How North Frontenac disposes of waste and recycling is about to go through some major changes.

At a special meeting of Council last Saturday at Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna, Public Works Manager Jim Phillips went through the proposed changes, not all of which were met with public, or Council, approval.

Phillips said he expects to have a new bylaw ready for the June 30 Council meeting.

He said that much of the impetus for changes stem from the cost to dispose of bulky waste, construction materials and white goods.

“We budgeted $12,000 last year for this and our costs were double that,” Phillips said. “We’re not collecting enough to reflect the cost of disposal for these items.”

Essentially, the proposals are two-fold. First, tipping fees will increase on things like fridges/freezers (to $30 from the current $20), mattresses/box springs/sofas (to $20 from the current $15), sofa beds (to $30 from the current $20) and recliners (to $10 from the current $5).

Second, bag tags will still be used but only for the disposal of household waste and bag tags will not be issued for additional bags of recycling (Phillips is recommending a 30-days grace period after passage of the bylaw to use accumulated bag tags for bulky waste and items other than household waste.)

Currently, residents have been able to use recycling tags to dispose of bulky items instead of cash at an exchange of one tag per every $2 of tipping fee.

“In order to keep our waste sites for as long as we can, these changes need to happen,” Phillips said. “If we didn’t divert these items, our waste sites would fill up quickly.”

He said current estimated remaining lifespans for the sites are: 506 – 30 years; Mississippi – 34 years; Plevna – 49 years.

“Recycling comes at a cost,” he said. “Recycling goes to a Materials Recovery Facility in Belleville and changing markets determine if we get a rebate, have to pay or it’s free.”

“My concern is that it might encourage people to find a quiet back road (to dispose of bulky items),” said resident Fred Fowler.

“I’m hearing that people want to use their extra tags for building waste,” said Coun. Denis Bedard.

Mayor Ron Higgins expressed concern that a lot of the bulk waste coming in was from outside the municipality.

“Just the other day we had an incident where someone brought in nine mattresses from a two-bedroom cottage,” Higgins said.

Hunting for camps
With improvements to mapping technology, rural municipalities are finding out all sorts of things.

In North Frontenac, it turns out that several hunting camps, once thought to be on Crown Land, are actually on Township land, often on road allowances.

“It was a misunderstanding with the Crown in the ’50s,” said Coun. Gerry Martin. “Now there are liabilities and actual paperwork that has to be taken care of.

“It’s another user pay thing.”

To that end, Tara Mieske, clerk/planning manager, presented a proposal to Council for a $130 application fee and an annual fee of $75 to cover costs for these properties. With the fees, Council enters into licence agreements which allows the use of road allowances for access or for use of buildings on Township land.

“In most cases, building permits were issued and a fee was paid to the Crown, who then paid the Township,” Mieske said.

They had to break out the extra chairs as a capacity crowd filled Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna last Saturday to celebrate the rich history of lodges in North Frontenac.

The afternoon began with guests invited to browse the various exhibits before CMCA coordinator Brenda Martin welcomed the crowd with her opening remarks.

Martin pointed to the various exhibits spread around the hall showcasing all 63 lodges that have existed within the boundaries of the Township and a couple from without.

“We’ve covered all 63 and even went slightly outside of the Township because of the connection with Plevna,” she said. “These lodges have provided economic benefits for years and many are over 100 years old.

“Twenty-four of the lodges are historic but 39 are still active.”

Martin said the project follows on the history of Lodges and the materials collected will be donated in binders to the Clarendon and Miller Community Archives and the plan is to also create a booklet from the material.

“The displays will be available to active lodges,” she said.

Martin acknowledged the hours of student help as well as a Township grant that got things up and running and the hope for a federal grant to buy computer equipment to digitize the project.

“We’re all about community,” she said. “When we asked for help, boy did we get it.”

“Preserving our heritage and history is paramount to remembering for future generations,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “It is our building of pride of ownership in our community that will attract visitors.”

Higgins also announced they’ve been approved for a Community Foundation of Kingston grant but couldn’t give any details until the ‘official’ announcement May 15.

Jere and Marianne Motto presented donated the original land titles documents for Land O'Lakes Lodge and perhaps the most poignant moment of the afternoon came when Ed Giffin of Tumblehome Lodge read a poem read a poem by Skip Moyst, who couldn’t attend because of flooding.

