Central Frontenac Council signs off

Before starting their November 11 meeting, Central Frontenac Mayor Janet Gutowski announced that the late November meeting will be cancelled, making this the final event in the term for six of the nine members of the current council. One of the six, Norman Guntensperger, was not in attendance, but the other four, John Purdon, Wayne Millar, Heather Fox and Jeff Matson, and Gutowski herself were all in good humour. At the end of the meeting they had a chance to wish the new council well.

For her part, Gutowski said she expects that she will continue to be involved in community activities in one way or another.

As the new council is set to take office next month, Council deferred all but the most clear-cut decisions.

Waste Management consulting

Council received a report from the public works managers of North and South Frontenac as well as their own former public works manager, Mike Richardson, regarding the cost of monitoring waste management sites in all three townships. Currently, the work is contracted out separately by each of the townships.

The report considered developing the expertise to do all the work through a new department to serve all three townships, and perhaps Frontenac Islands as well.

The cost for work on the 13 active and 14 closed sites in mainland Frontenac County is almost $450,000. However, rather than taking all this work in house, the report recommended putting out a combined Request for Proposals to deliver the service on a county-wide basis.

They selected the following option: “totally outsource all aspects of the service delivery of Waste Management

that involve required Ministry reporting, liaison with the Ministry of Environment, ground water and surface water testing and monitoring, using one RFP to contract the work to include all four townships” in the hope that they can all save some money.

“This is a good example of how we all benefit from common efforts between the townships and the county,” said Mayor Gutowski of the report and the recommendation.

Since the matter needs to be considered by the other townships before being acted on, Council just accepted the report for information, leaving approval to the new Council.

Waste Services Manager Kyle Labbett also reported that the formal closing of the Arden site has been completed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of the Environment, and that the Wilkinson Road site, near Chippego Lake, is also ready to be formally closed.

“These are items I have been working on for five years,” said Labbett.

He then added a bit of a tidbit for the benefit of the incoming council.

“The next one to come is Crow Lake,” he said. According to the most recent capacity study, at the current fill rate, that site will be filled within the next half dozen years.

Disappointing year of construction

With only two wintry months to go in 2014, Central Frontenac is poised to see construction values of below $5 million for the first time in recent memory.

As of the end of October, building permits have been issued for $4.25 million in construction since the start of the year, down just over $750,000 from 2013. 10 new residential units and 2 new seasonal units were started this year, as compared to 10 residential and 5 seasonal in 2013. In 2012, a year whose overall numbers (over $20 million) were skewed by the construction of Granite Ridge Education Centre, there were also 16 residential and 8 seasonal residences under construction.

Public Meeting about Road 38 overpass

In the latest bridge study done for the township the bridge over the former rail line (now part of the Trans-Canada Trail) on Road 38 in Sharbot Lake has been identified as in need of repair within five years.

In looking at the cost of repair, the township is considering the possibility of either replacing the bridge with a box culvert or simply eliminating it entirely and letting the road cross the trail. The upfront costs of either of these options will be considerable, but the long-term savings in maintenance make them viable possibilities.

The bridge was originally built to permit a train to pass under it, and is therefore no longer needed. A public meeting to discuss options has been set for Thurs. Nov. 20 from 6 to 8pm in the Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

Councilor John Purdon asked Kyle Labbett if the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) had been consulted about the possibility of a highway passing over the trail if one of the options is selected.

Labbett said that it is not unusual for the trail to pass over roads. “The trail passes over Hwy. 7 near the weigh station before Perth,” said Labbett, “Cindy Cassidy from EOTA said she could work with whatever we decide to do.”

Hurry, Hurry. Come one, come all to the free Annual Community BBQ sponsored by Northern Frontenac Community Services on Thursday, August 21 at the Oso beach in Sharbot Lake. For almost 40 years, NFCS has been a driving force in the social development of North and Central Frontenac areas and our annual BBQ is a chance to say Thank You to all the supporting communities. In addition to free hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks, activities for all ages will be happening from 5 to 7 pm. For the children: air castles, face painting, pony rides and petting zoo. Everyone will enjoy the horse drawn wagon rides, live music, mini golf, bingo (over 21) and tomahawk throws, all for the one low price of….FREE. Whether you’re a year round resident or a summer visitor, we hope to see you there. Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy the music, no need to cook supper tonight. For more information call NFCS at 613-279-3151. Remember, Thursday, August 21 from 5 to 7 at the Sharbot Lake beach. See you there.

