Sf_volunteers
Back toHome
Feature Article - June 19, 2008 South Frontenac Volunteer of the Year awards
Wayne Conway, Walter Freeman, Steve Amey
In a break with tradition, South Frontenac Council is celebrating three volunteers of the year for 2008 instread of four, and in keeping with the council's goal of breaking down the district barriers, the volunteers are no longer designated to the different districts. This year’s recipients were Walter Freeman, Wayne Conway, and Steve Amey.
STEVE AMEY: A lifelong Sydenham resident, Steve Amey has been a recreation and Canda Day committee volunteer for years, but he is best known for his role in the Sydenham baseball scene.
He has been involved in the maintenance of and improvements to the ball diamond at the Point, and for fourteen years he has given unconditionally to Sydenham minor softball. He has served as president, and has coached one or two girls' teams at a time.
During his years at Sydenham minor ball there have been up to 140 children playing in the league, a tribute to his commitment to the children and young adults of his home village.
WAYNE CONWAY: Anyone who has attended a public event in Verona over the last several years has met Wayne Conway. He was the guy parking cars, helping out at the gate, or whispering in someone’s ear to tell them where they should be going next.
A relative newcomer to the area, Wayne, along with his wife Judy, have been involved in a big way with the Verona Lions Club, of which he is currently president, and with the Verona Festival Committee, of which he is currently the manager.
These have not been quiet times for the Lions Club; Wayne has been called upon to oversee every aspect of a $150,000 hall renovation, and the Verona Festival is a premiere attraction in the region that has grown since since its inception 13 years ago. It is a completely volunteer run event. To keep a handle on all of the details of these two major roles is no easy task, expecially for a volunteer, but Wayne has managed to do it with enthusiasm.
Wayne is being celebrated for his ability, as a newcomer, to join the commuity and affect change for the better while respecting tradition.
WALTER FREEMAN: Walt Freeman is a third generation farmer in the Battersea area. He is active in his local church, of which he has been the organist and choir director for 16 years. He was also a member of the Rob Roy Pipe band for 19 years, and is being recognised for being available to provide musical entertainment for virtually any social function in the community for many years. He was also one of the founding organisers of the Battersea Pumpkin Festival.
Walt donates his time and talent to any worthy cause and does so humbly and without fanfare.
Canada_day_08-26
Back toHome
Canada Day - July 1, 2008 Canada DayDenbigh
Harrowsmith
Sharbot Lake
Sydenham
Canada Day dawned bright and sunny after what seemed like a month of rain. In communities from Sydenham and Harrowsmith, to Sharbot Lake and up to Denbigh, there were breakfasts, parades, events in parks and beaches, musical entertainment, strawberries, food, and fireworks at dusk.
Denbighby Angela Bright
A poster was also on display with pictures of the various stages as the shelter was constructed, along with the names of all the labourers, who had a hand in the build and made sure it was ready in time for the presentation.It was truly a day to bring all ages together. Painted faces were everywhere, maple leaves and animal designs, hand done by Janice St.John.The canteen attendants were hoping most of the day and kept us well fed.
The children had their bikes decorated for the big ride around the rink, caught fish for prizes in the fish pond, picked a lucky lollipop and took home loot bags packed with all sorts of interesting things.And the big kids (adults), joined in the activities as well by opening the nail driving contest, under the watchful eye of time keeper Karen Weichenthal.The competition was fierce; for both the men and women, 3rd place tied and rematches were set.As for the children, there are certainly some good little carpenters in the making.
To the Denbigh Recreation Committee and helpers, thank you for organizing our Canada Day fun, and for the hours that you invest in an event such as this for our community. Remember the picnic shelter is ours to enjoy, a wonderful tribute to bring people together.
HarrowsmithBy Julie Druker
Basset hounds, Opening Ceremonies and children on parade in Harrowsmith
Harrowsmith’s Canada Day Event put on by the Social and Athletic Club of Harrowsmith was another crowd pleaser this year. The event attracts over 1000 people every year and this year due to the fabulous weather and the regular and a few brand new scheduled events saw another great turn out.
