North Frontenac Also In Favour Of Traffic Lights At 41 & 7

Craig Bakay | Dec 20, 2023

Despite apparent opposition from Coun. Fred Fowler, North Frontenac Council gave its approval and support to a proposal for putting traffic lights at the corner of Road 41 and Hwy 7 at Kaladar.

Council was responding to a request for such at its regular meeting Dec. 15.

“It might impede things through there,” said Fowler. “There is a flashing amber light there.”

“From May to a month ago, the Kaladar/Barrie Fire Department has responded to six accidents at that location,” said Coun. Stephanie Regent. “You can just sit there and see how people don’t pay attention there.”

“Just last summer, I was backed up the hill waiting for 20 minutes to get on to No. 7,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty.

At its Nov. 21 meeting, Addington Highlands Council already expressed its support for traffic lights at that location.

Inglis Named Deputy Mayor

Generally speaking, Council elections for the deputy mayor position are a bit of a rarity but Councillors Stephanie Regent, Fred Fowler and incumbent John Inglis all expressed interest.

“I think there is a learning curve to this position,” Inglis said. “And, I think this is my last term (because) people get tired of politicians.

“Gerry Lichty is my third mayor.”

“I ran for Council because I wanted to help people,” said Regent. “These last three-and-a-half years as a business owner have been a real eye-opener for me.

“I have no hidden agenda and no ego (and) I think it’s time to have a new ward represented.”

“I see it as a position where you support the mayor,” said Fowler. “If I get this spot, I’ll be very active.”

Inglis was re-elected with four votes (Gerry, Lichty, Roy Huetl, Vernon Hermer, himself).

Regent had two votes (Wayne Good, herself).

Fowler got one vote (himself).

Crown Land Stewardship Fees

Council held a public meeting before the regular meeting to discuss raising the overnight camping fees at the Crown Land Stewardship Campground to $25 (plus a $3 administrative fee) from $22.50 effective Jan. 1. The Fees and Charges Bylaw will be amended at an upcoming meeting.

Dep. Mayor John Inglis noted there is room for more bookings and that if more people come, expenses will go up also.

“I wonder if you’re raising the fees enough for the next five to seven years,” Inglis said to Manager of Community Development Brooke Ross.

“Probably not, but I’m prepared to audit things annually,” Ross said.

And, in a somewhat related story, Coun. Vernon Hermer questioned Economic Development Task Force notes relating to work a Municipal Campground working group is doing on the feasibility of a Municipal Campground.

“It looks like Township competition for the private sector,” Hermer said.

“Three members of the EDTF are private sector campground owners,” said chair John Inglis. “And they’re for it because they say demand far exceeds availability.

“This idea has been around for six to eight years (and) it is the most concrete idea we have had.”

Lot Severances

Council defeated a proposal that would allow Clerk/Planning Manager Tara Mieske to act as delegated authority for undisputed consents of lot severances.

“It will speed up the process if all the boxes are checked (and) it will mean that County planners won’t be involved,” Mieske said.

“I want a member of the Committee of Adjustment to visit the site before consent is granted,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty.

Council instructed staff to bring back a new potential bylaw.

Off Road Trail

Council expressed support for a proposal to establish a ‘world-class’ tourism attraction by developing a 350-kilmetre off-road loop comprising the Algonquin, Ottawa Valley, Cataraqui and K&P Trails.

Coun. Fred Fowler questioned how that might work considering the Cataraqui Trail and the portion of the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith are non-motorized.

“County Council is considering a proposal to make that section motorized,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “It will come to County Council on Wednesday.”

Physician Recruitment

Council approved $15,000 per year for five years to be combined with a similar donation from Addington Highlands Township to aid in physician recruitment for future doctors. The first installment would be paid the day the physician commences with the Lakelands Family Health Team.

Lakelands representative Janice Powell told Council that although this incentive isn’t as big as some areas, they have paid incentives to doctors in the past.

“If we don’t pay it, we won’t be competitive,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer.

Powell said that a recent visit with a doctor from Wales went well but not to expect any movement soon because it will take five to six months to get his work visa in order.