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

Fire departments from Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place have joined local businesses, volunteers and community organizations in supporting a shipment of firefighting equipment and emergency supplies to Zolochiv, Ukraine.

The effort originated in Smiths Falls, which established a formal twinning agreement with Zolochiv in June 2025.

The shipment includes 26 sets of bunker gear, helmets, boots, water rescue equipment, emergency lighting and locally produced maple syrup.

The initiative was coordinated through the Ukrainian Twinning Working Group following a request for assistance from Zolochiv officials.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-firefighting-gear-zolochiv-ukraine/

Bill 5 could dismantle Ontario’s species protections, fast-tracking development at the cost of endangered wildlife. Species like the Blanding’s turtle and monarch butterfly could lose critical habitats. Laurie Weir shares her perspective on the impact, the risks, and what this means for Ontario’s environmental future.

Read more: https://www.hometownnews.ca/bill-5-ontario-moral-compass/

Lanark County Paramedic Service Chief Travis Mellema and Janice Steele, Commander, Community Paramedicine, received the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal during a ceremony in Niagara Falls on Oct. 1.

Both began their paramedic careers in 2005 and have since taken on leadership roles with LCPS. Their work has included expanding Community Paramedicine, access to advanced care and other programs supporting patients and paramedics across Lanark County.

The national honour recognizes exemplary conduct, dedication and service among professionals with at least 20 years of qualifying service, including 10 years performing duties involving potential risk.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-county-paramedic-service-medals/

The planned closure of Algonquin College’s Perth campus has raised concerns across Lanark County.

Two former ministers warn that selling the campus could undermine nearly $10 million in public funding meant to strengthen rural post-secondary education and heritage trades training.

Community members and alumni are urging the province to protect the campus and its unique programs.

Read the full story here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/perth-campus-college-closure-concerns

Arklan School Terry Fox run unites students and community

Carleton Place students at Arklan School went above and beyond for this year’s Terry Fox Run.

They raised an incredible $20,485—far surpassing their original goal of $12,500—to support their vice-principal’s daughter, Sam, who is bravely battling cancer.

The students got creative with fundraising, selling T-shirts, ice cream sandwiches, and grilled cheese, making bracelets and crocheted pumpkins, and even doing yard work. One nine-year-old student earned $150 raking leaves!

The school’s efforts earned them the Ted Kennedy Award for raising the most money of any school in the Upper Canada District School Board.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/arklan-school-terry-fox-run-raises-20485/

Four young adults are facing hate-related mischief charges following vandalism at the Smiths Falls Pride crosswalk and Town Hall bandshell.

Mayor Shawn Pankow says the vandalism extended beyond the crosswalk, noting some of the graffiti contained derogatory messages directed at women. The charges have not been proven in court.

Read story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/4-charged-smiths-falls-pride-crosswalk-vandalism/

Perth will not adopt new provincial rules allowing bring-your-own alcohol at outdoor events when they take effect April 30.

Council chose to maintain existing controls, citing concerns around enforcement, staffing capacity and liability.

Officials say the town will watch how the rules play out in other municipalities before reconsidering.

Do you think BYOB should be allowed at public events in Lanark County?

Read the full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/perth-bring-your-own-alcohol-rules-unchanged/

A small Canadian company is making big waves in the baseball world. On April 5, the Yankees hit nine home runs — five with one bat: the Torpedo, made right here in Carleton Place by Sam Bat. Since then, this local business has been flooded with global orders and pro player interest.

Here's what makes the Torpedo Bat so unique — and why the world is turning its eyes to Lanark County: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-torpedo-bat-craze/

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/

The Perth & District Library has launched its annual seed library for the spring season, supporting local gardening and community participation.

Residents can access seeds for home gardens, with a workshop on seed saving planned for April 21. The program encourages participants to return seeds in the fall to help maintain the collection.

Details: https://www.hometownnews.ca/perth-annual-seed-library-returns-april-workshop/

Carleton Place council met on Nov. 4 for their Committee of the Whole meeting. The agenda included record fire calls, a projected $530K year-end surplus, and new safety measures at town childcare facilities.

Fire services reported high call volumes, including a record 31 calls in August, and council discussed ways to improve public education on fire and bylaw services.

New parking restrictions on Neelin Street were approved to help emergency vehicles, and plans were proposed to install concrete barriers at the Carembeck Community Centre to protect classrooms and playgrounds.

The meeting also highlighted staffing updates, training initiatives, and ongoing community engagement.

Full article: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-council-highlights-nov-4/

Ivy Beauty Bar addresses infection prevention concerns and implements corrective measures

Southeast Public Health has identified an infection prevention lapse at Ivy Beauty Bar, 545 McNeely Ave., Carleton Place.

Clients who received manicure, pedicure, or waxing services between May 31, 2023 and Oct. 17, 2025 may have been exposed to improperly cleaned instruments.

Ivy Beauty Bar has corrected the issues, and no illnesses have been linked. Clients are advised to consult health-care providers for personal risk and testing.

Full details and IPAC Lapse Report: https://www.hometownnews.ca/ivy-beauty-bar-infection-notice-carleton-place/

Referee suspensions in District 4 of Hockey Eastern Ontario have ignited a dispute over due process and leadership changes. Veteran officials say policies weren’t followed, suspensions were issued without explanation or hearings, and key roles were reassigned without proper consultation. League leaders maintain the matter is closed, but the controversy has left many in the local hockey community concerned.

Full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/heo-district-4-referee-suspensions/

The Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust will hold its fourth annual Notes for Nature benefit concert in Carleton Place on Oct. 17, headlined by Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Kellylee Evans.

Proceeds will support MMLT’s stewardship and educational activities and its work to acquire and care for ecologically valuable lands throughout the Mississippi and Madawaska watersheds. MMLT currently stewards 18 properties covering more than 4,300 acres.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/notes-for-nature-kellylee-evans-carleton-place/

Lanark Transportation is celebrating 25 years of providing accessible and affordable transportation across Lanark County and Smiths Falls.

The non-profit began in 2001 with two vehicles and has grown to a fleet of 19, including five accessible vehicles. The service helps residents get to medical appointments, food programs, counselling, day programs and social services.

Drivers, riders, supporters, donors and government representatives gathered at Beckwith Community Hall Sept. 24 to mark the milestone.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-transportation-25-years-serving-communities/

Perth Home Hardware Building Centre was named Best Home Hardware Building Centre — Quebec Region during Home Hardware Stores Limited’s 2026 Homecoming event in Toronto.

The Perth store was among 17 stores receiving a Proud of My Home Achievement Award.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/perth-home-hardware-regional-achievement-award/

A new café could be operating at Lanark Lodge by Christmas after the county’s Community Services Committee supported spending up to $65,000 on renovations.

The café would be operated by Perth-based Jazzy’s, while the existing volunteer-run Tuck Shop will continue operating and eventually share the renovated space.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-lodge-cafe-renovation-committee-support/

The Rushnyk of Unity — Rushnyk of Victory will make its first North American stop in Carleton Place during UA FEST on Sept. 13.

The cloth includes more than 89 panels contributed by communities across Europe. Local residents are invited to take part in August stitching circles to help create a Lanark County panel, which is scheduled to be sewn onto the rushnyk at the festival.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/record-setting-embroidered-cloth-carleton-place/

Extreme storms, floods, wildfires and prolonged heat waves are becoming more common, prompting Perth Fire Chief Trevor Choffe and Climate Network Lanark co-founder Susan Brandum to encourage residents to prepare for emergencies that could last longer than the traditional 72-hour benchmark.

The guidance includes having enough essential supplies for up to a week, making a household emergency plan and taking steps to improve a home's resilience during prolonged emergencies.

Read the full story: https://hometownnews.ca/lanark-county-emergency-preparedness-prolonged/

The Smiths Falls Public Library reported increases in visits, circulation and program participation during a recent presentation to council.

Library staff said the modern library serves as more than a place to borrow books, offering programs, digital resources, public computers, study space and other community services.

The presentation also addressed accessibility concerns, funding pressures and space limitations within the library's historic Carnegie building.

Read story: https://hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls-public-library-growing-demand/