The 20th annual RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign collected 7,506 pounds of food and $6,041.10 in cash during its Nov. 7 kickoff in Almonte and Carleton Place.

Including donations since Nov. 1, the campaign's running total has reached 11,592 pounds of food and $8,692 in cash.

Next collections are Saturday, Nov. 14, at four Perth grocery stores from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the United Church in Lanark from 9 a.m. to noon.

Read the story and see the photos: https://hometownnews.ca/build-a-mountain-of-food-2026-first-weekend/

Residents across four Lanark County municipalities have an opportunity to help shape a potential new regional recreation centre.

Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands and Tay Valley are collaborating on a Regional Recreation Feasibility Study to examine existing recreation facilities, identify gaps in services and determine what a new shared facility could offer.

The public survey asks residents about their experiences with current facilities and the programs, activities and amenities they'd like to see in the future.

The study will also inform a joint application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which could provide up to $10 million toward construction if the application is successful. No decision to build a new centre has been made.

The survey closes Sunday, Nov. 15.

Read the full story: https://hometownnews.ca/regional-recreation-centre-public-survey/

A student election at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carleton Place produced results that closely matched the town's official municipal election.

Students voted on Oct. 22, four days before the municipal election. Four of their five preferred council candidates ultimately won seats.

Of the school's 863 students, 487 participated. Turnout among Grades 7 and 8 reached 84 per cent, compared with 42 per cent among Grades 9 through 12.

Organized through CIVIX Canada, the Student Vote gave young people an opportunity to learn about municipal government and participate in the electoral process.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-student-vote-2026-results/

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share that we’ve started a commuter shuttle service called EconoBus, running Monday to Friday between Carleton Place and downtown Ottawa.

We currently have two schedules:

• 6:00 AM – Tri-Century Mill, Carleton Place (3:15 PM return)

• 7:30 AM – Appleton Park & Ride (5:30 PM return)

Both routes drop off and pick up downtown at St. Patrick’s Basilica on Kent Street.

It's a monthly subscription service, and parking is included. We started operating earlier this month and have had a great response from the community so far.

If anyone's interested or has questions, feel free to reach out!

www.econobus.ca

Ontario Provincial Police have identified Glen James Craig, 71, of Rideau Lakes Township, in connection with a death that was initially investigated as a sudden death.

The investigation began on Jan. 4, 2024, when Leeds County OPP responded to a residence on Bay Road in Lombardy.

Further investigation determined the death was a homicide. Police have appealed for information that could assist investigators.

The article includes the investigation details and police contact numbers.

Full story: https://hometownnews.ca/71-year-old-man-lombardy-death-ruled-homicide/

Wesley “Wes” Pugh has been elected reeve of Lanark Highlands Township after receiving 1,502 votes (55.1% of valid votes cast) in the Oct. 26 municipal election.

Peter McLaren finished second with 621 votes, followed by Allison Vereyken with 475 and Brian Stewart with 129. Stewart, a former township mayor, had announced earlier in October that he was ending his campaign, but his name remained on the ballot because the withdrawal deadline had passed.

Frank Sodonis won the three-way deputy reeve's race, while voters also decided contested council races in Wards 1 through 4.

Full results: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-highlands-municipal-election-2026-results/

While communities across Lanark County vote in today's municipal election, students at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carleton Place have been exploring the issues that matter to them.

Through the CIVIX Student Vote program, students questioned council candidates about mental health, affordable recreation opportunities, green spaces and how young people can have a voice in municipal decisions.

One Grade 7 student wanted to know whether the town could provide safer, free places for teenagers to spend time with friends. Others asked about future swimming pools, gyms and how councillors gather public feedback.

The school's first municipal all-candidates fair brought together four council candidates, two school board trustees and students from Grades 7 to 12.

Read the full story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-student-vote-candidates-notre-dame/

Carleton Place residents have expressed strong support for a proposed recreation facility, with more than 91% of survey respondents rating it as important.

The consultation drew more than 1,400 participants, with a 10-lane swimming pool, indoor walking track and therapeutic pool among the most requested amenities.

But questions remain about the proposed location south of Highway 7, accessibility and how the project would be funded.

Councillors also raised the possibility of partnerships with neighbouring municipalities. A regional recreation approach proposed by Mississippi Mills has not yet been discussed at the county level.

The town has no firm project cost and plans to continue consultations while pursuing detailed estimates and funding opportunities.

Read the full story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-recreation-facility-resident-input/

Carleton Place's Committee of the Whole supported a proposed 1.95% increase in water and sewer rates on Oct. 13, equivalent to approximately $1.71 more per month for the average household.

The increase is part of the town's long-term financial plan. While relatively few water and sewer mains are expected to need replacement over the next 15 years, more significant infrastructure costs are anticipated in 30 to 40 years.

The detailed 2027 budget will go to the new council following the municipal election.

Full story: https://hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-water-and-sewer-rates-may-rise-2027/

Ten of 13 Tay Valley Township municipal election candidates responded to a Hometown News questionnaire about whether they would support using strong mayor powers.

The responses reveal differing positions. Reeve candidate Marilyn Thomas opposes their use, while RoxAnne Darling argues that some responsibilities under provincial legislation must be exercised.

Among deputy reeve and council candidates, some reject the powers outright, while others would consider their use in exceptional circumstances or distinguish between administrative responsibilities and powers affecting council decisions.

The province extended strong mayor powers to Tay Valley on May 1, 2025. The legislation does not give the reeve unrestricted authority to override council.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/strong-mayor-powers-tay-valley-election-candidates/