Township to participate in Northbrook Santa Claus Parade — as long as it doesn’t snow

Craig Bakay | Nov 09, 2022

Addington Highlands Council voted to participate in this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Northbrook Nov. 26 at its regular meeting Nov. 1 in Flinton.

There was however one caveat — it’s dependent on it not snowing that it doesn’t snow that day.

“We haven’t had one (a Santa Claus Parade) in a couple of years,” said Reeve Henry Hogg. “A couple of times we had snowstorms on that day and didn’t have any trucks available.”

“As long as there’s equipment available and no snowstorms, it shouldn’t be a problem,” said Manager of Roads and Waste Brett Reavie.

“I got a call from Teri Woods who wants to assist with the creation of a float,” said CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed.

Council had already approved a $250 donation in this year’s budget for the event.

The 2 kilometre parade is scheduled to get underway at the Lions Hall on Hwy. 41 and go south to Peterson Road where it will turn left onto Airport Road and proceed until turning right onto Allison Drive. From there it will left onto Lloyd Street and into the Pine Meadow Nursing Home parking lot so residents can see it from the window. From there it will proceed back onto Lloyd Street, Brookside Lane, Airport Road and Peterson Road before returning to the Lions Hall via Hwy. 41.

Following the parade, there will be cookies and hot chocolate at the Lions Hall with Santa and a live reindeer display.

Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch said there will also be an “in place” parade in Denbigh on Dec. 17.

“They could drive the excavator over there,” Fritsch said.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

After a two year hiatus, Addington Highlands will once again be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Dec. 2 at the Flinton Hall.

At the urging of Coun. Kirby Thompson, Council opted for a $26 per plate option that allows for a second meat option (ham).

“Some people say ‘I’ve eaten enough turkey this year and I really don’t want to eat any more,’” Thompson said.

“We typically spend $3,500 and have about 200 people attend,” said CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed.

Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch said there eight people on the Denbigh Rec Committee that should receive invitations.

Pay Increase for Firefighters

Council approved a pay increase for the Denbigh Fire Department that Fire Chief Casey Cuddy said is “just bringing Denbigh up to the same policy level as the rest of the municipality as was recommended by the Joint Fire Committee.”

Emergency Training

In his report as the Township’s representative on the Renfrew County Veterinarian Services Committee, Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch recommended a training course for firefighters on dealing with large animals in accidents.

He said that there is also a recommendation to subsidize mileage for veterinarians to and from farms.

“Some people won’t call the vet because they’re trying to save $200,” he said.

Other than that, he said “nothing has changed, there’s still a shortage of large animal vets.”

Goodbye Councillor Miles

Coun. David Miles, who was defeated in his bid for re-election, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for the four years he did serve on Council.

“I really appreciated the respect of Council and staff,” Miles said. “It’s been a joy.

“I never dreaded coming to a meeting.”

“Stay in touch,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

Signage

Coun. Tony Fritsch said he’d been contacted by some residents of Slate Falls Road asking for ‘no exit’ and ‘no littering’ signs.

“The ‘no exit’ signs aren’t a problem, we have those in stock,” said Manager of Roads and Waste Brett Reavie. “But we don’t have ‘no littering’ signs.

“That would have to be a decision of Council.”

Affordable Housing

While discussing the Provincial Government’s new More Homes Built Faster proposals, Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch had this to say: “Part of this is conservation authorities and if they would release some land for development.

“A lot of our land is Crown Land. We should write a letter to the ministry asking if they would consider releasing some Crown Land for development.”

Emergency Preparedness

Reeve Henry Hogg said much of the Oct. 31 Community Control Group meeting was given over to reviewing the covid and wind storm responses.

“On Dec. 1, there will be a review of the Emergency Preparedness Plan,” he said.