The Bedford Mining Alert (BMA) is a group of concerned citizens in Bedford District, South Frontenac Township, who have been working for over 12 years to bring about changes to the Ontario Mining Act. The goal of BMA is to allow property owners and local communities greater input into land-use decisions and environmental protection issues, so that the full economic and societal potential of the land is protected and realized.

BMA is holding a public meeting on Saturday, August 6 at 10 a.m. at the Bedford Community Hall, 1381 Westport Road.

This year's format will feature officials from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines & Forestry; Clive Stevenson, Provincial Mining Recorder; and Robert Merwin, Executive Director of the Mining Act Modernization Secretariat. Clive Stephenson will give an update on Mining Act modernization, and will discuss some of the specific program items. Robert Merwin will be able to answer questions regarding the secretariat and how the overall initiative has and will roll out.

Invited guests will include members and individuals interested in the work of BMA; MP Scott Reid; MPP Randy Hillier; and North, South and Central Frontenac Township mayors and members of council.

After review through hearings held by the Standing Committee on General Government, the Mining Amendment Act received Royal assent in 2009. The Act enables processes that will be detailed in the regulations, a process that is still ongoing.

BMA has continued to provide input and monitor proposed changes to regulations. With over 30 active mining claims in Bedford district, BMA continues to be vigilant. There are over 30 active mining claims in Bedford district held by Cardinal Exploration Inc., claims that were previously held by Graphite Mountain Inc. Claimholders must carry out exploration/assessment in order to keep these claims active. The majority of these claims were staked in the 1980s. Many of these claims have been given extensions by MNDM&F to perform work and file exploration reports.

Sandy Cameron, the Chair of BMA says, “It promises to be an interesting and informative meeting. It will provide an opportunity to learn about the Mining Act and proposed regulations relating to exploration, rehabilitation and community input. It is important to have a good representation from the community and elected officials in order to show that we continue to be concerned about the impacts of exploration and potential for mining in our area. The power of the new mining rules will be in the regulations. It’s important to have BMA continue its involvement in understanding and influencing their development.”

This is an opportunity for you to see how your property might be affected and what you can do to help protect its value. Come out and participate and provide your input to make positive change happen.

For more information visit www.bedfordminingalert.ca

Draft South Frontenac Capital budget set to rise by over $1 million

CAO Orr walked Council through a proposed capital budget which included (mainly road and bridge) construction, and any item costing more than $5,000. Other, smaller items will go into the operating budget.

Overall, the proposed 2013 capital budget is $1,105,605 more than it was in 2012, with the tax levy raised by $360,000 and reserves contributing an additional $739,600 over the current year.

Total reserve forecast at the end of 2012 is $14,505,016, and the reserve forecast for the end of 2013 will drop to $12,608,592.

Orr said that this document counted in the $600,000 contribution that has been forthcoming from the City of Kingston each year since 1998 as compensation for South Frontenac assuming responsibility for former county roads. By the terms of the amalgamation agreement of 1997, that funding agreement ends this year. Orr warned council that this funding is the subject of negotiation currently and has not yet been secured for 2013.

Two other unresolved issues are the funding of the Sydenham water plant and the Frontenac Arena.

Also, both Fire and Recreation have carried forward several projects that were in the 2012 budget, but which have not been done.

There were relatively few comments from Council: the gloves will come off on Saturday, November 10, when they are scheduled to meet for day-long budget deliberations.

Traffic Speed in Verona

Elaine Abrams spoke to Council of her concern about the speed of traffic through Verona, in spite of a posted limit of 50 (40 by the school). She said the sidewalks used by small children are dangerously close to passing traffic, and that she doubted that further reducing the speed limit would do any good. Nor did it seem to her that it is feasible to ask for more police enforcement. She wondered whether three stop signs, at intervals through the village, possibly with rumble strips, might help.

Mayor Davison said the Township has been getting complaints from residents about the noise of rumble strips in other locations. Deputy Mayor McDougal added that Dr Dempsey has complained about the noise of large trucks as they come into the village, and he has also had requests for some sort of safe crossing near the post office.

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth said there were a lot of traffic issues throughout the township, and it was important to look at all the options.

The problem was referred to the Public Works Committee for consideration and recommendations.

