Here are the highlights from the regular Lanark County Council meeting held Wednesday, April 22.
Renovate Lanark Program Accepting Applications:
Council passed a motion adjusting the way the Renovate Lanark program is administered in order to eliminate the need for 10-year forgivable loans to be registered on title. The program is offered through Lanark County Social Housing and provides financial assistance in the form a forgivable loan (maximum of $10,000) or an accessibility grant (maximum of $5,000 available to renters). The aim is to allow low-income homeowners to conduct mandatory home repairs permitting continued safe occupancy of their home. The elimination of the requirement to register loans on title will reduce the legal and administrative costs of the program. Instead, a promissory note would be negotiated as security for the loans, as required by provincial guidelines. The 2015 Renovate Lanark program is now open and accepting applications up to Friday, May 22. For more information, to learn about eligibility or to apply, go to http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/Page2195.aspx. For more information, contact Sandy Grey, Social Housing Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2401 or Emily Hollington, Social Housing Caseworker, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2403.
Youth Centre Update Accepted:
Council accepted an update about 2014 activities at Lanark County youth centres after hearing a report from Mary Lou White, the county’s children’s services manager, at the community services committee of the whole meeting earlier this month. The annual summary covered the Youth Action Kommittee (Perth), Carleton Place and District Youth Centre, Taking Young People Seriously (Almonte), Lanark Highlands Youth Centre and Smith Falls and District Club for Youth, all of which are part of a coalition that received $200,000 from the county in 2014. The funding has been provided for more than a decade to specifically support full-time positions for the executive directors or coordinators of the centres in an effort to stabilize programs and services and strengthen the coalition. Other revenue sources help cover facility costs and specific programs. The centres submit an annual evaluation and financial statement to the county. Among the offerings at the centres are homework services, nutrition programs, after-school clubs, life skills programs employment readiness skills and culture and recreation programs. The coalition members support one another in mutually beneficial funding requests and lobbying efforts for sustainable provincial funding and county-wide programming. The county funding is reviewed annually as part of the budget process. In 2014, 1,570 youths were registered with the youth centres. “Youth centres provide a valuable service to the community and address a number of long-standing issues related to youth,” Ms. White said. “All of the centres have been able to maintain or expand services provided as a direct result of the funding provided by Lanark County.” In her presentation she highlighted individual achievements and accomplishments at each centre. Youth participants of the centres were on hand and thanked council by presenting a handmade paddle to Warden Keith Kerr (Tay Valley Reeve), who then presented each attendee with Lanark County toques. For more information, contact Nancy Green, Director of Social Services, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2101 or Mary Lou White, Children’s Services Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2301.
Presentation photo available here
Emergency Preparedness and Paramedic Services Weeks Proclaimed:
Warden Keith Kerr (Tay Valley Reeve) proclaimed the week of May 3 to 9 as Emergency Preparedness Week and May
24 to 30 as Paramedic Services Week in Lanark County. Since 2008, the Community Emergency Management Coordinators of the local municipalities and the county have combined efforts to raise public awareness related to emergency preparedness. Lanark County Emergency Services Coordinator Rick Hannah notes public education and awareness about steps to take to prepare for an emergency help to reduce the impact if an emergency actually occurs. Informative advertising will take place as part of Emergency Preparedness Week. Paramedic Services Week promotes the paramedic profession, recognizes their efforts and raises public awareness. Throughout Ontario, the Ontario Association of Paramedic chiefs work to raise awareness of the important role paramedics play in health care and in response to critical emergency scenes and preventive measures to promote the health of patients. Information can be found at www.paramedicchiefs.ca. Lanark County Paramedic Services employs about 85 full- and part-time paramedics, who responded to 7,436 emergency calls last year. “Proclaiming Paramedics Services Week demonstrates the appreciation held by Lanark County Council for these individuals who contribute to the health and well being of Lanark County residents,” Mr. Kerr said. For more information, contact Rick Hannah, Emergency Services Coordinator, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1701.
LCMTC Volunteers Recognized:
Council recognized two Lanark County Municipal Trails Corporation volunteers with a presentation by Warden Keith Kerr (Tay Valley Reeve). Susan McLenaghan and Lorne Hudson were thanked for their many years of volunteer service and time. For more information, contact Erica Patterson, Council and Clerk’s Services Assistant, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1505.
A presentation photo with Warden Keith Kerr and Susan McLenaghan is available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/zgvj4z8aj1da9ex/DSC_0141-volunteer%20appreciation.jpg?dl=0
Upcoming Meetings:
County Council, Wednesday, May 13, 5 p.m.; Community Services, May 13 (following County Council); Corporate Services, May 13 (following Community Services). County Council, Wednesday, May 27, 5 p.m.; Economic Development, May 27 (following County Council); Public Works, May 27 (following Economic Development). For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like “LanarkCounty1” on Facebook and follow “@LanarkCounty1” on Twitter!
