Feature Article - June 22, 2006

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

SouthFrontenacCouncil by Wilma Kenny

Sydenham Water Start-Up Imminent Although at the time of Council meeting the water start-up date had not been set, CAO Gord Burns said it could be as early as June 22. Council received a draft of the newsletter that is being prepared for Sydenham residents, discussing the four costs associated with the new water system: capital, connection to home, plumbing and water rates. The proposed monthly fixed rate of $41.76 would include $4.50, to cover the cost of 18 cubic metres of water. Any water drawn beyond that amount would be billed at $0.25 per cubic meter. These are preliminary figures: Council will hold a public meeting on July 25, at 7:00 pm in Sydenham to formally review the rates. The monthly fixed rate will not be imposed until September 1st : after that all property owners, connected or not, will pay it.

Sydenham Water Relief FundApproximately $6,200 was donated by South Frontenac taxpayers toward the Sydenham Water Relief Fund, which will be distributed to low income families and individuals in the Sydenham water area .by Central Frontenac Community Services. CFCSC has requested 10% of the money being distributed as an administrative fee, and Council agreed to pay them $620.

Household Hazardous Waste DayCouncil approved a second HHW day in July, with Councillors Barr and Robinson opposed. The date’s not finalized, but it may be as early as July 15, depending when Brendar Enviro is available to set it up. All possible effort will be made to shorten the wait times.

Bag TagsCouncil discussed the complaints from residents who wish to be able to continue to use up their plastic bag tags. This seems to come from the perception that they had ‘paid for’ the tags. Most Councillors agreed that whether or not there were bag tags, all homeowners paid a set rate on their tax bills for garbage pick-up. The bag tags were an attempt to encourage people to put out less garbage, and seem to be working, in conjunction with the recycling program. Councillor Vandewal suggested that perhaps the situation would be clearer if households were issued fewer free tags, but could purchase additional ones, or if homeowners had to purchase all their bag tags, and could choose how many they needed.

New Job Preparation Programs Come to HartingtonRose Strohmaier, teacher at the South Frontenac Community Learning Centre in Hartington described six pre-employment courses which will be offered this September: food counter attendant, skilled labourer, personal support worker, call centre rep, hospitality worker and landscape/grounds maintenance. They also hold parenting workshops and offer upgrading in English, math and computer skills. All programs are free, and open to adults over 18. For further information, call 613 372-2111.

Trousdale’s General Store’s 170th Anniversary CelebrationCouncil endorsed in principle Ginny Trousdale’s request for partial street closure on the afternoon of September 16, for an Abrams Brothers concert and downtown village celebration.

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

LHINsroad show comes to Sharbot Lake,Sydenham

by JeffGreen

Wayne Marsh, a consultant and facilitator, has been one of the people travelling around the region over the past two weeks, gathering opinions and concerns about health care as part of the planning work for the development of the South East Ontario Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

Over the next year and a half the LHINs will take over the responsibility for funding many aspects of the health care system in Ontario , including hospitals and home care services, community support services, mental health and addiction agencies, community health centres and long-term care homes.

Public meetings have been held in Denbigh, Northbrook, Plevna, Sharbot Lake , and Sydenham over the past two weeks, and in 17 other locations throughout the large area covered by the South East LHIN. People’s opinions are being sought about what is good about the healthcare system; what the gaps in service are; what roadblocks make it difficult to get services; and what can be done to improve service. Aside from holding public meetings, the South East LHIN has also been meeting with doctors and social service agencies throughout the region.

“Everything people say is being recorded, and it will be our job to put all that together and present it to the LHIN working group that will be developing the service plan to be presented to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care at the end of September,” Wayne Marsh told about 22 people who showed up for a lunch hour meeting in Sharbot Lake this past Monday.

Wayne March was accompanied in Sharbot Lake by Florence Campbell, one of the board members of the local LHIN.

She said that Ontario has taken a different route in health care reform than other provinces by “consulting with the public before signing off on our plan, and we will continue to consult with the people after the LHIN is up and running.” She also said she is particularly interested in the viewpoint of rural people.

“Our LHIN has two particular characteristics that make it different from the other 13 in the province. For one thing we have the largest percentage of seniors of any LHIN, and 44% of our population is rural.”

