A request from the Too Far, Too Fast organization for Addington Highlands to declare itself an ‘unwilling host’ for any marijuana distribution operations once it becomes legal July 1 seemed to garner the most discussion at Council’s regular meeting Tuesday afternoon in Flinton.

“Is there any point to declaring ourselves unwilling?” said Coun. Tony Fritsch. “The government did say municipalities would have some input but we haven’t heard from them yet and they likely wouldn’t listen to us anyway.”

“A lot of things are like that,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

Clerk-treasurer Christine Reed said she understood that the 14 municipalities who would have sales outlets have had some input.

“It used to be with alcohol a municipality could declare itself dry but who’s to stop somebody from going to Kingston or Belleville to get it?” said Dep. Reeve Helen Yanch.

“And what’s in it for us?” said Hogg.

“You mean other than cost?” said Fritsch.

“They’re not telling us anything,” said Coun. Bill Cox. “Will they be giving us anything?”

“I’d like to have some input if it’s available in our area,” said Fritsch.

“Our only option might be to wait until they say ‘hey, Addington Highlands, we’re looking at this in your area,’” said Reed. “We have had a couple of calls about zoning and where you could put a greenhouse.”

“When a taxpayer starts his own business, they call it a ‘grow-op,’” said Cox. “When the government does it, it’s a ‘greenhouse.’”

Community Transportation grant
Clerk-treasurer Christine Reed sought out and received Council’s approval to begin drafting an application to the Community Transportation Grant Program for a five-year grant that would lead to the implementation of of a twice-monthly bus service to various locations such as Napanee, Belleville, Renfrew and Bancroft for various services. The service would be available to the general public and there would be a fee.

She said the funding would be used to cover staffing and administrative costs as well as the busing costs.

Reed said the actual routes are still being determined in consultation with Land O’ Lakes Community Services and the community to determine interest in such a program.

“Thought would have to be given to the sustainability of the program at the end of the five years when the funding was depleted,” she said.

“So, the assumption we’re making is that after five years the fund could be zero because nobody can afford to administer it,” said Coun. Tony Fritsch.

“There used to be bus service every week but we just couldn’t sustain it,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

Newsletter changes
Clerk-treasurer Christine Reed presented Council with a draft newsletter.

“A lot of people don’t notice the newsletter and it’s been the same for about 10 years so we’re trying a little different format,” she said.

“There’s no mention of my phone number anywhere on it,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

“It’s on the website and people can call the Township for it,” said Reed.

“They usually call me to find out the Township number,” said Hogg.

“I think it would be wise to put the Council members’ names in,” said Coun. Bill Cox.

“But no pictures,” said Hogg.

“I guess they know who you are since they voted you in,” said Cox.

Dump hours
Roads/bridges supervisor Brett Reavie got Council’s approval to change winter hours of operation at Township dump sites to eliminate operating in the dark.

Although it won’t be immediate, Kaladar will change to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

“There’s no lights and after dark it becomes a safety issue,” Reavie said.

He’s also looking at changing the winter and summer hours at Vennachar and summer hours at MacKavoy for the same reason.

He said they’re still working on snow removal at Weslemkoon and “it’s probably going to be April when we’re done.”

Still with dump sites, Reavie said the Ministry has asked for information on two of the dump sites that were closed.

“They asked for information on Denbigh and Kaladar and that’s what I gave them,” he said.

“There’s a house on one of them,” said Coun. Bill Cox.

Reavie said he has yet to receive any negative feedback on the previous recent changes to dump procedures and fees.

Feature Article January 27, 2005

Feature article January 27, 2005

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Community Needs study presented to North Frontenac Council

by Jeff Green

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire is so enthused about the content of a Community Needs Study that was completed by Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) that he would like to see it used as a starting point for the Strategic Plan of Frontenac County.

Linda Rush, who initiated the Community Needs Study for NFCS through a Trillium grant application in 2003 (the study was completed by Tara Hamilton in 2004) presented highlights from the study to a North Frontenac Council meeting last week.

The Council meeting was the last official function for Rush, who has just retired as Director of Adult Services for the agency in order to devote her efforts to making art.

She described the methodology of the Needs Study to Council. The study was based primarily upon 16 in-depth interviews conducted with individuals of different ages and socio-economic status who live in Central and North Frontenac or in the northern part of South Frontenac, the service area of NFCS.