If one had to pinpoint one singular theme at the 2014 North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life, which took place at the Parham fairgrounds on June 20, it would have to be hope. Relay chair Lesley Merrigan highlighted that idea after the Friday night opening ceremony, saying, “This community really needs to feel a sense of hope at this time; there have been so many close to home cancer diagnoses in this community recently that hope is really what we need now.”

It was with hope in mind that Merrigan invited cancer survivor Tammy Horvath to speak at the opening ceremony about her own personal battle with cancer. “I invited Tammy to speak because nobody gives hope like she does”, Merrigan said.

Tammy was diagnosed in 2004 at the age of 34 with a stage four uterine sarcoma and doctors gave her just two weeks to live. She was then a young wife and mother of two, and she told the doctors to do “whatever they could”. After undergoing an aggressive new treatment, she much more than beat the odds and now, 10 years later, she is happy to tell her emotional story to others, especially to those who have been recently diagnosed.

“Cancer is a roller coaster ride with many highs and lows and you really need a boat load of determination to get through it,” Horvath said in addressing this year’s Relay participants. She spoke of the term “survivorship” saying, “People become survivors the very day they are diagnosed.” She also spoke of how the funds raised from Relay are so important. “I would not be here if it were not for the research dollars made possible through the Relay for Life.”

Heather Gray, director of the Canadian Cancer Society in Eastern Ontario, also spoke at the opening ceremony, citing how the Relay for Life especially helps rural communities by securing funds for transportation services that enable those diagnosed to travel to larger centers for treatment. She spoke about the CCS's peer support program and their cancer information service, both of which can be accessed by rural residents by phone. She also spoke of the importance of cancer research. “If you happen to be standing beside someone who was diagnosed with cancer, the fact that they are still with us today is because of research. We have gone from a 25% survival rate in the 1940s to a 63% survival rate today and for children, the survival rate is even greater, where youngsters now have an 81% survival rate.” Gray said the goal of Relay is to continue to increase those percentages.

Cancer survivor Marcel Giroux also spoke, highlighting how the Parham relay event, which began in 2006, not only helps by providing funds for important research and services but how it also brings the community together. “This event represents how we started together in fear and eight years later we have ended in glory,” Giroux said.

After the speeches the survivors’ walk began, with close to 50 local cancer survivors lapping the track while troubadour Shawn McCullough’s original tune “Fight”, which was inspired by his father’s battle with cancer, was played. McCullough penned the song especially for the Relay and copies of it were available for sale with all proceeds going to the cause.

Following the lap the survivors gathered at the main stage where they released colored balloons into the air.

Each team was then introduced and invited to walk the track, beginning their 12-hour long journey, which represents the personal journey faced by every individual battling a cancer diagnosis.

Emcees Jim MacPherson and Lindsay Fox manned the mikes for the entire event, which included a wealth of musical entertainment and numerous games, contests and activities until the following morning when the sun came up. By the end of the event participants had raised over $45,000 (and still counting) for the cause, demonstrating that this small rural community is doing more than its fair share of bringing hope to those battling a cancer diagnosis.

Photos:

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2047- Team Hannah at the 2014 Relay for Life event in Parham

2016-Cancer survivor Tammy Horvath inspired hope with her personal story at the 2014 North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life event in Parham on June 20

June is Seniors' month and each year Central Frontenac Township honours seniors from each of the four township wards who have made contributions to the life of the township.

This year the honorees were: from Kennebec Ward, Tom Hughes; from Olden, Nancy Thompson; from Oso, Alex MacLeod; and Hinchinbrooke, Dawn and Dave Hansen.

Councilors from each of the wards made the presentations.

Tom Hughes

Tom Hughes was born on a farm on the Clark Road in 1929. and his family moved to Arden when he was six. He attended public school in Arden and high school in Tweed (Sharbot Lake High School opened after his senior year) He went to work for CP in 1949 and remained with the railroad for over 40 years. In the 1950s he also worked for the family bakery, making deliveries to Tamworth, where he met his wife June. They were married in 1956 and have one daughter and four grandchildren. After working in Lavant Station for CP, Tom was transferred to Toronto, then London, and eventually back to Toronto.

The family moved back to Arden when Tom retired in 1993. Since then he has been active with the local Masonic lodge, is a steward with the Arden United Church, and has been a member of the Arden Glee Club since 1995. When not busy with family or volunteer pursuits, Tom likes to hunt and fish.