Months of planning goes into the celebration and this year there were a few new events on the agenda including “The Northern Giants Strong Man Competition” and “Vendor Tents and Tables”.
The crowd soaked up the sun, the music, activities and food and celebrated another Canada Day in Harrowsmith in style thanks to Harrowmith’s Social and Athletic Club and all of the volunteers who continue to make this day a special one.
Sharbot Lake
The pancakes, maple syrup and sausages were whisked onto plates all morning at the Oso Firehall as the Sharbot Lake Canada Day traditions were celebrated on this,the 25th anniversary of the first year of Summerfest. At the end of the day, after a fireworks display that once again outdid the display of last year, the overflow crowd spilled out onto the streets of the village, tired but happy.
SydenhamBy Julie Druker
"Afloat in a boat", parade spectators, and face painting in Sydenham
Sydenham put on a Canada Day celebration at the point ion Tuesday that attracted a large crowd. Having taken a break the past few years due to lack of volunteer support for the event, this year the event was well attended, organized and was a definite crowd pleaser.
People who attended enjoyed the parade, live music, activities, food and of course the beach and lake on what was a beautiful sunny day.
Michael Howe, chair of the Parks and recreation Committee for Sydenham is very pleased at all of the support that the event received this year. He’s confident that the event will be a a regular happening for many years to come. He thanks all of the volunteers who donated their time, skills and tools, The Lion’s Club of Sydenham, Trousdale’s Home Hardware and the Sydenham Legion.
Syd_water_08-28
Back toHome
Feature Article - July 17, 2008 South Frontenac Water debatedribbles onBy Jeff GreenAt their only scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting this summer, South Frontenac Council had only one issue on their plate, a report by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gord Burns on the subject of how to apportion the construction costs for the Sydenham Water system to the 270 households that are located within the village limits, and a draft bylaw that would allow the township to finally send out the bills.
If Burns’ recommendations were accepted the bylaw could be passed at the next regular council meeting on August 5, and for all intents and purposes the 10-year-old Sydenham water debate, as bitter as it has been, would be over.
Burns’ report began by outlining some of the requests made at a meeting with the Sydenham Safe Water Committee at the end of last month.
The group had argued that since current use of the plant is less than 40% of its capacity, the ratepayers should pay for less of the construction costs.
In line with Ministry of the Environment guidelines, the plant was built so that it can produce 450 litres per day per person in the village, but according to figures that have been collected thus far, only 166 litres per person is being used.
This excess capacity of the plant, so the Safe Water committee argued, would allow the township to promote more development in the vicinity of the plant, and through development fees the new users of the water could pay more of the costs.
The plan that Burns was presenting calls for residents to pay 80% of the net capital costs (after subsidies from the federal and provincial governments and the township) leaving 20% to be covered by development costs on future construction projects.
“I would suggest that I do not believe there is any merit to council agreeing to their request for reduced capital contribution to the system from that which was agreed upon in the original proposal,” Burns wrote.
The Safe Water committee also asked that the offer of loans by the township to Sydenham residents who cannot afford to pay their entire bill at once be made interest free. The bills are slated to average between $6,000 and $8,000 per household,.
“I do not believe it would be reasonable to expect the township to subsidize the capital costs of the plant by providing interest-free loans to property owners in the village,” Burns wrote.
In summing up his report at this week’s meeting, Burns said, “If council would like to entertain these proposals, then in my view that would be a political decision.”
And with that, the political decision-making began.
Two hours later, Burns’ report had been rejected by all but one councilor, and the entire matter will not be sorted out until September, at the earliest.
Loughborough Councilor Alan McPhail spoke first. He jumped on the excess capacity issue and said he did not see why current residents should pay 80% of the outstanding costs (which total $1.64 million) when they are “only likely to use 50% of the water”. He then said he did not see why interest-free loans could not be provided.