Then it was time for “special guest” and keynote speaker/entertainer Neville Wells, who “grew up in Ompah” at the Mosque Lake Lodge.

Wells, who was the Country Music Person of the Year in 1984 for the Canadian Country Music Association told stories about “growing up in the lodge environment” when $6 a day bought accommodation, three meals and a boat as well as his 35 cents/hour wages “contributing heavily to the local economy.”

Wells told of the Ompah dances on Saturday nights where “Neil (fiddle) and Flora Perry (slide guitar) were the orchestra.

“I don’t care what people say, it was better in those days.”

“The cute little stories are what we remember,” said Martin.

North Frontenac Council passed its 2017 budget at its regular meeting last week in Plevna.

Residents will see a $23.91 increase on every $100,000 of their property’s assessment or 2.89 per cent.

The Township portion increased by 2.39 per cent but the bottom line also includes Frontenac County’s increase of 5.01 per cent.

Treasurer Kelly Watkins began her public presentation with noting that Ward 1 contains 46.17 per cent of the Township’s taxable assessment, followed by Ward 2 at 35.11 per cent and Ward 3 at 18.72 per cent.

She said that the Township needs to raise $5,765,957 by taxation and their portion of the County levy amounts to $1,496,828. The education portion of the levy is due to municipalities by March 31.

While there was an increase in revenue from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund of $175,100, $20,000 in insurance savings from a new provider and $8,000 from waste user fees Watkins said there were several key items that led to the levy increase including an increase in OPP billing of $175,225, $50,000 for a new winter maintenance reserve fund, $10,000 for road side maintenance under the Weed Act, a 3.73 per cent increase in wages and benefits for $88,000, an $11,900 increase in contributions to Tangible Capital Assets for recreation (to help fund tractor and truck for this department) and $14,000 from re-use exchange facility.

Grants received included an Ontario Community Infrastructure grant for gravel of $142,725 and a 90 per cent OCIF grant for the Head Road Bridge ($301,500 on a $335,000 project) and a Canada 150 Infrastructure grant for 1/3 of the

Clar-Mill Hall new entrance ($10,000 of a $30,000 project).

Capital asset replacements include a minimum of two computers, bunker gear, miscellaneous fire equipment including upgraded breathing apparatus, a 2008 Ford F550, 2005 Sterling Tandem, 1999 service vehicle, 1999 steam jenny, Garage 1 roof replacement, replacement of caron wheels for compactor and 25 HP motor (MNR Parks).

Other projects include Road 506 resurfacing, addition/renovation/retrofit of the Municipal Building, website upgrades, new telephone system for the Municipal Building, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Review, building condition assessment, road condition re-evaluation, inspections for Folger and Buckshot Creek bridges, Canada 150 celebrations and additional speed limit signs in hamlets.

Reserve funds projected year-end balances per budget include $1,142,570.72 in obligatory reserve funds, $1,357,299.95 in discretionary reserve funds, $4,437,187.97 in tangible capital asset reserve funds and $171,789.49 in reserves for a total of $7,108,848.

It was standing room only at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna last Saturday as more than 30 pickers got together to honour Jack and Lois Weber on the occasion of Jack’s Jam’s 10th anniversary.

There were 90 people in total at that first jam (which went from 1 p.m. to “five to ll”) and there had to be a lot more than that for the 10th anniversary.

“Jack’s Jam is one of the key community events both for entertainment and socializing,” said North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins while presenting plaques commemorating the event to Jack and Lois. “It’s popular for musicians, visitors and residents alike.

“It’s key to ensuring community spirit (and) lives on by sustaining historical traditions.”

Jack’s Jam started out in the Webers’ basement but soon outgrew its modest beginnings. After a few years, health issues required the Webers to scale down their organizational duties which were handed over to Karen and Roger Hermer.
“We started this just for enjoyment,” said Lois. “We still haven’t got many young children (although their 12-year-old cousin Hayden Weber was in the band and there was a 101-year-old young lady in the audience).

“Hopefully, Roger and Karen can fulfill my dream.”

“Age is catching up with me but I’m still not over the hill,” said Jack.

Jack grew up in the area and actually got his first guitar at age “16 or 17” but didn’t get much playing in.

“I learned a few chords but there was nobody in the country that you could get lessons from,” he said. “I didn’t sing much then either.

It wasn’t until he was in the army and stationed with NORAD that a buddy, Richard Frasier started showing him a few things.

And then, in Madison, WI, he went to a George Jones/Johnny Cash/June Carter/Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs concert.

“It was listening to Earl Scruggs that made me buy my first banjo (a Gibson RB250 Mastertop in Cleveland, OH),” he said. “And I bought Lois a guitar to keep her happy.”

After coming back to the area, Jack took a course and made 11 guitars. In 1997, he bought himself a Dobro (“I’m still working on that.”).

He admits to being a little nervous getting up on stage but a love of country and bluegrass music has kept him at it.

“I’ve had to work at it,” he said. “We were on the camping circuit for 15 years.”

He also admitted to being “a little overwhelmed” by the outpouring of affection on Saturday but “I feel very good about it.

“It’s all been for music, not for money, just the love of music and a lot of nice people.

“I really, really love all these people.”

He does have one small regret however.

“When I was young, I would have given anything to get lessons,” he said.

For her part, organizer Hermer was “thrilled” with the way things went. “We always have good crowds but never like this.

“I was hoping but you’re never sure . . .”

Jack’s Jam is celebrating its 10th birthday Jan. 21 and as such, they’re planning a few extra features when the music begins again at 1 p.m. in Plevna’s Clar-Mill Hall.

“Weather permitting, it’s going to be a special day,” said Karen Hermer, emcee and one of the organizers. “It will be in honour of Jack and Lois.”

Jack’s Jam was the creation of Ardoch pickers Jack and Lois Weber, who started out inviting friends to their basement. Their inspiration was the musical evenings that used to happen at Ed’s Place, a local restaurant owned by Ed Schlievert.

But the Webers’ basement soon filled up and the next thing they knew, they were at the hall, coming close to filling that up on many occasions and attracting musicians and audience members from as far away as Tweed.

Eventually, the Webers turned operations over to the Clar-Mill volunteers, with Hermer and her husband Roger ensuring that the event would continue. The Hermers have been organizing things for the past five years.

The Jam happens once a month excluding December, June, July and August.

The Jams also featured a regular house band, The Over the Hill Gang (Hugh MacDonald, Vietta McInnes, Bob Deschamps, Roger Hermer and the late John Fraser) who will reunite and perform Jan. 21.

There will also be a performance from the Land O’Lakes Country Cloggers as well as the current House Band (Lionel Grimard, Roger Hermer, Bill White, Vern Martyn, Bruce Pennington as well as Murray and Don White).
“It will be a bit different but the format will still be the same,” Hermer said. “We’ll fit everybody who wants to play in but be sure to sign up early.

“And of course we welcome dancers. It’s just like Dave Deacon says on his photograph - good music, good friends, good food.”

And speaking of food, there will be the customary pot-luck dinner beginning at 5:30 pm.

There’s no admission charge but there will also be the customary donations bucket.

NFCS Annual Update
Louise Moody, from North Frontenac Community Services (NFCS), made a presentation to Council on Friday to explain what the NFCS does for youth in the community and to update them on this year's successful programs which Council supported financially.

NFCS offered a weekly after-school program at Clarendon Public School and this past year there were 9 families enrolled in the program. The agency also implemented a “Steps of Success” program in the area that offers youth courses so they can be ready to be home alone and prepares them to babysit for their families. Moody explained that the babysitting courses are offered to kids 11-years old and up.

This past year, with funding from the Ministry of Recreation and Tourism, they were able to introduce area kids to lacrosse and snowshoeing and teach them that they are living in an Indigenous community.
Moody also told Council that lacrosse is a great sport to teach because most kids have no previous experience with the sport and it starts the kids out on an even level. NFCS also now,  has snowshoes that can be rented.

“Rural youth need a different approach,” Moody said, explaining how different North Frontenac is compared to the southern part of the County and how they're trying to create programs and activities that reflect that difference. The Sand Lake swimming program was one of those.

“The biggest challenge was that the youth didn't want to leave,” Moody said. “We want to deliver different programs up here and we can do it.”

Moody also told Council that they are considering a name change to reflect the work they do throughout the Frontenacs. The front runner for a new name is Rural Community Services of Greater Frontenac.
Re-zoning Approval

Reid Shepherd, a planner for the County of Frontenac, presented some notes on a re-zoning application to Council Friday regarding a business that currently exists on Elphin-Maberly Road that is looking to sever it's property and re-zone it's new lot from tourism commercial to rural commercial.

The property, previously operated seasonal rental cabins, hence the tourism zoning, is the new home to Raymond Measurements, a business that manufactures radio-frequency-shielded enclosure cabinets and antennae measurement chambers that are used by the military, government, and high-tech companies.

The application was reviewed by the Committee of Approval and the only issue they had was with the property owner's current driveway into the residence needing to be improved.

Shepherd told Council that the County is recommending they approve the project.

“It's an economic development opportunity,” Shepherd said. “They will be hiring additional employees as well.” Council approved the application.

NF Insurance Savings
North Frontenac will be saving approximately $20,500 in premiums next year, thanks to a joint RFP they sent out this past fall. They will be switching their current coverage over to Frank Cowen for 2017 and will be paying approximately $80,000 for the coverage.

Council Votes Against Ranked Ballots
Council shot down the idea of running the next Municipal election with a ranked ballot system as opposed to the current first-past-the-post system that is in place. They cited the difficulties in explaining the new system to constituents as one of the reasons for not changing their electoral process.

“A lot of Councillors are saying no because they don't want to be the first to go out and educate the public,” Tara Mieske, the Town Clerk/Planning Manager told Council after taking a training course recently on ranked balloting.

Invasive species washing station
The Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association (SDRA), with letters of support from Quinte Conservation and the Mazinaw Property Owners' Association, made a request to Council for usage of a small parcel of land on Skootamatta Lake Road to build a boat washing station to help prevent the spread of invasive species to area lakes. The SDRA said the station “would serve to promote the local community as proactive in managing and protecting the natural environment.” Council voted against the idea citing liability and insurance issues as deterrents.

Freshwater Jellyfish in Gull Lake
The low water levels on North Frontenac lakes are revealing strange things.
“Right now, the way it is, Gull Lake is not going to replenish itself,” Councillor Wayne Good said. “It's lower than I've ever seen it and Kash is the lowest I've ever seen it. “When the water went down on Gull they found bunch of freshwater jellyfish.” Councillor Gerry Martin told Council and said they have the same sting as a saltwater jellyfish.

ROMA electing new member

Liz Huff, a board member of the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA), made a presentation to Council on Friday on the roles and benefits of being a board member for ROMA.

ROMA is an organization made up of elected councillors from across rural Ontario that lobbies the Provincial government to make changes at the municipal level. Huff, a Councillor in the Leeds/1000 Islands riding, explained that ROMA tries to find a common voice across municipalities in Ontario to try and deal with some of the issues that are specific to rural Ontario.

She cited rising policing costs, access to broadband internet, taxation issues, implications of cap and trade, and higher energy costs as some of the issues that ROMA is currently discussing and working on.

“You get ideas about service sharing and cost sharing by meeting other municipalities,” Huff said explaining how it can benefit North Frontenac to have a Councillor join ROMA.

If a member of North Frontenac's Council was to be elected into ROMA they'd be representing Zone 6 which runs from the Ottawa River down to Quinte West, a large chunk of area to cover. ROMA is electing a member for Zone 6 on January 30th at their conference 'ROMA Speaks' which is being held, ironically or not, in downtown Toronto.

New Sign For Snow Road Community Centre

Molly Hartin, from the South Palmerston Community Centre (SPCC), made a presentation to Council regarding updating the exterior sign at the Snow Road Community Centre.

Hartin had made a humerous Powerpoint which she screened before Council, that featured music by local musicians Kathryn Briggs and Terry Tufts and had the Councillors laughing at some humorous pictures. The SPCC told Council that the sign will cost just under $2900 to have sandblasted, reinstalled and repainted with the new logo. They said it could cost an extra $1000 if the contractor has to pour a new footing for the sign.

“I wonder what the 2 councillors from Ward 3 think?” Councillor Gerry Martin asked jokingly as both Councillors weren't in attendance at the meeting.

Council approved the resolution for the sign and decided the monies would come from the Special Parks Ward 3 fund.

Part of Hartin's presentation mocked the mess of signs that crowd Snow Road Station and that confuse new visitors to the area.

“Maybe we need to add a signage by-law as business arising?” Mayor Ron Higgins asked Council.

1% Municipal Tax

Mayor Ron Higgins made a short report on an Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) meeting he attended last week where 80% of the attendees were in favour of adding a 1% “Municipal” tax in Ontario to cover the fiscal gap they're experiencing in infrastructure and funding. Mayor Higgins was against the idea, which would bring sales taxation in Ontario up to 14%, from the current 13% (HST).

“The reason I'm upset is we're helping the government to bail them out of a situation they've created,” Higgins said. “They're trying to put a Bandaid on a problem that the provincial government created.”

“We were looking after our infrastructure quite well until we got hit with downloaded services,” Higgins said.

“I want to make sure that the AMO board understands my position even though it isn't a majority,” said Higgins who was frustrated that that was the one option they were presenting.

Liz Huff from ROMA, who was still in the audience during this point of the meeting, spoke about the issue.

“AMO has been working on this for years. It isn't the only option they looked at. The basic premise is that property tax isn't sufficient to sustain municipalities in Canada. We now have a picture of what it would cost ($8.6 billion) to keep our infrastructure in shape versus what the ability of the property tax is, locally, to carry that.

“It seems to me we were told it would mean an 8% annual property tax increase on the average rural municipality in Ontario to carry that cost. Out of all the unappealing options at least the 1% puts it in our hands,” she said.

North Frontenac Looking At Consolidating Wards 2 and 3

Council had a conversation on Friday about amalgamating Wards 2 and 3 into one ward and having just two Wards in the township. The reasoning behind this is that then the two zones, Ward 1 and 2+3, would have closer to a 50/50 split of the population.

They decided to bring this idea to the public in June 2017 for discussion which would leave them time to implement the new system, if things changed, for the 2018 election.

North Frontenac Official Plan

Planner Joe Gallivan appeared before North Frontenac Council last week in preparation for submitting a draft revised township Official Plan in November.

Gallivan is the Manager of Planning for Frontenac County and was the author of the Frontenac County Official Plan, which forms the backdrop for the township plan. He told council about a number of details he is planning to include in the plan when he submits it to the township next month.

One of them was a proposal to remove the “hamlet” designation for a number of former communities in the township that no longer exist.

“There are restrictions in hamlets that do not apply in a rural zone, and there is no reason for those restrictions in places such as Donaldson, Canonto or Wilbur,” he said.

The township currently has 13 hamlets designated in its Official Plan (Myers Cave, Harlowe, Plevna, Fernleigh, Ardoch, Coxvale, Ompah, Snow Road Station, Mississippi Station, Robertsville, Canonto, Donaldson, Wilbur, Cloyne)

The more contentious issue raised by Gallivan had to do with setting out minimum lot size and minimum frontages for new waterfront lots. Back in September, Reid Shepherd, appearing for Gallivan, talked to Council about whether minimum lot sizes and frontages should be included in Official Plans at all.

The opinion of Council at the time was that all of the detail should stay out of the Official Plan, which is more of a background document, and should be included only in the comprehensive zoning bylaw, which will be worked on as soon as the work is done on the Official Plan.

Gallivan said that “the plan should set a general standard then provide the tools to give the flexibility to realize that every waterfront lot is different.”

Gallivan's recommendation is that the Official Plan include a general minimum lot size of “2 acres (0.8 hectares) and include no absolute number for water frontage.”

He said that in addition to that wording he will include clear language on the issues that need to be considered when lots are being created on the water, such as setbacks, septic system placement, vegetative buffers, etc.

Mayor Higgins was sceptical.

“To me, that only needs to be in the zoning bylaw” he said.

“My opinion is that your lakes are so important that you need something on a policy level that sets out the over-riding direction in terms of development,” Gallivan said.

“By putting it in the Official Plan, we are putting the onus on the developer to change the Official Plan,” said Councilor Denis Bedard.

