MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Feb. 11, 2022

In consultation with partners, clients and the community, and by using a multi-pronged approach, Lanark County continues to take steps to address the complex issue of housing.

At the community services committee meeting this week, Director of Social Services Emily Hollington provided an overview of activities related to the county’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The plan, which was approved in 2019 and is reviewed every five years, includes mandated targets set by the province.

“Over the past year, Lanark County has made strides in achieving objectives in the plan,” Hollington said. In 2021-2022, this has included 10 additional portable housing benefit (PHB) spaces, 10 additional rent supplement spaces and the replacement of lost rent supplement spaces with PHB spaces.

Partnerships with community agencies have played a key role in meeting objectives. “We released an expression of interest to non-profit housing providers this year, which resulted in a partnership with Carebridge for 28 new rent supplements in a new building,” Hollington said. New supports for clients were also created, including an agreement with Lanark County Mental Health to support housing services clients in 2021 and the addition of new housing services caseworker and clerk positions.

“This year we established a Housing Working Group to examine best practices, and a Homeless Services Coordinator position has been created until December 2022. We conducted the homelessness enumeration and launched and administered the consent-based By-Name List, which help us to get a more accurate idea of the number of people who are struggling and what supports they need. We have a small team dedicated to addressing homelessness specifically and working with clients to get them housed, and our by-name list committee of community agencies works together by pooling resources and finding ways to improve service allocation.”

Hollington noted best practices learned from the Housing Working Group have included the importance of seeking out partnerships with the non-profit and private sector, as well as leveraging county funding with other portfolios, such as federal capital dollars, in order to create multiple units through innovation.

The working group found having rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing administered by the non-profit sector is ideal. “For RGI units, the landlord must take someone from our waitlist. A key step for private landlords is often to screen tenants, which means they are not necessarily willing to take part in this program, whereas a non-profit partner may have a greater capacity to take part.”

The county also partnered with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health on a homelessness study, with follow-up on recommendations now underway. “We also have a study in progress to develop a toolkit for municipalities that highlights opportunities and planning tools that would encourage more affordable housing development,” Hollington said. This is expected to be shared with council in the spring. Council recently authorized an application to apply for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities grant for a pilot project to develop two carbon sink tiny homes for affordable housing in Perth.

“A major project to complete a development at 7 Arthur St. in Carleton Place came to fruition early this year with 20 households moving in,” Hollington added.

Over the course of the pandemic, more than $6.5 million in provincial Social Services Relief Funding was issued to the county, which supported multiple initiatives and allowed for five additional capital projects:
• Lanark County Interval House purchased six housing spaces in Perth
• Shardon Manor will add nine new beds
• Victoria House completed renovations
• Rideau Ferry Country Home completed renovations
• 2B Developments are undertaking a capital project

The county recently reviewed investment plans for 2022-23 for provincial and federal funds for housing and homelessness supports:
• The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) is distributing $430,845 among eligible housing providers on a per-unit basis. COCHI will maintain Ontario’s social housing supply. The initiative will protect tenants living in projects with expiring operating agreements/mortgages and promote the long-term sustainability of non-profit housing providers.
• Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) funding of $395,000 will be distributed among four programs: Homeownership, Ontario Renovates, Support Services and Administration. OPHI will provide flexible funding to address local housing priorities and improve access to affordable housing options. The initiative will help to increase affordable housing supply.
• The Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) allocates $1.3 million in five programs: Emergency Shelter, Housing with Related Supports, Services and Supports, Homelessness Prevention and Administration. Municipalities can use the CHPI funding to address local priorities and better meet the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. CHPI has two key program outcomes: That people experiencing homelessness obtain and retain housing, and that people at risk of homelessness remain housed.

Hollington said the 10-Year Plan proposes 10 new housing units be built in 2022, with five to be affordable and five RGI. The county will soon be sending out a request for proposals related to capital funding for this RGI and affordable housing development. “We would be taking into account the best practices determined by the housing working group, with a view to fulfilling and possibly surpassing
our goal for 2022,” she said.

“Lanark County has been working with all stakeholders and engaging with provincial and federal governments to advocate on this complex issue and to leverage opportunities to continue to move our housing and homelessness plan forward,” said Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor). “This is a major issue in communities across the country, and many of our residents are struggling. Increased community housing remains a key priority for Lanark County Council.”

