News

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

The week of

May 3rd – 9th, 2026

as "Emergency Preparedness Week"

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas the City of Pembroke recognizes the importance of Emergency Management in Ontario; and

Whereas the goal of Emergency Preparedness Week is to raise community awareness and the need to prepare for the possibility of an emergency; and

Whereas the safety of our community is the responsibility of each and every one of us and we must prepare now and learn how to secure a strong and healthy tomorrow.

Now Therefore, I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd to May 9th, 2026 to be Emergency Preparedness Week in the City of Pembroke, and encourage all citizens and businesses to be prepared and know your risk. This will help our community to become more aware of the importance of planning ahead and preparing for emergency situations together.

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 5th day of May, 2026.

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

May 2026

as

  “Community Living Month”

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas Community Living Ottawa Valley is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors established in 1958 and is a member of Community Living Ontario.  It has approximately 200 members representing communities in the Upper Ottawa Valley and provides services and supports to adults with intellectual disabilities; and

Whereas Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley’s Goal and Vision Statement, “That all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community and have the opportunity to participate effectively” advances and educates citizens of all communities; and

Whereas Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley remains true to its vision; foreseeing a society where all legal and human rights are afforded to every citizen without discrimination and where everyone is supported in their efforts to become a participating, respected member of our society.

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, proclaim May 2026 as “Community Living Month” in the City of Pembroke

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 5th day of May 2026

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

May 2026

as

  “Jewish Heritage Month”

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas the Jewish community, with a long and proud history in Canada and in Pembroke, has made significant contributions to the wellbeing, growth and prosperity of Pembroke and all of Canada while overcoming tremendous obstacles; and

Whereas Jewish Canadians have excelled in a wide range of endeavours, including the arts, sciences, law, architecture, media, finance, entertainment, philanthropy, and business, significantly contributing to Canadian life; and

Whereas in 2018 Parliament adopted Bill S-232 which designates the month of May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month recognizing the important contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to Canada’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric; and

Whereas Parliament declared that Canadian Jewish Heritage Month would provide an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the inspirational role that Jewish Canadians have played and continue to play in communities across the country; and

Whereas B’nai Brith a Jewish human rights organization has invited municipalities to enhance Parliament’s declaration by adopting their own motions and promoting the celebration of Jewish Heritage month within their respective communities every May.

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, proclaim May 2026 as “Jewish Heritage Month” in the City of Pembroke

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 5th day of May 2026

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke

The City of Pembroke is beginning preparations for its 200th anniversary in 2028, marking an important milestone in the community’s history and setting the stage for a year of celebration, reflection, and connection.

Following the success of Pembroke’s centennial celebrations in 1928 and sesquicentennial celebrations in 1978, the bicentennial will build on that legacy while looking ahead to the future of the community. Planning is now underway to develop a series of events, projects, and initiatives that will recognize Pembroke’s history, celebrate its people, and bring residents together.

Central to this work is a community-driven approach. A 200th Anniversary Advisory Committee has been established, supported by six working groups focused on heritage and history, legacy projects and beautification, events and festivals, community engagement and education, branding and promotion, and funding and partnerships. These groups are made up of community volunteers working alongside staff and members of Council to help guide the planning process and ensure the celebration reflects Pembroke as a whole.

While plans will continue to evolve, residents can expect a range of initiatives leading up to and throughout 2028. These include heritage projects such as a commemorative book and storytelling initiatives, improvements to public spaces and parks, and a full calendar of events. A major highlight will be a Homecoming Week celebration, bringing together residents past and present for a series of community events, performances, and gatherings.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” said Mayor Ron Gervais. “Pembroke has a proud history, and this milestone will give us a chance to bring people together, recognize our shared experiences, and showcase everything that makes this community special.”

The City is encouraging former residents, friends and neighbours around the Ottawa Valley, and visitors to plan to return to Pembroke in 2028 to take part in the celebrations.

More details will be shared as planning continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and watch for updates as new initiatives and opportunities to get involved are announced in the coming months.

Sandbagging is a simple and effective way to reduce or prevent flood damage to your property. When installed correctly, sandbags can help divert water away from homes and protect vulnerable areas during rising water conditions.

