North Frontenac Council – Feb 5/16

Jeff Green | Feb 10, 2016

Township hoping to host ATV Federation convention

Councilor Denis Bedard said that he has been contacted by the Ottawa Valley ATV Association about the possibility of the township hosting the 2017 Ontario Federation of ATV Associations convention. Attendees would be accommodated at cottages and resorts in the area. Since the convention takes place in June, Bedard said it might bring welcome bookings to local resorts. He said he would keep Council informed.

K&P upgrade

Through the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA), a committee is being formed to look at upgrading the K&P Trail north of Sharbot Lake all the way to Calabogie, where the former rail line ends.

Brian Stewart, the Mayor of Lanark Highlands and a board member with EOTA, is pushing the initiative. The section of trail running through North Frontenac is owned by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, but in pointing out that in both Lanark and Renfrew counties the trail is owned by the County, Councilor Bedard said it might make sense for Frontenac County to take ownership of the trail. The section of trail between Sharbot Lake and the border with North Frontenac is owned by Central Frontenac. The trail in North Frontenac has a 2-3 kilometre section from south of Mississippi to Snow Road that is in private hands. People using the trail are diverted to Road 509 for that section. The rest of the trail is intact.

Rural mayors to look again at policing

Mayor Higgins reported that the Rural Mayors' Forum that he chairs will be meeting in Horton Township this month, and in preparation he has been looking at how much Frontenac, Lanark, Renfrew, Hastings and Lennox and Addington Counties pay collectively for policing each year,

“We know that on our own [each individual county] could not form a department that would would be cost us less that we are paying to the OPP, but with all five counties involved there might be a way to make it work,” said Higgins.

Question about electric vehicle charging station

Councilor Hermer asked a question about the township supporting a proposal to set up a vehicle charging station at one of the businesses in North Frontenac.

“How practical is that? There are only 250 all-electric vehicles in Ontario and most of them are urban taxis or delivery vehicles. Of the ones in private hands, most or all are in cities as well. How practical is this here?” Hermer asked.

“It will be practical. At least that's the hope,” said Mayor Higgins. “It is also something that will not cost the township. A local business has to apply and they would get a grant.”

“Has any business taken up the offer?” Hermer asked.

“We had one that is very interested, but I haven't heard back,” said Facilities and Recreation Co-coordinator Corey Klatt. “The deadline is February 12 so maybe I will hear next week.”