The Energy East Pipeline Proposal

TransCanada is seeking approval to convert its existing natural gas pipeline, which passes through this area, to carry bitumen and other forms of crude oil.

Note: Deadline for submitting comments to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has been extended to May 15. Overview presentation, summaries, and local presentations from the community discussions are now available on the OEB's Resources page.

Read more by clicking here. See a list of other actions and suggested points if you would like to provide input to the OEB Public Consultation.

Pitch In Smiths Falls is April 19 - May 4.
Join this annual community cleanup!

Contact Bonita at 613-283-1174 , or at the store, 283-7999 to claim your spot. We will try to contact last year's participants directly.

We supply the bags, you pick up the litter, and report back how much you found.

Group Effort Day is Sat. April 26, 9 - 11:30 a.m., when we'll clean up Ferrara and Fergusson Drives.

REAL Community Garden

April 19: We're growing again! Construction on three new plots at the garden will begin shortly. We have one plot unclaimed for the 2014 season. Thanks to Rideau Community Health Services, ecoPerth/Lanark Local Flavours and REAL for making this possible.

If you would like to garden with us in 2014, please let us know as soon as possible. We could also put you on a waiting list in case someone is unable to continue. Email us!

Home Energy Audit Services

REAL offers energy audit services that will give you a better understanding of your home. A blower door test or thermography reading will help you determine energy-saving solutions that will genuinely benefit you.

For more details contact REAL (613) 283-9500 or Sue.

Read some other solutions to high home heating bills.

Board Member Needed. We are looking for an energetic, experienced person to join our Board of Directors. If you are connected to the community, familiar with current and emerging environmental issues, and motivated to do someting about them, join a group of like-minded people to make a REAL Difference. Meet the Board.

See a job description and send us a letter describing your interest to info@REALaction.ca.

Volunteers Needed!

Finding the winter a little long? We could use your help at the REAL Deal Store or for other REAL activities.

Please get in touch with our new volunteer Volunteer Coordinator, Leann Merriman at 205-0818 to find out more. Save a step and complete our volunteer application form so we can suggest a position that's right for you.

Electronics Recycling at the REAL Deal

In partnership with the Town of Smiths Falls, the REAL Deal is now an official Ontario Electronics Stewardship (OES) collection site for electronics waste. Only certain items are accepted so please consult the list carefully. No "white goods", appliances containing freon, or miscellaneous electric appliances will be taken. What is accepted.

Materials accepted during store hours only. Find out more.

REAL Deal Reuse Store
Open Thurs, Fri and Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Next Make a Deal Day is Friday, April 25 and the next Silent Action Close is Saturday, April 26th at 1:30 p.m.

We truly appreciate donations of gently used items, but please do not leave your donations when we are closed. Check out the REAL Deal Store Facebook page.

Have E-Waste, Can't Get to the REAL Deal?

Electronics are accepted for recycling at several authorized Ontario depots. Search by postal code at recycleyourelectronics.ca. Various neighbouring municipalities also provide collection services, e.g. Tay, Rideau Lakes and Drummond North Elmsley, and may require proof of residency.

YAK in Perth also accepts e-waste.

The Ontario Power Authority has a free new program to help people reduce their energy use and bills.

Once you apply and are eligible, an auditor will visit your house and install energy saving devices, fee of charge.

REAL is helping to promote the program. Tell them REAL sent you and REAL will receive a small promotion fee.

Find more details and determine eligibility.

Rideau Mississippi Take It Back 

Keeping it out of landfill. Find businesses and organizations in the Rideau Mississippi region that Take Back used materials for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. Art, batteries, electronics, eyeglasses, medical equipment, musical instruments, pet medications, toiletries, toys and more.

Supported by the municipalities of North Grenville, Mississippi Mills, Perth, and Smiths Falls. Let us know about other businesses that should be on the list.

Available for borrowing through Perth, Almonte, Smiths Falls or South Elmsley Public Libraries or at the REAL Deal.

Wondering what you can do about your high electricity bill? The Kill a Watt meter is a handy device to monitor the energy consumption of some of your electrical appliances. Call 613-283-9500.