| Jun 28, 2017


On behalf of the Hartington Community Association (HCA), Michelle Foxton came before Council asking them to consider making a contribution to the costs incurred by Hartington residents in preparation for their recent participation in an OMB hearing.

In August 2015, developer Terry Grant had proposed a 40-unit subdivision which would run from Boyce Road in Hartington south to Petworth Road. In the face of local opposition, he shrank his proposal to13 lots, all within the hamlet. When, after much deliberation and continued opposition by residents, South Frontenac Council had still not come to a decision on the zone change necessary for the reduced-size subdivision to proceed, developer Grant appealed to the OMB in February 2016 on the grounds that the County had not given him a decision on his proposal within the allotted six months from the time of application. (For the subdivision to proceed, the Township had to approve a zoning change although the final subdivision approval is done by the County.)

Shuffle forward to August 2016, when South Frontenac turned down the proposed zoning change, and the following day County Council approved Grant’s application. By then, the Township had a report saying that in spite of their having spent over $100,000 on clean-up, there was still contaminated soil on the former gas station lot located across Road 38 from the subdivision area. The HCA, which had based their opposition to the development on the grounds that it was a potential threat to the quality and quantity of their well-water, asked for third-party status at the OMB hearing. This hearing took place over two weeks recently; a decision is not expected before fall.

In preparation, the HCA had independently hired peer reviewers to respond to the hydrogeological reports carried out on behalf of the Township and the County (which had already been peer reviewed on behalf of both municipal governments.). Foxton said that the total costs incurred by her group amounted to more than $70,000. Saying that the Township had gained valuable hydrogeological information about the area as a result of the reports obtained by the HCA, Foxton asked Council to consider covering the hydrogeologist’s last two invoices and one from expert witness Ruland, for a total of $28,792.

Mayor Vandewal responded that the matter would be referred to the Development Services Committee for review and recommendation.

Three Requests for Road Closures
Applications to purchase unopened Township road allowances frequently come before Council. All three were forwarded to Council for approval, although two were leading to water, and there is a general policy not to close off public access to water. One is a 40-metre long, 20-foot wide strip crossing a small island in Opinicon Lake, and marks the boundary between South Frontenac and Rideau Lakes. As Schjerning said, “Unless we decide to build a third crossing…” Because of its access to water, cost will be $9,857.

An unopened extension of Larry York Road, terminating at a cliff on Cedar Lake near Battersea, generated some discussion, but ended in general agreement. Sutherland objected, on the grounds that if it became a lot addition, it would create a (very narrow) waterfront lot with development within the 30-meter setback.

The third, a 15-foot wide strip of township property in Harrowsmith running parallel to Church Street behind the former St Paul’s church and rectory, is a query, as the proposal is to use the land for a multi-unit residential property (two units in the former church, and one in the house.) It is hoped the bit of extra land would make a “well-engineered” septic system possible for the small parcel. There was overall agreement-in-principle, on the grounds that it could improve the property.

Skateboarding on Township Property
CAO Orr brought a report recommending against a by-law forbidding skateboarding on the Sydenham Township Hall property. Corporate Services had recommended the by-law, for at times skateboarders have become a nuisance on the property, causing noise, risking injury, and possibly damaging cars in the parking lot. Orr, while acknowledging the issue existed, contended that a by-law would require enforcement, which could lead to fines. He suggested this seemed unnecessary use of bylaw enforcement services. Although a Township skateboard park has been proposed, it was not one of the priorities of Council at budget time. The estimated cost of skateboard park was $5,000 for a design, and $100,000 for installation.

Councillor Summerville favoured a by-law; “this is not a skateboard park, and (the boarders) are a danger to users of the property,” adding that he was, however, in favour of a skateboard park.

“At least they’re out there exercising,” said Vandewal, who later said that one of the problems was choosing a location for a skateboard park: “In many ways, Harrowsmith Park’s an ideal place, but the high school’s in Sydenham.”

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