The study was conducted partly in order to help NFCS itself determine how to effectively serve the needs of the community. NFCS provides services for adults, ranging from family counselling to services for the elderly, and through its affiliate agencies also delivers mental health counselling for women suffering from abuse. Through its Child Centre, the agency also provides daycare services and other childrens related programming. The Child Centre is also the home of the Ontario Early Years Centre which is responsible for delivering children and family-related programming service throughout the provincial riding.

In terms of strengths, the study makes reference to Northern Frontenacs ruralness, community cohesiveness, and acceptance, local resourcefulness, opportunities to share talents, community members connection to the land and the environment, family, the local economy, social and recreational opportunities and community based services and solutions (page 11).

It is in dealing with community needs that North Frontenac Township will be called upon to act. The study identifies gaps, including: local economic development, youth issues and demographic unsustainability, poverty and lack of opportunity, employment, transportation, medical services, affordable housing, and others.

The study documents certain factors that are familiar to councillors; the population is older, poorer and less educated than the provincial and national average, and population numbers are stable or decreasing while the provincial and national numbers are on a steady rise.

In terms of issues with government, the studys conclusions are things the Township Council is painfully aware of.

Another common theme identified by the participants dealt with the impact of changes and regulations at the municipal (and County) government level. People spoke about the northern part of Frontenac County being off the political radar screen, about increasing taxes, various permits, finding a balance between the needs of seasonal and permanent residents and challenges relating to the rural/urban divide within the County. (excerpt from page 22 of the study)

One of the functions that Northern Frontenac Community Services served in the past, before losing most of its funding in the massive provincial government restructuring that took place in 1995, was that of community development. Community development work, the ability to identify community needs and develop solutions, is something that the Community Needs Study identifies, and in responding to the presentation by Linda Rush, Township Councillors spoke of a desire to foster a closer relationship with NFCS to try to accomplish community renewal.

Councillor Betty Hunter said she would like to see more communication between Council and the NFCS Board, so we can be informed about anything we could be looking at doing to improve situations that NFCS is able to identify for us.

Mayor Ron Maguire reiterated his opinion that the Needs Study be used by the County of Frontenac as a starting point of its strategic planning exercise this year and requested that Northern Frontenac Community Services keep in contact with Council on matters where the agency and the township can work together in a fruitful manner.

Feature Article January 27, 2005

Feature article January 27, 2005

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Second draft of County budget calls for a 10% levy increase

by Jeff Green

It is still only a draft, but the budget presented to County Council by staff last week calls for a 10% increase in the County levy.

A 10% increase is very much in line with what other counties are experiencing, commented County Chief Administrative Officer Elizabeth Fulton. It doesnt help our taxpayers, but it is a common thread that I am aware of.

Among the pressures on the budget are an increase of about 5% that results from the pending arbitration settlement with the City of Kingston over the funding of shared services under the Local Services Realignment agreement. The City has argued that it was overpaying for the services as the agreement was originally written, and this has led to a long-standing dispute that is finally coming to a conclusion.

This increase in costs for shared programs is offset to a certain extent by funding from the provincial government that is paid directly to the townships, but that funding has covered less and less of the costs of those programs in recent years (see Community Reinvestment Funding)

The proposed increase, which amounted to 10.41%, included an enhancement of the ambulance service. If the enhancement does not survive to the final budget, it would cut the increase down by about 2%. The budget has been reduced from the original draft, which called for a 19.4% increase, by some trimming in various departments and by taking money out of accumulated reserve funds to pay for some one-time capital costs.

County Council discussed the draft budget on January 19, moving the discussion into an in camera session.

The proposed budget was presented to a meeting of councillors from all four townships in the County on January 27 at 7 pm at the Sydenham Council Chambers.

The County budget is should be approved on February 16.

Mazinaw Musings February 3, 2005

Mazinaw Musings February 3, 2005

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Bundling with Ma Bell

by Bill Rowsome

It was a sweet young voice on the phone wanting to know if I would like to bundle! Of course the first image that flashed through my mind was that of bundling during the pioneer days when a young man, while courting, could sleep fully clothed in the same bed with his betrothed rather than face a dark cold winter walk home several concessions away. If her father was overly suspicious, an elm plank would be inserted on edge between the bodies; as if that could dampen youthful and enthusiastic hormones!

