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Following cost information from the Town of Perth, Lanark County Council has directed staff to draft an agreement with the town to assume administration and funding of court security and prisoner transport costs, and with the Town of Smiths Falls to fund a portion of the cost.
At the corporate services committee meeting earlier this month, CAO Kurt Greaves explained this recognizes court security and prisoner transfer as a cost to be shared by all municipalities in the county. The Perth Courthouse is the local Ontario Superior Court of Justice for civil, criminal, criminal youth, small claims and family court for all Lanark County municipalities and the Town of Smiths Falls. Smiths Falls’ court closed in 2024. Because of its location, Perth is responsible for court security and prisoner transport costs, but a provincial grant to partially cover the expense has not kept up with increasing requirements and costs. In 2025, the cost was $269,084, with the grant covering only $26,384.
Greaves said other counties have made agreements with their host municipality to provide funding. A Perth delegation to the Ministry of the Solicitor General at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference in January resulted in the ministry’s suggestion to approach the county to fund the service. Court security operations are a statutory responsibility of the OPP, and this is overseen in Perth by the Lanark OPP Detachment.
The agreements would see the county take over all aspects of administration and accounting for the program. This would be an addition to the county levy and represents a cost shift from Perth paying 100 per cent to sharing it proportionately across nine municipalities. ... See MoreSee Less
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Lanark County is hiring a Regular Full-Time Adult Protective Services Caseworker. For full details of this position, including how to apply, please visit our website: www.lanarkcounty.ca/careers ... See MoreSee Less
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Lanark County Council has received an update on the Public Access Defibrillator Program, which is now being overseen by the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS).
At the corporate services committee meeting earlier this month, Chief Travis Mellema said LCPS rosters publicly accessible defibrillators – or AEDs – across the county and helps their owners with awareness about maintenance needs so they are rescue ready. He added having oversight of the program is helping to revitalize it, and registering the rescue-ready units helps dispatch know where the public can find a nearby AED.
Mellema said LCPS has partnered with Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada to help with education and bystander confidence. In 2025 LCPS delivered education to 247 individuals across 11 community events, including high schools, community associations, senior hubs and wellness fairs, and public safety events.
Mellema said LCPS is partnering with Lanark-Frontenac MP Scott Reid to assess coverage gaps and align on future expansion priorities, including outdoor SaveStations to increase AED access when buildings are closed and advancing a “Neighbours Saving Neighbours” response model. Other next steps include integrating the provincial registry with 911 dispatch, pursuing funding opportunities for expansion and growth, and increasing the number of rescue-ready AEDs across Lanark County. Council has asked Mellema to provide further information on the Neighbours Saving Neighbours program at an upcoming corporate services committee meeting. ... See MoreSee Less
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Help Us Celebrate Those Making a Difference for Kids!
We’re calling on YOU to nominate the amazing individuals, businesses, and organizations in our communities that are building assets and empowering our youth. The Every Kid in our Communities and Lanark County Child & Youth Services Collaborative want to recognize those who inspire, support, and advocate for our young people.
If you know someone who:
✔️ Invests time in children & youth
✔️ Inspires & supports young people
✔️ Gives kids a voice & new experiences
✔️ Advocates for their future
Nominate them to be an Asset Builder!
Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2026
Recognition Events:
• June 7, 2026 (Leeds & Grenville)
• June 24, 2026 (Lanark)
Nomination forms are available at everykid.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Recognition-of-Asset-Builders.pdf
Let’s shine a light on those making a real difference in our children’s lives!
#AssetBuilders #MakeADifference ... See MoreSee Less
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Lanark County Council received the 2025 year-end activities report from the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS).
At the corporate services committee meeting earlier this month, LCPS Chief Travis Mellema showed differences in call types following the transition by the Kingston call centre to the new Medical Priority Dispatch System, which has reclassified calls to assist dispatch with prioritizing based on severity. Mellema said there was a 7 per cent increase in calls within Lanark County from 2024 to 2025. Calls where LCPS was dispatched to another jurisdiction dropped by 30 per cent, and calls within Lanark County dispatched to another service also decreased by 24 per cent. Within the county, 36 per cent of calls are transfers between hospitals.
Mellema said the LCPS met response time standards in all but one area, which was affected by one call that was over by 31 seconds. The standard was exceeded in all other areas.
Mellema also provided an overview of the community paramedicine program, which had a total of 5,932 interactions in 2025 and 684 new enrolments. This translates into an estimated 1,815 diversions from hospital. “Had we been unable to assess, identify and treat these individuals in their homes, it may have resulted in an emergency department visit,” he said. In 2025 the program expanded clinical skillsets, partnerships and system integration, with a strong focus on prevention, chronic disease management, palliative support and outreach. Community paramedics participated in presentations, wellness clinics, community fairs, seniors’ expos and outreach events.
Mellema also acknowledged Superintendent Michael White for receiving the Ontario Medal of Paramedic Bravery last year. In a separate report, he outlined LCPS’s successful Ambulance Service Review, which is a process led by the Ministry of Health to maintain certification to operate a paramedic service. A 90 per cent score is required to achieve the three-year certification, and LCPS scored 97 per cent. LCPS was commended for its preparation for the inspection, quality assurance and continuous quality improvement, training, vehicles and professionalism. ... See MoreSee Less
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5 Arches Bridge rehabilitation begins May 11
Lanark County will begin construction on the second phase of the 5 Arches Bridge Rehabilitation Project on May 11, 2026, which will involve a full road closure for the duration of the project.
The County has awarded the contract to BEI Bonnechere Excavating Inc. The project includes masonry and stone repairs, road approach improvements and new lighting installation beneath and on the bridge to enhance safety and preserve the structure for long term use.
“These works form the next phase of the County’s ongoing investment in maintaining this important historic crossing in the community,” said Public Works Director Sean Derouin.
To allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently, the full road closure will be in effect beginning Monday, May 11 at the bridge location for the duration of the project. No through traffic will be permitted, and signed detour routes will be posted in advance and maintained throughout construction.
The County appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while this essential rehabilitation work is completed. Further updates will be provided as construction progresses. For more information, please visit the County website at: www.lanarkcounty.ca/5arches ... See MoreSee Less
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Lanark Lodge has earned a three-year accreditation, the highest term available, from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The successful accreditation qualifies Lanark Lodge for additional Ministry of Long-Term Care funding for resident care equating to about $25,000 annually for the duration of the three years, up to Jan. 31, 2029.
CARF is an independent, non-profit accrediting body that evaluates health and human services organizations against internationally recognized standards. “The CARF standards by which Lanark Lodge was evaluated during a recent on-site survey included both service-specific standards and business practices standards that address accountability, ethics, organizational stability and other essential areas,” said Brian Boon, CARF President/CEO.
The process involves a comprehensive on-site survey conducted by peer surveyors and reflects an organization’s commitment to quality, accountability and continuous improvement. The Lodge participated in the survey in January 2026, focused on the Person-Centred Long-Term Care Community program. Preparing for the survey requires a significant management commitment, with about six months needed to gather and organize all the required documentation before the on-site visit.
“Surveyors concluded that Lanark Lodge demonstrated substantial conformance with CARF standards and is well positioned to maintain and enhance quality over time,” said Director of Long-Term Care Shawna Stone.
CARF highlighted numerous strengths, including:
• Compassionate and engaged leadership with a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• A clear and inclusive 2023–2028 Strategic Plan aligned with resident-centred values
• High resident and family satisfaction related to quality of care, staff interactions, and the living environment
• Strong emphasis on staff wellness, recognition, and professional development
• Innovative and secure use of technology to support care delivery, infection prevention, audits, and operational efficiency
• Commitment to inclusion, cultural diversity, and community engagement
Lanark Lodge has also made plans related to workforce development, which is to include measurable goals as part of performance appraisal processes for all staff.
“The CARF accreditation outcome affirms Lanark Lodge’s strong leadership, engaged workforce, innovative practices and commitment to high-quality, resident-centred long-term care,” Stone said. “Achieving a three-year accreditation reflects sustained organizational excellence and positions the home well for continued improvement throughout the accreditation cycle.”
“This is an outstanding achievement for Lanark Lodge, which showcases excellent management and high-quality care for our residents,” said Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve). “Congratulations to Director Shawna Stone and all Lanark Lodge staff for the work you do every day to achieve and maintain these standards.” ... See MoreSee Less
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Lanark Lodge is hiring a Part-Time On-Call Cook . For full details on this position, including how to apply, please visit our website www.lanarkcounty.ca/careers ... See MoreSee Less
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We’re hosting FREE Contractor Training!🏠
Learn about High Performance Homes and Better Homes Lanark. ✅
📅 May 28, 2026 | ⏰ 8:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Public Works Training Room, Lanark County Public Works, 99 Christie Lake Road, Perth, ON
🔗 Register here: betterhomeslanarkcontractortrainingMay2026.eventbrite.com ... See MoreSee Less
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