It wasn’t on the agenda at Central Frontenac Council’s budget meeting last Friday in Sharbot Lake, but Coun. Victor Heese announced the rec committees are getting together to revamp the annual Canada Day celebrations.

Essentially, Canada Day itself remains unchanged, with plenty of activities scheduled for Oso Beach in Sharbot Lake with music and the fireworks finale.

But, what’s new this year is the annual K & P Trail Day, which had been celebrated in September the past three years, will be moved up to July 4.

The two days in between, July 2 and 3, will be designated as “community days” with events and activities culminating in a four-day festival.

“We found that the Trail Day wasn’t all that well-attended,” Heese said. “There were plenty of trail riders but they essentially just want to to ride the trails. Once the lunch was over, that was it.

“Plus, July 4 is the American National Holiday and given all our American visitors, we wanted to do something to tie in with and honour them.”

While just what will be going on during the two community days is still under development, the regular Wednesday night acoustic jam at the beach is still a go, moving to Thursday night for just this one week.

The jam goes from 6:30 p.m. (or so) and is open to anybody that wants to join in, regardless of musical genre.

“I think we have a legitimate shot at first or second,” said Karl Hammer Monday at the Stock Sports demonstration in Harrowsmith’s Centennial Park as part of the Canada Day celebrations. “Brazil is a powerhouse but we’ve put in a lot of time.”

Many will know Hammer as coach of Sydenham High School’s football team, but in this particular case, he’s talking about Stock Sports, a curling variant that can be played on tennis courts or any other smooth surface. The granite rocks of curling are replaced by stocks (which can be and are played on ice) with plastic or Teflon bases. The game is very similar to curling with some differences.

“There’s a perfect Venn Diagram of similarities,” Hammer said.

There is a world championship organization for the sport, which will be holding its championship in Asuncion, Paraguay July 9-11 and Hammer, along with teammates Mike Osborne, Tyler McComish and Karl Hammer Sr. will be representing Canada in the four-nation event, which is called the America Cup of Stock Sport. Tammy Lambert will also be going as a member of the women’s team.

Worldwide, South America is a perhaps the most enthusiastic about this sport, Hammer said.

“The origins of the sport are Austrian-Bavarian,” he said. “There was a large emigration to South America from those areas and they brought the sport with them.”

Canada hosted the championship in Angus, ON in 2015 but this will be Hammer’s first championship.

“Our other members were there,” he said. “Including Tyler, who came seventh out of 15 in the target competition.

“He was the first person to ever compete in the world championships who has an exceptionality.”

He said McComish has become something of a celebrity in the sport.

“Some people were worried about him competing but it’s turned out he’s bolstered the sport’s reputation,” Hammer said.

Obviously, Hammer and squad want to do well but there’s also an underlying reason they’d like to put in a good showing.

“We’d like to host the 2021 championships in Sydenham,” he said. “We’re making a push for a playing area specific to the sport.

“It would be nice to have level asphalt without any pressure cracks.”

In 1819, Thomas Wildey founded an Oddfellows Lodge in Baltimore, MD, the first in North America.

In 2019, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Harrowsmith gathered in their Golden Links Hall to commemorate that event.

It was a time to remember and honour those who have served the longest with the presentation of jewels and recognitions, such as June Carruthers, who joined the Rebekahs on Dec. 7, 1943, in Belleville, making her a Rebekah for 75 years. She was the longest-serving member in attendance.

“I’ve enjoyed all of my years,” she told the crowd. “I love you.”

Howard Warner and Howard Fellows are the last remaining Odd Fellows who served in the old hall in Harrowsmith that burned down in 1972. They each have 51 years of service.

“There was a post office, a garage and a hall there,” said Fellows. “It’s been a lot better working in this (Golden Links) hall than the first one.

“The old hall had two floors.

“The lower floor was a bingo hall and we had our meetings upstairs. We had to put posts under the beams so the floor wouldn’t bounce.”

The Athena Lodge #306 (instituted Mar. 4, 1894) and Princess Elizabeth Rebekah Lodge #358 (instituted Mar. 14, 1952) have been involved in many charitable and community functions over the years including eye research and the eye bank, arthritis society, and Odd Fellow and Rebehaka Sniors Home.

They are particularly involved with Camp Trillium, having taken out and paid off a $1 million loan to secure property for the camp.

They give financial and moral support to local families in need, loan out a variety of hospital equipment and participate in local events such as Canada Day in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade.

Each they give a $500 bursary to a Sydenham High School student to assist in furthering their education.

Once again it’s time to celebrate Canada Day, July 1st. Central Frontenac is pleased to sponsor activities and events held at the Oso Beach in Sharbot Lake.

Starting with a pancake breakfast from 7:00 am to 10:00am, at the Wagner Road Fire station. Sponsored by Central Frontenac Fire Department.

The annual Canada Day run is starting with registration at 9:30 offering a 2K and 5k runs. $10.00 per person or $20.00 per family.

The Lions Club will be marshalling the parade again this year. We would like to encourage organizations, businesses and individuals of all ages to come out and celebrate red and white on Canada Day. Starting at noon, enter a float, walk your dog, ride your bike, or even ride your horse but please join us in making the parade a great start to summer in Central Frontenac.

Opening ceremonies are at 1:00 pm with local dignitaries in attendance to join in singing O Canada.

Along with a lot of local musical talent at the band shell we have karaoke, open mic and a karate demonstration in the lineup. Rural Frontenac Community Services will be hosting kid’s games and crafts. Face painting will be back as well.

A vendor village will also be available as well as the Masons and Lions Club will have their canteen with extended hours until 8:00 pm. The 39ers will have the delicious strawberry social fundraiser in the canteen area as well.

Back this year by popular demand is the fun-filled duct boat races. Challenge your neighbour, the island next door or another group of rivals to see who is the best boat builder in town! Starting at 2:00pm with registration starting at 1:30 pm, all age groups are welcome and prizes will be awarded. Rules and requirements are available on our Facebook page, District #3 Rec Committee or at the Central Frontenac Township office.

The evening will end with the always spectacular fireworks held at dusk.

A tax receipt can be issued at the township office for anyone wishing to donate to help with the Canada Days expenses.

A complete listing for Canada Day activities in Sharbot Lake will be published in an upcoming paper.

Hoping that Mother Nature cooperates on July 1st and we can enjoy celebrating together once again the great country that we are so lucky to live in.

Central Frontenac Township passed a bylaw reducing speed limits through the hamlet of Sharbot Lake at its regular meeting Tuesday night at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

Under the new regulations, Road 38 shall be 70 kph from Hwy 7 to 14551 (about the Child Centre) and 50 kph from there to 14000 Road 38 (about Brewer Road). The new regulations do not affect the school zone in front of GREC, which remains at 40 kph during school hours.

Also, the remaining roadways within the hamlet shall be reduced to 40 kph. These roadways include Elizabeth Street, Garrett Street, Robert Street, Mathew Street, Thomson Street, Cannon Road, Legion Road, Medical Centre Road and Wing Crescent.

Also, Council approved the purchase of a “solar-powered school zone device” for $12,652 plus HST.

Acting Public Works Manager David Armstrong said in his report concerns had been raised by the OPP and communicated to the Community Policing Advisory Committee over the number of differing speed zones along the 4.3 kilometre stretch of Road 38 where there were nine posted speed limit signs travelling south and eight posted speed limit signs travelling northbound.

“Sgt. (Buff) Chadwich based out of the Sharbot Lake OPP detachment brought forward some concerns regarding the posted speed limit signage on Road 38, specifically from Highway 7 to Brewer Road,” Armstrong said. “The message conveyed by the officer was that there were too many speed limit signs and there was no consistency, making it difficult for them to enforce.”

Stairs to cost more

Council approved an additional $1,237.60 for the stairs project at Oso Hall to deal with rotting sill plate discovered during the renovations. The additional costs will come from the 2019 budget.

Washroom woes

The washrooms at Oso Beach are temporarily out of order due to problems with auto-flush valves and water supply. Manager of Development Services Andy Dillon told Council that parts are on order (rubber seals) and that there is no evidence the damage is anything more than normal wear and tear.

In the meantime, two portable outdoor toilets have been installed at a cost of $90 for both plus a weekly fee of $65 each plus 8 per cent for sewage disposal. He said rates for for a minimum four-week rental which will allow them to be used for Canada Day.

Premium gas prevents wear and tear?

Dep. Mayor Victor Heese wanted to know why the Township uses premium gasoline in its fleet.

Acting Public Works Manager David Armstrong said that “it prevents wear and tear” and “that some people say it doesn’t.

“If Council wants us to switch to regular fuel, we can do that after this contract,” Armstrong said.

Palliative Care

Matt Walker of Compassionate Care and Sandy Whaley of South Frontenac Community Services addressed Council wanting to get their message out that palliative care services are now available in the area.

Walker said they have several goals including end-of-life care and support, creating access and capacity for a visiting hospice program, reducing social isolation and reducing emergency department visits and/or unnecessary hospitalization.

He said the area involved is more than 4,000 square kilometres with a very low population density, a higher percentage of people over 50 and over 65 than most of Ontario and a lower median income.

Whaley said that part of what they do is giving caregivers a break for a couple of hours or so.

“Our volunteers don’t come to entertain you or be entertained,” she said. “It can take a lot of energy to be social but you don’t know that until you have no energy,” she said.

Just to be clear. The first week for amnesty loads at Central Frontenac landfills doesn’t mean said landfills will be open during the entire week, Council heard during its regular meeting Tuesday evening at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

Coun. Tom Dewey told Council some of his constituents found the dates listed for the first of three weeks for amnesty loads in 2019 confusing, asking if the Monday May 20 to Sunday May 26 listing meant that the Olden site would be open all those days.

Acting Public Works Manager David Armstrong replied that the regular hours for both Olden and Oso sites would still be in effect.

“And the Monday, May 20 is a statutory holiday (Victoria Day), so both sites will be closed.

The hours of operation for Olden are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The hours of operation for the Oso site are Mondays (except May 20, Victoria Day), Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Large items and construction waste that are part of an amnesty load are only accepted at Olden and Township staff ask that residents “make their best effort” to take amnesty loads to Olden.

There will be two more amnesty weeks in 2019 — July 153 to July 21 and Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. Regular landfill site hours will apply then also.

An amnesty load is a single load of household refuse at no charge (up to a $40 limit).

CF to switch to KARC for recycling, a “more responsible” option

Armstrong also asked Council for and received permission to negotiate an agreement with the City of Kingston to ship recycled items from Central Frontenac waste sites to the Kingston Area Recycling Centre.

Armstrong said for the past four years, Central has had an agreement with HGC Management Inc. in Belleville but “having seen both operations, I believe Kingston is more responsible.”

He said operating expenses would increase by about $8,000 per year by switching to KARC but there will be savings in staff time and fuel given that Kingston is closer to our waste sites and Central Frontenac would be eligible for a 2.6 per cent share of any revenues from recyclable sales.

He said by switching to KARC, it would free up 268.5 staff hours to be used on other maintenance activities and save nearly 6,000 litres of fuel.

He said the $8,000 is already accounted for in the 2019 operating budget.

Stairs contract, already underway, gets approved

Andy Dillon, manager of development services/chief building official, recommended Council accept the bid from Jones Contracting and Building Services for the stairs at Oso Hall in the amount of $30,850 plus HST. Work actually began May 10 but since it was under $50,000, the Mayor and Clerk-Administrator were authorized to sign a contract.

