January Meeting Planned To Address Denbigh Recreation Committee Concerns

Craig Bakay | Jan 11, 2023

The community recreation committee in Denbigh was once again front and centre at an Addington Highlands Council meeting, this time the Dec. 20 regular meeting in Denbigh.

Although it isn’t a committee of Council, something Reeve Henry Hogg pointed out a couple of times, it is nevertheless on their radar and this time former committee member Bev Chaisson addressed Council asking for help and guidance.

“I have been asked to represent several families and residents that live in our community,” Chaisson said. I am here to speak about the recreation committee (and) our main goal today is not specifically engage in a conversation about playground equipment but what we can do to further our goals.”

She said those goals are to have a rec club that will provide a safe and happy environment not only for the kids but also for the seniors and adults of the community who feel left out of activities that portend to be for their age group.

She said that in the past the club has hosted a murder mystery, wine tasting and euchre parties.

“There seems to be a rift in the community at this time and I believe we need to come together as a whole or we will accomplish nothing,” she said. “Perhaps Council could offer some sage advice for the rec club.

“I spoke to (Dep. Reeve Fritsch) Tony and he has assured me that, as chair, he will call a meeting in January.”

For his part, Fritsch said he does plan to call a meeting in January but any election of officers will be scheduled for a second meeting.

“This has been a community committee for 15 years or so that anybody can join at any time,” Fritsch said. The only relationship it has with Council is that the Township owns the facilities. The only requirement for joining the committee is that you’re interested in helping the community.”

Chaisson said she was concerned that there would only be six people or so available to vote and Fritsch replied that’s why elections would take place at a second meeting.

“That’s what I wanted to hear,” Chaisson said. “Tony will set it up and we’ll be on our way.”

“Sometimes, it only takes one person to come in . . . that right magic person,” said Coun. Helen Yanch.

AHEAD members

Council chose community members for its Properties and Recreation Committee and its AHEAD (Addington Highlands Economic Advisors for Development) committee.

For Properties and Rec, Ken Chatson and Rob Kilby were chosen for Ward 1 (the only applicants).

For Ward 2, Joel Hasler and Terry Wood were selected.

For the AHEAD committee, Ross Large and Jennelle Rosenblath were chosen for Ward 1 (the only applicants).

For Ward 2, Andy Anderson and Bill Cox were selected.

Hogg 5 time warden

Reeve Henry Hogg was chosen Warden of Lennox & Addington County for 2023 at its most recent meeting.

This is the fifth time Hogg will serve as Warden having filled the position in 2003, 2010, 2011 and 2016.

Youtube posting of council meetings

CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed said she will consult with the County as to how accessibility requirements are fulfilled when it comes to leaving videos of Council meetings up on YouTube. Currently, the videos are left up for 24 hours but, she said, that could change with an amendment to the procedure bylaw.

New vestibule at Medical Centre

Chief Building Official/Facilities manager David Twiddy said they’re working on an inside vestibule/waiting area for the medical facility to replace the current plastic sheeting.

“We’ve wanted to redo that vestibule anyways because the floor is shot,” he said.

Coun. Helen Yanch asked if there was a possibility of using some of the space that had been used for the dental office.

“That area wouldn’t easily be remodelled because the walls are lined with lead due to the dental x-ray machines,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

He said barrier free ramps are now installed in both Flinton and Denbigh and the HVAC system installation is continuing in Denbigh albeit slowly because of a shortage of parts.

“But there is conscious attention to maintaining a continuous heat system during the upgrade,” said Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch.