Public input sought during implementation of new plan LAURIE WEIR The Township of Rideau Lakes will undergo an overhaul on its strategic plan, as staff will encourage public input. Shellee […]
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New hall and library bid comes in at just over $2.5M LAURIE WEIR The construction of the long-awaited Portland hall and library has been awarded to Thomas Cavanagh Construction for […]
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LAURIE WEIR You can check out tons of books across Rideau Lakes Township, but how about a canoe? This pilot project will get paddlers onto Newboro Lake, and was approved […]
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LAURIE WEIR Lack of snow events this season have given Rideau Lakes Township about $175,000 in cost savings – at least for now. During a regular municipal services committee meeting […]
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Rideau Lakes council to send letter of request to reopen 5 days a week LAURIE WEIR Limited hours of operation at the RBC branch in Portland has caused some concern […]
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SUBMITTED The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motorcycle collision where the operator was pronounced deceased on-scene. Members of the OPP were dispatched […]
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SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that 34 local businesses have been nominated for the Business Recognition Awards. This year, the Township is working with three […]
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Mac Spinelli of the Athens Aeros recovers in neck brace for 8 weeks LAURIE WEIR A Smiths Falls native, and defenseman for the Athens Aeros, has suffered a spinal cord […]
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Policy would help staff deal with each piece of communication received LAURIE WEIR Delivering messaging consistently and fairly in the Township of Rideau Lakes has prompted the chief administrative officer […]
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Dr. Shane Renwick earns WVA Global Veterinary Award LAURIE WEIR The Township of Rideau Lakes has recognized another prestigious award winner. Dr. Shane Renwick of the Elgin area, won the […]
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Committee to recommend to council changes to budget that includes 3.5% tax levy LAURIE WEIR Rideau Lakes Township flipped on previous decisions before approving the budget with a 3.5 per […]
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LAURIE WEIR If at first you don’t succeed with a motion, try, try again. Coun. Paula Banks brought another motion to the table of the municipal services committee of Rideau […]
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BY LAURIE WEIR The municipal offices of the Township of Rideau Lakes are under the microscope again after Coun. Paula Banks brought forward a motion to the regular meeting of […]
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BY LAURIE WEIR Fiber optics in Rideau Lakes was the Emmy award winner at a regular meeting of the municipal services committee. Marc Smits won a Sports Emmy Award for […]
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SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Business Recognition Awards. Each year, the Township calls for nominations of businesses located in […]
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SUBMITTED BY ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE EAST REGION HEADQUARTERS Inspector Lisa Nicholas is the new Commander of the Grenville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. “I am very pleased to announce […]
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SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that Steve Holmes has been selected to fill the position of Manager of Parks and Facilities, starting on February 20, 2024. […]
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SUBMITTED BY TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to report that building activity over the last five years marks continued growth and investment. The end-of-year […]
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SUBMITTED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES The Township of Rideau Lakes and Jason Moore, owner of Portside Pub & Eatery are pleased to jointly advise the public that the […]
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A roundabout in Crosby, a completed fire station for South Elmsley, and park improvements are on the agenda BY LAURIE WEIR Roundabouts, a fire station, and park improvements throughout the […]
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SUBMITTED BY TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that Gene Richardson has been selected as Fire Chief and will begin on February 12, 2024. […]
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SUBMITTED BY UCDSB Starting Kindergarten marks an exciting chapter for families. In this pivotal stage, children learn the fundamentals of math and literacy but also develop independence, problem-solving skills, and the […]
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Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Board of Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District (LGLD) Board of Health, and the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Board of Health endorsed […]
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Two companies made a presentation each bidding for an Ontario government contract to build and maintain Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in RLT for a 20 year period. They […]
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Online auction is a financial lifeline for local chicken sanctuary. On November 20, 2023 Secondhand Stories launched their biggest fundraiser of the year, their winter online auction. Sadly, on occasion, owners can […]
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November is Radon Action Month and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon. Radon is the second leading cause […]
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We haven’t left. We’re still here. Others have gone…but Hometown News is still on the streets. For a week or two we thought there wouldn’t be any papers in Smiths […]
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The Build a Mountain of Food Campaign is about to embark on its 17th year of collecting food and cash donations in support of local food banks through out the […]
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The Annual Lake 88 Radiothon for local health care has raised $122,475 for local hospitals and community health care centres. And we can’t thank you enough. Lake 88 Radiothon Founder Brian Perkin […]
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Lanark County Council has declared Oct. 10 as World Homelessness Day in Lanark County and affirms its commitment to move the bar on homelessness in the community. World Homelessness Day […]
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On February 24th, 2023, the doors of The Tipped Ship on Main Street in Elgin will open to the public following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 am. All are […]
