May 17, 2017


Very little happened in Tuesday night’s regular South Frontenac Council meeting in Sydenham, a meeting that clocked in officially at 14 minutes.

At 14 minutes, the meeting was (unofficially) the second fastest meeting in Township history, just behind the Phil Leonard era eight-minute gathering at the S & A Club in Harrowsmith that coincided with a Canada-Russia Olympic hockey game (in those days, bills were paid via resolution, thus requiring the meeting) and narrowly edging out the Gary Davison era 18-minute meeting where there was literally nothing to be discussed.

This Council did however manage to buy a new wood-chipper (that came in $4,600 over budget) and pass the tax levy.

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth said the $4,600 could be accommodated from reserves and recommended purchase of the $71,753 Bandit wood chipper to replace the old 1992 Eager Beaver.

Mayor Ron Vandewal expressed some regrets at the purchase however.

“I don’t know if anything will come in under budget again,” he said. “But I’m still holding out hope for the new fire hall.

“(And) I do like the name Eager Beaver better.”

As for the budget, Council approved a tax levy of $18,586,507 resulting from expected revenues of $9,369,373 versus expenses of $27,955,880.

“If it weren’t for the tax bylaw, we wouldn’t be here at all,” said CEO/Clerk Wayne Orr.

“Somebody ask a question, do you know how long it took me to shower for this?” said Vandewal.

By the way, Council cancelled the scheduled May 23 Committee of the Whole meeting and there is no meeting scheduled for the 30th, the fifth Tuesday of the month.

Council will participate however in the Joint Councils meeting in Verona May 31 at 7 p.m.

OMB hearing lingers in Sydenham
South Frontenac CEO/Clerk Wayne Orr said he expects the Ontario Municipal Board hearings on the proposed Hartington development to wrap up this Thursday (May18) although Chair Mary-Anne Sills has said she won’t have a decision then given the amount of testimony she’ll have to consider.

The hearings are scheduled for 10 days which means they could extend to Friday.

So far, Orr said, the hearings have heard testimony from hydro-g, storm water and and planning experts and will now hear testimony from the four principles in the case (developer Terry Grant, the Hartington Community Association, Frontenac County and South Frontenac Township).

On Thursday, the OMB will hear testimony from six residents.

RVCA General Manager to pay a visit
Council did take Coun. Pat Barr’s suggestion that Rideau Valley Conservation Authority GM Sommer Casgrain-Robertson be invited to an upcoming Council meeting to give an update on the Authorities activities in 2016.

“She should have come tonight,” said Mayor Ron Vandewal. “we have the time.”

Trails and Lake Festival
And finally this: Coun. Ross Sutherland is inviting everyone to Sydenham’s Point Park July 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Sydenham Lakes and Trails Festival.

“Everything is free, including the barbecue,” Sutherland said.

Events include a historic village tour, a canoe/kayak 5k trip around the lake (bring your own canoe/kayak or they’ll provide one), paddling instruction in a dragon boat with the Cataraqui Canoe Club, bicycling skills course, bike repair and helmet fitting.

This will be followed by a barbecue and prizes.

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