“I also can see no reason why a levy of $10 can’t be added to the general levy to help pay for this. I see no reason that this couldn’t be set up for future development of the township.”
Councilor David Hahn spoke next. He said, “This was the biggest project we have undertaken and it has created some problems for us. I would like to address the growth issue. It looks like we can grow by more than we thought. When the system was built it was based on design standards. We now have actual water usage, and this should be considered.”
He then suggested that the matter be deferred, and that CAO Burns come up with a couple of alternative financial scenarios based on the current estimate of 20% potential growth, 50% growth and “something in between.”
Loughborough Councilor Ron Vandewal could contain himself no longer. “The vote was taken to go ahead with this before myself and Gary Davison were elected in Loughborough. When the decisions were being taken, we asked for more money. The township picked up the road costs, and Loughborough picked up the fire costs. Still, we asked for more money. Council said no, no, no … I think the vote has been taken and this council has decided and I do not see any alternative.”
Bedford Councilor Del Stowe said, “If you create a water fund, which is open to anyone who has water problems, that would be ok. I don’t mind contributing to a fund that is available to people from other districts, but otherwise no way”.
“The only way I can support some sort of a fund is if everyone can borrow from this. For water,” agreed Ron Vandewal.
Mayor Davison asked for a vote on deferring the matter, and the vote ended in a 4-4 tie.
Finally a vote was taken on the report itself, and it was defeated, with only Portland Councilor Jim Hicks expressing support (Mayor Davison did not vote). “We’ve had quite a square dance, ladies and gentleman. What now?” Davison asked.
“We need more information from staff,” said David Hahn
Gord Burns said “If council agrees politically to accept a higher proportion of the capacity than was proposed I could prepare that, but if we are setting up a development fund for water, where do I go with that? I hate to be argumentative, but I need a lot more information.”
“Can you give us some options?” Hahn asked.
“It’s not just ‘give us some options.’ If you build a bridge and it’s gong to cost $10 million, you know what you have. This thing … you don’t know how to cost it,” Burns said.
Then he took a breath.
“I’ll try to come up with something”.
Then next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for September 9.
.
Gildas_club_08-43
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 30, 2008 Sydenham ladies host Halloween fundraiser for Gilda’s ClubBy Julie Druker
The Sydenham women behind the "Gilda Club" Halloween
fundraiser: Cindy Mills, Joanne Franke, Anita Alton and Etta
CerisanoFour
local Sydenham women came together and threw their 2nd
annual Halloween party fundraiser at the Sydenham Legion on Saturday
night to raise funds to establish a “Gilda’s Club” of South
Eastern Ontario in Kingston.
These non-profit and non-residential clubs have been established internationally and are named for the renowned comedian and actress Gilda Radner, of Saturday Night Live fame, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 1989.
There are currently 23 Gilda’s Clubs throughout the United States and Canada and seven more are in the developmental stages at this time. In Ontario, there is a club in Toronto and one in Barrie.
Each Gilda’s Club offers free membership to people, friends and families who have been affected by cancer, and various types of emotional support and social programs.
Joanne Franke is the founding board president of Gilda’s Club of South Eastern Ontario and Cindy Mills is the vice president. Both women are Sydenham residents.
The two women launched the project in November of 2005 and have spent the last two years putting in place the necessary groundwork to establish the facility in Kingston’s downtown core, close to the KGH Cancer Clinic. To date they have received affiliate status from Gilda’s Club Worldwide, have become incorporated and will receive charitable status within the next week or two.
Currently they are in the process of developing a capital campaign to raise $3.2 million in gift donations to make the Gilda’s Club of Eastern Ontario a reality.
For both women it is an obvious labour of love. Joanne recalls what initiated her involvement in the project. “I had been thinking about it for 6 months prior to starting off when I was talking to some people that I knew who were living with cancer. It was then when I decided to move ahead with the project.”
The board currently consists of six members and will grow to 12. Franke said, “Something of this size has amazed me, especially how much groundwork is involved.“
She added, “We’re now starting to initiate an outreach program to the outlying areas, and because the cancer centre is located in Kingston, our thinking now is to establish a name for ourselves in the Kingston and surrounding area and then to move out from there.”
Joanne and Cindy have been helped in their efforts by Etta Cerisano and Anita Alton, also of Sydenham, who organized the Halloween fundraiser. Both of them have been affected personally by cancer in one form or another.
The $20 admission fee for the Halloween party included all night dancing to the DJ music of Dexter Music of Kingston, a free midnight chili dinner donated by volunteers, door prizes, karaoke and a cash bar. Local businesses generously donated items to be raffled off during the evening.
The four ladies, decked out in costumes themselves, greeted party goers that included: all of the Shrek characters, a “Love Guru”, Betty Boop, a ghoul with glowing teeth, a red eyed grim reaper and a bag of jellybeans.
The room echoed with great dance tunes, lots of laughter and the floor shook under the weight of the many Halloween revelers, all out to bust a move.
Joanne spoke about the Halloween event as a great way to draw the community together, raise awareness of the cause and to raise funds as well.
Joanne stressed that the Gilda’s Clubs are all about socializing, and offering social and emotional support and this is the exact kind of event that could happen at a Gilda’s Club, minus the cash bar of course.
Etta and Anita are hoping to make the party an annual Sydenham event and by the looks of the crowd and the action on the dance floor it would seem that an annual Halloween costume party in the name of Gilda could and should only get bigger and better every year.
Gsca
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 23, 2008 Marmora’s “First Impressions” of SydenhamBy Julie Druker
Lorie Reed, Typhany Choinard, Ginny Trousdale, Bruce Moore, Natalie UchimaruChris Lucas
Marmora’s Tiffany Choinard had a generally good “First Impression” of Harrowsmith, Sydenham and Perth Road, but she saw room for improvement.
Choinard, a planning co-coordinator from the Marmora community, represented 5 Marmorians who participated in an exchange program with the three South Frontenac villages. The exchange was organized by representatives of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFCDC).
Five people from Marmora traveled to South Frontenac and made note of their first impressions of the villages, and members of the Greater Sydenham Community Association will return the favour later.
Choinard reported her group’s findings to a meeting at the township hall in Sydenham on October 15.
Bruce Moore, a rural business consultant with OMAFRA who has been working with communities and the Exchange Program for 4 years, stressed that the Exchange Program, “is a tool to address the revitalization of smaller rural communities.” Part of his job is to train participants involved in the exchange on what to look out for.
Overall the “first impressions” on entering the three communities was good, according to Choinard; however she pointed out that signage at certain entrances could be made clearer, especially when entering Sydenham from Harrowsmith and vice versa.
The rest of the presentation focused mainly on Sydenham. The group found there was plenty on offer, a feeling of community and an overall friendliness and helpfulness of the people in the stores, schools and services.
The general infrastructure was considered good, and the three churches and the nature trails were well received as well.
The group suggested that a sign on Rutledge Road indicating Sydenham's downtown core would be helpful. Parking was somewhat difficult to find. It was suggested that putting fire numbers directly on homes and businesses instead of on markers would make finding things easier.
Beautification initiatives in Harrowsmith and Sydenham were suggested, such as banners and dressing up the painted garbage cans in Sydenham.
The houses in Sydenham’s downtown area need some beautification and suggestions were made to hold gardening or seasonal decoration contests.
Empty windows could also be used to visually enhance the downtown rather than detract from it. It was suggested that SHS students could display work or hold art shows or that curtains could simply be put up.
It was also suggested that the availability of public washrooms and a payphone would both be bonuses to the area, along with additional public benches for visitors to the town’s public spaces.
Sydenham’s most outstanding features were felt to be its natural beauty and history.
According to the Marmora group, the biggest challenges that need to be addressed are signage, litter, beautification, and proximity to Kingston.
Lastly, it was felt that the current “water issue signs” left a feeling of unease in visitors, who became aware of a conflict in the community.
Choinard pointed out that the Marmora group learned plenty from their visit and they plan to adopt some of the ideas they found in Sydenham. These included updating their gateway signs with heritage photos, using cement slabs to restore older gravestones and creating a pamphlet for new visitors.
The findings were well received at the meeting and generated a feeling of excitement and anticipation as to how these issues can be addressed.
Lorie Reed, the chair of the Greater Sydenham Community Association, stressed that the future success of the GSCA relies heavily on the will of the community to instigate some of the suggestions offered by the exchange program. Reed said that the program “is an absolutely fabulous way to bring in an outsider’s perspective of what they see when they come here.”
A GSCA survey is currently available at various locations in Sydenham for community members to fill out to add their personal input. The GSCA will be meeting regularly in the new year every second Wednesday of the month and the community is welcome.
The GSCA, which includes Perth Road Village, Sydenham and Harrowsmith, formed in May of this year, and has published a 2008 Directory that includes a map of the area and the businesses and services that it has to offer.
For more information and to get involved call Lorie Reed at 613-353-1011 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Block_parent
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 16, 2008 Sydenham’s Block Parent Week Focuses on Local Schools and RecruitmentBy Julie Druker Zita Roy, chair of the Sydenham and District Block Parent Program, will be visiting local schools for Block Parent Week, which runs this upcoming week from Oct.19-25.All elementary students from kindergarten to grade 3 in all of the primary schools around Perth Road, Harrowsmith and Sydenham will be given a presentation by Zita so as to fully understand the program.
A block parent home is a place of refuge for a child or children in trouble. It is not a snack shack, a public washroom facility or a place to receive minor first aid treatments.
Children will take home information to their parents and Roy is hoping that more parents will join the program which is entirely free.
A year and a half ago, Roy sent every family in each of the targeted schools an application package. She admitted, “The response was not very encouraging.”
The program had run in previous years in Sydenham but it fell dormant for about nine years until Roy resurrected it when she and her husband retired to the area five years ago.
Roy ran a Block Parent program in Sherbrooke, Quebec for years before her arrival in Sydenham and is a firm believer in the program’s necessity and effectiveness.
The program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, started in London, Ontario and exists across the country.
Roy explains, “The basic function of the program is to give immediate help to children who find themselves in need by providing a “safe house” where the block parent can make the necessary phone call on the child’s behalf.”
Block Parent homes are termed “safe houses” since the program follows national screening guidelines for all adults who work or volunteer with children. All applicants to the program require a full criminal check by the OPP, which is free of charge..
Home owners can apply to become a block parent, and once screened will receive a sign that they place in a visible location in their home. When not at home, they can take down the sign.
Roy stresses, “Visibility of the program is of vital importance; it cannot function efficiently and effectively if there is no visibility of signs.“
The block parent signs are also a deterrent to “cruisers” - people out in communities looking to get into trouble. When block parent signs are spotted “cruisers” are discouraged. Zita stresses this fact stating, “It’s been proven.”
The RCMP advised that the new signs printed for this year be designed so that they are difficult to counterfeit.
Roy says, “As far as I know there have been no provincial or national incidences to instigate the change in the sign’s design. In the program’s 40-year history there have been no incidents regarding counterfeiting.”
But there is no harm in prevention and Roy says that prevention is a big part of the program.
Roy also says that there is a lack of participation in rural areas and that this fact needs to be addressed. She points out that children can end up in need of assistance at any time and in any place, so even if your home is off the beaten track, it is no reason not to consider joining the program.
Roy brings the point home when she states, “I’d rather nag people to get to a sign than have to ask them to join a search party.”
Asked why running the program and getting new members is so important to her, Zita replied, “I have a large family and I like to feel that children can circulate on their own outside without being thwarted. Our society has changed quite a bit and so programs like this are very important.”
The old Block Parent signs are now considered obsolete so anyone requiring a new sign can contact the OPP detachment in Hartington, the municipal offices in Sydenham or Zita Roy herself at 613-376-6402.
Anyone interested in joining the program can find applications and information at displays in post offices, local libraries and in most municipal offices. For more information you can go to www.blockparent.ca
Bubba_08-40
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 9, 2008 Third annual Bubba Bowl Draws a Huge CrowdBy Julie Druker
SHS junior Golden Eagles looking tough near half time at the Bubba
Bowl in Sydenham on Saturday night
The Bubba Bowl was named for Alex “Bubba” Turcotte, a well loved and respected grade 12 Sydenham High School student who tragically and suddenly passed away in his sleep almost a decade ago. The score board on the Sydenham football field was erected in Alex’s honour years back and the school has ever since focused on raising funds in his memory to support SHS football.
According to Jim Latimer, head coach for SHS’s Golden Eagles junior team, the Bubba Bowl began three years ago when the idea occurred to Jim to light up Sydenham’s home field and have an evening game.
Sometimes called “Friday Night Lights”, the event is also known as the “Bubba Bowl” and it continues to honour Alex.
SHS English teacher Annette Blin was in the stands at the bowl and remembered Alex as an “outstanding kid all around, a great athlete, and a really great person.”
This year the school is focusing on raising funds to purchase a permanent lighting system for the field so that evening games can be a regular occurrence instead of a one-time annual event.
Funds were raised the evening of the bowl through the canteen and cash donations that were made at the gate.
The band Bauder Road started off the event and played at the lake end of the field early in the evening pre-game time.
Shortly after, SHS’s junior Golden Eagles took on their historic rivals, the Regiopolis Panthers, in an exciting game that ended with an Eagles’ victory. The score was 28 to13, leaving the SHS juniors in first place.
The SHS seniors took on Regiopolis in the second game, which drew even more local football enthusiasts and the crowd swelled to over 2000.
Pre-game, Gary Rasmussen, offensive coach for the SHS seniors, predicted a close game and a real struggle. “Traditional Sydenham/Regi football is just straight ahead running with a lot of hard hits and a little bit of passing but it’ll be mostly a running game.” He added, “The team that turns over the ball the least will probably win the game.”
The Eagles did just that and clinched the win, 42-4 putting the SHS senior Golden Eagles in the top three teams.
Rasmussen spoke of Sydenham football in general and credited Jim Latimer for bringing the sport to a new level in recent years. “The players that we’re getting now from junior are better prepared than they have ever been in the history of Sydenham football. We‘re a deeper team at the skilled positions than we have ever been.”
I spoke to junior eagles players # 48 Tyler Harvey and #38 Josh Vanniedek at half time during their game (the score was 14-6 for the Eagles).Tyler said, “Traditionally the Regi games are pretty close, usually with only a 3 point spread.”
Josh made a great interception that unfortunately was called back due to an interference call. Both team members credited quarterback Steve Knapton with his first rate plays.
The Bubba Bowl continues on as a community tradition at SHS and coach Latimer has definite plans to raise funds and acquire permanent lighting on the Sydenham field. He mentioned a suggestion by Brian Powley (the commentator for this year’s bowl) to have donors purchase the individual field lights and be recognized by a permanent name plaque affixed to the light.
No matter how the donations are raised, a permanently lit field would offer football players and enthusiasts more opportunities to play and watch games on their home turf at night.
Syd_women
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 9, 2008 Sydenham Women’s Institute
The Sydenham Branch of the Womens Institute recently held a well-attended bake and craft sale at the Sydenham Legion Hall. In the picture, are Sydenham WI members (left to right): Mary McGinnis, Marion Blackadder, Shirley Fox, Meta Gamble, Inda Spafford and Mary Shook.
