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Thursday, 27 December 2007 09:52

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Feature Article - December 20, 2007

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Feature Article - December 20, 2007 Christmas Celebrations

Harrowsmith Free methodist Church held their Christmas Pageant on Dec. 15

Above: the Christmas angel announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Left: Mary Joseph and the shepherds watch over baby Jesus

The 1st Cloyne Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides entered a float in the Dec. 8 Northbrook Parade. The girls were enthusiastic, especially when it came to waving and tossing candy canes. They were excited to to learn they received a prize for best overal float, winning a trophy and a plaque.

The Sharbot Lake Legion helds its annual children's Christmas Party on Dec. 8. Left: Santa with Austin and Taylor

Hinchinbrook Christmas Party

On December 15, District #4 Recreation Committee held an action-packed afternoon of fun. Music, crafts and horse driven wagon rides to those that braved the cold to enjoy the crisp day until the horses had to venture off to find…Santa! Over 130 children took part in the afternoon of fun and friendship. Thanksto the volunteers of District #4 Recreation Committeeand countless others for thier time and support for another successful event.

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 06 December 2007 09:55

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Feature Article - December 6, 2007

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Feature Article - December 6, 2007 Skatepark gets a new name

Friends and family of Tracy Yeo and Addington Highlands Recreation Club members gathered on December 1 to present to Ms. Yeo a dedication stone to the entrance of the recreation park in Northbrook. A surprise to Ms. Yeo, club members agreed unanimously to name the new park after Tracy as it was her vision to build such a park within the Township.

Tracy Park is located on property owned by the Lions Club of Land O’ Lakes but leased to the Township of Addington Highlands. The park currently consists of a new skatepark, with plans for a new playground and basketball hoops in 2008 and hopefully a renewal of the canteen/ public washrooms in 2009.

In addition to the Lions Club, the township, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and several other major donors have made the park possible. Donors are recognized on the permanent donor board next to the Lions Hall as “gold, silver and bronze” donors. Donors include:

Danford Construction, Spry Site Supervision, Quinte Eco-Consultants, P.A. Miller Surveying, Yourway Home Centre, Northbrook Foodland, 7 Rivers Metis Community Woodland Tribe, Kaladar Northern Construction, Trenton-Wooler Elks Lodge, W & R Stone Carvers, Frontenac News, Lookout Home Centre, Barrington Insurance, North Addington Bus Lines, Hooks RONA, Cloyne United Church, G.D. Jewell Engineering and United Rentals Belleville. Charitable tax receipts are issued to all donors.

On November 31, a welcome donation of $500 was received from CIBC Tweed Branch. Ms. June Osawabine, Branch Manager, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank. The funding will go towards the new playground slated for the spring.

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 07 February 2008 12:48

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Feature Article - February 7, 2008.class { BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid } .class1 { BORDER-RIGHT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #9f5128 1pt solid } .class2 { FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666 }

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Feature Article - February 4, 2008 South Frontenac Council By Wilma Kenny

Fishing from Municipal Bridges

A note brought forward from the Buck Lake Association asked council to consider passing a by-law forbidding fishing from bridges and township right-of-ways after dark. This was in response to fears that commercial fishers from Toronto were taking illegal quantities of fish fromlocal lakes at night. They referred to a by-law passed by Leeds and Grenville on December 2007 forbidding dusk to dawn fishing from bridges. CAO Burns noted that Leeds and Grenville have already rescinded that by-law on the grounds that it would be impossible to enforce. He went on to say that enforcement of fi shing regulations is a Ministry of Natural Resources responsibility, and that this sort of by-law would encroach on the rights of local citizens. Council agreed unanimously not to proceed with the fishing by-law.

Rutledge Street Bridge Upgrade

Council passed a motion to apply for a Provincial grant to cover the full cost ($300,000) of the repair of the Rutledge Street bridge on the western edge of Sydenham. This infrastructure funding was announced with a short deadline, and only construction-ready projects are eligible. Township money has already been delegated for the project, so if the grant is received, this money will be freed up for other township projects.

A Moment’s Excitement

Councillors Vandewal and McPhail and Deputy Mayor Robinson all expressed interest in representing the township on the proposed Trails Committee for the development of the K&P Trail within Frontenac County. This led to a local version of Survivor: each candidate made a brief statement, then paper ballots were handed out, collected and counted. Vandewal dropped off in the first round, but the tie between the other two persisted through a second round of voting. The matter was resolved by asking an impartial bystander (a member of the press!) to draw the winner. Councillor McPhail will represent South Frontenac on the committee.

Rezoning for Central Frontenac’s Proposed Yard Waste Composting

South Frontenac has been notified of a public meeting Feb 11, 7:00 pm in the Mountain Grove community hall, to consider a zoning by-law amendment. If passed, the amendment would allow a waste management site located in Central Frontenac near the corner of Westport and Hinchinbrooke roads to accept brush and yard waste from outside that township.

They are proposing to hire Casey and Jerry Shea of Earthworx, the company that manages Kingston’s composting, to set up a similar composting program. Councillor Hahn recommended that the Sustainability Committee be kept informed.

Nice try, but no cigar...

Mayor Davison brought forward a request from the OPP for $2,500 to upgrade their fitness centre. Council said no.

Township Recreation Guide Discontinued

At the last Committee of the Whole, Ralph Boston, Chair of the township’s Central Recreation Committee, asked for $4,000 to pay for printing of the Recreation Guide. This guide has been published several times during recent years to keep residents informed of groups and activities in the township. Only Councillors Stowe and York spoke in its favour, and a straw poll showed insufficient support to bring the request to a formal council meeting.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 21 February 2008 12:47

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Feature Article - February 21, 2008

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Feature Article - February 21, 2008 South Frontenac Committee of the Wholeby Wilma Kenny

South Frontenac Council agreed to endorse in principle a proposed 5-Year Road and Bridge Reconstruction Plan as presented by Mark Segsworth, the Public Works Manager at a meeting of the Committee of the Whole on February 12.

At that time Council had had a number of questions regarding the plan, and Segsworth agreed that there would be need for ongoing review as the program was developed.

Roads have always been of primary interest at election times, and their maintenance and improvement uses a large portion of tax revenue. The roads departments have remained area rated since amalgamation: i.e. each district has its own road budget, and the Councillors from each district are responsible for deciding how that budget will be used.

Appointment of a Public Works Manager and a Technical Advisor (Randy Ferguson) have been beginning steps toward amalgamation. However, Council has resisted any further steps toward amalgamating the roads departments because although the roads in Portland, Loughborough and Storrington are in reasonably good repair and mostly paved, Bedford lags far behind, with only 8 of its 160 km of roads paved. (Bedford also has a much smaller proportion of township-maintained roads than the other districts.)

Bedford Councillor David Hahn provided an historical background to the bumpy status of Bedford’s roads in a telephone interview this week.

In the past, Bedford had a much smaller population base than the other parts of what is now South Frontenac, and many of its taxpayers were seasonal residents. Hahn said that seven years ago, when he and Del Stowe were elected to represent Bedford as a district in South Frontenac, roads were a priority with their constituents.

The population has increased substantially as cottagers retire to live permanently in the area, bringing with them expectations of better roads and services. Both recent arrivals and long-time residents complain of broken shocks and springs. More emergency services, both fire and medical, are available now and require good access roads.

Hahn said the Bedford Councilors who had been in place before he and Stowe came into office had transferred $100,000 from gravel roads to reconstruction, which although bringing improvements in some areas, led to deterioration in others.

Realizing that they needed both maintenance and improvement, they raised taxes, gradually increasing the Bedford road budget to $300,000. This has paid off: ten years ago, none of the Bedford roads could accommodate a tandem truck on a plough: now three routes are upgraded to accommodate large trucks. 8 km of roads have been paved, and the preliminary work has been done to pave 8 more this year. Hahn said they would like to have 40% of Bedford roads hard-topped in the next 10-15 years.

Although this will mean an increase in taxes for Bedford ratepayers, it should certainly help pave the way toward eventual amalgamation of the township roads department.

McMullen Park Improvements: The Portland District Parks and Recreation Committee has undertaken a project to improve the facilities and park area in Verona. As a first step, Council accepted the tender of Percy Snider (low bidder) for demolition of the cottage at McMullen park. The Recreation Committee plans to construct a new building to include washroom facilities, storage and space for day camp and swim programs. Portland has adequate funds in their parkland reserve funds: the building is to be completed by July 2008, in time for the summer programs.

Playground Inspection Procedures for 2008: Chief Building Official Alan Revill will conduct annual and monthly inspections of Township playgrounds, beginning in April. District parks maintenance staff will make and record brief weekly inspections, reporting any damage or hazards to Revill.

Roadwork Tenders: Council authorized the Public Works Manager, Mark Segsworth, to issue tenders for 2008 line painting, surface treatment and hot mix paving requirements on the understanding that the awarding of tenders is subject to Council and budget approval.

Opinion of Private Planning Consultant Sought: Township Planning Coordinator Lindsay Mills had recommended a zoning by-law amendment for the Czychun property on part of lot 1, concession 1, Bedford, to waive the severance requirement of a 400 foot building setback from the water. Council disagreed, on the grounds that the original severance had been granted allowing the formation of a lot with a very small waterfront only on the condition that any development on that lot would be along the road frontage, not the waterfront. The unusually deep setback had been imposed to ensure this. In the case of Council disagreeing with their Planning Coordinator, there is provision to seek an outside opinion. Meantime, decision on the zoning application has been deferred.

There will be no Committee of the Whole meeting next week.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 17 April 2008 11:42

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Feature Article - April 17, 2008

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Feature Article -April 17, 2008 South Frontenac budget approvedBy Wilma Kenny

CAO Gord Burns summarized the highlights of the township’s 2008 budget.

The total budget for the year is over $19 million. The fire department came in with no increase, and the roads budget showed a deficit, but was balanced by calling in some of the reserve funds. However, the police budget went up by 16%, in spite of the cancellation of the part-time community policing position.

All other departments fell within the 2.5% to 3% increase range: this reflects negotiated salary increases and rising cost of gas, diesel and hydro. Bedford taxes will rise 4.558%, partly because of an additional $300,000 in their roads budget: this is to work toward amalgamation of the township’s four roads departments by bringing Bedford’s roads closer to the standards of the other districts. Loughborough’s taxes will rise 1.9%, Portland’s 3.255%, and Storrington’s will decrease 1.561%.

Using a property assessed at $150,000 as an example, taxes in Bedford will be $1780.67 in '08; in Portland they will be $1780.57, in Loughborough $1789.48 and in Storrington $1797.15.

There were no questions from the public, and the budget passed with no further discussion.

Tenders Awarded

Tender for the new recreation building in McMullen Park, Verona, was awarded to Shelley Home Improvements of Sydenham, for a total of $74,000 plus GST. In order to meet this price, Portland Recreation Committee was given permission to draw $5,000 from recreation reserves.

Hughson Guide Rail and Fencing’s tender of $103,919 was accepted for installation of guide rail protection on Bedford Road.

Smith Construction was awarded this year’s surface treatment tender, at the price of $1,020,726.

Provincial Infrastructure Grant

The township has been granted $2,478,832, to be used for municipal road and bridge structures. CAO Burns underlined the requirement that this money is not intended to reduce taxes, but is to augment/increase road programs. Any money not used for capital expenses related to bridges and roads during the as yet undetermined time period of the grant must be returned to the province.

Thanks to Sparks, Brownies and Guides

Mayor Davison sent a letter to the Sydenham Sparks, Brownies and Guides, thanking them for their work in doing a village clean-up on April 3.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 24 July 2008 11:21

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Feature Article - July 24, 2008

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Feature Article - July 24, 2008 Opening of Tracy Park in NorthbrookBy Jeff Green

Sarah Yoeh cutting the ribbon to officially open the Northbrook skateboard park.

The celebration over the opening of a $100,000 recreation park behind the Lion’s Hall in Northbrook was tinged with sadness.

The recreation park,which includes a skateboard park, a jungle gym climbing unit, a basketball court, and a beach volleyball court, was inspired and initially promoted to Addington Highlands Council by Tracy Yeoh in 2006.

The Park was christened Tracy Park in her honour, but she did not live to see the opening. Tracy Yeoh died of Cancer in May of this year.

Ken Hook of the Addington Highlands Recreation Committee was the MC for the opening ceremonies, which included two ribbon cuttings, and a performance by a troupe of young professional skateboarders.

Reeve Henry Hogg brought greetings from the township, which backed the project from the start.

Ken Hook then intoduced John Macdougall of Verona, the chair of the local adjudication committee for the Trillium Foundation.

Trillium gave $75,000 to help build the skateboard park. “It wasn’t the only money we received, but it is what got us off to a really good start,” said Hook

MacDougall said that Foundation delivered $102 million in grants throughout Ontario last year, and will deliver $110 milion this year and $120 milion next year.

“Projects like the one here in Northbrook are exactly what the foundation is looking for,” said MacDougall. “Be sure and give us a call when you begin phase 2 of the Park.”

“We’ve got your phone number,” said Hook.

Representatives from Ontario Hydro were on hand to present a checque for $5,000, which paid for a climbing unit that is part of the park.

Sara Yeoh, flanked by her two brothers, then gave a short, heartfelt speech. She talked about her mother’s commitment to recreation and the joy that the success of the fundrasing and building project brought her as she heard reports of the progress that was being made over the past couple of years.

Jacob Yeoh (at Left) spoke as well, saying he was the kind of troublemaking kid that his mother wanted to build a skateboard park for, to keep him occupied.

“She would say if you break your arm skateboarding at least it will keep you hung up for a while,” he said.

Then it was time to cut the ribbon, which was done by Sarah Yeoh.

A second ribbon cutting, at the climber, in front of the Tracy Park placque, followed.

With the formalities out of the way, the skatepark was put to use by the Monke Sakteboards troupe, who demonstrated how to do all sorts of hair raising tricks on the park, to the delight of a young audience.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 03 July 2008 11:22

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Jul 3/08 - Canada Day

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Canada Day - July 1, 2008 Canada Day

Denbigh

Harrowsmith

Sharbot Lake

Sydenham

Canada Day dawned bright and sunny after what seemed like a month of rain. In communities from Sydenham and Harrowsmith, to Sharbot Lake and up to Denbigh, there were breakfasts, parades, events in parks and beaches, musical entertainment, strawberries, food, and fireworks at dusk.

Denbighby Angela Bright

Photo left: Janice Kerr from the Denbigh Recreation Committee stands under the new pavilion, as Emily Petzold prepares to unveil the plaque in memory of her father, Ernie Petzold.Photo right: The children enjoy showing their decorated bikes and painted faces as they ride around the rink area.Not to boast, but the weather here for Canada Day was perfectly nice and a good number turned out for the celebration. At 12 noon, Janice Kerr welcomed everyone and invited Christi Laundrie to lead in the singing of "O Canada" as Paul Isaacs and Mike Kerr raised the flag.The dedication of the pavilion followed, with words from Janice on behalf of the Recreation Committee, thanking all those who donated funds, materials, and volunteered time to make this addition to the community a possibility.Emily Petzold then unveiled the plaque recognizing her father that reads, "This picnic shelter is dedicated in memory of Erwin (Ernie) Petzold", while wife Brenda, and mother Evelyn looked on.

A poster was also on display with pictures of the various stages as the shelter was constructed, along with the names of all the labourers, who had a hand in the build and made sure it was ready in time for the presentation.It was truly a day to bring all ages together. Painted faces were everywhere, maple leaves and animal designs, hand done by Janice St.John.The canteen attendants were hoping most of the day and kept us well fed.

The children had their bikes decorated for the big ride around the rink, caught fish for prizes in the fish pond, picked a lucky lollipop and took home loot bags packed with all sorts of interesting things.And the big kids (adults), joined in the activities as well by opening the nail driving contest, under the watchful eye of time keeper Karen Weichenthal.The competition was fierce; for both the men and women, 3rd place tied and rematches were set.As for the children, there are certainly some good little carpenters in the making.

To the Denbigh Recreation Committee and helpers, thank you for organizing our Canada Day fun, and for the hours that you invest in an event such as this for our community. Remember the picnic shelter is ours to enjoy, a wonderful tribute to bring people together.

Harrowsmith

By Julie Druker

Basset hounds, Opening Ceremonies and children on parade in Harrowsmith

Harrowsmith’s Canada Day Event put on by the Social and Athletic Club of Harrowsmith was another crowd pleaser this year. The event attracts over 1000 people every year and this year due to the fabulous weather and the regular and a few brand new scheduled events saw another great turn out.

Months of planning goes into the celebration and this year there were a few new events on the agenda including “The Northern Giants Strong Man Competition” and “Vendor Tents and Tables”.

The crowd soaked up the sun, the music, activities and food and celebrated another Canada Day in Harrowsmith in style thanks to Harrowmith’s Social and Athletic Club and all of the volunteers who continue to make this day a special one.

Sharbot Lake

Shabot Lake Canada Day parade

The pancakes, maple syrup and sausages were whisked onto plates all morning at the Oso Firehall as the Sharbot Lake Canada Day traditions were celebrated on this,the 25th anniversary of the first year of Summerfest. At the end of the day, after a fireworks display that once again outdid the display of last year, the overflow crowd spilled out onto the streets of the village, tired but happy.

Sydenham

By Julie Druker

"Afloat in a boat", parade spectators, and face painting in Sydenham

Sydenham put on a Canada Day celebration at the point ion Tuesday that attracted a large crowd. Having taken a break the past few years due to lack of volunteer support for the event, this year the event was well attended, organized and was a definite crowd pleaser.

People who attended enjoyed the parade, live music, activities, food and of course the beach and lake on what was a beautiful sunny day.

Michael Howe, chair of the Parks and recreation Committee for Sydenham is very pleased at all of the support that the event received this year. He’s confident that the event will be a a regular happening for many years to come. He thanks all of the volunteers who donated their time, skills and tools, The Lion’s Club of Sydenham, Trousdale’s Home Hardware and the Sydenham Legion.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 07 August 2008 07:18

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Feature Article - August 7, 2008

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Feature Article - July 31, 2008 Flinton Jamboree draws a crowdBy Julie Druker

Performers Larry Birney, Albert St. Pierrre and Jack Biernacki

The Flinton Country Bluegrass Jamboree has developed a loyal following over its 4-year history and has become a favourite destination for music lovers from miles around.

On Saturday the property surrounding the township recreation centre in Flinton was full to capacity with 250 trailers, and the ball field was lined with what was estimated to be an audience of 1200, all enjoying the music.

The jamboree is put on by the Flinton Recreation Club, who in August 2007 were thrilled to receive a $25,000 trillium grant. The grant was divided up for 2007and 2008.

The festival lineup was impressive and included headliners Virginia Run from Virginia, U.S.A., the well-known and loved Randy Family from Quebec, and various local groups including White Pine.

At the stage, local musicians gathered on the steps informing the dandily dressed MC, Harold Bonner of Kingston, of their names and the songs they would be performing. Local performer, Jamie Whitelock of Flinton was joined on stage by Courtney King from Camden East and performed a heart-felt version of Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This.”

Larry Bronson of Madoc got the crowd going with his rocking version of the Johnny Cash classic “Folsom Prison Blues”.

There was also a competition on Saturday, the Loyalist Singing Competition, run by Dennis Witty.

Duane Thibault, president of the Flinton Rec Club, and his brother, both music lovers, came up with idea for the music festival four years ago.

Duane’s wife Donna is one of 12 directors of the jamboree and was thrilled with the turnout this year. “The festival has gotten progressively bigger every year which is just great”. She was happy to add that this year Murry Northey of Murry’s Music had donated a fiddle for a draw to raise money for the Kaladar/Barrie Fire Department, and on Sunday Duane was able to present Fire Chief Casey Cuddy with a cheque for about $400. The fiddle was won by Cam Arsenault of Northbrook.

One minute of silence was also observed at the jamboree, in memory of firefighter Bill Salmond, who died in an accident last year, while he was on standby for the jamboree.

The funds raised from the jamboree will go directly to the Flinton Rec Club, to be spent on the various programs that the club offers in the community.