Sir, its Bell callingare you still there? jerked me back from my memories to reality. It was only Ma Bell wanting to know if I wanted to bundle all the communication services she was providing for me. Not giving me time to suitably respond that I had been bundled very successfully (less the clothes and plank) for nearly half a century, she launched into her sales pitch. I already had three of the services offered and the sweet young voice suggested adding a wireless phone to complete the package.

Wireless? I answered using my best-confused tone, not too difficult at my age, Whats that?

She answered by detailing all the advantages of wireless technology: I could keep in touch no matter where I was--by phone, receive email and even download from the internet text message and photographs. I would always be available, at home, walking along the street, having coffee in the malls, in the car and, I suppose, even while bundling, but I didnt interrupt with that suggestion.

Disadvantages? I was able to blurt out and in response to her None, except a small monthly fee. I continued.

I dont need it at home; you were able to reach me without this added expense. I stroll along one of the most beautiful vistas in Ontario, listening to the wind, the birds, the lapping waves and the sweet murmurings of my Significant Helpmate; no way do I want this serenity interrupted by a clanging phone. Drinking coffee, observing and over-hearing conversations in the malls out front is a source of musing about the human idiosyncrasies that surround me; a detached electronic conversation is no substitute for that. While driving I have sufficient distractions from idiots racing all about me without receiving a phone call from anyone. I have no need and I watch my wants.

The sweet young voice interrupted. You are a lucky fellow and I see Im not going to make a sale, thank you and good bye.

What a disappointment, I didnt get the opportunity to explain the awkwardness of taking a call during bundling. I wasnt able to ask her why do so many modern people need 24/7 electronic connection to others. I couldnt inquire about the accuracy of urban legends regarding electromagnetic waves so close to the brain and exploding cell phone batteries as technology packed more and more electronics into smaller and smaller spaces. I didnt have the opportunity to explain the joy of solitude, the contentment of aloneness and the pleasure of ones own company: I am always assured the best of company when alone. I couldnt tell her that wireless signals still couldnt reach the Mazinaw and I hoped they never would.

I hung up on the dial tone and mused about the sorry plight of so many people who need constant electronic connection to others.

Feature article - February 17, 2005

Feature article February 17, 2005

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New rules for Paramedic lunch hours affect rural response times by Jeff Green

When the Ontario Ministry of Labour fined the County of Frontenac for not giving Paramedics a mandatory half-hour lunch break, there were implications for ambulance services throughout the province. In the case of the Frontenac County service, which serves the City of Kingston as well, the ruling could mean a half a million dollars a year in extra costs.

In Rural Frontenac County, however, it has already meant the County is serving communities such as Ompah and Plevna with an ambulance stationed well over an hour away, on Justus Drive in Kingston.

When the Parham ambulance goes off service, it is either covered off by an ambulance from the Lanark County Service, which is stationed at an old Ministry of Natural Resources Building on Highway 7 west of Perth [at Wemyss], from Northbrook, or from one of our Kingston ambulances, which is stationed on Justus Drive, said Paul Charbonneau, the Director of Emergency Services for Frontenac County.

Certainly, none of these are optimum circumstances, Charbonneau added, and we are seeking better solutions. For one thing, we have proposed turning the 12-hour Emergency First Response Vehicle, which is stationed at Ompah, into an ambulance. That way the Parham and Ompah units could cover each other off for breaks during the daytime.

The Emergency First Response Vehicle provides the same services as an ambulance does on site, but it does not transport patients to hospital.

The proposal to enhance the ambulance service in North Frontenac is linked to a proposal to put on an extra 24-hour ambulance in the City of Kingston. Frontenac County Council will be deciding whether to enhance the service this week as they finalize the 2005 County Budget.

Even if the enhancements are approved, it would still leave the far reaches of the County under-served during night time lunch breaks.

We are considering all of our legal options with regard to the Ministry of Labour ruling, including launching an appeal, Charbonneau said. We are the first service in the province to be hit with this kind of ruling, so others are watching what happens very carefully.

On February 8th, County Council held a Special Session, and decided to petition the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Labour, to amend the regulation of the Employment Standards Act regarding lunch hours to include an exemption for paramedics in the employment of municipalities across the Province of Ontario.

The resolution the County passed on the matter acknowledged the impact of the regulation on the public, stating there are times during shifts of the employees of land ambulance when taking a break may place patients at mortal risk.

For the time being, people in the far-flung reaches of the County are being placed at a greater risk that those living in the City of Kingston.

Legalese - March 10, 2005

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Legalese - March 10, 2005

Twelve tax tips for your 2005 return Part I

by Heidi Lazar-Meyn, Lawyer, and HarryBeatty, Barrister and solicitor

A column of general information and opinion on legal topics by the lawyers of Rural Legal Services, Box 359, Sharbot Lake, ON, K0H2P0, 613-279-3252, or 1-888-777-8916. This column is not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact a lawyer to determine your legal rights and obligations.

The news for tax year 2004 is Bill C-33, which if passed will change the Income Tax Act. The Bill includes the new Disability Supports Deduction (DSD), and will change the rules for the medical expenses tax credit. It is expected that the Bill will become law for the 2004 tax year, assuming that the current minority Liberal government stays in power.

1. Your 2004 income tax return must be postmarked or received by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) before midnight on 2 May 2005 because 30 April falls on a Saturday. If you or your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, the deadline for filing is extended to 15 June 2005, but the deadline for paying any taxes that you may owe remains 2 May.

If you expect to get a refund, it is best to file early, so you receive the refund as soon as possible. If you receive social assistance payments, and you get a letter saying that CRA is keeping your tax refund or GST rebate because of an overpayment, see the advice in the “ODSP Update” article in this issue of ARCH Alert. [i.e. contact Rural Legal Services at the numbers above]

You are able to file your tax return many different ways, including by filing a paper return. If you prepare your taxes yourself using a computer program, you can file it over the Internet. Some tax preparers also can assist you to file your taxes electronically. You may also be able to “telefile” your return by entering the information on a touchtone telephone. If you are unable to use a touchtone telephone because of a disability, you can get help in “telefiling” from CRA by calling 1.800.714.7257.

2. CRA’s website gives tax information for persons with disabilities. The address is http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability. From there you can download a pamphlet called, “Information Concerning People With Disabilities” and CRA’s Interpretation Bulletin IT-519R2, "Medical Expense and Disability Tax Credits and Attendant Care Expense Deduction (Consolidated)”.

CRA’s website also has other documents that may help you in preparing your taxes. The General Income Tax and Benefit Guide is available for pick-up at most post offices and CRA will mail it to you if you call 1.800.959.2221. If you prefer an alternate format, such as large print, audiocassette or e-text, you can download some forms and instructions at www.cra.gc.ca/alternate or you can order them by calling 1.800.267.1267.

For more information on other forms and publications that are available, you can download or order them from CRA’s website, www.cra.gc.ca, or call the General Enquiries number at 1.800.959.8281.

3. Persons who have simple returns and low incomes can get free help with completing their tax returns. For further information on the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, call CRA's General Inquiries line at 1.800.959.8281. [in northern Frontenac call Northern Frontenac Services Corporation at 279-3151 and in northern Lennox and Addington call Land o’ Lakes Community Services at 336-8934]

4) Even if your income in 2005 was not taxable, you may want to file a return to prove that you are eligible for certain programs, such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, or subsidized childcare. To get the Canada Child Tax Benefit or Child Disability Benefit you also have to file a return. If you are eligible for "refundable" tax credits, such as the GST credit or some provincial tax credits, you can get a refund even if you do not pay or owe any income tax.

For some of these programs it is necessary that both you and your spouse or common-law partner file a tax return to prove your family's eligibility. Contact the program itself for further information on its eligibility requirements.

5) The changes proposed in Budget 2005 will make many persons eligible for the DTC who did not meet the requirements before. Therefore, it is important for all persons with disabilities who are not receiving the DTC to review these changes to see if they now qualify, even if CRA has turned your application down in the past.

To be eligible for the DTC under the present rules, you must have “a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment” that causes you to be:

Blind or have partial vision,Unable, or take an inordinate amount of time, to perform a basic activity of daily living, such as walking or “perceiving, thinking and remembering”, even with the use of assistive devices, medication, or therapy, orUnable to perform basic activities of daily living without life-sustaining therapy.

Under the proposed changes to the ITA, persons would be eligible for the DTC if they have “one or more severe or prolonged impairments in physical or mental functions.” This change of wording puts more emphasis on the actual physical and mental limitations that the impairments cause.

Other important changes are that:

Persons would be eligible for the DTC if they have “significant” restrictions in two or more activities of daily living, where the effect of all of these restrictions together is equivalent to having a “marked” restriction in one activity of daily living,“Perceiving, thinking and remembering” would be changed to “mental functions necessary for everyday life”, which include memory, adaptive functioning, and problem solving, goal setting and judgement, andThere would be new rules about how to count the time spent in therapy that is necessary to keep a person from having a marked restriction in functioning in an activity of daily living.

You can apply for the DTC using Form T2201. This form must be filled out by a qualified health professional. Make sure that the health professional uses the 2005 version of the form, which includes the proposed changes.

A medical doctor can fill out the form for anyone who is applying for the DTC. In addition, the following qualified health professionals can fill out the form for persons who have certain types of impairments:

optometrists: visual impairmentsspeech-language pathologists: speech impairmentsaudiologists: hearing impairmentsoccupational therapists: impairments in walking, feeding or dressingphysiotherapists: impairments in walkingpsychologists: impairments in perceiving, thinking or remembering

The parents of children who are younger than 18 at the end of the tax year can claim a supplement to the DTC. However, child care or attendant care expenses that anyone is claiming for that child may reduce the credit.

The DTC is a non-refundable credit so if your income is low you may not be able to use all of the credit yourself. If this is the case, you may be able to transfer all or part of the DTC to your spouse or common-law partner. The DTC also can be transferred to certain relatives who are supporting you. See the Guide for further information on transferring the DTC.

If you apply for the DTC when you file your return CRA may take a long time to process the return. You may be able to avoid this delay by applying for the DTC before you file your tax return. You can claim the DTC on your return even if you are waiting for CRA to approve your application.

6) If you paid for certain expenses in order to work, attend a secondary school or post-secondary institution or do research, you may be able to claim the DSD, using Form T929. The DSD is available to anyone who has a disability, even if that person is not eligible for the DTC.

The present version of the ITA allows the DSD for the following expenses:

Persons with speech or hearing impairments can deduct the cost of sign-language interpretation services or real time captioning services. They also can deduct the cost of teletypewriters, telephone ringing indicators or electronic speech synthesizers, if prescribed by a medical practitioner, andPersons who are blind can deduct the cost of synthetic speech systems, Braille printers, large-print on-screen devices and optical scanners, if prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Also, if a medical practitioner certifies in writing that the expenses are necessary due to the impairment:

Persons with a mental or physical impairment can deduct the cost of full-time attendant care that is provided by an adult who is not their spouse or common-law partner; part-time attendant care, if they also are eligible for the DTC, and note-taking services, if the note-taker does them as a business,Persons with a physical impairment can deduct the cost of voice recognition software,Persons with a learning disability or a mental impairment can deduct the cost of tutoring services, if the tutor does them as a business, and is not related to the taxpayer, andPersons with a perceptual disability can deduct the cost of talking textbooks used at a secondary school in Canada or at a post-secondary institution.The proposed changes would allow the DSD for the cost of job coaching services if the job coach does them as a business, and a medical practitioner certifies in writing that the expenses are necessary due to the impairment.In addition, all of the following expenses would be eligible for either the DSD or the METC:Persons who are both blind and profoundly Deaf could deduct the cost of intervenor services, if the intervenor does them as a business, andif a medical practitioner certifies in writing that the expenses are necessary due to the impairment,Persons who are blind or who have a severe learning disability could deduct the cost of devices that enable them to read print, and of reading services if the reader does them as a business,Persons who have a speech impairment could deduct the cost of Bliss symbol boards or similar devices,Persons who are blind could deduct the cost of Braille note-taking devices with keyboards, andPersons who have a severe and prolonged impairment that markedly restricts their ability to use their arms or hands could deduct the cost of page-turner devices.

If you have a choice of claiming an expense under the DSD or the METC, it usually will be better to claim it under the DSD but you should check whether this applies to your situation.

Part II

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Feature article, March 3, 2005

Feature article March 3, 2005

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Province cant fast talk its way out of bill, say Eastern Ontario Wardens.

by Jeff Green

At the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference in Toronto last week, members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus were looking for answers about monetary transfers from the province under the Community Reinvestment Fund, which was designed to compensate municipalities for the cost of delivering services that were forcibly downloaded to them from the province.

Each year, a set amount is transferred to municipalities based on projected costs. Then, once the actual cost of delivering the services are determined, the province is supposed to reimburse the municipalities for the actual costs. The services municipalities are compensated for include Ontario Works and other programs whose costs vary according to how many people use the service.

The reconciliation process has not taken place since 2002.

After a presentation by Municipal Affairs Minister John Gerretson, Bob Sweet, Chair of the Wardens Caucus said Instead of doing the right thing and paying up, Minister Gerretson announced a so-called transition fund of $200 million for the entire province, which he said was focussed on the 2003 reconciliation bill, leaving 2004s bill unpaid. Many municipalities in Eastern Ontario incurred huge increases in delivering these services in 2004, Sweet said.

Central Frontenac Mayor Bill MacDonald, who attended the presentation by Gerretson in his role as Warden of Frontenac County, told the News that the total amount owing to the four Frontenac Townships for 2003 and 2004 is about $1.3 million, and we will receive about a quarter of that. In Central Frontenac, it will amount to about $90,000.

MacDonald said he shared Bob Sweets concerns about 2004 reconciliation, for which Gerretson made no commitment.

Gerretson has promised that a new model is being developed for 2005 forward, but he reportedly said there would be winners and losers under the new formula.

This prompted Bill MacDonald to say, No matter what the system, lets make sure there are no winners and losers in all this. It should be a fair system. Recently there was a gas tax rebate announced, but we wont be seeing any of it in Frontenac County. We cant afford for this to happen with the Community Reinvestment Funds.

Speaking on behalf of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, Bob Sweet said, The members of our wardens caucus have made our position clear. We will not accept any new deal until we have been paid in full for 2003 and 2004.

We have had to pay to deliver the services, Bill MacDonald added, instead of the money coming from the province as promised it has come directly from our taxpayers.

Letters ,April 7, 2005

Letters April 7, 2005

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Hi, boys and girls,

To use an old cliche, GROW UP. If I can't believe all the news you print, then why should I believe any? "Just the facts, ma'am".

Yours truly - no kidding, really,

Yours sincerely No, maybe I didn't mean that.

- Bruce Cooper

April Fools

Just went through the Frontenac News and was a bit disappointed that nothing had been put in for April Fool's Day. Then I read the editorial page "Once more into the breach". So again I read each and every article. You guys are good! I really had a difficult time picking out the flukes! But here are my guesses:

"Frontenac News Consulting"; The great race #9 coming to the Land O' Lakes"; "Kids find a big surprise in Beaver Lodge". These are all great stories and if the first one is a hoax ~ too bad ~ The News could use the revenue for sure!

- Carole Cannon

Re: Maps a go in NF

After reading the article in the March 31 issue Maps a go in North Frontenac, I decided to air my views on the subject of promoting campsites in North Frontenac. First let me give you a bit of background.

I grew up in the village of Plevna and for many years my dad and mom trekked my two sisters and me, along with any other family members who were willing to go, to the Schooner Lake area for a day of fishing and a shore dinner. After I became older, I went with my friends on camping expeditions to the islands. I love that area and after moving from Plevna, my own children and grandchildren continue to go each year for four or five day campouts. We always look forward to it each year.

My point is that, yes, the campsites are one of the best-kept secrets in North Frontenac, but we would rather have it that way. Keep in mind that these are sites that are not large areas, and many of them on islands. They do not have state-of-the-art toilet facilities and in many cases (at least on Schooner Lake) there isnt even a picnic table. My family and I like it that way.

We have always been campers, and we often use provincial and private parks. We dont mind paying for the services that we receive in those parks. If the Township of North Frontenac is planning to advertise the fact that they are in the camping business to the whole of Eastern Ontario, then they had better be prepared to offer some services for the price they are charging for these sites.

Dont get me wrong, I think charging is a good business policy, but when in business you must offer something in return for the money and frankly an outhouse that falls over when you sit on it is not quite enough. The fact that the Crown Land Stewardship program, which started in 1997, has not been revenue neutral yet is astonishing to me. However, like all other government programs, Im probably not aware of all the underlying costs, but I do know from experience that the revenue is not going back into the maintenance of the sites. After having said all this, we will be back again this summer for our annual trek to the Schooner Lake area. (Gods Country) and we sincerely hope that it is still a peaceful, quiet area in which to camp and fish.

- Sharon Menard-Kring,

Feature article,May 12, 2005

Feature article May 12, 2005

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Transportation study underway

by Jeff Green

Sheila Sim has been making the rounds of council chambers in the past week seeking input for a transportation project she has taken on for Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS).

Sim was in Sydenham last week; appeared before Central Frontenac Council on Monday; and will be in Plevna on Thursday. She explained to Council that transportation to small and larger centres to deal with social, medical, and other needs has long been recognised as a challenge for poorer residents in the northern Frontenac area.

Although Northern Frontenac Community Services has limited, volunteer-based transportation programs for both adults and children, Sim has been given the mandate to look to other agencies and to the townships to seek transportation solutions for the community as a whole.

So far various models have been considered, and at this point Sheila Sim said she is thinking the program will require a person to do some driving and some organizing. This person would co-ordinate with organizations that have some funding for their volunteer driving services to augment the fee-based service.

Sim told Council that We will be looking for funding to kick start the service, probably through an application for a Trillium grant. She was not looking for money from Council, but said she might come back to Council at a later date looking for a motion of support. In the interim she wanted to hear Councils ideas about transportation.

Council was receptive to Sims presentation, and she was encouraged to contact the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre, the Legions in Sharbot Lake and Arden, and the Lions Club.

One of the reasons cited when the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre was named as Family Health Team were the transportation issues people face having to travel to Kingston and Perth for treatment and diagnosis, said Mayor Bill MacDonald, but it is still 50 km from Plevna to Sharbot Lake, so transportation remains a concern there as well.

A survey had been circulated to Councillors with a request that they fill it in. Well do whatever we can for you, MacDonald said as he handed in his survey, short of spending any money. I might even volunteer to drive, but not until the end of this term of Council.

OTHER COUNCIL NOTES:

Trees at Cenotaph: Council has gratefully accepted a request by Legion Branch 425 that the Legion be allowed to plant hardwood trees on either side of the Cenotaph in front of the Oso Community Hall.

Harassment Policy: A policy designed to ensure that all municipal employees enjoy a work environment that is free of personal and sexual harassment has been adopted by Council. the policy defines different kinds of harassment, and bullying as well, and outlines informal and formal means of rectifying abusive situations.

Building permits up in April: A report from Ian Trickett shows a marked increase in building permits for the month of April as compared to 2004. There were 32 permits issued this April, for a construction value of $1,094,000 as compared to 17 permits for a value of $548,000 one year earlier. However construction activity in 2004 dropped from the level in 2003, when 25 permits were issued for a $961,000 construction value.

So far in 2005, 49 permits have been issued for $1,759,000 worth of construction, which is 40% higher than this time last year and 15% higher than 2003.

Letters, June 23, 2005

Letters June 23, 2005

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POLICY BY REFERENDUM When the old Reform Party came to town a few years back my wife and I attended the policy meeting to see if perhaps a real breath of fresh air might indeed be arriving on the Canadian political scene. The meeting that took place in the Northbrook Lions Hall was well attended and quite informative as the prospective candidate laid out the platform that his hopeful party wished to implement if successful. Not to be, so it turned out.

One of the policies tabled at that gathering gave me reason to question this Reform candidate, and it still troubles me today. Is it really in the best interest of a free and democratic society to govern by referendum?

Should the majority opinion always prevail in matters of morals or conscience the result will prove disastrous. "In matters of conscience the majority has no power." It was this premise that guided the trainers of the American Constitution, and hopefully those of the Canadian Charter of Rights. A free society needs to be protected from what could become a well-meaning however misinformed and misguided majority.

There is a real concern here as history has amply proven. In far too many cases the majority opinion has proven disastrous to "liberty of conscience," an entrenched right that was gained over the centuries (Magna Charta, the afore mentioned American Constitution etc.) at a very great cost in blood. "Those who forget are doomed to repeat." The Dark Ages are proof enough that the masses controlled by a misguided religious fervor can do heinous things to the dissenting few. This alone should prove to the informed mind that majority opinion can be very wrong in the area of conscience and morals.

Yes, there are crying abuses that should be corrected, but the sins of the flesh are not going to find even a semblance of solution in a legislated righteousness. Whatever it is that reveals itself in open immoral display had to first be conceived in the heart, that being the case "a mind changed against its will is of the same opinion still." To legislate against perceived wrong will, as proven in the past, only drive it under ground again. The Churches fail, and admit defeat of the power contained within the gospel when they resort to the civil power to correct what the pulpit through proper application of the gospel could and should have done.

This is not intended as a defense of same sex marriage by any means. It is a plea for historic perspective and an acknowledgment that we have "already been there, already done that" and it tragically failed. The Church and the State must remain separate. Christ Himself stated "my Kingdom is not of this world, for the kingdom of God is within you. W. C. McLean Flinton

Seniors and family health The Seniors' Services Advisory Committee of Northern Frontenac Community Services would like to congratulate the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre and its staff for being selected as one of the 52 pilot sites for Family Health Teams across Ontario. As a group that represents seniors throughout Central, North and parts of South Frontenac Townships, this committee is well aware of the wide variety of health needs in relation to the senior population. They also realize that providing health services to our rural setting offers many challenges. We all look forward to the increased options and variety of services that will be made available with this new model of health care. Harriet Riddell On behalf of the N.F.C.S. Seniors' Services Advisory Committee

Litter in Arden

We seniors in town are doing our utmost to keep the road between Highway 7 and the village of Arden as litter-free as possible. We realize we are up against the odds, when on a windy day, the overflow from the dump can undo all our work. However, lately were finding more and more Tim Horton cups, Dairy Queen Cartons, plastic and tin pop containers and french-fry containers, some still with the plastic forks intact, between the highway and the dump. Help a senior, eh? Hold onto your garbage another thirty seconds and you will be at the big refuse container at the mill-pond. Dump it there, and you will be doing your part in making the entrance to Arden more attractive.

Rick Brown Arden.

Shame, shame

I cannot understand how North Frontenac Council can charge, with clear faces, money to travel to the lakes on the roads to Middle Branch, Granite etc, under such deplorable conditions where it isnt decent for a horse and buggy. And at a charge of $8.00 a day! Shame, shame.

Gerald Sproule, R.R#1, Denbigh, Ont. K0H 1L0. Phone 333-1273

Black Bears on the increase

Black bears, once only found in northern Ontario, are being seen more and more in our area, and beekeepers are being forced to put electric fences around their hives to keep the bears out. Black bears can outrun a horse, and with little effort can crack bones in their powerful jaws, and also attack human beings. Black bears are no longer fearful of humans, and their population is increasing rapidly, particularly since 1999 when the spring bear hunts were cancelled. Many naturalists are lobbying to have the spring bear hunts resumed as a way to provide a safe and secure environment for all people without worrying about bear attacks.

A 2004 study in Manitoba proved scientifically that a spring black bear hunt is a sustainable wildlife management tool that reduces the potential for human/bear conflicts well before the June/July nuisance bear season. The study, authored by a group of scientists and biologists, showed that having a spring hunt and a fall hunt to reduce the number of black bears is the best method to control ballooning bear populations. However, the Ontario government is promoting an initiative that promotes the policy of living in harmony with black bears, but the harmony idea works better in music and on paper, and when faced with a black bear who can out-run a human, or maul a child to death, harmony just doesnt cut it. Bob McQuay, Chairman, Canadian Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) questioned: Will it take the death of a Toronto child or a young mother to force this government to accept the advice of knowledgeable outdoors people and reinstate the hunt? COHA and its affiliate outdoors organizations and members hope not. So folks, watch out for bears, and make loud clanging noises when out in the bush in hopes of scaring them away. Keep your garbage out of site, and supervise your children at all times, remembering that children under 16 must have an adult with them at all times unless they are on their own property at home.

Rev. E. Jean Brown Henderson