North Frontenac Buildings Need $6.6 Million In Repairs

Craig Bakay | May 04, 2022

North Frontenac Township buildings need about $6.6 million worth of work done over the next 10 years, according to a Building Condition Assessment study done by John Kirkpatrick and Deirdre Roe of McIntosh Perry and presented at the April 29 Council meeting. But judging from Council’s reaction, residents needn’t worry about a huge tax hike to pay for repairs any time in the near future.

“To be blunt, about half of this I don’t agree with,” said Coun. Wayne Good. “As far as the well at Barrie Hall goes, it’s more likely the pump is weak. And if plumbing fixtures aren’t leaking, why replace them?”

“That’s a fair statement of your opinion,” Kirkpatrick replied. “Your toilets are not efficient (and) we’re presenting as we are because that’s what we do.”

Coun. Fred Fowler took exception with the $133,000 recommended (over 10 years) for Snow Road Hall.

“I’m surprised you could find something there with all the renovations we’ve done,” Fowler said. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong there.

“It’s as good as we could do it.”

On the plus side, all of the fire halls seem to be in good shape, as are the salt/sand domes and the Municipal Office/Roads Garage. The buildings in the worst shape include the Ompah Fish Hatchery, the washrooms/change house in Cloyne and the old MNR building.

“The Fish Hatchery and the washrooms in Cloyne are closed and boarded up,” said Martin.

“It is good to have the information if we ever wanted to open them up again — to have the costs,” said Klatt.

“That’s very diplomatic Corey,” said Martin.

Most of the projected costs come from there being predominantly older buildings requiring significant repairs, fire separation and/or firestopping issues, lack of adequate ventilation, plumbed eyewash stations, and floor mounted mop sinks, the report said.

“This (report) is just for information,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “There will be no actions taken.

“It will be referred to staff for inclusion in our 10-year plan.”

Septic inspection 2021

Of the 39 septic systems inspected in 2021, there were no replacements required and most of the fixes recommended (15) are remedial with no permit required, Eric Kohlsmith of Mississippi-Rideau Septic System Office told Council.

“I think we had a first this year,” he said. “With COVID, most (90 per cent) of the property owners were present during the inspections.”

“The presentation today looks more positive than in years past, would that be a fair statement?” said Mayor Ron Higgins.

“Yes, there were no replacements required,” said Kohlsmith.

“And water quality is stable or has improved?” said Higgins.

“Yes, that appears to be the case,” said Kohlsmith.

Council also approved $6,000 for another voluntary septic inspection program for 2022. (the actual cost for 2021 was $5,395.)

“There were 287 invitations mailed out and only 39 participated,” said Coun. John Inglis. “That seems low.”

However, in a separate motion, Council voted not to review a mandatory program, 4-2, with only Coun. Fred Fowler and John Inglis voting for.

“It’s not required to be mandatory at this time,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “If we see an indicator going the other way then we may have to re-visit it.”

“The biggest job would be to figure how we would administer a mandatory program,” said Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule.

Water levels

Shabomeka Lake levels should soon be back to normal as Mississippi Valley has begun refilling the lake. Water levels had been kept low to allow for completion of the dam structure to allow ATV access. But supply issues have moved completion dates back.

Another award for Brenda Martin

Council acknowledged Brenda Martin for being a recipient of the Ontario Invasive Species Centre 2022 Leadership Award.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind award, hand-carved especially for her,” said Dep. Mayor Gerry Martin.

Martin has worked to eradicate phragmites and Eurasian milfoil among other invasive species.