Save the Date - Classic Boat Show on August 10th
Mark your calendars for the 2019 MCBC Antique & Classic Boat Show. The 43rd edition of the Show will be held on Saturday, August 10 at Rideau Ferry. For details, check MCBC’s Facebook page or website.
For classic boat enthusiasts - the latest "Brass Binnacle"
Click here to read the April 2019 newsletter of the Manotick Classic Boat Club.
Township of Rideau Lakes Spring 2019 Newsletter
Seasonal residents are encouraged to pick up their 2019 Calendar; they are available at the Township office, a number of local retailers as well as the LCBO outlets. To read the newsletter, click the link below.
RVCA Releases its Annual Report
Media Release: “The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has released its 2018 annual report, and among our many accomplishments from the past year, the planting of our six millionth tree stands tall.
“Every year we partner with landowners to reforest abandoned farm fields and other unused land,” said Scott Danford, manager of the reforestation program at RVCA. “Putting this land to work promotes wildlife and biodiversity, protects soil from erosion and improves water quality, while improving the look and value of these private properties.”
And that’s just one program of many at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which monitors watershed health across a vast swath of land from Central Frontenac to Merrickville-Wolford and all the way to downtown Ottawa.”
Click here to read more.
Open House on Rideau Lakes Official Plan Update
Join the community conversation!
Rideau Lakes is embarking on a major update to its Official Plan. This regular process of review and update is required under the Planning Act. The purpose of an Official Plan is to ensure that future planning and development meets the community’s needs. Any updates to this document will be prepared through extensive public consultation to identify what those needs are.
There are 2 upcoming meetings of interest to the Rideau Lakes community:
1. Open House Date: April 16, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Newboro Community Hall at 15 Drummond Street
Purpose: As part of the Community Consultation Strategy for the Official Plan Update this session will discuss Tourism and Recreation.
2. Council Meeting Date: May 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Purpose: To discuss the revisions that may be required to the Township’s Official Plan and to hear from the public about what your concerns are in regards to the Official Plan, prior to developing a draft of the future changes.
Click here for more information about this process; the current official plan can be accessed here.
Environmental Commissioner Speaking in Ottawa on February 1st
Due to changes the Ontario government is making to the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) and the Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO), after May 1st the office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario will no longer exist.
Join ECO Dr. Dianne Saxe for an opportunity for a report on energy, climate change, the environment and government performance under the EBR.
Click here for more information on the event.
"Happy Holidays" Message from Township of Rideau Lakes
Sending warm holiday wishes to you and your family, along with an update from the Public Works Department. Here are a few things to be aware of as we head into the winter season.
2019 Calendars:
The 2019 Township calendars are expected to arrive next week and will be mailed out to permanent residents. Seasonal residents can pick up a copy of the calendar at the Township Office or at a variety of local businesses in April. The calendar is full of important information about your Township including waste & recycling, meeting dates, dog licenses, burn permits, a listing of Staff and Council and much more. Please hang your calendar somewhere clearly visible to refer to throughout the year and enjoy the beautiful photos.
Snow Plowing & Maintenance:
Please keep in mind that Rideau Lakes’ road system consists several road authorities. If you have a complaint, make sure you are contacting the correct authority.
Township Roads
Dan Chant - Roads Coordinator
email: dchant@twprideaulakes.on.ca
Phone: 613-928-2251 (Ext. 227)
Toll Free: 1-800-928-2250
County Roads
Maintenance and snow plowing of County Roads within our Township is the responsibility of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
All inquiries regarding County Roads should be directed to:
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
25 Central Ave W., Suite 100
Brockville, On K6V 4N6
Tel: 613-342-3840
Toll Free: 1-800-770-2170
Highway 15
Maintenance and snow plowing of Highway 15 within our Township of Rideau Lakes is the responsibility of High Road Maintenance.
All inquiries regarding Highway 15 should be directed to:
High Road Maintenance
Tel: 613-547-5591
Toll Free: 1-866-685-2770
Click here for the full Township message.
Poonamalie Lock 32 Rideau Canal - Masonry Repairs Progressing Well
RIDEAU CANAL COMMUNITY UPDATE: The final phase of historic stone masonry repairs at Poonamalie Lock 32 is progressing well. The contractor has been working on the final stone replacement, repointing, and grouting required to conclude this rehabilitation project, expected to finish in winter 2019.
The final phase of historic stone masonry repairs at Poonamalie Lock 32 is progressing well. The contractor has been working on the final stone replacement, repointing, and grouting required to conclude this rehabilitation project, expected to finish in winter 2019.
In order to complete these historic masonry repairs on the monoliths, upstream breast wall and within the lock, materials are carefully selected. Sandstone mined from a local quarry is being used to replace the worn stone at Poonamalie Lock. In order to match the finish of the original stone, the new sandstone is hand hammered to create a rough finish. The hammered stones are then installed into their final resting place within the structure, matching the historic aesthetic.
This project is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion dollar investment over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.
A Brief History of Poonamalie Lock 32
The Poonamalie site’s original name was First Rapids, as it is the first lockstation encountered in the descent toward Ottawa on the Rideau system. According to local folklore, the name Poonamalie was derived from a town in India named Poovirundavalli where the British Army stationed a garrison in the early 19th century. An officer of the Royal Engineers felt the cedar-lined roads at First Rapids were reminiscent of those he had seen while serving in India.
The channel in this section of the Rideau Canal is nearly 2.5km and bypasses the original rapids in the Rideau River. In addition to the lock, earth dam, and weir, a defensible lock master’s house can also be found at this site. This building was originally built in 1842 and remains in use to this day.
For More Information:
For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visitwww.pc.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure. For questions or to receive updates regarding this project, please email RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Poonamalie Lock” in the subject line.