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Re:Garrett
Family History 
(July
4,2003)
I am doing research on the life of Matthew Garrett, who was my great
grandfather.
As you no doubt know, on November 18, 1876, he was murdered by four drunken railroad workers in his boarding house in Sharbot Lake.
In 1875 - the year before he was killed, Matthew purchased Lot 13, Concession 1 in Oso Township, which was 95 acres of land, for $75; so he owned all the land where Sharbot Lake is today. He was one of the most prominent men of the area when he was murdered.
Recently my cousin and I spent three days in the Sharbot lake area looking for his gravesite, with no luck. It is unusual that there is no tombstone anywhere in the area. Can you help me find his gravesite?
His wife Elizabeth died in 1888 and there is no gravesite for her either. Her last will and testament stated that her house was to be sold to the occupant - a man named H.H Roberts. It was located on part of Lot 13, Concession 1 in Oso Township. Is it possible that the Sharbot Lake Country Inn, where we stayed last week, is Elizabeth Garrett's house?
If anyone can help, please contact me.
Cecil Paul
99 Sidney Street, Apt 307,
Belleville, Ont, K8P 4X1, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ompah
Snowmobile Club has One Last Chance(June
26,2003)
The
Ompah Snowmobilers Club held its meeting on June 21 to determine the
fate of the clubhouse and property, but did not receive the support that
was hoped for.
It was the general consensus from the 15 people attending (11 supporters, 3 executive & 1 chairperson), that the meeting was well publicized but that the community does not comprehend the effects that selling the Clubhouse and grounds will have on the area.
A few items that may be of concern to the population of the Ompah area and the bureaucrats (that did not see it necessary to attend) need to be addressed. The major one is the possible loss of the Air Ambulance Heliport. The Heliport was built by the Snowmobile Club members on Club property and could end up being lost if the property is sold. The township only maintains the Heliport and does not own the land, so if a new landowner does not want it, it would become a burden on the township to rebuild it elsewhere.
Also, it was noted that the property and the Clubhouse is there for everyone to utilize for such events as a kids fun fair or a family gathering (reunion) or whatever -(for a small fee)- and is not being used to the fullest of its potential. A vacant unused property can only be a burden on the people responsible for it and this financial burden could mean the loss of the property.
Another date of July 19 at 7pm has been set for a final meeting and we ask any person, be it a member or a councillor or just a concerned person from the community, to attend, as this will be the last and final meeting and a decision will be handed down at the close of the meeting to keep or sell the property.
It is also the consensus of the board members that with the lack of support from the last meeting and the fact that on average eight persons attend our meetings and support the club, we do not require such an elaborate meeting place, so I challenge you to come with your ideas to change our minds on this matter.
Another point of concern is the fact that with the lack of support from both its members and the community, the club may not be able to meet its obligation for trail maintenance and preparation this fall. The club may be forced to close all trails for this season, with continued closure should support not come back. This would mean that all trails within the Ompah system would still be insured for the landowner, but would not be groomed or maintained. Ninety-nine% of all trails lead to businesses, and this would surely be a large economic blow to them, (the E trail across the top would remain open but anything south of Quackenbush and Calabogie would be unmaintained and closed) .
This matter is one that could effect every person in the area and should not be taken lightly. Something that was built by the community, for the community, needs the support of the community, because once it is lost it will be gone forever.
Please attend the July 19 meeting. Without your volunteer input and support we will not be able to continue.
Neil Bennett, President, Ompah Snowmobilers Club
Re:
UN, Not Canada in control of Biosphere Reserves (June
19,2003) The article on Frontenac Arch
Biosphere Reserve really struck a chord in me! When the author
identified the value of the United Nations Biosphere designation as
recognizing "...the area as a globally outstanding environmental
area without putting any regulations on the area, its residents or their
activities" I was underwhelmed at the ignorance expressed on this
vital topic.
First of all, Biosphere Reserves are established under Treaty Law, which when signed has greater clout than any law passed in our Parliament. The author rightly said that "Their first task is to receive and to celebrate the special U.N. charter for the new reserve...." Yes, signing the agreement is first. However, in the future the United Nations, not Canada or Central Frontenac, has the power to determine land use.
Second, there is a vast paper and electronic trail of tears by individuals and modern-day prophets who have identified the land grab for what it is: the stealing away of our sovereignty over our own land. If you think and feel nothing about this, you are not alive! This means the future of our children and our grand children.
We have gathered a critical mass of civil servants who are more concerned about looking good and pensioning-up than about the security of our NATIONAL FUTURE. In order to fight the good fight against misconceptions of just how altruistic the United Nations is, I will present documentary evidence of this land grabbing in a videotape, which I will lend to anyone who is concerned about this issue. Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I believe we should nurture public dialogue. I do not believe that civil servants (at any level) should be entrusted with all power in determining the destiny of future generations. Without dialogue, without reflection, without knowledge, the Trojan Horse wins the day. Let us not "eat cake" on this one. George Balogh
Re:Fencing
Trails (June
6,2003)I am writing in response to the
article "Landowners drop Bombshell on C.F. Council", in your
issue of May 29. The article dealt with concern about a possible major
expense that would have to be borne by residents of the Township due to
the request for fencing along the K&P Trail north of Sharbot Lake on
the Bell Line Road.
As you stated, Section 20 of the line fences Act states that the new owner of land which was once a railway right-of-way, is responsible for the cost of maintaining the fence, which might include building a new one if it is necessary. Section 4 of this act, which you did not mention, however, stipulates that "where the owner of any land desires to have a fence constructed, or where such a fence exists, to have it repaired or reconstructed, the owner may request that a fence viewer be asked to arbitrate the nature of the work to be done, according to specific details as outlined in section 8.
This is a very important point, because it is a sad fact that some landowners who did not want to see a rail-trail as their next door neighbor, have tried to sabotage the trail idea by demanding very expensive, unnecessary, or useless fencing. Somehow the myth has spread that all they have to do is demand a new fence and the Municipal Council has no choice but to comply. This is absolutely false.
Council has the right to call in a fence viewer whose responsibility it will be to determine the need (or otherwise) for a new or repaired fence, according to the stipulations of Section 8 of the Act. Clause 2 of this Section is of particular relevance because it states that "in making the award, the fence-viewers shall have regard to the suitableness of the fence to the needs of each of the adjoining owners", etc. There is no room for doubt; the fence-viewer has the responsibility of ensuring that the request is reasonable and justified.
I will admit to having no first-hand knowledge of the state of the existing fences in the section of the trail referred to in your article. I do know however, that on most of the K&P right-of-way being considered for possible acquisition by the Township of South Frontenac (from Orser Road south of Harrowsmith, to Picadilly), either good fences already exist or there is no need for a fence due to the nature of the terrain. Councils, both South Frontenac and Central Frontenac, should not be intimidated by threats of limitless demands for new fencing.
Douglas J. Knapp, Chair, K&P Trail Group
(June 6,2003)
We are writing this letter to thank friends and neighbours in our
Harrowsmith community for their support over the past 5 years while we
all live with Cliffs diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease).
Fighting
unfair property taxes (May 15)
Our ordeal began in July 2002 when we received a supplementary property assessment stating that as of August 2002 our assessed value increased and therefore caused our taxes to quadruple.
Was it fight or fold for the Smiths? Our answer was FIGHT!!! Heres why. Because my husband and I do not like to have debts, our home is only half finished. Being in the construction trade, we knew that our house was not worth half of the assessed value. Apparently, according to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation the assessor had assessed our home from afar, assuming it was finished. If they had looked closer, they would have noticed there was no kitchen, no septic, unfinished walls, etc... Appealing properly assessment values is time consuming and a pain in the neck, but if you are in the same boat that we were in, there are very important steps you must take, in this order:1. A Request for Reconsideration must be filed with MPAC before the end of the year in question (i.e. for the 2003 taxation year the deadline would be December 31, 2003). You can get the form by calling the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) at 1-866-296-6722.
2. Prepare to also file an appeal to the Assessment Review Board (ARB). Make note of the date by which you must file your appeal at the bottom of your supplementary and/or annual assessment notices.
3. Try to resolve the matter with MPAC before contacting ARB, but don't wait until the due date to file with ARB is passed. If you miss this date and your request for reconsideration is not resolved, your property assessed value will be fixed at the amount shown.
4. File a Property Assessment Complaint with the ARB before the due date. Call 1-800-263-3237 to order the form(s) you need. To be sure you receive them in time, I suggest having them faxed. I tried to have them mailed, but they never arrived, even to this date. Filing this complaint does carry a $50 fee for residential and $100 for farm, but keep in mind that it will cost you more in the long run.
5. Keep good records. Fax or send your communications with MPAC and ARB by registered mail.
6. Get ready for a hearing with the ARB. Prepare evidence to back up your case by: a) reading the local real estate papers and cutting out the ads of properties similar to yours with lower resale values, and
b) Visiting your township office to collect information about similar properties in your area. Make sure you ask for the square footage of the homes. It is public knowledge.
7) If you are lucky and your request for reconsideration is resolved before you go to the hearing, ARB will refund your fee. For those of you who are getting a constant runaround from MPAC, here are the names & phone numbers of two managers at the Brockville office, 2479 Parkedale St. (the numbers in the 2002-2003 Bell directory are not in service any more): Harold Bryan (for his ext. use directory) 1-613-342-3296 or 1-877-275-7779. Harold can also be reached at the Cornwall office ext. 323 at 1-877-239-9643; Kevin McDougal ext.224 at 1-613-342-3296 or 1-877-275-7779.
In our case MPAC was very fast in resolving our request for reconsideration after we filed the Property Assessment Complaint with the ARB. Perhaps if enough of us appeal our assessments, MPAC will amend their systems to be more accurate.Elizabeth Smith
Wild
Mushrooms experts wanted (May 15)
As a child, a long time ago, I lived in a small country village in South Wales, Britain. Early in the mornings, I would search the emerald green fields for "fairy rings" - dark circles in the grass, in which grew the most delicious mushrooms. They say that the mushroom spores are passed through the urine of horses, and it is that same urine that causes the grass to darken in rings.
I have recently purchased a country home in Elphin, where the previous owners kept horses. Imagine my delight to find "Fairy rings" on my lawns. From the darkest of the grasses, beautiful mushrooms grow. I am cautious, however, as I am afraid of poisoning myself. Could you, or your readers suggest any authority responsible enough to examine the mushrooms and pronounce them fit, or not. Please contact:
Ken Scott-Humphry (613) 278-0613 2635 Elphin Maberly Rd, R.R. #1 McDonald's Corners, KOG 1MO
RE: Harvesting Dead Trees (May 1, 2003) In your coverage of the March 27Central Frontenac council meeting, you note that my request for harvesting dead trees for firewood was denied. All the people I have talked to thought it was a reasonable request, and that rather than allow a resource to be wasted it would not have taken much effort on behalf of the township to put a fair, efficient process in place to make it happen. We clearly must look to our governments at all levels for leadership, rather than the attitude that if it requires an effort we can't help you no matter how much sense it makes.
I followed up with the proper authorities regarding the environmental impact of allowing wood to rot. The response from the Renewable Energy Program of Natural Resources Canada was dead trees will give off methane (CH4) as they rot, this is a very strong greenhouse gas. Every pound of methane released to the atmosphere has the effect of 21 pounds of CO. Clearly my request is not just environmentally friendly, but, in fact, is a step toward the reduction of greenhouse gases. Sometimes just leaving things in their natural state is not the proper course of action - nature can use a helping hand from all of us; however, I doubt this was a motivating factor behind council's decision. I hope that all levels of government would be on board with the Kyoto initiative and willing to make it happen before they expect your average citizen to make the sacrifices that will be necessary to invoke change.Art Dunham
Re: Arden dump(April 24, 2003)
Last spring you printed a photograph of the freshly renovated Arden dump. That picture was taken before residents actually began using it.
All of the trees between the dump and the road were razed, apparently in order to make it easier for heavy machinery to gain access to the area. Now we have a snow fence instead, and a few 18" scrawny trees which were planted (at great expense to local taxpayers) to replace the lovely forested area. We've heard from several readers complaining about the ugly spectacle that greets visitors to Arden now. Just thought I'd send a recent pic to show you what we're all complaining about. It's only fair that you print this one too ..... dont you think?
Joanne
Pickett
RE: No Room for Profit Making in Homecare (April 24, 2003) Dalton McGuinty was in Kingston on April 15 commenting on the pending VON closure. He said that the Liberals would increase money to agencies like the VON.
While I am glad that he supports the VON, he just does not get the problem. The problem is competitive bidding. When you have one agency bidding against another for an essential service where 90% of the costs are labour, there will be problems like those faced by the Kingston VON. Inevitably wage and working conditions will be driven down by competition on for the lowest bid. This will increase nursing shortages and turnover. Continuity and quality of care will decrease. Patients will suffer and the system will not work - which is precisely what is happening in home care in Ontario.
If McGuinty and the Liberals will not stop competitive bidding, then all their platitudes about supporting the VON are not worth the paper they are on. They will not work. The Liberal solution of increasing funding whenever there is a problem or a public outcry will only lurch us from one crisis to the next.
There is no room for profit taking in home care. There is no need for competitive bidding. We need all those dollars to deliver patient care. We need a public, non-profit, locally controlled home care system.
Allan McPhail, Sydenham
RE: 'Oil and Water Mixing Nicely in Sydenham" (April 10, 2003) I read with interest Wilma Kenny's report (April 3, 2003) on South Frontenac Council, in which she informs us that the engineering firm responsible for the proposed water system has agreed to prepare a progress report. It was then that I realized the page 1 article Oil and Water Mixing Nicely in Sydenham was not a put-on after all, and indeed was probably that much-anticipated report!! '. However, your readers should know that later tests proved that what was assumed to be oil under the lake and village was not oil after all, but merely sludge and garbage. Many older residents have known that it was there for years, because the western end of the lake was the site of the town dump for decades. They suspect there may have been more than just sludge and garbage in the samples, what with many older septic systems in parts of the village. However we are glad to report, in the same spirit as your article, that Mayor Leopard was very apologetic, admitting that he and the council, being politicians, should have recognized it for what it was right away from the smell. So the residents of Sydenham have had to forget about receiving "several hundred thousand dollars" each and have gone back to wondering how to stay out of the poorhouse. The comments attributed to the Portland and Storrington councillors were interesting too, indicating more interest in Sydenham than they have shown up to now.
Richard Munroe, Sydenham
Re: The War in Iraq (April 3, 2003) In reference to the letter to the Editor by Pierette Cardinal, Paula and Eileen Farthing published March 27, 2003
In my opinion, we as Canadians should not be ashamed for not supporting our American neighbors and allies, but should be embarrassed of our Prime Minister, Mr. Chretien and his party for not supporting them. Maybe he should take the time to see what the people of this country really want. No one wants to go to War, even the troops that are there in Iraq fighting for our freedom. But, if our neighbors are willing to put their lives in danger with Iraq, than we should support them.
Chretien hides behind his party and the UN and does not look at the whole picture. I know that if some country were to cause any type of terrorism on Canada, the US would always be there for us. But because we had declined to help them, I am not sure anymore. This will definitely hurt our country in the future and Chretien needs to open his eyes. We as Canadians have the right to fight for Freedom and if that means Saddam Hussein needs to be removed from power, than we should be there to help our neighbors.Donna Smith
Re: the War in Iraq (March 27, 2003)
In our opinion, we as Canadians should be ashamed that we are not supporting our American neighbours and allies in removing a cruel dictatorship from our world.
We are with or against Saddam Hussein.
We would like to know what type of poll, if any, was undertaken by Mr. Chrien or his government to determine the percentage of the population who did not want Saddam Hussein removed from power. And was it a majority?
Ninety-nine percent of the people we have spoken to feel we should support our neighbours and allies. In our opinion, Mr. Chrien is a pisou (afraid).
We are sure our veterans of both World War I and World war II would be appalled by the Liberal Partys pacifism.
One of our surviving veterans was quoted on May 22, 2003: There may be 500 peace protesters out there; but where are the rest of the people?
One of us went to Ottawa three weeks ago to observe the protesters. Most were schoolchildren. Are we taking a leaf from Saddams book hiding behind our children?
Pierette Cardinal, Paula & Eileen Farthing
Re: Unhappy Letter Writer (March 27, 2003)
It was with a little curiosity that I read the response of Mr. Kennedy regarding his letter being edited for space considerations. Although I have had the opportunity to read his letters many times in the Whig and elsewhere, this is the first time I have clearly seen the agenda of his writings. I dont always agree with Mr. Kennedy but his opinion is always welcome and I take all his views as his own. Unfortunately because of Mr. Kennedys apparent long-windedness, the editing taken upon by yourself was not welcome. His taking my bat & ball and going home response gives me a better understanding of Mr. Kennedy. You just cant please everybody. Kevin Collins
Re: Unhappy Letter Writer
I would like to take issue with your publication of the submission from Unhappy Letter Writer in the March 13 edition. First, you printed my photograph with the letter. In the aftermath, I had several people contact me, saying things like: "It isn't really you" and "Far too good looking". I know this isn't your fault, but it hurts. Secondly, Unhappy (I hope the author doesn't mind first names) acknowledged your right to edit and you said you had done so. Why didn't you finish the job? Like zip!
With respect to the content of the letter, I'd like to make several points. First, I do not own a snowmobile; nor am I a member of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, although I admire the OFSC as a well-run organization with a high sense of community responsibility. I am a past president and past executive director of the Ontario Trails Council, an organization whose membership includes not only OFSC but also such highly regarded groups as the Ontario Equestrian Federation and Hike Ontario. Please take special note of the "past" on both of those positions, and, for Unhappy's benefit, "equestrian" means "horses".
Secondly, the building occupied by The Frontenac News is not now, nor was it ever, owned by the trails kingpin. It is owned by the queenpin and if that isn't clear to Mr. Letter Writer, please assure him that the queenpin makes it very clear to me.
Thirdly there is a great deal of redundancy in Mr. Letter Writer's letter. For instance, it's not necessary to say that he has had confrontations with various groups. I'm sure he's had confrontations with everyone. Also, his point about "criticizing hypocritically" - well really! Anyone who capitalizes "Truth" as though it came straight from God probably doesn't know what hypocritical means.
I must say, though, that I'm flattered by the moniker "Kingpin" and some family members have started calling me KP. It really serves to personalize my belief in the K&P trail concept and I'm very pleased to be supported in this initiative by a widely published individual like Unhappy Letter Writer.
Thank you for hearing me out. I enjoy your paper.
Sincerely, Kingpin
Re: Municipal Candidates (March 13, 2003)This letter is in reply to the article by Inie Platenius regarding "Municipal Candidates", and the apparent lack thereof (February 28, 2003). She wonders if amalgamation is a contributing factor, and has very clearly set out some of the pitfalls that elected representatives in South Frontenac may encounter. That's a subject we in Sydenham can relate to.
There is great resentment in Svdenham of the fact that six "outside" councilors were involved in deciding that Sydenham must have a municipal water system, and that even with substantial government funding, some 250 villagers will have to pay for it. Over 80% declare that they expect the costs to be not manageable!I find it appalling that these six "outsider" councillors should feel entitled to vote on a by-law having such social and financial impact on a community they don't really represent. They admit that the problem of Sydenham water was known prior to amalgamation, and we were told that it was decided then, by whomever, that it was to be considered a Loughborough District problem and that the other districts would stay out of it! It is clear to me now that their attitude was "Don't bother me with details, just tell me how to you want me to vote." Their lack of understanding of the feelings and wishes of the affected residents of Sydenham suggest to me they stayed out of it all right, -right to the point of being uninformed of what was involved in the whole scheme. This was really brought home to me at the Council Meeting of March 4, where in response to questions, not one of the five "outside" councillors present would admit to having read the consulting firm's report on which the need for water system was based!
Let's compare their actions with Ms. Platenius' guideline, the one that indicates that "a councilor has to know when to rely on the recommendations of municipal staff and to be willing to dig for the background information when she feels uncertain of those recommendations." Do you wonder why there's resentment?
Ms. Platenius used both "him" and "her" in referring to councilors. However, in the interests of fairness, I must point out that the only "she" on council was the sole dissenter to the passing of the by-law, suggesting to me that she was the only one doing her homework. It could be, too, that lady politicians are more in tune with public opinion, or less likely to succumb to the herd instinct than their male counterparts, at least in matters requiring a social conscience. Another of Ms. Platenius' observations is that: "a good councillor has to weigh the good of the whole municipality against the wishes of his own district." (I changed "her" to "him" because it was the male councillors who let us down!) I believe that it would have been wiser to have involved the whole of South Frontenac in solving this problem, and to have begun to prepare immediately for the similar crises that are sure to be encountered someday by our sister communities, perhaps someday soon. No, I don't feel that Sydenham was well served by Storrington's Barr and Lake, nor by Bedford's Hahn and Stowe, nor by Portland's Robinson and Smith. And especially, not by Loughborough's Pobran.Richard Munroe, Sydenham
Re: Memories of a Mississippi Family (March 10, 2003) Thank you once again for the great little paper that keeps me in touch with back home (Mississippi Station). I enjoy it greatly and pass it on to others who spent most of their lives back north.I notice you have had several articles on a musical family, "The Abrams". You are to be commended for this, because one of the hardest things to do is for performers to get good publicity about their music and the events they play at. I have first-hand experience at this, as my family, "The Deacons", consisting of my mother and dad, sister and two brothers, played music for most events such as dances and wedding receptions from Mississippi Hall to Hopetown. I remember--even before I was a teenager-- playing for dances with the other family members and continued right into my 20s, when I came to Kingston with my sister to find work.
I am proud to say at the age of 71 years I am still playing piano and electric guitar, my favourite music being western-swing and blues-jazz. Do I ever wish your little paper was around when our family was playing for all those events, but at that time we were at war and one was lucky to have a paper at all, and if you did, it was always one day late! Although I have never heard this talented family play, one can tell by the write-ups in The News that they put their heart and soul into it when they play and the audience appreciates their musical talents. I can only say this tired world of ours certainly can use some good old toe-tapping music to lift the spirits, and the more often, the better! Bill Deacon, KingstonRe: Sydenham residents need positive attitude (February 12, 2003)
The residents of Sydenham need to take a positive attitude toward the decision to install a water system. The village has numerous homes and businesses and has been on wells and septic systems for many years. It is to council's credit that they have initiated action regarding the water quality. They should be praised for taking action when there is financial assistance available from other levels of government. We must remember they are only the messenger; they didn't cause the poor quality water. This was done by the current and past residents of the village. If they hadn't taken action and people began having health problems they would be criticized for that. It is kind of a no win situation that people like Mayor Leonard and council face. Letters to the editor and reports from Wilma Kenney indicate that the feeling is that others in the township should bear part of the costs. Many reasons are given, that the income of the people in the village is such that they can't afford to pay the costs, that there are many senior residents in the village, single parents etc. They should note that there are many people who live in the rural part of the township who have the same situations: seniors on pensions, single parents, low income earners, etc. The facts are that these rural residents are on wells and septic systems themselves and if something goes wrong, which is a regular occurrence, the residents of South Frontenac don't help them to pay for it. A new well and pump can exceed $5,000; a septic bed $10,000 or more, and I don't think Wilma has ever done without a cup of coffee to help pay for them. The villagers have had help with their systems over the past years with grants. These grants were not available to people outside the village. I think it is time a generation faces up to the water quality issue and deals with it. Homes would become more saleable and the value of the homes would increase as well. Why leave it for another generation, as has been done in the past. Rather than spending money on lawyers to fight the proposed system, their efforts would be better spent making deals with contractors to lower the costs and in getting more appropriate loan rates at the level of current mortgage rates. Bill Flynn, Sydenham
Re:
Snowmobiles running open water (February
12, 2003)
The organized water crossing competitions one watches on television follow strict safety procedures to protect the spectators, participants, and the environment. Wardens ensure the safety of the participants, and that the site is left free of litter and debris. The snowmobiles involved must use only water as a coolant, and vegetable oil in theirchaincases.Gas tanks are sealed. Alcohol is banned. Spectators are kept at a safe distance. Only one machine at a time is allowed on the course.
None of these precautions are observed at the informal, unorganized water skipping events which have appeared in late winter in recent years at various sites in Central and South Frontenac. The participants simply ignore safety and environmental considerations, in the mistaken belief that the law ends at the water's edge.
Reacting to the potentialthreat of environmental damage, serious injury, or loss of life posed by these events, last winter the Sudbury area OFSC S.T.O.P. Coordinator, after consulting with the crown attorney, issued a press release stating that anyone running open water would be charged with careless driving. As well, if any snowmobile which sank in the water leaked gas, oil or antifreeze, environmental charges, carrying fines of up to $10,000, would be laid by the Ministry of the Environment.
The following week two snowmobilers who chose to ignore this warning were charged with careless. One contested the charge and was convicted in court. The second just paid the fine.
Wayne Harris, VP, Sharbot Lake Dist. Snowriders
Re:
Sydenham water a South Frontenac Township problem
(February
5, 2003) (February
5, 2003)As
a resident of the village of Sydenham I am indeed comforted by Mayor
Leonard and his council's obvious concern for our health and well-being
as evidenced by their recent passing of the Sydenham Water Works by-law
and Mayor Leonard's comments in Wilma Kenny's Frontenac News article of
January 8, 2003, as follows: ".. .council was elected to look after
the health and safety of all the residents; how could we live with
ourselves if we turned down the chance for municipal water and then a
tragedy happened".
Despite these expressions of concern, council is prepared to encumber residents of the village of Sydenham with an average cost of around $6000 per household to install this municipal water system, not to mention the hookup costs for residents, some of which are expected to be in the neighbourhood of $15 - $20,000.
Council seems little concerned by the sentiments expressed by many of the residents that these costs are prohibitive.
If council were truly concerned about the well-being of the residents of Sydenham they would be considering ways to address this significant financial burden. A mechanism to do so clearly exists. It appears that the residents of Sydenham are being encumbered by the cost of this system as a result of a "deal", made at the time of amalgamation between the various districts, which now make up South Frontenac Township, that Sydenham water would be a Loughborough District problem. The fact of the matter is that Loughborough District no longer exists. We are all part of South Frontenac Township and this problem is a South Frontenac Township problem.
As far as I am aware, the costs of road repairs, for example, are not apportioned to the residents of the district in which the roads are being repaired. Also, I suspect that if the village of Harrowsmith or Yarker developed water problems tomorrow, all residents of South Frontenac (including residents of Sydenham) would pay, through their taxes, to address this problem. This is an absolutely appropriate way to deal with such problems. It is time that Mayor Leonard and his council removed the blinkers that keep them looking at the Sydenham water issue as a "Loughborough" problem and realized that it is a South Frontenac problem with a South Frontenac solution.
By my calculation, and using 2001 data for South Frontenac Township from Statistics Canada, there are 8,541 total private dwellings in the Township. If the cost of installing the Sydenham Municipal Water system was spread across these households it would amount to a one-time cost of approximately $200 per household. This cost could, of course, be spread over a number of years. For most people $200 is not going to break the bank - for many of the residents of the village of Sydenham, $6000 will.
A. Alastair Lamb
Re: Possible solutions (January 29, 2003)
Last week I wrote about my dismay about our municipal taxation.
I would not dare to imply any criticism without exploring some possible solutions.
Proposals are underway for a convention centre with an in-residence artists' community. In my humble opinion this will be of little value to our community unless an infrastructure was present, able to entertain and service the visitors. Most conventioneers are out for a good time and pampering, with little interest in hiking, etc., and few artists earn enough to contribute to the tax base in a meaningful way.
Whenever I mention our area, nobody seems to have heard about it. This points to a need to make Ontarians and New Yorkers, specifically, aware about our region. This needs to be done by professionals, thus a PR firm with savvy. As we cannot afford seasoned high-priced consultants we should approach some young and upcoming, new-on-the-block outfit. Offer them a commission on any new tax income resulting from their efforts.
Then we should look to other small communities that climbed out of the mire. Why re-invent the wheel? Elora, St.Jacobs, Bobcageon and Westport immediately come to mind.
- We should attract new business by waiving or reducing taxes for five years.- We should develop the waterfront to accommodate leisurely walks, open air concerts, etc with, for instance, a boardwalk.
- We should approach real estate developers to construct a seniors' community, with house prices around $120,000.One of the ways to make it possible is with OPM (Other People's Money), a time-honoured accepted system in the business world, but this will only happen if we can convince business with conviction about what we have to offer. Hence my first point...proper, professional PR.
Through it all we should never loose sight of retaining our rural identity and carefully protecting our natural beauty.Leo M. van der Ham, Parham
Re: Mayors consider their futures (Jan 15, 2003)I read with alarm the statement Mayor MacDonald made in your last issue about not seeing any alternative to increasing municipal taxes once more this year.
I fully understand the dilemma in which he and our representatives find themselves, trying to cope with the demands of running a county where funding has to come from a low population with few commercial businesses, while having to deal with ever increasing downloading from the province. But where is the end? I moved here in November of 99 and have seen my taxes increase by 15%, a rate double to triple that of our sister counties, while assessment remained virtually the same.
I have heard talk about trying to attract home-based and small industries to this county, which offers great beauty and a quiet lifestyle. But, if location is not job related, as in the case of writers, computer software designers, craftsmen,etc., why would anyone take up the offer when there are so many other places with more palatable tax rates? On Salt Spring Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island, last years taxes for a $200,000 home were $765. Almost all roads are paved and lighted, water and sewer services widespread, marvelous shopping, modern schools, an excellent hospital, etc., yet most people there have but modest to low incomes. Its population is approximately 11,000. This population figure, I assume, is considerably higher than that of Central Frontenac, though ours is spread out over a larger area, which steers me to the conclusion that, although amalgamation can have negative aspects in many instances, this is not the case in our situation. The concept that, if the three Frontenac counties were one, most of the taxes would benefit Kingston proper, would be correct if we had any fears that things could get worse in our area. But I cannot see how they possibly could. When entering Central Frontenac from any direction I know Im there by the condition of the road without having to see a sign. I used to be on a paved road which has now been converted to a gravel base because no funds were available to make repairs. My car will require increased repairs and maintenance. I have to drive 10kms each way to the nearest waste disposal site and than have to pay a buck a bag. About the only visible return I get for my taxes is the snow plowing. Of course there are other items the county has to pay for, such as policing, welfare, etc. which may well be the cause of throwing us every year over the top. But that is exactly why I believe amalgamation may be a saving grace. We cannot just go on and on raising taxes to cover all things. Somewhere we have to say enough, we do not have the money so we do not supply the service, much along the line we all have to take with our own budgets. Mayor MacDonald implies that lower provincial and federal taxes may offset the planned municipal tax increase. I strongly disagree. Many to most of Central Frontenacs taxpayers are retired or otherwise on a fixed income, and reduction of the aforementioned taxes is of very little benefit to them. I am glad I moved here. The natural beauty is among the best the Creator pulled out of his bag and people are kind, creative and helpful. But it comes at a high price and perhaps too high a price for many. I am sure Mayor MacDonald and the rest of our council give it their best, for which I thank them. But the time has come to take a firm stand and not be afraid to use the word NO, and let the chips fall where they may. Leo M. van der Ham, Parham
Re: Sydenham Water
I read Wilma Kennys article on Sydenham Waterworks in your January 8 edition. I would like to compliment Ms. Kenny on her obvious grasp of a very complex issue.
Guy Laporte, P. Eng. Totten, Sims, Hubicki, Kingston office
Re: Fire Department Goes EFR, Defib Equipped A Mea Culpa
Please allow me to extend apologies to anyone who was offended by my article. It was certainly not my intention to slight anyone, nor to deliberately demean the good work done by members of the Ompah-Snow Road Fire Department. As a retired 30-year police officer, I can readily appreciate the personal sacrifices and dedication that go into being an emergency services worker, particularly when one does so as a volunteer.
The error in not recognizing the O/SR Department in the article was mine alone. I had been given sufficient information that should have clued me in; I just didnt pick up on it.
I am glad that, through the related letters to the editor and Helen Forseys story that came out in the following issue of The News, the qualities and capabilities of the O/SR Fire Department were made well known to readers. I too laud these firefighters on their accomplishments, and believe me, they do have the utmost of my respect for a job well done. Again, I can only say Im sorry, and I owe them a good turn.
Will Cybulski
Re: "Powerboat races in Sydenham" Wilma Kenny,Aug. 28, 2002 I received a copy of Wilma Kenny's Commentary of August 28, 2002, and I wish to add some thoughts on behalf of the racers, and the race crews that look forward to the Sydenham race each year. First of all, thank you to the community of Sydenham for having us back again in 2002. I would especially like to thank Mr. Howe and the baseball league, and the soccer league for hosting us. When I first started organizing these races in the late 70's, I worked with the Fire Department who were also tremendous hosts! Thanks to all of you for having us. As Wilma Kenny has noted, we are indeed an amateur, family sport, with adults and kids taking part in organizing and participating in the event. Our kids look forward to the event as much as our adult racers do! My 12-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son took pride in making the posters you saw. Many of the kids race in our Junior class, and others help with the flags, and the clean up. We are sensitive to your complaint about the noise, and recognize that certain engines are a problem. Eliminating these engines from the regatta will reduce the program length and the noise level. On the question of pollution to the lake, all race engines exhaust above the water, and the duration of running use is usually very short. Our largest engines are 40 hp, but most are 20 hp or less. We run two similar events in Ontario at sites which are particularly sensitive to environmental concerns; one is a conservation area, and the other a St. Lawrence Park.
We want to do an even better job of protecting the environment. We already have rules regarding race boat fueling, and fuel containment. And as you have seen, we make a special effort to leave the race site in the same or better condition than we found it. We are very safety-conscious. By our rules we MUST have an ambulance present during any race. This summer at our various events, exposure to sun and heat were the most frequent reason to visit the ambulance. We could get away with a first aid station at the races and save some money, but we have made the decision that safety of our drivers, crews and spectators is most important.
The Canadian Boating Federation is Canada's National Authority for Powerboat racing, and we wish to have a positive impact on any community, like Sydenham, which hosts our events. I believe, that the 200 or so people that come to the event bring a significant amount of money into the community. I know that the racers prefer to buy their fuel in town, purchase supplies at the local stores, and eat at the local restaurants. The concession stand appears to have been well attended as well.
The costs of the regatta are covered from the entry fees we collect from the race drivers, and this provides the organizing group in Sydenham an opportunity to raise funds for any local cause.
I am hoping we can come again to Sydenham in 2003, but will respect the feelings and the decision of the community.
Doug Overbury, P.Eng., Vice President, National Canadian Boating Federation
Organization seeks to donate to worthy local cause Rally Connex would like to thank the citizens in the Opeongo area for welcoming us and sharing your beautiful scenery with us. To show our appreciation, we would like to make a $200 donation to a local charity or cause. We are all from out of town and don't know of any of the local projects worthy of our modest support. If anyone has a cause that is local and worthy, please send us an e-mail or letter outlining how the donation would be used to benefit the community. Our email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The mailing address is Rally Connex, 87 Dorchester Dr,. Grimsby ON, L3M 1B1, or visit us at www.rallyconnex.com. We will announce the recipient in a future issue of The Frontenac News. On October 5 and 6, Rally Connex held its second ever GPS (global position by satellite) dual sport ride. Over 30 riders showed up at the Land O' Lakes Inn in Cloyne with their dual sport style on-road/off-road motorcycles mounted with GPS systems. Most participants arrived on Friday night in order to be ready for Saturday's 9 a.m. start. The route was down-loaded to the GPS units and took the riders through gravel roads, logging roads, snowmobile trails and some paved roads for the next two days. Riders searched for hidden cards at specially marked "waypoints". It was 550 kilometers of motorcycle enjoyment sprinkled with fun and laughter. What can be said about the scenery, but one word? Spectacular. The money we spent on gas, supplies, hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and trail permits was well worth it. In fact, many riders expressed an interest in coming back next year. We hope to make this an annual event which will benefit all involved. Michael Hahn, President, Rally Connex Inc.
Re: expenditures on office renovations at Prince Charles I'm writing in reference to the September 4 issue of The Frontenac News. The article, "Back to school at Prince Charles" was of particular interest as I have a child attending that school. The article raised several issues that I believe are cause for concern. The article states, "First of all, the place is changing physically. Limestone Board workers rearranged walls, installed windows, revamped ramps, and painted and wired like crazy to get the new space ready for the first day." It goes on to say, "Much of the reconstruction focuses on the office area." Actually, new entrance aside, all of the reconstruction focuses on the office area. If you walk around the school, you will clearly see that, other than the office area, there are no new windows, no walls have been arranged. There are no larger classrooms although it's been said time and again that our class sizes are larger than ever. The principal's office is much larger, as is the secretary's office. The new vice principal's office was constructed from a portion of the now-downsized staff room. The vice principal's office used to be directly across the hall from the office area. This restructuring was done so that, "It is now possible for the principal, vice principal and secretary to all be within earshot of each other." I just can't imagine that being approximately six feet closer to one another is worth the cost. There are telephones with two digit extensions and e-mail. There have been damaging budget cuts to the education system--which brings me to my next concern. Part of the renovations at Prince Charles was the installation of an air conditioner. Not the kind that sits in the window but the large model that must be installed on the roof top. Now I realize that there are different allowances in the school budget for different needs. These needs are purchased from, shall we say, different "envelopes." I have been asked in the past to purchase pencils and paper for my child to use at school which I certainly do not mind. Budget cuts mean fewer school supplies. I can understand that. What I can't fathom is how the School Board justifies an air conditioner. Which "envelope" does that come from? Furthermore, the school year runs from September to June. There are very few hot days during these months. Not to dwell on the issue but the whole concept of an air conditioner may have been easier to digest if there were some concern for the comfort levels of the teachers and their students. However, the air conditioner does not reach the classrooms, nor was that the intent. Given the cutbacks to the education system, I have a very difficult time comprehending the need to spend a presumably large sum of money on larger offices and air conditioner for administrative staff. I believe if there are children in need, why not dip into that air conditioner fund? Books are good. As is fulfilling a dire need for more teachers and teachers' aides. So if there is a reasonable explanation for these expenditures, I would truly like to hear it. Umm...anyone? -Michelle Long, Verona [Editor's note: For Principal Sue Arris' response, see "Changes at Prince Charles in Verona"]
Re: a community that cares
I
just wanted to send a note to the paper to thank a couple of people in
the Cloyne community. I am a new resident of the area and I happened to
be at the Cloyne branch of the library on Wednesday night of October 2,
2002. The next morning, I realized I had misplaced my wallet and since
I had used it for I.D. at the library for a new card - I assumed it to
be there. I drove to Cloyne and the library is closed on Thursdays. I
went to the office next door which is Mazinaw - Lanark Forest Inc and I
met Pat Duncan. She went out of her way to phone the head library and
have them phone the librarian in Cloyne who is Janet Black. Ms. Black
returned the call in 3 minutes and said she would be at the branch
within 15 minutes. She arrived shortly thereafter, and on her day off,
I might add. I found my wallet with everything intact and was greatly
relieved.
I want to thank these two women who
saved me a great deal of stress and worry over the course of the next
days if I had had to wait for the library to open on Friday.
Thanks again, Pat and Janet! I'm glad that I'm living in a community that cares.
Cheryl Connell, Cloyne
Re:
Composting Toilet On
behalf of the St. James Anglican Church, Parham, I would like to thank
the Frontenac News for the advertisement for a composting toilet for
our church. Our church is a small rural church with a small
congregation, and as a result of the ad we now have a new toilet. This
ad was beneficial to our church as well as to one of your subscribers.
Our Bishop, Peter Mason, has been advocating that all churches,
including rural churches, should have toilet facilities. His motto is:
"People will not come if they cannot go", and we can now meet his
challenge, thanks to your newspaper.
Many thanks - Jim Barnett
Re: Commentary-a year after September 11 I just want to compliment you on one of the finest commentaries I have read in a long while. The one you wrote in the September 11th publication is all so true. I'm sure many people agree with you. Keep up the good work. Marge Addison, Verona.
Re: K&P Trail debate continues, (Sept. 18, 2002) I believe that Mr. Green's article is rather one-sided, as well as in error on some points. He has spoken with only those supporting the purchase. In doing so he has ignored many that have valid concerns/complaints regarding the purchase of a property that does not exist. There are also a number of individuals that do not support the purchase that are not members of the Frontenac Landowners group.
First, the so-called K&P no longer exists. Also Bell Canada does not own the lands of the former K&P; it owns some of this land. I have challenged many of the K&P Trail supporters to come forward and point out exactly what they are calling the K&P without trespassing on the private lands of those having crown deeds for the portion of the once K&P property they have purchased. I know that around the St. George's Lake area and south towards Kingston, people have bought, paid for, built homes directly on, and paid taxes for property that was once the site of the old K&P. Regarding the cost issue, I believe that even if the cost stated in the Frontenac Landowners seven-page statement is half of the $2.2 million, it is too much. Mr. Green goes on to quote Don Coulter regarding his view of the Frontenac Landowners, and his opinion on the line fence act. I have maintained fences and have seen first hand the cost of fencing; even at 50% of the cost, it will be a bundle. Mr. Coulter goes on to say that once landowners found out that they would be responsible for 50% of the cost of fencing, the numbers became minimal. I fail to see how this is a positive argument for the purchase of what is left of the old K&P. There are many people in the townships that just can't afford to exercise their rights under the law in regard to the line fence act. These people will be left to suffer the negative consequences of having the unfenced trail run next to or through their lands. Also, should the property in question be purchased, the line fence act will still be in affect. In the future if the Trail's insurer becomes fed up with claims and complaints, or for some other reasons the township is required or wishes to fence this property, the township can go ahead and put up the fence and force adjacent landowners to pay for half the cost, regardless of a familys ability to do so. These people will in fact be paying twice, once through their tax bills and once straight out of their family income. On the next point, Mr. Bowick of the Ontario Trails Council states "It can take 20 years to put a trail like this together from one end to another. It takes a lot of patience, and it is possible to deal with one piece at a time." Does this mean that the township purchases every piece of Bell property right up to the property line of individuals and then start pushing to have the trail go through these private lands? Is there a plan to spend, spend, spend on the trail, and then expropriate property base on the argument that so much money has been spent that it is in the best interest of the taxpayers to take it? There are some people that feel they are already under pressure and/or being bullied into falling in line with the K&P Trail Supporters. In closing, I will once again ask that if any of the K&P supporters is capable of showing exactly what they are calling the K&P and not trespass on private land, I for one would welcome them to do so.Reginald I. Beattie, Sharbot Lake
Re: Arden DumpMy concern focuses on the state of waste disposal in the township, in particular the landfill site on the Arden Road. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that Arden is surely the only village in Ontario that one reaches by going through the garbage dump. A slight exaggeration - one actually goes by the dump placed only a few feet from the main road, with raw garbage in full sight, with all the inevitable smell, scavenger birds and wildlife that such a facility attracts. I can think of no more unwelcoming sight for anyone coming to the village for the first time. I am embarrassed to give directions to visitors that include "as you turn in from the highway you will see the dump on your right". It makes a mockery of the splendid efforts of local citizens, as a part of the "Villages Beautiful" campaign, to beautify the community by planting flowers and bushes, and placing attractive benches for citizens and visitors to enjoy. These efforts to transform Arden into an attractive municipality rather than allowing it to become another Eastern Ontario community in decline deserves better support. There is even a greater irony. This village has artists like Sarah Hale and Jo-Anne Pickett, whose work brings beauty and meaning into the lives of people across the continent. As well, it is home to Helen Praskey's Arden Glee Club, a splendid chorus with a unique repertoire that brings delight to people across the region, and extends its reach even to the center of Toronto. It is the envy of municipalities many times larger than Arden. I fully realize that waste disposal is the least attractive item on every municipal agenda in this, the 21st century. For 2 years in the mid-90's, I served as Chair of the Interim Waste Authority, a provincial agency with a mandate to find 3 major landfill sites in the Greater Toronto Region. A new Bob Rae Government had decided that municipalities, even Toronto, would look after its own waste and that incineration (too often a process of making waste invisible so that citizens could breathe it, but not see it) was to be illegal. Every time I drive past that Arden facility, I am reminded of the vast array of criteria we sought to meet before selecting three venues that were both environmentally responsible and aesthetically acceptable. Only the loss of courage by the present provincial government undermined a successful search. That retreat cost the Ontario taxpayer $100 million. As a user of the Arden facility, I have been impressed by the commitment and graciousness of the township employee who looks after the landsite. My complaint is entirely with the horror created by the last "improvement" - stripping away the trees that at least provided some containment. I repeat, the handling of waste in a consumer society, with a provincial government with no commitment to the problem, makes the task of the local council unpleasant and unpopular. It will demand social investment (read tax resources) that will be resented. However, the fact remains that the Arden landfill site is a disaster in every sense of the word. I was impressed by the article in the September 4, 2002 issue of the News on "Economic Development in the Frontenacs". Surely, the first step is one of rectifying this blot on a beautiful landscape which also happens to be the entrance to a significant community. Walter Pitman, O.C., O. Ont., LL'D., Arden
Re: the proposed Frontenac Centre
Being totally in accord with the article by David Brison, (Economic development in the Frontenacs, Sept 4, 2002) I would like to add my comments about this issue. It seems to me there are a lot of matters that need to be clarified or drawn to the attention of the taxpayers of North and Central Frontenac. For one thing we seem to be looking at a multi-million dollar project and while Mr. Ritchie states it will be built by the private sector, he fails to inform the public that if and when this complex is completed, if it is not self- sustaining, the shortfall will undoubtedly fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers of the townships involved. The overhead of this complex will be staggering: heat, hydro, telephone and TV for each unit, beds and furniture, sewer and water, permanent and part time employees, etc. And what about parking space for probably up to 200 vehicles?
Then theres winter. Practically all wealthy homeowners have attached heated garages and they wont want their very expensive cars to sit outside exposed to sleet and snow. Who would want to find their car completely coated with ice with doors and windows frozen shut, or to have to dig them out after a big snowstorm? Also vehicles parked outside for a long period of time could become a target for vandalism. Would the private sector agree to finance the building of a closed-in parking facility of this size, in addition to the Center itself plus a five-star restaurant? Also the proposed frame structure itself - this in my opinion could be a fire hazard and the safety of the patrons should be taken into consideration. The insurance rates could be very high on this type of structure.
When wealthy people rent a very high-priced room, Im sure they expect a room with a scenic view, not looking out over a parking lot full of cars, or looking at a bare forest in winter. How does Mr. Ritchie propose to do this if only one side fronts on a lake?
I cannot see how this project is feasible or that it is the answer to the unemployment situation that exists in the areas involved. I think it should be put on hold and other areas investigated, such as promoting several small businesses throughout the area. As matters stand it seems to me that the only people certain to make a moderate to large sum of money from this project are: the planner himself, the contractors (assuming this goes ahead), and the real estate broker or land owners from whom the land for the project is purchased. For the taxpayers it could be a huge jump in taxes. Caution should be taken; I do not believe that this matter should proceed until or unless Council is given a mandate by the people. Lets put this on the ballot and let the taxpayers decide.
William Flieler, Cloyne,
former Reeve of Clarendon and Miller Townships
Note to the Editor: I served on the Council of Clarendon and Miller Townships for 30 years from 1955 through 1985, and as Reeve the last eleven years, and retired the end of 1985 voluntarily, also served 26 years on the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and was one of its founders in 1968, serving on the Executive for the first 12 years.
Re: Development in North Frontenac
I agree with your idea (David Brison, Economic development in the Frontenacs, Sept. 4, 2002)), our area has a lot to offer folks who are retiring and those that want to buy a summer cottage or lot. Areas north of Toronto are financially out of reach for those who are entering the rural or country market for a life style change, summer retreat or retirement.
To attract these people North Frontenac should be advertising this area through real estate and various trade shows, such as the Toronto Sportsmans Show, that run in metropolitan areas each year. We must be able to demonstrate that our infrastructure meets and surpasses the needs of these potential new arrivals. Guidance and help for private business in the area should continue and perhaps increase.
As you say we have enjoyed strong real estate sales and the ''snowball'' effect was seen with the local contractors being kept very busy in the last year.
There is GREAT potential here for everyone if the township will look within and create a strong, attractive, healthy and safe environment, using what nature has given us. Encourage people to move to our area by improving and expanding on what is already here.
David James, Ardoch
Community kindnessA few weeks ago I hit the curb coming into Sharbot Lake and blew 2 tires on my car. I had my three-year-old son with me at the time, so it was a bit more scary than normally would have been. People very kindly stopped and consoled us. One family opened their home to us so we could use the phone and supplied us with a cold drink and a freezie. My son still talks about this day like it was a fun little episode to our trip. The tow-truck driver was excellent and didn't charge an exorbitant amount (I believe his name was Jim). The garage was great about getting my car fixed. What could have been a devastating event was made less so by the thoughtful, caring people in this town, and I would just like to say thanks.
Tina Chatterton, Napanee
P.S. I was just through this way this past Monday again and I'm glad to see something has been done about the curb. Thank you to the township or whoever was responsible for this.
Re: Buying the K&P Every year at budget time, members of council try to find ways to curtail tax increases by reducing and cutting social programs. At a time when council cannot find enough funds to maintain existing roads without tax increases, it is debating the acquisition of the K & P Trail from Bell Canada? All of the tax payers will have to pay for this trail and yet only a small portion will benefit. This is beyond comprehension. I think it is time for a serious soul searching. Why embark on an expensive program which is totally unnecessary? This endeavour should be the responsibility of ATV and Snowmobile Clubs, the ultimate users of such a trail. Ronald Fournier
Fiddlin' Family and Friends Thank you so much for the great coverage of our second concert in the John Thomson Hall Live Music Series! As you no doubt noticed, we are so very proud of our grandsons, and were so pleased that The Big Rock Candy Mountain was as much a favourite with you as it is with us. We are looking forward to the next three concerts, and I feel the lineup of entertainers will be well received by the community.
I also want to thank you for extending your coverage to the Sydenham area. The Frontenac News has become very near and dear to Mary and I. We also have a residence on the Gully Road near Mississippi, and have been receiving the paper from December to May, when we return to Sydenham. Now we get it all year around.
Wayne Abrams for The Abrams Family & Clarendon Station
Re: Drive CleanI want to raise a few issues concerning the governments latest innovative idea, The Drive Clean Program. Beginning July 1, we will all have to get our licensed vehicles tested for emissions every two years. This, we are told, will reduce pollution by at least 11%. Sound good? (Forget the fact that California has been doing this for years with no decrease in pollution.)
But what else are the slick, prolific and costly government ads not saying?
We are told that 2/3rds of the cost of each emission test goes straight to the provincial government. Yet another tax to drive? Within the next 18 months, there will be a provincial election. I think its time to let our MPP and the premier know what we think of the governments clean up program.Mike Procter
Re: Anne Wills letter (Re: Ladybugs! Vol.2, No.15) In regard to lady bugs, why is everyone so quiet about this latest insurgence of pests that were imported, 'purportedly' to eliminate some other pest? When will entomologists ever learn that transporting one species to eradicate another never pays in the long run? [e.g. the gypsy moth!]
Mrs. Wills threatens to move to Kapuskasing; I suggest the Turks and Caicos Islands are more likely to be free of this terrible menace. She is too polite. While I was reading in bed, one had crept behind my eyeglasses, and another under the sheet! I, too, am not laughing!!
I have had several good 'excuses' to leave this lovely rural haven over the 30-year period we have been here, but none more compelling than being under siege by these unlovely critters. They crawl right out of the vacuum cleaner. Honestly! This year they have been around all winter, and now the heat has made them so prolific, one can't see out the window...well, not unless you stand there and vacuum steadily, and I resent the time.
I'll take black flies any time! Bugs anyone? Winifred-Mary Gutsell, Kaladar
Oil and water are mixing!Sunken snowmobiles have surfaced recently in The News along with local concern about the gas and oil they dump into the water. This concern raises a more general issue oil and gas dumped in the water by two-cycle engines all year long. In summer, most outboards are two-cycle. In winter, snowmobiles take their place on the ice and on snow back in the bush. When snow and ice melt in spring, all the oil and gas and exhaust products hit the water in a concentrated burst.
Two-cycle engines have no oil pan or pump. They are lubricated by the oil mixed into the gas. They also have no valves. The piston simply covers and opens an intake port (bottom) and an exhaust port (top) in the cylinder wall. And they rotate at very high speeds. On its upstroke, the piston exhausts whatever is left in the chamber. Because the rotation is so rapid, the fuel is not completely burned. Even with the newest technology, two-cycle engines exhaust between 30 and 50 percent of the fuel in a partially or completely unburned state. Their exhaust contains gas and oil plus other pollutants such as aldehydes, butadiene, benzene, and other polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. All these pollutants sit on the ice and in the snow until flushed into the waters in spring, along with any other acid snow and air pollutants accumulated over winter.
In a recent normal winter the 175,000 snowmobilers in Ontario each purchased 280 litres of fuel (to go about 1763 kilometres). If 33 percent of that fuel was exhausted, unburned, it means that 16.3 million litres was dumped onto the ice and snow. One can do similar calculations for two cycle outboards. The result is frightening and having a quiet, underwater exhaust does not solve the problem.
No boater or snowmobiler would knowingly see so much fuel poured into the water (about 22 gallons for each Ontario snowmobiler) but without realizing it, they are doing it every year. Four-cycle engines for boats have more moving parts and so, are heavier and more costly but do solve the problem. Four-cycle engines in snowmobiles, ATVs and personal water craft are easily possible and only consumer demand is needed to get them. Water quality is about more than just E. coli.Gray Merriam
Sharbot Lake Medical Centre in the forefront of primary health care reform(Frontenac News, March 13, 2002) My husband and I moved to Sharbot Lake about 6 months ago from Hamilton, Ontario. In 1997, we lived in Lindsay, Ontario, and my husband was involved in a motor vehicle accident. At that time, Lindsay was 8 doctors short to meet the requirements of the community, and it was impossible for him to get proper medical treatment for his back injury.
After waiting for several months, he went to Peterborough, Ontario. He finally saw a doctor one time, but was told that this doctor was turning his practice over to another doctor and my husband would have to wait another few months. Finally in desperation in 1999, we moved back to Hamilton to receive medical coverage from his long-term family doctor. We were told that he was leaving his practice to go into psychiatry, and we would be referred to yet another doctor.
My husband saw yet another doctor, and I saw a lady doctor in the same office. My husband was referred for physiotherapy and attended for some 50 sessions, but no improvement was noted. Neither one of us felt we had a good rapport with our doctors and neither felt good about the medical care we received. It was hard to get through to the office on the telephone. Appointments were difficult go get, usually took some time, and always seemed rushed.
It has been very difficult for me to watch my husband suffer from chronic back pain, watch the pain go across his face and interfere with all aspects of our lives.
My husband and I came to Sharbot Lake to offer home care for a 95-year-old gentlemen in the community. Because of our experiences in Lindsay, Peterborough, Hamilton, etc., we had absolutely no idea that we would be able to receive such exemplary health care from such competent health care practitioners in this rural setting. Dr. Bells medical centre and staff, and Dr. Dales dental clinic and staff have offered us prompt, highly competent medical care, along with appropriate referrals to competent specialists.
We are very, very grateful to Dr. Bell, Mary Woodman, Lynn (a nurse in Practical Training), Dr. Black (who made a house call to our 95-year-old gentlemans home), the centres administrative staff, Dr. Dale and his staff for the level of their empathy and care, their prompt and thorough attention to us, and their willingness to help us with our medical and dental needs.
Although I have not spoken to others in the community about my gratitude for the medical services here in Sharbot Lake, I hope that the community is as grateful as I am!Lynn E. Emerson-Walsh, Sharbot Lake
Help stop the pollution Recent articles in The Frontenac News this year and last (April 11, 2001; February 27 and March 6, 2002) highlight reckless snowmobile operation by a small group of individuals. These individuals run the open water at the bridge and in the east basin adjacent to Road #38, and pollute Sharbot Lake when they do. On one Thursday this February, three machines ended up in the water. The last one left an oil slick over the water, which is home to a family of otters and waterfowl, and is the spawning grounds for the lakes pickerel. On the day of the Snowmobile Drags, despite OPP patrols, more machines recklessly ran the water and sank. This has got to be stopped.
Many
local residents have expressed concerns over this issue, and are hard
pressed to understand why nothing is being done to stop it. 
Not only
does it endanger the participants, but other snowmobilers travelling at
night could easily follow the tracks into open water. People involved in
rescue and recovery are put at risk as well when they are called to the
scene. Taxpayers pay for the Ice Rescue teams when they are called;
however these incidents are not accidents, but reckless, deliberate
acts. The Township should possibly consider charging these people. for
the service. Local by-laws would not help, since jurisdiction over water
is a provincial or federal matter. However, our municipal taxes do go to
cover the cost of policing, and the OPP do report to the local council.
It seems that part of the OPP community policing initiative has failed. The police have the power to arrest persons committing a criminal offense in order to prevent it from continuing, and could then seize the snowmobile. It is an offense to operate a vehicle in a dangerous manner, and the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to mischief to public property would also seem to apply. The article "Pond Jumping" by Jeff Green (Frontenac News, March 6, 2002) seems to indicate that the special unit charged with enforcement in these types of incidents is aware of these provisions.
In the October issue of the Ontario Snowmobiler magazine is an article: "Charge upheld for running open water", which describes how STOP & OPP officers successfully prosecuted an individual for this offense, by showing that the loss of braking and steering constituted careless driving. They also outlined the dangers of the practice, and a conviction was registered. The OFCS article warned snowmobilers that the practice had been found illegal.
What about the provincial and federal agencies, such as MNR, DFO, and Ministry of the Environment? An article in the Whig Standard (February 28, 2002) refers to registered letters sent to farmers for allowing cattle in the Wilton Creek, which may cause pollution. The letters threatened $200,000 fines to the farmers; but what are they doing about people who deliberately foul our lakes with gas and oil? Doesn't our drinking water deserve the same attention as a creek running into Lake Ontario, or is our problem just in somebody else's backyard? Hundreds of residents, together with business and tourist operators, use Sharbot Lake as a source of drinking water. Regulations enforced by the other agencies control shoreline development, fish habitat, water quality, and much more. What are they doing to protect Sharbot Lake from this pollution? Are the police reporting these incidents to them? These are the questions that need to be asked.
Photographs in The News show people in a boat recovering the snowmobiles without proper lifejackets. Is that not something the police could easily prosecute? The News has good photographs of these individuals. Did they bring the boat with them, or "find" it along the shore? Things can be done to discourage these irresponsible individuals and make it too costly for them to continue.
Locally we can report these incidents to the police and then follow-up on the complaint. We can request to be advised of the action taken, and then question the reason for the enforcement action taken or referral made. If you are not satisfied, pursue the issue at a higher level. Contact your Provincial MPP Leona Dombrowsky, or your Federal MP Larry McCormick. They can be contacted at their area offices by phone, letter, or email.
This is more than a local issue. It is happening on lakes and rivers all over Ontario, and the cumulative effect of the pollution is large. It is something we can all address to keep our water safe - for us, and for future generations.
I have been a snowmobiler for over 30 years; have owned lakefront property on Sharbot Lake since 1969, and am retired here. Sharbot Lake has always enjoyed the reputation of being a very clean and pristine lake. Lets help keep it that way. Robert A. (Bob) Pollard, Lakeside Bed & Breakfast, Sharbot Lake.
Is Bell is going to provide phone service for areas that presently don't have it?I'm interested in hearing from anyone who knows whether Bell plans to provide phone service to rural routes that don't presently have it. I know there are other people who have hydro service, but Bell will not bring in phone wires.
I am 1.5 km from the present end of the phone line, and I have tried several times to get phone service, but I haven't had any luck (so I depend on a cell phone for emergency situations, which isn't great when you live in a fringe area for cell reception). Even after the CRTC ruled a couple of years ago that all rural residents should have phone service, Bell told me it had no plans to provide it to my "non-served area".
However, one of my neighbours said he got a letter last year from Bell saying that rural route residents would get new service in 2002. He couldn't find the letter, and I cannot find anyone at Bell who knows whether this is true, or in fact, who knows anything about "non-served areas".
I live in the Elm Tree area west of Arden. This area is served directly by Bell, and not by the North Frontenac Telephone Co. I am interested in hearing from anyone else who is in a "non-served area and who wants phone service, and anyone who knows about Bell's plans to extend its service.
You can reach me at G. Burgess, RR 4, Arden KOH 1B0 (I sure wish I could give a phone number (;-)
The tragedy in the US does indeed affect us all, and your reflections on the need for patience and wisdom are much appreciated. However, your particular assessment of "the cause" motivating the hijackers falls far short of the mark. It seems dreadfully clear to me that there is much more to that "cause" than a rejection of western "influence and intrusion" on Islamic governments in the Middle East. Unless, by "western culture", you mean the limitless greed of transnational corporations, the unquestioning public worship of the stock market, and the massive daily violence and exploitation which result. Unless you use the word "influence" to mean the economic and political blackmail which forces countries and peoples into trade deals that are nothing less than formalized piracy. Unless the word "intrusion" refers to CIA assassinations, air strikes and military invasions. Unless "Islamic governments" include those of Guatemala, Vietnam, Cuba, Grenada... you name it. Unless the "Middle East" embraces the whole world. During the Gulf War a decade ago, many Americans cheered the "thousand points of light" which flared as thousands of innocent men, women and children were burned alive, blown apart or crushed by the US-led bombing of Baghdad. None of this can ever justify the horrendous crimes of September 11. But unless we acknowledge the responsibility of "western culture" for the many equal and continuing horrors faced by people around the world, we cannot hope to prevent more of the same. To go back to "business as usual" will only reinforce the misery and create a whole new generation of suicide bombers. Sincerely, Helen Forsey
Ive been talking to a lady from the Kingston General Hospital Auxiliary and learned that the KGH Auxiliary has a maternity program where they give baby clothes, baby blankets, sleepers, baby quilts etc. to the newborns of families and mothers in need. Also incubator blankets and preemie booties and cribs are very welcome.
My plan is to form a group of women in the Land OLakes area that will quilt, knit, crochet, and sew these items together. I can arrange frequent meetings in our Lodge. I will also try to get such donations as yarns, fabrics, and free copies for copying patterns, etc.
Anyone who is interested in being a part of this project can contact me.
Thank you so much.
Inca Vos
Unlike Mrs. Kellar, I voted for Bill MacDonald. My biggest concern was that he might not get elected, as I saw him as the one person who has been proven to provide leadership, show imagination and who is not afraid to speak his mind. I do not know too much about Mr. Lee, but he probably could have done an adequate job.
I do not agree with everything that Mr. MacDonald stands for, including his idea of downsizing the Council and having voting at large. As well, the highway 38 issue could have been handled better. Nevertheless, I see him as being the one candidate who has the stature to handle such issues, and to represent us outside the community. I was very surprised by the results of the referendum, as I was sure both proposals would suffer resounding defeats. I think we have shrunk the size of our governing body enough, and further reduction would result in insufficient members to do all the tasks at hand. Those left would be grossly overworked. I do agree that existing members should be paid more, however, and I would have thought this would be possible without too much of a tax burden.Regarding voting at large, I could see this developing into a very parochial situation, especially if combined with downsizing. What if the majority of the members came from just one area, such as Kennebec or Oso? I think it is important to have guaranteed representation for each area. It is noteworthy that Mr. MacDonald only got elected because of the strong support from just one area, Oso. Why he did not get more support from Kennebec, I cannot fathom. Part of the reason may have been the fact that many of the mail-in ballots did not reach the intended electors. The Post Office returned dozens of ballots because the names were unknown to them.
My one hope is that by the time the next election comes around, people will take the time to find out more about the candidates, attend at least one Council meeting and not be swayed by vague promises. Ask questions starting with "How do you intend to ...?" or "What is your position on ...?". At least elect someone who knows what they are doing. Feeling ones way is not an option in a community of our size. It will truly lead to disaster for us all.Peter N. Wadham
Arden
Thanks to David Brison for the coverage of the wonderful "Festival of Trees". The Arden Glee Club & the Ardenaires were honoured to be part of the first festival.
Helen Praskey
