MEDIA RELEASE:

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

March 14, 2022

As our pandemic response slows down, we can now turn our focus to the School Immunization Catch-Up Program for students in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. We have approximately 5300 students that are behind in their Hep B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines and an additional 860 that are behind on their 14-16 year old booster (Tdap).

Starting March 21^st, 2022, we will be offering these vaccines in our clinic locations where the COVID-19 vaccine is also being offered.

Eligible Birth Years/ Grades: 

• Hep B: Grades 7-10 only
• HPV: Grades 7 – 12 + 2002- 2003 (Girls only)
• Meningococcal: Grades 7-12
• Tdap:  Typically those in grade 12 that have missed their 14-16 booster.

NOTE: These vaccines will not be offered in schools this year and eligibility is grade dependent. Please make arrangements to attend a clinic and not miss this opportunity for your child.

Parents should:

1. Review immunization information to see which immunizations their child needs
2. Book an appointment through a local online booking system or you can call 1-844-369-1234 (open Monday to Friday from 8:30am–4:00pm) and book an appointment with a member of our call centre staff.

Parents are reminded about the following COVID-19 precautions on the day of the clinic:

1.      Complete the provincial screening tool and follow instructions given. DO NOT ATTEND if student screens positive.

2. Please notify screeners when you arrive and follow directions given.
3. Students must wear face covering.
4. Please be prepared to wait 15 minutes after your appointment.

For more information, visit our immunization page. For updates, follow LGLHealthunit on Facebook or Twitter or lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

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

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held Thursday, March 8, 2022. 

Local Funding for Provincial Hospitals

Council passed a resolution in support of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Resolution calling on the Province to re-examine its funding methodology for hospitals.  Communities are required to fund 10% of their hospital’s capital construction costs, 100% of their equipment costs and long-term financing costs. Although community donors include benevolent individuals, groups, businesses, as well as municipalities, hospitals have been increasing their reliance on municipal funding to fund capital and equipment costs.  The fiscal capacity of municipalities to meet its own obligations is already strained and taking on hospital funding takes away resources that should be used for municipal operations.

Delegation of Authority Lame Duck Council
Council passed a by-law to delegation its powers to staff in the event it becomes a “lame duck” council during the 2022 Municipal Elections.

The delegation of power will allow the Clerk Administrator and Deputy Clerk to make hiring/firing decisions and the Clerk Administrator and Treasurer to make financial decisions outside of the current by-law that exceed $50,000 but not greater than $150,000 and to execute an agreement of purchase and sale of property.  In cases where a delegated power is exercised, Council will be consulted.

The lame duck calculation is done on Nomination Day and after Election Day. On Nomination Day, a council becomes lame duck when 75% of the current council are not running for re-election. After Election Day, a council becomes lame duck if 75% of the current council is not re-elected.

A lame duck council’s powers has limited powers and cannot

1. Hire or remove from office of any officer of the municipality;
2. The hiring or dismissal of any employee of the municipality;
3. The disposition of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value exceeding $50,000 at the time of disposal; and
4. Making any expenditures or incurring any other liability which exceeds
   $50,000.

Upcoming Meetings

• Council Meeting: March 22, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: March 22, 2022 following the Council meeting
• Official Plan Review Public Meeting April 12, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
March 2, 2022

On behalf of staff at the Health Unit we want to thank all business owners for their hard work and dedication throughout this pandemic. We recognize that implementing the legislated public health measures for close to two (2) years has been challenging for you personally and for your businesses and employees. With your support we have been able to lower the overall number of cases of COVID-19 with severe outcomes and hospitalizations in our communities.

As you likely know, the Province of Ontario has been monitoring trends around COVID-19 and with trends gradually improving the Province is continuing to gradually lift a number of public health measures including; asking for proof of vaccination, active screening, capacity limits, physical distancing etc.

The following public health measures remain in place for all public places including; masking, posting a COVID-19 screening sign; 3733_2 COVID Screening Poster Sept 2021 (healthunit.org) and the requirement to have a safety plan.

Although some public health measures are being lifted it is important to remember that the COVID-19 virus is still present and there is still a risk of contracting COVID-19 within the community. It is also important to remember that not everyone in our community will be comfortable returning to businesses that are no longer implementing COVID-19 prevention measures. We urge you to consider your employees, customers/clientele and determine what you can do to make your business safe for all. Now would be a good time to evaluate your safety plans. The following link provides a guidance document and template for developing or revising safety plans; Guide to developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan | ontario.ca. The goal of a safety plan is to identify strategies that can be implemented in your workplace to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

As you evaluate your safety plan you may choose to – keep the proof of vaccination system in place, continue with physical distancing, maintain or install impermeable barriers where appropriate, promote COVID-19 vaccination of staff and most importantly, encourage employees to stay home if they are sick. These strategies will help protect the health of your employees, customers/clientele and will protect our health care system from becoming overwhelmed.

