On April 8th, 2024, portions of south-central and eastern Canada will experience one of the wonders of nature – a total solar eclipse. A total eclipse is a special event and, as it draws nearer, will capture the interest of both enthusiasts and the public alike. This April 8th, 2024 eclipse is significant in that it will be experienced by, or near, some of the most populous areas in Canada. Such an event requires preparation by communities within the path of the eclipse to address the logistics of an influx of visitors, as well as to maximize benefits to the community in both the short and long term. Total Solar Eclipse 2024 lays out some of the considerations that communities experiencing the eclipse will need to incorporate into their eclipse planning.

What is an eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the sun in the sky. This phenomenon occurs because the sun and the moon appear to be almost the exact same size when viewed from Earth. The moment when the sun is completely blocked by the moon is referred to as “totality”. Although there is, on average, a total solar eclipse visible somewhere on Earth every two years, it is rarely in your own backyard. This is why this is a once-in-a-lifetime event - a total eclipse takes place every 375 to 400 years in a given location on Earth and will be happening right here in 2024.

What can you expect during a total solar eclipse?

As the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, the Moon begins to block out some of the Sun’s light, casting a shadow on the Earth. A small “bite” appears on the edge of the Sun and continues to spread across until a thin crescent of the sun is left visible. As the moon completely blocks the solar disk (also called “totality”), tiny specks of light become visible around the edge of the sun, called “Baily’s Beads” – these are the last rays of sun shining though valleys on the edge of the Moon. Totality is also the only time that the sun’s ghostly and spectacular corona (or outer atmosphere) is visible, surrounding what appears to be a black hole in the sky. As observers are plunged into the moon’s shadow, a sunset-like reddish glow can be seen in the horizon, planets and bright stars become visible during the day, birds return to their nests for the “night”, and light and shadows take on a quality unique only to total solar eclipses. Total solar eclipses are one of the marvels of the natural world and it is not unusual for people to become enamoured with “chasing” them after experiencing their first.

Solar eclipse safety

•  Never look directly at the Sun without using protective filters that comply with the ISO 12312-2: 2015 standard. Even when almost the entire Sun is covered by the Moon, light from the remaining crescent Sun is intense enough to cause a retinal injury. Solar eclipse viewers and glasses are designed to give a safe comfortable view of the partly eclipsed Sun. Sunglasses (even multiple pairs), smoked glass and space blankets are not safe substitutes.
• Solar eclipse viewers and glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2: 2015 standard must have labels to that effect. The manufacturer or distributor must be able to provide proof of compliance on request.
• You can remove solar viewers and look directly at an eclipse only during totality (when the moon is completely blocking the sun) and if you are in the path of totality. Totality only spans a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on where you are located in the path of totality. Totality on April 8, 2024, in Ontario will last up to 3.5 minutes

There will also be a virtual viewing through the Canadian Space Agency’s website for those who do not want to chance being outside. The Health Unit has links on their website to activities for kids such as making a pinhole camera (also called a pinhole projector) that can be used to safely observe an eclipse. Light is allowed through a small punched hole, which then projects the incoming light onto the opposite end of the box.

For more information about eye safety and proper viewing devices during the eclipse, visit Total Solar Eclipse 2024 - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. If you require medical assistance because of a risk of exposure, call Ontario811 or visit a virtual care clinic.

Bethel United Church at 1500 Rideau Ferry Road will be holding our annual Ontario Maple Weekend Pancake Breakfast in our Church Hall on Sat. April 6th from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

 

Admission by Free Will Contribution at the door.

 

The Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, and maple syrup from Oliver's Mapleworks.

 

Lanark County
For immediate release
March 11, 2024

The following is part of a series about homelessness in Lanark County. 

In Ontario, and Lanark County, homelessness is defined as “a situation in which an individual or family is without permanent, appropriate housing or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.”

This can look like many things. It could mean staying in a makeshift shelter (such as an encampment or a vehicle) or no shelter at all. It could be an emergency shelter or temporary accommodation, such as couch surfing with friends of family. It could be someone leaving a provincial institution, such as a correctional facility, hospital or the child welfare system, with nowhere to go.

“We have to remember that circumstances change for people,” said Emily Hollington, Director of Lanark County Social Services. “Things may be going along just fine, and then life takes a turn. People become ill and cannot work. They lose their job and suddenly their home is unaffordable. Costs for everything have increased, and maybe the job that was okay will no longer make ends meet and things become precarious and unaffordable. Maybe your spouse becomes violent and you have to leave but cannot afford to live on your own. We see people in all sorts of unfortunate situations.”

