Lanark County Council has received the 2025 Housing and Homelessness Report, which provides an overview of programs offered through Lanark County Social Services and how they were used.

Housing Services Manager Kaitlyn Murray said six households received the Homeownership Downpayment, 273 ...people benefited from Portable Housing Benefits, 28 received assistance through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative programs, the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative provided funding for the 63 Halton Street build, along with $2.5 million in municipal dollars, and the Affordable Housing Capital Grant supported 10 units at the Linden Housing Co-Operative.

In 2025 there were 470 applicants on the centralized waitlist for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing. There were 191 new applications with 28 considered special priority and 50 units were offered. Murray outlined the launch of the new Lanark Integrated Frontline Team (LIFT), which is a partnership delivering mobile, relationship-based support in community settings, including encampments, to try to reduce barriers to care.

The Housing Assistance Program served 804 households with costs such as last month’s rent, rent and utility arrears, moving expenses, etc. The Homelessness Prevention Program also funded food and gas cards, crisis care beds, after-hours homeless assistance through Victim Services, adult supportive housing, and other initiatives. In 2025, 182 newly identified households were added to the By-Name List for homelessness, and 112 were housed.

Murray said homelessness prevention efforts included funding for a mental health and addictions outreach worker and a housing-based case manager in partnership with Lanark County Mental Health. Partnership with the Bridge House (transitional housing) continues, with expansion to 22 beds. Public education was provided as well, including a series of sessions to educate tenants on their rights as renters. The full 2025 report will be posted in the “Housing” section of the county’s website at www.lanarkcounty.ca.

Lanark County Council has approved the 2025 financial statements and appointed KPMG LLC to continue as the auditor for 2026.

Lori Huber, Lead Audit Engagement Partner with KPMG LLC, presented the report to council and indicated 2025 was a quiet year and that the county is financially ...healthy. “Your total assets have grown year over year, and additional investments have been made.”

Huber outlined the operational activities, total assets and liabilities, variances and asset retirement obligations. In terms of reserve funds, Huber said there has been growth over the last five years, but with the volume of activity they have been maintained at a relatively flat level. The county reported a surplus of just over $7 million, which was over the budgeted amount and contributes to reserves for future decisions.

Huber said this was another solid year, and they did not identify any errors. “The quality of the books and records is a good news story for the team. They were ready for our arrival and we were very impressed.” She added they will work to prepare the county team for changes expected in 2027.

Lanark County celebrates 2026 Asset Builders for youth

Twenty-nine “Asset Builders” were recognized on Wednesday afternoon at the second annual Asset Builder Awards hosted by Lanark County in partnership with the Lanark County Child and Youth Services Collaborative.

Asset ...Builders can be a business, organization or individual who makes a positive difference in the lives of children and youth. They intentionally create environments and opportunities that help young people grow, learn and succeed.

Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve) said this year’s recipients were nominated by people across Lanark County in recognition of the positive impact they have on the lives of children and youth. “These nominations highlight the many individuals who go above and beyond to support young people and help them reach their full potential.”

The concept of “assets” comes from the Developmental Assets Framework, an evidence-based approach developed by the Search Institute. Developmental assets are positive experiences, skills, opportunities, qualities, and values young people need to succeed and thrive. Research shows the more developmental assets young people have in their lives, the less likely they are to engage in a variety of high-risk behaviours, and the more likely they are to experience positive outcomes in areas such as health, learning, leadership, and overall well-being.

“These assets are most effectively built through meaningful relationships with caring, responsible adults and supportive peers who help young people feel valued, connected, and empowered,” Kidd said. “Creating active kids inspires bright futures.” Examples include investing time in children and youth; inspiring them to believe in themselves; providing support, encouragement and guidance; listening to their ideas and perspectives; introducing new experiences and opportunities; and advocating for their well-being and success.

The 2026 Asset Builders for Lanark County are:

• Rideau Round Table - Rideau Eco-Literacy Program
• Amanda Robinson
• Ann Seward
• Dustin Dobbie
• Jamie Smith
• Sean Keogan
• Jennifer Miller
• Courtney Adam
• Rachel Roth
• Logan Noonan
• Megan Millette
• Grace Rand
• Andy West
• Sharon Ruth
• Madyson Kinkade
• Lilli Nothnagel
• Joey Graff
• Trevor Choffe
• Josh Jackson
• Naomi Jackson
• James Griffith
• Lanark Highlands Public Library
• Mike Roy
• Heidi Taber
• Jessica Messier
• Rachel Roth
• Ambre McLean
• Matt Connell
• Courtney Preece

“Today, we celebrate the individuals who embody these qualities and who help make our communities stronger by investing in the next generation,” Kidd said. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations and to all of our Asset Builders for the difference you make every day.”