Kingston – The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority wishes to inform the media and general public that a scientist from the National Microbiology Lab of the Public Health Agency of Canada will be live trapping rodents on two CRCA-owned and managed properties this week.

Winnipeg-based Dr. Robbin Lindsay is collecting small mammals – primarily rodents – in areas around Kingston and a couple of other areas in Eastern Ontario for the purpose of collecting ticks to see if they are carrying the Powassan encephalitis virus as part of an ongoing active surveillance program, in conjunction with local public health units. He will be putting live traps in locations at both the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area and the Lemoine Point Conservation Area.

The public is being asked to stay on the marked trails and to avoid areas where active trapping is taking place. The trapping program on CRCA properties runs from Wednesday, Sept. 16 through to Saturday, Sept. 19. Animals being studied include mice, voles, shrews, chipmunks etc. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, visit www.crca.ca or call (613) 546-4228 x 500 or toll free in the 613 region at 1-877-956-CRCA (2722).  

Most individuals who camp, hike, or cottage in the Frontenac area have encountered snakes, turtles, and frogs. But there is another group of reptiles and amphibians in the area. These are the salamanders, and seven different kinds of these animals occur within the Frontenac region. However, many people have never seen one of these amphibians due to the fact that salamanders spend much of their lives hidden (either underground or under natural debris in the humid locations of cool forests). They may only emerge on rainy nights, not the time that most people like to go hiking, and this is why so few people encounter salamanders.

As with frogs, many salamander populations are in decline; therefore to help contribute to a better understanding of their numbers, I have been out collecting observational records of salamanders. These are sent to the Global Amphibian BioBlitz, which is presented by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Species Survival Commission, the Amphibian Specialist Group and the Amphibian Survival Alliance.

As such, I have had numerous opportunities to observe the salamanders that live within the Frontenac area. The most common species in most locations throughout the region is the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). These small, lung-less salamanders are very common in woodland areas. Aside from being prolific, these salamanders have extremely varied morphology in terms of colouration and pattern. The typical “red phased” individuals have a red dorsal stripe. This may be various shades of red, orange, or even yellow. Another colour phase exists in which no dorsal stripe is present and the salamanders are instead a uniform greyish-blue colour. Some even veer on purplish. These are known as Lead-backed Salamanders. Twice, I have had the extreme pleasure of observing rare leucistic (all white) forms. I have also seen a few predominately erythristic forms (all red).

Another species of small lungless salamander that I have observed frequently is the Four-Toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). These salamanders have a brownish to grey background colour, with white bellies speckled with black flecks. I usually encounter these salamanders in forests that are flush with various mosses, or in areas adjacent to bogs or forested ponds. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), considers the Four-toed Salamander to be rare, or at least rarely seen. This makes the numerous sightings that I have had of these salamanders that much more rewarding!

Another species of small salamander that is found in the area is the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). Most people encounter Eastern Newts during the Red Eft stage (terrestrial juvenile). At this point in their life cycle they are bright orange with red spots. Many of the Newts that I have seen were Efts, often in damp forested areas near wetlands or ponds. Most of the adult Newts that I have encountered were also on land, under cover close to water, although I have frequently encountered them in ponds and wetlands too.

The area is also home to several species of Mole Salamanders. Compared to the lungless forms and Newts, these salamanders seem like giants! One of the most commonly encountered of these is the Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale). These salamanders have a dark background colouration covered with blue speckles. I have encountered Blue-Spotteds legions of times, usually under pieces of bark or fallen logs in cool forests. One campground I visited seemed to be teeming with them. I found them under door mats, tent covers, and in wood piles.

Another commonly encountered mole salamander is the Yellow-Spotted (Ambystoma maculatum). This is the largest terrestrial salamander in Ontario, growing up to 20-25 cm long. They have a dark background colouration with bright yellow “polka dots”. These are highly variable in term of the number and size of the spots. I have observed A. maculatum as much as A. laterale. Particularly, under cover (logs & rocks), next to forested ponds and wetlands.

The largest salamander species in Ontario is the Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). These amphibians can reach lengths of close to 20 inches! With large external gills they are adapted to a totally aquatic life. I have observed mudpuppies many times just outside of the Frontenac area. Only once have I seen one within the region. Their preference for cool water means they usually leave the shallows in the summer and again often only emerge from rocky crevices at night.

The Frontenac area is home to many interesting salamander species, all of which are helpful to people by either preying on insects, mosquito larva and ticks, or by keeping forests and wetlands healthy. It is important to bring attention to these species as several are in decline, and certainly, people will not be supportive of protecting and conserving animals that they aren't even aware of.

Learn how you can help salamanders at: www.savethesalamanders.com

Mazinaw Lanark Forest Incorporated is a corporation made up sawmill operators and loggers with an interest in the Crown Land Forest in North Frontenac, Addington Highlands and Lanark County.

They supervise logging under a forest management plan with the Province of Ontario.

This month they are offering a unique opportunity for members of the public to learn about forestry from Mazinaw-Lanark Forest members, some of who come from families who have been logging in the region for up to 150 years.

They employ three distinct cutting techniques; selective cutting (40%), shelterwood (45%), and clear cutting (15% - followed by replanting) under a silviculture program that has been developed over many years and is adapted to the type of trees and the terrain they encounter in the region.

The tour that is planned for next week will be a hands-on event about forestry and forestry practices. Participants are encouraged to bring good footwear, water, snacks, big spray, etc. The tour leaves from the Mazinaw Lanark office in Cloyne (at the Barrie Hall-next to the Pioneer museum) and transportation through the bush will be provided.

The tour leaves at 12:00 noon and returns at 3:30 pm.

For further information or to register, call Pat Duncan at 613-336-0816 (extension 221) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Registration is limited so contact them today.

Party Crashers - Invasive Species - are bad news for our native plants. The Frontenac Stewardship Foundation has a plan to fight these party crashers, because invasive species are having a significant impact on the County of Frontenac’s natural biodiversity. The ecological effects of invasive species are often irreversible and, once established, invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to eradicate.

On August 29, join the Invasive Species Community Seminar and learn how to combat the party crashers in your area. The Frontenac Stewardship Foundation and Queen’s University Biological Station are hosting this active learning day at the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre, near Perth Road Village. The seminar is part of the Frontenac Stewardship 2015 Seminar Series. Sponsorship is generously provided by the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area.

Provincial leaders from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters join reps from Queen's University, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited to present current policy, research and on-the-ground practices for combating invasive species, using case studies that emphasize local threats.

Topics include: The risk of invasive species and preventing their spread; using research to guide policy and best practices; the Rapid Response Program; and

Invasive species strategy, monitoring and active control in the Frontenac Arch Natural Area.

Species of particular concern for our area include: wild parsnip, dog-strangling vine, zebra mussels, European frogbit, European buckthorn and garlic mustard. A tour of the Elbow Lake property will showcase the garlic mustard, dog-strangling vine and European buckthorn management areas. Learn how to identify local invasive plants at various stages, understand why these species are so invasive, and practise some recommended management strategies. Find out how you can help monitor the spread of invasive plants at a broader scale using Citizen Science programs.

The Invasive Species Community Seminar takes place on Saturday, August 29 from 9am to 3:30pm at the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre near Perth Road Village in South Frontenac Township. All are welcome; there is no charge for admission, but space is limited, so advance registration by Friday, Aug. 21, is recommended. Overnight accommodation is available on-site for a nominal fee. To register or for more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-353-7968. Also visit www.elbowlakecentre.ca.

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an invasive plant that is prevalent throughout the province, including the Mississippi Valley Watershed.

Wild parsnip, also known as poison parsnip, was added to the Noxious Weed List in 2015 and is a member of the carrot/parsley family. It typically grows a low, spindly rosette of leaves in the first year while the root develops. In the second year it flowers on a tall stalk and then dies. Like giant hogweed and other members of the carrot family, it produces sap containing chemicals that can cause human skin to react to sunlight, resulting in intense burns, rashes or blisters. Both the wild and cultivated forms of parsnip contain these toxic compounds, called furanocoumarins, and these do pose hazards to agricultural workers as well as those unwittingly exposed to the wild variety.

