Lanark County
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release Nov. 24, 2021

Warden presents 2021 Awards of Excellence

Lanark County Council honoured two people for their outstanding contributions to the community at the council meeting Wednesday evening as part of the 2021 Awards of Excellence.  The Awards of Excellence recognize and honour citizens or organizations that have made a significant and/or extraordinary contribution to Lanark County. This year council recognized Bennett of Carleton Place in the categories of Volunteerism and Community Service, and Adam  Dowdall of Carleton Place in Heritage and Ecology.

“Since they were established in 2005, these awards have provided Lanark County Council with an opportunity to recognize local residents and express our gratitude for the contributions they have made to enhance the quality of life in our communities,” said Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor). “These volunteers give so much of their time and, by pursuing their passions and sharing their talents, inspire others as well.”

The awards program began as a way to recognize recipients for contributions to the county at large or in at least two municipalities. It was developed to say thank you to citizens of Lanark County, to provide community recognition and visibility, to support citizens for their contributions and to inspire further community service.

Cliff Bennett, currently of Carleton Place, but a decades-long resident of Mississippi Mills, was nominated by Valerie Wilkinson, who says he “has been so active in the community so often and for so long that it is difficult to know where to begin. His activities range from politics to sports to environment with much dedication to students and young people.” Wilkinson highlighted Bennett’s work in Scouts Canada for 30 years, including the launch of a group at the Ontario Hospital School and eventually becoming District Commissioner and receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Scouting’s Medal of Meritorious Service.

Bennett began teaching in 1967 and worked with students with disabilities, involving students in many different clubs. He was actively involved in tourism activities in Lanark County, serving as president of the Lanark County Tourism Association, and became involved in municipal politics in the 1990s, serving as deputy reeve for the former Ramsay Township from 1994 to 1997 during the amalgamation period when it became part of Mississippi Mills. He served on the Ontario Heritage Board for four years as director and vice president, helping to create the new Ontario Heritage Act. He was also active in the sporting community, including the Carleton Place Canoe Club, Almonte Curling Club and Lawn Bowling Club.

Bennett is well known as a keen environmentalist and for his work to launch the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists (MVFN) Club in 1988. He created an environmental education program to bring nature into classrooms, as well as a bursary fund to provide grants to environmental students – awarding $16,700 since 2007 to 21 students graduating from high school. In a letter of support, MVFN President Linda McCormick said “Mr. MVFN” has been a director of the club numerous times and served as president for several terms. The club has grown to more 

han 350 members since it began. Bennett was instrumental in creating two guides – Bird Watching Journeys in Lanark County and Canoe and Kayak Journeys in Lanark County – both of which are widely distributed by municipalities and businesses to promote tourism. She noted Bennett continues to be a director-at-large and a committee member and, at age 89, is leading bird walks from his retirement residence along a walkway by the river. He also raised funds for bird feeders near the buildings so less-mobile residents can also enjoy bird watching.

In another letter of support, John Edwards described Bennett as “a consistent contributor to the quality of life of the communities he has lived in: Carleton Place, Beckwith and Mississippi Mills,” adding: “Cliff is an irresistible ‘force of nature’ who is constantly organizing and coordinating people to work together to improve their life experience and/or improve their surroundings….His optimism  and enthusiasm has easily affected the lives of thousands of people wherever he lives.”

Adam Dowdall of Carleton Place was nominated by Jayne Munro-Ouimet, the president of the Lanark County Genealogical Society, for his efforts to bring Lanark County’s cultural heritage to life through his hobby of metal detecting.

Munro-Ouimet indicated Dowdall has been fascinated with unearthing and preserving items from an early age, and he has documented and displayed artifacts at many community events. Through speaking engagements and his Facebook page, Dowdall has motivated others with new hobby ideas. At the same time, he educates about location guiding, environmental awareness and equipment and techniques used.

“Digging in the county’s dirt – sometimes it is more than scratching the surface – Adam helps us understand what life was like in a specific time period and what was valued in society,” Munro-Ouimet says. “He brings us the county history just below our feet.” Over many years he has found numerous artifacts from the pre-settlement and settlement eras.

A letter of support from Kate Hurdis, Director of Society Development with the Lanark County Genealogical Society, notes Dowdall has found lost keepsakes, coins, jewels and items of great historical significance, including a flint spearhead dated to be 3,000 years old, of interest to Indigenous neighbours at Golden Lake. “Adam is a great asset to our local historical-minded societies and local museums. He brings a renewed interest in people searching their own properties and looking for local historical artifacts, provides guidance to those who wish to be involved with metal detecting and the proper procedures in collecting treasure,” she says.

Tim and Rosemary Campbell, independent museum professionals, stated in a letter of support that Dowdall’s “voyages of discovery into Lanark County landscapes have unearthed pertinent specimens of material culture that bear witness to the area settlement roots and history, mostly forgotten or unknown by its local residents.” The Campbells note Dowdall conscientiously documents and cares for the items he finds, “pursues his trade in ground metal detecting diligently and ethically,” and that he is respectful of the traditional territory upon which Indigenous peoples reside, as well as those who came after. They note his “contribution to heritage awareness in this area has a long-term impact in defining our community’s cultural landscape” and applaud his efforts to show his collection and to mentor those keen to take up metal detecting.

Lowry congratulated the recipients for their contributions. “These volunteers are role models who, through their actions and incredible generosity, have touched many lives. We sincerely thank you both for leaving such a positive legacy in Lanark County.”

Awards of Excellence recipients are recognized on a plaque in the county administration building, as well as on the county website at www.lanarkcounty.ca and in notices in local newspapers.

For more information, please contact:
Casey Whiticar, Deputy Clerk
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1102

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE
Nov 22, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for 5-11 year olds

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is excited to begin the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program, with the province announcing that a vaccine has been approved for 5-11 year olds in the province.

“We have been waiting for this age group to become eligible, and are excited that the time has arrived,” states Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “Clinic staff are well-prepared to vaccinate this younger group; and I am looking forward to having an added layer of protection for our 5 to 11 year old children.”

Locally, the Health Unit expects to receive COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds this week, and is planning to begin immunizing 5-11 year olds on Friday, November 26 at our clinics. This means that parents and guardians can begin booking appointments for 5-11 year olds starting today, for local clinics schedule on November 26 and beyond:

Benefits of getting the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children

• The COVID-19 vaccine protects children from becoming sick with COVID-19, and particularly from becoming so sick that they need to be hospitalized.
• Some people (including children) are reporting ‘long-COVID’ – breathing problems, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms that last for months or more – even if their initial infection from COVID-19 was not severe.
• Children who are vaccinated against COVID-19, then help to protect other, more vulnerable people in their lives, like babies, and grandparents – making family gatherings less risky for everyone involved.
• Fully vaccinated children (14 days after receiving their second dose), who are exposed to someone with COVID-19, can still go to school or childcare as long as they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Otherwise they need to stay home for up to 10 days.
• Children getting vaccinated will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among others in the classroom, sports team, or other activities.

How to book a vaccine appointment for a 5-11 year old:

• Book an appointment at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark online booking portal or call the local Call Centre at 1-844-369-1234. Booking an appointment will ensure your child is prioritized to receive vaccine and reduce wait time at the clinic. Walk in appointments MAY be available based on capacity and supply.
• All local appointments are in the local booking system; and are NOT in the provincial booking system.
• Pharmacies may have vaccine for 5-11 year olds. Check a participating pharmacy
• Some healthcare providers may provide vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider.
• Children who are 5 or were born in 2016 can be booked in for vaccination starting Friday

Upcoming clinics:

A full list of upcoming clinics is available on our website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/vaccine-clinics/  

There will be some Kids Only clinics added to our website later this week. Unvaccinated parents can get their vaccine at the same time as their children.

Here are the local clinics happening on November 26 (first day we will immunize 5-11 year olds), and the following week:

Almonte

• Friday, November 26 – 4:00pm–8:00pm
• Sunday, November 28 – 10:00am–4:00pm
• Monday, November 29 – 4:00pm–8:00pm

Brockville

• Sunday, November 28 – 10:00am–4:00pm
• Monday, November 29 – 12:00pm–7:00pm
• Wednesday, December 1 – 12:00pm–7:00pm
• Thursday, December 2 – 12:00pm–7:00pm

Gananoque

• Monday, November 29 – 12:00pm–6:00pm

Kemptville

• Wednesday, December 1 – 11:00am–6:00pm

Lanark

• Friday, December 3 – 10:00am–3:00pm

Smiths Falls

• Saturday, November 27 – 10:00am–4:00pm
• Tuesday, November 30 – 12:00pm–6:00pm
• Thursday, December 2 – 12:00pm–6:00pm

For more information

We have a dedicated page on our website with more information about the vaccine, how to prepare your child for vaccination, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Visit https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/youth-clinics/  for more information; or speak to your healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your child. 

The most common questions we have received are:

• Will the vaccine will be mandatory for 5-11 year olds? Answer: No.
• Will parent or guardian consent be needed for a 5-11 year old to receive the vaccine? Answer: Yes.
• What about a child who receives their first dose when they are 11, and their second dose when they are 12? Answer: They will receive the dose they are eligible for at the time they receive their vaccine; so a pediatric dose for ages 5-11, and a regular dose for ages 12+

You can also follow LGLHealthunit on Facebook and Twitter or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

A Public Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 8:30 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021 in regards to the 2022 budget. 
Copies of 2022 draft budget will be available on-line.

For further information contact:
Linda VanAlstine, Treasurer
613-267-6500 ext. 215
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Tay Havelock Trail Closure Media Release

The Tay Havelock recreation trail between Armstrong Line and Fall River Road (12 km east of Sharbot Lake) will be closed starting Nov. 29 to facilitate the rehabilitation of the bridge spanning the Fall River. 

Detour via Armstrong and Fall River Road will be in place.

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

This initiative was introduced in November 1986 when an "Angel Tree" was erected in the outer foyer of the Perth Detachment (now known as Lanark County OPP Detachment) and a total of 50 Angels were hung from the tree. The effort brought together the OPP, Lanark County CAS and several area municipal offices. Year one achieved its goal - a gift for each child on the tree. The program was started by PC Neil Fennell, now retired.

36 years later the OPP Community Angel Tree program continues to achieve that same goal. Unfortunately the need remains and the number of children and families assisted exceeds 600 annually. 700 this year! In order to meet that need, Angel Trees are now found at all the Municipal Offices within Lanark County and several businesses have also stepped up to serve as community partners.
Support from throughout Lanark County and beyond proves once again that our community is a caring, generous home to so many.

To sign up for an angel this year please visit https://www.dnetownship.ca/living-here/angel-tree

We thank you.
Provincial Constable Paige Whiting
Lanark County OPP Wish Tree Co-coordinator

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley invites prospective proponents to submit proposals for the Township Official Plan Review.

The deadline to submit a proposal is 12:00 pm, Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Proposals must be submitted via email to Brady McGlade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Submissions by other methods will not be accepted.

RFP available here 

We all need money to provide the basics for living. This includes, at a minimum, money for housing – a place to call home; for food that will fuel our body and mind with energy; for clothing to keep cool or warm; a phone to stay connected; a way to get to work or school; for leisure activities that bring us joy; and for prescribed medications when needed.

The following initiatives can assist people in our community living on lower incomes to have the basics for living.

Become a Living Wage Employer

Employers can offer employees a living wage and be certified as a Living Wage Employer. A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. A living wage is a practical tool for reducing poverty through paid work. The hourly living wage in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark is $18.25.

Apply for a Canada Learning Bond

Parents can apply for the Canada Learning Bond and access up to $2000 without having to add any of their own money to support the dreams of their children in any educational opportunity after high school. Go to www.SmartSaver.org and see what is possible.

Apply for Government Subsidies and Tax Credits

All people have the opportunity to access eligible government programs after filing income taxes each year. Some example are GST/HST Credit, Housing Support, Child Tax Credit, Child Care Fee Subsidy, Canada Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). There are volunteer income tax clinics across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark that can help access these subsidies and credits for individuals and their families.

3 ways, I can help.

• Learn about the benefits a living wage brings to a community
• Volunteer at a local income tax clinic
• Learn more about the Canada Learning Bond, share the news with family and friends

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance a stable income has on physical and emotional well-being. When someone is without the income to meet their basic needs like housing, food, clothing and transportation it leaves that person vulnerable to the risk of developing health problems. Stable employment with benefits allows people to make decisions that protect their health and the health of others in their community. Income-based solutions need to be part of the plan when building healthy communities for all” states Tanis Brown, Registered Nurse.

For more information on health visit www.healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853.

Contact

For media responses, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or Katie Jackson, Manager, 613-812-0416 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Use of Abandoned Rail Corridor Will Bring High-Performance Internet to Underserved Residents of Lanark County

CENGN is announcing the launch of an innovative project that will bring improved high-speed internet access to underserved Lanark County residents located in Beckwith and Drummond-North Elmsley Townships. This project is part of CENGN’s Rural Ontario Residential Broadband program and will serve as a model for other communities across the province looking to extend high-performance internet service utilizing access corridors such as abandoned rail corridors for new fibre optic networks.

Community Fibre Selected for High-Speed Internet Solution

Internet Service Provider Community Fibre Company was selected to address the needs of underserved residents living throughout a wide area of southern Lanark County. This project will focus on providing high-speed internet to more than 450 homes within Beckwith and Drummond – North Elmsley Townships. Supported by CENGN program funding, Community Fibre Company will utilize a 19 km long access corridor to install fibre along an abandoned rail line currently part of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT). The former rail bed will be used to connect to two high-speed internet points of presence to enable a resilient topology and ensure reliable access to the internet. The access corridor will also provide access to a number of crossroads where internet access can be distributed using an additional 61 km of new aerial pole-mounted optical fibre to reach underserved rural residents.

This new innovative approach to rural internet access will bring a range of high-speed internet access services to the residents within a very rapid timeframe. The project will utilize a new dramatically lower-cost approach to optical fibre deployments, enabling 50% cost savings through a 24-count fibre optic backbone and lightweight flat-drop fibre optic cable for distribution, instead of expensive, heavy armoured optical cables.

The project promises several benefits, including:

• 19 km of backbone fibre linking two high-speed internet access points
• 61 km of new fibre optic distribution to underserved areas
• Fast network build times, with services available by fall 2021.
• Dramatic cost savings model for extending services to many more rural homes at much lower installation and capital costs (50% lower cost than traditional optical deployments)
• Excellent range of new internet access services including 150 Mbps download / 150 Mbps upload with no data caps, and 50 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload.

Quotes

“CENGN is pleased to support Community Fibre Company’s approach using an abandoned rail corridor and innovative fibre optic infrastructure to reduce the cost of internet access in rural areas dramatically,” said Jean-Charles Fahmy, President and CEO of CENGN. “Reliable and high-performance internet services will support the growth and prosperity of the Lanark County community. By supporting and documenting this innovative solution, CENGN will gain a strong blueprint to help address the challenges of similar communities in Northern Ontario and across the province.”

“Access to reliable broadband internet is essential for all Ontarians, no matter where they live. Businesses, families, schools and hospitals in rural areas like Lanark County need fast connections just as much as urban areas,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. “Our latest Budget brings our total new broadband investments to nearly $4 billion over six years, the largest single investment in broadband by a province in Canadian history. That’s in addition to the funds we’ve committed to CENGN to support important projects like this one, which will have a real impact on people’s everyday lives.”

“Ontarians deserve access to reliable, high-speed internet regardless of where they live or work. The Ontario government is taking action by bringing high-speed internet to communities like Lanark County,” said Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This investment continues to build on Ontario’s commitment to connect every home, community and area with access to high-speed internet by the end of 2025 to ensure people get the services they want and need.”

“Lanark County is very excited to partner with CENGN and Community Fibre to increase connectivity in Beckwith and Drummond – North Elmsley Townships,” said Lanark Warden Christa Lowry. “Accessing reliable and affordable broadband is critical for our residents and businesses in rural communities, and this need has only increased as a result of the pandemic. Improving access to high-speed internet is a top priority for our Council, and this project will support our goal to connect more households. We are grateful to be part of this project and for CENGN’s investment in our community to ensure access to education, health care and government and to position us for future prosperity, economic growth and innovation.”

“Community Fibre is very pleased CENGN selected our rural broadband project in Lanark County that will bring our gigabit-class Fibre To The Home internet service to more than 450 underserved homes.  Extending high-speed fibre internet access to rural communities is a foundational part of Community Fibre’s mission, and CENGN’s rural broadband project will enable us to demonstrate increased scale of our innovative approach to the delivery of internet access.  Our team is committed to deliver help towards closing the rural broadband gap by innovating in how optical fibre base broadband services are implemented in Ontario,” said Benjamin LaHaise, President and Founder, Community Fibre Company

The Next Generation Network Program (NGNP)

This project is part of the Next Generation Network Program (NGNP), an Ontario government program powered by CENGN in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation, which helps Ontario companies develop and demonstrate new wired and wireless technology, products and services. Other projects in the program are focused on smart mining, smart agriculture, and autonomous vehicles.

Quick Facts

• Ontario has committed $63.3 million over five years to the NGNP, which is being delivered through a partnership between CENGN, Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation.
• This initiative aligns with Ontario’s plan to bring high-speed internet to every community, delivered by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
• This project is part of the Rural Ontario Residential Broadband program, under the NGNP.
• Broadband is a federally regulated sector and telecommunications companies provide the services.  Ontario is working with funding partners like the Federal government, municipalities and other investors to deliver broadband to our underserved and unserved communities.

Contact

Rick Penwarden
Senior Manager, Communications
CENGN – Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks
613-963-1200 ex:329
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Resources

• CENGN Rural Ontario Residential Broadband Program: https://www.cengn.ca/rural-ontario-broadband-program/
• Lanark County: https://www.lanarkcounty.ca
• Community Fibre Company: https://www.communityfibre.ca
• Next Generation Network Program: https://www.cengn.ca/next-generation-network-program-en/
• Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade
• Ontario Connects: Bringing High-Speed Internet to Every Community: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-connects-bringing-high-speed-internet-to-every-community

Perth and District Community Foundation is accepting grant applications! There's still time to get your grant application in. Don't miss out!

2022 Grant Applications will be accepted until October 29, 2021  From 2003 – 2020, we gave a total of $1.5m in grants benefitting children, youth, seniors, and families in Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, and Tay Valley. We address community needs and opportunities through grants to registered charities in the education, recreation, health, environment, arts and culture, and social development sectors. Projects must directly benefit the residents of Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, and Tay Valley. Eligible applications are judged by the PDCF Grants Committee, which makes its decisions taking into account the quality of the proposed project the potential impact of the project, and the demonstrated ability of the applicant to carry out the project. Preference is given to projects that involve collaboration with other community partners are new initiatives or innovative in nature. Grants are made only to charities registered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or other qualified donees as defined by the CRA (a municipality, a school board, etc.). All applicants will receive notice of the Foundation’s decision by January 31, 2022. You will find the 2022 grant application form and guidelines at https://www.pdcf.ca/grants/

“Fall in love” with Lanark County trails this fall

Lanark County Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) is encouraging everyone to “fall in love” with Lanark County Trails as the annual showcase of fall colours begins.

“We have a wide range of trails throughout the county that offer something for a variety ability levels and interests,” Lowry says. “It is an excellent way to explore the beauty of our county and the natural and cultural history found in our local municipalities.” 

The county operates five trails, three of which are hiking trails and two that are multi-use:

• Baird Trail – This site in Lanark Highlands (1024 Herron Mills Rd.) offers three loop hiking trails ranging from 620 metres to about 1.3 kilometres through forests. It features boardwalks over a sedge wetland, important ecological features and giant maple and beech trees combined with evidence of pioneer farming and red pine plantations. Parking, picnic tables and interpretive signs are on site.  
• Tay River Pathway – Located on the western outskirts of Perth behind the Lanark County Administration Building (99 Christie Lake Rd.), this 1.5-km loop walking trail is an accessible outdoor experience that is suitable for wheelchairs and includes several park benches. The trails passes the Round Garden, which is a unique garden designed for all the senses, as well as a white pine reforestation culminating in a boardwalk and viewing platform overlooking the beautiful Tay River. The Tay River Pathway is adjacent to the Trans Canada Trail. 
• Conboy Trail – Located in Tay Valleyon Bathurst 5th Concession, this 1-km hiking trail is on a 98-acre parcel donated by Janet Conboy in 2019 to become part of Lanark County’s Community Forest network. The wooded property abuts the county-owned section of the Tay-Havelock Trail in Tay Valley Township, about 700 m west of Cameron Side Road. An official opening for the Conboy Trail is planned for Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. 
• Tay Havelock Trail – The Lanark County portion of this multi-use trail is 25 km in Tay Valley Township. It is popular withATV and snowmobile users and follows abandoned rail bed. It can be accessed south of Hwy. 7 at Glen Tay and has multiple access points as it links with many other legs of the Trans Canada Trail. View gorgeous countryside along this scenic trail. 
• Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail(OVRT) – The 61-km Lanark County portion of this exceptional multi-use trail begins at Sturgess Road (just north of Smiths Falls in Montague Township) and travels north to Renfrew County, passing through picturesque Carleton Place, Almonte and Pakenham along the way. Created from abandoned Canadian Pacific rail bed, this trail opened in October 2018 and offers a transportation corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, four-wheelers and snowmobilers year-round. Learn more at OttawaValleyTrail.com

Partnerships with other organizations have been a huge benefit to Lanark County’s trail operations. The county recently received $56,000 from the Ottawa Valley ATV club to complete the refurbishment of a failing box culvert on the Tay Havelock Trail. “The OVATV Club has now contributed more than $100,000 to trail improvements in Lanark County over the last two years,” said CAO Kurt Greaves.

Lanark County has also partnered with the Snow Road Snowmobile Club to upgrade the Fall River Bridge on the Tay Havelock Trail.This work will be starting later this month and completed in early December. 

“This is a $250,000 project funded by Lanark County and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs,” Greaves added. “It is the third bridge project for this partnership in recent years, with others including the Highway 511 bridge over the Mississippi River near Balderson and the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail bridge in Carleton Place.”

As well, the boardwalk and viewing platform on the Tay River Pathway was made possible thanks to fundraising efforts led by a group of family members from the Lanark Lodge Family Council in cooperation with the county. The extension of the pathway opened in 2016 after $67,000 was raised and other community partners made contributions to its construction.

In 2020, the Alameda project on the OVRT opened in Almonte. This community-led project raised more than $60,000 to plant 100 mature sugar maples, to install multiple benches and bike racks, and for landscaping, parking and art installations.  

The Town of Carleton Place has invested more than $1million to create Carleton Junction, a downtown park on the OVRT that includes a pump track, playground, parking, washrooms, hockey rink, paved walking trail and a Mississippi River viewing area.

Beckwith Township has recently added another connecting trail, this one from Franktown to the OVRT. Tay Valley has long supported the maintenance of the Tay Havelock Trail.

“The ongoing support for these trails truly shows the enthusiasm of the community to share the beauty of Lanark County’s trails,” Lowry added. “If you haven’t experienced them yet, now is a great time to ‘fall in love’ with our trails.” 

For more information, including maps, about the county’s trails, visitwww.lanarkcountytourism.com or https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/en/roads-trails-and-transit/recreational-trails.aspxor call 613-267-4200 ext. 3170.

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For more information, contact:

Kurt Greaves, CAO 
Lanark County  
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101 
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