“There was some urgency so that the hall could be used,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

Dillon said the work is expected to be completed “by the end of the month” and will include four light standards and an extended landing “so a ramp can be built along the side of the building ensuring that everyone will be able to use the front door.”

$250 for fishing derby toilet needs

Council agreed to kick in up to $250 for a portable toilet at the government docks June 15 for a fishing tournament being put on by B.T. Productions.

Representing B.T., Kirk Chabot said the tournament will be smaller than last year’s, with about 60 participants.

Council also gave B.T. permission to hold a car show at Oso Beach Aug. 25.

A third request, to hold a canteen on Canada Day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. was withdrawn.

The extremely damp weather didn’t deter some resilient participants of the Canada Day Walk/Run event.  Approximately 60 walkers and runners came out for a mild but very wet outing along the trail.  The route had to be modified due to some flooding, but other areas could not be avoided.  Large puddles covered sections of the trail, causing some to weave and avoid and others to run right through them.  

Dedicated volunteers assisted with registration, route set up, and water stations and cheered on the participants along the way.

Overall the event was a success and it was great to see young and old out enjoying our trail no matter the weather.  Close to four-hundred dollars was raised which will be donated to the Granite Ridge Education Centre to assist with transportation for youth to athletic events.

Don Bates drove the Official Pace Car of Canada Day at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith.

Franny & Beebs, hosts of the popular YouTube/Facebook phenomenon In the Breezeway, showed up all the way from Cobourg to be in the parade and headline the show at Oso Beach.

Patriotic Flag Wavers signing O Canada, on top of the lookout between Palmerston and Canonto Lakes in North Frontenac!

Preparing the cookie decorating table (Sunbury)

Although rain put the damper on half of Maberly’s Pie in the Sky event, Anne Thomlison, Mary Lou Pospisil, Sue Munro and Marlene Ambler presided over the sale featuring “at least 100” (Photos - Craig Bakay and Wilma Kenny)

South Frontenac’s enormous new “fire house” made its first appearance at Gerald Ball Park in Sunbury on Canada Day. This inflatable play structure is not a bouncy castle, but a means of helping teach fire safety to children. It’s based in the theory that no child is too young to begin learning awareness of fire hazards. Inside, there are three rooms: a kitchen, a living room, and the treat at the end, a ramp up to a window to jump out of.

The ‘house' is wheelchair accessible. Inside each of the main rooms, there are posters and firemen to explain some of the basic fire safety information related to potential household fire hazards: cooking, candles, fireplaces and cook stoves. They also explain proper use of fire extinguishers: one is prominently displayed in the ‘kitchen’.

This is the only structure of its kind east of Whitby, and will be available for display at local festivals and other outdoor events. Only four firefighters are necessary to set it up and operate it.

The bright red house came from the States, and cost over $10,000 US. Storrington Firefighters Association came up with the idea and raised most of the money, helped by donations from the Perth Road Firemen's Association and Kingston Association No2 (Glenburnie.) Firefighter Suzanne Quenneville, who took me through the house, and who did the bookkeeping for the project, said the fluctuating Canada/US exchange rates gave her some sleepless nights between making the down payment, and the final payment when the custom-built structure was ready for delivery.

The Frontenac News publishes a Canada Day edition each year to help publicise all the events that take place on and around Canada Day in the various communities we serve in our paper and online versions. It is our way to kick off the summer season. The summer of ‘17 is shaping up to be extra busy since it is the summer of Canada 150 and in our June 29th edition, as well as on Frontenac-Live.ca we are featuring a comprehensive guide of events on July 1st and throughout the summer season.

We are reaching out to groups, organisations and businesses who are planning events this summer so they can be included in this edition through our normal means, but it is hard to get in touch with everyone. So if you are part of an event and want to tell the world all about it, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with all the details, even an image if you have one.

We have special ad rates for that edition as well for extra promotion.

If you want to know where and when there is band playing, a run happening, or fireworks firing this summer, look for the June 29 issues in your mailbox, store shelf or favourite digital platform.