Lanark County
Media Release
July 11, 2022

Road resurfacing work is scheduled to begin on County Road 511 starting in the Village of Lanark on Wednesday, July 13. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is taking place.

Lanark County Public Works advises that roadside parking will be restricted within the village fromWednesday, July 13 to Friday, July 15, and vehicle access to driveways may be temporarily
unavailable.

“Please ensure vehicles are removed from the street to allow for the work to proceed,” said Sean Derouin, public works manager. “If your parked vehicle affects the construction work, it will be relocated at the owner’s expense.”

Businesses may want to consider adjusting delivery times as a result of the lane and parkingrestrictions during this project. “We apologize for any inconvenience this project may cause you,” Derouin added.

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

We are super excited to congratulate Pat Purdy for winning first place in the 2022 Spring Fever Photography Contest. She captured a lovely moment in early spring on Mississippi Lake with her sweet dog braving the thawing waters for a quick dip. 

Our second place winner is Megan Laye, with this lovely close up of a nest filled with Chipping Sparrow eggs. Nothing says spring like baby birds and new life!

Lynsey Wheeler takes third place with her photo representing the rural living in Drummond/North Elmsley. 

Below are more photos that were submitted to the Spring Fever Photography Contest that we wanted to share!

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Township Treasurer Retires
After 31 years, Linda Van Alstine gave notice to Council that she is retiring effective July 8, 2022. Linda started working for Drummond Township on January 1, 1991. She has seen a lot over those years and went through the amalgamation with North Elmsley in 1998, an ice storm and 2 major spring floods. She was appointed the Township Treasurer in 2011. Her most recent accomplishments include the implementation of a new financial system in 2021 and she has championed a new asset management plan. Her last day will be July 8, 2022. Council accepted her resignation with regrets and wished her all the best for her well-deserved retirement.

Road Allowance Closure
Council declared the unopened road allowance between Lots 15 and 16 Concession 11 surplus to its needs and will be undertaking the process to stop up, close and sell the road allowance.

Upcoming Meetings

• Special Committee of the Whole: Official Plan Review Issues and Options Report June 22, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.
• Council Meeting: June 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Committee of theWhole
• Council will break for the month of July and resume on August 9

Lanark Archives will be having a book sale on Saturday June 25th 10am - 4pm. Drummond Township Hall 1920 Concession 7, Drummond Centre

We have a selection of books on local history, genealogy, military history, vintage school textbooks, and much more. We have some Rural School Books still in stock. For more information, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

MEDIA RELEASE:

June 6, 2022

The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit would like to remind our citizens that we will be starting our mosquito surveillance program once again this June. This program will be carried through until the end of September. Should you see one of our traps in your neighbourhood, please do not disturb it.  These traps are not mosquito control units, so they have no value to property owners, but they are important in identifying mosquitoes and providing a warning that disease causing mosquitoes are present in a given area.

We all play a role in preventing West Nile Virus infections, and when we all do our part we will reduce the risk of this disease in our community. 

Each homeowner has the responsibility of removing standing water that provides breeding areas for mosquitoes on their property.  Most mosquitoes do not travel large distances and thus those breeding within your space are likely to bite you.  

The municipality is charged with the responsibility of ensuring proper drainage on municipally owned lands and public ditches.  The roads departments have the knowledgeable staff and proper equipment to ensure this is achieved.  Additionally it is a municipal responsibility to address complaints regarding standing water on private land within its jurisdiction, using applicable property standards bylaws.  Should positive mosquito pools be identified in a municipality, it is also the responsibility of council to take the necessary control actions as recommended by the Medical Officer of Health.

The Health Unit has the responsibility of assessing the risk for WNV within the Health Unit area. This is accomplished by conducting mosquito surveillance during the summer months.  The presence of virus in these natural hosts is an early sign that the virus is gaining a presence in an area.  The Health Unit is also responsible for following up any human cases of diseases and, more importantly, trying to prevent human cases by educating the public on personal protection and strategies that reduce mosquito breeding areas.

Individuals have the responsibility to protect themselves from mosquito bites by: avoiding areas with high mosquito populations; wearing light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, pants and hat; covering exposed skin and using a mosquito repellent containing the appropriate amount of DEET. 

For more information, visit the mosquitoes section on this page of the website : Insect Bites and Diseases - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

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. or call 613-802-0550

Lanark County Media Release
June 3, 2022

Lanark County is looking to beat its third-place finish in eastern Ontario in the annual Silver Chain Challenge – and you can help!

The Silver Chain Challenge began as a friendly competition between the local municipalities in Lanark County about 10 years ago and is intended to inspire and promote more active, safer and healthier communities. Participants (all of us!) are invited to walk, run, bike and wheel on trails and roads in an effort to improve physical and mental health.

Each year from June 1 to 30 participants log kilometres in their community by registering at https://silverchainchallenge.ca/. Real time stats are posted on the website so everyone can see which communities are most engaged. Kilometres have to be logged by 5 p.m. on July 1, 2022.

The invitation is extended to all members of the community, including schools, seniors’ clubs, workplaces, families, municipal councils, emergency services and anyone interested in improving physical and mental health.

For several years the event grew to be a competition between Lanark and Renfrew counties, with each winning twice. In 2021 it was opened to all 13 counties in eastern Ontario. Prince Edward County claimed the top spot with 44,345 kilometres logged, followed by Renfrew County in second with 22,331 and defending champions Lanark County placing third with 5,065.

“Now is the time for Lanark County residents to grab their gear and show eastern Ontario how active we can be,” said Lanark County Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor). “This is also a great way to get into the practice of being active year round while exploring your community. It’s fun and, of course, Lanark County is in it to win it!”

The Silver Chain Challenge promotes healthy and safe active transportation, and participants are encouraged to make sure they are visible when biking, walking or running on trails and roads. Be aware of the rules of the road and make sure to wear an appropriate helmet when cycling.

“The Silver Chain Challenge, held every June, gives us a great reason to improve our physical health, support local communities and, best of all, get outside and to enjoy all the beauty Lanark County has to offer,” added Lanark County CAO Kurt Greaves.

For more information, to register and to track the competition, visit https://silverchainchallenge.ca/

For more information, please contact:
Kurt Greaves, CAO
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101

Off-road and offline: Avenza trail maps offer visitors a new way to explore

RIDEAU VALLEY, June 1, 2022 – No cell service? No problem! Visitors to RVCA’s conservation areas can now navigate even our most remote trails with confidence thanks to a new partnership with Avenza Maps. 

The Toronto-based mobile app offers GPS-enabled maps that can be used offline and without cell service to keep your bearings even in the deepest woods. 

“Safety is number one, and this is an innovative tool to help our visitors stay on track while exploring our beautiful properties,” said Conservation Lands Manager Chelsey Ellis. “We’re pleased to partner with such an ambitious and community-oriented organization.”

Tristan Lyttle, senior product manager with Avenza Systems Inc., agreed.

“We’re thrilled to see our local conservation authorities become early adopters of this technology,” Lyttle said. “Getting outside and exploring our surroundings has never been more important, and Avenza makes it even easier.” 

The app is supported by Android and iOS. Instructions on how to get started and use the mobile app can be found at https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/how-it-works.html. QR codes for the RVCA’s new Avenza maps have been installed at the trailheads of eight conservation areas, and can also be found on their property-specific webpages at www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas. Scanning these QR codes will download RVCA’s maps to your phone to take out onto the trail. Ifyou don't have Avenza Maps app, you will be guided through the installation process

To avoid installation issues, the RVCA encourages visitors to download the free app before leaving home. Traditional trailhead maps and printed brochures will continue to be available, as well as downloadable PDF maps on the RVCA website. 

The RVCA offers a total of 42 km of trails through forests, wetlands, meadows and more. From the Chapman Mills boardwalk in Barrhaven to the Spy Rock lookout at Foley Mountain, our 11 conservation areas offer something for everyone, all year round.

For more information visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas or contact Conservation Lands Manager Chelsey Ellis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Christie Lake Road is closed until further notice from Glen Tay Side Road to Cameron Side Road due to a motor vehicle collision. 

Please take an alternate route as detours will be in place.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
May 30, 2022

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit can help you ensure that the well water you and your family drink is safe. 

Spring is a good time to have your well water tested for bacteria. Run off from heavy rain may affect the safety of your drinking water. Bacteria in your well water may not affect the taste or smell of your water. Testing your well water is the only way to know for sure if your drinking water is safe to consume or if it is contaminated with bacteria and requires some actions to protect the health of your family. The Health Unit recommends that you test your well water at least three times a year.

A possible source of well water contamination is a malfunctioning sewage disposal system. Properly maintaining your sewage system can help prevent ground water contamination and keep your well water safe for drinking. With regular care and maintenance, a properly installed sewage system should provide many years of service. However, here are some tips and common household products that residents should avoid disposing into their septic to ensure a well-functioning system. They include:

• Fats, oils and grease;
• Household chemicals such as vehicle fluids, paints and solvents, caustic drain and harsh cleaners, bleach, pesticides;
• Cat box litter;
• Tampons, sanitary napkins, diapers, paper towels, condoms;
• Coffee grounds, egg shells and other kitchen waste;
• Excess water from roof drains, sump water, water from softeners and iron filters;
• Driving over the leaching bed with motorized vehicles should be avoided

Excessive water use in your home could impact your sewage disposal system by flushing solids from the septic tank into the leaching bed.  Conserve water by spreading your laundry out over the week rather than doing several loads in one day; fix running toilets and leaking faucets and minimize the length of time in the shower. 

The septic tank should be inspected at regular intervals and pumped out whenever sludge and scum occupy one-third of the working capacity of the tank. Septic tanks contain deadly gases and should only be inspected by firms specializing in this work.

The area over a leaching bed should have a good cover of grass allowing for adequate sunlight and ventilation to be maintained. Avoid planting shrubs and trees over this area.

isit the Well Water Sampling section of our website for drinking water information including: where you can pick up and drop off your free water bottle samples; how to take a sample; how to disinfect your well (if required). For more information, call us at 1-800-660-5853 or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit.

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For media interviews, contact: Katie Lamb, Multi-Media Specialist, Social Media at 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 and Committee of the Whole meeting held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

2022 Tax Rates
Council passed the 2022 Tax Rate Bylaw. The levy is $4,661,006, which is a 3% increase over the 2021 levy. The operational budget is $7,350,000 and the capital budget is $2,939,769.

Building Inspector Position
Council approved the job description and salary for the new building inspector position that will perform the septic inspections starting on October 1. The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit notified the Township that it would no longer be doing septic inspections as of that date. Council had previously approved the creation of this new position. It is expected that the position will be funded from the septic permit fees.

Energy Consumption & Green House Gas Reporting 2020
At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council reviewed the 2020 Energy Consumption & Green House Gas Report which shows a 20% reduction in green house emissions over the 10-year average. Some of this reduction can be attributable to the facility and municipal office closures during the pandemic in 2020 however the Township’s green house gas emissions have been steadily declining since 2011.

Upcoming Meetings
• Council Meeting: June 14, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: June 14, 2022 following the Council meeting