Province protecting drivers from fraudulent towing companies
June 28, 2024
Ministry of Transportation
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TORONTO — The Ontario government is increasing safety, supporting customers and improving standards in the towing industry. Effective July 1, 2024, Ontario will become the first province in Canada to require both tow truck drivers and vehicle storage operators to have a certificate to operate, helping protect drivers against fraudulent towing companies. “While the vast majority of Ontario’s towing industry operates in good faith, bad actors have preyed on vulnerable drivers for too long,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government is helping to level the playing field, giving people confidence and peace of mind when they need help at the side of the road.” Among the new protections, consumers will be able to choose the company that tows their vehicle (unless directed by police) and request a driver’s proof of certificate. In addition, tow truck drivers will be required to provide information on the maximum fees (rate) they are permitted to charge and take the customer’s vehicle to the desired location using the most direct route. To receive or maintain a towing certificate, tow truck drivers will be required to complete a mandatory training program and complete a criminal record check. Drivers found operating without appropriate credentials will face fines, possible vehicle impoundment and risk forfeiting future certification. |
Quick Facts
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Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.
Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Rideau Canal website at https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet.
The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.
This information is intended as supplemental information only. Your respective Conservation Authority continues to serve as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Cataraqui Conservation Authority.
Rainfall amounts for June have been above normal. The 5-day forecast suggests continued average daytime temperatures with 5-15mm of rain.
Flows on the Upper Tay River are above average and peaked. The inflows have increased across the system because of rain, and as a result, water levels are increasing and slightly above average. The Rideau Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.
The above-normal rain amounts are resulting in continued water level increase on the Cataraqui Lakes. All lakes are above average and peaked.
Bobs Lakes is at an average level for this time of year. Christie Lake levels are below average but stable due to recent rain events.
Wolfe Lake is at an above average level for this time of year. Outflows were increased from Wolfe Lake. Upper Rideau and Big Rideau are above the long-term average. Levels in the river from Smiths Falls to Ottawa all remain in navigation range.
Fish for free from June 29 to July 7 across the province
TORONTO – The Ontario government is celebrating this Canada Day by encouraging fishing enthusiasts and first-timers alike to enjoy free fishing from June 29 to July 7. This is a great opportunity to recognize the province’s angling traditions and to get outdoors and enjoy Canada Day.
“I welcome anyone curious about fishing to experience the excitement and satisfaction of this great sport firsthand,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “Wherever you are in Ontario – urban or rural – there are abundant opportunities to enjoy free fishing in celebration of Canada Day.”
Families are encouraged to find a local event by visiting http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/.
If you are fishing for free during this period, you must follow conservation licence catch limits and carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing your name and date of birth.
A person who has been issued an accessible parking permit under the Highway Traffic Act or a national identity card by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind may fish without an Outdoors Card or recreational fishing licence if they carry the permit or national identity card with them while they are fishing.
With the Canada Day long weekend approaching, please be advised that the Village of Merrickville-Wolford will not be participating in or encouraging a fireworks show as a Municipality.
Please see below some fireworks safety tips:
Do not set off fireworks:
When setting off fireworks:
Never:
As a reminder, pets and animals may be frightened by the sound of fireworks, so please see the link from the Ontario Humane Society on tips to keep pets calm and safe:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
MEDIA RELEASE:
June 25, 2024
Beach Water Testing Program begins this week
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has started weekly water sampling of the area’s public bathing beaches for this year. The results of the testing will appear on our website and social media starting on June 28, 2024 and be posted weekly until the end of August.
Beaches are sampled once a week and monitored for E. Coli. Research has shown that when people are swimming or in the water (bathing) at beaches where the water has a high E. coli level (above the standard of 200) there is a direct relationship with an increase in ear, eye, nose and throat infections in swimmers. Therefore when samples exceed 200, the beach is posted with a warning sign “unsafe for bathing” The bathing beach will remain posted until test results indicate that the water quality meets the bathing beach water standard. To help you better understand “Why Beaches are Posted”, check out the Health Unit website Beaches page.
Testing the water for bacteria is one factor used to determine water quality. The quality of surface water is changeable so the Health Unit advises bathers that before they visit a local beach, to consider other issues that may affect the quality and safety of the water, such as heavy rain in the area within 24 hours and water fowl droppings in the water or on the beach as these may contribute to high bacteria levels. Beach goers should also be on the lookout for the presence of harmful algal blooms and signs of accidental spills that may pollute the water.
Change rooms and washrooms may not always be open to the public so come prepared for the beach by changing at home. Remember to bring hand sanitizer so that you can clean your hands frequently, especially before eating.
For more information about recreational water safety or beach water testing results for this week visit our Weekly Beach Results page or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with us on Facebook and X @LGLHealthUnit or on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.
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Thank you for your patience and co-operation while crews were working in the crazy heat to repair this water main break.
Detours are still in place as Public Works staff repair the street.
| Special Council Meeting Mon Jul 08 @ 6:00PM |
| Regular Council Meeting Mon Jul 08 @ 7:00PM |
Council and Committee meetings are now being held in person at this time.
To view the Council Meetings, visit Council’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_OEkw3ylMarGSHGeNecrQg