Sf_firefighter_08-40
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 9, 2008 South Frontenac Firefighters2009 calendar now availableBy Julie Druker
Chesebrough was contacted by Chad Saritison, chair of the “The Fire Within”, and the two made all of the necessary arrangements to complete the project.
Funds generated from sales of the calendar will help fund all volunteer fire fighter departments across the country and a portion of the sales will also go directly to the South Frontenac Fire Departments.
The calendar was a joint venture between Kingston and South Frontenac Departments and both area stations are included in the calendar.
Six of the twelve calendar months show SF volunteer firefighters donning their protective gear in a variety of settings in the districts of South Frontenac.
South Frontenac volunteer fire fighters who wished to be included in the calendar put their names in a hat and names were drawn at each station.
The calendars cost $20 and can be purchased at any of the South Frontenac Fire Departments in time for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 – 12, when many of the stations will be open to the public.
The calendars can also be purchased at various Sydenham businesses including the Sydenham Post Office, Trousdale’s Home Hardware, Sydenham One Stop, The Royal Bank (Sydenham branch), Eclipse Hair Salon, Trousdale’s General Store and Foodland, The Hillside Cafand Memory Lane Flowers
It’s a great chance to purchase a 2009 calendar for your home or as a gift for someone else and to support our local fire fighters and all volunteer fire fighters across the country.
Sf_council_08-40
Back toHome
Feature Article - October 9, 2008 South Frontenac CouncilOct 7, 2008By Wilma KennyOFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE:
Mayor Davison announced at the beginning of the meeting that the vote on updating the Official Plan (including the ‘restarting the clock on severances’ issue) would have to be deferred, as one member of council (Del Stowe) was absent.
AUDITOR’S REPORT:
Vicky Leakey of KPMG reported that she found the Township’s 2007 financial records to be in order, and well kept. Noting that the township’s various reserve funds had increased from $8.8 to $9 million over the past year, she commented, "You had a good year." When the mayor asked whether she thought a fully amalgamated system of books would be easier to manage, Ms. Leakey demurred, saying she was not in a position to say, but added that the present system was clearly more work, though she "couldn’t comment on the extent."
ROAD PROPOSAL TURNED DOWN
Mel Hughson (not present at the meeting) has proposed to construct a 600 foot public road off Freeman Road, with a turning basin at the end, with the intent of severing three lots from the property: two with frontage on the new road and on Freeman Road, and one with frontage on the new road. The retained parcel would also have frontage on the new road. Councilor Ron Vandewal pointed out that several such short roads could create significant road clearance demands, and Councillor Fillion asked "If we don’t allow severances on existing township lanes, why would we allow this?" Council defeated a motion to give approval in principle to Hughson’s proposal.
BRADSHAW SCHOOL
Council approved Building Official Alan Revill’s recommendation to accept Paul McNichols’ tender for the installation of an updated electrical system for the Bradshaw School in Bedford.
WINTER PREPARATION
Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth brought tender recommendations for winter sand provision and snowplowing and salting/sanding, which were approved by Council. There is some concern that the sandpit being used by the low bidder might not have sufficient sand (17,000 cu yds) of the quality required. Segsworth assured Council that the sand quality would be monitored, and back-up plans were in place. Councillor Vandewal suggested that this sort of concern raised the question of whether council should be requiring contractors to post bonds.
PROVINCIAL ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND
Council approved a transfer of $250,000 to each of the four districts from the Provincial R&B Fund to offset any deficits in the capital road building program, with any surplus to be transferred to district road reserves.
SYDENHAM WATER SETTLEMENT AREA
The township wishes to undertake a study "to establish boundaries that could be used to direct development within the area that could reasonably be expected to be required to connect to the Sydenham Water system." Council directed the CAO to work with Ainley and Associates to develop a draft proposal and cost estimate.