Ossie and Faye Moulton from Middleville are first-time visitors to the Flinton Jamboree and heard of it on a radio station in Renfrew. Blue grass lovers through and through, they came especially to see one of their favourites, the Randy Family of Quebec.

Due to the quality line up of talent, the friendliness of the crowds, the intimacy of the venue, and the many services that are offered by the volunteers, it is no wonder that the Flinton Jamboree is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the favourite Bluegrass/country festivals in the area.

Festival organizers would like to especially thank all the volunteers who worked so hard. Without them the event would never take place.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 10 December 2009 09:01

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Back to HomeFeature Article - December 10, 2009 Addington Highlands Council - Dec 7/09By Jeff Green

Flinton rink roof in doubt

Addington Highlands Council might consider the old adage – “Be careful what you wish for because your wish might come true”.

Back in the spring when federal/provincial stimulus grant application deadlines were approaching, municipalities throughout Ontario sent in thousands of applications that fit the granting criteria. Based on how previous granting programs had played out, the expectation was that even if a municipality applied for six or seven grants, they would receive one, or two at the most.

This time was different, and particularly in the Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington Riding, the bulk of applications received 2/3 funding from the federal and provincial governments.

This news was welcome in most cases, but since municipalities must pay the remaining 1/3 of the cost, the stimulus grants threaten the 2010 municipal budgets.

One of the successful applications from Addington Highlands was for a $372,000 coverall for the Flinton ice rink, which is adjacent to the Flinton Recreation Centre. The senior levels of government are willing to pay $248,000 towards the project.

In an unusual arrangement, the Flinton Recreation Committee handles much of the maintenance on the grounds around the hall, even though the property is a township asset.

This arrangement extends to the coverall project, which was something the recreation committee was behind.

So, now that the township has to come up with $124,000 to cover 1/3 of the cost of the roof over the rink, Clerk/Treasurer Jack Pauhl wrote to the recreation committee asking them to come to a council meeting to let the township know how much they are willing to contribute towards the project.

The committee wrote back that they can cover half, $62,000, and came to the meeting asking the township to cover the remaining $62,000.

But Township Reeve Henry Hogg poured cold water on that suggestion, putting the entire project in doubt.

“We don’t have that kind of money,” he said. “We just don’t have it, that’s all.”

He then asked Duane Thibault, spokesperson for the six-member Rec. Committee delegation, if they might consider applying for a Trillium grant for the roof.

“We don't have time,” Thibault said, “the project has to be completed next year.”

Hogg said that the project is not in the township budget.

“Are you going to be budgeting for it next year?” Thibault asked Hogg.

“That would be a 1 to 2 per cent increase [in taxes], just to do this,” Hogg said.

“Let me get this straight,” said Deputy Reeve Helen Yanch, “the Flinton Rec. Club is willing to cover half of the township share. Isn't there something we can work out, so every year they can pay a certain amount towards the rest?”

“We've already put a lot of money towards this township,” Duane Thibault said.

“We applied for the grant on behalf of the rec. committee,” Henry Hogg replied, “we never committed any of the money.”

Duane Thibault pointed out that if the township doesn't make use of the funding they will “never see that kind of money again.” Thibault then asked if there was any way the township could lend the Rec. Committee the money so it can be raised over time and paid back.

“We don't really have money available,” said Treasurer Jack Pauhl, “our reserves are mostly what are called un-funded reserves; they are partially made up of back taxes.”

“We'll have to do some brainstorming,” Henry Hogg said, “I don't know what council thinks, but I don't think we can make a decision today.”

After leaving the meeting, the rec. committee members said they really need to know something pretty soon, because the construction schedule they have been working with includes a $3,000 payment in January, and a $75,000 payment early next spring.

OTHER NOTES FROM AH COUNCIL:

Work has begun on the Matawatchan Road reconstruction project, and the tender for the Denbigh garage project will be opened on December 17. This is the second time the Denbigh garage project has gone to tender. The first time the bids were double the amount budgeted for the project. “Let's hope the bids are lower this time,” said Roads Superintendent Royce Rosenblath.

CHRISTMAS CLOSING: Staff requested, and council agreed, to close the township office on Thursday December 24, and reopen on Monday, December 28.

CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BUDGET – Councilor Eythel Grant reported that the Quinte Region Conservation Authority would not be looking to the municipality for more money next year for its operating budget. “But there will be an $1,800 increase to cover the pension plan that was approved last year,” he quickly added. 

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 10 December 2009 09:01

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Back to HomeFeature Article - December 10, 2009 Central Frontenac Council - Dec 8/09By Jeff Green

$1,200 for Heritage Festival

Carol Coupland, representing the Frontenac Heritage Festival, came to Central Frontenac Council this week, cap in hand. She described the schedule of events that is being developed for this year’s festival, which will run from February 19 to 21, and then she asked for some financial support.

This year’s festival will have similar features to festivals from previous years, including a photo contest (with a new category for young photographers), events at the Crow Lake Schoolhouse, a pseudo-curling bonspiel at the Sharbot Lake beach, a variety show, skating events at the Kennebec rink, and a snowmobile ride, ending at the closing luncheon at the snowmobile club in Snow Road.

Coupland asked Council for $345 for portable toilets, $175 for bussing children to the Crow Lake events, $280 for signs, and $1,000 for fireworks, a total of $1,800

Council was sympathetic, but not that sympathetic. They agreed to give the Festival $1,200.

Among other sources of income, the Heritage Festival has received $1,000 from the Community Futures Development Corporation for marketing the event.

REC. COMMITTEE WANTS TO MOVE OLDEN BALL FIELD: Members of the Olden Recreation Committee met with township staff on November 17 to talk about problems that have developed with the ball field, which is located on the same site as the Olden waste site and township garage. “Specifically, there is a major safety concern due to the increased traffic in the area now that the Aden landfill is shut. With the salt dome under construction, it has become clear to all that the recreational use of this property is not appropriate due to the nature of the activities of the site,” it says in the minutes from the meeting.

A consensus emerged that a better site for a ball field would be in a former gravel pit on the property where the Olden fire hall is located, near Land O’Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove. This was acceptable to the fire department as well.

Township works Manager Mike Richardson proposed that Council consider hiring a recreation planner from the City of Kingston on a short-term basis to look at the details of building a new ball field in Mountain Grove. Council approved spending up to $2,500 on the consultation.

FIRE DEPARTMENT FINDS $10,000 – Fire Chief Mark MacDonald, along with Deputies Art Cowdy and Bill Young, brought a report on departmental activities.

Councilor Bill Snyder commended them for withdrawing their request for $10,000 to cover over-spending in the 2009 fire budget.

“We really pared the budget down,” said MacDonald. “We are not wearing socks today.”

The fire department is scheduled to present a long-awaited fire Master Plan in February.

“You say February,” said Councilor John Purdon to MacDonald, “but you didn’t say which year. I take it you mean February 2010.”

PARKING WOES – A committee will be formed, which will include members of the Sharbot Lake business community, to look at parking shortages in the village.

“We should take some time to figure out which way to go on this,” said Works Manager Mike Richardson, “parking is important, but you don’t want to destroy a pretty little town for the sake of a parking lot.”

E-WASTE SITE: Mike Richardson said he has received the necessary approvals and is looking for a metal building about 12’ by 16’ in size to hold electronic waste. Once a structure is found and placed at the waste site on Wemp Road (off Crow Lake Road) the township will begin to accept electronic waste from residents

HENDERSON HALL WATER – Water problems at the Henderson Hall have escalated. It has been determined that the pump is filled with sand, and a new system needs to be put in place immediately because there is no running water. The cost is $12,000, but there is money in the Kennebec Recreation budget to cover it, and council approved the expenditure.

NOT A TOTAL BUST – “It’s not going to be the best year ever, but it’s not a total bust either,” Chief Building Official Ian Trickett said of the building totals in the township for 2009 as of November 30. The total value of construction permits was $5.55 million after 11 months, which compares to $6.9 million at the same time last year, and $7.4 million in the first 11 months of 2007. As of the end of November, 138 permits had been taken out, as compared to 169 in 2008 and 183 in 2007. 

Published in 2007 Archives
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