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

The Government of Ontario is excited to share that eligible small businesses that were required to close under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG).

The application portal will be open from February 9 to March 11 for applications from:

• Newly established businesses

• Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021

• Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.

In order to be eligible, applicants will need to confirm that they:

• Had fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021

• Were an active business as of January 14, 2022

• Were required to close indoor operations on January 5, 2022.

Eligible small businesses for the OSBRG include:

• Restaurants and bars

• Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)

• Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

• Performing arts venues and cinemas

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions

• Meeting or event spaces

• Tour and guide services

• Conference centres and convention centres

• Driving instruction for individuals

• Before- and after-school programs.

The OSBRG User Application Guide provides additional information about applying for the grant. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade emailed eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021, and were subject to closure again on January 5, 2022, as they have been pre-screened and do not need to apply for the OSBRG. But they may be asked to confirm their continued eligibility.

Please share this email with your associates and spread the word about the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant.

For more information on available business supports, please visit: Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs | Ontario.ca

If you need help, call centres are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding government and statutory holidays. The call centres are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090
TTY: 416-325-3408
Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095

The Interim Newsletter contains lots of useful information such as contact information, how to apply for burn permits, information pertaining the 2022 elections and, other municipal updates. Most residents receive a copy with their tax, however these things can get lost. If needed you can find the electronic copy of the Interim Newsletter here. 

1^st prize $100
2^nd prize $50
3^rd prize $25

We'd like your help finding the perfect winter picture of Drummond/North Elmsley.The winning picture(s) will be featured on Drummond/North Elmsley Township’s 2022 Christmas card, Township website and Facebook page. 

Take a picture of your favourite Township winter scenery. The photo should be a local, digital shot that you took yourself. High Resolution photos are required with a minimum of 300 DPI [dots per inch] to ensure clear printing of the Christmas card. Up to two photo submissions per person are allowed. Please name the Township location in your message (e.g., road name, hamlet or water body.)

Please do not feature people in the photo (animals are acceptable).

Please email your photo(s) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by next March 25, 2022. We will reveal the winning photos by April 1^st, 2022.

The successful winners must sign a Photo release Form giving the Township the right to use their photo(s).

Only photos taken in Drummond/North Elmsley Township will be accepted.

The Friends of the Tay Watershed would like your input for our 2021 Environmental Awards

If you know of a person or organization that has done exceptional work to improve the health of the environment or our watershed, please nominate them. The categories for nomination are shown below.

A list of the winners and why they were selected is available at
https://www.taywatershed.ca/documents/Environmental-Awards-Winners-List-2021.pdf

A couple of paragraphs outlining the accomplishments of the nominee and any supporting documentation that you choose to include is all that’s required.
 The winners will be announced at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Feb. 17

Send nominations to: Judy Buehler, Nominations Committee
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Categories:

1. Contribution to the Tay Watershed
(contribution to water resources specific to the watershed):

2. Contribution to Water Resources at the provincial, national or international level
(person or organization, either local or outside area, whose activities have an impact on water resources on a wider basis):

3. Contribution to the General Environment
(a local person or organization whose activities are aimed at the environment but impact on our water resources):

Friends of the Tay Watershed Association,
P.O. Box 2065, 57 Foster Street,
Perth, ON
K7H 3M9

 

Township Office is Reopening to the Public– The Municipal Officer will be reopening to the public on Monday, January 31st during regular business hours Monday to Friday,  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   Physical distancing measures will be in place and access will be limited in the front lobby area.

If possible, please continue to make your tax payments online, at the bank or via the drop-box at the front door.

If you require an in-person appointment to meet with staff, please make an appointment in advance.

Self screening for Covid-19 prior to coming to the office, social distancing and mask wearing must be adhered to.

Canada’s largest and most reliable1 5G network now reaches Carleton Place, Cobourg, Kingston, Lindsay, Perth, Peterborough, Picton and Port Hope

$300M public-private partnership delivering better reliable wireless connectivity for residents and businesses

TORONTO, January 19, 2022 – Rogers Communications, together with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), announced today it has extended its 5G network to reach more residents and businesses across eight new cities and towns throughout Eastern Ontario. Rogers 5G is now available in

Carleton Place
• Cobourg
• Kingston
• Lindsay
• Perth
• Peterborough
• Picton
• Port Hope

“Strong, reliable connectivity plays a critical role in Canadians’ daily lives, and Rogers is proud to bring next-generation wireless service to communities across Eastern Ontario,” said Ted Woodhead, President, Eastern Ontario, Rogers Communications. “We are committed to investing in our networks and working with government partners to continue delivering world-class technology that will drive innovation and prosperity across the region.”