What You’ll Need

• Sandbags (heavy-duty, woven bags)
• Sand (preferred) or soil if sand is unavailable
• Plastic sheeting (vapour barrier)
• Shovel and gloves

Filling Sandbags

• Fill bags only 1/2 to 2/3 full (approximately 35–40 lbs)
• Tie bags if they need to be transported; otherwise fold the top over
• Do not overfill, as this prevents proper sealing between bags

Safety Tips

• Wear gloves and closed-toe footwear
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Avoid twisting while carrying bags
• Work in teams or use a brigade line to move bags efficiently

Where to Place Sandbags

• Build sandbag walls at least one metre away from your home where possible
• Avoid placing bags directly against foundation walls
• Use natural elevation on your property to your advantage

How to Build a Sandbag Wall

1. Prepare the area: Remove debris, snow, or ice
2. Dig a shallow trench: This helps prevent water from seeping underneath
3. Lay plastic sheeting: Extend it under and behind the wall
4. Place sandbags:
   • Lay the first row tightly in the trench
   • Stack bags in staggered rows (like bricks)
   • Ensure no gaps between bags
5. Build to proper size:
   • Wall should be wider than it is high (ideally 2–3 times wider)
6. Seal the wall:
   • Fold plastic over the completed wall and secure with additional bags

Important Notes

• Sandbag walls may still leak; be prepared to pump water from protected areas
• Floodwater may be contaminated—handle used sandbags with care
• Sandbags are not a permanent solution and should be disposed of properly after use

Sand and Sandbag Requests in Pembroke
If you require sand and bags for your property, please contact the City of Pembroke Operations Department at 613-735-6821 ext. 1409. Please provide your name, address, and the approximate number of bags required.

The City of Pembroke is currently updating its Development Charges By-law. Read the draft by-law here.

The City of Pembroke is inviting quotations from interested Bidders to provide the labour, equipment, and materials necessary to clean approximately 1,000 storm catch basins and storm sewer manholes of various depths within the City of Pembroke.

Hard copy sealed quotations, clearly marked as to contents and on forms supplied by the City, will be received by Ms. Marsha Hawthorne, Purchasing Manager/Deputy Treasurer, City of Pembroke, Operations Department, 460 River Road, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1A1 until 2:00:59 p.m., Local Time, Thursday April 23, 2026.

Electronic submissions are not acceptable.  Quotations will be opened in public. The City will broadcast the opening by way of a Microsoft Teams meeting.  Unofficial bid results will be emailed to all those who submitted bids, shortly after closing.  Language of tender submissions is English.

Complete quotation documents, in an electronic PDF version, may be obtained through email request to purchasing.  Documents will be available for distribution beginning on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during regular office hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm).

All questions relating to this quotation will be received in writing up to and no later than 12:00 p.m. local time on Thursday April 16, 2026. 

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all quotations.  The lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted.

Ms. Marsha Hawthorne
Purchasing Manager/Deputy Treasurer
City of Pembroke
Operations Department
460 River Road
Pembroke, ON K8A 1A1
Telephone: (613) 735-6821 ext. 1408

Email

The City of Pembroke has released its 2026 Development Charges Background Study as part of the process to update development charges and support future growth in the community.

The study outlines anticipated residential and non-residential development over the next 10 years and identifies the infrastructure required to support that growth. It also details how development charges are calculated to help ensure that new development contributes to the cost of services such as roads, parks, emergency services, and transit.

Residents, developers, and stakeholders are encouraged to review the full study to learn more about how growth will be managed and funded in Pembroke.

The full study is available here:

2026 Development Charges Background Study

City of Pembroke

Public Notice

Please be advised that a Special Council Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the Official Plan Preliminary Report.

V .Charbonneau

Clerk

City of Pembroke

By virtue of the power vested in me

I Do Hereby Declare

March, 2026

as

Amyloidosis Awareness Month

in the City of Pembroke.

Whereas March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting those living with amyloidosis and their loved ones; and

Whereas Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that occurs when an abnormal protein, known as amyloid, builds up in the tissues and organs of the body.  Left untreated, the disease can result in organ failure and can be fatal; and

Whereas Amyloidosis can mimic the signs and symptoms of more common medical conditions and the disease can be challenging to diagnose; and

Whereas Amyloidosis often affects people who are older or middle aged; however, younger people have been diagnosed with this disease; and

Whereas some of the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis can include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the ankles and legs, numbness in the hands and feet, foamy urine, carpal tunnel syndrome, bruising around the eyes, and an enlarged tongue; and

Whereas early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for both patients and their families; and

Whereas raising awareness about all the amyloidosis diseases, including hereditary and non-hereditary forms of the disease, can contribute to the building of healthier communities across Canada.

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke, do hereby proclaim March 2026, as “Amyloidosis Awareness Month” in the City of Pembroke.

Dated in the Mayor’s Office this 3rd day of March 2026

Ron Gervais

Mayor, City of Pembroke