Not in Frontenac County, you say?

Jeff Green | Oct 05, 2022

Because Frontenac County’s offices are being renovated, an alternative location needed to be found for the ceremonial inaugural meeting of the new council on November 30. County staff proposed, and council accepted without comment, that the meeting be held at the Frontenac County courthouse in Kingston, at 7:30pm instead of 9:30 am, when the inaugural meeting is normally held. The explanation for the location was that it is a nod to history, as Frontenac County used to meet at that location.

The report recommending the choice of location includes the following statement:

“Due to its historical nature and being the seat of Frontenac County Council up until the amalgamation in 1998, staff have sought the option of holding the Inaugural Meeting at the County Court House.  Preliminary site visits have occurred to ensure the venue would meet the County’s requirements.  Staff are looking at Court Room A as the preferred site for the Inaugural Council Meeting which would provide a dignified space that reflects the historical nature of County Council.  The space also offers a reception foyer under the historical dome of the Court House that can more than accommodate 100 attendees.

“Since legal proceedings are scheduled during the day at the Court House, the time of the Inaugural Council meeting would have to be postponed until the evening. However, holding the inaugural meeting in the evening may allow greater ease for friends and family of the new Council to attend as this would be outside of normal working hours.”

Instead of a nod to the past, the county could have decided to look to a new future, a future where Frontenac County concerns itself with making a connection with modern day Frontenac County residents and politicians. The Lion’s Hall in Verona would be a suitable location. It can accommodate 100 people, and would allow for greater ‘ease of access for friends and family of the new council’ in the morning or the evening as it would be a shorter drive for a councillor of family member from North Frontenac, or from Central or South Frontenac for that matter.

It would send an important signal, that Frontenac County looks to its own resources for the future, and is not beholding to the City of Kingston.

Just a thought.