At the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 22, 2022, Council made the decision to close the Ferguson’s Falls Community Hall to the public effective April 1, 2022. Citing the poor condition of the building, a report provided by a structural engineer and a condition assessment report, Council took this step for safety concerns. The Township recently has received a $750,000 grant to repair the community hall this year.

For further information, please contact:
Cindy Halcrow,
Chief Administrative Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
613-267-6500

Upcoming Meetings
• Council Meeting: April 12, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: April 12, 2022 following the Council meeting
• Official Plan Review Public Meeting April 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Water Levels Are Slowly Declining Across the Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R07/2022)
April 1, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a HIGH WATER SAFETY message for all areas. Water levels and flows are declining for most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed, except for the reservoir lakes which are discussed below.

The short-term forecast indicates mostly above zero temperatures and limited precipitation, although there is a possible rain event coming later next week. The snow has melted across the lower watershed, but some snow remains in the upper watershed, near Perth.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal are carefully watching the water levels in the upper watershed lakes. The water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are high but are no longer increasing. The water levels in Bobs and Christie lakes continue to rise due to on-going snowmelt and will be managed depending on the rain amounts next week and inflow responses in both watersheds. 

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 15, 2022 at 5 PM. No further updates will be issued unless the forecast or conditions change.

More Information:
Contact: 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.
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
 
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare. 
• Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

Lanark County
Media Release
For immediate release
March 31, 2022

From April 11 through December 2022, motorists can expect lane reductions on the Rideau Ferry Bridge during its 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, located on County Road 1, 6 kilometres north of Hwy. 15.

Work includes the replacement of the concrete curbs and steel railings, as well as installation of a new concrete wearing surface.

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.

Due to road-width constraints, pedestrians cannot be accommodated during the first stage of the construction and will be restricted from crossing the bridge from April to July. Cyclists will have access throughout the project.

Six full bridge closures will be required throughout the year to safely accommodate the work. The full closures will be limited to 12 hours, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advanced notification signs will be installed two weeks prior to the closures.

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

For more information regarding the work, visit https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/en/roads-trails-andtransit/rideau-ferry-bridge-rehabilitation.aspx or contact Derouin at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194.

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

Lanark County 
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
March 30th, 2022

Lanark County Council joined Warden Fenik and Jim McDonell, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at 7 Arthur Street, Carleton Place to celebrate the completion and opening of the County’s newest community housing building.

As part of the County’s 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan and under direction of County Council, the 7 Arthur Street residence was constructed. The building contains 15 rent-geared-toincome units and 5 affordable housing units. It contains 4 fully accessible units and consists of 1- and 2-bedroom units to help address the high demand for smaller homes.

Through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) the province invested nearly $1.062 million into the construction of the 7 Arthur Street building. The provincial contribution supported a portion of construction costs for 10 of the 1-bedroom units. OPHI provides flexible funding to all 47 of Ontario’s Service Managers to address local priorities in the areas of housing supply and affordability, including new affordable rental construction, community housing repair, rental assistance, tenant supports and affordable homeownership. The remaining construction cost of about $3.33 million was funded by County reserves.

“Community housing – whether it’s not-for-profit, co-operative or municipally owned – plays a critical role in providing housing for those who are unable to access the private rental market,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supporting solutions like these new housing units in Carleton Place is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”

Increasing affordable housing options continues to be a primary goal of Lanark County Council. The 10-year Plan recognizes the need for more affordable housing in the community and has ambitious goals to increase housing stock and rent assistance programs over a decade. The County hopes to partner with a not-for-profit organization in its next housing development to increase capacity within other community housing providers. Last month the County issued a request for proposals seeking interest from not-for-profit organizations wishing to create new rent-geared-to-income and affordable housing units in the County and/or the Town of Smiths Falls either through developing new buildings or renovating existing buildings not currently used as residential.

Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) stated “7 Arthur Street is a superb asset for Lanark County. Affordable housing is a major issue in our community and across the country. Increasing community housing options for individuals and families remains a key priority for Lanark County Council”.

For more information, contact:
Emily Hollington
Director of Social Services
Lanark County
613-267-4200 ext. 2101
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This month’s issue of the Lanark log created by the Lanark County Genealogical Society contains;

• Upcoming Events
• The Keyhole House Smiths Falls
• FRED KIDD by Bill Mains
• Elmwood Cemetery; Leading the Way for Family Historians
• Queries Corner

Read the full issue of the March 2022 Newsletter Lanark Log

Perth & District Union Public Library
Contact: Erika Heesen, (613) 267-1224
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MEDIATE RELEASBook-themed mugs for sale at Perth & District Library

Starting April 1, the Perth & District Library will be selling beautiful handmade mugs that feature a book and eyeglass decoration. Handmade by local potter Anne Chambers, the mug will be available in five different colours and sold as a fundraiser for the Library.

