September 1–Vital Signs Survey Info

Dear Friends and Supporters

PDCF will be publishing a Lanark County Vital Signs Report in early 2023. We have been gathering data through Stats Can and Vital Conversations which will be analysed and compiled. Please complete this short survey. Your experiences and opinions will help us, together, build a welcoming, safe, inclusive and vibrant community for all.

With thanks and best wishes, 

Victoria Gibb-Carsley, Executive Director.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
August 23, 2022

The Health Unit is pleased to announce the return of low cost rabies vaccination clinics on September 14, 2022. Our partner veterinarians and municipalities are supporting 16 low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties. As in many other sectors, staff shortages have affected many of our vet clinics and therefore not all area vets have the capacity to participate.  Some areas where clinics operated previously may not have a clinic this year. To find the locations where clinics will be held, call 1-800-660-5853 or visit the Health Unit’s Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic page. Vaccinations are $20 cash only. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Proof of Vaccination certificates are provided and these should be kept in a safe place as replacements will not be provided.

The goal of hosting these clinics is to help provide rabies vaccinations to as many cats and dogs as possible. Keeping your pets’ rabies immunization current protects your pet and your family from this disease.  In Ontario all owners of cats and dogs are required by law to have their pets immunized against rabies.

We encourage hunters to take advantage of these low cost clinics to get their dogs vaccinated against rabies prior to hunting season.  Hunting dogs are at a greater risk of encountering wild life that may have rabies, so vaccinate them to keep them protected

You can protect yourself and your family from animal bites by staying away from unknown or wild animals. If you or any member of your family has been bitten, scratched or in contact with a potentially rabid animal, seek medical attention from your health care provider, or go to your local hospital emergency department immediately. The Health Unit follows up on all reports of bites.   If you are the owner of a pet involved in a biting incident, regain control over your pet, provide assistance to the person bitten and provide your contact information to the person so the health unit can reach out to you to conduct a risk assessment.

For more information about preventing animal bites and the spread of rabies, visit our Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic page or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram for important public health updates.

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For media interviews, contact Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator at media@healthuni>

Lanark County 
Media Release; August 10, 2022

Want to get fresh with a local farmer? The annual Lanark County Harvest Festival will give everyone a chance to do just that!

This outdoor event, slated for Sunday, September 11 at Beckwith Park (1319, 9th Line, Beckwith), will celebrate the county’s bounty of the harvest featuring local producers, food seminars, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, local musicians, historical displays and more. This year, wefeature our partnering Township of Lanark Highlands by showcasing its people, products and projects.

"Throughout the pandemic our local farmers never stopped working. The Lanark County Harvest Festival is a great way to experience the amazing agricultural products our farmers produce. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate the success of our farmers and thank them for their continuing hard work,” notes Warden John Fenik.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a collaboration of the Township of Beckwith, the Township of Lanark Highlands and Lanark County.

The program includes cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs who will provide visitors with the experience of learning how local foods can be transformed into masterful meals.

Renowned for their country harmony, the “Bowes Brothers” are returning as the musical entertainment; and children’s activities (weather permitting) such as a petting zoo, climbing wall and a giant air bounce can be expected.

The event provides a perfect opportunity for local producers to connect with visitors and residents. The benefits of local food have brought attention to Lanark County as a food destination. This festival is a good time for visitors to celebrate the harvest by sharing food, stories and laughter.

This annual event supports local businesses, farmers’ markets, and the development of new business networks for the county’s agricultural producers.  “We hope to continue to create employment, build on the customer base for our farmers and encourage lots of visitors to come to Lanark County,” states festival founder Bill Dobson, Montague Reeve.

There are still spaces for vendors. To register, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For farmer profiles, follow our Facebook page @ Lanark County Harvest Festival. For general information, visit www.harvestfestival.ca , or call 1-888-4-LANARK.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Plontz, Tourism & Corporate Relations Coordinator
Lanark County
613-267-4200

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
August 2, 2022

As the summer moves along and our local water bodies are now warmer there is a chance that we may start to see some potentially harmful algal blooms starting to develop.  

Potentially harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in our lakes, rivers and ponds. Many of these blooms are relatively harmless; however, some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals. The presence of a harmful algal bloom and its toxins can only be confirmed through a laboratory test, so we recommend taking a cautious approach when you suspect a potentially harmful algal bloom. Toxins are released when algal cells break down. These toxins when released can cause skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, and in higher concentrations, liver problems.

The Health Unit advises people using surface water for recreation and drinking, to become familiar with potentially harmful algae so they can make informed decisions on when to avoid contact with the water. Algal blooms do degrade with time; however, it is not possible to say whether the toxins have completely left the area. Once the toxin is released from the cell, where it goes depends on the local characteristics of water movement in the area. The toxin will eventually be diluted into the body of water as any other soluble compound.

Drinking Water

Surface water is never a safe source of drinking water without effective treatment. The toxins released by harmful algae are not removed by commonly used treatment methods such as boiling, chlorination or ultraviolet light treatment. Surface water requires specialized treatment. Consult a water treatment specialist if your drinking water comes from a surface body of water such as a lake or river. You may want to choose another source of water for drinking.

Recreational Water Use

Avoid activities that increase your exposure to toxins in the water during an active algae bloom. When deciding whether to resume recreational use of the water after a harmful algae bloom (swimming and water sports) consider the following factors:

Faster moving water will dilute and move the toxins out of an area more quickly, further decreasing the risk to health. Each property will have a different water flow pattern, so a local assessment is useful to further assess risk.

Skin irritation is the first sign that the level of toxin is significant in the water, so if this occurs, it is important not to go in the water. A few more days will help to clear the water if it is moving well, unless another bloom has occurred.

Bacteria, viruses and other microbes that can affect health are commonly found in surface water such as lakes and rivers, so it is important not to swallow the water. Young children are more likely to swallow water so they should be watched carefully when playing or swimming in the water.

Be cautious about eating fish caught in water where a harmful algae bloom has occurred. Toxins are concentrated in the liver. So avoid consuming the liver, kidneys and other organs of fish caught in an area affected by potentially harmful algae.

Algae exist in nature; however, nutrient levels can contribute to an increase in blooms of algae. You can help reduce nutrient levels entering water bodies by reducing the use of household fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and ensuring your septic system is in good working order.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060 to report any new potentially harmful algae blooms. If possible take pictures of an active bloom as this may help identify the type of algae.

For more information about harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae, visit our Recreational Water page or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.

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For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lanark Leeds & Grenville Health Unit
August 3, 2022

Re: Power Outages and Loss of Pressure

This year we have experienced some severe weather events that may have resulted in power outages that affect the operation of your drinking water system. As our climate continues to change we may experience an increase in severe
weather events at any time of year. We encourage you to be proactive and if possible to have a back-up generator to ensure you can continue to provide safe water for your users.

We would like to remind you that power outages and loss of pressure may compromise the safety of the drinking water in your system and are considered adverse events that must be reported to the health unit. The health unit provides24/7 coverage with a manager on call to receive these reports and provide direction on corrective actions.

If you experience a loss of power or pressure it is important to do the following, to ensure potentially unsafe water is not provided to the users of your system:

 Report the incident to the health unit and discuss corrective actions.
 Once power is restored check that all water treatment equipment is working properly.
 If the system is treated using chorine – take free available chlorine readings.
 Flush all the lines for 5 minutes to clear the lines.
 Take water samples and submit them for bacteriological testing to confirm it is safe.
 Record your actions in your log book.

We are here to help so please don’t hesitate to call.

Community Health Protection Department
Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
458 Laurier Blvd., Brockville, ON K6V 7A3
Phone: 613-345-5685, 1-800-660-5853
Fax: 613-345-7148

NEWS RELEASE 
July 21, 2022
Ministry of Health

COVID-19 Paid Sick Days Extended to March 31, 2023

TORONTO — As of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will be able to book appointments for the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine. Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 will also become eligible to schedule their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).

“The approval of a lower dose paediatric Moderna vaccine will give families the opportunity to provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 for the youngest members of their families,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Getting vaccinated remains the best defence against COVID-19 and I encourage parents with questions to reach out to their health care provider, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre or the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to make an informed choice for their family.”

