Friends of the Tay Watershed
Press Release

Whether you are a visitor, new to Perth or have lived here all your life, Friends of the Tay Watershed invite you to join them on Saturday, May 25, 2024, between 2 and 4 p.m. for a free, fascinating guided tour along the Tay River and Canal between Last Duel Park and the park next to the Rainbow Bridge at the top of Mill St.

Bring your family, bring a friend, park and start your walk at either Last Duel Park (ample parking) or at the top of Mill St. (limited parking). Pick up the Tay Walk Map and walk at your own pace. Meet the local experts positioned along the route who will share their knowledge of the history, wildlife and ecology of the Tay. The route is wheelchair accessible.

Meaghan McDonald from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority will explain what shoreline naturalization is and why it’s important. At another site, her colleagues, Haley Matschke and Amanda Lange, will talk about water quality and have samples of benthic invertebrates on hand for those who like studying water critters up close.

From Friends of the Tay President, Glenn Tunnock and Drummond/North Elmsley Planner, Brady McGlade, you will learn the importance of watershed conservation in ensuring an adequate supply of water for growth and development, sewage disposal, fire, navigational safety and tourism.

Retired ecologist, Shaun Thompson, brings to the tour his lifetime of knowledge of wetlands, wildlife and habitat diversity, and river resiliency.

At another stop along the route, local historian, Susan Code McDougall, will recount tales of the Tay River and Canal. Along this same route, Colin Stephenson, will share his first-hand knowledge of Tayside Textiles and early industry along the canal in Perth.

Bring your lunch and enjoy it at the picnic shelter in Last Duel Park before the tour.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 25 between 2 and 4 p.m.

For information contact: Adrienne MacKay This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Media Release
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

The Leeds Grenville and Lanark (LGL) Food Charter has been around for a decade and needs some updates according to members of FoodcoreLGL. The Charter is an aspirational document that provides a vision for the food system in LGL and can be used as a guiding document by municipalities, businesses, agencies and community groups when thinking about building a more inclusive and sustainable food system. 

“Given the current level of concern about the costs of food and increasing food insecurity in our communities, examining how our food system operates is as, if not more relevant than when the charter was drafted” stated Ramsey Hart, Executive Director of The Table Community Food Centre.

The LGL Food Charter was published in 2014 following a series of public consultations across the region. Because the charter was the result of such strong and diverse community input, FoodcoreLGL members want to make sure the people of LGL have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed updates. Proposed updates to the Charter include: 

• Inclusion of a land acknowledgement
• Addition of a statement about equity in the food system
• Recognition of the impact of climate change on our food system

“We felt these updates were important to reflect how the food system connects with the other pressing social, environmental and economic challenges of our times” noted Michèle Andrews of DoorNumberOne.org.

The revised draft of the charter can be read in its entirety online. Anyone interested is encouraged to visit the http://www.foodcorelgl.ca/. FoodcoreLGL website where they can find the updated version, the link to a survey to provide feedback, and another link to register for an online discussion about the charter on May 23rd at 7pm.   

Members of FoodcoreLGL hope updating the Charter will re-engage past participants and engage new people in their work. Consultations will not be limited to the text of the charter but will include action planning to identify what can be done together, to move communities closer to realizing the vision of the Charter. 

FoodcoreLGL is a coalition of food activists and organizations who work to take practical steps to realize the vision of the Food Charter. The group has representatives from food production, community health, and community organizations. Current members are:  Michèle Andrews, DoorNumberOne.org; Leela Ramachandran,  Kemptville Campus; Danielle Labonte, Elaine Murkin and Susan Fillion, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Ramsey Hart, The Table Community Food Centre; and Lorne Helsop, Lanark Federation of Agriculture. 

-30-

Contact:
Ramsey Hart, The Table Community Food Centre, 613-267-6428 x 108, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or

Michèle Andrews, DoorNumberOne.org, 613-793-4237, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Due to the anticipated demand for saplings this spring, the MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SAPLINGS AVAIABLE PER HOUSEHOLD HAS BEEN UPDATED TO 15. This is so we can ensure more people are able to enjoy the giveaway and plant trees throughout the Township.

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is giving away FREE TREE saplings to Township residents. Local Scouts will be on site helping to distribute the trees.

WHEN: Saturday May 4, 2024- 9 am to 11 am
LOCATION: Municipal Office 310 Port Elmsley Road

Giveaway Details

• Maximum 15 per household
• While quantities last
• Bring your own container to put your saplings in
• Must be a resident of Drummond/North Elmsley Township
• Homeowner is responsible to plant, water and maintain private tree

Saplings available are dependent on what we receive. We are expecting a mix  of white pine, spruce, and cedar. 

The Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is giving away FREE TREE saplings to Township residents. Local Scouts will be on site helping to distribute the trees.

WHEN: Saturday May 4, 2024- 9 am to 11 am
LOCATION: Municipal Office 310 Port Elmsley Road

Giveaway Details

• Maximum 15 per household
• While quantities last
• Bring your own container to put your saplings in
• Must be a resident of Drummond/North Elmsley Township
• Homeowner is responsible to plant, water and maintain private tree

Saplings available are dependent on what we receive. We are expecting a mix  of white pine, spruce, and cedar. 

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Media Release: April 15, 2024

A Flood Outlook Statement is being issued for the Upper Rideau Valley Watershed.
 
Since early April, two large weather systems have brought between 60 to 90 mm of precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed. The highest precipitation amounts (90 mm) fell across the Upper Rideau Valley Watershed near Bob’s and Christie Lakes and the Tay River. The weather forecast indicates another 10 to 15 mm of precipitation for the next week.
 
