STORY BITES

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1 Petals Pedals and Celebrating a Forest of Flowering Trees To some they are considered an invasive species, but the heavenly scent of the lilacs and the glorious colours they imbue to herald the deepening season of spring in Franktown is certainly not greeted with anything less than a smile. How is it that this tiny hamlet situated at the junction of County Road 10 and Hwy. 15 in Beckwith Township came to have such an abundance of lilacs? Was it luck or a purposeful planting? Established in as the site of a supply store between the military settlements at Richmond and Perth, Franktown has a rich history and numerous examples of lovely eastern Ontario architecture near and along its famous Lilac Lane. The bounty of flowering trees is celebrated each spring with a Lilac Festival. Check for more info. Cycle Routes from Lanark Highlands Got a bike and an urge to explore? Lanark County has some fantastic cycling routes to offer. With country roads set against a backdrop of beautiful scenery and special attractions, along with a range of accommodations to help you make (at least!) a weekend of it, you ll find the area ideally suited for this form of ecotourism. Travel backroads and byways over rolling hills, rivers and creeks and through villages, hamlets and towns to enjoy historic architecture. Lakes and forests are your constant companions. Check to see routes of varying lengths for all skill levels covering territory surrounding Perth, Lanark, Middleville and Maberly.

2 Treasure Hunting the Technical Way How can you stay glued to your newest technological gadget while exploring some of the area s most intriguing places? Geocaching, or treasure hunting by using global positioning system technology, is a great way to discover unique natural and cultural stories of Lanark County while hiking, biking, birdwatching, driving or otherwise exploring the area. The activity is part of a partnership with non-profit group Geocaching Ontario and even includes a chance to win prizes. There are 17 hidden caches in Lanark County - don t miss out! Check for more information. Connecting, But Not by Locomotive The swath that cuts for 100 miles from Kingston north as far as Renfrew is a legacy of connecting communities and interests. From its beginning in 1871 as an ambitious railway project to access the substantial logging and mining resources in this section of eastern Ontario, the Kingston & Pembroke (or Kick & Push as the locals call it) continues to be a valuable resource for the community, linking wild places and tiny hamlets to larger towns and cities. Eventually handed over to Canadian Pacific, the rail line was slowly abandoned from the 1960s to the 1980s. For decades it has been used as a trail for hiking, cycling and snowmobiling and is an excellent way to explore not just the incredible scenery along the way, but also such unique places as Flower Station and Clyde Forks. For info check Treasures, Trails and Skies T Keeping People in the Dark The Town of Mississippi Mills likes to keep its residents in the dark - so they can see the beautiful Lanark County night sky, that is! The town is home to the Fred Lossing Observatory at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. The observatory is maintained and operated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and features high-quality optics from the National Research Council of Canada. With such great skies available for viewing, it s no wonder five comets have been discovered at this observatory. To this end, the local municipality is doing its part to preserve the darkness. In 2003 the town passed a bylaw requiring new exterior lighting to meet specific standards that would prevent light from being directed upwards, which erodes the quality of the night sky - not to mention wasting energy, creating glare, being a traffic hazard and wasting money. This movement has even inspired a song - Stars Shone on Toronto - by Mike Ford that promotes night sky preservation. For more information, check cfm?articlelistingid=321 or

