A lot has been written and said about the proposals for wind turbines in Addington Highlands and North Frontenac. Most of the strongest, and certainly the loudest, points have been made by those who oppose the very idea of wind turbines in the region.

One of the reasons for this is that the two companies that are involved have made their pitches at meetings and directly to Council, whereas the opposition has been making their case to the public in order to bring pressure to bear on council from the outside.

Since North Frontenac made a pre-emptive decision on the matter in early June, Addington Highlands Council has become the main focus of the lobbying efforts.

This pressure was apparent at the AH Council meeting on July 6, when the stress felt by members of the Council, on both sides of the debate, was palpable. That stress, as much as anything, was the reason the formal debate on supporting the RES-Canada and/or NextEra proposals was deferred for two weeks.

This happened soon after Council had narrowly rejected a motion by Councilor Tony Fritsch to declare itself “an unwilling host for wind projects”.

The matter will not end with the vote next Monday, but Council will be off the hot seat, at least for a while. If they say yes, the proposals that are on the table will be submitted as bids to the IESO (Independent Electric Service Operator) for a decision later this fall, and if they say no, somewhat altered bids will go forward to the same body.

There is a carrot and stick approach being taken by the companies. If Council says yes, they will receive a piece of the profits and the companies’ commitments to work to accommodate as many of the concerns of the people who live in the vicinity of the turbines. If they say no, the money and the desire to co-operate will diminish, or disappear entirely.

One of the proponents told me he believes they can still win the procurement if the township says no, but in that case driving the bid price down that will be their goal. They will be less likely to alter turbine locations to keep their neighbours from being impacted. The project will be entirely cost conscious. In other words, all bets will be off.

The opposition has a strong point when they say that it is the provincial government that has pitted them against members of council who support turbines. The local councillors are taking the heat and the provincial government will get the wind power generation they want without having to face any angry voters.

This is certainly the case, although it is the first time that municipalities have had any role in determining the location of energy production, which is something they have been asking for. And it has yielded a financial offer, which would not have been on the table otherwise.

The role that the Frontenac News will take on this issue is to ensure, in light of somewhat cavalier national and regional media coverage, that some of the facts are on the table.

An example of this is the Dark Skies argument. On CBC Ottawa and in the Whig Standard there were reports late last month that wind turbine projects would damage viewing of the night sky and that North Frontenac's Dark Skies designation would or could be put in danger by the turbines.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) is the agency that granted North Frontenac its Dark Skies designation.

James Edgar, the president of the society, said this about turbines: “While we in the RASC generally do not support the intrusion of unshielded lights into a Dark-Sky Preserve, particularly those that will impinge on the prime intention -- to create or protect an area with dark skies -- there are obviously more considerations than just that.” He noted that mitigation has successfully preserved the view of the night sky in a number of locations in Ontario where wind turbines have been installed.

Robert Dick, who teaches courses in astronomy at both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, is the chair of the light pollution abatement committee of RASC. He worked on the Dark Skies designation in North Frontenac. He said that he does not think the turbines would have any impact on the viewing at the township's observation pad, nor would they affect the designation. He also said that, historically, relations with wind power companies and astronomers have been positive.

“Historically they have been very receptive in trying to minimize the impact on the environment,” he said.

He also said that he was not contacted by CBC Ottawa before they aired an item about wind turbines threatening North Frontenac's Dark Skies designation.

The main argument being made by the opposition to the turbines remains intact however, and has been buttressed just this week by MPP Hillier and MP Reid (see press release).

It is that a vision for developing Crown Land in North Frontenac and Addington Highlands as an eco-tourist paradise now that the Algonquin Land Claim seems to be headed for a settlement within years rather than decades, is not consistent with wind turbines.

Whether it is true that North Frontenac and Addington Highlands are on the cusp of an eco-tourism boom and that turbines would ruin all that is an open question.

Finally, a few words about conflict of interest. Charges of conflict were laid at the feet of Councilor Helen Yanch a few weeks ago, and she addressed them at Council on July 6. Councilors are expected to recuse themselves from any vote at council where they have a financial interest in the outcome.

Yanch is the co-owner, with her husband, of a class B pit in the south end of the township. The charge of conflict comes from the idea that if the turbine projects move forward, roads would be built and the Yanch pit operation would benefit by selling material to help build those roads.

In declaring that those assertions are “ludicrous” at council, Yanch was effectively saying that she will not benefit financially if the turbines are built. It is not for Council to decide if a councilor is in conflict; it is a judgement call to be made by the council member themselves. If a decision does lead to benefit and that can be proven in court, they would face the legal consequences.

Interestingly enough, on the other side of the debate, Councilor Fritsch may have, inadvertently, created a conflict for himself. His own house would be in sight of up to three towers under the RES-Canada proposal, which does not in itself create a conflict because there is no evidence that the value of his property would decrease as a result.

However, in his plea for the township to declare itself an “unwilling host for turbines” Fritch's final point under the heading “economic effects” was the following: “Property devaluation: Reduction in number of potential buyers. Overall drop in value with wind turbines in sight or the apparent potential for future turbine developments.”

What Fritsch may have done with this public statement, according to a lawyer who works for municipalities, is “create his own box” by asserting there is a financial advantage for himself if the proposal is defeated.

All this is clearly ludicrous, however. Tony Fritsch is not trying to protect his own property values and Helen Yanch is not trying to sell gravel. They will be voting on Monday with no other motivation than what they see as the best interests of Addington Highlands ratepayers, and to deprive them of a vote would leave only three people voting, which is not in anyone’s interest.

The point of all this is that the debate about wind turbines in Addington Highlands should be settled on real issues, not fabricated ones.

While the opposition is only doing what comes naturally, throwing up as many arguments against the turbines that they can come up with, they need to be aware of the risk that some of the less credible arguments could actually damage their cause.

Noise bylaw exemption on hold

A request from the Mazinaw Lakeside Dine and Recline on Highway 41 for an exemption to the township’s noise bylaw for events on each of the three summer long weekends was opposed by a couple who have a seasonal residence near the resort.

The couple, who drove up from Hamilton for the meeting, said that on two occasions so far this year, one in March and again on the Victoria Day weekend, the noise has been excessive.

“We have been pretty patient, but the noise has increased each time. The amplification has increased. We thought we'd better make our point before this becomes hell on wheels,” one of the couple said.

“It is difficult enough to have a business in this area and we don’t want to discourage anyone,” said Reeve Henry Hogg, “but if the neighbours aren't being taken into account it is a problem. I can see asking people to put up with one event per year, but at some point consideration must be given.”

“We are not the only ones who have a problem with this. We have friends among permanent residents who don't want to make waves, but the sound really is something else. I'd rather hear a Skil-saw going over pavement,” said the other person.

“I think we should say no to this request and communicate to them that we would agree to one event per year,” said Councilor Tony Fritsch.

“On Victoria Day they didn't even ask for an exemption,” pointed out Councilor Helen Yanch.

Nonetheless, Council did decide to reject the request for three exemptions while indicating to Mazinaw Lakeside that a request for a single exemption would likely receive a different response.

Trouble brewing on County Road 41

A section of Highway 41 located south of Highway 7, where the highway is owned and maintained by Lennox and Addington County, is facing the possibility of flooding if a beaver dam on Raccoon Lake lets out.

Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath told Council that when the road was worked on by the county a couple of years ago, a culvert underneath was blocked.

“We need to find the end of that culvert, which is not only 30 metres long but goes under the road at a 45° angle, to get it unblocked before something happens,” said Rosenblath, “ but it won't be an easy job.”

“If they caused this, don't they pay for this work to fix it?” asked Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“No, not for this,” said Rosenblath.

“But if the road is washed out they will have to deal with that,” Cox said.

“They would, but we would like to avoid that.”

Rosenblath also said that calcium will be applied to gravel roads in the township between June 23 and July 15 for dust suppression purposes.

“We have to make sure we don’t put it on before a rain, Rosenblath said.

Sewage backup at Denbigh Community Centre

Councilor Tony Fritsch said that for a third time, coincidentally always on a Saturday, there was a septic backup at the Addington Highlands Community Centre-Denbigh.

The problem was dealt with the following Monday, with the help of a contractor, but “we are baffled as to the cause of this, although there is a bit of a belly in the pipe as well as two 45 degree turns in it before it reaches the tank, we think.”

The situation will be monitored for now.

“We hope it doesn't happen again, but if it does we will have to deal with it. It costs each time, of course,” said Fritsch.

Slow down at fire hall construction site

Fire Chief Casey Cuddy reported that uneven rock underground at the site where the Northbrook Fire Hall is being constructed is slowing down the project.

“They didn't see this coming when they first looked at the site,” Cuddy said, “and because of it they had to sink pipes in the ground, which has slowed things down.”

“Will this put the price up, or is it something they should have anticipated before bidding?” asked Bill Cox.

“They haven't said anything,” said Cuddy.

On another issue, Cuddy said that the Napanee Fire Department, which has been providing dispatch for Addington Highlands, is getting out of the business. Cuddy said that AH is looking at entering a contract with the Kingston Fire Department, which is what Napanee is going to do.

Cuddy said he will talk to the Belleville department as well.

Community members gathered in Denbigh on April 28 for a town hall meeting. The meeting was publicized in the Frontenac News. It was publicly posted, with its agenda, at the post office, the community centre, and was available online.

The members of the community who attended did not deserve to be described by members of the Addington Highlands Council as holding “unknown meetings about unknown topics” and “setting themselves up as more than they really are”.

In general, apathy and lack of public participation in political discourse seem to be considered as problematic by politicians. However, the opprobrium served up to the members of the community who took the time and effort to attend the Denbigh townhall meeting certainly does not seem to be consonant with the aforementioned concern.

“We have an elected council and they are always free to come to us”. Really? But don't show any initiative of your own. It would appear that, according to council, “we” have been “elected” to do your talking for you.

Paul Isaacs

Not so fast for Denbigh hall free rental

A citizens' group put together by Denbigh's Paul Isaacs held a town hall meeting in Denbigh recently. They decided that they would like to meet periodically and submitted a request asking the township to waive the hall rental for all their meetings.

Council was less than enthusiastic.

“I don't have a problem with waiving the rental on occasion, but to waive the fees for unknown meetings about unknown topics, I'm not sure about that. We do have an elected council and they are always free to come to us,” said Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“I'm not sure they aren't setting themselves up as more than they really are,” said Councilor Adam Snider.

“I did get a call from the MOE [Ministry of the Environment] saying they had been contacted by them and the MOE wanted to know if they represented Council,” said Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath.

A motion to receive the request for free hall rental was received by council. Councilor Tony Fritsch voted against the motion.

“I'd like to make a another motion that we send a letter to them explaining that we can't just give them free space, but when they want to meet they can ask for free rental each time as long as they send us the agenda and we know what they are planning to discuss,” said Bill Cox.

That motion was approved.

Tables for Denbigh Community Centre

Councilor Fritsch asked if Council would approve a purchase of six utility tables for the Denbigh Community Centre. He said that the hall was rented to Elections Ontario for an advance poll this week but when they arrived there were no tables and chairs.

“We managed to find some for them to use, but if we are going to rent the center it does need a few tables and chairs,” he said.

Council allocated $1,000 to the purchase.

New grader on the way

The contract for a new grader was awarded to Nortrack at a price of $317,000, less $23,000 as a trade-in for the grader that will be replaced, for a total cost of $294,000 plus HST. $325,000 had been set aside for the purchase in the 2014 budget.

“How old is the grader we are trading in?” asked Councilor Adam Snider.

“It is 25 years old,” said Rosenblath.

“It cost $100,000 and the cost was covered by a grant from the MTO [Ministry of Transportation],” said Reeve Hogg.

“So, $23,000 is not a bad trade-in after all that time,” said Snider.

Labour troubles?

Council went in-camera to discuss a personnel issue in the Public Works Department.

AH brings in budget with 2.69% increase in local taxation

Addington Highlands Council approved their 2014 spending estimates and tax levy this week with little fanfare. Members of council had several sessions on the budget over the past six weeks and since there were no members of the public in attendance, Treasurer Jack Pauhl did not go into any of the details of the budget before the vote.

In dollar figures the public will pay a total of $60,000 to the township, up to $2.287 million. Taxpayers pay Addington Highlands taxes in addition to L&A County taxes (which were up by about the same amount), as well as education taxes as part of their municipal tax bill.

Because Addington Highlands saw an increase in direct provincial funding of $187,000, spending is up by about $250,000 this year.

The budget includes $50,000 to go towards the new fire hall in Northbrook. The estimated cost of the project is $1.67 million but the township does have money in reserve to put towards it. At this point, the budget estimates that the township will be taking out a loan of over $1 million once the project is completed, which will be paid back over a number of years.

