North Frontenac Says No To Trail Funding Request

Craig Bakay | Feb 07, 2024

North Frontenac Council responded with a flat “no” to Frontenac County Manager of Economic Development Richard Allen’s request for $5,000 to aid in a grant proposal for development of the K & P Trail.

Allen said he was reaching out to the Township to discuss a development opportunity under the Province of Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Program (RED). The County is preparing to submit a proposal for the “strategic economic infrastructure stream” to secure up to $250,000 for the expansion of the K&P Trail from Clarendon Station to the Mississippi River in North Frontenac, he said.

“The County has successfully acquired or established permanent easements from private landowners along this 8-kilometre stretch of the former K&P railway,” he said. “Notably, this stretch also includes three parcels owned by the Township of North Frontenac and a section of the trail within the Township Road 509 allowance.

“To fully leverage the rural economic development program, Frontenac County proposes that the Township of North Frontenac join as a co-applicant for the RED grant.

“This collaboration, augmented by a financial contribution from the Township, would significantly enhance our application’s strength (and) such a partnership will ensure the timely and effective development of the K&P Trail in North Frontenac.”

First to respond from Council was Coun. Vernon Hermer.

“Is there ever going to be an end to the funding requests for this (trail),” Hermer said. “I think we could have built the 401 by now.”

Allen was asked if Central Frontenac has been asked to contribute as well and who seems to be using the trail.

“Central has not been asked as yet,” Allen responded. “(And) as we move further north, we see a more motorized component of users.

“About 32 per cent of users are from 40 kilometres away or more and 12 per cent of those are from 100 kilometres away or more.”

“I don’t like using taxpayers’ money for this sort of thing,” said Coun. Wayne Good. “There should be a user fee.”

But not everybody was against the idea.

“I heard Richard say 32 per cent were from outside the area, which means that most of the users are local,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis. “I think this is a bargain (and) will be a huge asset.

“We’re so far into this, it is not the time to stop investing.”

Coun. Stephanie Regent questioned the economic value.

“There’s nowhere for people to stop and spend any money,” she said. “I’m not sure how this contributes to economic development.”

Allen responded that Back 40 Artisan Cheese benefits from snowmobilers during the winter but mostly “it’s an opportunity for future development.”

“There are a couple of B’n’Bs along there,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “But mostly it’s an ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

Doctor Recruitment

During the “Portfolios” segment of the meeting, Coun. Stephanie Regent reported “we’re on track for him to arrive in September,” speaking about the Lakelands Family Health Team’s efforts to recruit a new doctor to the area.

On Friday afternoon, The Frontenac News received an ad from Lakelands, which was subsequently posted on Regent’s Facebook page.

“We are excited to announce that Dr. Richard Weldon will be joining our team, barring any unforeseen circumstances, and will commence seeing patients in September 2024,” the ad/post read. “Weldon is from the United Kingdom and studied at the faculties of medicine in Prague and Bucharest.

“He said that he fell in love with general practice and that the connection with patients and the community has shown him the true beauty of medicine.

“He also has an interest in urgent care.

“In November of 2023, Weldon and his family visited our community and we knew he was a fit for our team.”

Senior of the Year

Council voted in Harriet Riddell as its Senior of the Year.

Coun. Fred Fowler nominated Riddell saying “I think she was a Councilor (and) she’s very busy in the community in Snow Road and Mississippi Station. And she helped keep the Snow Road Hall going during the winter.”

Also nominated was Cloyne’s Ian Brunell, former president of the Friends of Bon Echo and founding member of the local historical society.