Anne Chambers is a studio potter and ceramics instructor creating wheel thrown and altered functional porcelain. Anne has been actively involved in the craft community volunteering for both The Ottawa Guild of Potters and FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association serving as President on both boards.

“I have always had a library card since I was a child and have felt the library is one of the main anchors of a community from children right up to seniors. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful library here in Perth. I would like to show my appreciation and give back to the Perth library and community, ” said Anne Chambers.

“We are very appreciative of Anne’s generosity and support of the Library,” said Erika Heesen, CEO/Chief Librarian. “These mugs are gorgeous and would make an excellent gift for any book lover”.

Each gift-wrapped mug is $40, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Library.

March 21, 2022 – All COVID-19 requirements are lifted at municipal facilities as of March 21, 2022.

With the recent Provincial announcement on COVID-19 mandates, there are no remaining impacts to Township programs, services, or facilities due to COVID-19 regulations.

Recent changes include:

• Masks and face-coverings no longer required
• Screening is no longer required
• Social distancing no longer mandated

During this transition, please remain cautious and stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19 for the safety of our staff and residents.

The Municpal Office is open for in-person services. We encourage you to continue booking appointments and using ''contact free'' methods:

• our outdoor dropbox at Town Hall (310 Port Elmsley Rd, Perth)
• our various online services
• through your banking institution

Leed Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Media Release March 17, 2022

Spring is in the air which can also bring the risk of flooding on some properties.  The Health Unit would like to remind property owners of a few things that can be done to reduce the risk of a flooding.

Be prepared before the flood.

• Monitor weather and take warnings seriously.
• Monitor your local conservation authority website and alerts for localized flooding risks.
• Ensure drainage ditches, etc. around your home are clear and can function during periods of heavy rain.
• Label the shut off valves and the direction to turn off the gas, water, power, etc. If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas, etc.
• Maintain your home to keep flood water out.
• Move items likely to be affected by a flood to higher areas where possible.
• Ensure chemicals, cleaners; gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water.
• Have extra supplies of water and food available that you can prepare without electricity.
• Have your vehicle filled up and ready to go.
• Ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps. Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water.
• Have an emergency kit stocked and ready to go. Be sure to include important documents, cash and medications.

Advice for those with private wells and septic systems:

• Flood water and water ponding around wells and septic systems can affect the safety of your drinking water and how your septic system works.
• The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit is advising those whose wells are directly affected by these conditions to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water.
• Have your well water tested for bacteria.
• If your septic system has been affected, limit water usage by taking quick showers rather than baths, avoid using the dishwasher, garbage disposal and washing machine and flush your toilets only when necessary.
• Ensure your basement sump pump is not going into the septic system.
• Do not pump out your septic tank when the soil around the tank or the leaching bed is still saturated with water.
• High ground water levels may cause an empty septic tank to float and break out of the ground, and damage the tank and connecting plumbing.

The following tips will help protect your family during flooding events:

• Keep your family safe by keeping family members and pets away from and out of fast moving water and the flood water.
• DO NOT enter areas where electrical systems have been affected by flood water as you may be electrocuted. Always wait for clearance from the electrical authority before entering these areas.
• Building materials, clothing and furniture exposed to flood waters are likely contaminated with sewage and can support the growth of mould. Some items can be cleaned and disinfected; others may need to be thrown out.
• Ask for professional advice during clean up. If you try to save and clean items on your own, wear protective clothing, a mask and gloves.

For more information on flooding please visit the Emergency Preparedness section of our website or call 1-800-660-5853.

March 15, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates warm daytime temperatures this week, with Thursday’s temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, and night-time low temperatures near zero. The short-term forecast also indicates that a substantial rain event could occur on Sat. March 19.
 
Current conditions at several RVCA and Park Canada snow course sites indicate near normal amounts of snow for this time of year.
 
If the temperatures come as forecast in the coming days, significant snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed. This will increase water levels and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Forecasted rain later in the week may further increase water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack melts.
 
Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:
 
A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.
 
A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.
 
Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water.

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 March 22, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

More Information:
Contact: 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.
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
 
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare. 
• Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.