3 Telling the Canal s Story Here is a place that tells the story of eastern Ontario s very own UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Rideau Canal. Housed in an historic 19th-century stone mill in downtown Smiths Falls, the Rideau Canal Museum engages visitors in the history of this feat of engineering. Artifacts from the past, hightechnology displays, a Tunnel of History, a lookout, a steerable model boat, close-up tours of the locks and many other interactive displays and activities portray this remarkable piece of Canadian history from its construction between 1826 and 1831 to its evolution from a military and commercial waterway to its current recreational use. See the folklore come to life. For information check Towpath is a Place to Amble The Tay Canal from Perth to Beveridges Locks on the Rideau Canal has a storied history dating back to the 1830s. The vision was to develop trade links between Perth and markets in Montreal, Ottawa (Bytown) and Kingston. With no government investment, however, it was not as well maintained as the Rideau Canal. Although Perth flourished, the Tay silted up and the use of tow paths increased. Barges were poled along by their crews or towed by horses and oxen. Today a section of the towpath still exists between Beckwith Street and the bridge on Craig Street. It has been revitalized as a lovely walking path and is part of the scenic Rideau Trail. The towpath is making local history again as the ecoperth organization works with various agencies to plant native shrubs and trees, develop signage and encourage a wildlife corridor of native species. Find out what s happening by contacting Historic Canals and Bridges A Stone Treasure It s an engineering marvel and a thing of beauty - the historic Five Arches Bridge in Pakenham (Mississippi Mills). Built in 1901 and refurbished in 1984, this stone masterpiece spans the beautiful Mississippi River and is known as the only five-span stone bridge of its kind in North America. The quaint village of Pakenham is renowned for its fine 19 th -century Scottish architecture and structural heritage, and this bridge is considered to be one of the major triumphs of Scottish masonry in Lanark County. Why? How has it stood the test of time? Contact Steve Allan at the County of Lanark to find out sallen@county.lanark.on.ca.

4 Famous Folks Last Duel Park It was 175 years ago this June 13 that two young men faced off and fired pistols at each other. One fell. This was the Last Fatal Duel in Upper Canada, held in Perth when two law students quarrelled over a disparaging remark against a young woman. Robert Lyon was fatally wounded by John Wilson in this matter of honour, leading to murder charges and much controversy. This historic event is woven into the fabric of Perth s history in many ways. Several heritage buildings, such as Inge-Va and Summit House, are connected to the story. A lovely riverside campground - Last Duel Park - is situated on the banks of the Tay not far from where the altercation occurred and is adjacent to the Old Burying Grounds, a pioneer cemetery on Craig Street where Robert Lyon s remains now rest. The pistols used in the duel are housed at the Perth Museum. One of the events planned to commemorate the 175 th anniversary is a play called The Last Dead Man, which is being staged in Stewart Park at the Millennium Gates from June 13 to 21. To find out more, contact the Matheson House, Home of the Perth Museum at perthmuseum@town.perth.on.ca For the Love of a Horse It is hailed a remarkable achievement for a town of Perth s size to be home to a sculpture of this magnitude. Unveiled in 2005, the life-sized bronze statue of equestrian Ian Millar and his famous mount, the late Big Ben, is an astounding tribute to local heroes. Big Ben Park is located in downtown Perth at the corner of Wilson Street West and Herriott Street across from Code s Mill on the Park. The site recognizes Canada s most famous equestrian team, which Sculptor Stewart Smith works on the statue. achieved remarkable success as a pair, including three Olympic appearances, two gold-medal wins at the Pan American Games, five consecutive top-eight World Cup finishes and more than 40 grand prix victories. For more information visit

5 Local Beasts Not Just Your Average Farm For meat lovers, they say, bison is becoming a wise choice for health-conscious consumers because it is low in fat and cholesterol and a good source of protein, iron and omega 3 fatty acids. There just happens to be a bison farm in Lanark County - Battle River Bison Co. Meanwhile, not far down the road you can find an alpaca farm. This gentle beast produces what some call the world s most luxurious fibres - akin to cashmere and warmer than wool. Victory Farm Alpacas is the place to find these treasures. There are many farms throughout Lanark County producing an eclectic range of products. Find out more by contacting So, You Want to See Some Animals Tucked into the southernmost extension of the Canadian Shield, which is abundant with a wide range of habitat, is a variety of plant and animal species that make nature and wildlife observation a popular pastime in this area. Visitors will encounter the common and uncommon as they enjoy trail networks and spaces such as the Rideau Trail, Baird property in Lanark Highlands, conservation areas (Purdon s and the Perth Wildlife Reserve) and provincial parks (Murphys Point and Silver Lake). Some of these spaces offer protection for a number of species at risk. For info, check Where the Deer and the Kangaroos Play? So you re ambling along the beautiful highways and byways of Lanark Highlands when you stumble upon the tiny hamlet of Watson s Corners - and some kangaroo-crossing road signs. Huh? Yes, indeed, Watson s Corners was dubbed the Kangaroo Capital of Canada in the 1980s when a local resident encountered some interesting tracks in the snow and was subsequently interviewed on television. In fact, The Perth Courier newspaper reported in 1980 that the editor of The Lanark Era was offering a free trip to Australia to anyone who could provide proof of a kangaroo residing in the vicinity. Maybe you can find out how the saga ended. Calling The Lanark Era at might be a good place to start.