If you come into contact with the sap, you should:

• Wash thoroughly with grease-cutting soap and water
• Avoid further exposure of affected skin to UV/sunlight
• If burns occurs (symptoms appear within 48 hours) seek medical consultation
• If there is direct exposure to the eye (cornea), immediately flush with water and seek medical attention

The best way to avoid an unpleasant run in with wild parsnip is to learn how to identify it:

• It grows up to 1.5 metres tall.
• The single green stem is two to five centimetres thick and smooth with few hairs.
• Compound leaves are arranged in pairs, with sharply toothed leaflets that are shaped like a mitten.
• Yellowish green flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters 10 to 20 centimetres across.
• Seeds are flat and round.

If you see wild parsnip on public property, contact the local municipality. If you think you have wild parsnip on your property, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or report your sighting online at. www.eddmaps.org/Ontario. You will be asked to send in photos for identification. DO NOT touch, cut or collect parts of the plant for identification purposes.

Unlike most invasive plants, parsnip (the cultivated variety, as opposed to the wild plant) plays a role in agriculture, and is grown in all Canadian provinces as an annual crop.

Because of its unique chemical make-up, Wild Parsnip is the subject of research for a variety of medical and other uses, including insect repellant, treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis and its potential anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Wild Parsnip has also shown promise in phytoremediation of soils contaminated by metals. Research has shown that parsnip can absorb cadmium, nickel, lead and manganese.

Conservation Authorities are pleased to participate in the discussion and review of the Conservation Authorities Act as announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

“The role of Conservation Authorities around Ontario’s natural resources has changed significantly over the years in response to increasing challenges to our water and land resources,” said Kim Gavine, General Manager of Conservation Ontario.

“Stresses such as climate change, rapid growth, and changing land uses significantly challenge the health of Ontario’s watersheds. The work of Conservation Authorities has had to change in order to reflect this and we expect to see this discussed through the review of the Conservation Authorities Act.”

Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver a wide variety services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources in partnership with all levels of government, agencies, industry, and landowners.

The original Conservation Authorities Act was established in 1946. Some amendments have been made over time, including those in the 1990s which addressed local programs, fees, partnerships and other areas. In 2006, the scope of Conservation Authorities’ regulatory responsibilities changed to encompass additional water related hazards.

The Minster of Natural Resources and Forestry has posted a discussion paper for a 91-day comment period. The Ministry states that the objective for this review is to ‘improve the legislative, regulatory and policy framework that currently governs the creation, operation and activities of conservation authorities that may be required in the face of a changing environment’.

The discussion paper highlights and solicits feedback around three areas of interest: governance, funding mechanisms, and roles and responsibilities of Conservation Authorities.

To access the link to the discussion paper and comment online, visit the Environmental Registry at http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ and search for EBR Registry Number 012-4509 or “Conservation Authorities Act”

http://apps.mnr.gov.on.ca/public/files/er/Discussion_Paper_2015.pdf

In December 2011, the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) acquired the 100 acre Rose Hill Nature Reserve in Denbigh, a donation from sisters Bethany Armstrong and Charlene Bernhardt. The property had been owned by their family since the 1940s and due to its remote location is a quiet, wilderness oasis and wildlife haven.

On one of our first outings to the property, someone in the group noticed on an adjacent property an enormous boulder, an “erratic” deposited by glaciers during the ice age, that looked like it had something on the side of it. We wandered up the hill and were stunned to see a large bronze plaque mounted on the side of the boulder.

The plaque was a memorial to Robert Brodey and family friend Anna Hatton from Robert’s wife Patricia. On the plaque Patricia made a promise to Robert to keep the land as it was so that others may learn to love and respect nature as he did.

We were so mystified and moved by everything we had read that we managed to track down Patricia to let her know that she had a new Nature Reserve right next door to her property. We discovered that she now lived in Bar Harbour, Maine and had already been in conversations with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to donate the property. On learning about the MMLT and Rose Hill Nature Reserve, it just made sense to her to donate the property to us. It also made sense to NCC, knowing that we were already monitoring the adjacent property.

Patricia’s story is both tragic and inspiring at the same time. Here follows excerpts from her narrative telling her reasons for wanting us to preserve this beautiful 258 acre wilderness property.

“..I believe that this land can help in a very special way to bring to people an understanding of “how the world works”. A tall order for a small nature preserve in a large world.

To be sure there are many more dramatic places throughout Canada and the world with magnificent views, spectacular birds and other animals, places that draw visitors and encourage donations. I, as much as anyone, am awed by such places, but I believe that in focusing so much attention on the grand, we may draw attention away from the small: the parts, living and non-living, that keep the whole together and “make it work”. We see and applaud the macro and do not take the time to understand the micro.

I have been part-owner and later sole owner of this land for over 40 years. My former husband, Dr. Robert S. Brodey, was born in Canada and became an American citizen when he was employed as Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

When Bob was young he spent most of his summers at Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park and was influenced for the rest of his life by those early years in wilderness Canada. As an adult he dreamed of owning some wild land where he could canoe, hike, photograph and study natural history (his special interest was Ornithology).

Bob asked his mother, Jennie to send him real estate ads from the Toronto papers. One ad she sent drew us to a property near Denbigh, Ontario. We had to wear snowshoes as there was fairly deep snow on the ground, but despite the difficulty in getting around, Bob knew immediately that this was the land he had hoped to find. This was the first and only land we looked at because it was perfect.

In June, 1971, Bob and I purchased the first 110 acres of land. The main attraction was a beaver pond, dammed years earlier and creating a ring of dead trees around the pond. ..

Bob at some point realized that the south end of the beaver pond was connected to another 148 acres and in June, 1972, we purchased it. This parcel had open fields, lilac bushes and apple trees, as well as an old barn and one other small building. The old silvered wood from the buildings was quite valuable and over the years was slowly removed. All that remains is what is left of the stone foundations.

..Bob and I took many trips to Denbigh from 1971 to 1979. Our last trip together was in August, 1979 when we were introducing our friends, John and Anna Hatton, to our land. On August 10, 1979 it was raining and we decided to have breakfast at the Swiss Inn (by this time Werner and Martha Lips were our good friends, and we often stayed at the Inn and/or ate meals there when the weather was not conducive to camping or cooking over the camp fireplace.) After breakfast we planned to visit Anna’s sister in Shawville, Quebec. On the way, on Highway 41, we were in a serious automobile accident, where another car swerved into our car and we collided head-on. Bob was driving with John’s wife Anna behind him; both were killed instantly. John, in the passenger seat beside Bob was badly injured with seven double fractured ribs, a broken left arm and contusions on his lungs. I was sitting behind John and had only minor facial injuries. It appears that the other driver fell asleep at the wheel.

“Shortly after the accident I first approached the Nature Conservancy of Canada about eventually donating the land. On August 10, 1980, a celebration was held on the land with representatives from the Nature Conservancy as well as our families and friends. A bronze plaque was installed on Rose Hill Rock as a memorial to Bob and Anna and a promise to preserve the land in its wild state.

“John Hatton and I were married two years after our accident. It was several years more before John and I felt comfortable enough to come back to Denbigh and to camp on the land. We thought that it would be very difficult, but we found it to be very healing being in a place where we had last been with Bob and Anna.

Camping on this land has been one of the great experiences of my life. I had always been interested in Natural History, however being virtually alone in the backwoods of Canada where, if we chose, we could immerse ourselves completely in what was around us… the insects and other tiny creatures... We were often asked if we were afraid of the Black Bears, but though there were bear-claw marks on almost every Beech tree, we never in all our years had a bear come into our camp or even glimpsed one from a distance. (We later learned that the local bears frequently went into town for the easily available food; our camp food was always hung securely in a tree.)

“We often fell asleep to the calls of the Grey Tree Frog, calls that were loud and long but soothing and pleasant. However, we could be suddenly startled awake by the very loud screech of the Barred Owl, a sound that would terrify anyone unfamiliar with this bird, especially when one screech would be answered by another from the other side of the pond.

“We learned where to find the Sundew and Pitcher plants; we watched Hummingbirds on the Spotted Touch-Me-Not growing on the beaver dam. I especially looked forward to finding the all-white Indian Pipe flower and the larval amphibian, the scarlet/orange Red Eft.

“We watched Painted Turtles and Brown Water Snakes warming themselves on fallen logs. We hiked all over the land and explored the pond by canoe and on the trail we had cleared around it. The days and nights always passed too quickly and although we occasionally ventured into town to visit Werner and Martha and eat at the Swiss Inn, we spent most of our time alone in the woods. When we returned home our friends would often say, “How does it feel to be back in the real world?” to which we would answer “That’s where we’ve been!”

In late June, Patricia fulfilled her promise to her former husband to ensure that this special spot would be protected forever and made Rose Hill Nature Reserve a grand 358 acres. A celebration and a short tour of the property is planned for Saturday, August 8. Please visit the mmlt.ca website for more details as they become available.

About the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust: The MMLT is a non-profit, charitable organization that works directly and flexibly with landowners interested in permanently protecting properties with exceptional ecological value, often bringing the support of a number of tax benefits.

In addition to conserving land, MMLT believes that exposure to nature provides numerous personal benefits and offers regular opportunities to the general public to experience the wilderness first-hand on its nature reserves. MMLT currently manages over 2100 acres of wilderness conservation lands. For more information, contact the MMLT at 613-253-2722 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit the MMLT web site at mmlt.ca.

Last month the Kingston Field Naturalists held their 17th annual BioBlitz at Wintergreen Studios on Canoe Lake Road.

The purpose of a BioBlitz is to list as many different species as possible in a 24-hour period, thus giving a snapshot of the biodiversity of the site.

Sixty-six field observers spread over the property from 3pm on Friday, June 12 to 3pm Saturday, June 13, collecting information on everything from night time moths to early morning birds and from beautiful dragonflies to forest ferns. Participants included Kingston Field Naturalists, fellow naturalists from further afield, professionals, neighbours and youth. The public was invited.

Guided walks were held on a variety of natural history topics for those wishing to participate and learn about the ecology of the area. Topics included bird watching, and pond dipping as well as moth identification and dragonfly and butterfly listing and a plant identification walk. A couple of canoes were available to explore some wetland habitats. Other participants waded up to their waists to access the bog mat for different species. This year our non-species-listing activity was a sketching nature workshop.

All observed species were noted - from those that are very common to those on the endangered end of the scale. Plants varying in size from plankton in the pond to ferns, grasses and all herbaceous and woody plants were added to the tally. Spore-bearing species including fungi were included. All identified invertebrates including insects (butterflies, damsel and dragonflies, moths, flies, beetles, bees) and non-insect species (including spiders, ticks, centipedes, millipedes, slugs and snails), that were observed were also added to the tally. All vertebrate species (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) were noted.

The minnow traps left in the water overnight with bait and light sticks to attract species were well filled by morning. Observations enjoyed by participants included several Grey Ratsnakes, Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies pollinating Wood Lilies, an Arrow Spiketail (a lifer dragonfly for a professional naturalist), Luna Moth, Giant Leopard Moth and a Clearwing Moth. The Daisyleaf Moonwort and Rattlesnake Fern were new species for many. Three species of hawk were seen soaring about the same time. They were Red-shouldered, Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Active nests of Red-eyed Vireo and Rose-breasted Grosbeak were noted. Several special sightings of unusual or species-at-risk or of particular interest were added to the tally. A patch of 50 Showy Orchids was found, just past flowering. Several endangered Butternut trees were seen. A Fisher, a mid-sized mammal, was observed in the late evening. A Five-lined Skink (our only lizard) was an exciting find: a species of special concern. One Whip-poor-will, a threatened species, was heard calling.

How many species were found? The final tally is not in but we are hoping for about 600. We do know so far we have seven mammal species, 58 birds, three reptiles and four amphibians. Within the invertebrates 22 dragon and damsel flies, 16 butterflies and roughly 50 species of moth were recorded. The final tally of plants including seed and spore bearers is well over 200 including 11 species of fern and 24 sedge species.

(with a file from Jeff Green)

MPP Randy Hillier met with North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins on Sunday morning in Cloyne to discuss future economic development possibilities for North Frontenac and Addington-Highlands townships. They were joined by a small group of local entrepreneurs and business owners to start sketching out ideas on how both municipalities could benefit from, and grow, with some new investments in the area. The group had a two-hour discussion regarding options for stimulating the local economy and these ideas included an 80-room wilderness lodge and conference centre, a wood-pellet manufacturing facility, and a craft brewery.

Ashby Lake cottage-neighbours and Ottawa entrepreneurs Scott Annan and Dan Carruthers were two of those in attendance at Sunday's meeting. They're hopeful that they can capitalize on the recent community engagement they've seen since Nextera, an American-owned company, made a proposal to build over 100 turbines in North Frontenac and Addington-Highlands.

“One of the positives to come from this crisis is that it has people really talking with each other; engaging in real issues and taking a genuine interest in their community,” Carruthers said. “Let's turn this crucible moment into a catalyst for real, long-term development for the region by engaging connected representatives from the provincial, municipal, entrepreneurial and investment communities.”

Part of the goal last Sunday was to present an alternative option to the Addington-Highlands council to “replace the allure of wind turbines.”

“Your decision on this topic will be your legacy and residents of Addington-Highlands will bear the consequences of your decision for the next 20 years...and likely for many generations beyond,” Annan said in a note to the Council.

“It is time for you to make the right, albeit difficult, decision,” Annan said. “It is time for you to stand up and oppose clandestine partnerships. It is time for you to stop the division of residents, and instead to unite them through a common goal.”

Annan wrote to Council and local MPs hoping they could “work together to create a plan that will include a new lakefront resort and conference centre to generate dozens of long-term permanent jobs.”

The group feels that Bon Echo being open all year around would be an important ingredient to their success. They picture a four-season environment with a trail network that could be used for cross-country skiing and hiking. They envision huts built along the trails for snowmobilers, hikers, and skiers to use, like the popular ones that exist in Gatineau Park. They also suggested BBQ competitions, small concerts, wine and food events, and mountain bike races as possible events to attract people to the lodge and area.

“We could be the next Kawarthas,” Carruthers said. “There's an alignment happening right now.”

He imagines local organic gardening and livestock incorporated into cooking workshops with guest chefs, local craft beers, and outdoor activities in both summer and winter.

Carruthers is in the process of procuring investors for the project and currently had around $5-million committed to the project when this paper went to press.

“Let us define our own 'vibrancy fund'...one that is inclusive and homemade,” Annan suggested.

The Group suggested that green energy could be incorporated into their approach to the lodge but are against the use of wind turbines there as they are detrimental to their idea of promoting the area as being naturally beautiful.

Addington Highlands Reeve Henry Hogg and the rest of Addington Council were invited to the information session on Sunday but only Tony Fritsch replied, but wasn't able to attend.

When contacted, Reeve Hogg said that he did not know about the meeting until he checked his email on Monday morning. He thinks the email must have come in late on Friday afternoon.

“I'm not sure I would have attended if I had known, because I would need to canvass council if I was attending as a representative of Council. I don't know what was discussed at the meeting,” he said, “but I do feel whoever did attend would be well served by bringing their proposals to a meeting of AHEAD, our economic development committee. They have been meeting on a monthly basis for many years and are always looking for new proposals, and new members.”

As the first of 11 listed delegations relating to solar projects, Utilia Amaral of SunEdison said her company was not planning to proceed with the Groenewegen and Freeman Road projects at this time. She attributed this decision to the high degree of concern at last week’s community meeting about the connection lines from these projects running through heavily populated areas. She said her company would look at alternate routes, in the hope of submitting these projects at a later date.

Amaral went on to address other concerns, including impacts on property values, visual buffering and noise during installation. In regard to stray voltage, she said SunEdison was prepared to fund an independent engineer appointed by the community, who would establish baseline levels and investigate any concerns about stray voltage that might be identified, “providing resolution if related to the project.” She also described how the company planned to address issues related to environment, endangered species, groundwater/wells monitoring and future decommissioning of the facility.

Councilors Revill and Sutherland asked about buffer plantings, and were told that the Ministry of Environment required that all buffer plantings should reach 90% of capacity growth in five years. Amaral said a landscaping firm would be contracted to provide maintenance of buffer plantings and all on site growth, including grass cutting. Sutherland asked if there was any likelihood of shared use, such as grazing sheep or goats, or bee-friendly plants. Amaral said that plantings to attract honey bees and other pollinators would be a possibility. However although grazing animals are used in some countries, provisions for this are not in place in Ontario.

Of the remaining delegations, seven were speaking in particular reference to the Groenewegen proposal and two to the Freeman one. They questioned the management of other SunEdison projects in the Kingston area, said that all the profits would be going to the US, raised the issues of stray voltage, threats to wildlife, and damage to property values. They asked what benefit the South Frontenac would gain from solar farms. Mayor Vandewal said that Council was still in negotiations with SunEdison as to amounts, but there would be an up-front payment to the township, and “annual contributions.”

One delegate, former Bedford Councillor David Hahn, spoke in support of solar power. He said he had a small solar project on his own property, and was a member of a 150-member green energy cooperative which invests in solar projects. He said the world was shifting to renewable power: that in the past year, more solar and wind projects had been developed than any other power sources, such as nuclear or coal. He also pointed out that solar power had the advantage of being most available at times of peak use, especially in the summer when air conditioners are in use.

CAO Orr said that six or seven letters addressing solar issues had arrived too late to be included in this agenda, so would be brought forward next meeting.

New Solar Proposal for Storrington Area

Jeff Allan and Greg Rossetti came on behalf of Bondfield Construction with a new project proposal, this one south of Battersea, covering a 300-acre site. They emphasized that theirs is a wholly Ontario company, and they already have elicited very positive responses from abutting landowners. They are planning a community meeting soon.

(In order to accommodate the unusually large number of delegations, Council met at 6:00 to deal first with the following items of business.)

Parking Restrictions and a One-way Street for Sydenham?

Public Works Manager Segsworth is scheduling an open house at the municipal hall, Sydenham, on July 28, 7:00-9:00. Residents can view maps of proposed parking changes, and get information about making Cross Street a one-way street.

Hartington Brownfield Cleanup

Segsworth said the cleanup of the corner site in Hartington has been completed for $137,000: this leaves enough remaining in the budget to cover installation of monitoring wells. No mention was made of the (reported by a resident) dispersion of rats into the neighbourhood, when the building was torn down.

New Scales at Portland Waste Site

The scales are on site, and will go into operation July 15: from then on, all waste brought to the Portland waste site will be charged by weight.

Banners will be used to notify residents of the change. “We will have some hiccups: everything associated with solid waste seems to be complicated,” said Segsworth.

Reconfiguration of Intersections

“Historically, one can drive from Hartington to Holleford without stopping,” said Segsworth, “For experienced locals this is no problem, but newcomers don’t always realize one should yield at Vanluven and Trousdale Roads.” He showed maps of these intersections and another in Storrington that he is recommending for reconfiguration as soon as possible.

Appreciation of First Responders

Mayor Vandewal expressed deep thanks on behalf of Council to the fire department’s first responders who were on hand during the recent highway tragedy near Spaffordton.