Hazardous Waste Site May have Hours Extended

Segsworth reported that the household hazardous waste site has successfully completed its first year of operation (April-May 2012),and has added e-waste and bale and boat wrap to its services. Due to the increasing demand, he recommended that Council consider extending the program over the winter, at the reduced rate of two days per month: the second and fourth Thursdays of each month except December, which would skip the fourth Thursday.

Brendar Environmental, the present contractor, has agreed to continue at the current rate of $565 plus tax, per event. Because of the apparent support of most council members, this recommendation will come to the next Council meeting as a resolution.

Waste Disposal Site Operation

Segsworth brought a report summarizing the public input from meetings in Bedford and Portland, which were based on AECOM Engineerings recently completed operational review of the townships waste management operations.

Recommendations from the public meetings included: 1] increase recycling diversion through a promotion and education program, which would include promotion of communal bins for residents living on private lanes, 2] investigating alternatives to closing the Bedford sites, 3] moving to a standard 4-day per week collection, with garbage and recycling on the same pick-up day, and 4] improving security at all waste disposal sites, enforce the penalties for illegal dumping, and provide better signage.

By incorporating public input into the AECOM review, Segsworth said the Public Services Committee arrived at the following recommendations: 1] Keep Green Bay and Bradshaw sites open until capacity is reached 2] Evaluate the current practice of exporting South Storrington waste: landfilling this waste in South Frontenac would save an estimated to save $100,000 a year, 3] Reduce hours at Township waste disposal sites by one-third, to reduce operating costs and encourage the use of weekly garbage and recycling pick-up, 4] Install a weigh scale and adjust tipping fees, and 5] Implement an area fill method, which will make more efficient use of landfill capacity.

If Council endorses these recommendations, a public information session will be held.

Councilllor Ron Vandewal said it was frustrating that Bedford residents had been slow to accept curbside collection. Councillor Bill Robinson then expressed his disapproval at the proposed changes, which he felt confused people.

Mark Segsworth reminded Council that over the last five years they had made significant improvements in the management of solid waste, but still need

to divert more waste from the landfill sites through recycling.

“We’re making progress, but can’t please everyone, and can’t change everything at once,” he said.

Segsworth said that implementing the recommendations from the AECOM report would provide the township with landfill capacity until 2032, at an estimated cost of $9.5 million over the 20 year period, or $450,000 per year. This represents a savings of $7.1 million over the cost of the status quo over the same period, estimated to be $16.6 million, or $830,000 per year.

Coat of Arms Update

Councillor Tinlin unveiled an artist’s draft of the proposed coat of arms and flag for the Township: an enormous improvement over the earlier rough sketch. 

Public Works Ten-Year Plan

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth presented his department’s 2013 Capital budget and ten-year Plan for Council’s consideration. Goals included: 1] ‘Vertical’ Facilities: to develop a good understanding of the conditions of township buildings, their energy use, accessibility and any asbestos issues, 2] Equipment replacement for 2013: two light trucks and two dump trucks, one of them a tri-axle, 3] Waste disposal site improvements: weigh scale, fencing, attendant booths, and partial capping, 4]Transportation: salt management plans for Hartington and Bedford, office renovations at Keeley, Hartington and Bedford, and village beautification, and 5] ‘Horizontal Facilities’: a proposed schedule of repairs and upgrades of roads and bridges for the next two years.

Noting that “we face a lot of challenges: traffic only gets heavier every year,” Segsworth said that his proposed roadwork schedule does not necessarily meet all the Township needs. Overall estimated budget of just over $7 million is up $800,000 from last year, and proposes drawing $500,000 more from reserves than last year. This information will form a substantial part of Council’s budget deliberations in the next few weeks.

Councillor Tindal asked: “What would you say if a group of private citizens offered to pay to resurface a public road?” “We’d be very, very interested,” said Segsworth, adding that resurfacing had to include a good base, and proper drainage.

Council Composition Up For Discussion

CAO Orr, referring to the strategic plan’s commitment “to improve governance and processes,” said that Council might wish to consider: increasing or decreasing the total number of positions on Council, changing the method of election from the present system of having two representatives from each of four districts, establishing a new position of deputy mayor, or altering or removing district boundaries. This led to lively discussion, and the conclusion that Orr should draw up a discussion framework and process, which would include public consultation, for Council’s consideration.

