PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Township Office will be closed to walk ins from August 14 – 18  while the reception area is being renovated.  The Municipal Office will reopen on Monday August 21. Please phone 613-267-6500 to make an appointment. Thank you for your understanding

Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase an historic boat built locally in the Rideau Lakes. All proceeds from the sale have been generously donated to the Big Rideau Lake Association (BRLA) by Terry Cowan in memory of his late brother, Keith Cowan. The one constant in Keith's life was his love of the Big Rideau and boating.

This magnificent Wykes Lapstrake Runabout will be sold via online auction from August 28 through September 10, with a minimum bid of $10,000. Visit https://can.givergy.com/brla on the specified dates to place your bid.

You will be bidding on a 17 ft Wykes Lapstrake Runabout designed and built by Wykes Boat Works of Harlem, Ontario in 1967 and powered by a 1996 75 horsepower Mercury outboard motor. The motor is well maintained, and the boat recently underwent a complete Wykes restoration: new bottom, keel, ribs, gunwales, mahogany deck, and upholstery. The boat is in pristine condition and a wonderful example of the long history of wooden boat building in the Rideau Lakes area. A tonneau top is included, but a trailer is not.

All proceeds from the sale will go to the BRLA and will be used for much needed improvements to the Cow Island Community Centre. We thank Terry Cowan for this generous donation which will have a legacy impact on our community.

Please share with anyone interested in vintage boats!

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
August 2, 2023

A horse in Lanark County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).

EEEV is normally found in wild birds but can occasionally spread to horses and humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Similar to West Nile Virus, humans get infected with EEEV through the bite of an infected mosquito (humans do not get infected from a horse or another human). The mosquitoes that carry the virus are usually found close to flooded woodlands.

Over the years, there have been three human cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Ontario. Although rare, it can cause a serious neurological disease in all age groups, even death. 

While a vaccine against EEEV exists for horses, there is none for humans; therefore, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is issuing a reminder to everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.

To help protect yourself and your family, please take the following steps:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, making sure to follow label directions. You can also ask a pharmacist for help when selecting an insect repellent.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.
• Ensure that all containers in or around the yard such as tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.
• Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.  

For more information about eastern equine encephalitis virus, visit Insect Bites and Diseases – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also follow LGLhealthunit on social media for important updates. 

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

Katie Lamb

Multimedia Specialist – Social Media

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

613-345-5685 x 2285 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Find us on social @LGLHealthunit

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
July 25, 2023

Approximately three percent of bats carry the rabies virus. The most common signs of rabies in bats are the inability to fly and resting in unusual places such as the ground or floor. It is important to remember many of the bats that get into our homes are healthy bats and are looking for a way out.

Bats are nocturnal animals and feed most actively two to three hours following sunset. They are efficient pest controllers as they consume three times their body weight in insects per night. Bats select attics for nursery colonies, however, during the day they roost in trees and in buildings. Bats are usually born in June. Nests are not required as the young are able to fly and obtain their own food within three weeks. Hibernation occurs between November and March. Some species typically hibernate in attics of buildings while others prefer caves.

Diseases Bats May Carry

Bats do have the potential to carry diseases such as rabies and histoplasmosis, which can affect humans and animals. They may also transmit distemper and mange to household pets.

• Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and is found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is fatal if left untreated.
• Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. Exposure to the fungus occurs when the soil is disturbed. The disease primarily affects the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. If you are cleaning areas where bat droppings have accumulated be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves and keep dust to a minimum.

Bat Encounters

Bat exposures: If a bat is carrying the rabies virus, there is a risk of it being transmitted to an individual when both the following conditions apply:

• There has been direct contact with a bat – direct contact with a bat is defined as the bat touching or landing on a person; 

AND

• A bite, scratch, or saliva exposure into a wound or mucous membrane. If you are bitten by a bat or if saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. If the bat is available, the Health Unit can arrange for it to be tested for rabies.

