Community Profiles

Dog Licences
Currently Animal Control Services are suspended for 2018. For more information please see our Animal Services page.

Kennel Licences
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley regulates and licences dog kennels within the township. For more information, please contact the Township offices at 613-267-6500 ext. 251

Lottery Licences
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley issues lottery licences to eligible charitable organizations. For more information on Lottery Eligibility Applications, Lottery Eligible Use of Proceeds, and the Lottery Reporting Checklist, please contact the Township office at 613-267-6500 ext. 231

Marriage Licences
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley issues licences for marriage. The current fee is $130.00. Marriage Licenses are good for (3) three months. To learn more visit Civil Marriage Services.

Building Permits
Building Permits are to ensure the minimum standards of the Ontario Building Code are met in order to protect the health and safety of building occupants by regulating design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy of buildings and structures. For more information, please see our Building department page, or contact Peter Echlin, CBO at 613-267-6500 ext. 240

Septic  Permits
Septic Permits

Burn Permits

NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR OPEN AIR FIRE PERMITS

A permit is required for all open air burning.

How to obtain an open air fire permit: Complete your permit application online at https://dnetv.burnpermits.com or call 613-267-2596.

If you are a tenant, permission from the property owner must be obtained.
Cost: All open-air fire permits are FREE. For more information, please call 613-267-2596.

Any person who deliberately sets a fire without a permit, fails to meet requirements of the permit, or refuses to assist in controlling or extinguishing a fire, may be held liable for all costs. The cost is based on current MTO rates for every vehicle that responds to the emergency.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to be aware of current fire bans. If in doubt please contact the Fire Department at 613-267-2596.

Entrance Permits
Properties that do not currently have access from the municipal road to enter a property require an Entrance Permit. For more information, please contact the Public Works department at 613-267-6500 ext. 243.

Municipal Consent

Any work being completed within the Township road allowance requires approval by the Township.
Please complete the Municipal Consent application and submit it along with detailed drawings to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Planning Department is there to help guide the way the Township grows and is responsible for ensuring the orderly development of both the rural areas and our hamlets. Land use planning is a process which ensures that land and resources are effectively managed and that growth occurs in a manner that the community desires. The planning process is governed by the Province’s Planning Act, and it is the Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law which are the daily tools we use to promote attractive and sustainable development while limiting negative impacts on people, neighbours and the environment.

Please vist the planning department's home page for all planning applications.

The Archives, located in the former Drummond Township office in the hamlet of Drummond Centre, is an independent non-profit organization which provides a wealth of vital information dating from the 1850’s including land deeds, cemetery listings, census records, records of baptisms and marriages and newspaper collections.  Archives Lanark has proved an invaluable resource for patrons across North America researching family roots as well as local families, church groups, school children and genealogists.

For more information visit their website

Visit the home of Balderson Cheese. Established in 1881, Balderson Cheese has become world famous. Discover this quaint country hamlet with fantastic shops and don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream!

For more information visit their website

Forming part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, these locks serve to connect the Town of Perth, through the Tay River, to the Rideau System. The original Tay Canal was built along the length of the Tay ending with a series of locks near Port Elmsley. It fell in disrepair and was dismantled in 1865, although traces remain. The new canal was finally completed in 1891 connecting Perth to the Rideau System through a new canal ending at Beveridge Bay. The facility contains two locks as well as an on-site exhibit, boat launch and short trail. The scenic trip along the Tay is a popular day trip for Rideau Canal travelers.

For more information visit their website

Click below to visit the interactive map 

http://mvfn.ca/lanarkcountypaddlingguide/

A national network of trails connecting every province and most major cities, the multi-purpose trails provide opportunities for hiking bicycling and snowmobiling and when complete, the network will become part of the longest trail in the world. This trail passes through Drummond Ward along Concession 8A, Prestonvale Road, Dunlop Side Road and up to Ferguson’s Falls.

A multipurpose trail connecting Ottawa and Kingston allows hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers the opportunity to travel the length of the Rideau Canal. The trail, with a total length of 387 kilometers, is maintained by the Rideau Trail Association and passes through the southern portion of North Elmsley. The Association holds regular hikes for members and guests.

For more information visit The Great Trail website or the Alltrails website

The Township’s Public Works Department recently announced the installation of a public dock to allow canoe access to the Mississippi River at Ferguson's Falls Hall. This launch allows paddlers to travel upstream along the river with an opportunity to observe fish, herons, turtles, ducks and otters along undisturbed shoreline.