The township will also be rebuilding Ruttan's Bridge this year, at a cost of $532,000 but most of the cost is covered by an infrastructure grant of $480,000. The $15,000 cost of this year's municipal election is also in the budget, whereas only $1,000 was set aside last year. In terms of equipment purchases, a grader ($325,000) for public works and a tanker ($262,000) for the fire department are the largest items.

The policing cost of $523,000 is up by $23,000 from last year, but that increase could be much greater yet next year depending on how a new OPP costing formula shakes out.

“I expect we will see a large increase next year,” said Jack Pauhl.

The preliminary proposed OPP funding formula of $369 per household would put the costs at just under $1 million for the 2,700 households in Addington Highlands, and although amendments are being proposed for that formula AH costs are still likely to go up. The permanent resident population of Addington Highlands is 2,532 so policing costs could be as high as $400 per resident if the formula remains in place.

Reeve Hogg wary of proposed hiring bylaw

Councilor Snider has proposed an amendment to the township's hiring bylaw. Currently, the bylaw says that hiring is “subject to the following restrictions: a) the individual must not supervise a relative, and b) the individual must not be supervised by a relative.”

Snider's amendment included more restrictive language. It says “The Municipality shall not hire anyone who is a relative of a full-time municipal employee ... “ Relatives are defined in the existing bylaw as immediate family (including common-law spouses) as well as in-laws, grandparents or grandchildren, nieces and nephews employees, council or township committee members.

“I think we would be open to human rights complaints if we passed this,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

“Is this something we should have a legal opinion on?” asked Councilor Helen Yanch

“At the very least,” said Hogg. “I think we are likely open to charges if it's not worded properly.”

“Can you also ask that the legal opinion is here in time to put this back before council at the next meeting?” said Snider.

“The lawyer tends to follow his own schedule, not ours,” said Hogg.

“You keep throwing up roadblocks,” said Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“It's not a roadblock, it's just being careful,” said Hogg.

Council approved a motion to defer the proposed change pending a legal opinion.

Health Unit wine prohibition request fails to get backing.

Dr. Ian Gemmill from Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health has written to local municipalities asking them to put a stop to sales of VQA (Vinners Quality Alliance) wines at local farmers' markets.

In December of last year, the province initiated a pilot project permitting the sales of the Ontario wines, which is set to take effect this month.

“Municipalities can prohibit the sale of VQA at any or all farmers' markets within their jurisdiction” wrote Gemmill. Saying that the checks and balances in place to ensure the safe consumption of alcohol are best accomplished by the LCBO, Gemill urges KFL&A municipalities to exercise that authority.

“I think we should do this,” said Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“Why?” asked Councilor Yanch, “we don't even have any farmers' markets in our township.”

Cox's proposal to prohibit the sales did not receive a seconder.

Smith taking a run for mayor in Central Frontenac

Perhaps it’s the weather or the fact that no one pays a lot of attention to these things until at least the summer, but there hasn’t exactly been a run on nomination papers for member or head of council positions in the coming municipal election.

In North Frontenac there are still no candidates registered for any of the seven spots (six councilors and a mayor)

In Addington Highlands, newcomer Gerry Bray is contesting incumbent Henry Hogg for reeve, and the only council candidate is Ward 2 incumbent Bill Cox.

In Central Frontenac there has been a major change in the candidate list. In addition to Brent Cameron running in Hinchinbrooke Ward, Wayne Millar in Oso, and incumbents Jeff Matson and Tom Dewey contesting with former councilor Logan Murray in Kennebec, Frances Smith has decided to run for mayor this time around.

Smith served as reeve back in Oso township days, and is a former Frontenac County warden. She was township clerk before she ran for council. She was appointed to Central Frontenac Council in 2002 and has been elected three times, in 2003, 2006 and 2010. Smith has considered running for mayor in the past, but was deterred by her work responsibilities.

In South Frontenac there are three candidates for the soon to be vacated mayor’s position, Councillor Ron Vandewal, Councilor Allan McPhail, and John McEwen, but the only candidate for council thus far is long-time incumbent Bill Robinson, who with 14 years experience is the longest serving member of council in Frontenac County.

Provincial transfers up.

Thanks to increased funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), all local municipalities except for South Frontenac will be getting a little boost as they face down their election year budgets in the coming months.

