South Frontenac Council - Mar. 21/23

By Wilma Kenny 2022 Capital Budget Summary and Cancellation of Projects

The Corporate Services Department was given Council approval of the cancellation of several projects not completed in 2022. Some included prior year carry-overs. Most are slated to be reassessed: when questioned about the Perth Road Intersection at the LCBO in Inverary, Public Services Director Kyle Bolton said that project would be reassessed and included the upcoming transportation Master Plan: the $38,242 currently budgeted is inadequate, for traffic counts indicate there is need of a turn-lane as well as increased parking. Perth Road upgrading at Buck Lake is being reviewed to address this winter’s damage by a truck going into the lake, and related insurance claims.

Overnight Camping at Battersea Park & Ball Diamond

The Kingston Field Naturalists (KFN) have requested use of park space in Battersea Park for overnight camping for 6 tents. This is to support a BioBlitz, a 24-hour count of as many living things as can be identified in a 24-hour time frame on the Milburn Creek property of the Nature Conservancy Canada. The event runs from 3:00 p.m. Friday June 9th to 3:00 p.m. Saturday June 10th, 2023.

Councillor Roberts said they would need to be directed to the infield, for camping would ruin the grass; Mayor Vandewal asked “What if there’s a major party? Who would police the site if something goes bad?” Tim Laprade, Manager of Recreation and Facilities replied that his department would work with the KFN to see that the event went smoothly, and although he doubted there would be any problem with parties, perhaps it would be good to provide a security person for the night. The camping request was approved.

Summer Kickoff Music Festival

Council was asked to designate the South Frontenac Summer Kickoff Music Festival as a municipally significant in support of the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Events Permit Application. This event is planned for May 27, from 4:00 pm-10:00 pm in Centennial Park, Harrowsmith, and will feature live music, food trucks, and local craft beer and liquor vendors. “The event will be a true celebration of local talent and artistry, bringing together masters of their craft in the music, food, and drink industries.” It will appeal to a broad range of residents and will not only feature activities geared towards adults, such as the craft beer and liquor vendors, but also family friendly activities and a kid’s zone. It’s intended to be a place for the community to gather and connect before families begin their busy summer.

Councillor Pegrum was reassured that the OPP would be included in the planning process. Mayor Vandewal said he was concerned that other recent events had been “a bit overwhelming for volunteers; what if this turns into Woodstock?” Deputy Mayor Sleeth said “Hundreds, not dozens, come to these events, and we want it to be positive; will we hire a security firm?” Laprade replied that they definitely planned to hire security. Vandewal said, “I’m all in support, just a little nervous.” The designation was approved.

Hazardous Waste Program Council agreed to approve a two-year contract extension with Brendar Environmental for the operation of the Household Hazardous Waste Depot. Mayor Vandewal asked whether it might be sufficient to cut the program back to once a month during the winter. Kyle Bolton replied that although attendance does drop during the winter, “The line-ups I see from my office support continuing with twice monthly; it’s all material kept out of our landfills.”

Change for South Frontenac Canada Day Fireworks

The Recreation & Leisure Services Advisory Committee has recommended that instead of offering three separate Canada Day fireworks shows across the Township (as has been the case since amalgamation), for the next three years, the Township should host only one firework show, with each year’s host location to be determined by a random draw of the park locations in Harrowsmith, Sunbury and Sydenham. A shuttle service would be provided to take residents to each year’s host site.

The fireworks vendor has indicated that three separate shows is straining their resources. Also, the Township’s budget for three shows is huge. Combining the three shows into one would result in a longer, bigger show, offer bus transportation to the show and still result in estimated cost savings of $10,000. (Evidently not even Kingston spends as much money as South Frontenac does on fireworks.) A single show would be a small step toward addressing cli- mate change, and would make it easier to ensure that safety and site plans are followed. The transportation service will offer enticements such as glow sticks, childrens entertainers, etc.

It is feared that total elimination of township-sponsored fireworks would heighten the risk of illegal displays.

Councillor Roberts said he was opposed to this and asked for a recorded vote: “Three is traditional and our parks aren’t big enough for a township-wide event.” The motion passed with only Roberts opposed.

A draw followed: ’23 will be Sydenham, ’24 Sunbury, and ’25 Harrowsmith. This change will be assessed after Canada Day 2025, with recommendations for the future. By-law 2023-19 Approved

This is a by-law to rezone a property on Moreland-Dixon Road in order to permit three dwelling units on the property.

Personal Delegation

Local resident Mr Tofflemire, who identifies as Indigenous, came to Council as a delegate to speak about the importance of addressing Truth and Reconciliation. He began with a lengthy acknowledgment of the natural world, and recommended greater representation of First Nations individuals on Township committees.

Public Meeting April 4

Proposed amendments to the planning by-law relating to additional dwelling units will be brought to a public meeting at the next Council meeting on April 04. They will define what is an additional dwelling unit, where they are permitted and under what circumstances.

Letters

However, the upgrade involves closing that road so that traffic can only go through for 10 minutes every one a half hours. Add to that that the construction is now at least two year behind schedule so the people and businesses in his municipality, who have already struggled through Covid lockdowns, must now deal with several more years of significantly reduced service and customers. And what of the rights of his residents to timely emergency services - if an ambulance can only come from Kingston once every hour and half and then must wait another hour and a half to bring someone in need of medical attention back to Kingston. I wonder if he would be considered ungrateful for being upset at the situation - given that he is getting a great new road.....someday.......

A ferry without a proper dock is not the same as adequate ferry service. I am sure MTO can do better by our Island, especially if there was genuine support for the Island's concerns from other municipalities.

- Janette Haase

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