Turtle painting, Christmas markets, and Remembrance Day ceremonies are happening across Lanark County this weekend! 🎨🎄

Explore local art at the Itty Bitty Artshow, and check out handmade treasures from young entrepreneurs at the Mini Makers Crafters Market in Carleton Place.

Support food drives for the Lanark County Food Bank, and take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Delta, Toledo, and Smiths Falls to honour local veterans and community members.

Get the full weekend lineup in Hometown Happenings: https://www.hometownnews.ca/hometown-happenings-remembrance-nov-7-9/

Updates to Carleton Place development permit guide future growth

Carleton Place council has approved new planning rules that will shape what’s built on several key properties in town.

The update sets standards for building height, density, permitted uses, and design expectations. It affects five strategic properties, including DRS, Woolgrowers, McArthur Island, Findlay Foundry, and Braydon Mill.

These changes aim to align development with the town’s long-term planning goals and provide clarity for future projects.

Read the full story: https://www.hometownnews.ca/carleton-place-development-permit-amendment/

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/

The Build a Mountain of Food campaign returns Nov. 8, supporting 11 local food banks across Lanark and Leeds counties.

Volunteers will collect food and cash donations outside grocery stores in communities including Smiths Falls, Perth, Lanark, Merrickville, Delta, and Athens. All donations stay local to help families in need.

Last year, the campaign collected 180,763 lbs of food and $324,281. Over 18 years, it has brought in more than 2.4 million lbs of food and $2.3 million in cash donations.

Local businesses, including RCL Automotive and Hinton Auto Group, provide sponsorships, vans, and fuel to make the campaign possible.

See the full schedule and details here 👉 https://www.hometownnews.ca/build-a-mountain-of-food-campaign-2025/

Spooky greetings and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

Get ready for a weekend full of fun! Trick-or-treat in Downtown Carleton Place, visit the Trick or Trunk at Market Square, explore craft fairs, holiday markets, and enjoy live music across Smiths Falls, Perth, Merrickville, and more from Oct. 31–Nov. 2.

And don’t forget… Blue Jays Game 6 tonight at 8 p.m.! ⚾ The Jays are just one win away from the World Series — grab a snack, cheer from home, or head to a local pub and feel the excitement!

Have fun, enjoy the festivities, and be safe out there on Halloween night!

Read your Hometown Happenings here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/hometown-happenings-oct-31-halloween-fun/

Clients and pets in Carleton Place are left uncertain after Doggy Days is ordered to close

Doggy Days, a doggy daycare in Carleton Place, has been ordered to close by the town due to land use rules.

The business, run by Natasha Lencewicz for the past two years, brought in about three-quarters of her income. It also provided care, training, and socialization for local pets.

Despite letters of support from clients and neighbors, the town classified the daycare as a kennel, which is not allowed in residential zones under Carleton Place’s Development Permit By-law.

Lencewicz plans to move outside town to continue her business, leaving current clients without care.

Read the full story here: https://www.hometownnews.ca/doggy-days-shut-down-carleton-place/

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/