June 10, 2026 – Ticks are Active: Know the Risks and Protect Yourself from Tick Bites
June 10, 2026 ‐ With warmer weather, tick activity increases. People who spend time outdoors should take steps to avoid tick bites. Many parts of Renfrew County and District (RCD) are suitable habitat for blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks. These ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses to people. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease.
June 9, 2026 – RCDHU Announces Completion of School Immunization Surveillance and Catch-Up Efforts
June 9, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is pleased to share the successful completion of its school-based Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA) catch-up efforts for the 2025-2026 school year.
May 1, 2026 – RCDHU Launches Annual Animal Bite Prevention Campaign
May 1, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is kicking off its annual Yellow Ribbon Campaign, aimed at reducing the number of animal bites. This campaign encourages the use of a yellow marker (ribbon, bandana, or bow) tied to a pet’s leash or collar to remind people to be cautious and give the animal space. In addition to the potential for injury, animal bites carry a risk of exposure to rabies, often requiring rabies vaccinations for the person who is bitten or a confinement period for the animal involved.
April 17, 2026 – RCDHU Recommends Safety Precautions as Flood Waters Rise
April 20, 2026 ‐ The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Flood Warning for Pembroke District. Rising water levels may pose risks to the health and safety of residents. Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is advising residents to take precautions to protect their drinking water, septic systems, and personal safety.
March 2, 2026 – RCDHU to Enforce Suspension of Students Aged 4–17 with Incomplete Immunization Records
March 2, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is announcing the next steps in its annual immunization surveillance for all students attending school in Renfrew County and District (RCD), as required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Initial notices were issued to students who are missing required vaccines or whose immunization records have not been reported to RCDHU. In the coming days, all students who have not yet met their immunization requirements will be mailed a second immunization notice alongside a suspension order. If RCDHU does not receive updated immunization records or a valid exemption, student suspension orders will take effect on the morning of April 15, 2026.
January 23, 2026 – Extreme Cold Warning Issued by Environment Canada for Renfrew County and District
January 23, 2026 ‐ Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Renfrew County and District. Extreme cold conditions are expected with windchill values near minus 35 to minus 40 degrees Celsius this evening into Saturday morning. To monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, please visit www.weather.gc.ca. Very cold temperatures can lead to serious health risks like windburn, frostbite, and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes and can happen to anyone. People most vulnerable to extreme cold include infants, older adults, people with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs, people taking certain medications such as beta-blockers, people experiencing homelessness, people living in a home without adequate electricity or heat, and people working outdoors
January 15, 2026 – Overdose Alert for Renfrew County and District
January 15, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Drug Strategy partners are alerting residents about an increase in overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths in the Renfrew and Arnprior areas. Although specific substance(s) related to the overdoses have not been confirmed, it is important to remember that all street drugs must be considered highly toxic and potentially fatal.
January 12, 2026 – RCDHU Urges Families to Review, Update and Submit Immunization Records for School-aged Children
January 12, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has started its annual review of immunization records for all students that attend school in Renfrew County and District, as required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Keeping routine immunizations up to date is an important precaution to protect children and the community against serious illnesses. The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires all students attending school in Ontario to be immunized or have a valid exemption for the following nine vaccine-preventable diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella (for those born after January 1st, 2010).
December 12, 2025 – Stay Protected Over the Holiday Season as Flu Activity Rises
December 12, 2025 ‐ This year’s flu season has started early across Ontario, and influenza activity is high in many parts of the province. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is seeing a concerning rise in flu cases and hospitalizations among children. In Renfrew County and District (RCD), flu activity is rising, and current trends suggest we are likely to see our local peak over the next two to four weeks.
November 24, 2025 – Reduce Water Usage Update 4
November 24, 2025 ‐ Reducing water consumption in Pembroke and Laurentian Valley is especially important over the next three days as the City starts repairs of a major watermain break. Tomlinson, the specialized contractor hired for the job, will start repair work of the large diameter trunk watermain Wednesday, November 26. For the smoothest start to the repairs, it is important the water system has enough stored water in both the water tower and the water storage reservoir. We remind people to reduce water consumption wherever and whenever possible, especially over Monday and Tuesday as we prepare for Wednesday’s work.