Today’s network expansion is part of a $300 million partnership between Rogers, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and EORN to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable wireless connectivity across Eastern Ontario. Through this partnership Rogers will deliver mobile connectivity to 113 municipalities and Indigenous communities in Eastern Ontario by building more than 300 new cellular towers and upgrading over 300 pre-existing sites by 2025.

“We congratulate Rogers Communications for completing the first step in improving the reach and quality of cellular coverage across eastern Ontario through the EORN Cell Gap Project,” said J. Murray Jones, Chair, Eastern Ontario Regional Network. “Using the latest technologies available, upgrades to the Rogers network in these communities will help support economic growth and improved quality of life. We also appreciate the support of our federal, provincial and municipal partners in helping us close the gap in mobile services.”

“Access to a fast and reliable wireless service is not a luxury – it’s increasingly become a necessity for families and businesses,” said Mark Gerretsen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Through the investments our Government is making in Eastern Ontario, residents across eight additional communities will now benefit from enhanced service that will enable them to take full advantage of the possibilities 5G offers.”

“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is working with service providers, the federal government and municipal groups to ensure families, businesses, and municipalities across the province have the necessary and reliable digital infrastructure they need to compete in the global market,” said the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “By investing in next-generationtechnology, we’re stimulating regional economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring families and businesses in Eastern Ontario have access to the wireless service they need to thrive and prosper. The exceptional work Rogers Communications is doing to ensure Ontarians are connected to reliable wireless service will go a long way in supporting long-term growth and fostering more accessible, competitive and resilient communities.”

As part of an additional $140 million investment related to this project, Rogers recently announced it will expand its network of fibre-to-the home technology in Eastern Ontario, servicing more than 20,000 homes and businesses in Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County.

This work is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to expand service and improve connectivity for underserved communities, including more rural and remote regions in Ontario. Since January 2020, Rogers has enhanced its wireless networks across more than 200 Ontario communities and delivered fixed broadband network upgrades to nearly 100 communities across the province.

These investments make an impact. A PwC study commissioned by the company indicates that in 2020, Rogers investments and operations resulted in a total economic footprint in Ontario of $15.2 billion of output, including over 45,800 full-time jobs generated and supported

Rogers Award-Winning National Network

•  Rogers was awarded the best wireless network in Canada for the third year in a row by umlaut1

• The company has won five awards for its 5G network from Opensignal, ranking number one in Canada across five categories, including for 5G Reach, 5G Availability, 5G Voice App Experience, 5G Games Experience and tied first for 5G Upload Speed

•  For the sixth quarter in a row, Rogers was ranked Canada’s most consistent national wireless network and broadband provider by Ookla® 3
  
  

Rogers is Leading the Way for 5G in Canada

•  Rogers has now proudly connected more than 1,500 urban and rural communities to Rogers 5G across Canada.

• Rogers has invested over $30 billion over the past 35 years to build Canada’s most reliable wireless network 1

• Recently, Rogers invested $3.3 billion in 3500 MHz band spectrum, covering 99.4% of the Canadian population, to enhance and accelerate the expansion of Rogers 5G. This investment in Canada’s future positions the company as the largest single investor in 5G spectrum in the country across rural, suburban and urban markets.

About Rogers:
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

For more information
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1-844-226-1338

1 Rogers was ranked first in the umlaut Mobile Data Performance audit of Canada in Q2, 2021. Rogers achieved Best In Test in the umlaut
Mobile Network Benchmark Canada for 2021. Visit https://www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/canada. Largest based on total square
kilometers of Rogers 5G coverage compared to published coverage of other national networks.

2Opensignal Awards – Canada: 5G Experience Report August 2021, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the
period April 1 – June 29, 2021 © 2021 Opensignal Limited.