“The language will be clear and it will not require an Official Plan amendment to create a lot. You will see what I mean when I present the document in a couple of weeks,” said Gallivan.

“Do other townships have minimum lot sizes in their OPs?” asked Councilor John Inglis.

“Yes, they have hard numbers,” said Gallivan.

In fact, both Central and South Frontenac, along with a number of other townships, have a minimum lot size of 1 hectare and 300 feet of shoreline.

Gallivan said that his contention is that those numbers do not need to be included in North Frontenac's Official Plan as they are not called for in the Provincial Policy Statement, the root document for all planning matters in Ontario.

Gallivan said he would have the plan to the township in a few weeks, in time for it to be considered by Council on November 25 and presented to a public open house on the same day.

Final Approval of the plan is set for December 16, if all goes as planned. It will need to go to Frontenac County for final approval after that, a process that will not likely take more than one month.

Council says no to Solar Panel Micro FIT proposal

Abundant Solar has been going around the region from council meeting to council meeting on behalf of solar projects, ahead of an application window that opens at the end of October. Township councils have the opportunity to support projects within their jurisdiction, which will provide a boost to them. The projects are much smaller than those captured in the Large Renewable Procurement process, which included wind turbine projects and was so controversial in North Frontenac. They take up between 3 and 5 acres and are required to be blocked from view through vegetative plantings or berms and rarely cause much controversy among neighbours.

Still, North Frontenac Council, led by Mayor Higgins, raised questions of Tyson Champagne, who was representing Abundant Solar

“I think that we need to send a message to the provincial government about the Green Energy Act. It is no fault of yours,” Higgins said to the Abundant Solar rep, “but the entire system of producing power that is not required at above the market price needs to be questioned.”

“At least in the case of solar the price is clear, all the risk goes to the developer. In the case of nuclear power, which is 60% of the market, there are infrastructure costs above the price that are hidden to the consumer,” said Champagne.

Other members of Council asked more questions and expressed their opposition to provincial energy policy.

“I think, unlike others here, I am concerned about global warming,” said Councilor John Inglis. “I request a recorded vote on this.”

“I know about global warming,” said Councilor Wayne Good, “but that does not mean we should support the Green Energy Act.”

In a 6-1 vote, the township voted not to support the project.

Afterwards Champagne said it is unclear whether the vote will have an impact on the bid. “In the last go-around, half of the proposals were accepted and half were rejected. Some of those that were accepted were located in places that had not supported them. So it's hard to say what the deciding factor is, especially since the price paid for the power is the same in all cases under the Micro FIT process.”

Township to host Ontario ATV Association AGM

In early June 2017, all available cottage, lodge, and Bed & Breakfast spaces in North Frontenac will be filled when 115 delegates and their families come to the township for the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario ATV Association.

Councilor Denis Bedard made the announcement at a meeting of North Frontenac Council last week. Securing the AGM for North Frontenac has been a project that Bedard, along with the Ottawa ATV Association, which manages the ATV trails in the area, have been working on for months.

“They are keen to come here because not only do they want to have a meeting, they want to ride as well. It will be a good opportunity to promote our trails, as each of the delegates represents many other riders,” said Bedard in making the announcement.

Bedard said that Darwin Sproule of Ompah has been co-ordinating accommodations for the delegates.

“There are quite a few lodges and cottages around, and Darwin is confident he will be able to find suitable accommodations for everyone with what we have here,” said Bedard.

The AGM is set for June 3 & 4, but Bedard said most delegates will arrive on Friday, the 2nd, or earlier in the week.

“Many of them want to come early to ride,” he said.

Official Plan down to the short strokes

Frontenac County Community Planner Reid Shepherd presented a draft version of the soon to be completed North Frontenac Official Plan update, which will be the subject of a Public Meeting in October. The goal is to adopt the plan before the end of the year.

There was little controversy over the draft plan, with the only item that generated any debate being the question of whether the minimum lot size of 2 acres and the minimum water frontage of 200 feet should remain in the Official Plan or be reserved for the Comprehensive Zoning bylaw, which will follow in the new year. A number of councilors wanted to see them in the zoning bylaw because that provides them with more flexibility.

Shepherd said he would take the comments into account when bringing back the final version.

