DNE (569)
Drummond/North Elmsley takes pride in it’s past. There are several generations of families established in the area that can trace their settlement to 1816. The anniversary of 200 years of military settlement was celebrated in 2016 with festivals, enactments and much fanfare.
The Township of Drummond was originally surveyed in 1816 and the Township of North Elmsley was proclaimed in 1838 later incorporating in 1850. The two Townships were amalgamated on January 1, 1998 and Arthur Code was the first Reeve of the newly formed municipality.
In the beginning the first surveyors arrived in March 12, 1816 followed shortly thereafter by the settlers consisting of the families of soldiers of the war of 1812 who were given land as partial payment for their services. These resilient people made their way along old rough corduroy roads from Brockville to Delta and then cut trails through the bush to Rideau Ferry, then called Oliver’s Ferry, and beyond to make their way by trail and by the Pike river, now called the Tay, to the newly established outpost called Perth.
Each family was given a ration of tools, seeds for planting and equipment to start their homestead and depending on military rank each man was allotted between 100 and 1,200 acres to farm. The agreement was upon lot assignment the settlers had to clear the immense forest, set up a farm and structure within five years. Some of these original descendents still reside in the area. In 2016, an interactive mapping system was developed to record the historic land allotments and at: lanarkcountytourism.com/tours/ancestry-geneology/
You can also search for a family name, a transport ship (eg. Maria), country of origin (eg. Ireland) or any other detail, just click on the search icon and enter the family name, ship name or country name.
Canada's Historic Places Register
Constructed 1858-61 the home is a unique representation of the Ontario cottage architectural style with a unique L-shaped design and inhabited by some of Lanark County’s most prominent citizens over the last 150 years.
For more information visit their website
Constructed in 1873 out of locally quarried stone, this building educated 100 years of North Elmsley students until it was eventually converted into apartments.
For more information visit their website
For more historical information on school houses in Drummond/North Elmsley, please visit one-room school houses .
Constructed in 1849 this Georgian-style stone house was home to some of the most prominent farmers of the area and is notable for its pillars and intricate hand carved finishing's and is considered a landmark along the Scotch Line Road.
For more information visit their website
Constructed in 1847, the Sneyd House is located at 44 South Street on the outskirts of Perth, in the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley. Built in the Neo-classical style, this home remains an excellent example of residential houses constructed during the era.
The Sneyd House was recognized for its heritage value by the former Township of North Elmsley, By-Law 84-43, on 3 January 1984.
For more information visit their website
For more information, download these publications:
You will be able to experience wildlife, camping, hiking, boating/canoeing, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature trails at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park. Situated on Big Rideau Lake this park offers tours of a c. 1900 mica mine, the Silver Queen Mine, as well as other interpretive programs. During the summer months the Park Store is open.
Address: 2243 Elmgrove Road, Perth, Ontario
Phone: 613-267-5060
Website
Located on the Trans Canada Highway (hwy #7) Sharbot Lake Provincial Park offers camping, scenic nature trails, playground for the kids, sandy beaches, two lakes to choose from, fishing, boating and canoeing. Shower and washroom facilities are available. Canoe, boat and paddleboat rentals are available.
Address: 25467 Hwy 7, Sharbot Lake, Ontario
Phone: 613-335-2814
Website
Silver Lake Provincial Park located west of Perth (hwy 7) offers great swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Enjoy all the park amenities within easy walking distance, great for young families with a good playground. Clean facilities and friendly staff are their top priority. Open May to September.
Address: 22726 Hwy 7, Maberly, Ontario
Phone: 613-268-2000
Website
There are abundant recreational activities in and around Drummond/North Elmsley. Stay active and enjoy the many facilities offering opportunities for the active lifestyle that suits you.
During the winter season, the ice surface is used for hockey, pleasure skating, figure skating and broomball, trade shows and events by a number of groups.
Address: 67 Princess Street, Lanark, Ontario
Phone:613-259-3345
Website
The Perth and District Community Centre is the home of the Perth Blue Wings Junior Hockey Club, Perth Lanark Minor Hockey, Perth Girls Hockey Association and the Perth Figure Skating Club. The ice season begins on the first Tuesday after Labour Day and runs until the end of March each year. During the summer months the arena slab is used for dances, concerts or trades shows.
Address: 2 Beckwith Street, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-2455
Website
The Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre is a place for many recreational opportunities, inside and out. From the skateboard park, baseball diamond, tennis courts to the walking concourse, figure skating, hockey and events, the Community Centre caters to the active lifestyle.
Address: 71 Cornelia Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario
Phone:613-283-4124
Website
Located at 3 Sunset Boulevard, the Indoor Pool offers a variety of programs, including swimming lessons, aquafit classes, therapeutic classes, public, family, senior and adult swim times, Masters Swim Club and Scuba lessons.
The Pool is the home of the Perth Stingrays Aquatic Club and 2008 Olympic contender Mike Brown. There is a multi-purpose room, as well as sauna and pool time for rent. The Annual Indoor Pool Triathlon is held the first Sunday every June.
Address: 3 Sunset Boulevard, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-5302
Website
Situated in the southeast corner of Perth, Conlon Farm boasts 50 acres of outdoor fun. Soccer fields, ball diamonds, basketball courts, beach volleyball court, tennis courts, huge playground and splashpad, skateboard park, skating rink, toboggan hill and cross-country skiing. Snack Bar and washrooms (open May to October), lots of parking, picnic tables and walking paths make Conlon Farm a great place to spend your time while in Perth.
Completely open terrain for cross-country skiing – no designated trails. Toboggan hill and outdoor rink.
Admission: Free!
Address: 127 Smith Drive, Perth, Ontario
Phone:613-267-3311 Ext. 2221
Website
The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) governs how the Township collects, uses, discloses, and protects your private information. It also allows individuals to access the Township records and information.
The Act
Read the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) provides individuals with two rights:
· access to certain records under the custody and control of the Township; and
· protection of personal information.
Requests for Information
Many of the Township's records are available without making a formal request for information. Some records can be found on this website, or are available by contacting the Municipal Office.
If a formal request is necessary, the first step is to fill out the request form. Be sure to include as many details and be as specific as possible about the information you would like to obtain.
Submit your request and pay the required $5.00 fee.
Requests are generally processed within 30 days. We will contact you if clarification is necessary.
Additional Information
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.
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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 Municipal Law Enforcement Services Laura Lowson:
Laura Lowson - Animal Control Officer phone: 613-812-5609 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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 call Laura Lowson at 613-812-5609
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.
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