Municipal Pound Services

Each year, the Township impounds, at the Kingston Humane Society, approximately 75 - 80 untagged dogs caught running at large. At present, because of a mid-year fee adjustment by the KHS, Council pays $55 per animal, plus a new administrative billing fee of $25 for any month in which a dog is sheltered. The 2012 budget for pound services is $3300.

However, the Humane Society has announced they are looking to recover fully the cost of offering pound services, which would raise the Township’s contract to a minimum of $10,000,based on 2011 impound numbers. In order to cover this raise in fees and unknown costs such as veterinary fees, Orr proposed the Township raise its rates to $175 or the return of a lost animal, but expressed concern that fewer residents might claim lost animals as the cost increases. (currently, all but 10 or 12 South Frontenac animals are claimed or adopted out each year.) He also noted that there were few if any alternatives to the pound’s services, due to the required inspections and tighter regulations now governing private pounds. There was general Council agreement that the new fee be increased to $150.

The Point Park Lighting and Fundraising

In response to a recent query from Council, Treasurer Fragnito reported that in 2011, $66,865 was spent on the Point Park lighting project, of which $31,000 came from the fundraising efforts of the Point Park Improvement committee, and the remainder from the Township’s Parkland Fund. A further $66,506 was spent on the lights in 2012, all from the Parkland fund. The Point Park Improvement fund now has a balance of $831.21.

Official Plan Amendment

Council passed a by-law to amend the township’s Official Plan: along with some ‘housekeeping’ details, there were two major additions. One strengthens environmental policies, in order to minimize environmental and visual lake impacts caused by the increasing development of shorelines, and the conversion of small seasonal use cottages into larger year-round residences. Another section outlines policies for plans of condominium, defined as ‘vacant land with common elements’ i.e. a development with individual residential lots, which share a communally maintained private lane.

This amendment will now go to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval.

Municipal Infrastructure Investment Funding

Council agreed to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ as a first step in applying for a portion of a recently announced Provincial grant program intended to be used for roads, bridges, and wastewater infrastructure in small municipalities. Treasurer Louise Fragnito estimates the first stage of funding should be a minimum of $23,000, which would be used to develop an asset management plan and purchase related software. Such a data base will provide the ability to forecast infrastructure needs, and plan for long-range management and funding.

Bedford Resident Honoured

Councillor Tinlin announced that Susan O’Brien McTaggart of Bedford has been selected to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.

Frontenac Arena Debt

Councillor Vandewal noted that as 2012 is the last year for Frontenac Arena’s fundraising for its $600,000 upgrading, any outstanding debt (estimated to be somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000,) will have to be factored into the township’s 2013 budget.

2011 Audit

Auditor Vicki Leaky, of KPMG reported on her review of the township’s 2011 financial statements. She noted that everything seemed to be in good order.

Photo: 3-year-old Augusta Campoli of Richmond Hill competed against June Nixon, Marjorie Smith and Roy Bradshaw and won overall singing champion at the Frontenac Old Time Music Championships at the Bedford hall on September 22

Sometimes changing horses in the middle of the stream can pay off. It certainly did last weekend for Augusta Campoli, a 13-year-old singer from Richmond Hill who was crowned the overall singing champion at the Frontenac Old Time Music Championships, which were held on Sept. 23 & 23.

Augusta, who has recently crossed over to country music, made the trip to the Bedford Hall near Godfrey to compete in the Class B for young singers aged 9-14. She won her class, which put her in the running in the final sing-off, where she competed against three finalists, all more than three times her age. Her final song, an original tune she co-wrote with a friend called “Innocent Love”, landed her the first place overall title.

Jo-Anne Rudachuk, who judged the vocal classes at this year’s competition, said she was blown away by the talent of the young singer. “She is absolutely amazing and I would buy her records now,” Rudachuk said after presenting the young singer with her cash award on Saturday afternoon after Augusta took first place in the final sing down. Rudachuk would know, after having judged young singers for the last three years at the Kingston Fair. “Frankly I have never seen anything like her and I strongly feel that one day she is going to be really big.”