In a child, any direct contact with a bat (i.e., the bat landing on or touching the child, including contact through clothes) could be considered a reason for vaccine administration, as a child may not be able to reliably communicate the encounter with the bat to determine the type of the contact (i.e., a bite, scratch or mucous membrane exposure).

If you have experienced a bat encounter and/or may have been bitten, contact 1-800-660-5853 or on weekends call 613-345-5685 and seek medical attention from a health care provider.

Bat Proofing Your Home

Bat proofing your house is necessary when the bats are entering the living space of your home. It is advisable to contact a pest management company or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance with bat-proofing your home.

If you find a bat in your home and there was no human or animal contact, the bat can be released to the outdoors. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat to avoid being bitten.

Rabies can also affect pets; to protect your pet from rabies it is important to vaccinate them. Rabies vaccination is mandatory in Ontario for domestic cats and dogs. For more information, visit our website: Bats & Rabies - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Related Links

• Bats – Health Canada – info on how to get a bat out of your house
• Keeping Bats Out of Your House – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
• Prevent conflicts with bats | ontario.ca
• Bat Conservation International

MEDIA STATEMENT
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
July 21, 2023

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit identified an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) lapse during an inspection on June 8th of Piercings by Melissa in Brockville, who operated in relationship with LUX Tattoo and Piercing, when informed of changes to services performed at the premises that were not disclosed to the Health Unit upon starting.

Initial investigation conducted on site identified concerns regarding reusable tools, relating to reprocessing technique, operation of equipment, and documentation. The operator has been required by the Health Unit to use only sterile single-use tools, and not use any jewellery sterilized on site. There have been no infections linked to the premises at this time.

The Health Unit recognizes that this situation can be stressful. Clients who may have been at risk of exposure have been contacted directly by the Health Unit by letter, and we recommend that all clients who received this letter follow recommendations described in the letter, including speaking to a health care provider.

The Ontario Ministry of Health requires that public health units investigate and publicly disclose information about IPAC lapses. The report of IPAC lapse is available here: IPAC Lapse Report. The inspection report for Lux Tattoo and Piercing is available here: INSIGHT. The Health Unit works with all operators to ensure safety to the public both to prevent lapses and to ensure provision of services in accordance to public health guidance and provincial requirements.

Please visit www.healthunit.org and click on the infection control information tab for more information on the IPAC Lapse, and/or contact our toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext 2222. Information about the Health Unit’s role in inspection of personal service settings can be found on our website under: Beauty & Body Art.

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

Lanark County
Media Release
July 12, 2023

The County of Lanark is pleased to announce the commencement of the public consultation period for its new draft Speed Management Policy. The policy aims to establish a standardized approach for evaluating and addressing requests for speed management measures on County Roads, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety for all road users, curbing aggressive driving, and improving the overall livability of our communities.

Recognizing the importance of engaging with residents and gathering their valuable insights, the County of Lanark invites all community members to contribute their feedback during the consultation process. This opportunity allows residents to have a direct impact on the finalization of the draft policy, ensuring it reflects the needs and concerns of the local population.

To facilitate the public consultation, the County of Lanark has established a user-friendly feedback submission form, which will be available at (lanarkcounty.ca/hitthebrakes). Residents are encouraged to visit the website and access the form starting from Wednesday, July 12, 2023, until Monday, August 7, 2023. All feedback received will be compiled into a comprehensive report. This report will then be presented to the Public Works Committee on August 16, 2023, for its consideration.

Lanark County Public Works Manager, Sean Derouin, stated, "Since the pandemic began in 2020, the County of Lanark has received an increased number of requests to reduce speed and install traffic calming measures on County Roads, especially within hamlets.

The County has proceeded with multiple speed reductions over the past three years but has found it challenging to find suitable locations to implement the traffic calming mitigation measures provided within our existing policy.