The Provincial government has designed a number of financial relief programs to help small business owners recover from the pandemic. We encourage you to explore programs that may suit your needs. A list of available programs and grants can be found on; COVID-19 - Leeds Grenville Economic Development and Home (valleycfdc.com).

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

March 15-20 is VAXI-PALOOZA! Join us on our Vaxi-Taxi in 18 locations across LGL

From March 15 to 20, 2022, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit will be bringing a mobile vaccine vehicle to 18 locations throughout Leeds & Grenville and Lanark. Our goal is to get as many people vaccinated as possible, especially children 5-11, so we are bringing vaccination clinics to areas where access had been limited.

The Vaxi-Taxi will be equipped to administer first, second, third and booster doses on a walk-in basis. Anyone five years of age or older can get their first or second dose. Booster doses will be available for those who are eligible. Both Moderna and Pfizer will be available onboard along with fun and celebrations to mark the wonderful job our communities have done to lead the province in vaccine coverage rates for those 5 years and older.

ll COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed on board, including the required pre-vaccination screening and post-vaccination monitoring. The Vaxi-Taxi staff will be available to answer any questions and discuss any concerns. If you have mobility issues the staff may be able to vaccinate you in your car.

Things to think about how to get ready for the Vaxi-Taxi:

• Bring your health card — if you do not have a health cardor if it’s expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s licence, passport, status card or birth certificate.
• Eat and drink something before you arrive to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated
• Dress for the weather in case there is a line-up; Wear clothing that allows for easy access to your upper arm, such as a loose-fitting top or a t-shirt
• Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin

Here is the schedule for the Vaxi-Taxi (Schedule subject to change with poor weather, for the most up to date schedule, please check our website)

March 15, 2022

Rideau Lakes

• Morton Hall, 13 Judd St. - 10:00am - 12:00 Noon
• Elgin - Brown's Marina 1641 Chaffey’s Lock Road - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
• Delta Fire Hall, 18 King St - 4:00pm - 6:00pm

March 16, 2022

Elizabethown-Kitley

• Addison - Municipal Office, 6544 New Dublin Rd, – 10:00am – 12:00 Noon
• Spring Valley Public Library, 4103 29 Hwy Brockville - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
• Lyn - Douglas A Scott Memorial Park - 4:00pm - 6:00pm

March 17, 2022

Brockville and Leeds & the Thousand Islands

• Landsowne Community Hall, 1233 Prince St - 9:00am -11:00am

• Brockville - 280-288 Bartholomew St.  12:30pm - 1:30pm
• Brockville - Brighton Crescent - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
• Brockville - 244 King street - 3:30pm - 5:30pm

March 18, 2022

Perth & Smiths Falls

• Perth - Stewart School Parking Lot, 80 Wilson St W - 10:00am- 12:00pm
• Smiths Falls - Town Hall, 77 Beckwith St. N.  - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
• Smiths Falls - Empress Street - 4:00pm - 6:00pm

March 19, 2022

Carleton Place & Mississippi Mills

• Pakenham School Parking Lot, 109 Jeanie St, - 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Clayton Community Centre, 147 Linn Bower Lane - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
• Carleton Place - Notre Dame School Parking Lot, 157 McKenzie St - 4:00pm - 6:00pm

March 20, 2022

Tay Valley & Lanark Highlands

• Maberly Community Hall, 180 Maberly Elphin Rd - 10:00am - 12:00pm
• McDonald's Corners Public Work's Garage, 800 10th Concession - 2:00pm - 4:00pm

For more information about vaccine or clinics, visit: Fixed Site and Community Clinics Walk-in Appointments - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or call 1-844-369-1234. You can follow LGLHealthunit on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for important public health updates.

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

The production of maple syrup is a time-honoured tradition in Lanark County.  Forget the groundhog because the first real sign of spring is when maple sap is running.

The Township has two maple syrup production businesses and many more private shacks scattered throughout the Township. 

Places to go for your maple experience:

Temple’s Sugar Bush (pancake house and trails)
1700 Ferguson’s Falls Road
Lanark ON K0G 1K0
613-253-7000
www.templessugarbush.ca

Oliver’s Mapleworks
158 Lakewood Lane
(Drummond/North Elmsley Township)
Perth ON
613-264-8612
www.oliversmapleworks.com 

Coutt's Maple Products
1230 Port Elmsley Road
Perth ON K&H 3C7
(613) 812 0844
www.couttsmaple.com

Visit the Drummond/North Elmsley
www.dnetownship.ca
www.facebook.com/dnetownship.ca/
613-267-6500

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held Thursday, February 24, 2022. This meeting replaced the regularly scheduled meeting of February 22, 2022 that was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Septic Inspections
On December 6, 2021, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit notified that municipalities that it would no longer be doing septic inspections as of October 1, 2022. Council agreed to create a position in the Building Department that will take over septic inspections. The position will be funded from the septic revenues.

Asset Management Plan
Asset Management Ontario was awarded the contract to undertake a new Asset Management Plan that will guide the Township’s assets over the next ten years.

Retirement
Council accepted with regrets, Cathie Green, Public Works Assistant notice of retirement effective May 6, 2022. Cathie has worked with the Township for seven years and will be greatly missed. She was instrumental in bringing recycling and waste management to the forefront for the municipality. She was a great resource for the Township and local municipalities as they maneuvered the always changing waste management environment. Her contributions to improving waste collection on private roads and her efforts in establishing the reuse centre will be part of her legacy.

Modernization Grants – Intake 3
The Township is entering into funding agreements with the Province for two provincial grants under the Modernization Program Intake 3 to complete a long range financial plan and undertake a Public Works Departmental Review to find efficiencies.

Joint Compliance Audit Committee for Municipal Elections
The Township will partner with Lanark County municipalities to create a Joint Compliance Audit Committee that will deal with complaints regarding election campaign financing for the 2022 Municipal Elections in October.

Upcoming Meetings
• Council Meeting: March 8, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: March 8, 2022 following the Council meeting
• Official Plan Review Public Meeting April 12, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Ontario Parks is looking for more ways to add innovative recreation experiences for people to enjoy at provincial parks, while also supporting local businesses, jobs and the provincial park system. That’s why we are inviting private, public and Indigenous businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, and entrepreneurs to share their most innovative ideas for new experiences to incorporate in Ontario Parks.

Interested individuals and organizations should consider the possibility of operating their business or service at provincial parks, with the goal of generating revenue for itself and for the use and care of Ontario Parks. The ideas with the highest potential may receive seed funding during future procurement.

The proposed activities and services should bring new visitors, particularly in non-peak seasons and in parks that have capacity to accept more visitors to avoid overcrowding. Proposals must also be consistent with applicable provincial legislation and individual park management plans, which specify what activities can take place within a provincial park while keeping the park’s ecology and environment protected.

Examples could include, but are not limited to:

• ·                     A packaged park experience that offered a learning hike with a gourmet picnic.
• ·                     An artisan offering classes in a park.
• ·                     A fun experience or service for beach goers, hikers or visitors interested in plant and animal life.
• ·                     An innovative solution that would improve accessibility of parks.

Visit the Ontario Tenders Portal (https://ontariotenders.app.jaggaer.com; search under “current opportunities”) to learn more about the Request for Information for Innovation Recreation Experiences and Services at Ontario Parks. Submissions will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on March 4, 2022.

We’re looking forward to building relationships with partners, including those from your communities, to bring exciting new ideas to Ontario Parks.

Sincerely,

David Piccini

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Feb. 11, 2022

In consultation with partners, clients and the community, and by using a multi-pronged approach, Lanark County continues to take steps to address the complex issue of housing.

At the community services committee meeting this week, Director of Social Services Emily Hollington provided an overview of activities related to the county’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The plan, which was approved in 2019 and is reviewed every five years, includes mandated targets set by the province.

“Over the past year, Lanark County has made strides in achieving objectives in the plan,” Hollington said. In 2021-2022, this has included 10 additional portable housing benefit (PHB) spaces, 10 additional rent supplement spaces and the replacement of lost rent supplement spaces with PHB spaces.

Partnerships with community agencies have played a key role in meeting objectives. “We released an expression of interest to non-profit housing providers this year, which resulted in a partnership with Carebridge for 28 new rent supplements in a new building,” Hollington said. New supports for clients were also created, including an agreement with Lanark County Mental Health to support housing services clients in 2021 and the addition of new housing services caseworker and clerk positions.

