Lanark County Community Justice

08/27/2026

The youth sentencing for the murder of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel may cause feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, confusion or renewed feelings of loss. It is important for community members to care for themselves and one another. Young people may benefit from opportunities to talk about their feelings with trusted adults and supportive peers.

Looking for support? The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information about local services and supports, including mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, housing, food security, taxes, crisis services and other community resources.
Visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-resources/

Please be thoughtful about what you share, post or respond to on social media in order to prevent further harm. Take time to pause, think and evaluate whether your words will be helpful to those grieving this profound loss.

For more information, visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-safety-working-group-encourages-community-members-to-access-support/

08/27/2026

Join us for a FREE 6-week online MONDAYS Triple P Parenting of Teens course designed to provide practical tools, strategies and restorative practices, to support parents and strengthen family relationships.
This is a course for all parents or caregivers of teens. All are welcome.
Course Dates & Times
Mondays | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
October 5 & 19
November 2, 9, 16 & 23
Zoom meeting link will be sent upon registration.
We are greatful to the Perth and District Community Foundation for the grant to deliver this course for free.
Lanark County Community Justice is a non-profit charity. Donations can be made at www.commjustice.org.
Priority will be given to residents of Perth and District; however, anyone living in Lanark County or the Town of Smiths Falls is welcome to register.
Please only register if you plan to attend all or most of the sessions, as spaces are limited.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-p-parenting-of-teens-course-tickets-1997930568112?aff=oddtdtcreator

FREE 6-week online MONDAYS, Triple P Parenting of Teens course. Learn practical tools to strengthen communication and family relationships.

08/26/2026

Join us for a conversation about homelessness and the systems connected to it on Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Carleton Place Arena (upstairs).

OrgCode Consulting Inc. President and CEO Iain De Jong will provide an interactive virtual presentation followed by an in-person panel discussion with local service providers. This is a great opportunity to learn about homelessness in our communities, the challenges and limitations, and services provided.

Hope to see you there!

08/26/2026

Addressing effects of homelessness in communities

As homelessness continues to increase in rural communities, the effects can be wide reaching.

In a “State of Homelessness” report to Lanark County Council in May, Director of Social Services Emily Hollington said impacts can include increased use of emergency rooms, paramedics, police, mental health services and municipal services. “It changes public spaces and neighbourhoods such as parks, arenas, libraries and downtown areas. Bank machine vestibules are used for rest, warmth and safety, and tension can rise over shared use of space.”

Hollington added when visibility of homelessness increases, it can change how people feel in their community and create “us versus them” attitudes. “This can have economic effects, as businesses may experience reduced foot traffic. Downtown cores can suffer and tourism may be impacted.” About 85 per cent of the county’s homeless population is found in urban centres, including Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls.

“We all want to see effective long-term solutions for people,” Hollington said. “Enforcement and designating areas where homeless individuals are permitted is not always possible, and outreach efforts are not always accepted when offered.”

Learn more about addressing the effects of homelessness in communities in Lanark County and ways people can help in the third article in this three-part series: https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/living/social-services/homelessness/ #1750959335112-9ca9ce1f-d332

08/25/2026

Providing services to alleviate homelessness

Homelessness is a complex, multi-faceted and systemic challenge that requires collaboration between governments and service providers amid a range of limitations.

Progress was outlined in Lanark County’s 2025 Housing and Homelessness Report Card. “Recognizing that successful housing solutions extend beyond physical infrastructure, the county worked in close collaboration with community partners to deliver innovative programs that address the social, economic and health factors contributing to housing instability,” said Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve). “These efforts included the launch of the Lanark Integrated Frontline Team (LIFT) mobile outreach program, ongoing enhancements to the homelessness response, and expansion of supportive and transitional housing options.”

The report card outlines the range of supports offered by the county, including financial help for eligible households, housing units offered through Lanark County Housing Corporation and non-profit housing providers, a homeownership forgivable loan program, new builds, affordable housing grants, emergency after-hours assistance for homelessness, supports for youth, adult supportive housing for those needing assistance with daily living tasks, crisis beds, housing-based case management, the LIFT program, and the Bridge House, which is temporary transitional housing with wraparound supports related to substance use and mental health.

In addition, numerous community partners provide support for mental health and addictions, health care, system navigation, basic needs and more.

Even with many resources, there are limitations when offering services, such as privacy considerations, enforcement constraints and broader system pressures that include a limited housing supply, increasing costs and gaps in affordability.

Learn more about alleviating homelessness in Lanark County in the second article of this three-part series: https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/living/social-services/homelessness/ #1750959335112-9ca9ce1f-d332

08/12/2026

We all need to know the difference between punishment an accountability and I think Marlee Liss does a great job of explaining it in this post. What do you think?

08/12/2026

I think this pretty much applies to all relationships and is a good restorative practice.

Green flags are the signs of a healthy relationship:

✅ You communicate respectfully

✅ You can be yourself around them

✅ They support you

✅ They respect your boundaries

✅ They understand the importance of you having a life outside of them

For more information visit: https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/news/what-do-healthy-relationships-look-like

08/12/2026

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for helping youth grow, learn, and thrive. 💤
Getting enough sleep supports brain development, improves focus and memory, boosts mood, strengthens the immune system, and helps manage stress and emotions. Teens who sleep well are more likely to perform better in school, sports, and everyday life. Prioritizing sleep isn’t lazy — it’s essential for healthy development and overall well-being. 🌙✨

Want to learn more check out Planet Youth Lanark County

08/12/2026

Back to school is a good time for the whole family to make a family plan for getting a good nights sleep! Find out why sleep is so important:

💤 Better sleep. Brighter days🌞 Join the Planet Youth Lanark County Sleep Movement to be part of the conversation to help our youth rest, recharge, and rise! Sign up here: www.planetyouthlanark.ca/newsletter-2/

08/12/2026

Ongoing court proceedings related to the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel may continue to be difficult and upsetting for many members of the community. The judge is expected to deliver his sentencing decision in late August.

Experiencing feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, confusion or renewed feelings of loss is normal. It is important for community members to care for themselves and one another. Young people may benefit from opportunities to talk about their feelings with trusted adults and supportive peers.

Looking for support? The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information about local services and supports, including mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, housing, food security, taxes, crisis services and other community resources. Visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-resources/

As the court process continues, please be thoughtful about what you share, post or respond to on social media in order to prevent further harm. Take time to pause, think and evaluate whether your words will be helpful to those grieving this profound loss.

For more information, visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-safety-working-group-encourages-community-members-to-access-support/