The significant precipitation received since early April has resulted in increased water levels and flows in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed.
 
Based on the above, a FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for the properties around Bobs and Christie Lakes in the Upper Rideau Valley Watershed. The water levels are expected to exceed full supply levels by this coming weekend and may result in flooding for low-lying areas. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. Operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. 
 
Residents in low-lying areas near Bobs and Christie Lakes 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

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.
 
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. 
 
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5 PM unless the forecast or conditions change.

Perth & District Union Public Library
Contact: Erika Heesen, (613) 267-1224
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Press Release
April 15, 2024 – Toy Lending Library Opens at the Perth & District Library

The Perth & District Union Public Library is now offering a Toy Lending Library! Created with the support of Lanark County Best Start, the collection is made up of high-quality toys and puzzles aimed at ages 0-6.

"Families can borrow these materials just like borrowing a book from the Library," said Heidi Taber, Children's Librarian. "By creating a free accessible collection, it allows all children 0-6 and all families to have access to high quality materials that promote learning through play and foster a love of learning and literacy."

The toys were sourced locally wherever possible, with support from Spring Children in Perth and Wildchild Woodcraft in Tay Valley. Some examples of the toys available to be borrowed are a Pikler triangle, balance beam, ramp, peg puzzles, and Magna-Tiles. The full list of toys can be found by searching the library catalogue for “toy library”. There are no late fees on any children’s materials borrowed from the library, including the Toy Lending Library.

The Perth & District Library offers a wide range of programs and services for children and families, including weekly Babytime, Storytime, March Break and summer programs. To learn more about the services offered by the Library, please visit the library’s website www.perthunionlibrary.ca or call 613-267-1224.  

MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
April 9, 2024

In 2023, as part of the provinces rabies prevention program, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit responded to over 500 incidents of people being bitten by animals in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties. This is not unusual with similar numbers occurring every year.  A large proportion of these incidents involved dogs and in almost all of these incidents the bite could have been prevented.

In recognizing Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 7-April 13), and in an effort to reduce the number of dog bites each year in the LGL region, the Health Unit wishes to remind residents of steps and strategies to prevent the likelihood of being bitten by a dog.  In addition to the risk of exposure to rabies, preventing dog bites reduces the risk of potentially very serious injuries as well as reducing the number of hours spent by people in emergency rooms seeking treatment for dog bites.

The first, and possibly most important, thing to remember is that ANY DOG MAY BITE given the appropriate circumstances, even the cuddliest, fuzziest, good natured dog.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something. If the dog finds itself in a stressful situation, it may bite to defend itself or its territory. Dogs can bite because they are scared or have been startled. They can bite because they feel threatened. They can bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy.  They may also bite because they are not feeling well or are sick or injured.

With these reasons in mind, the Health Unit offers the following precautions to prevent being bitten by a dog:

• Always ask an owner if it is okay to approach their dog, even if it is on a leash.  Don’t just assume the pet is going to be friendly and wanting attention.
• Try to understand dog body language.  Often the signs that a dog may bite are there.
• Be mindful of touching a dog that is sick or injured as they may bite out of fear or confusion.
• When meeting a dog who is new to you, do not approach the dog.  Let the dog approach you.  Offer the back of your hand for the dog to sniff.
• Never tease dogs by taking their toys, food or treats, or pretending to kick or hit.
• Never pull a dog’s ears or tail and never climb on or attempt to ride a dog.
• Leave dogs alone when they are eating or sleeping.
• NEVER leave children alone with a dog.  Young children may not know the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten and may accidentally provoke the dog.  A baby or toddler left alone in a room with a dog for even a few seconds could have tragic consequences.
• If you come across a dog that is loose or unattended, steer clear.
• If a strange dog approaches you, especially an aggressive one, do not panic and do not run away.  Stand still or “be a tree”.  Stand still, head lowered and hands clasped in front of you. In a worst-case scenario, if knocked down, curl into a ball and cover your head and neck with your arms.

As a dog owner:

• Always keep your dog under your control around other people. 
• Ensure anyone who wants to approach your dog does so safely.  If you are unsure how your dog will react, ask for people to give your dog its space or move off of a pathway to give your dog space.
• Remove your dog from situations which it may find stressful.
• Fence your yard and provide an appropriate sign letting visitors know of a dog on the premises.

It is important to teach children about approaching dogs and safety around your family dog. The Health Unit has created a https://healthunit.org/wp-content/uploads/Dog_Bite_Prevention.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="0">Dog Bite Awareness resource for parents, those who work with kids to help educate children and also for vet offices and doggie daycares to post for owners. This is able to be printed and posted or you can contact the Health Unit for a copy.

For more information on preventing dog bites and bites from animals in general, please visit the Health Unit website at https://healthunit.org/health-information/rabies/preventing-animal-bites/. Or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and X or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

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

Every year Drummond/North Elmsley participates in PITCH IN where our amazing volunteers and residents work hard to clean up litter and waste along the roadsides!

PITCH-IN bags are free to volunteers and can be obtained at the Municipal Office at 310 Port Elmsley Road. Please stop in and let us know which stretch of road you will be picking up on. Bags are also available when the office is closed.

Pick up roadside litter, place it in a PITCH-IN bag and set it out for free collection on your regular day (no bag tag required). Only pitch-in litter will be picked up, do not put your household waste in the yellow bag.

DON’T FORGET to send pictures to the D/NE Twp Facebook page so we can share your hard work and encourage others to join together, expand our areas and set an example to others that we truly care about the beauty and safety of our environment. 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK HARD TO KEEP DRUMMOND/NORTH ELMSLEY CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL.