South Frontenac Council approved and adopted its 2018 budget at its regular meeting Tuesday night in Sydenham.

The Township will be collecting from $19,129,719, 2.92% more than the $18,586,507 it collected in 2017.

However, the Treasury department met the target set for them by Council. That target is based on a hypothetical average property value in the township, which would be worth $256,000 in 2017. That average property, which would have gone in assessed value up by $4,000 in 2017, would see an increase of 2% in township taxes, a little over $30.

This is just for the township. portion of the tax bill, which also includes Frontenac County taxes and School Board taxes. The final budget will not be approved until April, but with the township budget approcval this week, staff has a budget to work under from the start of the year on January 1st.

The biggest item in the budget is roadway maintenance at over $13 million followed by fire protection at over $3 million, policing at over $3 million and solid waste management at $2,7 million.

The lone dissenting vote against the budget came from Coun. Ross Sutherland.

“The proposed budget should not be supported because it is a budget of missed opportunities,” Sutherland said. “It fails to move forward on community development and engagement, it is not expanding resources to combat invasive species and climate change and it has fallen back on making important policy through back room compromises rather than publicly accountable debate.”

However, Mayor Ron Vandewal seemed quite pleased with the budget and praised staff.

“I’ve been through lots of budgets and they’re never fun,” Vandewal said. “Like that recent one at County.

“But staff bent over backwards and brought us a budget at 2 per cent like we asked for.”

Fermoy Hall, a “charming little building” - Barbeau
Coun. Brad Barbeau had served notice of motion that Council not proceed with any work on Fermoy Hall regardless of the funding source until the Heritage Committee met and made recommendations to Council.

But after touring the hall, Barbeau said he had a change of heart and withdrew his motion.

“I went to see Fermoy Hall and it’s a charming little building,” Barbeau said. “The Heritage Committee will be meeting in January and we’ll be discussing it.”

There is an allocation for work at the Hall in the 2018 budget and a note that a Trillium Grant has been applied for. There is a hold on the project pending the funding and direction from Council.

Inverary Lake zoning approved
Council passed a bylaw changing the zoning of a non-waterfront lot to be severed off a waterfront lot on Inverary Lake to Rural.

There had been opposition from the Inverary Lake Residents Association to the severance with concerns that this was only the first step towards a subdivision or plan of condominium development in the area and third reading of the bylaw was held up to address public concerns but Planner Lindsay Mills said this was the third and final lot to be severed from the original property.

“Do we know that this will come back as a condominium?” said Mayor Ron Vandewal. “No we don’t.

“But if it does, there will be conditions.”

Johnston Point species at risk issues left to County
Council decided not to petition the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to deny a proposed benefit permit to a development on Johnston Lake as requested by the Battersea Loughborough Lake Association.

The Association contends that only two of six species at risk (Blanding’s turtle and grey rat snake) have been addressed and there are four more (including the eastern whip-poor-will and three species of bats) species that should be examined before allowing the development to proceed.

Several councilors felt that the matter was now before Frontenac County and the County should be the ones to make such comments to the Environmental Registry 013-1130.

Coun. Alan Revill said he believed the Township “should not be commenting” but did file notice of motion to contact the MNRF to come to Council to explain its procedures.

Coun. John McDougall said that since the matter was before the County “it would be inappropriate for us (as a Township) to comment.”

“But any councilor may comment as an individual just as any resident can,” said Mayor Ron Vandewal.

Only Coun. Ross Sutherland voted in favour of the Township commenting.

Nature Conservancy of Canada expands holdings on shore of Loughborough Lake.

In recognition of World Environment Day, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)  announced on Monday that it has acquired additional lands in the Frontenac Arch. Among the 6 properties that have been acquired,  4 are located on or near Loughborough Lake in the vicinity of Battersea, and the other two are on Charleston Lake.

The new acquisitions, which will preserve the lands in an undeveloped state, expand the stock of protected lands in the Frontenac Arch, the southernmost extension of the Canadian Shield, stretching from the Algonquin Highlands of Ontario to the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

The new Loughborough Lake properties are part of a large amount of property, over 4,000 acres, on the eastern shore of the lake, that the conservancy has acquired since 2008, including over 6 kilometres of shoreline.

In a release on Monday (June 5), announcing the acquisitions in conjunction with World Environment Day,  the NCC described the Frontenac Arch habitat as  “rich in reptile, plant and bird species, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Ontario. The Arch serves as a natural wildlife passage, linking the Adirondacks in the United States to the forests of the Algonquin Highlands in Canada. The lands also provide homes for several species at risk, including peregrine falcon (anatum subspecies) (special concern), gray ratsnake (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population) (threatened), Blanding’s turtle (endangered) and eastern milksnake (special concern).

These conservation projects were supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, which was matched by contributions from individuals, foundations, cottagers’ associations and corporations.
The NCC  has now protected 1,895 hectares (4,684 acres) in the Frontenac Arch. NCC is currently raising funds to acquire additional key properties in the Arch.

“The Frontenac Arch is a beautiful and unique region of Ontario, and it’s critical that we strive to conserve its biodiversity, not just for wildlife, but for the benefit of current and future generations,” said James Duncan, NCC’s regional vice-president, Ontario.

The NCC holdings complement other protected properties in Frontenac County and Addington Highlands, including: Frontenac Park, lands surrounding Elbow and Opinicon Lakes, Meisel Woods on Crow Lake, and Frontenac Parklands and Bon Echo Park to the north and west.  One of the much anticipated outcomes of the Algonquin Land Claim will be the creation of a large new protected Provincial Wilderness Park surrounding Crotch Lake in North Frontenac, to be managed by the Alqonquins of Ontario.

Christmas Box Time in Loughborough 

Sydenham Lion Joanne Ankers presented a cheque for $1,000 to Sue Clinton, for the Loughborough Christmas and Emergency Relief Committee. (LCERC).

For the past 28 years, the LCERC has been preparing Christmas baskets for Loughborough and area families in need. This year, 73 baskets will go out, each containing the ingredients for a traditional Christmas dinner, along with a few treats, and a book and a gift for each child. Throughout the rest of the year, the fund is available for relief in cases of emergency, such as house fires. 

Because LCERC works in liaison with Southern Frontenac Community Services by receiving referrals, and uses Grace Hall to organize the actual Christmas boxes, people often confuse the two agencies. But LCERC is a completely separate, non-profit group of only five Sydenham residents (Bev McNeil, Sue Clinton, Lisa Holmes, Jim Kelly and Peter Stewart).

It’s a great example of what can be accomplished by a few determined and hard-working individuals. All their money comes from local donations, and they provide tax receipts; it’s still not too late to send them a donation. They do call in some extra volunteers in the last week before Christmas to help sorting and packing the rows and rows of boxes that fill the huge hall.

On Thursday, December 22nd, the committee was working in earnest, assembling orders, lining up brightly coloured mittens, and boxes of toys to be ready for the special day, when families came to gather their goodies for Christmas. By 2:30, the Grace Centre Hall was full of colour, the boxes already, save for the Turkey’s and other perishable items that got delivered the next day, just in time for Christmas

Feature article, June 23, 2005

Feature article June 23, 2005

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GALS: Healthy Living Inside and Out

by Meghan Balogh

On Thursday June 16, 415 grade 6-8 girls from eight different schools came together for the second annual Girls Active Living and Sports conference (GALS).

Only in its second year of existence, the GALS conference has more than doubled in size from the previous year. We had 180 girls the first year, and only 4 schools, shares Erica Withey, a student at Loughborough Public School. Erica and fellow Loughborough students Jessica Amey and Melissa Henessy took part in the morning Media Image workshop, a hands-on look at how GALS is presented to the public through the media. The three girls gave tours to the press and answered questions with concise and informative answers.

GALS is a very student-driven event, says Jessica. We put together the media releases, made the posters, and designed the t-shirts. Were also working on public speaking we gave a speech in the opening ceremonies, and were speaking again this afternoon.

The day began with opening ceremonies, where former Olympian and three-time Canadian triathlon champion Sharon Donnelly spoke to the girls from Loughborough, Bay Ridge, Land O Lakes, Perth Road, Hinchinbrooke, Lancaster, Rideau Heights, and Joyceville public schools.

From there students branched out in groups to participate in 4 different workshops of their choice over the course of the day. Workshops included sports events such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, running/walking, rugby, soccer, frisbee, tennis, weight training, dance, and fencing. Other workshops focused in on life skills: healthy friendships, leadership, hair and skin care, self defence, nutrition, yoga, fitness, stress management, goal setting, media image/self esteem, and first aid.

The neat thing about GALS is that it gives girls a chance to try new things, said Melissa Henessy. It gives people who dont really like school sports such as track and field or soccer a chance to find something they do like.

GALS received support from numerous sources, including the Limestone Learning Foundation, Royal Military College, Limestone District School Board, and KFL&A Public Health. Workshop presenters coaches, personal trainers, nurses, paramedics, and instructors from the area all volunteered their time to make the event a success and an enjoyment for the girls participating.

Jessica Ameys words sum up the goals of the GALS conference, and the desired end for this event. It seems like girls from grades 6-8 are never happy with the way they look, and they dont believe that they are beautiful. GALS is teaching young girls how to feel comfortable with themselves, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Its helping girls learn to feel beautiful for who they are.

Feature Article - September 22, 2005

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South Frontenac institutes curbside recycling, bag tags

by Jeff Green

Bag tag systems are continuing their march through Frontenac County. Several years ago, Central Frontenac instituted a $1.00 bag tag at its waste disposal sites. Last year it was North Frontenac’s turn to bring in bag tags, instituting a $2 bag tag, but with an added wrinkle. A free tag is given out by dump attendants for every blue box of recycling that is brought to the site. Bag tags are not distributed to ratepayers in either township on an annual basis. They are purchased as needed by residents.

After spending a little over a year developing a waste management system to meet the needs and expectations of ratepayers in each of the four districts of the township, and at the same time seeking to comply with provincial regulations concerning recycling programs, South Frontenac has established a bag tag system in the three districts that have garbage pickup.

For residents in Portland, Loughborough and Storrington districts, garbage pickup will carry on as before, once each week. The only difference is that bag tags must now be affixed to the garbage bags. One hundred bag tags are being distributed annually to each residence at no charge, and further bag tags are available at a cost of $3 each. Recycling pickup is being commenced on a bi-weekly basis this month. Blue boxes are being distributed by recycling contractors.

South Frontenac Councillor Peter Roos, chair of the township’s sustainability committee, says the new recycling program in South Frontenac is extensive.

“The recycling will be picked up in three streams. All plastics, including plastic film, containers, styrofoam trays, and cans and glass can be mixed together. Paper, including milk and juice cartons, egg cartons, magazine and newsprint should be kept in a separate pile. The only exception is corrugated cardboard, which must be separated from other paper products.”

Recycling can be placed in a blue box, or separately if there is too much volume.

In Portland and Loughborough the new system replaces a curb-side pickup system whereby up to two bags per week were picked up each week, but recycling was not picked up at all.

In Bedford district, where there is no garbage pickup, the dump sites are being upgraded with new fencing. A full recycling depot drop off service is now available at the Bradshaw, Salem, Green Bay, and Massassauga Waste Disposal sites, and some site hours have been extended for the Victoria Day to Thanksgiving time period. Bag tags are not required for dumping at Bedford Waste Disposal Sites.

With waste disposal being run by district in South Frontenac, whereas it is managed on a township basis in Central and North Frontenac, coming up with a harmonious system throughout the township has been a challenge for the sustainability committee.

“There was a lot of diversity in points of view,” offers Peter Roos, in describing the process undertaken by the Sustainability Committee to set up the new system.

Residents in Portland, Loughborough, and Storrington will have to put bag tags on their garbage, which is a change, but since they are receiving 100 free bag tags, costs should not increase for the average resident.

Taxpayers in South Frontenac pay a waste disposal fee each year as part of their tax bill. The fee varies by district but exceeds $100 in all cases.

Feature Article - March 23, 2006

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Feature Article - March 23, 2006

KFPLBookmark:Remembering a friend and supporter

by Janice Coles, rural branches librarian

The staff of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library were saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Lloyd-Jones of Sydenham. Mrs. Lloyd-Jones was a great supporter of the public library for many years. In 1963, she was one of a group of citizens who began campaigning for the establishment of a county library. In 1968, as deputy reeve of Loughborough township, Mrs. Lloyd-Jones was instrumental in getting the Frontenac county council to pass the County Library By-law, which created the Frontenac County Library (FCL) system. (In 1998, the FCL amalgamated with the Kingston Public Library to create the seventeen-branch Kingston Frontenac Public Library.)

On January 1, 1969, the Loughborough Memorial Library in Sydenham became an FCL branch. It was open 8 hours a week and had about 7000 volumes. In 1976, the library moved to what was originally John McConnell’s blacksmith shop on George Street in Sydenham. (It is now the Memory Lane Tea Room and Flower Shop.) The building was owned by Mary Lloyd-Jones and her husband Alun. Mrs. Lloyd-Jones convinced her husband to rent the lower part of the building to the library, plus she had it renovated and gave the library a ten-year lease. The library remained there until moving to its current location in 1985.

Mrs. Lloyd-Jones continued to be a supporter of the Sydenham branch, and saw it grow to have 21,000 items and be open 29 hours a week. In 2003, I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Lloyd-Jones and learning about the history of the Sydenham library. She was a special guest at our December 2003 party celebrating 100 years of library services in Sydenham. She continued to support and use the library until she died, and will be missed by all.

A reminder that we at KFPL have proposed changes in hours at all rural branches (except Sharbot Lake , Sydenham and Storrington). We are not cutting hours; rather we are suggesting moving about some hours in a way we believe will make it more convenient for all residents to visit their local branches. Full details are on our website www.kfpl.ca. You can also fill out a questionnaire available at your local branch, or call or e-mail me (549-8888, ext. 1500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by April 1. All feedback is welcome!

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

New recycling, garbage pickup schedule in SouthFrontenac

by Jeff Green

One week after acknowledging that the recycling system was inadequate and had to be fixed, South Frontenac Council has taken steps to fix it. But at least one councillor is concerned about how much the fix will end up costing.

Starting the week of October 10th, residents in Portland and Loughborough Districts will have weekly garbage and recycling pickup, the same frequency of service that Storrington District residents have and will continue to enjoy.

Recycling will still be split into streams, however. In Loughborough and Portland , for the week of October 10th; corrugated cardboard, aluminum & steel cans and plastic/styrofoam containers will be picked up. The following week, the week of October 17th; paper products (newspaper, boxboard (includes cereal boxes), polycoat & plastic bags) and glass bottles will be picked up. The cycle then repeats. (see ad on page 3)

This new schedule was hammered out at a meeting of the South Frontenac Sustainability committee last Friday, and was brought to a special council meeting for approval on Tuesday night, September 26.

Mayor Lake introduced the topic by delivering what he called a “little sermon”. He pointed out that he has received over a hundred phone calls since the pickup schedule was changed at the beginning of September. “I tried my very best to make sure there was weekly pickup in Loughborough and Portland in the first place,” he said, “but give the committee credit where credit is due that they have come up with some positive recommendations.”

“Lots of people were complaining, and we listened,” said Portland councilor Gary Davison. “It’s going to cost money, of course, and I hope the people will stay on track with this. We need recycling to work.”

Exactly how much this plan will cost was on the top of Portland councilor Don Smith’s mind. Smith, who normally sits on the sustainability committee, was away on vacation last week when this issue came to a head.

“Did the committee cost this out at all?” he asked. “It certainly isn’t in the budget.”

“It will have to come out of reserves this year,” said Deputy Mayor Ron Vandewal.

“How much is it going to cost?” Smith asked again.

“It’s going to affect our contracts,” said CAO Gord Burns, “so we will have to go in camera to discuss it.”

A motion was passed to bring in the new pickup schedule, and then Council went in camera to discuss costs.

In South Frontenac, each district levies its own waste management fee. In past years, Storrington residents have paid about $145 per household for weekly pick up, $20 more than Loughbourough and Portland residents have paid for bi-weekly pickup.

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Feature Article - November 23, 2006

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Feature Article - November 23, 2006

Loughborough Christmas Committee andEmergencyReliefFund (LCC&ERF)

The name may be long, but then again so is the list of families that need our help.

Although we originally started over 20 years ago to provide food baskets and gifts for needy families at Christmas, we have evolved into Loughborough's year round food bank, as well as being a source of funds for financial emergencies, i.e. overdue utilities or rent,

and disasters like house fires, etc.

Other organizations like Rural Visions may also be contacted in the event of financial

difficulties. Rural Visions refers Loughborough residents back to LCC&ERF for food bank related assistance; however, they are a great resource for many other needs people may have. We operate independently, but we work closely with them to ensure that anyone who is in need of our emergency services doesn't “slip through the cracks”.

We thank the numerous organizations and individuals in the community who provide the

only support LCC&ERF receives in order to be able to distribute more than 60 baskets at

Christmas, and emergency assistance throughout the year. With only a handful of regular volunteer members, along with extra helpers at Christmas, LCC&ERF provides recipients with about a week's worth of groceries, including all the trimmings for a traditional Christmas dinner, a gift and book for each child, gifts for teens, and additional donated items for parents to choose from to put under the Christmas tree for their little ones.

To support LCC&ERF's work, a number of fund-raisers have been planned. Ginny Trousdale will donate 10% of the proceeds from today’s sales (November 23), to our

organization. On December 2 from 10am to 4m, Christmas elves will accept donations of empties at the Sydenham Beer Store. On December 17 at 7:30pm, a Christmas Cantata will take place at the Sydenham Holiness Church with collections being donated to LCC&ERF, A mitten tree located at the Sydenham Library accepts donations of yarn and/or mittens, bats, scarves and slippers, which will be put into the Christmas baskets.

Contributions may be deposited into any of the festively decorated jars in offices and stores of Sydenham Village merchants. Alternatively, please take a moment to mail your cheque made out to LCC&ERF to P.O. Box 450 ; Sydenham , ON ; K0H 2T0 and provide your address so that a tax receipt can be mailed to you in the New Year.

To be considered for a basket, or to recommend someone else who might benefit from one, contact us by leaving a message at 613-376-3532 and Bev will return your call. Thank you for helping us to continue to make Christmas special for many of our neighbours! Merry Christmas from the Loughborough Christmas Committee.

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Feature Article - March 8, 2007

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Feature Article - March 8, 2007

Big changes proposed for waste management in South FrontenacbyJeff Green

Gary Davison was elected as Mayor of South Frontenac last fall after campaigning for the gradual amalgamation of services in the township.

Now, five months later, a proposal from the township’s Sustainability Committee would see the amalgamation of one of the most diverse services in the township: waste management.

A motion was brought forward to Tuesday night’s meeting from the township’s sustainability committee which entailed that “all Landfill Sites should fall under the responsibility of the township as a whole.”

This proposal came about in the wake of an Organizational Review of township services that was completed earlier this winter.

Currently, each of the four districts does different things with garbage. In Portland and Loughborough, there is curb-side pickup and the garbage is dumped in district managed landfill sites. Bedford residents bring their own garbage to one of four different sites. In Storrington, there is curb-side pickup but the waste goes into external landfills and tipping fees are paid.

Of the three districts that have landfill sites, there is a slight variation in the amount of life remaining in the sites and the projected closure costs for those sites. For example, Loughborough has 15 years of life remaining in its site, with a projected closure cost of $420,000 and a $346,000 sanitation reserve fund in place.

Portland , on the other hand, has a dump site with 40 years of capacity, a projected closure cost of $1.1 million, and $442,000 in a sanitation reserve fund in place.

Residents in each of the four districts pay waste disposal fees as part of their property tax bills. In Loughborough, residents paid $145 per household in 2005, while in Bedford the charge is only $20. Residents in each district can only use their own landfill sites currently.

The proposal from the sustainability committee would change everything. A waste management master plan study is being proposed to look into a unified system, equally funded by all South Frontenac taxpayers, making equal use of all combined assets within the township.

As Public Works Manager Bill Blum explained, “There may be some significant changes to how waste is handled if this goes through. Some Bedford residents live closer to the Loughborough site than any of the Bedford sites, but they can’t use the Loughborough site now. This would change. Perhaps some of the Storrington waste, which we pay to have hauled away, will end up in one of our own sites.”

The proposal to amalgamate all landfill sites provoked much debate at council on Tuesday night,

The Sustainability Committee made several other proposals to council this week.

One of them was to keep a bag tag system in place, whereby each resident receives 100 bag tags each year, but to establish a single colour bag tag for all residents in place of system whereby each district has a different coloured tag.

As well, it was proposed that the Public Works Manager study the possibility of establishing a permanent hazardous waste disposal site in the township. Last year, two hazardous waste days were run, at significant cost to the township.

Finally, it was proposed that the township proceed with a salt/site management study. All road salt in the township is stored under cover, but in handling the salt and mixing it with sand, there is potential and actual run off from the township works’ yards. This study will examine these problems and provide costs for improving the situation.

All of the costs associated with the studies that were proposed by the sustainability committee will be covered using money from federal gas tax funds that have been received by the township, and will not directly affect municipal property taxes.

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Feature Article - April 12, 2007

South Frontenac Council

by Wilma Kenny

Property Standards By-law Enforcement

There was a lively discussion about the policy regarding property standards enforcement: at present complaints regarding property standards issues must be submitted in writing and signed by the complainants, before the township by-law enforcement officer investigates a situation. Councilors Stowe and Hahn were concerned that people don’t report possible violations because they fear retribution. CAO Burns said that this has always been a contentious issue. In theory, the by-law is intended to ensure that residents keep their properties in reasonable condition for health, safety and aesthetic reasons, so that they will not annoy their neighbours or devalue neighbouring properties. Once the by-law officer follows up on a complaint, the property owner is usually given 30 days to clean up the problem; possibly longer, depending on the situation. Burns said that if the by-law officer was instructed to actively look for violations, the cost of enforcement would escalate dramatically, and the township would be perceived as being overly aggressive. Council voted to retain the policy of having complaints regarding property standards issues be signed by the complainant prior to enforcement.

"I use my cars for storage, and some of them have chickens in them. And I like the looks of them," commented Councilor Fillion.

Parks Maintenance Contracts

Percy Snider, as low bidder of three tenders, was awarded the 2007/8 contract for cutting the Loughborough parks’ grass. On the cemetery board’s recommendation, Mr Snider was also awarded a two-year contract as caretaker of Sydenham cemetery. He was considered a ‘preferred supplier’ because he already has the necessary experience, and knows the layout of the cemetery.

STAFF ADDITIONS: Council agreed to hire a full-time Technical Assistant for the Roads Department, but decided not to create a full-time position for a third Building Inspector. They approved a one-year contract building inspector position. Councillor Fillion suggested that the township was headed for a downturn in housing, but the CAO pointed out that as of March, housing starts in the township were up over last year. In a close vote, that mirrored the results of a straw vote at a Committee of the Whole meeting a week earlier, Council decided to retain their contract with the KFL&A Health Unit to conduct inspections for sewage systems. There did not appear to be any cost advantage or saving of time to have the township staff take on this responsibility. Councillors York, Fillion, Robinson and Hicks voted against the resolution.

SALE OF SURPLUS LUMBER: The lumber left in the Fermoy Hall several years ago has been sold to the only bidder, Mr Rejean Leroux, for $1150.

NORTH FRONTENAC COMMUNITY ARENA FINANCING Council discussed a request to finance the arena building project over a 3-5 year period. They decided that while they agreed with the project in principle, they needed to see a detailed business plan before they could enter into a capital loan agreement with the arena. Currently, the arena has $385,000 pledged or raised over a 5-year period.

PRE-AMALGAMATION BORROWING: In response to a request from Councilor Fillion, Treasurer Deb Backen prepared a report into whether monies that Fillion claimed had been lent to Bedford and Loughborough Districts from Portland and Storrington Districts at amalgamation had ever been paid back.

Deb Bracken’s report stated, in part, "This will confirm that Portland Township ‘lent’ funds to Bedford and Loughborough near the end of 1997. The financial statements for Portland showed the amounts under investments...Interest was paid at the same rate as bank interest...It was understood by all parties that all bank accounts would fall under South Frontenac on January 1, 1998, and the loans would be balanced out at that point with no further interest."

There was no record of Storrington lending any money to Loughborough.

CAO Burns said he couldn’t imagine any amalgamation in the province would have had all parties bringing the same amount of money to the table. He also suggested that Council could make better use of staff time if they didn’t spend it revisiting issues that were resolved nine years ago.

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