The County has retained Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited to update the existing policy, providing staff with a standardized, balanced procedure for assessing such requests and providing recommendations on proposed mitigation measures, if any, to County Council."

For more information/media interviews, contact:
Sean Derouin
Public Works Manager Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Due to dry conditions, a partial open air burn ban is now in effect. Only residential fires are permitted at this time (campfires, fire pits, burn barrels, chimneas, outdoor fireplaces) are permitted until further notice. . Agricultural fires are prohibited until further notice. Residential fires must be closely monitored and completely extinguished when finished. 

A fire permit is required for all open air burning. To obtain a fire permit please logon to https://dnetv.burnpermits.com/ or call 613-267-2596 ext. 4.

It’s hot outside and the extreme heat is expected to last into Friday which has resulted in Environment Canada issuing a heat warning. While many welcome the warmer weather, the Health Unit is sending a reminder that high temperatures may impact your health. Heat warnings are issued when:

• Daytime temperature of 31°C or higher and nighttime temperature not cooler than 20°C lasts for at least two days, or;
• Humidex of 40°C for at least two days are expected.

Becoming overheated can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and, in some cases, death. Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems. If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat, seek medical attention immediately:

• Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision
• Difficulty or rapid breathing
• Severe headache or confusion
• Convulsion
• Fever

Everyone is at risk, however, the following people are in greater danger of being affected:

• Elderly;
• People with chronic illness or who take certain medications;
• Infants and preschool children;
• People who have challenges with housing and shelter;
• People who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods.

During a Heat Warning, the public is strongly encouraged to check on a neighbour or a friend who may have a greater risk of suffering negative health consequences from the heat and humidity. Use this guide to check on friends and family.

Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU), advises to keep cool and hydrated when it is hot outside and to take the following precautions:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
• Visit a local splash pad, wading pool, or cooling centre.
• If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.
• Don’t skip meals. Instead, eat smaller amounts more often. Use Canada’s New Food Guide. Check out the snacks on this page.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures page. For specific health heat-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.

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

Katie Lamb
Multimedia Specialist – Social Media
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
613-345-5685 x 2285 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Find us on social @LGLHealthunit

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
June 30, 2023

For many years, the Health Unit has partnered with our local veterinarians and municipalities to facilitate low-cost rabies vaccination clinics in communities across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. The past few years have been challenging for our local veterinarians and we have seen a significant decrease in the number of veterinarians with the capacity to participate in a coordinated approach to these low cost rabies vaccination clinics. We have also seen a decline in the number of pet owners accessing our low-cost clinics. Therefore, the Health Unit has made the difficult decision to pause the coordination of low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for this fall.

Local veterinary services may still be able to provide their own, independent low-cost clinics.  The Health Unit will promote any planned rabies vaccinations clinics on our social media accounts and website, so please check the website often. “On behalf of the Health Unit, I would like to extend our gratitude to our municipalities and our local veterinary services for assisting and supporting the coordination of these clinics over the years,” said Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Linna Li.

Vaccination against rabies protects our furry companions who add so much to our lives. It is also required by law for owners of cats, dogs and some other domestic animals to vaccinate them against rabies. Keeping your pet’s vaccination up to date is an important tool to reduce the risk of rabies transmission in our communities. Each year the Health Unit responds to hundreds of animal bites. Along with the pain and possible emotional and physical scarring caused by a bite is the risk of exposure to rabies.

You can protect yourself and your family from animal bites by staying away from unknown or wild animals. If you or any member of your family has been bitten, scratched or in contact with a potentially rabid animal, seek medical attention from your health care provider, or go to your local hospital emergency department immediately. The Health Unit follows up on all reports of bites. If you are the owner of a pet involved in a biting incident, regain control over your pet, provide assistance to the person bitten and provide your contact information to the person so the Health Unit can reach out to you to conduct a risk assessment.

For more information on rabies, visit our Rabies page. For rabies or animal bites-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.

Contact

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