6 Where Art Lives Some say it s in the water. Others say there is an aura or some sort of magnetic pull. Whatever it is, Lanark County is home to hundreds of extraordinarily talented artists. Take a drive through the countryside of Lanark County and the quaint historic towns, villages and hamlets and you ll see what they see - beauty, inspiration, tranquility. This vibrant artistic wealth is celebrated throughout the year when artists throw open their studios to participate in a variety of art tours. The Country Lanes Studio Tour, Inroads Studio Tour, Perth Autumn Studio Tour, Crown and Pumpkin Tour and Scarlet Maple Fall Tour are just a handful of events that feature the myriad of talents by the county s artistic community. Check for more information and events listings. Surprise! Fieldwork Beginning in May 2008, a newly formed collective of four artists will transform a roadside field on a dirt road in eastern Ontario into a rural gallery that will present surprising, thought provoking, and site-specific art to people driving by. An important aspect of this project is the element of surprise. Much like the pleasure one gets upon finding a hidden treasure of sorts, discovering art in a most unexpected place is an experience the artists wish to facilitate and encourage. There will be clues for the public to help them to discover the virtual and physical site. Contact Susie Osler at susieosler@mac.com Home of Arts the What s Up With Puppets? Thousands of visitors are flocking to Puppets Up! - an international festival of puppetry in Almonte (Mississippi Mills). The fourth annual festival, held Aug. 9 and 10 this year, will feature 10 professional troupes with performances designed to amaze and amuse. There is also street entertainment, parades, workshops and much more. New acts, an expanded educational component and bilingual performances are all brand new features this year. For info check

7 Culture in the Community Summer Camp for Grown ups Brooke Valley School of the Arts popped up for the first time in 2007 as a natural addition to the activities of this thriving creative community just 14 km west of Perth. You will find mucisians, literary enthusiasts and artists who will spend time with you to create - whether it be local homesteading or custom cedar-strip canoe building. These talented neighbours and friends share an interest in sustainable living and have included courses with topics such as straw-bale and energy-efficient housing, art, pottery, singing and songwriting, animation, fiction writing, herb gardening, yoga, and vision quest. Check out the 30 different workshops at summer.html?s=7353d950e1f66f6c653f7da86a3b629c for adults and children in the rejuvenating country setting of Brooke Valley's art studios and eco-housing sites. This community hosts a spring tour on Victoria Day Weekend in May, the summer school runs in July and August, then there is the annual Perth Autumn Studio tour in October. Workshops are held year round. Check out The Magic Schoolhouse Tucked amid the lakes and hills of Lanark Highlands at McDonalds Corners is a magical schoolhouse where a community comes together to celebrate art and culture. The building operated as a one-room schoolhouse for about 100 years before becoming a municipal recreation hall and office. In 1997 it was abandoned as an office and a community group came together to create McDonalds Corners-Elphin Recreation & Arts, a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that operates The Schoolhouse. It is a busy place, filled with activities for children, art workshops and classes, exhibits, music and movie nights, a writers group, festivals and a fine slate of excellent musicians gracing the stage. The vibrant Labyrinth mural is worth seeing. It s an 81-foot-long painted mural created to celebrate the Nordic Labyrinth Festival at MERA in Check for more information.

8 Philanthropy and Music Doing the Deed Consider this. A jewel of a park in the centre of heritage Perth draws tens of thousands of people to it for three days each July for a renowned music festival, the Stewart Park Festival, and it s free. How can it be free in this day and age? Well, community volunteerism and sponsorship play key roles. It s hard work, though, to raise funds for such an event, so why not charge each person $1 or $5 - even $10 would be a bargain! Can t be done. The philanthropist who donated Stewart Park to the people of Perth in 1947 did so with the understanding no fees would be charged for events in the park. Intrigued? Find out how a town has honoured this deed to make a major public space truly a beautiful place for the people. Contact Perth Town Hall at The County That Sings The hills are definitely alive with the sound of music in Lanark County! There are some significant music festivals on offer here, such as Stewart Park Festival in Perth that draws tens of thousands for three free days of eclectic music in July. Country music fans will find the 5 Span Jam in Pakenham in June and the Riverside Jam in Carleton Place in August (hailed the biggest little country music jam this side of Nashville ) for a three-day extravaganza. Then there s Gospelfest in Almonte in July. For a Celtic flavour, check out the Almonte Celtfest in July or the North Lanark Highland Games in Almonte in August. This is only a start. Don t forget the myriad of jams, jamborees, open stages and special performances that can be found weekly in various communities throughout Lanark County - the county that sings! There s dancing, too. And theatre. And fine arts. You should see it. For more info check

9 Making a Difference Feeding the Hungry, One Bowl at a Time Potters, yes, potters are uniting across this country with an intriguing endeavour to help fight poverty and hunger in Canada. The Empty Bowls movement began in the United States in 1990 as a fundraiser at a high school. Donors were served a meal of soup and bread and were invited to keep the ceramic bowl as a reminder of world hunger. Appalled by the number of hungry children on our own Canadian streets (one in six!), the movement took hold here. Empty Bowls came to Perth in 2002 and has become an attraction at the annual Festival of the Maples each April. By purchasing a beautiful hand-crafted stoneware bowl (turned by local potter Jackie Seaton and a team of talented students) filled with gourmet soup by local chefs, tens of thousands dollars have been raised for local food programs. See for more info. Canoeing for a Good Cause Here is a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause while enjoying gorgeous scenery and getting some pleasant exercise at the same time. For the second year, Canoe the Clyde for Cancer (Aug. 16) offers a morning of canoeing either a 5- or 10-kilometre course. The event is based in Lanark Village. There is a $10 entrance fee and people are registering already and collecting pledges. Proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. For info riversedgebandb@aol.com.

10 Lakes? Do We Have Lakes! If you go to Google Earth and look at a map of Lanark County you ll see specks of blue everywhere. This is an awesome place to put in a boat. Not only does the Rideau Canal Waterway cut through a good chunk of the county, complete with its chain of ribbons and lakes connecting Ottawa and Kingston, but in every town and township you will find navigable waterways, including some fantastic lakes offering great marinas, launches, rentals, campgrounds, picnic areas, scenery, fishing, wildlife viewing and water sports. Be it Rideau, White, Mississippi, Christie, Pike, Black, Clayton or any number of smaller waterbodies in the county, your thirst for the water can certainly be quenched here. Check for info. Canoe and Kayak Journeys Before roads there were waterways, and even today one of the best avenues for seeing Lanark County is by boat, canoe or kayak. With two major watersheds - the Rideau and Mississippi - spreading watery fingers across the whole area, there is ample opportunity to enjoy everything from a quiet paddle on still waters to a gripping whitewater adventure. The Rideau Canal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - crosses a portion of the county and offers the added bonus of historical interpretation as you navigate the scenic beauty of the waterway. Wildlife viewing, great fishing and relaxation are just a few of the added bonuses. Check for more info. Life on the Lakes Mudpouts - Good Eatin Mudpout, pumpkinseed, bullhead, sucker, splake, pike, pickerel. To anyone who has never held a rod and reel it might sound like a nasty recipe, but anglers and those who cook their bounty know there are some dandy ways to prepare these fish. Okay, well, the pumpkinseeds are a little small. The point is Lanark County offers some amazing cold-, warm-, deep- and shallow-water fishing opportunities, from cold-running streams to deep lakes and more. From lodges to supplies to boats, you ll find what you need to find the fish. We have enough fishing tales in these parts to fill a book or two. Or three! Come and see! Check for info.

11 Mining...then and now Rocks in Your Toothpaste? Did you know that some food, paints, plastics, pharmaceuticals and paper have rocks in them? A very pure form of calcium carbonate is mined in a quarry in Lanark Highlands and this snow-white mineral is processed at a facility in Tay Valley Township near Perth. Omya is one of the world s largest suppliers of calcium carbonate in a variety of markets and this location is one of its many worldwide operations. Visit the scenic lookout at the quarry at Tatlock in Lanark Highlands and be astounded by the gleaming whiteness of this rock and the expanse of the mining operations. Omya is a tourist attraction, a corporate member of the community and a major industrial player. For more info, contact larry.sparks@omya.com larry.sparks@omya.com. A Mining Community When one thinks of mining, places like Northern Ontario or Nova Scotia come to mind, but this region shares something with these farther-flung mining centres - the Canadian Shield. Lanark County lies on the southernmost extension of this ancient mountain range known as the Frontenac Arch. Whether they realized it or not, humans have had a deep relationship (some would say struggle ) with these rocks and the landscape for thousands of years. Even here mining played an important role in local cultural history from about the 1850s to the early 1900s, when small-scale mining took hold. Mica, feldspar, apatite, graphite and myriad of other minerals found markets near and far until larger deposits were discovered in other parts of the world. The livelihoods of many pioneers were improved - assuming they survived the blasting - when family members supplemented their incomes from subsistence farming by working in the mines. A good place to learn more about small-scale mining in the Canadian Shield is at Murphys Point Provincial Park, where you can even arrange to visit a restored mica mine from the early 1900s - the Silver Queen. Call

12 Nature s Bounty It s Not Just About the Sugar Shacks Ten years after the Ice Storm of the Century left maple producers fearing the sheer devastation in its wake, Lanark County s liquid-gold industry is as vibrant as ever. Here is a story of diversification: many local producers are not only making awardwinning products, but they have taken a tradition that has its roots with the Native peoples and they celebrate its history through displays and museums. It s not just about sugar shacks and sampling the sweet bounty of the trees with the range of maple products; it s about enabling families to explore the past and enjoy trails, playgrounds, sleigh rides, pancake breakfasts, skiing and a myriad of other activities. There are many delicious reasons why Lanark County is the maple syrup capital of Ontario - come and see for yourself! For more information, visit Amazing Garlic The stinking rose. Sounds delightful, doesn t it? Well, it is! Each August the Perth Garlic Festival pays homage to this herb, bringing thousands of enthusiasts (not to mention those wondering what all the fuss is about) from all over to see cooking demonstrations, sample garlic products, learn about growing, harvesting, selling and enjoying garlic and, of course, to be entertained. Lanark County is home to a number of garlic growers, many of whom enthusiastically support local slowfood movements and farm-gate sales. There is also a push in Ontario to see locally grown garlic available in major chain food stores. The festival, sponsored by the Lions Club of Perth, has raised more than $100,000 in its 11 years for community initiatives. For more info, check

13 P ast and Future An Ode to Cheese A proud but lonely monument stands in the old industrial sector of Perth near the railroad tracks that were once an iron highway to its legacy. Soon the Mammoth Cheese will again be acknowledged. In 1893, the efforts of a dozen local cheese factories, the Dominion Department of Agriculture and the Canadian cheese industry culminated in the careful production of an excellent cheese for the Chicago World s Fair. It was six feet high, 28 feet in circumference and weighed in at an astounding 22,000 pounds! Thousands of people greeted the cheese as it made its way by rail to Chicago, where it received a medal of distinction and a bronze medal. In 1943, the Cheese Producers Association of Lanark County marked the 50th anniversary of the world s largest cheese by erecting a concrete replica on the CPR grounds in Perth. The Town of Perth is planning to make a more visible tribute to this outstanding a-cheesement. Find out more by contacting Perth Town Hall at Upscale New Inn and Spa Code s Mill on the Park Inn and Spa in downtown Perth opened last year and features 62 guest suites, five reception and conference rooms and a full-service spa is expected to open this spring. This boutique inn is adjacent to a fitness club and the complementary restored Code s Mill building, which houses exquisite shops, a coffeehouse, restaurant and bar, and a reception and conference facility. See what interesting groups are making use of this fine facility in a heritage setting and discover some prospective partnerships that would see students learning about hotel management here. Check for starters.

14 FAST FACTS Location Whether you choose to visit for a day or a week, Lanark County has a great deal to offer. Nestled against the western boundary of Ottawa, it is mere minutes from top-notch urban amenities while feeling a whole world away. Lanark County has a population of more than 62,000 and is made up by eight municipalities consisting of small vibrant towns and gorgeous rural townships tucked into a diverse landscape of rolling hills, forests, lakes, rivers and fields. The renowned Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds through part of the county. Our rich cultural history includes stories of military settlements, evidence of outstanding heritage architecture and many traces of the Irish and Scottish ancestry that predominated the settlement history. Airports Served by one local airport - the Smiths Falls/Montague Airport Ottawa International Airport is minutes from the northeast portion of Lanark County Waters Two major watersheds feed Lanark County: Rideau Valley and Mississippi Valley. Hundreds of lakes and rivers offer ample outdoor water recreation opportunities. Fishing Anglers come from far and wide for a variety of experiences in warm, cold, deep and shallow waters. Among the dozens of species you'll find splake, lake trout, walleye, pike and bass. Wildlife Lanark County! Hundreds of species make their home in the county's mixed forests, wetlands, fields, shrub lands and hedgerows, including beavers, deer, coyotes, rabbits, fishers and many others. Birders will have a heyday in this varied landscape, finding smaller specimens such as bluebirds, thrushes, wrens, sparrows, swallows, cardinals, jays and a mix of more obscure species, along with larger birds of prey, including owls, hawks, osprey, bald eagles, kestrels and more. Waterfowl are abundant as well, with a variety of ducks and geese present, along with the beautiful common loon. Lanark County is home to a range of amphibians and reptiles, from frogs, toads, newts and salamanders to a variety of turtles and snakes, including the longest species of snake in Canada (it's non-venomous!). Area Notables/Claims to Fame Several restaurants featured in Where to Eat in Canada Heritage towns and villages rife with scenery, great shopping, good food and warm, friendly charm A tribute to the world's largest cheese - the Mammoth Cheese Almonte is the birthplace of basketball The Rideau Canal runs through it (UNESCO World Heritage Site) continued...

15 Outstanding heritage architecture Home to provincial parks, conservation areas, hundreds of kilometres of trails and other wild spaces Vast network of snowmobile trails and crosscountry ski trails, as well as downhill ski opportunities A restored mica mine - the Silver Queen at Murphys Point Provincial Park - pays homage to settlers and mining in the Canadian Shield Wide range of angling opportunities Enjoy a quiet, scenic paddle or a rough-and-tumble ride on our network of rivers Prepare to be awed by the fall colours Range of bicycle routes for all skill levels as well as numerous driving tours to explore the sights throughout the county Abundant choice of artisan studios, tours, shows and exhibits Outstanding offering in the performing arts, both homegrown and imported: musicals, plays, musicians Modern and heritage farms; eclectic range of crops and herds A myriad of museums tell the story of communities' pasts Festivals for every age and interest - from eclectic or country music to garlic to puppets and much, much more! Wide choice of accommodations Hotel/motel, including boutique inns Cottage/cabin rentals Bed & breakfasts Historic country inns Provincial and private campgrounds Did you know Perth was founded as a military settlement - a strategic fortification to protect Upper Canada from invasion? Lanark County cheese producers collaborated to make a 22,000 lb cheddar, the Mammoth Cheese, that was shipped by train to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893? Lanark County is home to the Lilac Capital of Ontario, the Kangaroo Capital of Canada and is the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario? The Five Arches Bridge in Pakenham is the only stone bridge of its kind in North America? You can go GPS treasure hunting in Lanark County? One of the world's top calcium carbonate quarries is located here - and it is a pure, snowy white? There is a big, bronze statue in Perth paying tribute to Canada's most famous equestrian team, Big Ben and Ian Millar? The Last Fatal Duel in Upper Canada was held near Perth? Valuable Information Sources (fact-checking, photos, etc) Lanark County Tourism Association Media Inquiries: Marie White: mariew@county.lanark.on.ca , ext Lanark Highlands Ontario Parks (provincial parks) Mississippi Mills Ontario Tourism (800) Perth & District Chamber of Commerce Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce