South Frontenac Council – Oct 6/15

Wilma Kenny | Oct 08, 2015

Sydenham beer store's disappearing act concerns Council

The Sydenham beer store has been closed for almost a month, replaced by a temporary beer store located in a trailer next to the store. No one on Council seems to know why the bricks and mortar store is closed but they were concerned enough to put the matter on this week's council agenda.

“Every good town needs a beer store.” That statement by Councillor Ross Sutherland might have been enough to get him removed from Council a couple of generations ago, certainly if he was in Portland township. Now, concern about the possibility of losing the Sydenham Beer Store has become a serious economic issue, for if people buy their beer elsewhere they will do the rest of their shopping elsewhere, also. Sutherland added that two locally operated village restaurants have recently closed, leaving villagers without anywhere to meet for meals and socialization. Mayor Vandewal said the Beer Store has not returned his calls.

“Never say Never”

Councillor Sleeth brought a notice of motion that Council refuse to entertain or support any future solar project proposals from either Suncor or Canadian Solar, because these companies had proceeded with a submission for the Collins Lake project in the face of “a clear and overwhelming lack of support from Council and the Community.” (Staff indicated that the companies did substantially reduce the size of the project, before submitting it.)

After discussion, Council decided that such an extreme step might lead to future litigation, and defeated the motion. However, all agreed that the companies in question had behaved in a reprehensible manner, showing disrespect for both residents and municipality. Council directed staff to write to both companies with a copy to the IESO, expressing their dismay over the totally unacceptable behaviour of the developers.

Passchendaele Lane

A brief public meeting was followed by a by-law naming a private lane (part lot 16, concession 3, Bedford). The public meeting was a required formality because the proposed name, Passchendaele, had not been on a recently created list of pre-approved names for lanes. Passchendaele, also known as the third battle of Ypres, took place in 1917.

Accessibility Review

Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services Clerk, County of Frontenac, noted that this June was the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). She reviewed the County and Townships’ considerable progress toward making their services and resources fully accessible. Much of this has been facilitated by the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, which is available throughout the County for consultation, planning and public education.

Fall Road Tour

Public Works Manager Segsworth agreed with Council’s recommendation that they hold a fall road tour before beginning budget planning, to review the upgrades that have been completed this summer, and plans for next year.

Congratulations

Deputy Mayor McDougall noted the Frontenac Heritage Foundation has awarded a Certificate of Commendation to the Township for South Frontenac Museum.