Leed Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Media Release March 17, 2022

Spring is in the air which can also bring the risk of flooding on some properties.  The Health Unit would like to remind property owners of a few things that can be done to reduce the risk of a flooding.

Be prepared before the flood.

• Monitor weather and take warnings seriously.
• Monitor your local conservation authority website and alerts for localized flooding risks.
• Ensure drainage ditches, etc. around your home are clear and can function during periods of heavy rain.
• Label the shut off valves and the direction to turn off the gas, water, power, etc. If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas, etc.
• Maintain your home to keep flood water out.
• Move items likely to be affected by a flood to higher areas where possible.
• Ensure chemicals, cleaners; gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water.
• Have extra supplies of water and food available that you can prepare without electricity.
• Have your vehicle filled up and ready to go.
• Ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps. Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water.
• Have an emergency kit stocked and ready to go. Be sure to include important documents, cash and medications.

Advice for those with private wells and septic systems:

• Flood water and water ponding around wells and septic systems can affect the safety of your drinking water and how your septic system works.
• The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit is advising those whose wells are directly affected by these conditions to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water.
• Have your well water tested for bacteria.
• If your septic system has been affected, limit water usage by taking quick showers rather than baths, avoid using the dishwasher, garbage disposal and washing machine and flush your toilets only when necessary.
• Ensure your basement sump pump is not going into the septic system.
• Do not pump out your septic tank when the soil around the tank or the leaching bed is still saturated with water.
• High ground water levels may cause an empty septic tank to float and break out of the ground, and damage the tank and connecting plumbing.

The following tips will help protect your family during flooding events:

• Keep your family safe by keeping family members and pets away from and out of fast moving water and the flood water.
• DO NOT enter areas where electrical systems have been affected by flood water as you may be electrocuted. Always wait for clearance from the electrical authority before entering these areas.
• Building materials, clothing and furniture exposed to flood waters are likely contaminated with sewage and can support the growth of mould. Some items can be cleaned and disinfected; others may need to be thrown out.
• Ask for professional advice during clean up. If you try to save and clean items on your own, wear protective clothing, a mask and gloves.

For more information on flooding please visit the Emergency Preparedness section of our website or call 1-800-660-5853.

March 15, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates warm daytime temperatures this week, with Thursday’s temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, and night-time low temperatures near zero. The short-term forecast also indicates that a substantial rain event could occur on Sat. March 19.
 
Current conditions at several RVCA and Park Canada snow course sites indicate near normal amounts of snow for this time of year.
 
If the temperatures come as forecast in the coming days, significant snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed. This will increase water levels and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Forecasted rain later in the week may further increase water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack melts.
 
Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:
 
A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.
 
A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.
 
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.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas that are historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has 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.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until March 22, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
 
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare. 
• Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

MEDIA RELEASE:

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

March 14, 2022

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

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

Eligible Birth Years/ Grades: 

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

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

Parents should:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Funding for Provincial Hospitals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Meetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 15, 2022

Rideau Lakes

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

March 16, 2022

Elizabethown-Kitley

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

March 17, 2022

Brockville and Leeds & the Thousand Islands

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

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

March 18, 2022

Perth & Smiths Falls

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

March 19, 2022

Carleton Place & Mississippi Mills

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

March 20, 2022

Tay Valley & Lanark Highlands

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

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

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

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

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

Places to go for your maple experience:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples could include, but are not limited to:

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

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

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

Sincerely,

David Piccini

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks