DNE (648)
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley has many departments that work together to support our residents and business owners. Depending upon your need or inquiry, simply click on the Department's title to access specific pages and services offered. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley at 613-267-6500.
What You Need to Know
- A marriage licence is required to get married in Ontario (or the publication of banns from a church)
- It is best to make an appointment when applying for a marriage licence
- The licence can be used anywhere in the province of Ontario
- Once issued, a marriage licence is valid for 90 days
- The licence is valid for use in Ontario only
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley
310 Port Elmsley Road
Perth, ON K7H 3C7
Tel: 613-267-6500
Fax: 613-267-2083
After Hours Roads Emergency Number
613-267-6500 ext. 255
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Staff Directory
Customer Service Feedback
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is committed to ensuring that its services meet optimum standards of accessibility for people with disabilities using the facilities and services of the Township. Comments on our services regarding how well those expectations are being met are welcome and appreciated.
Feedback gives the Township Staff and Council opportunities to learn and improve.
You can submit Accessible Customer Service Feedback Form regarding a Municipal service. Please provide your comments and relevant specific details (e.g., date, time, location, service details, etc.). Please note, it may take up to five business days for the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley to respond to your feedback.
By-law Enforcement
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley wishes to make the community safe, healthy and enjoyable place for all residents and those who visit the community. The Township has put in place various By-laws and regulations to encourage residents and businesses to be responsible and respectful of their neighbours and to contribute to the health and safety of our community.
The By-laws published on the Drummond/North Elmsley website are updated from time to time and are intended for information and general research purposes only. We cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness as it is updated on an ongoing basis. A copy of the latest or final signed version of the By-law with the text and maps are available from the local Municipality by contacting the Township Clerk.
Commonly Requested By-laws
Animal Control Services are for dogs only.
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley has by-laws that regulate the ownership and activity of dogs in the municipality.
If you have any animal control issues, please contact the Frontenac Municipal Law Enforcement Services at 613-541-3213
Livestock Injuries/Kills
You can report livestock injuries/kill directly to your livestock investigator. Drummond/North Elmsley has two livestock investigators employed.
Steve Moore services residents who live in the North Elmsley Ward. Contact Steve Moore at 613-812-3216 Bill Armstrong services residents who live in the Drummond Ward. Contact Bill Armstrong at 613-851-4571
Please only Contact Livestock Investigator for livestock kills. For Animal Control issues please call: 613-541-3213
Accessibility
Disabilities affect people of all ages and background. Some people are born with one or more disabilities. Many others develop disabilities through illness, injury or aging. People with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of our population. The Canadian Survey on Disabilities undertaken by Statistics Canada in 2017 reports that approximately 6.2 million Canadians and 2.6 million Ontarians have disabilities - about 24% of the population or 1 in every 5 persons. This is an increase from 13.5% from the 2012 survey. Therefore enhancing the ability of people with disabilities to live independently and contribute to the community will have positive effects on future prosperity in Ontario. The infographic on the next page shows a snapshot of the survey.
The Province of Ontario recognized that accessibility is a shared responsibility and passed the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) on December 14, 2001 to require provincial and municipal governments and key broader public sector organizations to review their policies, programs and services through the development of annual accessibility plans and for municipalities with populations of 10,000+ must have an Accessibility Advisory Committee.
In June 2005, the Province of Ontario furthered its commitment to accessibility by expanding previous legislation to include the private sector with the goal to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities by 2025. The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities in five important areas of their lives within specified time limits:
• customer service
• information and communications
• employment
• transportation
• built environment
In 2007, Ontario Regulation 429/07 regarding accessible customer service was passed and required municipalities to be compliant by January 1, 2010. On June 3, 2011, the Ontario government passed the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11. The regulation, which combines accessibility standards in four areas – information and communication, employment, and transportation and design of public places, came into force July 1, 2011.
AccessForward - Training for an Accessible Ontario
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Ontario Human Rights Code
Ontario Human Rights Commission
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is a mostly rural municipality and is bounded by the UNESCO Site of the Historic Rideau River Waterway to the south and the Mississippi River to the northwest.
It is conveniently located in the heart of Lanark County. The Township includes the hamlets of Port Elmsley, Balderson, Innisville, Wayside, Drummond Centre, Ferguson’s Falls and Rideau Ferry. The southern portion of the municipality features many lakes, rivers and mixed forests while the more western and northern areas feature rolling hills and fertile farmland. The Township is considered the southern gateway to Lanark County’s “Maple Syrup Trail”. For those familiar with the equestrian world, the municipality is home to world champion Ian Millar of Millar Brooke Farm.
Agricultural Forum and Lunch March 26, 2025
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Drummond/North Elmsley Township hosted an Agricultural Forum and Lunch at Ferguson’s Falls Community Hall. The event was attended by Council members, staff, and approximately 45 farmers and other agricultural professionals.
The forum provided a valuable learning opportunity for everyone present. The topics covered included farm succession planning by Andrew Leach from Farm Life, municipal drainage by the Township’s drainage superintendent Monica Shade from Shade Group.
Staff shared updates on changes to the 2025 Building Code, agricultural burn permits, and the Township’s new official plan. The forum was a crucial occasion for Council and staff to connect with the agricultural community, understand their challenges, and address their concerns.
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) project.
In June of 2018, Lanark County in partnership with Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation launched a year-long Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) project. The purpose of the BR&E project was to reach out to the business community though surveys and interviews to get a sense of their issues, priorities, and needs to address immediate concerns to develop evidence-based action plans and guide future economic development activities. All Lanark County municipalities were actively involved in the project by recruiting volunteers and businesses.
Documents
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley posts all public tenders, bids and request for proposals on our website. Where indicated, bidders may request documents through the contract administrator and submit before the closing time to the appropriate address as shown on the bid document. The bid document is the official document. In the case of any discrepancy between the information provided on this webpage and the bid document, the terms of the bid document will prevail.
Township Surplus Equipment for Sale
Please vist Gov Deals Below where the Township will post any used equipment for sale.
Request for Tender
| Bid Number | Title | Notes | Closing Date | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFP-2021-04 | Request for Proposals Official Plan Review | Proposals must be submitted via email to Brady McGlade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. | 12:00 pm, Tuesday, November 23, 2021. | https://www.dnetownship.ca/images/documents//DNE_RFP_for_Official_Plan_Review_2021_002.pdf |
| PW-2025-001 | Tender Maintenance Gravel | Sealed Tenders will be received in envelopes clearly marked as to contents by the Public Works Manager at the Municipal Office at 310 Port Elmsley Road, Perth ON K7H 3C7. | 11:00 am, Wednesday February 19, 2025. | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Community Highlights
We have so many great places to come and see and so many things to do. Take a look around, enjoy the beautiful scenery and many historical sites around the Township such as the Tay Canal, or perhaps look up your own history at Archives Lanark. Not your cup of tea? Try out the Port Elmsley Drive-In, one of only a few in Ontario.
Looking for a day outside? Why not enjoy a gorgeous float down one of our many waterways, walk along the trails in Rideau Ferry or have a picnic along one of the waterways.
Take a look around and find what sparks your interest, there’s a lot to do and a lot to see...
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
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
Public Water Access
Access for both motorized and non-motorized boats
Access for non-motorized boats ONLY
For other area tourism destinations, please visit Lanark County’s Tourism site
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority are two agencies which play a role in managing and maintaining the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley’s water and natural resource systems.
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
The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley has two fully serviced facilities that are available for rent for your next special event.
Address: 1920 Drummond Concession 7
Seating Capacity: 48
Download Drummond Hall Rental Agreement
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