But after that election, the 2015 budgeting process could be brutal if a proposed new funding arrangement to cover local OPP costs ends up being implemented. The proposal is for a billing of $369 per household to local municipalities, and the kicker is that seasonal households count just as much as year-round residences.

Here are the numbers, listed alphabetically by municipality.

Addington Highlands will receive $1.53 million from the OMPF in 2014, an increase of $189,000 from 2013. In 2015, policing could cost AH ratepayers over $1 million for the 2,718 households in the township. The population, (based on the 2011 census) 2011 was 2,518. We do not have the figures for policing costs in 2013

Central Frontenac will receive $1.62 million from OMPF in 2014, an increase of $149,200 over 2013. In 2015, policing costs are slated to go to $1.48 million for the 4018 households in the township. The permanent resident population in Central Frontenac is 4,556. Policing costs in 2013 were $767,328

Lanark Highlands will receive $1.43 million in OMPF funding in 2014, an increase of $115,000 over 2013. In 2015 policing is set to cost $1.36 million in Lanark Highlands for 3,681 households. The permanent resident population in Lanark Highlands is 5,128. Policing costs in 2013 were $502,313

North Frontenac will receive $1.07 million in OMPF funding in 2014, an increase of $22,500 from 2013. In 2015, policing is set to cost $1.28 million for 3,471 households. The permanent resident population in North Frontenac is 1,842. Policing cvosts in 2013 were $208,226

South Frontenac Township will receive $1.457 million in OMPF funding in 2014, a decrease of $149,000 from 2013. South Frontenac is covered by a policing contract so its projected 2015 costs cannot be calculated in the same way as the other townships' costs. However, the $369 per household figure will likely be reflected in their next contract. It would result in policing costs of $3.7 million for the 10,054 households in South Frontenac. The population of South Frontenac is 18,113. Policing costs in 2013 were $2.4 million.

Tay Valley Township will receive $686,400 in OMPF funding in 2014, an increase of $130,000 over 2013. In 2015 policing is set to cost $1.43 million for 3,868 households in Tay Valley. The population of Tay Valley is 5, 571. Policing costs in 2013 were $502,313

Photo: The EcoTeam, supervised by Ms. Randle, is made up of senior students Gordie Grewal, Brittany McQuigge, Racheal Kellar and Katelyn Ronfeld.Once more, NAEC has been certified as an EcoSchool. Inspectors visited the school on May 6 to do an audit of NAEC’s Eco-practices and determine their level of participation.

One of the initiatives the EcoTeam took this year was to buy water bottles for all the students in the school. This was done in order to discourage students from purchasing plastic bottles of water. Plastic water bottles are made from oil-based products, and the extraction of oil can be damaging to the environment. In addition, the waste plastic produced is very hard to break down and adds a large amount of material to the waste stream.

NAEC’s EcoTeam was awarded two grants this year, which enabled them to turn this plan into reality. The first grant was an elementary outreach grant from Limestone District School Board ($500). The second grant was a Green Apple Grant from Metro ($1000).

The EcoTeam produced educational videos about water issues and presented them to the school on May 4, before giving out the water bottles. Both videos and bottles were well received by elementary and secondary students alike.

Students are encouraged to write their names on the bottles and to continue to use them at school and home. Some students have already used the school engraver to put their names on their water bottles, and students can be seen carrying their water bottles in the halls.

Principal Angela Salmond remarked, “The EcoTeam has worked hard to promote awareness of water issues. Our local geography is closely tied to water, so we must be mindful of our water use. The videos the team produced were very educational.”

Photographer Beth Smart

For artists and art lovers who are inspired by nature the Bob Echo Art Exhibition and Sale never fails to please. Three main reasons keep both groups coming back year after year: one - the show's loyal audience of art buyers; two - the gorgeous views of towering rock faces, pristine waters and tall shady pines and last - the show offers something for everyone.

Not only was there a BBQ and fresh baked goods for sale, for the kids there was a live, interactive snake show and hands on crafts. For the adults- live country classics by local band Border Town were a nice complement to the main attraction-the art.

Chinese born and classically trained oil painter Terry Hsu summed up the event best, saying, “If you seek art you may find it in everything around you.” Terry, who moved to Canada in 1999, began painting at seven years of age in China and was trained by both Russian and Chinese painters. He has been painting for 35 years and this is his third time showing at Bon Echo. His works are vibrant colourful, realistic depictions of wild life and landscapes that he creates by mixing colours right on the canvas. What first attracts passersby to this booth are the smaller intricate works of various bird species: gold finch, starling, bluebird, and pine grosbeak displayed up front. In each a single bird is centred in the frame and is painted by layering various colours one upon the other to create a hyper real-vibrant image reminiscent of typical contemporary classical Chinese nature works.

The pieces Terry enjoys painting most are the larger landscapes, where he has the space to “magnify the beauty of what he sees before him.” His work titled Bon Echo Landscape depicts a fallen, mossy log in a autumn forest and is an example of the work he paints every year when he and his wife make the annual trip from Toronto. (To see more of Terry's work visit www.oilbyterry.com)

For local artist Beth Smart of Cloyne photography is the means she uses to capture the beauty of the Bon Echo geography and as a long-time area resident and a fourth-year vendor at the show, she is continually creating new items to keep customers returning to her booth.

Beth is a self-taught photographer who learned the art from her father. She was given her first camera at the age of nine. This year she was showing two new types of work, the first- collages. Her themes as always are landscape and wildlife. In one framed piece she collected various images of butterflies she photographed in the area. In a second she collaged together different images of Bon Echo park taken during different seasons through out the year, “In the Bon Echo collage I'm trying to show people the beauty of the park at different times of the year when visitors don't usually get a chance to see it.”

Also new are her “photo paddles”- small wooden canoe paddles covered with her images, which she applies using a special ink transfer technique. It can take 20-25 hours for a single paddle. Beth sells her work at the park's gift shop and she will also be participating in the Cloyne Showcase from August 6-8.

Multiple media artist Todd Tremeer has been doing the Bon Echo show for five years now. Todd, who hails from Bowmanville, graduated from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto in 1995 and he has been doing shows ever since. He works in watercolour, oil and printmaking and when in town for the show he often camps on crown land just north of the park where he paints small studies and sketches that he later works up into larger pieces back at his studio in Bowmanville.

“My preference is to make landscapes that are not necessarily particular to any specific place.” His small-framed etchings are done as dry points, which he etches onto plates that he carries with him into the bush then later prints and colours.

One called “Beaver Dam” and another called “Bon Echo” are indicative of the local landscape in the area and attract a lot of interest from return buyers to his booth.

His larger works are oil on canvas and pictured here is Killarney Landscape, a work from a study he did on site while camping.

Todd enjoys the annual Bon Echo show and said,

“It's a great show where I often make a few sales but I also camp out and work while I'm here, so it’s kind of a working holiday for me as well.”

Most recently Treemer has been working with war museum collections and is creating works that deal with those collections, history and how history is reconstructed through museum spaces. To see more of his work visit www.toddtremeer.com

Event organizer Harold Kaufmann, chair of the art committee at Bon Echo, was pleased with the high calibre of art in the show this year and noted that he tries to jury in at least 10 new artists each year.

Derek Maggs, executive director of the Friends of Bon Echo Park, said increased local advertising this year has helped bring out newcomers to the show and park. The Friends, whose efforts include the ongoing preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the park, continue to offer visitors a unique art show in the midst of unique wilderness setting. For more information about the park and its Friends please visit www.mazinaw.on.ca/fobbecho

Back in June, representatives from Omniglobe Networks came to the Barrie Hall in Cloyne for the commercial launch of their wireless internet service, which is being broadcast from a perch halfway up the TVO tower to the northeast of the hamlet.

Last week, they were back, this time with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who provided funding support for installing the service, as well as with municipal officials from North Frontenac Township, for the official launch.

In the interim, according to Omniglobe spokesperson Elsa Lebey, some of the challenges that come from the rugged, densely forested terrain in the area have been addressed, at least in some measure. The signal from the tower will be extended through the use of smaller, repeater sites at three locations, which will be up and running in the coming weeks.

The locations are - the Upper Mazinaw Lake area where an agreement has been signed and Omniglobe is just waiting for the electrician to finish the setup; the Marble Lake Road area where negotiations leading to an agreement are almost complete; and the Kashwakamak Lake area where a signed agreement is in place.

“Omniglobe will continue to work with the township to identify other possible areas of expansion,” Lebey said.