North Frontenac Wants Onerous Memorandum Of Understanding For Clean-Up Event

Craig Bakay | Mar 20, 2024

North Frontenac Council didn’t specifically say ‘no’ to the Land O’ Lakes Garden Club proposed Earth Day event April 20 but the conditions for approval do appear to be somewhat of a daunting task.

Garden Club representatives Rebecca Clark and Nawar Hage were at Council’s regular meeting March 15 in Plevna to plead their case but heard that the Township will require a rather intimidating list of requirements in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the Club before approving the event.

The Club proposes having volunteers meet at Barrie Hall in Northbrook on the morning of April 20 to form into groups which will take bags out and fill them with whatever litter, garbage, recycling, etc. they in area roadways and public spaces. Since Northbrook is in both Addington Highlands and North Frontenac Townships, each would have a say on how things are run.

As part of the resolution requiring the MOU, North Frontenac did give its permission for Addington Highlands to place a bin at Barrie Hall, which is technically in North Frontenac.

But, the rest of the MOU, requires the Garden Club to, “in its leadership role, oversee see the event, be responsible for and provide proof of insurance for the event and all volunteers, indemnify the Township and commit to all safety provisions.”

When asked about how many roads they planned to cover, Clark said “as many as we can get to.”

“There are 23,000 square kilometers in the two townships,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “I don’t think you can do it all.

“(And) we’re living in a litigious society now . . . you’re going to have to have insurance.”

Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule had several concerns.

“It’s a noble cause but if Joe Blow goes out and picks up some garbage after dinner, it’s one thing,” Sproule said. “But this is different.

“The Township(s) could be compromised and liable.”

He said since it’s an open invitation, there’s no way to know how many people will be participating and where they’ll be working.

“We vetted this with our insurance company,” he said. “Their (Garden Club) insurance only applies to Garden Club members.

“There are significant concerns and my recommendation is that the Township doesn’t approve this event.”

“I don’t understand the liability,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis. “What’s the difference between this and going for a walk (and picking up some litter)?

“The message this (denying the request) sends is abysmal.”

“The difference is you haven’t call up the Township and told them you’re going for a walk,” said Sproule. “I think it’s a worthy cause and I know this isn’t a popular decision.

“Perhaps it could be a one-day adopt-a-highway event.

“People would have to sign up but this . . . it’s so large.”

So, if the Garden Club can’t come up with an MOU that satisfies the Township’s insurance, safety and liabilities concerns, the resolution denies the request.

“This says they can go ahead and do it on their own with no participation from us,” said Lichty.

Waste Site Report

Overall, the Township’s waste sites are in good shape and compliant with regulations, Dave Bucholtz, director of environmental services for Cambium told Council.

He said there are 54 years of capacity left, he said.

Most of the sites are compliant but Kashwakamak needs a couple of new wells and Plevna has a few issues, including bears.

Economic Development Task Force

Dep. Mayor John Inglis stepped down from his position as chair of the Economic Development Task Force after nine years (12 on the committee) and Council accepted his recommendation that Coun. Stephanie Regent replace him.

“I was disappointed in the funding allocated to the task force in the budget and started thinking about things,” Inglis said. “It’s an opportune time for a change in direction and Stephanie has a business background.

Joint Fire Committee

Mayor Gerry Lichty said he had an issue with the Kaladar Barrie Joint Fire Committee budget.

“I think this fire department is in serious trouble,” he said. “They’re not putting enough away (in reserves).

“I think they’re about a million dollars short of where they should be and they should be putting in $150,000 instead of $100,000.

“This needs a serious look-see (but) other than that, I have no issues with this budget as presented.”