Rural concerns dominated in the opinions expressed at the Sharbot Lake meeting. People were happy with the service they receive from the local medical centre, which will be adding more services when it takes the role of Family Health Team, but expressed concerns about issues of distance and cuts to homecare services.

At the LHIN meeting in Sydenham on Monday evening, concerns were a bit different, with people talking about a shortage of doctors and the fact that often services are only offered in Kingston . That is fine for those people who work in Kingston , but not for others.

Wayne Marsh took pains to draw out the opinions that people were expressing. As a consultant, he did not respond to any of the concerns and suggestions.

The one-way nature of the sessions was noted by Ross Sutherland, who attended the Sharbot Lake and Sydenham meetings. Sutherland is a resident of Snug Harbour who is a nurse at Hotel Dieu hospital and an activist with the Kingston Health Coalition, a group that has been wary of the way the LHINs have been developing.

In an interview with the News after the meetings, he said, “The problem with the meetings is the problem with the LHINs. They are hearing great ideas from the community, but who’s going to decide? It’s a bunch of appointed bureaucrats from Toronto . The structure of the LHINS is inherently undemocratic and inherently centralising. It will provide technocratic answers to what are really community problems.”

According to Florence Campbell, the results of the working group’s deliberations will result in the development of an integrated health services plan, which will be presented to the public before it is submitted to the province at the end of September.

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

Household HazardousWasteDay exceeds all expectations: South FrontenacCouncil Report

by WilmaKenny

As the paint cans piled up – 8,000 gallons of it – someone asked, "Has it never occurred to anyone to try spreading the stuff on walls?" 304 carloads of household hazardous waste were processed on Saturday at hazardous waste disposal say at the South Frontenac township garage at Keeley road, and many more were turned away when it became apparent that they could not be served within the time allotted by the one-day permit.

As it was, most who got in had waited for hours in the rain. Councillors Roos and Vandewal worked as volunteers all day at the depot, along with Paul Wash, a community member of the Sustainability Committee, which had encouraged Council to hold the event. Several members of Council had originally opposed setting up a HHW Day, on the grounds that very few would come. Now they are considering another day, perhaps in August, for the many people this event could not accommodate. Councillor Roos, Chair of the Sustainability Committee said the quantity and apparent age of the materials seemed to suggest that many people had been stockpiling their hazardous waste, instead of dumping it in the garbage, as had been feared. Cost to the Township of the one-day ‘event’ will be between $15,000 & $17,000.

Environmental Studies Report called "Below Average and of Poor Quality"

On behalf of the Sydenham Safe Water Association, David Waugh presented Council with a list of questions, asking for a written reply before the public meeting on the water rates. Several of these questions refer to recommendations in the province’s Watertight Report. Waugh acknowledged that the provincial report, which states that in order to be financially sustainable and adequately monitored, water plants should be installed only in areas with a minimum of 10,000 customers, had been published after the township was already part way through the process of constructing the Sydenham system. However, he asked if Council would be following the report’s recommendations that: a) a separate set of books be kept for the water system, b)a business plan for the water system be published, and c) a management board with 2/3 of its members from private life be set up to govern the water system. He also stated that the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario had reviewed Totten Sims and Hubicki’s environmental report (used to justify and design the Sydenham Water system), and had called it "below average and of poor quality," and asked if the township would be looking for a refund of all or a portion of the fees paid for this report. Mayor Lake asked if he had this review in writing, and Waugh said he did. Council accepted the list of questions, but made no further comment.

Frontenac County’s Economic Development Plan

Dianna Bratina, Manager of Economic Development for the County of Frontenac presented a brief overview of her report on the economy of the County, and a three-year action plan to promote economic development in the Frontenacs. More on this detailed and thought-provoking analysis at a later date.

$12,000 for a Camera?

Marvin Green, of South Frontenac Fire & Rescue, in anticipation of such a question, demonstrated the new thermal imaging camera purchased by the Perth Road Fireman’s Association. It will help prevent rekindling of both bush and house fires by detecting hot spots, and could be used to locate missing persons.

Sydenham’s New Water Tower Proves Useful

Council approved an agreement with Reztel Communications Wireless Broadband for the installment of wireless equipment on the Sydenham Water Tower for $200/month. This revenue will go toward maintenance of the water system.

OMB Appeals

Two recent appeals to the OMB concerning Committee of Adjustment decisions have been withdrawn, and a third resolved through negotiation.

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Feature Article - June 1, 2006

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Feature Article - June 1, 2006

Sydenham WaterRelief grants

by JeffGreen

As the result of fundraising efforts, including the successful “Water Aid” concert from last July, low-income residents of Sydenham Village are now eligible for some relief from infrastructure and hook-up costs to the new Sydenham water system.

An application process has been developed and application forms are now available from the Rural VISIONS Centre, 4419 George Street , Sydenham; by email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or by mailing a request to CFCSC, Box 43 , Sydenham , ON , K0H 2T0 .

Individuals and families who own and occupy single family residences, with incomes of $23,000 or less for a one-person household, to $39,900 for a five-person household, may be eligible for up to $4,000 in support.

Funding for the relief program has come from two sources: the Water Aid Concert that was organised by the Sydenham Safe Water Committee last August raised $22,000; and $6,200 was raised through a call for donations that was sent out by the township with the March municipal tax bills.

“The $28,000 could help seven or more families, provided low-income Sydenham residents who are subject to water costs apply to us for the funds,” said Beth Freeland of Rural VISIONS, which is handling the application process as a public service for the Sydenham Water Committee and the township.

Sydenham residents can expect to receive their bill for the water project sometime in July, according to the South Frontenac Township CAO Gord Burns.

“While the exact costs are not yet finalised, we are now confident it will be close to the estimates we gave out to people,” Burns said.

The Sydenham water plant is now operational and once testing and system flushing is complete, water is expected to be available for hook-up within two or three weeks.

Individuals requiring assistance to complete the application can contact Rural VISIONS Centre at 376-6477 to set a time for an appointment during regular office hours.

Information required on the application includes number of dependents, expenses, savings, RRSPs, RESPs and other assets, including recreational properties and/or vehicles. Applicants will be required to sign a release of information authorizing staff to confirm assets. Applicants will also agree to earn the grant by retaining ownership of the property for a minimum of three years.

The application must be completed and returned to Rural VISIONS Centre by June 29. Staff will determine and notify priority applicants by July 14, 2006. Payments will be submitted directly to the township to minimize bookkeeping for all parties involved.

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Feature Article - June 1, 2006

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Feature Article - June 1, 2006

Visions of aVillage:Ahistory ofSydenham

by Wilma Kenny

"Draw your chair up close to the edge of the precipice, and I’ll tell you a story..."(F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In the 1790s, at a location one day’s ride (more or less, depending on the horse and trail) north through Cataraqui Village from Fort Frontenac and Kingston , Michael Sloat received a land grant at the end of a medium-sized lake. Other settlers soon followed, attracted by the sheltered valley with a small waterfall for power, and pockets of good farmland nearby on the level limestone.

The lake became known as Sloat’s Lake , and the settlement, Sloat’s Landing, or Loughborough. Along with others, Henry and Catherine Wood arrived from northern New York State in 1804: their stone homestead still stands on the south shore of the lake. Henry and his sons occasionally turned up arrowheads and other small stone tools as they ploughed their fields, evidence of earlier settlement. By 1819, it was recorded, "English squires Rutledge, Sloat, Wood, Blake, Purdy, Simpkins, Sills and MacMillan owned the only wagon in Loboro, a much used and often repaired treasure." In 1841, the settlement was renamed Sydenham, in honour of the first Governor-in-Chief of Canada , who had died that year in a fall from his horse. Eventually, the name of the lake also was changed to Sydenham.

For the next century industry flourished; minerals were found in the granite shield country nearby, and the village became a commercial and social centre for the surrounding district. There were numerous mills, up to seven hotels and taverns, breweries, brickworks, stores and bakeries, a tannery, schools, churches, mining companies, carriage makers, blacksmiths, dressmakers and milliners. The village had a local band, a library and a volunteer militia company. A small steamboat towed barges of mica down the lake: daily trains carried goods and passengers to and from Kingston and points north.

After WWII, the village grew much quieter. The mines which had reopened during the war closed permanently as demand for mica dropped. Two devastating fires forced many men to seek work in the plants that were opening in Kingston , and the popularization of private cars reduced the need for trains and hotels.

The Fires

If you walk into almost any older town or village in Canada and ask when the big fire happened, an old-timer’s unlikely to ask what fire you’re talking about: they either witnessed it, or remember the stories. It would be a rare town that has survived even one century intact. Sydenham had three major fires, and many smaller ones. In 1897, a three-storey stone sawmill located in the side yard of 4449 George Street burned to the ground. It was replaced by an equally large frame mill, which became part of an industrial complex, including a box and veneer factory, a grist and feed mill and a saw and planing mill. These burned the night of Saturday August 16, 1947. According to a Whig-Standard account: "Heat was intense. Hydro poles across the street caught fire. Telephone poles began to blaze and telephone lines fell down, cutting off communication with the entire area north of Sydenham. Paint on the Anglin house sizzled and burned and it was necessary to play a continuous stream of water on the entire side of the house. Across the street at the Acme Farmers Dairy, ‘You couldn’t hold your hand on the side of the building, it was so hot,’ said Clarence Kemp. Row boats moored (in the millpond) were set on fire." Thirty local men lost their jobs that night, for only a small part of the sawmill was restored.

A few years earlier, in 1935, the three-storey brick American Hotel across from Trousdale’s general store had burned, taking with it a two-storey bank, the earliest apothecary store, and a home, all downwind along the creek. Only the bank vault, holding irreplaceable records and villagers’ savings survived the fire, and it was too hot to open. For three days local citizens stood guard day and night. The vault was opened on a Sunday afternoon, to reveal its contents unharmed.

Religion

Sydenham’s connection with the Church of the Latter-Day Saints comes as a surprise to many. Most early settlers belonged to one of the usual Euro/British mix of Anglican, Baptist, Methodist Presbyterian and Roman Catholic churches. Initially served by itinerant preachers, the Anglicans and Methodists built churches or meeting halls in the village -- the Roman Catholic church was located two miles south, at Railton. But in 1830, Mormonism began in northern New York State , and in 1832-5, Brigham Young made several trips to the Kingston area, and preached in Sydenham at the home of Daniel Wood. He made a number of converts, some of whom, including Daniel, followed him to Salt Lake . Other leaderless converts stayed behind, unsure just how to proceed with their new faith. Having the impression that Mormons were baptised by immersion, they somehow persuaded a travelling Baptist preacher to baptise them in this manner. It was February, and accounts vary as to the thickness of the ice on Sydenham (Sloat’s) Lake that winter, but all record that several of the participants spoke in tongues after the event.

The Mines

The granite of the Shield area just north of Sydenham is rich in minerals: Feldspar, Phosphate, Apatite, Lead, Iron and Mica. Foxton Mining of Sydenham sent a large block of phosphate ore to the Chicago World Exposition in 1893. Ironically, by that time the McKinley tariffs had destroyed the Canadian phosphate trade. However, from 1890 to 1914, Sydenham became a centre for splitting, cutting and grading mica from most of the seventy mines in South/Central Frontenac. Mica crystals can be split into thin, transparent sheets that are tough and flexible. It remains stable when exposed to light, electricity, moisture and extreme temperatures. As such, it was used for woodstove windows, lanterns, kerosene heaters and high voltage electrical equipment. The Lacey/General Electric mine near Eel bay, off Sydenham Lake , produced the best amber mica (phlogopite) in the world: samples are in museums around the world, and the largest crystal ever found came from there. It was 9 feet in diameter, 33 feet long, and produced 60 tons of trimmed mica. Both supply and demand dropped after 1914, though there was a brief resurgence during the second war, when even the mine dumps were re-worked.

Hotels and Trains

By the late 1880's, trains had come to Sydenham: it was a shipping point for mica, phosphate, hogs and cattle, as well as passengers and consumer goods. As she turned 100, Mabel Sigsworth recalled the role of trains in the local economy. Kingston was a long day’s trip by horse and buggy, and even with a car, the roads were rough and slow. However, there was seldom need to go to the city to shop: the stores came to Sydenham, by way of traveling salesmen. Salesmen came by train, and stayed in one of the several hotels in the village for a few days, while they went door-to-door with pictures of their wares. Mabel’s family bought a piano that way, and a rubber-tired buggy, and enough tea for six months at a time. These items were delivered by train to the village station.

Newcomers also took up temporary residence in the hotels: as well as the three-storey American (brick) and equally large Union (frame), there were many smaller hotels and taverns which now are private homes.

The Trousdales

Trousdale’s is the oldest family run general store in Canada . In 1836, John Trousdale, great-great grandfather of today’s John, came to Sydenham. He was a man of many skills. He could build a log cabin, starting with the standing trees, he taught Sunday School and grammar school, and he opened a general store in Sydenham. His son, John Wesley, operated two stores, and four of JW’s six sons had stores and bakeries in Sydenham. One of them, PJ, decided in 1929 to build a new, larger store on the Mill and George Street property. His son, Noble recalled the building of ten-inch thick concrete walls: "We had a concrete mixer...concrete was wheeled away constantly. Even though I was small, my job was to put a board where the concrete came out, and hold it there, until the wheelbarrow arrived. We raised the store 30 inches in one day!"

Sydenham Today

Today, though much has changed in over two hundred years, Sydenham remains a thriving community. Many of its residents commute to work in Kingston , but numerous cottagers, campers and hikers pass through in the summer, and the rest of the year the population more than triples on weekdays when fleets of buses bring students to the two large schools that have continued to grow. Both the Rideau Trail and the Cataraqui portion of the Trans-Canada Trail pass through the village. Come pick up a copy of the free self-directed historical walking tour booklet and learn more local stories. Stop for a meal or a snack there are two restaurants, a tea room, and a coffee importer. Take time for a swim at the Point. Look for gifts, antiques or souvenirs or do some serious shopping for home and garden. Check out Trousdale’s General Store, which is still here.

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Feature Article - July 27, 2006

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Feature Article - July 27, 2006

Sydenham Water: Liquid Gold?

Commentary by Wilma Kenny

As the new Sydenham water system comes online, residents continue to ask whether there might not have been better, less expensive ways to solve the problem. There have been some bad wells in the village for many years, but there are also many good ones. "I don’t plan to drink that stuff [the chlorinated water]," said one resident who intends to keep a separate line from his well to a tap in the kitchen, "and $10,000 seems a lot to pay for a soft water system."

By the time the bills are all in, most homeowners in Sydenham will owe $8,000 to $10,000 for a system many of them still insist they don’t want.

On July 25, South Frontenac Council held a requisite public meeting prior to passing the new water rates by-law. High levels of anger, anxiety and frustration were expressed by most of the forty people present. They questioned the bulk sales of water, and eventually council passed a resolution put forward by the Bedford Councillors, to refer the issue of bulk water sales to the water steering committee for their recommendations. CAO Gord Burns explained the intent was to cover one-time sales for cisterns and swimming pools, not for commercial sale of water, but council agreed that the wording in the by-law was unclear.

Two residents said they feared basement flooding from the water that entered their property trenches from the main line along the street, and Mayor Lake agreed to check that out.

Dwelling Unit Equivalents [DUEs] have been assigned to businesses, schools and apartments based on water usage in other areas: these may have to be adjusted to reflect actual use when the by-law comes up for renewal in December 2007.

In answer other questions, CAO Burns stated that no profit from the water system would go into general revenue: the water system would have a separate set of records.

Another public meeting will have to be held before the final bill for capital costs [related to property frontage] can be issued. Gord Burns said this would probably be in October. But beginning on September 1, all homeowners, whether or not hooked up to the system, will be charged a monthly rate of $41.76, to cover operating capital and consumption costs, and "to encourage them to hook up," said Gord Burns [No one will be forced to actually use the municipal water, as long as their plumbing is set up so there is no possibility of cross-contamination of municipal water by well water.]

Meanwhile, hundreds of individual septic systems, most twenty or more years old, continue to discharge into the fractured limestone beneath the village, beside the lake.

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Feature Article - August 17, 2006

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Feature Article - August 17, 2006

Sydenham Lake Canoe Club paddles to success

by Erik Miazga

On August 10 the paddlers of the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club took to the waters of the Rideau Canal in the 19th annual Ontario Summer Games in the nation’s capital. Premier Dalton McGuinty officiated over the opening ceremonies attended by thousands of Ontario ’s best athletes, and onlookers. Sydenham Lake paddlers were ready to compete against the best Ontario had to offer. Christina Grant took home the bronze medal in the Women’s C-1 500m race. The Women’s C-4 Final saw the foursome of Corrina Ostiguy, Robyn Miazga, Alissa Myles-Gonzalez and Christina Grant capture the silver medal. Ostiguy, Miazga and Myles-Gonzalez also had success in the Women’s C-15 500m final,a crew made up of athletes from the Eastern Ontario Division placed third and took the podium for the bronze medallion. It was a fantastic showing by the Sydenham team which fielded only six athletes in the competition and still was able to win medals against much bigger teams. In many cases the Sydenham paddlers raced against athletes two years older than themselves.

Sydenham’s boys were held out of the medals at the Summer Games but made fine showings in their events. Congratulations to Colton Waugh and Tim Ostiguy for their sportsmanship and representing Sydenham in fine fashion.

SLCC paddlers had no time to rest on their laurels when three days later, on August 13 in Lac Sergent, Quebec , they competed against the best paddlers in Ontario and Quebec for the coveted Cloverleaf medallions.

It was a picture perfect day in the Quebec countryside that made for a great day of paddling. Robyn Miazga captured first place in the Bantam Women’s K-1 500m final. The Pee Wee Women’s K-2 500m final saw the duo of Alissa Myles-Gonzalez and Robyn Miazga take the third place bronze medal. The Men’s team of Colton Waugh, Erich Downey, Tim Ostiguy and Nick Willar fought through adversity when their rudder control broke half way through their Pee Wee Men’s K-4 500m race to take the sixth place ribbon. Congratulations to all the Sydenham athletes for a great season!

The Sydenham Lake Canoe Club would like to remind all kids in the Frontenac area that registration for the 2007 season will take place in the spring at the South Frontenac Town Hall in Sydenham. Dates and times will be announced at a later date. Look for flyers in your school newsletters. We encourage you to give Sprint Canoe and Kayak racing a try!

In closing, the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club would like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who have supported our club this year. Their generosity was indeed a great part of our success. Special thanks goes out to The Frontenac News for their willingness to share our news with the people of the Frontenacs.

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Feature Article - November 23, 2006

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Feature Article - November 23, 2006

Loughborough Christmas Committee andEmergencyReliefFund (LCC&ERF)

The name may be long, but then again so is the list of families that need our help.

Although we originally started over 20 years ago to provide food baskets and gifts for needy families at Christmas, we have evolved into Loughborough's year round food bank, as well as being a source of funds for financial emergencies, i.e. overdue utilities or rent,

and disasters like house fires, etc.

Other organizations like Rural Visions may also be contacted in the event of financial

difficulties. Rural Visions refers Loughborough residents back to LCC&ERF for food bank related assistance; however, they are a great resource for many other needs people may have. We operate independently, but we work closely with them to ensure that anyone who is in need of our emergency services doesn't “slip through the cracks”.

We thank the numerous organizations and individuals in the community who provide the

only support LCC&ERF receives in order to be able to distribute more than 60 baskets at

Christmas, and emergency assistance throughout the year. With only a handful of regular volunteer members, along with extra helpers at Christmas, LCC&ERF provides recipients with about a week's worth of groceries, including all the trimmings for a traditional Christmas dinner, a gift and book for each child, gifts for teens, and additional donated items for parents to choose from to put under the Christmas tree for their little ones.

To support LCC&ERF's work, a number of fund-raisers have been planned. Ginny Trousdale will donate 10% of the proceeds from today’s sales (November 23), to our

organization. On December 2 from 10am to 4m, Christmas elves will accept donations of empties at the Sydenham Beer Store. On December 17 at 7:30pm, a Christmas Cantata will take place at the Sydenham Holiness Church with collections being donated to LCC&ERF, A mitten tree located at the Sydenham Library accepts donations of yarn and/or mittens, bats, scarves and slippers, which will be put into the Christmas baskets.

Contributions may be deposited into any of the festively decorated jars in offices and stores of Sydenham Village merchants. Alternatively, please take a moment to mail your cheque made out to LCC&ERF to P.O. Box 450 ; Sydenham , ON ; K0H 2T0 and provide your address so that a tax receipt can be mailed to you in the New Year.

To be considered for a basket, or to recommend someone else who might benefit from one, contact us by leaving a message at 613-376-3532 and Bev will return your call. Thank you for helping us to continue to make Christmas special for many of our neighbours! Merry Christmas from the Loughborough Christmas Committee.

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

Sydenham fall race

by Derek Spafford

The Sydenham Fall 5km race took part on Sunday, November 12 in downtown Sydenham. The weather was cool, but the competition was hot! The race started at the track and headed down Wheatley Street to George Street before going along the north shore of Sydenham Lake on the Cataraqui Trail. Runners then completed a loop along Clearwater St before returning on the Cataraqui Trail and finishing on the track.One hundred and fifty five runners competed in this year’s race. In the men’s race, defending champion Scott Takala from Sydenham led a tight pack of lead runners through the halfway point of the race before making a strong surge near the 4km point to pull away for the win in a new course record of 16:21.9. Josh George finished second in 16:42, followed closely by Matt Setlack in 16:48 for third. The women’s race was a great duel right to the end, with Jodi Wendland just holding off Suzette Taggart by 1 second at the line in another new course record time of 19:14.3. Margarita Sviajina finished third in 19:58. A $50 cash bonus was awarded to race winners Scott Takala and Jodi Wendland who both broke last year’s course records! The top masters competitors (over 40) were Bruce Pardy in 17:12 and Karen Millson in 20:09. Complete results are listed at www.healthandadventure.com We, once again, had an awesome selection of draw prizes to give out, which definitely made it worth staying until the end of the awards ceremony! The coffee and treats are always a hit too. Live music was provided by ‘The Marcatos’ who did an excellent job at entertaining the crowd. A big thank you goes out to all of our wonderful sponsors who helped to make this a great event. No race could be held without the volunteers. An extra special thank you to everyone who helped out leading up to and including race day. Many of the volunteers were members of the Parr Christie Singers, who benefited from proceeds of the race. Thanks again to everyone for participating and we look forward to seeing you back in Sydenham again next year! female race winner Jodi Wendland

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Feature Article - November 30, 2006

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Januay 11, 2007

Notes from South Frontenac Council by Wilma Kenny -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the absence of Mayor Davison, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Del Stowe.

Zoning By-law Amendment Questioned

Councillor Hicks questioned an amendment which would create a new waterfront lot (in Storrington District) with less than the 300' frontage recommended by the zoning by-law. He argued that this could establish a bad precedent. Planner Lindsay Mills responded that this lot was part of a land assembly package which used a section of ‘no man’s land’ to enlarge three existing, undersized lots, and assimilate a scrap of waterfront property which in the future might otherwise come under development pressure. None of the environmental agencies had objected to the proposal. The amendment passed, with Councillor Hicks voting against it.

2007 Recreation Guide

Council agreed to support the 2007 spring and fall S. F. Recreation Guides by purchasing advertising in both issues. CAO Gord Burns commented that he felt it was an excellent publication that provides a wealth of information to local residents about the various social and recreational services and programs in the Township.

Kubota Tractor

Following successful sale of the used Portland machine to the highest of seven bidders (David Grey of Mountain Grove), Public Works Manager Bill Blum advised that future disposal of used equipment might be best done by local advertising, rather than shipping the items off to auction.

Sydenham Road

Next summer, the township will be working with the City of Kingston to repair the 5.6 km of Sydenham road north of Elginburg.

Building Department

Alan Revil, Chief Building Inspector, reported a continuing decline in construction value, due largely to 2006's new housing starts being only 73% of the previous year.

Sydenham Water

As of December 18, 164 water meters had been handed out, but only 1/3 of the village buildings (89) have been hooked up to the new water service. No one questioned whether the residents have discovered alternate uses for the other 75 meters.

Property Standards By-law

Council agreed they would discuss enforcement of the property standards by-law, at the next Committee of the Whole (date not set). Presently, enforcement is reactive: ie, a complainant must come in to the township office, fill out and sign a complaint form. Councillor Vandewal said he had been asked why the township didn’t deal directly (proactively) with obvious by-law violators.

Chain of Office: 6:1

Councillor Vandewal said he had had 6 people contact him who were opposed to the purchase of a mayor’s chain of office, and one in favour.

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

Project End Zone nets $200,000 from South, Central Frontenac

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters