense; post-employment benefit expenses; and solid waste landfill closure and postclosure expenses. The municipality excludes amortization expenses from its cashbased budget. Landfill closure and post-closure expenses are included in the annual budget therefore no adjustment or restatement is required. The Township does not have post-employment expenses and as such, there is no reporting required. For the purposes of this accounting exercise which has no financial impact on the budget, the net result of all adjustments is a surplus of $297,944.

Upcoming Meetings
• Council Meeting: March 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: March 14, 2023 following the Council meeting

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark
District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE
February 2, 2023

The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) would like to advise everyone to take appropriate precautions over the next few days as temperatures are expected to be extremely cold. Environment Canada is anticipating that a strong cold front will produce wind chills value of minus 40C to minus 45C.

Cold weather can cause very serious health conditions and even death. Unprotected skin can freeze in as little as 10–30 minutes, and the risk of developing hypothermia is high. During very cold weather, everyone is at risk; however people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, infants and children, people taking certain prescription medications, people with certain pre-existing health conditions, outdoor workers, winter activity enthusiasts, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated (without heat or power) are in greater danger. During these cold temperatures, the Health Unit strongly encourages the public to check on family members, neighbours, or friends who may be isolated, disabled, living alone, or without sufficient shelter. During cold weather everyone should take the following precautions:

• Wear layers of warm dry clothing including a hat and mitts, to block the wind.
• Drink warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
• Cover exposed skin surfaces when outdoors.
• Maintain a heated environment of around 20°C/68°F.
• Check for local warming centres or shelters in your community.
• Be aware of how your medications or health conditions may increase your risk.
• Be aware of the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Be aware of the dangers of using an oven or space heater as a heating device.
• Keep a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle and be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you travel.

For more information on how to protect yourself during extreme cold please see the Health Canada Wind Chill Index webpage, our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures webpage and our Cold Weather Injuries factsheet.

Connect with us on Facebook and follow @LGLHealthUnit on Twitter for important public health updates. You can also call 1-800-660-5853 with any questions.

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

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023:

Second-Hand Truck Purchase
Council approved the purchase of a 2002 Ford F-150 XLD 4x4 from the  Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Department for $2,500 and approved the expense of $3,500 to pass the required safety inspection. The vehicle will be used as a spare vehicle for road patrolling and building inspections.

In-Kind Contribution
Council agreed to compensate Councillor Paul Kehoe $60 per hour for the use of his tractor as an in-kind contribution for his work in bush hogging the proposed Drummond/North Elmsley Trail.

Committee of the Whole Meeting January 24, 2023

Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital CEO Michael Cohen attended the meeting to give Council an overview of the hospitals’ activities. Staffing shortages and supply chain difficulties are continuing to be significant challenges though overall operations are
stable. The catchment area for the hospitals contain the highest concentration of older adults which will require an increase in the number of beds to 215 by 2050, up from the current 88.4 beds (2019/2020).

Mr. Cohen highlighted the four priorities of the hospitals’ strategic plan:
1. Provide an excellent experience for the people we serve, every time,
2. Meet the changing needs of our community
3. Support and empower our people
4. Ensure our future sustainability

The hospital started a $6M fundraising campaign for a new MRI machine. The MRI machine requires $2M in hospital renovations that will protect people’s safety.

The PSFDH initiated a core capital program 4 years ago to help address capital funding gap and partnered with many area municipalities. Annually, their assets depreciate by $4.6M against an investment of $2.4M in asset renewal. They are not keeping up with their assets. He mentioned that the funds from the program are directed to the clinical transformation project that was designed to improve patient safety, quality of care and leverage information to better manage the hospital and create innovations of care.

Upcoming Meetings
• Special Committee of the Whole - Council Priorities 2022-2026: February 8, 2023
at 1:00 p.m.
• Council Meeting: February 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: February 14, 2023 following the Council meeting