Central Frontenac Council Report

Jemma Dooreleyers | Jun 19, 2025

Community Events: The council approved a request from the Country Music Association of Ontario for the annual BBQ beach bash at Sharbot Lake Beach, including approval for a street closure and a beer tent. Medical Centre Road from highway 38 to Matthew Street will be closed on July 26th 2025 from the hours of 3 pm to 11 pm.

Library Services: The chief librarian of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library presented an update on the library’s services, highlighting the availability of digital resources, internet hotspots and various community programs.

During the presentation, it was highlighted that municipalities cover 95% of the 2025 operating budget of $9.1 million because the provincial operating grant has not increased in over 25 years and now accounts for only 3.2% of the budget. Staffing costs make up the largest portion of the budget at 76 per cent.

The presentation also examined Central Frontenac’s statistics for 2024 library usage. 15,593 residents borrowed physical items from the four local branches; there were approximately 14,425 visits to the branches, indicating high usage of the library’s physical spaces and computers. Staff answered 2458 questions from the public. The Central Frontenac branches were among the top three branches for internet hotspot rentals.

The presentation emphasized that KFPL is much more than just books. According to the presentation, KPFL offers 24/7 access to a wide range of digital services, including PressReader (for access to global newspapers and other publications), LinkedIn Learning for professional development courses and Libby, an app for free access to the Library’s archive of e-books and audiobooks. Libraries also provide a community space for studying, socializing and seeking refuge from extreme weather. There is free wifi, computer access and printing services. The library also offers unique items to lend such as Internet hotspots , Ontario Parks passes, museum passes and radon detectors.

Public Works: During the Public Works Update, the department was commended for its work on street sweeping, grading and the application of calcium on local roads. It was noted that constituents had also expressed positive feedback on the maintenance efforts. The replacement of the Godfrey Salt dome was brought up as well. Concern was raised that this project had been delayed for several years; it was confirmed that the replacement was budgeted for and that a contractor was scheduled to begin the work during the week of June 23rd, 2025.

Construction Still Slow: The Building Department report as of the end of May continues to show a considerabl slowdown as compated to 2024. thqa being saidm 2024 was a strong year. Permits have been taken out for $4.4 million in construction value in the first five months of 2025, down from $6.9 million in 2024 (about a 36% decrease) So far this year, permits for 10 new homes (permanent and seasonal) have been taken, as compared to 16 at this point in 2024. This year's numbers compare a bit more favourably to 2023, however, when by the end of May permits for $5.6 million had been issued, including 14 new homes.

Bylaw amendments: The council passed bylaws, including a zoning bylaw, an amendment to rezone a waterfront property and another to name a private lane “Forest Lane”

Road resurfacing: The contract was awarded for the resurfacing of Road 509,  to Gemmill Sand and Gravel for $257,594 +HST. Two other companies bid on the project in addition to Gemmill's, including Robinson Excavating and Trucking ($289,337.50)  and Crain's Construction ($300,970)