MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
March 24, 2023

The ticks are out! When temperatures rise above 4^oC, ticks become active. Enjoy the benefits of being outdoors by going for a hike, working in the garden or cleaning up leaf litter in the yard; but remember to be tick smart. Black legged ticks in our area may carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease and you cannot tell if a tick is positive by looking at it. Taking the following precautions will help to reduce your risk:

• Dress in light coloured clothing so you can see that a tick is on you (they are dark in colour).
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. You can apply this to clothing or your skin.
• Put your outdoor clothes in a hot dryer for several minutes to kill ticks.
• Wear clothing that contains a tick repellent
• Do a tick check when you return inside. If possible, have someone check you from behind. Check your pets for ticks as well.
• Thoroughly check your body for ticks and nymph and promptly remove them using tweezers or a tick twister.  
• You can take a quick shower and scrub well to help remove any unattached ticks.
• Speak to your vet about ways to protect your pet.

Lyme disease transmission depends on the length of time the infected tick is attached. Ticks that are removed quickly and have been attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to transfer the bacteria. However, if the tick has been attached for longer than 24 hours you may be at an increased risk and it is recommended that you consult your health care provider.

Check any ticks you remove from your body to determine if they are fat or flat. A fat tick is an indication that it has been feeding for a longer period of time. Tick specimens are not used for diagnosis of disease so they are no longer accepted at the Health Unit.  Individuals can submit a photo to the website, eTick - for tick identification.

Lyme disease symptoms can range from a bull’s eye rash around the bite area, to headache, fever and muscle/joint pain. Symptoms can appear from 3 days to several weeks following a tick bite. Even if you have had Lyme disease before, you can be reinfected. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you have been following statistics on the health unit website, you may have noticed the Lyme disease section of the dashboard appears to have a drop in cases after 2021. Unlike the collection of other reportable disease reports, test results for Lyme disease have only been collected and entered into the provincial database for surveillance purposes (i.e., to determine if Lyme disease exists and/or it’s prevalent in a certain area).  There are no public health measures we can take after someone tests positive and Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from person to person. Furthermore, the Lyme disease cases reported to the health unit are only a fraction of the total number of infections in our region. Since we already know that Lyme Disease is highly prevalent throughout the LGL region, the health unit no longer posts the number of Lyme disease reports we receive. Note that Lyme disease continues to be common in our region. We continue to review all Lyme disease cases we receive. If there is a need to communicate changes in information around ticks and Lyme disease, we will provide information on our website and appropriate media channels.

Lyme disease can lead to serious, long-lasting health effects, and it remains important for residents to continue to take precautions.

For more information about ticks and Lyme disease: visit our Insect Bites and Diseases section of our website or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

-30-

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

On Sat. April 1st Bethel United Church will once again host a Pancake Breakfast celebrating Ontario Maple Weekend .  

Bethel United Church, 1500 Rideau Ferry Road.

 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Sat. April 1, 2023, 

We will be offering Pancakes & Sausages with Oliver’s MAPLEWORKS maple syrup,

Cost of the Pancake Breakfast is $10.00  with children 6 years and under having their breakfast FREE

Please join us.

Any questions, please contact 613 264-9273

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

A Flood Watch has been issued for the Rideau Valley as a rainy weekend mixes with the residual snowpack still intact in some areas after a cool March. Potential flooding could begin to impact low-lying areas as early as Saturday and continue throughout next week.
 
Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed. As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches.
 
The short-term weather forecast indicates rain amounts of 20-30 mm and mild temperatures on Saturday April 1, with cooler temperatures on Sunday. The longer-term forecast indicates milder temperatures throughout next week with potential rain.
 
Based on the above forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed, beginning on Saturday and continuing throughout next week. The degree of increase will depend on precipitation amounts and temperatures, and may result in flooding within the following areas:

• Smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including in the City of Ottawa. This includes low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower), and agricultural lands along Cranberry Creek.
  
• The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Hilly Lane, Rideau Glen Lane, Golf Course Lane, and Barts Lane. Access concerns may arise for Cedar Beach Lane.
  
  
• The Rideau River near Kars, particularly the areas around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Street South.

With the elevated conditions, potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain were to occur before the water levels and flows begin to recede.
 
Water levels in upper watershed lakes are presently near normal for this time of year. Parks Canada staff who manage water levels for the Rideau Canal will closely monitor these water levels and have indicated that the levels are expected to rise as the snowpack continues to melt.
 
City of Ottawa crews have completed their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue.
 
With changing water levels expected over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will continue to be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.
 
As temperatures continue to rise, the potential for ice jams remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor their local river closely for signs of ice jams as spring progresses. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions but we always welcome unique observations from watershed residents.
 
Flooding along roadways is also a concern due to current snow/ice buildup on roadside ditches.
 
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 Tuesday, April 11, 2023 and may be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

More Information:
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.

Join Watersheds Canada for an interactive session as we share our free freshwater stewardship resources and how they can help you take action. We’ll also have time for you to tell us what you’re missing in your toolbox to take action, which will guide future resource building. 

Protecting your community’s freshwater and shoreland areas is very important but it can be hard to know where to start. You may have trouble understanding technical documents, or figuring out the “best” first step when you have limited resources. The good news is you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Join our staff for an interactive session as we share some of our free freshwater stewardship resources and how they can help you take action. We’ll also have time for you to tell us what you’re missing in your toolbox to take action, which will guide future resources we create. Come with your ideas and questions because we want to help you.

Wednesday March 22, 2023. 2:30pm 

Lanark County
Media Release: March 13, 2023

From March 15 to July 2023, traffic will be reduced to one lane on the Rideau Ferry Bridge during its ongoing rehabilitation.

Dalcon Constructors Limited have been contracted by Lanark County and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville to rehabilitate the jointly owned Rideau Ferry Bridge. Construction work has been underway since September of 2021, with Dalcon completing the east side of the bridge last fall and finishing the west of the bridge this year.

To facilitate the bridge improvement work, traffic will be reduced to one 3.6-metre lane, using temporary traffic signals and temporary concrete barriers to protect the workers. Traffic delays should be expected.

Pedestrian access will be restored this summer to the east side of the bridge on the new sidewalks.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience,” said Lanark County Public Works Manager Sean Derouin.

For further information, please contact:
Sean Derouin
Public Works Manager
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194

The Friends of the Tay Watershed, in partnership with Little Stream Bakery, are looking for students who would like $1,000 to help with their college or university expenses. This year two bursaries will be awarded to students who have a special interest in the environment. The award of these bursaries is not based on marks but on a demonstrated interest in the environment and water sustainability.

These bursaries are open to Tay Watershed high school students graduating in 2022-23, as well as former Tay Watershed students who are continuing their post-secondary education.  Students who chose a gap year after graduating are also eligible.

Students can find a fillable application form and instructions re other required documents on the Friends website attaywatershed.ca/new.php#WG23

Entry criteria and forms are also available from the student’s Guidance Counsellor. Along with the application form, students are asked to write an essay of about 500 words telling the Friends why they are passionate about sustainability, the environment and water; as well as providing a letter of recommendation from a faculty teacher, and a person who is not a family member.

Application deadline is March 31^st.
For more information contact:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

March 23, 2022

At the Council meeting held on February 28, 2023, Council appointed Cathy Ryder as the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk effective March 31, 2023 to replace Cindy Halcrow who after 12 years in the position is retiring on March 30, 2023.

Ms. Ryder joined in the Township in July 2009 and is the current Township Clerk. She has been working with the Township since 2009 and is the current Clerk. Her previous employment was with the Councillor’s Office at the City of Calgary and as a Software Licensing Coordinator with Golder Associates.

Ms. Ryder has diplomas from McMaster University in Human Resources Management, Municipal Administration Program from AMCTO, Certified Municipal Manager (CMO) from AMCTO and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Guelph, Employment Law and Human Resources AMCTO and certification in IT.

Reeve Fournier stated “I am a firm believer of promoting within, saying that there is also a certain degree of integrity and past accomplishments of earning a position as well. Cathy has achieved this. Moving forward we welcome and trust Cathy to lead the municipality in a progressive manner for all future endeavours.”

Ms. Ryder added, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer and that Council supports my transition in this role. I’m look forward to working in partnership with council, staff and the community to meet the challenges ahead. I am grateful for the support and leadership of the current CAO, Cindy Halcrow, has provided me. I feel fortunate to be leading an amazing team - from Council members to our professional and dedicated staff.”

Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023:

CAO/Clerk Appointment:
Council appointed Cathy Ryder as the Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk effective March 31, 2023 to replace Cindy Halcrow who is retiring on March 30, 2023. Cathy has been working with the Township since 2009 and is the current Clerk. She has diplomas from McMaster University in Human Resources Management, Municipal Administration Program from AMCTO, Certified Municipal Manager (CMO) from AMCTO and a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Guelph, Employment Law and Human Resources AMCTO and certification in IT

Council approved amendments to the CAO’s job description to include the Clerk responsibilities such as municipal elections, freedom of information requests, human resources and IT. Council also approved a new Deputy Clerk job description and salary gird of $61,674 to $72,347 to replace the Clerk position. The position is expected to be filled shortly.

Livestock Valuer Increase in Compensation
Council approved an increase in the compensation paid to Livestock Valuers from $65 per visit to $80 per visit and include mileage expenses. The increase is estimated to cost $600 per year.

Budget Restatement
Council approved the 2023 Budget Restatement. The Township is required underOntario Regulation 284/09 to report on amortization, post-employment benefits, solid waste landfill closure, and post-closure expenses that are excluded from the budget. In 2009, accounting standards and financial reporting requirements changed significantly, with the most notable change being the requirement to report on tangible capital assets. However, these accounting standards do not require budgets to be prepared on the same basis. Drummond/North Elmsley continues to prepare budgets on the traditional cash or a modified accrual basis. Cash basis budgets do not include the requirement of accrual accounting and accounting for non-financial assets such as Tangible Capital Assets. Allowable expenses as per Ontario Regulation 284-09 include: amortization expense; post-employment benefit expenses; and solid waste landfill closure and postclosure expenses. The municipality excludes amortization expenses from its cashbased budget. Landfill closure and post-closure expenses are included in the annual budget therefore no adjustment or restatement is required. The Township does not have post-employment expenses and as such, there is no reporting required. For the purposes of this accounting exercise which has no financial impact on the budget, the net result of all adjustments is a surplus of $297,944.

Upcoming Meetings
• Council Meeting: March 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: March 14, 2023 following the Council meeting