The county’s by-name list, which is a real-time list of people experiencing homelessness in the community, indicated 62 people were actively homeless as of Feb. 29, up from 54 on Jan. 31. Of those, 34 women and 28 men were deemed head of the household, and 17 people on the list are part of a family (couple, couple with children or single-parent household). Five people are over age 65. Twenty-four people are located in Smiths Falls, with 19 in Carleton Place, 13 in Perth, four in Mississippi Mills and two in Tay Valley.

Currently, 24 people (or 39 per cent) on the by-name list are couch surfing. Fifteen people are sheltered in hotels and motels in all three towns. Two people found themselves unable to work due to illness and are seeking rent support because now they cannot afford permanent or long-term housing. Eight people are sheltered at Lanark County Interval House, second stage housing and a Lanark County Mental Health crisis bed. Others are living in trailers or are basically unsheltered in cars and sheds. One woman is precariously housed in a violent situation.

“Eviction, the affordable housing crisis and coping with mental health or addictions issues can be barriers for people, but one of the biggest barriers is stigma,” Hollington said. “People don’t choose to be homeless – it’s a last resort. We need to get rid of that shame so individuals feel comfortable accessing supports and we can try to get them into a stable situation more quickly.”

The Homeless Hub works to dispel myths around homelessness and notes people experiencing homelessness have the added challenge of constantly searching for food, shelter and a sufficient source of income. If unemployed, searching for a job becomes even more challenging without access to a phone, computer, regular fixed address, transportation, proper clothing and access to showers. Although some struggle with substance use and/or mental health issues, this is not always the case – as in the general population.

“Homelessness looks different for each person,” Hollington said. “Everyone experiencing homelessness has a complex set of circumstances to navigate. Showing some understanding and compassion goes a long way to reducing stigma and helping people on the path to housing stability.”

To learn more about housing supports in Lanark County, see https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/en/family-and-social-services/housing.aspx. If you are experiencing homelessness, call the Lanark County Homeless Response Team at 613-267-4200 ext. 2140 or 1-888-952-6275 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or after hours at 613-206-1486.

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

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
 
A low pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain to the region, with between 20mm and 40mm expected throughout Saturday and Sunday. Snow conditions in the Rideau Valley watershed are largely depleted, but flows and water levels remain elevated from recent melt and rainfall events.

While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, water levels and flows in all waterways are expected to increase and may exceed their banks along smaller tributaries and streams. Residents in these regions are advised to take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have 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

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. 
 
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, March 15, 2024 at 5 PM and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

Join virtually for an informative session with Iain De Jong on Understanding Homelessness. Iain is determined and ruthlessly honest in helping communities work toward ending homelessness.

Compassionately, he provokes people to think about homelessness differently and respond to it in such a way that evidence and data is favoured over charity and opinion.

OPEN TO COMMUNITY: This event is free of charge and no registration required.

Thursday, March 21, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87935090129?pwd=am51RFhmbU1KS29qdjBreWdmbWQ4Zz09

Meeting ID: 879 3509 0129

Passcode: 084670

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:00 am - 11:0 0am

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86341140667?pwd=bXhrZ2htTGI5Tk1tM2dzV1h4c1k4QT09

Meeting ID: 863 4114 0667

Passcode: 288174

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
March 4, 2024

March is Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “We are Dietitians”. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is raising awareness of what dietitians do in your community.

Nutrition information is all over the internet, in books, and television; but how do you know what is credible information? Registered dietitians give credible information based on the best available science and encourage food choices that promote health and well-being. In Ontario, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but the title of “dietitian” is protected by law, just like nurses, pharmacists, or physicians, so if you see “registered dietitian” or “RD” beside a name, that person is committed to evidence-based practice.

Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including: clinical settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, long term care, home care, in the community, private practice, food service, sports, academia and research, business and media, and public health units and government.

In public health, dietitians work in a variety of areas and roles. One focus is on school-aged children and youth, providing consultations on teaching about food and nutrition and creating a positive school food environment. Dietitians in public health also partner with municipalities, youth centres and groups, libraries, and other community organizations to support them with services like providing recommendations for a healthy canteen menu at a recreation facility, offering train-the-trainer sessions for food literacy programming, or working with groups to develop nutrition-related activities for their program.

Further public health nutrition work focuses on children aged 0 to 6 years, their families, and pregnant individuals. Dietitians support our Healthy Babies Healthy Children program and Healthy Growth and Development team by providing consultation, education, and resources. We collaborate with community partners to support families with prenatal nutrition, introducing solids, and creating positive feeding relationships. Working with child care centres on meal planning and creating supportive nutrition environments is also a public health responsibility.

At the Health Unit, there is also nutrition work that’s done at the population level. This work includes: policy development, a focus on equitable access to food and food insecurity, working with the media, and engaging with community groups and networks who are working to ensure all residents can access, prepare and enjoy healthy food. This also includes providing information on the cost of nutritious food relative to income and other living expenses, such as housing.

While public health dietitians do not offer one-on-one counselling or public presentations, there is a Registered Dietitian Service Directory on the Health Unit website or dietitians.ca has a “Find a Dietitian” feature for anyone who needs this type of service.

For more information about nutrition and the services of dietitians, visit Healthy Eating - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or connect with LGLHealthunit on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-660-5853.

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For interviews, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The new Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 for the Province of Ontario comes into effect April 1, 2024.

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is recruiting one (1) resident to be a Community Appointee to the OPP Detachment Board for a term commencing April 1, 2024 and expiring November 15, 2026. This position is an opportunity for a qualified resident to determine objectives and priorities for the Lanark County OPP Detachment to enhance the quality of life and ensure the safety and security of all persons and property in the community in keeping with the Minister of the Solicitor General’s Strategic Plan, and the OPP Detachment Board strategic plan.

The successful candidate shall be required to complete mandatory provincial training prior to being eligible to serve.

Who is eligible? Each applicant must be a resident of Drummond/North Elmsley, at least 18 years of age or older and not an employee of the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley.

In considering Community Appointments, preference may be given to persons demonstrating knowledge or experience in one (1) or more of the following areas:
a. Finance
b. Social Services
c. Education
d. Governance
e. Legal
f. Health Care
g. Mental Health

For more information, the Terms of Reference for the OPP Detachment Board can be accessed at https://www.dnetownship.ca/living-here/opp-detachment-board

Interested applicants are invited to submit in confidence, a resume and cover letter demonstrating their knowledge and/or experience in one (1) or more of the preferred areas and clearly referencing the OPP Detachment Board by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on March 20th, 2024.

Janie Laidlaw,
Deputy Clerk
Township of Drummond North/Elmsley,
310 Port Elmsley Rd. Perth ON K7H 3C7
(613) 267-6500
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Personal information submitted will be used for the purposes of determining suitability for the OPP Detachment Board only in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
February 28, 2024

On April 8, 2024, parts of Leeds and Grenville Counties will be within the path of totality of the solar eclipse.  This makes for great viewing but there is cause for a public health concern. Although the Moon will be covering most of the Sun, it's still dangerous to look directly at the Sun from approximately 2:00pm to 4:30pm when the solar eclipse is happening. Viewing the sun with your naked eye during the eclipse can burn your retina, damaging the images your brain can view. This phenomenon, known as “eclipse blindness,” can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment, and in worst-case scenarios can lead to legal blindness, which entails significant loss of vision.

“There are no pain sensors in your retinas to indicate that your eyes are being damaged by looking at the sun”, says Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “Symptoms can take 12 to 48 hours to appear and can include retinal burns, permanent or temporary visual loss, and blurred vision. Once symptoms begin, it's usually too late to reverse any damage. This is why prevention and protection for your eyes is very important. ”

It is very dangerous to look directly at the sun at any time, but during an eclipse the temptation to have a quick glance can be very strong.Of course staying inside and avoiding the temptation is the best way to prevent harm to your eyes, but there are protection methods available.

To avoid damaging your retinas when viewing the solar eclipse:

• Do not view the eclipse at all or use a proper method of blocking the sun's dangerous rays while viewing
• Use a filter that blocks all dangerous light - ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a reputable vendor that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. The manufacturer's name and address must be printed on the product.
• Do not use any viewer if it has scratched or wrinkled lenses
• Be careful of anyone trying to offer viewing devices that are not certified

 Do not use:

• ordinary sunglasses or multiple pairs of sunglasses
• Neutral density or polarizing filters, such as those made for camera lenses
• Smoked glassPhotographic or X-ray film (unexposed, exposed or developed)
• Binoculars or telescope – even with certified glasses
• There are some promoted household items and homemade filters but this is not the time to experiment with internet fads

Some communities are having mass gathering events to view the eclipse. There may be glasses available at these events or you can go online and order glasses ahead of time.

There will also be a virtual viewing through the Canadian Space Agency’s website for those who do not want to chance being outside. The Health Unit has links on their website to activities for kids such as making a pinhole camera (also called a pinhole projector) that can be used to safely observe an eclipse. Light is allowed through a small punched hole, which then projects the incoming light onto the opposite end of the box.

For more information about eye safety and proper viewing devices during the eclipse, visit Total Solar Eclipse 2024 - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. If you require medical assistance because of a risk of exposure, call Ontario811 or visit a virtual care clinic.

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For interviews, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
February 27, 2024

In a statement released on February 23, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer urged Canadians to get up to date with their measles vaccine as spring break approaches. The concern is that the global surge in measles activity, combined with the decline in measles vaccine coverage among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to an increase in imported measles cases, potentially resulting in transmission in communities in Canada.

The best protection against measles is vaccination with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, which are almost 100% effective at preventing infection. According to the official statement, as of February 23, 2024, there have been 6 measles cases in Canada, some of which have required hospitalization. Most of these cases involve unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who traveled internationally.  (Government of Canada). People who are not vaccinated against measles may be at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Currently, a travel health notice for measles is in place for all countries.  Locally, there has been a decline in measles vaccination as a result of disruptions in access to routine childhood vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although there have not been any cases of measles in the LGL region, we are preparing for the risk of local cases when people return from travel abroad,” says Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “The measles vaccine is safe and effective, and is the best way for people to prevent measles.”

The Health Unit is providing 4 immunization clinics prior to March break specifically for measles vaccine, only for families with children traveling in the next few weeks. Appointments will be booked once a Health Unit Nurse has assessed the need for the vaccine.

If you are a family with children that will be travelling in the next 3 -4 weeks and you believe your family members have not been fully immunized for measles, please

• Call 1-800-660-5853. Ext 2313 and leave a message.

OR

• Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All others are encouraged to contact their health care provider to see if they should have additional measles immunizations.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe respiratory infection caused by a virus. It is not ‘an ordinary infection that all children should have’. Sometimes measles is called “red measles” (or rubeola). It should not be confused with “German measles,” which is another name for rubella. Over 90% of people who are not immune to measles and who come into contact with the virus will become infected.

Measles begins with a fever, aches and pains, runny nose, a severe cough (often bronchitis, an infection of the airways) and very red eyes. You may think your child has a cold. In a few days, a reddish blotchy rash begins around the face and head, then spreads down to the body, arms and legs. Bright light may cause eye pain. Measles can cause an ear infection, blindness, and pneumonia (a serious disease where breathing becomes difficult). Young children and people who are pregnant are at highest risk of severe health effects.

If on your journey home to Canada from travel abroad you suspect you may have contracted measles, put on a well-fitting medical mask and limit contact with others, if possible. If you are experiencing symptoms, tell a flight attendant or cruise staff before you arrive in Canada or a border services officer as you enter the country. If you develop symptoms of measles after your return, call a health care provider immediately. If you need to be seen in-person, the health care provider can arrange to see you while preventing the spread to others. If you don’t have a health care provider, visit: East Region Virtual Care Clinic | Virtual Care in Ontario`s East Region (virtualcareontario.ca) or contact Health Connect Ontario at 8-1-1.

To get more information about measles and vaccination, visit: https://healthunit.org/health-information/infectious-diseases/childhood-diseases/measles/

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For interviews, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
February 26, 2024

Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with significant rainfall are expected to trigger a widespread melt across the Rideau Valley Watershed this week. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly on Tuesday, February 27 and last until Thursday, February 29, with daily highs exceeding 10°C. Widespread precipitation is also expected during this period, with forecasts estimating between 20 and 30 mm of rainfall.
 
Although snow conditions are considered below normal for this time of year, the warm temperatures and added rain will trigger an accelerated melt. Beginning on Tuesday, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures over this period. If additional rainfall occurs between Tuesday and Thursday, flooding is possible on smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower) which are highly susceptible to spring flooding.

This short-term forecast does not suggest flooding will occur along the Rideau River, however the elevated water levels and flows will make the region more susceptible to flooding if another storm event occurs in the near future.
 
While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, it is advised that residents adjacent to smaller tributaries and streams take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have 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

With the expected temperature shift over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.
 
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday, March 4, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
      
                                                               -end-

More Information:
Justin Robert, Hydrometric Data Specialist
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6841, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1194
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions