Bill Day Jr. owns a property that is on a busy through road between Sydenham and Harrowsmith. His property is easy to find from Kingston and the 401.

His father ran grass drag snowmobile races on the property for 35 years, and Bill Day is taking things to another level. He has built a motocross track on the property and wants to run the track as a commercial enterprise, with sanctioned races a couple of times a year, as well as public use of the track one evening a week for practice sessions and informal riding. As part of the Maguire motocross series, a number of races were held last summer.

“There has been racing on this land all my life. I grew up with it, and when we built the track to start some different kinds of racing we made sure were a thousand feet away from any of our neighbours. All bikes are tested for noise levels before they race, and they need to be under 96 decibels. The whole thing is done in an organized way,” Bill Day said in a telephone interview this week.

The problem for Bill Day is that South Frontenac has a bylaw on the books prohibiting motor racing. The grass drag races were permitted because they were already established when the bylaw was passed, but last fall the township informed Bill Day that he needed to apply to council for a zoning amendment to allow further motor racing on his property.

So Bill Day made an application earlier this year.

“Everything seemed to be going well. We met with the mayor and the planning department and went over what we wanted to do and everyone seemed OK with it at first,” Day said.

That was before the opposition to the plan emerged.

It turns out that while the Day property might look isolated, it isn't. There are a number of neighbours across the road and some on smaller side roads who are exposed to the high-pitched whine of motocross bikes whenever racing occurs, and a number of those neighbours are dead set against racing on the Day property.

This sets up a classic kind of rural dispute. One person has a right to the use and enjoyment of their property by virtue of owning the land, but when that right conflicts with the rights of neighbouring property owners to also enjoy their own properties, whose rights should be given more weight?

Mel Therien lives across the road from the Day farm. Sitting on his porch one morning last week, I could hear the steady hum of traffic on the Harrowsmith Road as we talked, but I could also hear other sounds, birds chirping, the wind whistling over the fields behind. We had no difficulty carrying on a conversation.

“If the track was active, we wouldn't be sitting here,” Therien said. “We would be yelling over the sound and covering our ears. We would have to go inside and close the windows in order to talk, and even then the sound would penetrate the house. And that is during a practice session. During race weekends, you don't want to be here at all.”

The neighbours’ complaints have been heard and in June the township planner, Lindsay Mills, advised council not to proceed with the zoning amendment.

In a search for compromise, a time-limited solution has been proposed.

On August 2, South Frontenac Council is expected to consider a temporary one-year bylaw that, as it is currently written, would allow one ATV and one motocross weekend this summer, and one ATV and one motocross weekend early next summer, as well as practice sessions on Wednesday nights. These practice sessions were advertised on the Kingston Kijiji site for $20 in May.

Bill Day thinks a one-year trial is a reasonable option, even if it is not what he wanted to happen in the first place.

“That way, all the members of Council will have a chance to come out and see what is going on, and hear the noise, see if there is any dust. It will be a good test,” Day said.

But for Mel Therien, there has already been a test year.

“We know what is going to happen because we have already experienced it,” he said.

According to Mel Therien, the neighbours are seriously considering appealing the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) if council approves the temporary zoning on August 2.

“We know it will cost us money, but the effect on our rural lifestyle and our property values is such that we will have no choice,” he said.

What this means is council must consider the cost to the township of an OMB hearing, and the report from their own planner, which recommended against the zoning change, would be used against them at that hearing.

Bill Day does not rule out going to the OMB if his enterprise is effectively shut down on August 2.

There is no obvious compromise available in this case. Bill Day wants to put on races, and the neighbours don't want any racing.

Two members of council have indicated they will oppose the proposal, and at least two are leaning towards supporting it.

Whatever happens, the underlying issue remains.

How can the wants and desires of property owners be satisfied when those desires come into conflict with the desires of their neighbours?

Photo: Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipients L-r, Dick Miller, Darlene LaBarre, John and Lois Kirkham and Dave Linton

Five dedicated volunteers at Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation were recognized for the outstanding work they have contributed to that organization over the past two decades. The five recipients were presented with Ontario Volunteer Service awards by the Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration at the Ambassador Hotel in Kingston on June 28. Honoured were Darlene LeBarre (20 years), Doug Wood (10 years), Lois Kirkham (10 years), John Kirkham (15 years), and Dick Miller (15 years) and Dave Linton (10 years).

For David Linton of Sydenham, who has been volunteering for a total of 33 years and has worked with the SFCSC for the last 12 years as a driver, fundraiser, and as the float designer and maker, this particular award comes with a very special meaning. Ten years ago he accepted the same award posthumously for his father, a talented pianist who for years entertained seniors at various SFCSC events and fundraisers, and passed away at the age of 97.

Photo: Richard Cadman and Scott Takala

It was another successful year as close to 500 participants converged on the point in Sydenham to take part in the Sydenham Tri/Du and Run. Once again, the weather cooperated and organizers made just one major change in the event - moving the turn around to the Point, instead of at Sydenham High School, which allowed for a smoother transition for the athletes. The course, designed by race director Richard Cadman and Scott and Marianne Takala of Sydenham, is proving to be a popular one in the area due to a very scenic and flat run along the Cataraqui trial, and a fast swim in the protected bay of Sydenham Lake.

Cadman says he sees no reason why the race is not here to stay. “We'd love to see it become a regular part of our annual calendar of events. And it benefits Sydenham since the event really showcases the town, which is great for tourism, and really helps make Sydenham a destination.”

It was no surprise that local multi-award winning triathlete, Scott Takala, who won third at the World’s in Australia in 2009 and first in 2008 in Vancouver, won the Sydenham event for the third consecutive year. He was the first to cross the finish line in the Olympic-length triathlon, which consisted of a 1500 metre swim, a 44km bike portion followed by a 10km run. He finished with an impressive time of 2:03:57.

After the race, Scott said that the heat, humidity and lack of wind had made for a very hot and difficult race. That plus the fact that he was feeling a bit sick prior to the race, led him to think that he wasn't going to take first place again this year. “Sometimes though, you can have your best race when you’re not feeling 100%. Racing is also very much a mental challenge, and thankfully nothing bad happened during the race to throw me off in that respect, which really helped. Most importantly is the fact that that I was again running in my home town with the local crowd cheering me on at every turn, which was a huge inspiration and a big help.”

Scott will be competing again in the K-Town race on the August long weekend, the Canadian Nationals in Kelowna on the third weekend in August, as well as for the Pan American Cup. Currently Scott is continuing to train as an athlete while working full time in Kingston as micro seismic analyst.

Photo: Sandra Weston

On Saturday, Loughborough Housing Corporation held a farewell event for Sandra Weston, who had been housing manager for 28 years. Sandra was hired by the housing corporation before its first building, Meadowbrook, was opened, and she helped with the initial application interviews. Geared-to-income and low market rent apartments for seniors were new in Ontario at the time, and no one was completely sure what the manager’s job would entail, other than collecting the rent. By the time Maple Ridge came on stream a few years later, bringing the total apartment units up to 55, Sandra was demonstrating a wide range of skills that included bookkeeping, handywoman, counsellor, gardener, diplomat and government liaison.

One speaker noted that Sandra even built her own office furniture (definitely not part of the job description!) She was instrumental in the development of the Eastern Ontario Housing Association, which helped develop communication between similar rural housing projects. Over the years Sandra handled countless challenges with grace, humour and competence.

Deputy Mayor Mark Tinlin brought best wishes from the Township of South Frontenac and the Province of Ontario as well.. Claude Silver and Wilma Kenny, both members of the original housing board, also spoke. On behalf of the board, President David Borrowman presented Sandra with a gift certificate to a nursery and a commemorative plaque to put in her garden with her choice of tree or shrub. 

Photo:  Program coordinator Lorraine Creighton with clients Anne Haddrall, Glen Ritchie and staff member Wendy Fairbairn at Rural VISIONS

Since March 2010 seniors in South Frontenac and the surrounding area have been taking advantage of the Enhanced Adult Day program offered at the Rural VISIONS Centre in Sydenham. The program is so popular that a third day has been added to the existing two and the program will now run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9AM-3:30PM.

The program, which costs $20/day, can serve up to eight seniors per day and is specifically geared to the frail elderly, those with Alzheimer’s Disease, or who have suffered a stroke, as well as to those with other ongoing heath concerns. The program aims to reduce the social isolation of these seniors by providing them with a stimulating social program while simultaneously offering their caregivers and families some much-needed respite.

A typical programmed day includes a morning greeting/ social hour, with coffee, tea and snack, followed by an exercise class designed to be fun but also to help keep seniors healthy and strong so they can remain independent. Daily movies, games, and other stimulating activities such as bingo, sing-alongs, cards and puzzles are offered daily. New this month will be poetry writing and clients are also free to nap whenever they feel the need. Hot lunches are prepared on site and can be tailored to meet the needs of special diets. Crafts are a major part of the program and Nancy Kennedy, a retired nurse from Kingston, leads that aspect of the activities. Projects have included bird houses, colourful Easter baskets, bookmarks and more. Currently the group is working on beeswax candles, just one of many products they will be selling at their upcoming flea market in May.

The facilities at the Rural VISIONS Centre are bright, clean and roomy, with comfy armchairs and ample windows providing natural light.

The caring staff includes PSWs and nurses who are trained to assist clients with personal needs - toileting, bathing, feeding, transferring and other personal care. Program coordinator and RPN Lorraine Creighton understands that it can be especially difficult for caregivers to trust others with their loved ones but Creighton knows her staff are well suited for the task. “The staff here at the centre are compassionate and caring and understand that theirs is a special kind of job where patience, respect and dignity are first and foremost.”

Lorraine also ensures that the program is designed to meet the individual needs of each participant. For that reason gardening and bird watching have been added to the regular daily program.

Lorraine has been coordinating the program since its inception and has been working with seniors for close to 15 years. She is a strong believer in the benefits the program brings both to the seniors and their caregivers. “Participants really get a sense of independence and self worth since they are able to make their own choices in a stimulating environment.”

Equally important to Lorraine is the respite it gives caregivers, who often are working around the clock and who themselves can end up overworked, isolated and in need of support. “Unfortunately caregivers often do not get the rest they need and can suffer from burn out. This program gives caregivers a chance to rest and to attend to their own personal needs such as house keeping, shopping and seeing friends and other family members. It's really important that caregivers take care of themselves - and by enrolling their family member in a program, both parties will greatly benefit.”

Lorraine also points out that caregivers can avoid a crisis situation by being pro-active and enrolling earlier rather than later. “I have a great deal of respect for caregivers - their job can be a very demanding one. Unfortunately though it is all too common that they start out by coping very well but as their duties increase, they can very quickly become overwhelmed. I really want to stress to caregivers that there is help out there for them.”

There are still spots available in the program. To enroll in the Enhanced Adult Day program at SFSCS, contact Lorraine Creighton at 613-376-6477 ext.24.

Photo: Kate Hamilton, SFCSC's new family coordinator

Kate Hamilton recently took over the position of family services coordinator at Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation (SFCSC) at the Rural VISIONS Centre in Sydenham at the end of January and feels confident that her varied career puts her in good stead for the job that lies ahead.

“I feel very suited to the position since I have worked extensively with families in a number of different capacities throughout my career,” she said.

Kate studied Psychology and Women’s Studies at Trent University and graduated with honours from the Child and Youth Worker program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston in 2001. She has worked in group homes, child care centres, and also as a youth and program coordinator at the Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre in Kingston.She believes that her upbeat and friendly demeanor will be a definite plus in her new role at SFCSC. ”It often can be very difficult for families and individuals to ask for help and an important part of my job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible.”

Kate will be heading up five main areas of service to seniors, disabled adults and low-income families in the SFCSC's catchment area. Those services include various financial services, transportation, food services, referrals as well as client support and advocacy.

Executive Director of SFCSC David Townsend spoke of Kate’s suitability for the position of family services coordinator. “After reviewing 35 applications and holding interviews with six different applicants I know that we have chosen the right person for the job. Kate not only has the ability to truly understand a family in need but she also possesses the willingness to do her absolute best in finding ways to help them.”

The challenges for Kate are numerous, and high on her list is getting to know the SFCSC's catchment area. She well knows that she will also be struggling with limited funds, and cites for example “the increased demand of people wanting to stay in their homes compared to the availability of funds we have at our disposal to support them.” She also cites the rising cost of heating fuel as another big problem, along with sub-standard living conditions.

David Townsend is well aware of the challenges facing Kate and recalled how last year's out-going family services coordinator, Monica McWhirter, identified a total of 22 families and individuals in the catchment area who qualified as homeless. “Of those, nine were successfully housed. The others were either forced to couch surf and a few lived out of their vehicles. The situation out there is really that bad,” he said.

Right off the bat Kate will be re-implementing the Rural Women’s Group which starts running again on Wednesday, April 27 and will continue to run at the Harrowsmith Centre on the last Wednesday of every month.

For more information about any of the services available at SFCSC or to find out how you might volunteer, please call 613-379-6477, 1-800-763-9610 or visit www.sfcsc.ca

“What I like most about Verona is that is it mainly located on Road 38, and how narrow the street is,” said Mike Keene (photo left) of Fo-Tenn Consulting at a kick-off meeting for the Verona Community Improvement Plan (CIP) that was held at the Verona Lions Hall last Thursday, February 24.

The concentration of businesses and houses along the stretch of main street in Verona was one of the reasons that Verona was chosen as the first community in Frontenac County to have a community improvement plan done.

About 60 of the 75 or so people who came out to the meeting remained until the end of a presentation by Keene, assisted by Peter Young of Frontenac County.

Keene explained that CIPs are not a new tool for helping to bring new energy to rural towns seeking a revival.

“Gananoque has one in place, as does Campbellford and Stirling,” Keene said.

In Gananoque the improvement plan includes a heritage street sign, and a facade improvement plan that offers rebates to business owners who invest in improvements to the look and accessibility of their establishments. The plan is being augmented with a new cultural policy this year.

“What I appreciate about the Gananoque plan is that small investments can make large changes. Gananoque has dished out about $24,000 and businesses have put in $50,000. The numbers aren't huge but the changes are noticeable,” Keene said.

Under the Ontario Municipal Act, municipalities are severely limited in the ways they can spend public funds. That's why Community Improvement Plans were established under the Ontario Planning Act. CIPs are one of the few ways that municipalities can invest their own money or money they can access through grants directly to businesses and individuals in their jurisdiction.

CIPs require a public process, and also require that fixed boundaries for the improvement area be established.

“In the case of Verona, those boundaries could be the hamlet boundaries that are encompassed by the township’s zoning bylaw,” Keene said, “or they could be expanded. That is one of the things that will be decided through the public process. If there are granting programs they do not have to be restricted to businesses. Homeowners and not-for profit organizations can be eligible as well.”

The people at the meeting were given an opportunity to mark down specific suggestions about the kind of community improvement plan they would like to see in Verona. They did so by writing down suggestions, putting sticky tabs on specific locations on a large map, and talking their ideas up to their neighbours. These ideas included sidewalk improvement, signage, and others.

Some of the suggestions will be included in the Community Improvement Plan itself, and others may be pursued through other means, by groups that form or by the municipality itself

A meeting will be called for early April, after the information gathered at the meeting and through other research is completed. The plan itself will start to take shape at that meeting.

“I'm really glad to see so many people out tonight,” said Mike Keene, “it shows how strong Verona is and how much can be achieved.”

In addition to members of the public and members of the Verona Community Association, there was also a strong contingent from the township council in attendance, including Mayor Davison, Portland Councilors McDougall and Robinson, and Councilors Vandewal and York. Central Frontenac Councilor Bill Snyder was on hand as well.

Once the Verona plan is underway, a number of others are contemplated throughout the county.

The village of Harrowsmith sees a lot of traffic every day.

A steady stream of vehicles heads south to Kingston in the morning, and north in the afternoon. Vehicles head west on the Wilton Road to L&A County, Belleville, and Toronto, and east on the Harrowsmith-Sydenham Road.

Just south of the busy four road junction at the lower end of the village there is another, more sedate junction, between the east-west Cataraqui Trail and the North-South K&P Trail.

Frontenac County, which has taken the lead in K&P trail development, hired a landscape architect and designer, Scott Wentworth, to come up with a design concept for a park and a small (20' x 40') two-storey building to give opportunities for users of the two non-motorized trails to congregate. He presented his preliminary design to a meeting of Frontenac County Council last week, on February 16.

To mark Harrowsmith's historic past, Wentworth recommends replicating, in part, the design of the historic Harrowsmith rail station. As part of the landscaping for the site, which is located on the west side of Road 38 adjacent to Harrowsmith Storage, Wentworth proposes designating an area for a self-forming ice rink, similar to one he built at the residence for St. Lawrence College. The sunken area would include drainage tiles so it would not be flooded in the other seasons, but when the water freezes on the surface and underground, an ice rink would form.

The concept plan for the project was done as part of the K&P Trail development work that has been spearheaded by Frontenac County Economic Development Manager Anne-Marie Young.

“What is the cost estimate for this project?” Frontenac Islands Mayor Dennis Doyle asked.

“There has been no costing done for this yet,” said Wentworth.

Anne-Marie Young said, “We still have to go through this and figure out where the funding will come from. South Frontenac, the Cataraqui Trail Authority, and Frontenac County are all potential partners. We are through phase 1 and we will see if we get a buy in for phase 2 and 3 of this.”

Central Frontenac Mayor Janet Gutowski said that the Trans-Canada Trail could be approached as well.

“How will the final details and budget for this project be determined?” Dennis Doyle asked.

“That could be determined by contribution,” said Warden Gary Davison. “You know about the golden rule.”

“Yes,” said Doyle, “whoever brings the gold will make the rules.”

Scott Wentworth's design will be presented at public meetings and to South Frontenac Council as well.

Photo: Authors Merilyn Simonds andWayne Grady

Sunday afternoon, Mill Street Cafe in Sydenham was filled with folks who had come out to show their support for the new Sydenham Branch Library, and to meet a pair of local authors. Pat Dawson provided tea, coffee and tasty snacks, as well as a warm, appropriate setting on a very cold day.

The authors, Wayne Grady and Merilyn Simonds, recently co-wrote an account of their two-month winter trip home from Vancouver to Athens Ontario, through the US. They had hoped to miss most of the winter weather by staying south of the border, although later one person accurately commented, ”you could have driven through a snowstorm and hit a deer in Canada!” Called “Breakfast at the Exit Cafe,” the book has been described as “part travelogue, part exploration, part mid-winter love story.” Simonds and Grady spoke of the experience of writing together: both have authored many books, and they have been married for years, but this is their first collaborative effort. They seemed to have enjoyed the process, and hinted that there could be more in the future.

The reading was lively, well-paced, and often funny, and the audience seemed to enjoy every minute. Several suggested that it might be a good idea to continue this sort of event by inviting other authors to come and give readings in the new library, which will have the space for it.

Once admission and extra donations were tallied, just over $1,000 was added to the funds to help furnish the new library. By next week we hope to have a more detailed account of the fundraising campaign and the equipment it will help purchase.

Photo: Day of Caring team (in green) at the SFCSC's new Grace Centre with the SFCSC's executive director David Townsend and fundraising chair Jennifer Linton

On June 10, a team of 10 green T-shirted employees from Bombardier Systems of Kingston descended on Southern Frontenac Community Services’ (SFCSC) new Grace Centre in Sydenham, which was formerly Grace United Church, to assist with the renovations there. It was the first time that the United Way's annual Day of Caring took place in South Frontenac.

The Day of Caring is a project that connects volunteers from area-based businesses with community groups in need. Marie Mackenzie, the campaign director of the United Way of KFL&A, was at the Grace Centre for the Day of Caring and said, “We're so happy to be able to be offering the Day of Caring program here in South Frontenac. We like to be as inclusive as we can and of course anything we can do to help the non-profit agencies in the area is always a good thing.” The Bombardier team spent five hours sanding, staining, painting and tending to the grounds and gardens at the building, which SFCSC purchased 13 months ago. The organization’s executive director, David Townsend, estimates that renovating the centre will cost a total of $350,000.

The renovation project began after an on-site sale, at which buyers purchased much of the original furnishings in the 150-year-old church, including the pews. The project has been broken down into four main phases.

Phase one, which will be completed by the end of July, will include removing the church steeple, and replacing and upgrading the septic system, kitchen facilities and the kitchen’s fire suppression system.

Phase two, which is to be completed in December 2011, will include converting the former church sanctuary into a 1200 square foot gymnasium to facilitate the SFCSC's new partnership with the Kingston YMCA and the Kingston Seniors’ Association to offer various seniors activities and fitness programs. New offices and a lunch area will also be built where the church’s former altar sat.

Phase three will include replacing the former electric heating system with a hot water boiler system; making the entire building wheel chair accessible; upgrading the parking lot; and outfitting the offices with new modular office furniture and equipment. The final phase, which is projected to take place in five to seven years, will include the construction of a new building on the one-acre lot adjacent to the church, which will house other community groups and agencies. “Ideally we'd love to build an admin wing where we could house all of the agencies in the surrounding area”, Townsend said.

Presently SFCSC runs its services from two separate locations, and Townsend highlighted the pluses of acquiring the new, larger space. “We have outgrown both of our facilities in Harrowsmith and Sydenham and the new building will not only allow us to house and deliver all of programs from one building, but will also provide us with a much-needed opportunity for growth. We can now look at creating new programs like the hot meals and the diners club programs. We are also hoping to be able to offer a permanent home to the Sydenham Lions Club as well,” he said. He also pointed out that the main gymnasium section of the centre will offer a large community space for groups or individuals wishing to hold special fundraisers or community events.

He emphasized that the new centre, once it is paid for, will save the SFCSC money since they will be operating from a single facility that they will own outright.

However, as expected, the new centre also has its challenges. “The biggest challenge by far will be raising the $350,000 for the project in the next two years,” Townsend said. That figure is based on the quotes that he has received on the renovations to date. The SFCSC regularly raises $100,000 a year through various fundraising events and in an effort to increase that amount over the next two years the organization has hired Katharine O'Hara as a new fund development coordinator. “She will be working with the community to develop individual gifts and sponsorship opportunities to support the project.”

Townsend admits that he hesitated at first about acquiring the former church, but said after doing the research he understands the huge overall benefit. “Basically we are getting a building that would cost $2 to 2.5 million to build new for a mere 15% of that price. I also feel that raising the money in this community is very achievable, especially understanding the benefit to the community as a whole. The community will not only be able to benefit by having all of our service and programs located under one roof but will also have a facility that they can also use for their own purposes. When you look at it overall, it's a win for us, a win for the seniors, a win for the community, and a win for continued growth in South Frontenac.”

Individuals interested in viewing the new facility are invited to attend the SFCSC's Annual General Meeting at the new Centre on June 22 at 8:00 AM. A continental breakfast will be served at 7:30 AM followed by the meeting and a tour and talk about the new facility.