June 22, 2023 – Blue-Green Algae Bloom Found – Dempseys Lake, Greater Madawaska Twp
June 22, 2023 ‐ The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom on and around the shore of Dempseys Lake. Blue-green algae blooms are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Dense blue-green algal blooms can make the water look like a bluish-green pea soup or a shiny paint slick. They have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals. Direct contact with the toxin can cause skin irritation and, if ingested, it can result in vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
June 13, 2023 – RCDHU Renfrew Area Services – Temporary Relocation
June 13, 2023 ‐ Public access to the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) Renfrew Office, at 450 O’Brien Road, will no longer be available as of June 22, 2023. As of today, the Renfrew area services are temporarily relocated as follows:
June 05, 2023 – Special Air Quality Statement
June 5, 2023 ‐ A special air quality statement has been issued for Renfrew County and District by Environment Canada. Smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec have resulted in reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality. Renfrew County and District Health Unit reminds residents that those at greater risk of health related problems when exposed to wildfire smoke include older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, and people with existing illness or chronic health conditions.
June 2, 2023 – Overdose Alert for Renfrew County and District
June 2, 2023 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) and the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service are alerting residents about an increase in overdoses across Renfrew County and District (RCD).
May 29, 2023 – Yellow is the Colour of Caution in RCDHU’s Rabies Awareness Campaign
May 29, 2023 ‐ Yellow is the colour of caution on traffic lights and is now a warning sign to give space to dogs and other animals that need it.
May 3, 2023 – Flood Water Safety
May 3, 2023 ‐ Ongoing rising water levels may pose a risk to the health and safety of residents. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board has indicated that: “Levels in the Pembroke area are expected to approach the major flooding threshold over the coming days. Levels on Lake Coulonge are already above the major flooding threshold and are expected to rise higher over the coming days. Chats Lake and Lake Deschenes levels are expected to exceed their major flooding thresholds over the coming week.” The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has continued the Flood Warning for Pembroke District.
April 19, 2023 – Flood Water Safety
April 19, 2023 ‐ The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a Flood Warning for Pembroke District and Bancroft District; this includes Renfrew County, and the Township of South Algonquin. Rising water levels may pose a threat to the health and safety of residents.
March 06, 2023 – Renfrew County and District Health Unit Announces Service Hub Relocation
March 6, 2023 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) and the Town of Renfrew are pleased to announce negotiations are underway to secure the future location of the RCDHU Service Hub. RCDHU services will be relocating to 127 Raglan Street South in Renfrew at the end of June, 2023.
February 28, 2023 – Board of Health Announces New Medical Officer of Health
February 28, 2023 ‐ The Board of Health for Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is very pleased to announce that Dr. Jason Morgenstern, MD MPH FRCPC, has been appointed as permanent, full-time Medical Officer of Health for Renfrew County and District Health Unit, effective April 3, 2023. We have submitted this appointment to the Minister of Health, as required by regulation.
February 10, 2023 – Overdose Alert for Renfrew County and District
February 10, 2023 ‐ Further to the Overdose Alert that was issued on January 02, 2023, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) and local Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are alerting residents about a small cluster of suspected overdose-related deaths that have occurred over the last week in Renfrew County and District.