Over the next several days, paediatric vaccines are being distributed across the province and will be available through public health unit clinics, as well as participating paediatricians, primary care providers and pharmacies. Starting July 28, appointments will be available through the COVID-19 vaccination portal and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units using their own booking system, participating primary care providers and paediatricians, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.

Parents and caregivers with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse.

“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have helped lower the rate of infection in our communities throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Although most children who get infected have no symptoms or mild symptoms, some can become very sick and require hospitalization. The vaccine offered to children aged six months to under five years is a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting this age group from COVID-19. Even if a child has already had COVID-19, vaccination will help to further improve the immune response and provide more robust protection. I encourage every parent and caregiver to consider getting their younger children vaccinated and protected, especially if they are immunocompromised or have other serious medical conditions.”

The Ontario government is also ensuring workers do not lose pay if they miss work due to COVID-19 by extending paid sick days to March 31, 2023.

Eligible workers will continue to receive up to $200 a day for up to three days if they need to get tested, vaccinated, receive booster shots, self-isolate, or care for a family member who is ill from COVID-19. The government will continue to reimburse eligible employers for the paid leave days.

Quick Facts

• Children aged six months to under five years old will receive the paediatric Moderna COVID-19 vaccine which is a slightly modified, lower dose (half the amount given to children aged six to 11), in a two-dose series at a recommended interval of eight weeks between first and second doses.
• Parents or caregivers of children aged six months to under five years will have to provide consent on behalf of the child before or at the time of the appointment. To receive a vaccine, children must already be at least six months old.
• As of July 19, 2022, Ontario has administered more than 33 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 93 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and over having received at least one dose, more than 91 per cent having received a second dose and more than 57 per cent having received a booster.
• Certain immunocompromised Ontarians are eligible for a three dose primary vaccination series and a first booster (fourth dose). Starting on July 28, immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 17 will become eligible for their second booster (fifth dose) at a recommended interval of six months since their first booster (fourth dose). Immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and older are already eligible to receive their second booster dose (fifth dose).
• If you have questions about vaccine eligibility, please contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007), which is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and capable of providing assistance in more than 300 languages.

Additional Resources 

• Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Second Booster Shot
• COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth
• Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses
• Visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse
• Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit
• For resources in multiple languages to help local communication efforts in responding to COVID-19, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 communication resources webpage.
• Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.

Media Contacts

Stephen Warner
Minister Jones’ Office
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anna Miller
Communications Division
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
416-314-6197

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley will hold a Public Meeting on:

DATE: August 23, 2022
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Council Chambers, 310 Port Elmsley Road Perth ON K7H 3C7

TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley will hold a Public Meeting on August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers,
310 Port Elmsley Road Perth ON K7H 3C7 to consider the passing of a by-law to adopt new Tariff of Fees including amended building fees and charges under Section 7(6) of the Building Code Act, and other charges.

The Township will be taking on the authority for septic inspections as of October 1, 2022 and the proposed fees will cover the cost of providing the service.

A report has been completed which outlines the new building permit fees, other charges, and the rationale to any changes or new charges. A copy of the report and proposed By-law is available for public viewing on the Township’s website, www.dnetownship.ca

All interested parties are invited to attend the Public Meeting and any person who attends the meeting may make representation relating to the proposed fees and other charges.

Members of the public wishing to comment on proposed fees and charges can provide written submissions to Cathy Ryder, Clerk by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail at 310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth ON
K7H 3C7 by 12:00 pm noon August 18. Written submissions must include your full name, address, and an email or telephone number at which you can be reached.

Questions concerning the fees can be directed to:
Pete Echlin, CBO at 613-267-6500 ext. 240 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Septic Inspection Services Update
REPORT # CAO-2022-13

Amendment to the Tariff of Fees Bylaw
REPORT # CA-2022-21

BY-LAW NO. 2022-0xx
TARIFF OF FEES BY-LAW

MEDIA RELEASE:

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

July 18, 2022

Hot weather is expected tomorrow and Wednesday this week and the Health Unit would like to remind everyone to take care during times of high temperatures and high humidity. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for our Health Unit area because heat and humidity are expected to rise into the high thirties. Night time temperatures are also expected to be above 20^oC tomorrow and Wednesday night.