Nancy Thompson

Nancy Thompson joins her aunt and mother Ada and Beth Macdonald, both of whom were named Senior of the Year over a decade ago, as recipients of the award.

She was a long-time employee of both Olden townsip and Central Frontenac. She is the mother of three children, and has 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

She is active in the United Church in Mountain Grove and is a dedicated volunteer for a number of causes. As Councilor John Purdon said, Nancy prefers to work behind the scenes, working in the kitchen at events where food is being served, helping to set up and clean up the hall rather than seeking recognition for her work.

“In fact I expect she would rather be putting out the food than getting up in front of everyone today,” he said.

Nonetheless, Nancy accepted her award graciously, saying “I really appreciate this”.

Alex MacLeod

Alex MacLeod first became associated with Central Frontenac as a renter of a cottage on Sharbot Lake. He eventually retired after 39 years with Bell Canada and bought and renovated one of the cottages he had earlier rented. He was an active volunteer even as a seasonal resident, as a founder of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners Association in 1973. Since becoming a permanent resident he has been very active with the local Lions Club and is a member of the Community Advisory Board to the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team.”

“I am surprised and very appreciative to be receiving this honour,” he said.

Dawn and Dave Hansen

Dawn and Dave were high school sweethearts, and in the words of Councilor Heather Fox, “Dawn didn’t know enough to walk away so they got married”. Dawn worked as an elementary school teacher and Dave owned and ran the Parham Ambulance Service. The couple have a daughter and two grandchildren and live in Tichborne. Dawn was one of the early and long standing volunteers with the North Frontenac Little Theatre and both Dawn and Dave are inextricably linked to the Hinchinbrooke fire department and the Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club. They have both served numerous roles locally and at the regional level with the Lions. They are fixtures in the local community, working as a team and individually on numerous projects.

Mandatory septic inspections on the Central Frontenac agenda

Since February a committee of volunteers, Councilor Jeff Matson, and staff from the septic office of Kingston Frontenac Public Health have been meeting regularly to talk about how to set up a program to inspect all 4,000 or so private septic systems in Central Frontenac over a 10-year period.

John Duchene, retired township Chief Administrative Officer and Kennebec Lake resident, presented an interim report from the committee at the council meeting this week (June 24).

Duchene said that the committee looked at a number of other jurisdictions who have implemented similar programs, which have become permissible with changed in provincial legislation in recent years.

Currently the township employs the Mississippi-Rideau septic office to conduct voluntary inspections, and Duchene said, “Really we see this as an extension of that process.”

The first step in establishing a program would be an information gathering process, updating information about systems that are over 15 years old.

“Public Health has good data for those systems that were installed in the last 15 years, but the data deteriorates for the period before that," said Duchene, “so finding out what is out there is a big first step.”

Even though the program, as envisioned by the committee, would include all systems in the township, priority would be given to those systems over 20 years old, systems within the vicinity of lakes, and systems in built up areas where contamination of the groundwater could have the greatest effect on neighbours.

Inspections will likely cost $140 on average and Duchene said there are many ways to finance them, either through a direct charge to ratepayers, through a septic levy on the tax bill, or by some other means.

Duchene suggested that the committee will bring more details to council about what they will be proposing in the coming months.

In response to the report, a number of councillors raised issues.

Councilor John Purdon said that in Tay Valley, only properties on highly sensitive lakes are included.

Councilor Tom Dewey suggested that the septic pumping contractors could also have the job of inspecting systems.

Councilor Norman Guntensperger then said, “I have to say I am sitting here wondering if anybody else is feeling uncomfortable about a lot of what is happening today … enforcement is not a minor thing. We are talking about families potentially losing their homes.”

Gord Mitchell, from KFL&A Public Health said, “In 29 years that I’ve been involved with this, not one person has been forced out of their home. There are ways to mitigate the impacts and to work with people. That is normally how it is handled.”

“For myself I am also concerned about the vulnerable people but I am also concerned that we must find a way to ensure that the systems are all safe,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski.

“Are we required by any law to do this?” asked Guntensperger.

“Not at this point,” said Gutowski.

The report from the committee was received for information.

Kids of Steel a go despite council concerns

Greg Kealey of the Ottawa Triathlon Club came to council seeking permission for intermittent road closures of Road 38 during the cycling portion of a planned Kids of Steel Triathlon in Shabot Lake on Sunday morning, July 27.

The Triathlon is to be part of a five-race competitive series called the Triathlon Ontario Youth Cup. The Sharbot Lake site was used last year by the same group, and is well known in Ontario Triathlon circles for Kids of Steel races that took place there in the 1980s and 1990s.

One hundred and fifty kids between the age of 6 and 15 took part last year and Kealey expects more in 2014.

“We made mistakes last year by going to the County, which we thought was the right place to go, but now we know we need to come to the township for permission.”

The primary objective of the triathlon is to promote physical activity among children, and efforts will be made to recruit local children for the event, Kealey added.

A number of councilors expressed concerns about the road closure, and made suggestions about seeking an alternative route, for the cycling to be done on trails, etc.

Greg Kealey said that he is willing to look at alternatives, but if none can be found he did need to know if the road closure would be permitted because if not he would seek a new site.

“I can’t take a chance on finding out we can’t hold it here once we get close to race day and I will have to cancel the race entirely, cutting the race series down from five to four at the last minute,” he said. “Overall I felt we had a good response last year from the local community.”

Other races in the series are scheduled for Ottawa, Guelph, Dunrobin, and Lakeside.

“Given the history of this location, and the ideal layout, we are keen to hold this one here,” Kealey said.

Mayor Janet Gutowski said, “I feel I have to point out I did receive complaints last year, including from the restaurant at the beach about access being closed off for customers, and the township was never informed. I also heard from people who loved it, I should point out.”

In the end the road closure was approved, with Kealey promising to seek an alternative route if possible and committing to putting up signage about the road closing well in advance of the race.

For more information about the race, go to www.bytowntriathlon.com or call Greg at 613-323-5255.

On June 17, I had the great pleasure of attending the preview of 6 videos which will be used to promote Central Frontenac as a wonderful place to live. The “stars” of the videos are people who live here because of the lifestyle they are able to enjoy. However, these people are not “takers”, they are “givers” who, by donating their time, energy and considerable talents, contribute greatly to the quality of life we are all able to enjoy in Central Frontenac. It’s a dynamic relationship. One doesn’t exist without the other. And, there are countless others in CF who give freely of their time and energy, volunteering for a wide variety of causes and events, because these people have pride in their community and want to help it be a better place for everyone.

Unfortunately, there are a few others, who have totally missed the concept of community pride. I am speaking specifically of those (adults) who help themselves to plants, trees and shrubs planted in public places by Villages Beautiful. Someone even tried to carry away a barrel of flowers. This is not vandalism, it is premeditated theft. (Who carries a shovel unless they plan to dig?) The most recent incident is the removal of plants outside Oso Hall.

Plants do not cost a great deal of money. However, the hard work and time volunteers spend preparing soil, planting, weeding and caring for the gardens is quite another thing. Not to mention the hours that go into preparation for and production of the Festival of Trees, which raises the funds to purchase these items.

Those who do not respect the efforts and property of others, likely have little respect for themselves and that is very sad. Indeed, these people are more to be pitied than damned.

Villages Beautiful will continue to plant and replace items stolen, as long as the money holds out. Perhaps we should build a contingency fund to prepare for this? I hope not. That would be even sadder.

I remain, proud to live in Central Frontenac.

Linda West
For Villages Beautiful/Festival of Trees

For her fourth year, certified swim instructor and lifeguard, Holly Dickinson, will be heading up the Central Frontenac Swim Program, which will take place at four public beaches in the township this summer.

The program offers accreditation in the Red Cross Swim Kids and Pre-School Program in two separate three-week sessions. The first runs from July 7 to July 25 and offers a choice of morning classes at Long Lake near Parham or afternoon classes at Big Clear lake in Arden. The second session runs from July 28 to August 15 with a choice of morning classes at Sharbot Lake or afternoon classes at Eagle Lake. The lessons, which cost $45 per session, are available to children 4 years and older and include instruction in swimming skills, water and sun safety, ice and water rescue and rescue breathing. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a badge for the level they have completed.

Katie Hawley will be assisting Holly for her second year. Dickinson said that program is an important way to promote confidence in youngsters around the water. “In this area known as the Land O'Lakes we are surrounded by so many lakes and so much water that it is really important that kids know how to be confident in and around it so that they can stay safe.” The program is geared both to youngsters new to the water and to children who already know how to swim. Regarding the latter, Dickinson said that the program teaches swimmers what they do not know, specifically how to react in stressful, unexpected or dangerous situations in and around the water. “The program prepares those who already know how to swim, how to swim or stay afloat in any unforeseen and unplanned situations. In high stress situations not only children but also adults who know how to swim can get into trouble simply because they get scared and panic. But when the swimmer can recall some kind of previous preparation that they have learned beforehand, they are much more able to deal with the situation.”

Dickinson cited the 2014 Drowning Report, which states that incidents of drowning in Ontario have increased by 8% since the previous report and most accidents involve water craft accidents, and the absence of life jackets, i.e. situations where people and children are unprepared. Along those lines Dickinson said children are taught an in-water safety tactic called a “help huddle”, which instructs them to huddle together in a group to stay warm and to conserve energy by linking arms and holding their knees into their chests. The program also teaches disoriented entries into the water, which simulate accidental falls into water. Participants learn how to somersault into the water and how to surface and swim back to a safe place.

While safety is a key element of the program, Dickinson said that the focus is also on fun, fitness and confidence. Dickinson said that for youngsters who tend to be fearful, she and Katie use positive and encouraging reinforcement and utilize numerous games and activities that make learning to swim fun. They also provide one-on-one time for children who need special attention. Children who may not show a desire or affinity for swimming often benefit from swimming in a social situation where there are other children around.

For more skilled swimmers the program also offers the Life Saving Society's Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross accreditations for children 13 years and older, which focus primarily on water rescues and first aid. These advanced programs are preparation for further life guard courses. For more information about the program or to register call 613-279-2935 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Township sets ambitious goal for energy conservation

Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven has been working on an energy management plan for the township. The provincially mandated process required an audit of energy consumption by the township, followed by an action plan to make improvements.

The plan's ambitious target is a 5% reduction in consumption of fuels and energy each year until 2020.

Current energy costs in the township exceed $130,000 per year, and if successful the management plan could bring that down to $100,000, barring increases in energy costs.

But there will be costs to implementing the plan, although those are generally one-time costs and the savings will accumulate over time. One anticipated addition are solar photovoltaic systems on “all corporate facilities with sound, south-facing roofs” said Neven’s report.

“I can see how we can achieve 5% in the first year or two, by finding the easy fixes, etc. but I think it will be difficult in the 5^th and 6^th years,” said Councilor John Purdon.

“This is a living document and subject to change,” Neven said. “We had to pick a target and I thought we might as well pick an aggressive one.”

Council approved the document, which is expected to have budgetary consequences in 2015.

Sustainability speaker series

Frontenac Islands Mayor Dennis Doyle and Dr. Barry Gilbert, a Wolfe Island-based member of the Frontenac County Sustainability Advisory Committee, made Central Frontenac the first stop on their tour of township councils. They are promoting a project in support of a project the committee is bringing forward, a community speakers series.

“Our idea is to engage with residents of Frontenac County on subjects that matter to them, creating opportunities for residents to connect with others and improve their communities” said Dennis Doyle.

The advisory committee will co-ordinate the events and work with the townships on promotion, and Doyle said that they needed to find out what topics would be of interest in the different townships. Examples of topics include: developing resilient communities, helping homeowners find environmental solutions, local living and eating, climate conscious communities, etc.

“We are hoping to hear from your council or community members about what would be of interest in Central Frontenac before we go any further,” said Dennis Doyle.

Building season underway, finally

Permits for $935,000 in construction, including three new residential units, catapulted in May, 2014 well over either of the last two years ($587,000 in 2013 and $373,000 in 2012).

It is particularly important for the township because it comes after the worst first third of the year in construction permits in recent memory.

The cumulative value of construction between January and April was $345,000, a far cry from the $1.75 million at the same time in 2013 and $1 million in 2012.

With the strong May, construction at this point in the year is now on par with 2012 while still almost $1 million behind the stronger 2013.

“It does give us some hope that we will have a solid summer,” said Neven.

New building bylaw harmonises with South Frontenac

Based on the new Ontario Building code, Jeremy Neven has revamped the township's building bylaw.

The new bylaw includes provisions for partial building permits, which Neven said will be useful when people are ready to get started on a project but do not have everything in place for the entire permit. It also allows the township to abandon permits that have been taken out but not acted on, sometimes for years, and puts permit fees and regulations in line with those in South Frontenac.

“A number of builders work in both townships and it will save frustration for them to deal with a single set of rules,” said Neven.

After time for public comment, the bylaw will come back to council in August.

To help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Frontenac County, the Frontenac News is embarking on an ambitious story-telling project with the support of Frontenac County Council.

The project will include feature stories in each issue of the Frontenac News in 2015, and on Frontenacnews.ca starting on January 8 and running until December 17. The stories will explore historical topics, and geographical and cultural elements in each and every corner of Frontenac County. Our main focus will be on some of the remarkable individuals who have made their lives in its borders and who have lived its history.

The vast county runs from the top of Vennachar at the spot of the darkest skies in Southern Ontario at Mallory Hill, through Canadian Shield to fractured limestone and some prime farmland. It then bypasses the City of Kingston and continues on Howe and Wolfe Islands, where it ends at the virtual border with the United States. It contains numerous hamlets but no population centres, and has a common thread throughout. It is a waterlogged county, the county of 1000 lakes, from some as small as 53-foot-deep, one-acre-wide Little Round Lake where the water at the bottom gets no oxygen, making it one of the few “meromictic” lakes in the world, to Mazinaw, Bobs, and Crow Lakes, and the county’s largest, Lake Ontario.

At one time people traversed the county by canoe, then by horse and buggy, then rail, then car and truck, and now by the electronic highway. Many of these changes have come about in the last 100 years and some of our residents have lived through them.

In order to make 50 for 150 a success, we are asking the best source we have for all of our stories - our readers - to provide us with leads. If you know of an interesting topic or individual with a remarkable story to tell, let us know as soon as possible as the list of stories is being compiled now and will be pulled together in the coming months.

We are also hoping to have a video component to our 50/150 feature. To contact the News about story ideas, call 613-279-3150, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put 50/150 in the subject line, or send us a message on our Facebook page.

An Ottawa Superior Court Justice has ruled that a defamation lawsuit launched by former Frontenac County warden Janet Gutowski against four members of Frontenac County Council (including current warden, Bud Clayton) can proceed to trial.

The case stemmed from a resolution that was passed at a meeting of County Council in May of 2013, while Gutowski was the county warden. The resolution in question includes an assertion that Gutowski breached her oath of office by “uttering promises and rewards in an effort to conspire with staff to move county councillors to vote 'in a biased, corrupt or any other improper manner.”

At the time, Gutowski said she was going to consult her lawyer. Her lawyer later sent a letter to the four councilors who had supported the resolution in question, which passed in a 4-3 vote. They are Bud Clayton, Mayor Dennis Doyle and Councilor David Jones from Frontenac Islands, and Councilor John McDougall from South Frontenac Township.

The letter asked that the councilors move to rescind the resolution in question, apologise, and pay her legal fees.

“At that time my legal fees were limited to the cost of a lawyer’s letter,” Gutowski said this week.

Instead, the four defendants hired a lawyer of their own, Kirk Stevens, partner in the Toronto law firm, Lerners LLP, whose fees are being paid by a Frontenac County insurance policy.

Stevens filed a motion in the Ottawa Superior Court asking Justice R. Beaudoin quash the case for three reasons, the major one being that communications made within the context of a municipal council meeting are covered by an “absolute privilege” and cannot be the subject of a defamation suit.

A one-day hearing took place in Ottawa on April 29 to deal with Stevens’ motion.

In his 20-page ruling, Justice Beaudoin concluded that communications made during municipal council meetings do not carry an “absolute privilege” as do those in federal parliament or the provincial legislature.

A key element in Justice Beaudoin's ruling is that municipal councils do not have the same kinds of rules of procedure as in the federal or provincial context.

“If Members of Parliament and the Legislature make comments that are inappropriate, the Speaker has a variety of recourse measures that may be employed, from simply recording apology, naming the member and ejecting them from Parliament until they retract their comments,” he wrote, adding that this makes communications at municipal councils different.

“Even if I am wrong on this point,” he added, “the issue should be decided on a full factual record.”

At the end of his ruling, Justice Beaudoin invited each side to submit their costs to him.

When contacted, Janet Gutowski said the ruling clears the way for her defamation suit to proceed.

“Unless the defendants want to settle, that's where we are headed,” she said.

“It is unnecessary, particularly since it was all about them wanting me to resign as warden. When I announced last September that I was going to resign at the end of the year, they could have ended this and saved the county some money. But here we are.”

When contacted, Bud Clayton said that as far as he is concerned the matter will now proceed in court.

“I have not talked to the others since the ruling came out, but as far as I'm concerned I stand by the way I voted on that motion. I did it for my own reasons and nothing has changed.

No further court dates have been set on this matter at this time. Since it is a municipal election year, it is likely this matter will be a defamation case between at least some former councilors by the time it is settled.

There is no word on the impact the case will have on the insurance rate for Frontenac County Council.

Janet Gutowski is seeking payment for damages as well as court costs in the case.