County Council Media Release - March 10, 2021

Here are the highlights from the regular Lanark County Council meeting held Wednesday, March 10.

 Lanark County Observes National Day of Observance for COVID-19: Council has passed a motion to observe the National Day of Observance for COVID-19 on March 11 by lowering the flags at the Lanark County Administration Building to half mast. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government has designated the day to commemorate the people who lost their lives and the significant impacts we have all felt because of COVID-19.

 “Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today – one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease – we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends and loved ones,” Trudeau said. The virus has infected more than 864,000 other Canadians and has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of innumerable people.

 To mark the day, Canadians are invited to honour the memory of those lost and those left behind, and to recognize everyone affected by COVID-19 and those who have made incredible sacrifices to fight the virus. For more information, contact Leslie Drynan, Clerk/Deputy CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

 Support for proposed High-Frequency Rail Project: Council passed a motion authorizing the Warden to provide a letter of support for VIA Rail Canada’s dedicated tracks for High-Frequency Rail (HFR) plan.

 The proposal is for dedicated tracks for high-frequency trains between Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal and Québec City, which would reduce trip times and increase VIA’s profitability, effectively eliminating the need for a government subsidy within a few years. Councillors noted the project would come with significant economic development, social and climate-related benefits to Lanark County. It would use hybrid electric-diesel trains in order to reduce carbon emissions and solve VIA’s track congestion problems, and would increase efficiency and create better transit opportunities for commuters.

 The letter comes prior to upcoming federal budget consultations. For more information, contact Leslie Drynan, Clerk/Deputy CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

 Family Caregiver Day Proclaimed: Council has passed a proclamation to make April 6, 2021 “Family Caregiver Day.” This comes with support from United Way East Ontario in light of the Caregiver Strategy launched through its local Successful Aging Advisory Council.

 Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) noted that recognition and awareness of family caregivers should be increased and their valuable social and economic contribution to society should be acknowledged and supported. The province has proclaimed the first Tuesday of April will be designated as Family Caregiver Day, which has a goal of raising awareness about issues faced by family members, friends and other people chosen to give unpaid care to someone who has care needs due to a disability; physical, neurological or mental condition; a chronic illness; frailty or age while striving to support the health and well-being of caregivers.

 “This day is an opportunity to remind us of the tremendous contribution that caregivers make to the health care system and as such there is still much work to do to ensure that all caregivers in our community have access to community supports, education and training, financial relief and access to a collaborative health care system,” Lowry said, adding the county is committed to working with other levels of governments to support caregivers.

 “On Family Caregiver Day, Lanark County recognizes the many caregivers in Lanark County who provide limitless hours of care and the dedicated local agencies who support these caregivers.” For more information, contact Leslie Drynan, Clerk/Deputy CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

 Upcoming Meetings: Special Community Services, March 24, 1 p.m.; County Council, Wednesday, March 24, 5 p.m.; Public Works, March 24 (following County Council); Economic Development, March 24 (following Public Works). Special Community Services, April 14, 1 p.m.; County Council, Wednesday, April 14, 5 p.m.; Community Services, April 14 (following County Council); Corporate Services, April 14 (following Community Services). Special Community Services, April 28, 1 p.m. Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on Twitter!

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