“This year we established a Housing Working Group to examine best practices, and a Homeless Services Coordinator position has been created until December 2022. We conducted the homelessness enumeration and launched and administered the consent-based By-Name List, which help us to get a more accurate idea of the number of people who are struggling and what supports they need. We have a small team dedicated to addressing homelessness specifically and working with clients to get them housed, and our by-name list committee of community agencies works together by pooling resources and finding ways to improve service allocation.”

Hollington noted best practices learned from the Housing Working Group have included the importance of seeking out partnerships with the non-profit and private sector, as well as leveraging county funding with other portfolios, such as federal capital dollars, in order to create multiple units through innovation.

The working group found having rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing administered by the non-profit sector is ideal. “For RGI units, the landlord must take someone from our waitlist. A key step for private landlords is often to screen tenants, which means they are not necessarily willing to take part in this program, whereas a non-profit partner may have a greater capacity to take part.”

The county also partnered with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health on a homelessness study, with follow-up on recommendations now underway. “We also have a study in progress to develop a toolkit for municipalities that highlights opportunities and planning tools that would encourage more affordable housing development,” Hollington said. This is expected to be shared with council in the spring. Council recently authorized an application to apply for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities grant for a pilot project to develop two carbon sink tiny homes for affordable housing in Perth.

“A major project to complete a development at 7 Arthur St. in Carleton Place came to fruition early this year with 20 households moving in,” Hollington added.

Over the course of the pandemic, more than $6.5 million in provincial Social Services Relief Funding was issued to the county, which supported multiple initiatives and allowed for five additional capital projects:
• Lanark County Interval House purchased six housing spaces in Perth
• Shardon Manor will add nine new beds
• Victoria House completed renovations
• Rideau Ferry Country Home completed renovations
• 2B Developments are undertaking a capital project

The county recently reviewed investment plans for 2022-23 for provincial and federal funds for housing and homelessness supports:
• The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) is distributing $430,845 among eligible housing providers on a per-unit basis. COCHI will maintain Ontario’s social housing supply. The initiative will protect tenants living in projects with expiring operating agreements/mortgages and promote the long-term sustainability of non-profit housing providers.
• Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) funding of $395,000 will be distributed among four programs: Homeownership, Ontario Renovates, Support Services and Administration. OPHI will provide flexible funding to address local housing priorities and improve access to affordable housing options. The initiative will help to increase affordable housing supply.
• The Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) allocates $1.3 million in five programs: Emergency Shelter, Housing with Related Supports, Services and Supports, Homelessness Prevention and Administration. Municipalities can use the CHPI funding to address local priorities and better meet the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. CHPI has two key program outcomes: That people experiencing homelessness obtain and retain housing, and that people at risk of homelessness remain housed.

Hollington said the 10-Year Plan proposes 10 new housing units be built in 2022, with five to be affordable and five RGI. The county will soon be sending out a request for proposals related to capital funding for this RGI and affordable housing development. “We would be taking into account the best practices determined by the housing working group, with a view to fulfilling and possibly surpassing
our goal for 2022,” she said.

“Lanark County has been working with all stakeholders and engaging with provincial and federal governments to advocate on this complex issue and to leverage opportunities to continue to move our housing and homelessness plan forward,” said Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor). “This is a major issue in communities across the country, and many of our residents are struggling. Increased community housing remains a key priority for Lanark County Council.”

For more information/media interviews, contact:
Emily Hollington
Director of Social Services
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2101

The Government of Ontario is excited to share that eligible small businesses that were required to close under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG).

The application portal will be open from February 9 to March 11 for applications from:

• Newly established businesses

• Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021

• Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.

In order to be eligible, applicants will need to confirm that they:

• Had fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021

• Were an active business as of January 14, 2022

• Were required to close indoor operations on January 5, 2022.

Eligible small businesses for the OSBRG include:

• Restaurants and bars

• Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)

• Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

• Performing arts venues and cinemas

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions

• Meeting or event spaces

• Tour and guide services

• Conference centres and convention centres

• Driving instruction for individuals

• Before- and after-school programs.

The OSBRG User Application Guide provides additional information about applying for the grant. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade emailed eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021, and were subject to closure again on January 5, 2022, as they have been pre-screened and do not need to apply for the OSBRG. But they may be asked to confirm their continued eligibility.

Please share this email with your associates and spread the word about the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant.

For more information on available business supports, please visit: Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs | Ontario.ca

If you need help, call centres are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding government and statutory holidays. The call centres are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090
TTY: 416-325-3408
Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095