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The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) would like to advise everyone to take appropriate precautions over the next few days as temperatures are expected to be extremely […]
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County (BBBSLC) is excited to once again be partnering with the local Tim Hortons restaurants for the Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake event […]
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The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) and the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) have partnered to help save and enhance more lives. After several years of collaborative work, delayed […]
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Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Perth and District is providing $3,000 to support delivery of literacy programs for children in the summer of 2023. Early literacy provides a strong […]
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The 16th annual RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign’s Title Sponsor, RCL Automotive, has once again joined forces this holiday season with media partners, Metroland Media, Lake 88 […]
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October 18th is the 22nd annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, and Lanark County is celebrating! “This year we recognize our amazing early learning and child […]
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We can all be excused for not looking forward to elections with their noise, excessive and often negative advertising, and seemingly endless debates about things we have little concern for. […]
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The Township of Rideau Lakes was provided with the Final Fire Investigation report by the Office of the Fire Marshal on July 6, 2022 in response to a reportable large […]
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On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk, a post Labour Day September tradition in the area since the first successful walk in 2017, is returning to its roots. […]
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The Township of Rideau Lakes and Country Roads Community Health Centre are pleased to announce a new partnership with the Portland Food Bank and the Community Clothing Co-operative. This newly […]
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Conservative | Green | Liberal | NDP Yes it’s election time again. On Thursday, June 2 Ontarians will go to the polls to choose their next MPPs. Hometown News has […]
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The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association is excited to announce that after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the province will once again be showcasing a new […]
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The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce the launch of its new Facebook and Instagram pages on Meta (formerly known as Facebook). As part of the Digital Content […]
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On Tuesday, December 21, Rideau Lakes Township lost the building that houses the Portland Fire Hall and its contents, including fire vehicles. At approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the three-bay […]
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Dear friends and neighbours across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Our communities are facing a very concerning increase of COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is here, and it is increasing the […]
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The US reached a stark milestone this month of 100,000 people dying of drug overdoses in one year. That is 275 overdose deaths every day. In Canada, 20 people die […]
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At their December 13 meeting, Rideau Lakes Council provided approval to proceed with the new municipal hub in the village of Portland. The decision followed two years of work and […]
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The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee of the Township of Rideau Lakes (MHAC) has partnered with historian and filmmaker Allison Margot Smith in the creation of a new documentary telling the […]
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The Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Green Party of Ontario Constituency Association is pleased to announce that our candidate for the June 2022 election is Dr. Marlene Spruyt of Ardoch. Dr. Spruyt is a […]
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fatal house fire in Rideau Lakes Township. On November 30, 2021, at approximately 9:15 p.m., members of the Leeds Detachment of the […]
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The Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce and the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, is inviting local […]
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On Monday October 18th, the town of Westport held a by-election to fill a vacant council seat left by former councilor Melissa Sullivan who resigned for personal reasons in May […]
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Beginning October 25th, 2021, Ontario will be removing capacity limits where proof of vaccination is required. This will include settings like restaurants, bars, sports facilities, casinos, and indoor meeting and event spaces, […]
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The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of his breach of […]
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To continue with its ongoing efforts to bring equitable opportunities to each student, the Upper Canada District School Board has made menstrual products free and accessible in every school across the district and […]
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It may be Fall but the Lanark County Food Bank Stocking Drive is already on. Because clients only access the Food Bank once a month, stockings start being handed out […]
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Lanark County Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) is encouraging everyone to “fall in love” with Lanark County Trails as the annual showcase of fall colours begins. “We have a […]
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Thursday, October 14, 2021 ‘Supporting our frontline workers by giving them the tools they need’ Local healthcare officials, doctors, nurses, patients and volunteers will take to the airwaves of Lake […]
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On September 30, flags will be at half-mast throughout the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and staff and students will be dressed in orange, to recognize and share in learning for […]
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Foley Mountain’s Spy Rock lookout is a popular fall destination at the best of times, but this year staff are preparing for record crowds as pandemic-weary residents search for safe […]
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On Wednesday Sept 8th Lanark County council unanimously passed a resolution to Recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept 30th. The motion refers to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report […]
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Every few years, Canadians are privileged to be able to make their mark in politics. I’m not talking about making your mark as a politician, although there are plenty of […]
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In advance of the federal election on September 20, the Elections Canada office for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston is open at Settlers Ridge Centre in Smiths Falls for early voting. Jackie Staples, recruitment […]
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From improving air quality to installing hundreds of water bottle re-filling stations, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) continues with its commitment to ensuring schools remain a safe and healthy place for staff and students this school year. […]
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The Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Green Party of Canada Electoral District Association is excited and pleased to officially announce that Calvin Neufeld of Perth is our candidate for the 2021 federal election. For […]
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It’s hot out there! The Health Unit would like to remind everyone to take care during times of high temperatures and high humidity. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued […]
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Westport hockey fans seem to have been caught off guard by this week’s announcement that the owners of the Westport Rideaus have decided to terminate the team’s general manager and […]
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It’s hot out there! The Health Unit would like to remind everyone to take care during times of high heat and humidity. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a […]
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Late in 1942 after a series of Allied victories, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had this to say: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning […]
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Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery – Paramedics across Ontario go above and beyond every day to serve their community. Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) is proud to honour four of its […]
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Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of a one day heat event on Friday May 21, 2021 for Lanark County. High heat can be hazardous to your […]
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The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit is advising the public to avoid social gatherings during the upcoming long weekend. Information provided to the Hometown News by the heath […]
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The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit area is experiencing the lowest active case numbers since the beginning of March. We are asking residents to continue to follow the […]
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County council has approved an updated policy and by-law to regulate advertising signs and devices in the county right-of-way and on private property adjacent to county roads. The new by-law […]
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At Wednesday’s (May 12) Lanark County council meeting, the Connect Lanark program received final approval. This financial assistance is designed to help low-income families to achieve broadband internet installation. The […]
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Reports that colleagues threw a party for a teacher convicted of sexually assaulting and exploiting students at St. John’s Catholic High School led to a protest at the school Tuesday, […]
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A rumour that colleagues threw a party for a teacher convicted of sexually assaulting and exploiting students at St. John’s Catholic High School has triggered plans for a protest at […]
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On the road again. At least that’s what Fred and Sue Gieratz plan when they sell the business they’ve been in for 27 years. The couple have catered to the […]
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With the hopeful end of lockdown coming soon, I reached out to some of the surrounding towns to find out what kind of Covid-19 friendly events are being planned this […]
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Ticks are notoriously bad at social distancing, and as you hit the trails this season it’s important you take precautions to keep them at bay. Black-legged ticks are on the […]
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The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Heath Unit is pleased to be working with many community partners as it rolls out the LGL COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. With vaccine supply stabilizing […]
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Workplace outbreaks do happen even here in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. We have seen workplace outbreaks across multiple sectors including the food industry, manufacturing, the trades, automotive etc. A COVID-19 […]
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Following two decades of advocacy by Rideau Lakes, traffic lights are coming to Crosby. The Highway 15 and Country Road 42 intersection at Crosby is a notoriously blind and dangerous […]
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The Upper Canada District School Board is so excited to welcome your child to Kindergarten this September. And registration is now open! Not only will your child learn literacy and math […]
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A provincewide shutdown will go into effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 am. The restrictions are in effect for all of Ontario from Saturday, December 26, 2020 […]
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Parents/guardians and staff at Rideau Vista Public School received notification today that an individual at the school has tested positive for COVID-19. Working closely with the school, the Leeds, Grenville and […]
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Parents/guardians and staff at Rideau Vista Public School received notification that an individual at the school has tested positive for COVID-19. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is closely monitoring the situation and […]
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Inspection Blitz Helps to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 and Keep Workers and Public Safe The Ontario government launched a series of education and enforcement campaigns to ensure businesses across the […]
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For those of you not familiar with our upper tier municipal government, here’s a quick introduction. Lanark County council is made up of representatives of the communities within the county and […]
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The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) supports Lanark County’s commitment to plant one million trees through its landowner tree planting program. The RVCA’s program has helped landowners in watershed municipalities […]
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Foley Mountain Conservation Area is a popular fall destination. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails, Foley Mountain continues to welcome guests for much needed outdoor fun. “Fall […]
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Drivers reminded to exercise caution The Grenville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police reminds motorists that school buses are returning to area roads very soon. Motorists are reminded to exercise […]
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The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, along with its community partners, are successful recipients of a 3 year Health Canada Substance Use and Addictions Program grant. This grant […]
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The CDSBEO School Re-entry plan contains details to help parents with their decision on whether to choose remote distance learning or in-person instruction at school. It describes what we know […]
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Environment Canada had issued a heat warning for today and tomorrow due to high heat and humidity. The Health Unit would like to remind everyone to be cautious as the […]
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Senior staff and Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met virtually on Wednesday, July 22 to discuss the UCDSB Draft School Reopening Plan that will be submitted to the Ministry of […]
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The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) surveyed Grade 7-12 students to get feedback on their experiences with distance learning and how the current model could be improved in the […]
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On May 14, The Ontario Government announced some re-opening strategies for businesses and a plan to start Stage 1 on Tuesday May 18. The list of businesses opening this weekend can be […]
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The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark strongly supports local Farmers’ Markets. They encourage people to buy healthy local food, and are a way for farmers to sell their produce. They have […]
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The Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital was the recipient of a cheque for $54,484 from the Township of Rideau Lakes today. Mayor Arie Hoogenboom presented the cheque to the […]
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I believe as we go through this pandemic, self-care is very important. One thing I do is go for a walk. Even before the pandemic, walking every day has been […]
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Ontarians can show their appreciation for doctors on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and all doctors who work to keep their patients healthy, by simply turning on their phone […]
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After careful consideration, and in consultation with the Emergency Management Control Group, Mayor Hoogenboom has declared a municipal State of Emergency with the Township of Rideau Lakes in accordance with […]
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Today, Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, confirmed that an individual living in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark area has […]
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The Township of Rideau Lakes’ Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met on March 13th and March 17th, 2020 to discuss measures to limit the spread of the virus within our […]
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The health, safety and well-being of our visitors and staff is our top priority. RVCA is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with the following changes in operations and programming effective […]
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The Township of Rideau Lake’s Municipal Emergency Management Control Group (MECG) convened the morning of March 13 at 9:30am to discuss and prepare for COVID-19 and the Township’s response. The […]
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Winter restoration work on the Hutton Creek Marsh is now complete to the delight of the many dedicated partners who made the project possible. This work completes Phase 2 of […]
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The Rideau District High School Lions won silver Tuesday, March 3 at the EOSSAA Junior A Girls’ Volleyball Championship, held at St. Mary Catholic High School in Brockville. Despite a […]
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On February 20th, The Table Community Food Centre is hosting a Housing Forum in response to the current housing crisis and everyone is invited. With continually rising costs, and almost […]
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MyView Youth Film Festival is back for its 7th year! Kemptville’s own McGahey Insurance and Grenville Mutual Insurance have again teamed up to provide the $1000 Grand Prize for 2020. This creative […]
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OPINION BY SALLY SMITH Everyone’s talking about the ‘no snow’ winter. It might still be coming. But it’s already the beginning of March and snow is melting…not drifting from the […]
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On the front lines with some of Lanark County OPP’s female officers LAURIE WEIR As we recognize International Women’s Day on March 8, this year’s theme focuses on inclusion. Imagine […]
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Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way since I last wrote about them in 2017. Non-alcoholic beer (or NA beer, as it’s sometimes called) starts life as a normal beer. […]
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COLUMN BY BRIAN PRESTON.The Travelling Sommelier, Portland, ON at 613-272-3129, brianpreston@hotmail.com This fall I discovered Bridge Masters Brewery in Perth at 29 Beckwith Street East after visiting the Perth Royal Canadian Legion […]
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Brian Hamilton is a graduate of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, and was previously a winemaker at Malivoire, Southbrook Vineyard and Tawse Winery, all in Niagara Peninsula, and […]
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Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! This time of year has many joyous, merry times, gatherings, and events. No matter where you go, in every store, on television, radio, social media, or […]
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STAFF WRITER In the heart of Merrickville sits the bustling hub known as The Village Bean Coffee House. Especially vibrant just before the shops open, it’s where locals and visitors […]
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