Foley Mountain Conservation Area, the highest conservation area in the Rideau Valley, overlooks Upper Rideau Lake and Westport. The scenic view is second-to-none in Ontario. It features nature trails, beaver pond, wildlife and plants galore. Picnic tables, parking and restrooms are available. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle; donation box at site.

For more information visit their website

Situated along the shores of the Tay River in Perth the Last Duel Park & Campground offers 46 serviced campsites, public boat docks and launch, public walking trails (The Wendy Laut Ribbon of Life) and picnic area with shelter. A rustic log cabin was added in 2016 and is now available for rent.

For more information visit their website

Located southwest of Innisville off Drummond Concession 10B, this National Wildlife Area is a haven for migrating waterfowl in the fall. Representing one of the largest natural areas left on Mississippi Lake, the Sanctuary centres around the wetlands of McEwan Bay where stands of wild rice, cattail and other plants provide habitat for spawning fish in the spring, some of the best habitat for bullfrogs in the summer and many different species of birds, mammals and invertebrates. Before September (when boating is prohibited so as not to disturb the migratory birds), a public boat launch is available as well as opportunities to hike.

For more information visit Canada.ca website

Located at the confluence of the Tay and Rideau River systems was the site of the original Tay Canal, a system of five locks located between the Tay’s mouth and Jebb’s Creek which provided the first reliable water access between the military settlement of Perth and the Rideau Canal network.

Built in the 1830’s, these locks were built of rubble masonry and wooden planking and while they were smaller than those on the Rideau they were indispensable helping move people to and from Perth, as road transportation was almost impossible at the time.

For more information visit their website

Located just south of the Town of Perth in the Tay Marsh, this 635-acre site is a naturalist’s haven with habitat for deer, wild turkeys, turtles, ducks, geese, bluebirds and many others. The site is owned and maintained as a wildlife management area by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and contains a variety of habitats including mature woodlands, plantations, natural meadows and the ecologically significant Tay Marsh wetland. Two nature trails (including interpretive signage) and a viewing tower provide a great opportunity for hiking and wildlife observation.

For more information visit their website

Bring the family out for an evening of good old fashion fun! Established in 1953, the Port Elmsley Drive-In is open May to October.

333 Port Elmsley Road, Port Elmsley, Ontario
Movieline: 613-267-7772

For more information visit their website

Located on Lower Rideau Lake near the resort community of Rideau Ferry this conservation area consists of ten acres of woodland, meadows and beach. Owned and maintained by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, this site provides public day use access to the historic Rideau Canal system, and contains a public boat launch, trail and beach.

For more information visit their website

The Rideau Ferry Yacht Club welcomes boating enthusiasts of all ages to attend this award-winning regatta. There will be dozens of vintage race boats gathered on the Big Rideau Lake from both Canada and the United States. This biennial event runs in August and is sure to delight boating enthusiasts

For more information visit their website

Finding local food just got easier. Lanark Local Flavour’s website is a comprehensive, one-stop shopping guide complete with farmer profiles, locations of farmers’ markets and, a calendar of food-related events. Eating locally is one way anyone can do their part to help lessen the impact of climate change, while at the same time supporting our local food economy.

Purchasing food grown locally not only helps to reduce greenhouse gases – associated with transportation, refrigeration and food processing – it also boosts farm incomes, supports the community and helps to ensure access for everyone to fresh, wholesome, sustainably-produced food.

For more information visit their website

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is a local watershed management agency that delivers services and programs to help protect and manage water and other natural resources in the Mississippi River Watershed, encompassing 4353 square kilometres.

Using an integrated watershed management approach, the conservation authority works with stakeholders in the watershed to balance the needs of the community with the needs of the natural environment.

MVCA is governed by members appointed from each of the 11 member municipalities, including the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley.

Address: MVCA Administrative Office 10970 Hwy. 7 Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P1
Phone: 613-253-0006
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: mvc.on.ca

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) conserves natural resources in the Rideau River Valley, an area of 4234 square kilometres. The RVCA vision is for a thriving watershed with clean abundant water, natural shorelines, rich forests and wetlands, diverse habitat and sustainable land use that is valued and protected by all.

The RVCA works with the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley to review development proposals within or adjacent to natural areas. They also work with the Township to regulate construction in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, shorelines and waterways. In addition, the RVCA reviews proposals to ensure fish habitats are protected and not harmfully altered.

There are 18 member municipalities whose representatives oversee the RVCA work.

Address: Rideau Valley Conservation Centre PO Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5
Phone: 613-692-3571 1-800-267-3504 (toll-free)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: rvca.ca

The two Conservations Authorities work together in their geographic areas to implement Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006. Source water is the raw water that we take from lakes, rivers or underground aquifers to supply people with drinking water. “Source Water Protection” or “Source Protection” means protecting these sources of drinking water from contamination and overuse. The focus is on prevention and this work is meant to complement the work of water treatment plant operators who ensure municipal drinking water is properly treated, tested and safely delivered to your tap.

Four great reasons to protect drinking water at the source:

1. Water treatment is not always enough.
Water treatment systems do not remove all contaminants from water, particularly some chemicals. The safest approach is to prevent contamination in the first place.

2. Prevention saves money.
It is much cheaper to keep water clean than to try to remove contaminants. A 2010 spill from a home heating oil tank in eastern Ontario cost $1 million to clean up. The spill might have been avoided by ensuring the tank was in good repair.

3. Contamination can ruin a water source forever.
Sometimes contamination cannot be cleaned up and a water supply must be shut down. The community of Manotick, Ontario lost access to its groundwater in the 1990s when it was contaminated by chemicals from a dry cleaning business. Since then, water has been piped into Manotick from urban Ottawa.

4. Source protection has other benefits.
Clean and plentiful sources of drinking water protect property values and support tourism and recreation, business development and fish and wildlife habitat. All of which create healthy local economies and viable, vibrant communities

Intake Protection Zones

The Township has two Intake Protection Zones, one zone borders the Town of Perth along Hwy 511 and Drummond Concession 4A to protect the Town’s drinking water and the other zone is located along Poonamalie Road and protects the Town of Smiths Falls drinking water.

 Perth Source Water Protection Area Map

 Smiths Falls Source Water Protection Area Map

Download a series of educational brochures
about Source Water Protection 

Address: 1920 Drummond Concession 7

Seating Capacity: 48

Download Drummond Hall Rental Contract

View Drummond Hall Calendar for availability.

For bookings and inquiries for the Drummond Hall, please contact the Township office at 613-267-6500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address: 1362 Ferguson's Falls Road, Ferguson's Falls

Seating Capacity: 150

For bookings and inquiries for Ferguson's Falls Hall, please contact the Township office at 613-267-6500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download the Ferguson's Falls Hall Rental Agreement

View Ferguson's Falls Hall Calendar for availability.

View Ferguson's Falls Hall Inventory List

There are several clubs in and around the Township of Drummond/NorthElmsley as well as Perth and Smiths Falls. These organizations contribute to our community in a number of ways. For more information about non-profit organizations throughout Lanark County visit the website .

Civitan Club

The Perth Civitan Club is located within the Drummond/North Elmsley borders and is located on County Road 43 near Perth. Improve your community, meet new friends, make business contacts, develop personally and professionally. As a member you will receive life direction, character building, leadership development, and the satisfaction of helping others. The hall is available for rent. Contact the club for more information.

Perth Civitan Club
Address: 6787 County Road 43, Perth, Ontario
Phone: 613-267-2181
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website:www.perthcivitan.com

Mississippi Lakes Association

The Mississippi Lakes Association is a not-for-profit incorporated organization that provides services to their clients, primarily residents with properties surrounding the lake, but also to people coming to Lake Mississippi for recreation -- fishermen, boaters, naturalists, campers, etc.

For more information please visit their website .

The Mississippi Lake Plan Process

The Centre for Sustainable Watersheds (CSW) has partnered with the Mississippi Lakes Association (MLA), French Planning and Mississippi Valley Conservation (MVC) on the development of a Mississippi Lake Plan. The goal of Lake Plan is to identify, protect and restore the natural, physical and social integrity of Mississippi Lake’s ecosystem.

If you have any questions about the process, or how you can help, please contact the Mississippi Lake Association  or the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds .

Address: P.O. Box 27 Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 3P3
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: mississippilakesassociation.org

Otty Lake Association

The Otty Lake Association (OLA) is a not-for-profit voluntary organization. Their members are residents and cottagers of Otty, Little Otty, McLaren and Mud Lakes and Jebbs Creek. The association is committed to the long term health and enjoyment of their lakes and the watershed.

Otty Lake Management Plan

In planning for the long-term health of their lake, the Otty Lake Association & volunteers developed the Otty Lake Management Plan .

Address: Box 20122 Perth, ON K7H 3M6
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.ottylakeassociation.ca

Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy

Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy Steering Committee – Parks Canada is the Secretariat for the Strategy and as part of their responsibilities, they have been keeping their website up to date with information regarding Strategy progress. Most recently, they have added a video about the Strategy, which will hopefully raise people's awareness and excitement for this initiative even further.

View the Report - English / French .

Rideau Canal, Parks Canada
Phone: 613-283-5170
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Property tax billing occurs twice per year. Interim billing is sent out in February with instalment payments due at the end of February and April. Final billing is sent out in July with instalment payments due at the end of July and September.

For permanent and seasonal dwellings, add $210.00 for garbage and recycling pick-up.The garbage and recycling pickup charge is included in the Final Tax Billing.

Tax accounts in arrears any part of two years are now subject to Tax Registration as a means of collection. Please contact the tax department to make payment arrangements.

Tax Calculation

Taxes are calculated using the following formula:

Assessment x Tax Rate = Taxes

Tax Payments may be made by any of the following methods:

By Telephone/Internet Banking bill payment service through any of the Chartered Banks. To pay through internet banking, you have to use your roll number as your account. You can only use 15 digits, e.g. 919 000 00000 0000. You would log onto your bank site and query  Drummond N or North be sure it ends in Taxes, it all depends how each bank sets up the payee. If you have any further questions please call the Township office and ask for Janet George or Angela Millar.

After Hours payments may be dropped off in the Mail Slot at the Township Office. (Please, no cash in the mail slot)

Pre-Authorized Monthly or Installment Payments - Print the form from our webpage. Fill out the form recording your Roll number. Attach a copy of a voided cheque or a printout from the bank and mail to the Township Office. We must receive the information before the 8th of the month as the payments are submitted to the bank on the 10th of the month and released on the 15th. Plans with a 1st of the month due date, are sent up to the bank 5 business days before the due. Normally the preauthorized monthly plan starts in November of each year based on 11 payments with a final payment the following October to clear the balance. You may still get on the plan later in the year but your monthly payments will be higher. The Installment preauthorized payment plan is also available; please submit the same form with your banking information. Payments are made in four installments which are the tax due dates on your tax bill. Please contact the office if you have any questions on how to fill out these forms.

• Personal Pre-Authorized Payment Form
•  Pre-Authorized Payment Form for Business

You are responsible for any late payment penalties. Notice of Arrears due dates are upon receipt of the notice. Late payment penalties are applied on or about the 1st of each month.

Please be sure we have an updated mailing address. Canada Post no longer delivers to a RR # alone. Address changes must be in writing by regular mail, or by email.

Janet George, Tax Collector
613-267-6500 ext. 242
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Change of Address Form or Request to Discontinue Preauthorized Payments

It is the property owner’s responsibility to notify the Township Office of any changes. A change of address form is available by clicking here or a request to discontinue preauthorized payments form is available by clicking here. You can also contact the Township Office to request the above forms by email, fax or mail. As a security feature, the signature of the property owner is required for the office to process any such changes.

Property taxes are levied by the Township which provides the main source of revenue to deliver services supplied by the municipality.  In addition to collecting its own taxes, the Township is also responsible for levying and collecting education taxes on behalf of the Province of Ontario, which are distributed to school boards located in the Township, as well as on behalf of the County of Lanark.

How Property Taxes are Calculated

To help provide clarity for property owners on how property taxes are calculated, including the link between property assessment, municipal service costs and required tax dollars, watch MPAC’s helpful and informative video.

When you receive your Property Assessment Notice, review it. No further action is required on your part unless you have questions or you disagree with your assessed value and/or classification.

Do you have questions about your Property Assessment Notice? Visit aboutmyproperty.ca or contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Customer Contact Centre at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722), or 1-877-889-MPAC (6722).

If you would like to learn more about how MPAC assessed your property and compare it to others in your neighbourhood, visit aboutmyproperty.ca. You can also review market trends for your municipality and file a Request for Reconsideration. Your unique Roll Number and Access Key are included on your Property Assessment Notice.