Heat warnings are issues when:

•                    Daytime temperature of 31^oC or higher and nighttime temperature not cooler than 20^oC for at least two days, or

•                    Humidex of 40^oC for at least two days  are expected

High heat can be hazardous to your health as they have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death.

During a Heat Warning, the public is strongly encouraged to check on a neighbour or a friend who may have a greater risk of suffering negative health consequences from the heat and humidity. Use this guide NCCEH Extreme Heat Event - Health Checklist WEB_0.pdf to check on friend and family.  

Everyone is at risk; however the following are in greater danger of being affected:

•                    elderly

•                    people with chronic illness or who take certain medications

•                    infants and preschool children

•                    people who have challenges with housing and shelter

•                    people who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged period

Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems. If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat seek medical attention immediately:

•                    Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision

•                    Difficulty or rapid breathing

•                    Severe headache or confusion

•                    Convulsion

•                    Fever

Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, would like to remind the public that during a high heat event it is important to keep cool, hydrated and to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
• Visit a local splash pad.
• Visit a local pool or beach – A list of beaches sampled are on our website along with the most recent water sample results.
• If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.
• Don’t skip meals, instead eat smaller amounts more often. Use Canada’s New Food Guide. Check out the snacks on this page.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures page. For specific health heat-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.

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Contact

For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
July 11, 2022

Approximately three percent of bats carry the rabies virus. The most common signs of rabies in bats are the inability to fly and resting in unusual places such as the ground or floor. It is important to remember many of the bats that get into our homes are healthy bats and are looking for a way out.

Bats are nocturnal animals and feed most actively two to three hours following sunset. They are efficient pest controllers as they consume three times their body weight in insects per night. Bats select attics for nursery colonies, however, during the day they roost in trees and in buildings. Bats are usually born in June. Nests are not required as the young are able to fly and obtain their own food within three weeks. Hibernation occurs between November and March. Some species typically hibernate in attics of buildings while others prefer caves.

Diseases Bats May Carry

Bats do have the potential to carry diseases such as rabies and histoplasmosis, which can affect humans and animals. They may also transmit distemper and mange to household pets.

• Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and is found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is fatal if left untreated.
• Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. Exposure to the fungus occurs when the soil is disturbed. The disease primarily affects the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. If you are cleaning areas where bat droppings have accumulated be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves and keep dust to a minimum.

Bat Encounters

Bat exposures: If a bat is carrying the rabies virus, there is a risk of it being transmitted to an individual when both the following conditions apply:

• There has been direct contact with a bat – direct contact with a bat is defined as the bat touching or landing on a person; 

AND

• A bite, scratch, or saliva exposure into a wound or mucous membrane. If you are bitten by a bat or if saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. If the bat is available, the Health Unit can arrange for it to be tested for rabies.

In a child, any direct contact with a bat (i.e., the bat landing on or touching the child, including contact through clothes) could be considered a reason for vaccine administration, as a child may not be able to reliably communicate the encounter with the bat to determine the type of the contact (i.e., a bite, scratch or mucous membrane exposure).

If you have experienced a bat encounter and/or may have been bitten, contact 1-800-660-5853 or on weekends call 613-345-5685 and seek medical attention from a health care provider.

Bat Proofing Your Home

Bat proofing your house is necessary when the bats are entering the living space of your home. It is advisable to contact a pest management company or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance with bat-proofing your home.

If you find a bat in your home and there was no human or animal contact, the bat can be released to the outdoors. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat to avoid being bitten.

Rabies can also affect pets; to protect your pet from rabies it is important to vaccinate them. Rabies vaccination is mandatory in Ontario for domestic cats and dogs. The Health Unit, in Partnership with local Veterinarians and Municipalities, will be holding Rabies Vaccination Clinics on September 14, 2022. The cost is $20.00 per animal; information about our Rabies Clinics times and locations will be posted on our website and on social media near the end of August.  

Related Links

• Bats – Health Canada
• Keeping Bats Out of Your House – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
• Prevent conflicts with bats | ontario.ca
• Bat Conservation International

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For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.