Once Council has approved the plan it should have easy passage at Frontenac County because the same planners who are preparing the plan will be providing advice to the county over its final approval.

Cloth-backed or vinyl, should the decision be made by the SPCC?

The South Palmerston Community Centre Committee, which oversees the operations of the Snow Road Hall, has raised $2,800, which they propose to use for 70 new folding chairs at the hall.

Since the chairs will become township property, the township will have to buy them and be reimbursed by the SPCC.

Councilor Gerry Martin asked whether the committee is looking at vinyl or cloth-backed chairs.

“Cloth-backed chairs don't last as long and since they will become township property we will have to replace them eventually,” he said.

Corey Klatt, manager for Facilities and Recreation, said there are both vinyl and cloth-backed chairs at other halls, “and both kinds seem to be standing up pretty well.”

Gerry Lichty, from the SPCC, said he would take Martin's comments into account before making a final recommendation.  

Not every studio tour boasts a range of materials like the Back Roads Studio Tour. In addition to painting, jewellery and woodworking, Back Roads offers cheese, concrete, and recycled seat belts as well.

It's all part of an eclectic mix of artists and artisans who can be found at 13 studios in North Frontenac Township this weekend, Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 24 & 25.

The fall colours are just starting along the scenic and winding roads that link the studios, and the locations are all worth a visit.

Members of the tour include Tuscany Concrete by Design of Fernleigh. A husband and wife team, Ted and Sherry Oosterlaken of Fernleigh will be showing the decorated concrete furniture that has won them fans and customers throughout Ontario over the last few years. This is their second year on the Back Roads tour and they will be joined by new North Frontenac residents Kirk Shabot and Laura Stewart of L.S. Designs, the makers of custom fire rings and home decor signs.

Over at Buckshot Lake Road, Richard Emery starts his work with a chainsaw, and then sands and seals 1 inch slices of wood to make forest frames. His wife Debbie is a well known quilter who created the 150th anniversary quilt for Frontenac County last year. They will be joined by Betty Hunter, who does just about everything that can be done with fabric.

At Studio K, Gabriella Klassen combines realism and mystery in finely rendered acrylic paintings.

Meanwhile, in downtown Plevna there are three studios, that of mixed media artist Marlene Leeson, the jewelry of Free Spirit Creations and the photography of Michelle Ross, and the paintings of Katie Ohlke at Stone Ridge Art Studio.

While in Plevna, stop by Good Stuff Bakery, which will be open all weekend. Over on Lothlorien Road near Ompah are the studios of the very fine painter Linda Rush, and long established woodworker Pete Bunnett, whose recent work focusses on the 'live edge', the cambium layer just inside the bark of a tree, which he uses to make stunning tables, benches and stands.

Down the road in Ardoch is Red Dragon Studio and Gift Shop, featuring the paintings and stained glass work of Cathy Owen. She will be joined this year by Wendy Clement, also a painter, who is a mosaic artist as well. Their work has been influenced by the vistas and wildlife at Malcolm Lake, where they live.

A must-see studio every year is Silent Valley Alpaca at the former community of Donaldson, a working Alpaca farm with a range of Alpaca products including yarns and garments.

The village of Snow Road has developed as a unique artisan corner. Mariclaro is an internationally nown producer of beautiful, sturdy hand bags and accessories made out of entirely recycled materials.

Nearby Back Forty Cheese is a farm and sheep's cheese factory that produces four well known cheeses that are increasingly popular in the Ottawa and Kingston markets. They produce specialty cheeses as well. Back Forty is also the studio of Jenna Rose, screen-printed designs on natural fabrics that sell across Ontario. Back Forty will have its patio open and food and drinks will be served all weekend. Once you are in Snow Road, head over to Fred Fowler's studio as well. Fred has been a dedicated painter for years, specializing in visionary landscape oil paintings.

One thing to keep in mind while driving the tour this year is the closure of Road 509 between River Road and Plevna. Fortunately there are no studios on that stretch, but to get from Ompah to Plevna motorists need to take River Road to Ardoch Road.

(Note - the paper version of this article mistakenly inlcuded the wording "pre-cambrium" in place of "cambium" when describing the work of Pete Bunnett)