The Township of Rideau Lakes is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for one of the most significant heritage celebrations the region has ever hosted. The Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival 1826 to 2026, taking place July 18 and 19, 2026, will mark 200 years since construction began on the Rideau Canal, a national historic site and UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The free, two-day festival will transform Portland Harbour and the adjacent parks into a vibrant water

Let’s Get the Lead Out and help protect loon families like this one spotted on a local lake. Responsible fishing practices can help protect our loons. Photo Credit: Tanya Hammond. As summer approaches and area anglers prepare for the long-awaited bass opener on June 20, excitement builds across cottage country. Boats are tuned, bait shops are buzzing, and families are gearing up for Father’s Day weekend on the water. This particular weekend also marks one of only four licence

Westport councillor Marty Crapper was first out of the gate when nominations opened for the municipal election May 1. He’s running for re-election as a councillor. He said he believes he can continue to make a positive contribution to the community. Four years in, he said experience on council counts for a lot. Despite his previous experience as a health-sector CEO, he said municipal government is a unique type of business. It’s been a learning curve, but he said he knows a l