County Council Media Release - October 26, 2022

For immediate release Oct. 26, 2022

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held Oct. 26, 2022.

Appreciation Expressed for Dr. Paula Stewart: Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) presented a plaque to Dr. Paula Stewart, who retired as the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health in August, to thank her for her exemplary service to the community.

“The service you provided during the COVID pandemic was just incredible,” Fenik said. “You always provided clear and understandable information. On behalf of Lanark County Council and the citizens of Lanark County and the whole health unit, thank you for what you’ve done.”

Stewart spoke of her association – during childhood – with the community before she came here to practice, and provided a long list of accomplishments that have happened with the health unit in partnership with Lanark County. “You should feel so proud of what you’ve done,” she said.

She commented on the pandemic and how everyone worked together, and that this health unit was number one in the province for vaccines. She commended the participation of council and the volunteering that occurred.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said, as council gave her a standing ovation. For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

See presentation photo here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kz4fem9klgyg644/Dr%20Stewart%20and%20Warden%20Fenik.jpg

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Grant Assistance Program to be Explored: Council has approved issuing a request for proposals for a grant assistance program for a one-year term and possibility of extension.

In a report to the corporate services committee earlier this month, Clerk Jasmin Ralph explained the program would engage a company that provides grant assistance. “There are a number of grants available to the county in all program areas that come up on an annual or occasional basis,” she said. “While the county has staff who can respond, there are no dedicated staff members assigned to environmental scanning for grants and the response and management of those grant programs.”

Ralph said a private company can provide environmental scanning for programs, complete applications and manage the compliance reporting for the projects. Relevant grants would be approved by directors and applications would be approved by the county.

Terms of payment would be contingent upon successful applications and would constitute a percentage of the money received. There would be no financial impact to the county if the grants are unsuccessful. “Fees for these services would not be covered by any grant money and they are almost always exempted; however, successful grants can reduce operational and capital spending,” Ralph explained.