The wards and communities of the Township of Rideau Lakes have a rich heritage. This area was used for millennia by Native Americans as a travel route and rich fishing ground. The first surveys were done in the late 1700s with settlers arriving soon thereafter.
The Township is also host to a large section of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only such site in Ontario.
The Development Services Department is responsible for the review and processing of all applications under the Planning Act and the Ontario Building Code; ensuring compliance with the Township’s Official Plan, Zoning By-Law, other Municipal By-Laws, and the Ontario Building Code; as well as providing current and long-term planning services.
The Township offers many recreation facilities including numerous trails, softball diamonds, tennis courts, forested areas and waterfront beaches.
Western Region Education Centre
2755 Highway 43
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Toll-free: 1-800-267 7945
cdsbeo.on.ca
Lombardy Public School
596 Highway 15,
Lombardy, ON K0G 1L0
Tel.: 613-283-0860
lombardy.ucdsb.on.ca
South Crosby Public School
1 Halladay Street
Elgin, ON K0G 1E0
Tel.: 613-359-5933
southcrosby.ucdsb.on.ca
Rideau Vista Public School
9921 Highway # 42,
Westport, ON K0G 1X0
Tel.: 613-273-2842
rideauvista.ucdsb.on.ca
St. Edward Catholic School
51 Bedford St, Westport, ON K0G 1X0
Tel: 613-273-2926
stedward.cdsbeo.on.ca
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
4 Ross St, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4L5
Tel: 613-283-6101
stfrancisdesales.cdsbeo.on.ca
Calvary Christian Academy
9749 ON-15, Smiths Falls, K7A 4S7
Tel: 613-283-5089
calvaryca.com
Athens District High School
21 Church Street,
Athens, ON K0G 1B0
Tel.: 613-924-2618
athens.ucdsb.on.ca
Perth & District Collegiate Institute
13 Victoria Street,
Perth, ON K7H 2H3
Tel.: 613-267-3051
perth.ucdsb.on.ca
Rideau District High School
251 Main Street,
Elgin, ON K0G 1E0
Tel.: 613-359-5391
rideaudhs.ucdsb.on.ca
Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute
299 Percy Street,
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5M2
Tel.: 613-283-0288
smithsfalls.ucdsb.on.ca
St. John Catholic High School
2066 Scotch Line
Perth, ON K7H 3C5
Tel.: 613-267-4724
stjohnchs.cdsbeo.on.ca
St. Luke Catholic High School
4 Ross Street,
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4L5
Tel.: 613-283-4477
stluke.cdsbeo.on.ca
Calvary Christian High School
9749 ON-15,
Smiths Falls, K7A 4S7
Tel: 613-283-5089
calvaryca.com
Algonquin College - Perth Campus
7 Craig St
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Tel.: 613-267-2859
algonquincollege.com
Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Nepean, ON K2G 1V8
Tel.: 613-727-4723
algonquincollege.com
T.R. Leger School of Continuing Education
10 Ontario Street
Smiths Falls K7A 4K7
Tel.: 613-283-5418
trleger.ucdsb.on.ca
Residents and visitors who may require special assistance are asked to complete the form below. Submission of the form will send your information to Rideau Lakes Fire & Rescue, and notify firefighters of extra assistance required during emergencies and natural disasters.
Every residence and/or business in the township has been assigned a “9-1-1” emergency civic address number. These numbers, in addition to aiding in emergency response, are also useful in helping others find you. Please make sure your residence or business has a Civic Address Sign..These reflective signs are available from the Township office and easily seen day or night. See the Civic 911 Addressing page for more information.
Remember, if we can’t find you – we can’t help you!
Fire Season
April 1 to October 31
Open Air Burning Permitted
between 6pm and 8am
with Activated Permit.
CAMPFIRES ARE EXEMPT
To Purchase Burn Permits visit : rl.burnpermits.com
The Ontario Fire Code prohibits open burning unless approved by the Chief Fire Official. Township By-Law 2019-16 – Open-Air Burning allows for such approved open-air burning through a permit process. Any unauthorized burning may result in a fine pursuant to the Ontario Fire Code, and the Provincial Offences Act.
Under the Ontario Fire Code, every home in Ontario is required to have working smoke alarms on every level. Statistics show that smoke alarms save lives. In a fire situation, you may have as little as two minutes to make your escape. A working smoke alarm may very well give you that edge, especially in the middle of the night. Battery-operated smoke alarms, either CSA or ULC approved, are acceptable. They are low cost and they do work, with a minimum amount of maintenance.
Homeowners must ensure that smoke alarms are installed between sleeping and living areas. They are also required to maintain the smoke alarms in working order. In rental accommodation, the obligation to install and maintain smoke alarms in operating condition falls to the landlord. Landlords must also provide smoke alarm maintenance information to the occupant of each unit. It is an offence for any person to disable a smoke alarm. This requirement applies equally to homeowners, landlords and tenants. Failure to comply with smoke alarm requirements can result in a $200.00 fine.
In Ontario approximately 70 percent of fire deaths occur in homes that are not protected by working smoke alarms. This is particularly tragic when fire strikes our most vulnerable groups – children and older adults. Recent incidents in Ottawa and West Lincoln, Ontario, where multiple deaths tragically occurred in residential fires, have re-emphasized the importance of having these lifesaving devices in all homes. If you do not have smoke alarms in your home, install them today. If you do have smoke alarms, test them regularly to ensure they work.
The Fire Department recognizes that we must partner together with our citizens, so that the focus on preventing fires from happening in the first place is given the highest priority. However, in the event a fire does occur, a working smoke alarm on every level of your home will alert you and your family and can provide you an opportunity to escape. Developing and practising a home escape plane will ensure that everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds.
Remember that fire can strike quickly and when you least expect it. It is your responsibility to have working smoke alarms in your home and it is the law. This small investment in fire safety can make a big difference to you, your family and your community’s Firefighters.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms are now mandatory in all homes in Ontario.
Please use the link below to watch a brief video, which provides very good information. A link to the most commonly asked questions with answers, and a link with installation requirements are also available for your use.
If you require further information, the Fire Department would be pleased to answer any other questions you may have.
Contact Us
Shellee Fournier
Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk
1-800-928-2250 Ext. 231
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1-877-798-5725
4427H Old Kingston Road, Portland
1-800-928-2250 ext. 230
Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays
8:00am to 4:00pm