Augusta, who started singing at age 6, studied classical and operatic singing under Veronica Pressman of Aurora. Her favorite singers at that time were Andrea Bocelli and Paul Potts. She made an appearance at Carnegie Hall, where she sang Amarilli Mia Bella. At age 11 she made the switch over to country and has never looked back. “I remember driving to my brother’s hockey games and listening to Shania Twain and Garth Brooks on the radio and decided then that I wanted to make the switch,” she said at the Bedford Hall on Saturday.

Since the change, she has written a number of her own original country tunes and aims to not only record but to sing duets with some of the artists that she loves. “I'd love to sing “In Another’s Eyes” with Hunter Haze.” She was thrilled to be able to sing at Bedford and was encouraged by the positive feedback she received there. “People here could really relate to my songs and being able to connect to people through music is definitely one of the most rewarding things about being an artist.”

Cliff Rines, who organized this year’s competition, recalled getting a call from Augusta's father about entering his daughter in the competition. “It's great to know that the competition is attracting singers and musicians from all over and to see someone like Augusta wanting to get into country music. She made the trip all the way from Toronto to do so and that is really encouraging.”

What's next for Augusta? “I definitely want to be involved in the music business and will continue writing songs and coming out to sing at these kinds of competitions cause it’s a lot of fun and a really good learning experience.”

For more information about the championships visit www.frontenacoldtimemusic.com

No it's not a wildfire, but the Big Smoke Food Truck in Burridge will definitely fire up your taste buds-especially if Southern Barbeque is your thing. The new food truck, which has made Burridge its home, offers up diners a wide and authentic range of southern BBQ fare including rubbed, smoked and grilled beef and pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, meatloaf and chicken wings. Their combo selections include a huge helping of tasty fries and a generous fresh salad side that will satisfy bigger than normal appetites.

The business was started by British-born world traveler and culinary school graduate, Gareth Hewitt, who has called no fewer than nine different countries home. Hewitt has cooked in high end restaurants in England and Scotland, and closer to home at Aqua Terra in Kingston before being hired on at Seed to Sausage in Sharbot Lake. He settled in these parts after meeting and marrying local gal Allison Bright, who is now also the mom of their nine-month-old daughter.

It was a nasty bout of carpal tunnel syndrome that forced Hewitt to leave Seed to Sausage and to reinvent himself. Having developed a love for Southern Barbeque while living in St. Louis, Missouri in the late 1980's, Hewitt decided to purchase a chip truck he saw for sale in Verona. After fixing up the truck’s kitchen, adding a rustic exterior of barn board and hanging up two large chalkboard menu displays, he is now serving up some very memorable food truck fare that is worth the scenic drive to Burridge. “The Big Smoke” is located roughly halfway between Westport and Godfrey just off the Westport Road and opposite the Burridge fire station. Diners can sit at two umbrella-ed picnic tables under the shady trees and enjoy a delicious meal while inside the truck Hewitt mans his “Smokin' Tex smoker”, in which cuts of beef, pork and chicken from local producer Garrett's Meats in Inverary are smoked, sometimes for as long as 19 hours.

Hewitt's family offers him the extra hands he needs, with Allison and her father, Byron, assisting on busy weekends. The combo meals are as generous as they are finger lickin' good and Hewitt says he often sells out of the fresh sides, like his beet, feta and pear salad, which have caught on.

Vegetarians, have no fear- you will not walk away hungry. Hewitt's sister Kirsty inspired Hewitt's smoked portabella mushroom sandwich, which comes with smoked local cheese. The truck is definitely developing a regular fan base and Hewitt said that his facebook and twitter presence has brought out southern BBQ lovers from all over the area. His daily menu includes his own take on poutine, which he tops with generous portions of barbequed meat, his own secret homemade BBQ sauce (apple butter is one of the secret ingredients), cheese curds and gravy.

Other unique hot sides include BBQ mac and cheese and smoked corn on the cob plus a smoked meatloaf sandwich, which is his take on its plainer cousin- the chip truck burger. Other hearty and healthy sides include a spicy carrot salad and a home made apple coleslaw. Hewitt also sells Hillside coffee and caffeine lovers can enjoy a cappucino or latte.

For those craving a bit of authentic BBQ, The Big Smoke Food Truck in Burridge is a definite go to. For more information visit them on facebook at thebigsmokefoodtruck or on twitter at @tbsft. They will soon be on the web at www.thebigsmokefoodtruck. The Big Smoke Food Truck is located at 238 Burridge Road and is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays as well.