Description
A Welcome Change of Pace Welcome to the Tay Valley Township Facebook Page! Here you will find all the latest news coming from the Township office. We will also post photos, events and updates about our community, featuring all it has to offer.
As well, we will use our Facebook page to keep you up to date on all things related to the Township's Strategic Pan: Tay Valley Tomorrow...Make it Yours.
Council, with the help of some community reps, has started a strategic planning exercise to solicit feedback on Tay Valley’s future.
We will also post meeting schedules, reminders and updates throughout the strategic planning process on this Facebook page.
Please use Facebook as a forum for feedback as we work on the strategic plan, and tell us what you want to see for the Township's future. It is yours, afterall.
To find out more, visit our “Tay Valley Tomorrow” page, which can be accessed from the Township's website:
http://tayvalleytwp.ca/tay-valley-tomorrow/
Better yet, email us with your feedback at tomorrow@tayvalleytwp.ca
About Tay Valley Township
Tay Valley is a township of geographic beauty and human resourcefulness. Set in the southwest corner of Lanark County due west of Perth, Ontario, the township comprises a community of communities joined by a shared heritage and a love for the rural lifestyle. Endowed with an abundance of clean lakes and rivers, lives are lived in security and respect.
The energy of the early settlers is replicated by present day residents as hundreds of small and home based industries thrive in and along our roads and byways. The descendants of our early settlers, still the backbone of community activities, welcome more recent residents as they work together for the benefit of our local organizations and activities.
Nationally known as a centre of artistic excellence, Tay Valley Township is the home to many gifted professional artists and artisans. Thousands of tourists visit our township each year to enjoy our lakes and rivers, and to explore the natural scenic environment of this corner of eastern Ontario.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comMississippi Valley Conservation Authority Terminates Flood Warning
FLOOD WARNING Terminated – May 15, 2017 – Water levels dropping May 15, 2017 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED—The FLOOD WARNING issued May 5th, 2017 for the Ottawa River at Constance Bay and the FLOOD WARNING for the Mississippi River watershed are both TERMINATED. Levels and flows throughout the Mississippi River watershed and along the Ottawa River at Constance Bay have been steadily declining. With no significant rainfall in the forecast, this trend is expected to continue and no additional flood concerns are anticipated at this time. However, flows and levels are expected to remain higher than normal for the next seven to 10 days as the water moves through the system. Area residents who have installed sandbag barriers are advised to be cautious about removing them too early as any significant rainfall during this time could aggravate conditions. The following is a list of tips for proper disposal methods for the sandbags and material: Wear gloves and boots to protect yourself from scrapes and contaminants Sand that has been in contact with floodwaters containing bacteria, hazardous chemicals, sewage, septic waste, and oil or fuel products can cause health problems and environmental damage if not handled properly Because of the possibility of contamination and the health and environmental risks they pose, sand from sandbags should never be used in sandboxes, playgrounds, or other areas where it will be on the ground surface or directly in contact with people. It can only be used in construction projects Sand should not be disposed of in a wetland, waterway, floodplain or other environmentally sensitive or protected area. Do not dispose of sand into your local watercourse Unused, empty sandbags can be saved for future use, recycled, or disposed of Clean, filled sandbags can be saved and reused at other flood sites for up to six months The sand can be used for fill, to cover icy roads and sidewalks, mixed into concrete or mortar, as a base for sidewalks or pavement, or for cover in a landfill Check with your municipality to see if unused sandbags may be returned to their local work depots. Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event. Contact: Gord Mountenay, C.E.T. Water Management Supervisor 613-253-0006 ext. 233 info@mvc.on.ca www.mvc.on.ca
After the Flood
After the Flood Before Moving Back In Once the flood waters have receded, you must not live in your house until: The regular water supply has been inspected and officially declared safe for use. Every flood-contaminated room has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface-dried. All contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly washed and disinfected - either by using boiling water or by using a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly. The sewage system should not be used until the water in the septic drain field is below the distribution pipes. If the system must be used, conserve water as much as possible while the system attempts to restore itself as the ground water table falls. Repairing Structures Steps to take if you need to repair your house after the flood: Check with the municipality regarding the requirement for a building permit for your project. Your property is most likely in an area regulated by your local Conservation Authority (i.e. river or stream, valley, inland lake shorelines, hazardous lands, watercourses and wetlands). If minor building repairs are required such as replacing flooring or drywall, then permits or approval will not be required from the Conservation Authority If repairs, reconstruction or renovations including, foundation repairs, reconstruction or replacement, outer wall construction, deck replacement, additions or other structural change or alteration to the residence then review, permits or approval will be required from the local Conservation Authority. Review/approvals may also be required for any repairs, modifications, reconstruction relating to property grading, auxiliary buildings, shoreline retaining walls and/or dock structures. Flood waters can weaken walls or even ceiling structures. If you are concerned or suspect that the structural integrity of your home may be compromised, leave the area and contact a structural engineer to assess the situation. Disposing of garbage and debris from lawn or house Garbage and debris can be disposed of at the Glen Tay Waste Site. Regular disposal requirements and fees apply. Keep a copy of all of your receipts to submit to your insurance company and any funding assistance program. Disposing of sand and/or sand bags from your property Sand and/or sandbags can be returned to the Burgess Public Works Garage and placed in the designated area. For further information of what to do after a flood visit: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/flds-ftr-en.aspx
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority - Flood Warning Extent Reduced
Flood Warning Extent Reduced May 15, 2017 – Water levels have continued to recede over the weekend and are not expected to be affected significantly by rain forecast for later this week. This has led to a reduction of the coverage of the Flood Warning. The Flood Warning is now limited to the upper Tay River where outflow from Bobs Lake has continued but there has yet to be a significant drop of the water level. Several properties around Christie Lake are still flooded. Sections of the Christie Lake North Shore Road has been under water for several days. Flow of the Tay through Perth is declining slowly at 1 to 2 centimetres (cm) per day as water passes through from Bobs Lake. Some flooding has occurred in Stewart Park and in and near Last Duel Park in Perth. Not as much rain as was forecast fell over the weekend. Little to no increases in levels occurred in the Rideau watershed or in the areas the RVCA monitors on the Ottawa River - Lac Deschene, Petrie Island and Boise Village. These areas are no longer under Flood Warning status as levels decline by about 10 cm per day. The water level on the Long Reach of the Rideau River has dropped below the flood level for the access road to Hilly Lane. Flood waters have fully receded at all the rest of the susceptible areas on the Long Reach. Rideau Canal reservoir lakes, Big Rideau, Upper Rideau and Wolfe, have all been declining with Upper Rideau dropping below the Full Supply level today. Conditions around rivers and lakes are still hazardous with water levels that are relatively high. Everyone, especially children, are advised to stay away. The public is encouraged to tag us or share photos of water conditions in their area at RVCA Facebook (RideauValleyConservationAuthority) and Twitter (@RideauValleyCA). Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as warranted. For water level and flow information in the Rideau system as well as the Ottawa River, visit the RVCA Streamflows and Water Levels webpage at http://his.rvca.ca/rvcafwl/ . For more information about conditions on the Ottawa River, also check the webpage of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board at http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days . More Information Contact: Patrick Larson, RVCA Senior Water Resources Technician Rideau Valley Conservation Authority 613-692-6831, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1210 or cell 613-799-9423
Karate Correction Notice - May 11 EMC Edition
On Thursday, May 11, 2017 Tay Valley Township advertised that the Karate sessions taking place this Fall are on Monday evenings, whereas the advertisement should have read THURSDAY evenings. We apologize for the error.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Warning Update, Rideau and Ottawa Rivers
Weekend Rain Expected To Have Minor Impact May 12, 2017 – Water levels have declined through.the week and are not expected to be affected significantly by rain forecast for the weekend. With no rain through the week water levels have had time to decline. On the Ottawa, levels below Chaudiere Falls have gone down more than 50 centimetres (cm). The Long Reach on the Rideau has dropped 30 cm. The Flood Warning will remain in effect through the weekend because of 20 or more millimetres of rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday. However, to have an impact, the rain would need to be from a widespread system with heavy rain at times. Indications are that the rain will come as showers spread over two days. Smaller streams can be expected to have increased flows and some ponding in still wet fields is likely. Residents in the areas the RVCA monitors on the Ottawa River, Lac Deschene, Petrie Island and Boise Village, can expect to see a continuing decline in levels through the weekend. Long Reach of the Rideau River will also continue to drop toward navigation level. Hilly Lane has less than 10 cm to go before the road is out of the water. Big Rideau Lake levels have finally started to decline after Parks Canada staff reduced the inflow from Upper Rideau. Both Upper Rideau and Wolfe Lakes have been gradually dropping. Water levels on Bobs Lake have remained high despite outflow through the Bolingbroke Dam. Christie Lake continues to have flood issues because the outlet of the lake is too narrow to pass the excess water quickly. Levels on Bobs Lake have been above Full Supply since the spring freshet in early April and relief became necessary. Flows in the Tay through Perth are presently on a downward trend but the recession may be slow as water passes through from Bobs Lake. Some flooding has occurred in Stewart Park and in and near Last Duel Park in Perth. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children. Only if it is safe to do so, the public is encouraged to tag us or share photos of water conditions in their area at RVCA Facebook (RideauValleyConservationAuthority) and Twitter (@RideauValleyCA). Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as warranted. For water level and flow information in the Rideau system as well as the Ottawa River, visit the RVCA Streamflows and Water Levels webpage at http://his.rvca.ca/rvcafwl/ . For more information about conditions on the Ottawa River, also check the webpage of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board at http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days . More Information Contact: Patrick Larson, RVCA Senior Water Resources Technician Rideau Valley Conservation Authority 613-692-6831, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1210 or cell 613-799-9423
Flooding - Disaster Recovery Assistance
Flooding - Disaster Recovery Assistance The Ministry of Municipal Affairs administers the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program which helps victims of natural disasters get back on their feet. It offers financial assistance to help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property. DRAO may be activated in a community when a sudden and unexpected natural disaster causes costly and widespread damage. The Minister of Municipal Affairs activates the program, informed by on-the-ground assessments by Provincial Disaster Assessment Teams and municipalities. Wherever the program is activated, individuals, small owner-operated businesses and farms, and not-for-profit organizations within the activation area can apply for assistance. DRAO does not cover costs that can or will be paid by other sources, such as insurance. Financial assistance under the program is subject to caps and deductibles. How do I know whether I am eligible? DRAO does not provide assistance in all cases of property damage. The program is activated only when a sudden and unexpected natural disaster causes costly and widespread damage. As of May 12th, 2017 the program has not been activated by the Ministry in Tay Valley Township. Notice will be provided if the Ministry activates Tay Valley or check Ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance to find out whether the program has been activated in your community. What should I do if my property is damaged in a natural disaster? If you have experienced damage to your home or other essential property, first take any necessary measures to ensure your safety. Once you are safe: 1. Contact the Public Works Department at 613-267-5353 ext. 132 to report the damage and find out if any local assistance is available. The province depends on information from municipalities when activating DRAO. 2. Contact your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage. 3. Take photographs to document the damage and keep all receipts. 4. If DRAO is activated in your community, submit a completed application form, along with receipts and other documentation, before the 120-day application deadline. Where can I find more information? For up-to-date program guidelines, forms, eligibility information and frequently asked questions, visit: Ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance. (www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page13722.aspx).
Flood Warning - Mississippi Valley Watershed - Update #3 - May 12, 2017
Water Levels have peaked but are expected to remain high for at least the next two weeks. May 12, 2017 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED—The FLOOD WARNING issued by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) on May 9, 2017 remains in effect for the Mississippi Valley watershed as water levels remain very high. The dry weather over the last few days has resulted in all areas of the watershed peaking and some lakes and watercourses have begun to decline. Mississippi Lake and the river downstream are the last areas to peak and that is occurring now. No further increases on the lake are anticipated and residents should see water levels noticeably decline by the end of the weekend. All lakes in the upper region of the watershed have been slowly declining since Wednesday but it will be at least a week or two before they reach summer target levels. Levels on Dalhousie Lake peaked on Wednesday as well and have dropped several centimetres since that time. Flows on the Clyde River have been dropping steadily since Tuesday. “There is some rain in the forecast for the next few days. As long as the forecasted amounts are correct (less than 20 mm over 4 days) this should not cause any further increases in water levels. If the actual totals received are in the range of 30 to 40 or more millimetres, that could cause some additional flooding, especially on Mississippi Lake but that is not the forecast at this time,” indicates Gord Mountenay, MVCA Water Management Supervisor. Residents are being advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children. The FLOOD WARNING for the Ottawa River remains in effect through the weekend but levels are steadily declining at this time. This FLOOD WARNING update for the Mississippi Valley watershed is valid through May 15, 2017. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook. Only if it is safe to do so, the public is encouraged to share photos of water conditions in their area via MVCA Facebook (Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority) and Twitter (@MVCAuthority). For more information regarding the Ottawa River, visit www.ottawariver.ca. Daily water levels and flows for the Mississippi Valley watershed are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event. Contact: Gord Mountenay, C.E.T. Water Management Supervisor 613-253-0006 ext. 233 info@mvc.on.ca www.mvc.on.ca
Municipal Drug Strategy Network Day
The Lanark County and Town of Smiths Falls Municipal Drug Strategy Committee invites you to attend our 26th Network Day Youth Engagement & Protective Factors Presenters: Tawnya Boileau, School Health Coodinator, LGLDHU Rebecca Shams, Health Promoter, Tobacco Program, LGLDHU Michelle Deforge, Program Manager, Lanark Highlands Youth Centre and YAK Youth Services Laurel Smith, Laurel Smith, Artistic Producer, Classic Theatre Festival Friday May 26th 2017 8:30 a.m. Registration and Refreshments Program 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Light Lunch included) Beckwith Township Hall 1702 - 9th Line Beckwith (White Municipal Building, corner 9th Line and Hwy #15 at Blacks Corners) This program will involve the prevention Pillar This education day is open to new and existing members – all youth, adults, Municipal Leaders, educators, service providers, enforcement officers, media and businesses concerned about substance abuse issues in our communities. Please pass this invitation to anyone who may be concerned and interested. Light lunch provided. Cost is $10(if able) - Registration is required byMay 19th 2017 Please make your cheque payable to: Township of Beckwith Mail to: Paula Davio,LGL Health Unit, 25 Johnston St., Smiths Falls ON K7A 0A4 Register at this linkhttp://mds-May2017.eventbrite.com Contact: paula.davio@healthunit.org or 613-283-2740
Flooding and Septic Systems
Flooding and Septic Systems What steps should I take if my septic system is flooded? It is strongly recommended that the system should not be used while the septic drain field or tanks are covered with water. The sewage system should not be used until the water in the septic drain field is below the distribution pipes. If the system must be used, conserve water as much as possible while the system attempts to restore itself as the ground water table falls. Flood water may be contaminated with sewage. Protect yourself by wearing protective equipment such as gloves, protective eyewear, a face mask and rubber boots. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Do not pump your septic tank. Pumping out a septic tank that is sitting in saturated soil may cause it to “pop out” of the ground. Newer systems are more likely to pop out than older systems because the soil may not have completely settled and compacted around the septic tank. Try to avoid using any heavy machinery near the septic drain field or tanks in a saturated state, as they are especially vulnerable to damage under flooded conditions. If sewage has backed up into a basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water when mopping the floor. If you have a ground water well, do not drink the water until water testing proves it to be safe for consumption. For more information, please contact Eric Kohlsmith, Septic Inspector, Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office at 613 253 0006 ext. 256 or by email at ekohlsmith@mvc.on.ca
Household Hazardous Waste Depot Opens May 20, 2017
Household Hazardous Waste Depot Opens May 20, 2017 The Household Hazardous Waste Depot (HHWD), located at the Middleville waste site, 4686 Wolf Grove Road will open for the 2015 season on Saturday, May 20th at 9:00 a.m. The site is available to all residents of Lanark Highlands and Tay Valley Township. The HHWD will be open until Thanksgiving to accept your household hazardous wastes. Commercial, farm, or industrial wastes are not accepted. The HHWD is open during all regular Middleville waste site hours: Monday: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please help our environment by disposing of household hazardous waste properly!
Soundwork Opens Saturday, May 13 at Fieldwork.
Fieldwork invites visitors to the opening of SOUNDWORK – a never heard before exhibition - on Saturday, May 13. SOUNDWORK is a series of outdoor installations that explore the intersection of sound and art. Eleven artists, many of which are known nationally and internationally for their experimental uses of sound in art, have created six new works inspired by the land at Fieldwork. The opening of SOUNDWORK, from 2-5pm, will be a unique opportunity to tour the Fieldwork site with the artists, listen to performances, learn more about the growing field of sound art and celebrate a milestone in Fieldwork’s history. Visitors to this year’s exhibition, SOUNDWORK, will be intrigued by the diverse ways that sound, in conjunction with technology and visual components, animates art. Many of this year’s pieces are interactive - inviting visitors to activate sonic components or to simply listen to acoustic environments that may have been generated both naturally and/or electronically. Apidictor Symphony by Ottawa artists Annette Hegel and Debora Margo draws attention to the wonder and mystery of our important native pollinators. A collection of honey -coloured, super-sized nectar pods dotting the centre of the field like giant flowers playback pollinator songs - the communications that bees make that relate to their flight patterns as they search for sources of pollen. Visitors can wander amidst the pods imagining themselves in the role of such a pollinator. Sit on a bench under a magnificent white pine and don a headset. Listen to Matt Rogalsky and Laura Cameron's In the Middle of Things - a piece that raises questions about the role of past (and buried) geographies, as well as critical considerations of settler perception through the use of historical field recordings of the white throated sparrow made in the 50s by naturalist William WH Gunn. This is part of a larger project Rogalsky and Cameron (who both teach at Queen’s University) have been collaborating on that investigates the life and work of this early Canadian environmental sound recordist (Gunn). Erratic Grass is a sound sculpture created by Mixed Metaphor Designs - the duo of Jesse Stewart and Matt Edwards, composers, musicians and visual artists based in Ottawa. Their installation - an oversized grass-like ’mound’ of steel rods topped with rocks found in local stone piles may be activated by both natural elements (wind) and human interaction. Jesse and Matt will be performing on Erratic Grass during the opening of Soundwork. Nicola Oddy’s offering, Singwalk is based on her workshop series A Field of Vocal Discovery. Her self-guided trail through the field and forest at Fieldwork features signs prompting different vocal responses as one moves along the path. Experience your particular responses to the land and various installations by singing or interacting vocally at each stop on her trail. Nicola will be leading several Singwalks throughout the summer of 2017. (Visit www.fieldworkproject.com for dates/times). A small dory sitting in a bed of stone waves emits the low distant drone of the sea - an evocation of the haunting and persistent pull of the ocean on those of us displaced from coastal roots, and a nod to rising tides. When visitors board the boat their presence will animate and change the soundscape emerging from under the stone sea surrounding the dory. Stone Song is a collaboration between Hilary Martin, a Newfoundland artist based in Toronto and Ranjit Bhatnagar, a sound artist from Brooklyn New York.. Doug Van Nort's Genetically Sonified Organisms is a curious assembly of electronic ‘creatures’ surrounding the Fieldwork pond. Over time these devices will create a sonic language, a virtual call and response, evolving from recordings of ambient sounds - both natural and human-made - that are gathered on site over the course of the season. Doug is currently the Canada Research Chair in Digital Performance and teaches at York
Christie Lake North Shore Road - Temporary Road Closure
Christie Lake North Shore Road - Temporary Road Closure Please be advised that Christie Lake North Shore Road will be temporarily closed due to a washout.
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