3 Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q3 2021 https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/canada?fixed#market-analysis

MEDIA RELEASE:

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

January 11, 2022

Notice to Gyms, Fitness and Sport Facilities - January 11, 2022

Due to the circulation of Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout Ontario and the overwhelming strain it has put on our health care system the Province has moved back to a modified version of Step 2 in its Re-opening Ontario Plan.  At this time indoor gyms are to be closed for classes, personal training, using machines and equipment; however, there are a few exceptions.

Gyms, fitness and sports facilities can operate only for:

1.     Athletes that are attending the winter or summer Olympics or Paralympics only, other elite athletes are not permitted to train in your gym.

2.     Child care within the meaning of the Childcare and Early Years Act, 2014 such as a licensed daycare

3.     Mental health or an addiction support services that are being facilitated by a registered health professional or organization with a maximum of 10 participants per group, and 

4.     The provision of social services provided by a recognized social service agency with a maximum of 10 participants per group.

Trainers may offer classes and personal training through alternative methods such as online, outdoors or other remote means. Employees may enter the facility to retrieve equipment, for the purpose of maintenance, or to provide online and remote services. 

We trust that facilities and trainers will comply with the requirements of the modified Step 2 Ontario Regulation O. Reg. 263/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STEP 2 (ontario.ca). 

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

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
For Immediate Release January 4, 2022

The province of Ontario will return to the modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. for at least 21 days (until January 26, 2022), subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.

Accordingly, Drummond/North Elmsley Township has closed the municipal office to the public and effective today, services to the public have resumed on a virtual basis. All staff who can perform their work from home are doing so.

Staff have access to voicemails and emails in order to respond to residents, so please call the office if you need information. We will continue posting and sharing information about municipal services on the Township website and on the Facebook page.

Phone:           613 267 6500
Website:         www.dnetownship.ca
Facebook:     www.facebook.com/dnetownship.ca/

Please leave messages as you would normally at the office and staff will get back to you as quickly as possible. Documents can be hand-delivered to the locked drop box outside the municipal office at 310 Port Elmsley Road or mailed as usual.

Township staff continue to focus on the delivery of essential municipal services while protecting the health and safety of everyone concerned.

Regular road maintenance continues. Curbside collection of garbage and recycling continues, and the landfill at 745 Code Road is open with normal hours. If you need to interact with landfill or curbside collection staff, please maintain a 2-meter physical distance and wear a mask.

Community Halls are closed effective today, and the Code Road ReUse Centre remains closed.

The Township is committed to balancing community needs with the safety of its residents and employees in its approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information regarding the Township’s response to COVID-19 please visit www.dnetownship.ca

The Township thanks all residents in advance for following Public Health guidelines, and for performing your civic duty by staying home! That is an essential service too.

Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
For Immediate Release 22 December 2021

In response to the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant, Drummond/North Elmsley Township will apply additional public health and workplace safety measures for the first two weeks of January 2022.

The office will be closed for the holidays at noon on Friday, 24 December. When we reopen to the public at 8:30 am on Tuesday, 4 January 2022, we will do so with reduced staffing levels. All staff who can work from home for the first two weeks of January will do so to minimize risk. These measures will help curb transmission and continue to safeguard the Township’s ability to ensure the provision of essential services

Service to the public will continue with reduced in-person staffing at the office

•  Patrons will be required to wear a mask when entering the building. Should a patron enter our facilities without a mask, they will be asked to leave.
• The Township encourages inquiries through its website, by telephone or email in order to minimize risk to customers and employees.
• Offices are open to the public for typical transactions such as submittingapplications, processing payments, and answering standard questions; however, patrons are asked to make an appointment for inquiries or transactions that will require a greater amount of staff time or attention. This ensures staff availability and preparedness and prevents longer lineups.
• When accessing Township offices, customers will be expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
  o Ensure you do not feel ill or exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19.
  o Wear a face mask
  o Stay 2m away from other people.
  o Provide contact tracing information
  o Only one (1) customer can enter at a time, to a maximum of two (2) people per household.
  o Debit or cheques are the preferred form of payment during this time.
  o The drop-box at the front door remains available to drop off applicationsand payments.

The Township thanks all residents in advance for following these important guidelines when visiting our offices. The Code Road ReUse Centre will remain closed at this time. The Township is committed to balancing community needs with the safety of its residents and employees in its approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.