Lanark County Council Highlights – October 8, 2025

Press Release – Lanark County 

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held October 8, 2025.

Council Declares World Homelessness Day and World Mental Health Day

Lanark County Warden Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor) has declared October 10, 2025, as “World Homelessness Day and World Mental Health Day” in Lanark County.

October 10 is a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action to address the interconnected challenges of homelessness and mental health in Lanark County and beyond. The proclamation notes communities across Ontario, including the county, are experiencing increased visibility and complexity of homelessness, and the need for safe, secure and affordable housing remains urgent.

It further states: “Mental health and homelessness are deeply connected, and Lanark County recognizes the vital work of local organizations, staff and clients who navigate these challenges daily.”

The proclamation notes models such as Housing First, which offers permanent housing without preconditions and provides ongoing support, helps people to achieve stability while recovering from mental illness and substance use disorder.

“It is essential to implement comprehensive strategies that include prevention, emergency response and long-term solutions to end homelessness and support mental health, ensuring every individual has access to the support and services they need to thrive,” the proclamation declares.

Randell encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to join the county in recognizing this important day and “to continue to work together to end homelessness and support mental health in Lanark County and across Ontario, standing ready to collaborate with our provincial and federal partners, and dedicating ourselves to creating a future where housing and mental health supports are accessible to all.”

For more information, contact Emily Hollington, Director of Social Services, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2101.

Carleton Junction Lease Agreement Amended

Lanark County Council has approved a by-law to amend the lease agreement between the county and the Town of Carleton Place for the Carleton Junction recreational facility located in the town along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT).

The lease agreement came into effect in 2021 for a period of 45 years to allow the town to create and manage recreational facilities and parkland along the trail between Coleman and Moore streets.

The amendment includes additional lands – known as “The Lake Ave Extension” – to allow for further parkland development by the town effective September 10, 2025. This will include constructing and providing access to a rest area and ATV parking area that is compatible with the use of the OVRT and aims to stimulate the local economy.

For more information, contact Kurt Greaves, CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101.

Upcoming Meetings

County Council, Wednesday, October 22, 5 p.m.; Public Works, October 22 (following County Council); Economic Development, October 22 (following Public Works). County Council, Wednesday, November 12, 5 p.m.; Community Services, November 12 (following County Council); Corporate Services, November 12 (following Community Services).  Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications.

For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on Instagram.