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Residents (68)
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Heritage (6)
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.
Construction (6)
Quick Links
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.
Parks (18)
The Township offers many recreation facilities including numerous trails, softball diamonds, tennis courts, forested areas and waterfront beaches.
Smoke Alarms
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.
Does Your House have Working Fire Alarms?
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
Quick Links
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.
Published in
Residents
In an Emergency, always call 9-1-1
Fire Protection
Fire Season
April 1 to October 31
Open Air Burning Permitted
between 6pm and 8am
with Activated Permit.
cAmpfires are exempt
Quick Links
Fire protection in the Township of Rideau Lakes is provided by 4 fire stations, 18 fire vehicles, 3 boats, 1 UTV (utility task vehicle) and 50 volunteers.
The Rideau Lakes Fire Department provides a range of services which include: fire suppression, fire prevention and public education, search and rescue, ice water rescue and auto extrication. All four fire stations within Rideau Lakes are capable of providing emergency medical first response, including defibrillation.
Your Fire Department is available for fire prevention and public education presentations to various groups, clubs and associations. Please take advantage of this service.
Vulnerable Persons Registry
Rideau Lakes Fire & Rescue keeps a Registry of vulnerable residents to aid them when responding to an emergency. Register yourself or your loved one by completing the Form found on the Vulnerable Persons Registry page.
Paid on Call Firefighters
Interested in serving your community in a rewarding way? Join Rideau Lakes Fire & Rescue Volunteer Firefighters (Paid-On Call).
Read the Job description.
If interested, please submit application along with resume to .
Download the Application Form.
Private Roads
Please ensure your private road meets the requirements for emergency vehicle access. Fire Protection Guidelines for Private Roads
Fire Stations
Station #1
18 King Street, Delta
Station #2
5 Otter Lake Road, Lombardy
Station #3
32 Halladay Street, Elgin
Station #4
31 Spring Street, Westport
Cell Phones and 911
Use a land-based telephone whenever possible. If you need to use a cell phone for an emergency call, please be sure to stay on the line as long as you can to ensure that the details of your location and the emergency are clear to the operator.
The following link explains the mobile 911 services available to Canadians, including accessible texting.
Published in
Residents
All Animal Control complaints should be directed to Frontenac Municipal By-Law Services at 613-541-3213.
Dog Tags
All dogs within the Township of Rideau Lakes are required to be licensed and registered within 2 weeks of arriving in the Township or by the age of 6 months.
Refer to By-Law 2012-3 – Keeping of Animals for all regulations.
Fees
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dog Tag | $15.00 |
| Guide Dog / Service Dog | FREE |
| Kennel Licence | $160.00 |
Purchase a Tag
In Person
Complete the Dog Licence Form and submit it at the Township Office during regular office hours. Dog Tags can be purchased using cash, cheque or debit.
By Mail
Complete the Dog Licence Form Dog Licence Form and send the form along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a cheque made payable to the Township of Rideau Lakes.
Dogs are not permitted to run at-large, to be a public nuisance, or to bite or otherwise act in a vicious manner.
For regulations applying to dogs and their owners, please see the Township By-Law 2012-3 – Keeping of Animals and the Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
To report a lost or found dog, or to report a dog issue, please contact:
Frontenac Municipal By-Law Enforcement
24 Hours, 7 Days/Week
613-541-3213
Dog owners are required to pick up after their pet. Owners of a dog who allow waste to be placed on public property or private property not owned by the dog owner are liable to a fine.
To retrieve an impounded dog, please contact:
North Grenville Pound
8am to 4pm, 7 Days/Week - Appointment required for pick-up
613-204-7479
Please be advised the following fees will be required to be paid when you arrive at the Pound to pick up your dog:
- Reclaim Fee: $200/dog (payable to the Township of Rideau Lakes)
- Dog Tag Fee: $15 (payable to the Township of Rideau Lakes)
- Boarding Fee: $30 per day & One time $100 Pound Fee (payable to North Grenville Pound)
Fines chargeable under Animal Control By-Law 2012-3 may also apply.
Livestock Lost to Predators
If you have lost livestock and poultry to certain animal predators, you are entitled to seek compensation under the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
Livestock and poultry producers can make claims to their local municipality to try and recoup losses.
The Municipal Clerk’s Department processes claims for killed or injured livestock caused by wildlife as outlined in the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Provincial regulations establish maximum amounts of compensation.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Livestock or Poultry are Injured or Killed by Wildlife:
- To submit a claim contact a Livestock Valuer within 48 hours of discovering the injury or death of your livestock.
- Nicole Halladay 613-340-7029
- Seek veterinary care: If an animal sustained an injury, immediately seek veterinary care or other humane treatment options to prevent further suffering. Veterinary care costs are eligible under this program up to the FMV (Fair Market Value) of the livestock. All receipts and invoices should be saved and submitted with the application.
- Preserve the injury/kill site: Do not move, destroy or dispose of the carcass(es) or injury/kill-site evidence until the municipal or territorial investigator has investigated and agrees it/they can be destroyed or disposed of. An exception will be made if this contravenes Ontario Regulation 106/09 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
- Suggested methods of preserving the site include avoid walking in or around the area, placing a tarp over the carcass(es), adding lime around the site, and taking photos of the injuries/carcass(es) and scene.
As part of the application process, the following information will be required to complete a claim:
- A valid FBRN (Farm Business Registration Number), approved documentation confirming an FBRN exemption, or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO).
- A valid premises identification (PID) number for the site where the kill or damage occurred or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO).
- Owner signature on the application certifying the information provided is true and accurate to the best of his or her knowledge.
- Indicate on the application whether you wish to provide additional evidence and/or documentation.
Wildlife
Wild animals, birds, and fish fall under the care of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The regional office is located in Kemptville: 1-800-667-1940 (2698 Concession Rd #2690, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0)
Dead animal or fish found on your property
To report Fish Die-Off or Bird/Bat deaths see the Ministry of Environment and Energy page.
Be Bear Wise
The Bear Wise Program teaches people about black bears as well as things they must do to keep bears away from urban and semi urban areas. For more information, visit the Bear Wise Program.
Published in
Residents
Quick Links
- Sustainable Drainage Pilot Project
- Report a Problem
(streetlight out, plugged culvert, tree down) - 2023 Roads Department Service Delivery Review
- Highway Traffic Act
- Off-Road Vehicle Act
- By-Law 2015-53: Policy for Off-Road Vehicles on Township Roads
Roads
Private Roads
Private roads are not maintained by the Township. Private roads are maintained by citizens or Road Associations. Road Associations may apply for a Private Road Grant to assist with maintenance. Private Road Grant Policy and Application
To ensure emergency vehicle access, Private Roads should meet the Fire Protection Guidelines for Private Roads.
Township Roads
The Township of Rideau Lakes is responsible for the maintenance of 458.07 kilometres of roads within the Township. We operate out of two road garages, one located in South Elmsley and the other in Westport. The main administrative office is located in the Municipal Office at 1439 County Rd 8, in Chantry.
Load restrictions in effect from March 1 to April 30.
Map of the Township of Rideau Lakes
County Roads
Maintenance and snow plowing of County Roads is the responsibility of the Public Works Department of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
All inquiries regarding County Roads should be directed to:
Roads & Bridges, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
Phone: 613-275-1610
Highway 15
Maintenance and snow plowing of Highway 15 in the Township of Rideau Lakes is the responsibility of Webber Infrastructure Management Canada Limited.
All inquiries regarding Highway 15 should be directed to:
Webber Infrastructure Management Canada Limited
Phone: 1-866-358-9014
Roadside Mowing
Roadside mowing is contracted out by the Township. Each year bids are accepted by Council.
Entranceways
In order to establish an entranceway onto your property from a Township road, a permit must first be issued. Entrance Permit Application
Please note that an entrance permit is not required for an entranceway off a private road.
Drainage
The Roads Department is responsible for the maintenance of ditches and culverts. The Roads Department asks that if you see a culvert screen plugged, do not remove the screen. Please contact the Office to report it. It’s easier for Staff to clear the screen than it is to clear the culvert. If you remove the screen, the beavers get right in the culvert and plug the end of it. When the screen is removed it makes the beaver’s job easier and our job harder. Culverts are being checked regularly. Thank you for your cooperation.
Published in
Residents
For island/water-access-only property owners.
Dates & Times
Victoria Day weekend to mid-September each year (check your Calendar or Waste Schedule page for dates).
NEW IN 2026
Waste and recycling will no longer be picked up on Sunday afternoons between 4 – 6 PM. Instead, users of the island/water-access-only collection system will be asked to have their bags of waste and recycling set out at their usual island collection point by 8 AM on the curbside collection day for that area. On weeks with a public holiday, these collection days will be pushed back by one day (e.g. Monday pushed to Tuesday, Tuesday pushed to Wednesday, Wednesday pushed to Thursday).
This represents islanders/water-access-only residents’ curbside collection and all the rules associated with curbside collection apply. For rules & regulations please read the Curbside Collection page.
Waste & Recycling Rules
- 3 clear bag limit for bagged household waste (with a bag tag on each)
- 5 blue bag limit for properly sorted recycling materials (no bag tag required). Users must follow the alternating recycling schedule (e.g. only set out cardboard on cardboard weeks, and plastic, glass, and metal on those weeks)
- Construction or demolition material and other large items are not accepted.
Do not leave your bags at any location after 8 AM or on any day of the week other than the appropriate day for that location, as this is littering and is a fine-able offence of up to $500 per offence. By-Law #2007-46, prohibits the throwing, placing or depositing of refuse or debris on land without the owner’s consent.
Locations
- Forrester’s Landing Boat Launch (Monday)
- Newboro Harbour (Monday)
- Franklin’s Drive Boat Launch (Tuesday)
- Sand Lake Marina (Tuesday)
- Lower Beverly Lake Park Boat Launch (Wednesday)
- Portland Harbour (Wednesday)
Published in
Waste-Recycling
Never put hazardous waste in your waste or recycling.
Hazardous Waste is collected on special days, see below for dates
Materials such as batteries, paint, oil/gas, fluorescent light bulbs, propane tanks, cleaners, etc. must be disposed of at special depot days.
Hazardous Waste is a waste which, because of its quantity, concentration, or characteristics, may be hazardous to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed. Items may be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Days organized by the County.
Acceptable items include:
CORROSIVE
- Batteries
- Drain cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Household detergents, waxes
TOXIC
- Pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides
- Rat poison
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cleaning fluids
REACTIVE
- Pool chemicals
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Aerosols
- Windshield washer fluid
FLAMMABLE
- Used oil/gasoline (must be in container)
- Paint/stains/primers
- BBQ starter
- Oils, solvents
- Propane cylinders
- Spent fire extinguishers
Items not accepted as hazardous waste:
- Radioactive Waste
- Lighting Ballasts
- PCBs
- Empty paint cans – scrap steel (lid off & dry)
- Needles/Pathological waste – call a local pharmacy
- Explosives (including flares)
- Empty aerosol cans (waste)
- Waste
Propane Tanks cannot be accepted at the Portland Transfer Station as they are considered to be hazardous waste. Tanks can be returned to a retailer that sells/services tanks or can be taken to a hazardous waste event.
Household Hazardous Waste Days
CONFIRMED Schedule for 2026
Thank you to the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville for organizing these events.
For more information, see the Counties website.
Saturday, July 4 at Lombardy Fairgrounds 6 Kellys Rd
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 at South Leeds County Patrol Garage 2714 County Rd 3
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & Delta Fair Grounds 110 Millcreek Dr. 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 at Spencerville Fair 22 Ryan St &
North Grenville Patrol Garage 720 County Rd 44
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
| No events |
Questions or Concerns?
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
613-342-3840 Ext 2425
Published in
Waste-Recycling
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If an item still has life left in it, divert it from landfill. It is our goal to divert as much as possible, if it can still be used. As an alternative to throwing it away, donate your gently used/reusable materials and make your trash someone else’s treasure.
Clothing & Items Recycing Depot
What do you do with your gently used clothing or items that you no longer want? Contact a local charity that has a clothing and items donation programs. Call ahead whenever possible to verify the items that are accepted.
Community Clothing Co-operative
Portland - 24 Water Street
Big Brothers / Big Sisters
Smiths Falls Location
Jewels Gently Used Clothing
18 William St. E., Smiths Falls (613‑283‑9723)
Perth Location
48 Wilson St. W., Perth (613‑326‑0079)
For more information, please visit the Big Brothers / Big Sisters website
The Salvation Army
Rideau Lakes Corps – Smiths Falls – 251 Brockville St. (613‑283‑3563)
Smiths Falls Thrift Store – 18 Main St. (613‑283‑8311)
Brockville Community Church – 175 First Ave (613‑342‑5211)
Brockville Thrift Store - 181 King St. W. (613‑342‑1616)
Gananoque Care & Share Centre – 120 Garden St. (613-382-3105)
Rideau Lakes Corps Perth - 95 Wilson St W. (613‑267‑6260)
Perth Thrift Store – 53 Foster St Perth (613‑267‑6260)
For more information, please visit the Salvation Army website
Diabetes Canada Clothesline Bins
Duncan's Radio & Television Sales – 53 Main St, Elgin
Portland Transfer Station – 4427H Old Kingston Rd, Portland
Rideau Lakes Building Centre – 7719 Cty Rd 42, Crosby
Lainee’s Coffee – 41 Main St. E., Athens
Westport Esso – 73 Concession St., Westport
For more information, please visit the Diabetes Canada website
Habitat for Humanity
Brockville - 3037 County Rd 29, Brockville (613‑342‑3521)
Kingston - 607 Gardiners Rd, Kingston (613‑548‑8763)
Real Deal Reuse Store
85 William St. W., Smiths Falls (613-283-7999)
For more information, please visit Real Deal website
Published in
Waste-Recycling
Curbside Collection
All households are entitled to weekly curbside collection for regular household waste and recycling.
Curbside Collection Guidelines
- Waste Limit: 3 clear bags – bag tags required.
- Recycling Limit: 5 blue bags – no bag tags required.
- Weight Limit: 40lbs/bag
- All bags must be out by 7:00am
- Large items must be taken to the Portland Transfer Station.
Find your pickup day on the Garbage Day by Road Listing link on the left.
Private Road Collection
Curbside Collection takes place on most eligible Private Roads from the week of Victoria Day to the week of Thanksgving
New Private Road Curbside Collection policy was adopted May 2021.
By-Law 2020-10 Private Road PolicyPrivate Road Listing
Businesses DO NOT receive curbside collection and must dispose of their waste at the Portland Transfer Station.
Everyone must purchase bag tags for disposal of non-recyclable waste put out for collection (1 tag per bag). All tags must be visible to ensure pickup. If the driver cannot easily see the tag, the bag may be left behind. Tags may be purchased for $2.50 each (no tax). Purchased bag tags have no expiry date. When temperatures drop below 0, bag tags can become less sticky. If this happens, affix your tag to the bag at room temperature before going to the curb or fold the tag around the handle & stick both ends together (full tag must be visible). Bag tags are accepted at the Portland Transfer Station (1 per bag). Bag tags must be placed on the garbage bags prior to going to Transfer Station.
Each household is entitled to place 3 bags of household waste out each week. Household waste must be in a clear bag (no colour) with a current Rideau Lakes’ bag tag attached, weighing less than 40 lbs. All bags set out for collection must be tied and your bag tag must be clearly visible to the driver. During hot weather, freeze decaying material as bags will not be picked up if worms are present. Waste bags containing mostly recycling material will not be collected, as we encourage everyone to recycle. Dark bags will not be picked up. Bags may be placed inside a waste container, however tags must be at the top, clearly visible to the driver.
All bags/containers must be in plain view of the driver. Bags/containers cannot be hidden behind a tree, hedge, mailbox, fence or car. Place all bags at the end of your driveway (not across the road from your house). To ensure your waste & recycling is picked up during the winter months, place your bag(s) on top of the snow bank easily visible to the driver.
Large items are not collected at curbside and must be disposed of at the Portland Transfer Station.
Remember, your bags are YOURS until the driver puts them in the truck. If you have issues with birds & critters, put your bags in a container or cover them with a tarp/blanket. If your bags are torn apart before the truck arrives, it is your responsibility to clean up the mess.
Purchase tags at any of these locations:
- Athens
- The Village Store
- Brown’s Marina (Seasonal)
- Chantry
- Municipal Office, 1439 County Rd 8
- Crosby
- Rideau Lakes Building Centre
- Delta
- Delta Country Market
- Elgin
- Gordanier Freshmart
- Elgin Library
- Portland
- Portland Transfer Station
- Portland Ultramar
- Rideau Ferry
- Covell Building Supply
- Seeley's Bay
- Seeley's Bay Ultramar
- Smiths Falls
- Jonsonn's Independent Grocer
- Bill’s Small Engine Repair Shop
- Buck or Two Plus
- Westport
- Kudrinko’s Country Grocer
- Lower Mountain Mercantile
- Westport Home Hardware
- Herlehy Home Building Centre
If you own a business and are interested in selling bag tags, please contact the Municipal Office at 1-800-928-2250 Ext 230 or email Ben Rothwell.
Curbside collection is for regular household waste and recycling only. Here are a few options for you to consider when disposing of a large item: take it to the Portland Transfer Station and pay the applicable charges; take it to a waste disposal company near you; call a local contractor to dispose of it for you; call a family member or neighbour with the means to help you; donate a gently used item to a local charity or post it on social media; place it at the end of your driveway with a “free” sign on it. Diversion Options
When there is a holiday, collection takes place one day later than normal (with the exception of Christmas & New Year’s schedules). Only the week in which the holiday falls is affected.
Example – when the holiday is on a Monday, collection takes place Tuesday through Friday. When the holiday falls on a Wednesday, collection takes place Thursday through Friday (only Wednesday and Thursday are affected). Check your Township Calendar for the revised holiday schedules.
Pay close attention to the Christmas & New Year’s schedules, as these change every year.
Published in
Waste-Recycling
Page 5 of 5
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
After-Hours Road Emergency
1-877-798-5725
Portland Transfer Station
4427H Old Kingston Road, Portland
1-800-928-2250 ext. 230
Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays
8:00am to 4:00pm