Public Transportation Rejected In Addington Highlands

Craig Bakay | Sep 28, 2022

Addington Highlands Council pulled the plug on discussions concerning a potential public transportation system in the Township at its Sept. 30 regular meeting passing a resolution that they not move forward because such a system would not be sustainable.

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed began the meeting with a verbal update on her meeting with Land O’Lakes Community Services.

“I met with Land O’Lakes Community Services and during a lengthy discussion, I advised them of our concern that such a system would not be sustainable after the grant expired,” she said. “They were honest and said they couldn’t see it as sustainable either.

“I advised that we couldn’t see Council subsidizing it either.

“They suggested getting the grant and at the end of the grant (three years) the program would just cease.”

“I think it would make Council look bad if we operated it and then cancelled after a couple of years,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

“There’s about three years left, which is about $200,000 left in funding,” Reed said.

“Let’s say it would be $60,000 of subsidy per year for an underused program,” said Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch. “You’d have ratepayers subsidizing 2-3 per cent per year for a few users.

“We would be spending the money knowing we couldn’t achieve a sustainable service.”

“It would be nice but Denbigh to Kingston is a long ride,” said Coun. David Miles. “If we come up with a plan, it has to be sustainable or we’re not using the money in good faith.

Community Builder Awards

Council decided to hold a Christmas dinner with Community Builder awards ceremony again this year.

“Up until covid hit, we always had a dinner so I don’t see any reason not to,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

“I believe it’s Denbigh’s turn but even though spacing restrictions have been removed, the Denbigh hall is quite close,” said CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed.

“You are sardines in that hall,” said Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch.

Council has tentatively set Dec. 2 at the Flinton Hall for the dinner. Nov. 18 was suggested until it was pointed out that that is still hunting season.

Food Event

Council gave its blessing for the Township accept an invitation from North Frontenac to participate in Prix Fixe Foodilicious Event Oct. 11-16.

Prix fixe is defined as a multi-menu with a few items charged at a fixed total price.

All food providers — restaurants, lodges, food trucks, etc. are invited to participate.

Dine-in or take out can be provided at the discretion of the food provider, who must commit to being open at least three days during the event.

There are no restrictions on offering a regular menu during the event.

The prix fixe menu(s) must consist of an appetizer/starter, main course and desert with a minimum of two options per course.

The prix fixe menu(s) must be priced at $15, $20 or $25 for lunch and $20, $25 or $30 for dinner.

Venues that do not normally offer appetizers or deserts can reach out to the organizers to discuss alternatives.

“A lot of communities have farm promotions,” said Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch. “There’s always something to gain and nothing to lose.”

Short Term Rentals

Council received the results of the Township’s short term rentals survey but held off on enacting any bylaws or regulations to deal with it.

“I found the comments interesting,” said Coun. Helen Yanch.

“And there were about 200 comments or so,” said Reeve Henry Hogg. “I can’t imagine anything much is going to happen between now and Nov. 15.

“And even then, there’s a lot to be looked at.”

The survey consisted of 11 questions and a space for comments.

There were actually 240 respondents of which 89.17 per cent identified themselves as property owners in Addington Highlands.

More than half of respondents responded that they had never personally booked a short-term rental and 77 per cent said they don’t rent their premises regularly.

Noise and/or unruly behaviour seemed to be the chief complaint, being cited by 33.75 per cent followed by unsafe boat or ATV operation (26.25 per cent) and non-holiday fireworks (25.42 per cent).

However, 55 per cent responded that they had never experienced disruption from a short-term rental property.