Feature Article - June 15, 2006

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Feature Article - June 15, 2006

Ardoch Algonquins eyeCrown Land for band office

Co-Chiefs Randy Cota and Bob Lovelace and honourary Chief Harold Perry of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFN) paid a visit to North Frontenac Council last week (June 8), and informed council of their imminent plans to build a band office and community centre on Crown land somewhere within the township.

Co-chief Randy Cota told council that, “There are in excess of 700 members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, and a good number of them are in North Frontenac. We are at a crossroads. We are in the process of building a band office/community centre, and we are choosing between three different spots on Algonquin Land to build on. We would like North Frontenac to be involved in picking a spot.”

Co-Chief Cota added that the Ardoch Algonquins are expecting to start working on site preparation within the next two months.

Mayor Ron Maguire said that “if any of the sites are located on municipally owned land, it would be fairly straightforward to negotiate a purchase of the land from the township.”

“Whether we are looking at municipal or crown land, we don’t want to buy our own horse,” said Randy Cota, “but all of the land we are looking at is what you call crown land.”

“In that case, it is a matter for the MNR [Ministry of Natural Resources], not a matter for the township.”

“Will you follow the building code and other regulations?” asked Councillor Fred Perry.

“We’re not going to pay for a building permit, if that’s what you’re asking” said Randy Cota.

“That’s not what I’m asking,” replied Fred Perry, “I want to know if you will build according to the code.”

“Sure,” said Bob Lovelace, “it’s a good code, it makes sense to follow it.”

The decision by the Ardoch Algonquins to proceed with plans to build a band office/community centre on Crown land comes about as Algonquin land claim talks, which the Ardoch Algonquins are not participating in, are gaining a momentum after years of dormancy.

Co-Chief Lovelace talked briefly to council about the position the band has taken relative to the ongoing Algonquin land claim process.

“We got involved in negotiations 15 years ago.” Lovelace said, “They realised that the land claim needed to include ‘non-status’ Algonquin people, and we negotiated an understanding with them. We had certain conditions and these conditions have not been met and we have therefore not participated in the process.”

As a consequence of their non-participation, Lovelace said that the Ardoch Algonquins have had no success in their own attempts to negotiate with government officials.

“Frequently, Ardoch Algonquins have been hassled in the field by government officials. No one has been charged, but they have been hassled. We have made several attempts to discuss hunting and fishing issues with Ministry of Natural Resources over hunting and fishing, but they have not responded to our requests.”

Mayor Ron Maguire replied, “I am aware from the provincial government, that you need to be part of the land claim in order to assert your inherent or aboriginal rights.”

Ron Maguire represents the County of Frontenac to the municipal advisory committee to the Algonquin Land Claim, and he recently attended a meeting updating the committee on the state of negotiations. Bob Lovelace and Randy Cota asked that the township designate an individual they could keep apprised of developments on an ongoing basis to foster communication between the township and the band, and Maguire volunteered to fill that role.

At the previous council meeting on May 25, Maguire told council that at the recent municipal advisory committee meeting, he had been informed that the Algonquin negotiation team was preparing a framework for negotiations to present to the federal and provincial governments in the near future in anticipation of completing an agreement in principle within two years.

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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 22, 2006

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

Hartington CarWash receives the go-ahead

by JeffGreen

Scott Asselstine has jumped through all of the administrative hurdles that were put in his way, and this week South Frontenac Council approved a zoning amendment that will enable him to put up a four bay car wash on Road 38 just south of Hartington.

As Asselstine had agreed at the council meeting on June 6, the engineering firm of Tottenham/Sims/Hubicki (TSH) conducted a pump test at the site last week, all the while monitoring the water levels at four adjacent wells. After pumping 20 litres per minute for 4 hours and 39 minutes, no drawdown was observed at the adjacent wells.

“The pump test observations suggest that the proposed car wash facility will have no affect on the neighbouring wells,” concluded Doug Prinsen, an engineer with TSH in his report on the test results.

With the pump test out of the way, Asselstine worked with township planner Lindsey Mills on a site plan agreement, which places obligations on Asselstine to plant a vegetative buffer and install fencing at specified locations near the car wash; limits the amount of lighting he can have; and places other restrictions on his operation. The agreement was approved by council and will be registered on the title of the land.

Finally, Council gave third reading to a zoning amendment bylaw permitting the land to be used for a car wash. The bylaw was approved without discussion.

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

Central Frontenac to consider permittingATVs on township roads

by JeffGreen

A delegation from the Frontenac ATV Club came to Central Frontenac Council this week to see if they could persuade the township to pass a bylaw permitting the use of ATVs on township roads.

As Patricia Dawson, the club’s secretary, pointed out, many neighbouring townships, including North and South Frontenac, now permit certain kinds of ATVs driven by people with G2 or M2 licences to use their roads, but Central Frontenac has never considered the issue.

“No one has, ever come to council requesting this before,” said Mayor Bill MacDonald, “We have not dodged this issue; it has not been raised.”

Patricia Dawson said that the ATV bylaw has been successfully implemented in South Frontenac, and she presented information regarding how the ATV bylaw that was adopted initially for only one year in that jurisdiction, has now been accepted on a permanent basis.

“By passing a bylaw, the situation has been improved. Instead of ATVs riding illegally on township roads, they are riding according to safety regulations that can be enforced,” Dawson argued

Deputy Mayor Frances Smith said, “One of the concerns I have is with gravel roads with little or no shoulder. Do ATVs have permission to ride on the road where there is no shoulder?”

Pat Dawson replies that ATVs are expected to ride on the far right - on the shoulder if there is one, or on the road where necessary.

Mayor MacDonald said that the local OPP have said they don’t recommend going forward with this.

“”I suggest you contact them again,” said Patricia Dawson, “now that the experience of having a bylaw in place is better understood. Sgt. Fowler, of the Frontenac Detachment, for example, has been supportive.”

Some councillors expressed full support for an ATV bylaw, whereas others expressed more qualified support.

Councillor Logan Murray was the only one who expressed outright opposition. He said that he solicited opinions from 11 people on legalising ATV use of roads, and four were in favour while seven were opposed.

“They tear up and down my road, and people don’t like them,” Murray said.

Patricia Dawson cautioned council that they consider the will of the majority when they think about whether to pass an ATV bylaw.

“Most of the people who live in your township year round and shop in the stores and volunteer in the fire departments are in favour of this,” she said, “you might want to consider their interests over those of a minority who might oppose it.”

Rather than requesting staff to prepare a bylaw for council’s consideration, a motion was proposed whereby staff would bring back information to the next council meeting on the implications of an ATV bylaw.

An ATV bylaw in Central Frontenac is more likely now than it has been at any other time.

Tichborne Properties – A discussion took place concerning four abandoned properties at the north end of Tichborne. Three of them are owned by Petro-Canada, including the former Lakeland Store and Gas bar.

Township staff was asked to consider whether the buildings were a hazard and demolition should be ordered. A staff report said “An investigation has taken place from the outside and no evidence has been found to recommend demolition.”

The concern was expressed that these buildings, being in a state of disrepair, have become an eyesore that does not speak well for the township as people drive by. The question was also raised as to the possibility of groundwater contamination on the properties.

“We would need to have a property standards bylaw in order to do anything about these properties, and it would have to apply to properties throughout the township,” said Deputy Mayor Frances Smith.

It was determined that council could write a letter to Petro-Canada asking them what they are planning to do with the properties, and staff was directed to prepare a letter.

COMRIF – Councillor Murray proposed that the township apply to get funding for hard topping of 100 kms of the most heavily travelled gravel roads in the township’s intake number 3 of the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF).

The township received funding support for a rebuild of Road 38 from intake 2 of COMRIF recently, and Mayor MacDonald said, “We have no chance of getting funding after getting it last time, and it is expensive to apply, so I wonder why we would do this.”

“I looked at the COMRIF application, and any one of us could fill it out. I don’t think it would be expensive. The Public Works Manager has already looked at this. He already did some work on this last year. We will never have the money to do this on our own, so I think we should at least try and get funding support,” said Logan Murray.

“It’s not a matter of filling out forms,” MacDonald reiterated, “these things require engineering. It took four tries to get the grant we got for Road 38, and it also took political work over a long period of time.”

It was decided that Public Works Manager Bill Nicol should be asked to prepare a report for the next meeting on the prospects for an application to prepare and hard top 100 kms of gravel roads.

Two fire hall proposal defeated – Councillor Murray brought back a motion that led to an in camera session at the previous meeting. The motion called for the Public Works Manager to prepare a tender for new fire halls in both Oso and Olden Districts. It would replace a decision by council to prepare a tender for a fire hall in Oso alone, with engineering for the Olden Hall to be included in the work to be done. Construction of the Olden fire hall was deferred until next year, however.

Murray argued that it would only cost about $100,000 more to complete the two halls as part of a single contract, saving the township money in the long run.

With the exception of Councillor Jack Nicolson, every other councillor disagreed with Murray , including the two councillors from Olden District, and his motion was defeated 7-2 in a recorded vote.

“I’m not against a fire hall for Olden” said Councillor Bill Guigue, “but the Public Works Manager has enough on his plate this year, and it would be better to make sure we do a good job on each fire hall than try and get two built in one year.”

Bag tags – Councillor Gutowski pointed out that bag tags are now being sold at waste disposal sites.

Building report – New construction, which had been down significantly from 2005, due in part to new requirements for new home construction, improved somewhat in May, as permits for $1,374,000 worth of construction were issued, bringing the year-to-date total to $2,202,000. That still lags behind 2005, when the May total was $1,566,000 and the January-May total was $3,325,000. The running total for 2006 is now marginally ahead of the similar time period in 2004, however.

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

Residents want their road paved:AddingtonHighlands Council,June 19, 2006

by JuleKochBrison

A delegation of Hartin Road residents petitioned council to tar and chip their road this year. Debbie Wilson, spokesperson for the group, read out a letter she was presenting to council. She said that residents “can’t stand to be outside because the dust is uncontrollable, even with the calcium chloride.” The township has spread crushed limestone on about half of the two-kilometre road, but Wilson said that has made the road worse as now there is major washboard and residents are bearing heavy costs in vehicle repairs. She said there are about 36 people on the road, in addition to hunt camps; that it wouldn’t take much to tar and chip the road, and that the township would save money in the long run on grading and maintenance. “Please help us so we can live, drive and breathe easier,” she concluded.

Reeve Ken Hook asked Roads Superintendent Royce Rosenblath how priority is established for tarring and chipping township roads. Rosenblath said that traffic volume is the criteria. He said it would cost about $40,000 to tar and chip the Hartin Road initially. The surface would have to be redone every six years at a cost of about $1000/km, about the same cost as calcium chloride. Rosenblath couldn’t give the costs for maintaining the road as it is for the rest of the year.

Reeve Hook told the delegation that council had already gone through the budgeting process and the township just did not have $40,000 to do the work. “We would have to take money away from work that’s already scheduled to be done elsewhere,” he said. Council passed a motion to consider tarring and chipping the Hartin Road in 2007.

The township is applying for a $75,000 Trillium grant to build a new skateboard park/basketball court/playground at the Lions Club grounds in Northbrook . The Lions would lease the land free to the township for seven years, and maintenance of the facility would be mainly done by the newly formed Addington Highands Recreation Club. An additional $25,000 of “in kind” contributions, mainly from the township’s roads department, and $15,000 in donations from the community would be needed to build the park.

Council passed a bylaw to authorize voting by telephone/internet for the 2006 municipal elections.

Council received a letter from two children, 11 and 10, asking them to do something about speeding on the Freeburn Road . One of the girls said she was almost hit by a truck while riding her bike.

Reeve Hook ruefully noted that previously the road was in such bad shape that vehicles had to go about 10km/hr. “Seems we’ve created a new problem [by fixing the road],“ he said. The letter was deferred to the roads committee meeting.

Speed humps will be soon installed on the Weslemkoon Lake Road, several months after they were requested by some residents who live on the road.

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

Hartington car wash saga continues

by Jeff Green

A report by South Frontenac Planning Co-ordinator Lindsay Mills placed the onus back on council to decide whether to approve a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow Scott Asselstine to put in a car wash on Road 38 just south of Hartington.

At their previous meeting on May 16, after hearing sustained concerns from Asselstine’s neighbours about the potential impact the water taking and run offs may have on their properties, council had asked Mills to look into the matter before bringing the bylaw back for final approval.

Scott Asselstine provided Mills with the results of a pump test record he had commissioned and Mills forwarded those results to Bob Putzlocher, a hydrogeologist with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for comment.

The pump test results showed that the water in the new well Asselstine had drilled on the site draws down from 8 feet to a 121 foot depth when pumped out continually and that a water rate of 12 gallons per minute is then maintained over a six hour period.

In a letter to Lindsay Mills, Bob Putzlocher noted that during the pump test 20,000 litres were taken, whereas the proposed flow for the car wash is less than 10,000 litres per day.

“Still, Putzlocher wrote, “if there are other private wells that are very close or if there are strong concerns to be addressed, then it may be appropriate to collect more data. A test could be done where the subject well is pumped at a rate equal to or somewhat more than that proposed. Pumping should be done until the water in the well stabilizes and water levels at one or two nearby wells are monitored. While I would not expect adverse impacts, conducting this test would be beneficial for the proponent in providing further support and for responding to future claims of impact.”

Council had to decide whether to order Scott Asselstine to undertake this new study.

Councillors split into two equal camps on the issue. Councillor Davison said Scott Asselstine had prepared a good solid business plan and should be allowed to proceed. Councillor Vandewal said he found Putzlocher’s letter contradictory in that it said there was easily enough water in the well and then talked about a second test. Councillors Robinson and Smith also didn’t want to order the new test.

On the other hand Councillors Stowe, Hahne, Barr, and Roos all supported ordering the new test.

For his part, Scott Asselstine said he was willing to do the extra test, but that he thought it was unnecessary because his operation would not be using a lot of water and he had already more than met the requirements with the first pump test, which cost him $2,500. He said that the new test would be up to three times as expensive.

Asselstine’s concerned neighbours were in attendance at the meeting, and they were given leave to address council.

While they continues to express a series of concerns about several issues, such as salt run off, Mayor Lake eventually asked them if they would be satisfied by the second water test that was being proposed. He received grudging agreement from them.

“If the neighbours agree to accept the results, and if Scott Asselstine is willing to pay, I can support ordering the second test,” Lake said in breaking the tie and voting for the second pump test.

If the test proves successful from Scott Asselstine’s point of view, Lindsay Mills will prepare a site plan agreement for him to enter into with the township. The agreement will specify the kinds of activities Scott Asselstine may engage in under the zoning amendment and council will then give final approval to the zoning bylaw.

A car wash may indeed be coming to Hartington after all.

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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

NorthFrontenac thinking twice aboutCOMRIFstrategy

by JeffGreen

The Waste Management Committee seems to have started a debate within North Frontenac Council about whether or not they should apply for funding to have the Mississippi Bridge widened.

In each of the first intakes to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure fund (COMRIF) the township submitted unsuccessful applications for the bridge project, and the Council’s Waste Management Committee passed a motion saying, “when the next call for COMRIF applications comes out, that an application be put in for some of North Frontenac’s waste management needs.”

At their meeting last week, council did not endorse the recommendation, deciding to defer the matter instead.

“I don’t believe the guidelines for the third intake have been released yet,” said township Chief Executive Officer Cheryl Robson, “and council might want to wait until they know what kinds of projects are being encouraged before deciding.”

“We know that they will not approve the Mississippi Bridge ,” said Bud Clayton, “so I think we should look at some of our waste management needs.”

The Waste Management Committee was encouraged to start considering what kinds of projects they can come up with before council makes a final decision later this summer.

FEP TO FOCUS ON SEPTIC RE-INSPECTION David Pattendon, a long time property owner on Big Gull Lake and a former Chief Executive Officer with the Ontario Medical Association made a presentation to council for the Frontenac Environmental Partnership (FEP), which has chosen septic reinspection as a major focus this year.

Pattenden explained that the workshops the FEP is sponsoring will focus on alternatives to traditional septic systems that might be more applicable, and less expensive, for waterfront property owners.

Pattenden said that septic technology can be wasteful, in that water, which makes up 90% of the effluent that passes into septic systems, could be separated out through evaporation, leaving a fraction of the amount of waste to be processed.

North Frontenac has entered into a septic re-inspection program, and Pattenden said that the FEP workshops are meant to work in concert with the township.

“We hope that with good information people will be less fearful of septic re-inspection, and if they know of more inexpensive alternatives to full blown septic systems they will likely consider them.”

FEP Wastewater workshops are scheduled for June 18th at the Glendower Hall in Bedford from 1-3 pm and at the Kennebec Hall in Arden on July 8, at 10 am.

ROAD CLEANUPS SCHEDULED Citizens’ groups are set to do their cleanups on Ardoch road and one other location, but any group that would like to take on a roadside cleanup is encouraged to contact the township.

CFDC RELEASES FUNDS Although they expressed concerns about North Frontenac’s “non-compliance of the terms and conditions” of a grant that was approved late last year for a Crown Land Marketing strategy at a cost of almost $10,000, the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC) did release the funds to the township.

The township is expected to submit an application to the Land o’ Lakes Tourist Association for a rebate from the provincial government. Should that rebate be received, they are to give that money to the Land o’ Lakes Tourist Association.

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Feature Article - July 20, 2006

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Feature Article - July 20, 2006

Marty tries again

by JeffGreen

Marty Cadieux has been nothing if not persistent. Since purchasing land in Tay Valley a couple of years ago, Cadieux has been attempting to get a prospecting company, Graphite Mountain, to fill in some two-metre deep trenches that they dug on his land over many years as they exercised their rights as the holders of a mining claim. Cadieux called in officials from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) last week for a repeat visit. When MNDM visited in the spring of 2005, Graphite Mountain voluntarily agreed to fill in the trenches, but they missed a few when they came last year. Cadieux wanted MNDM officials to see what was left.

“These are a real safety hazard,” Marty said as showed the remaining trenches to Tevin Cranston and Pam Sangster from the MNDM.

Cadieux invited members of the Citizens Mining Action Group, a land holders’ rights group that sprung up as the result of the activities of Graphite Mountain , as well as Marilyn Crawford from the Bedford Mining Alert, members of council from Tay Valley Township , including chair of Mississippi Valley Conservation, Mark Burnham, and members of the media. An impromptu press conference took place in the edge of Cadieux’s bush on July 12. Maureen Towaij from Tay Valley Township Council expressed frustration that some of the efforts she has undertaken to affect the political process have not translated into MNDM practice, and Marilyn Crawford insisted that damage to properties and the environment from mining exploration are going to be cleaned up.

Cranston and Sangster were not in a position to answer most of the questions posed of them, since they had the task of analysing the trenches and reporting back to their superiors at the ministry, but the observers on the scene wanted to take the opportunity to send messages up the line to the ministry leadership.

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Feature Article - July 27, 2006

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Feature Article - July 27, 2006

Letters to the Editor

Beautifying VeronaRe:PineLakeSubmission to Central Frontenac Council Re Permitting ATVs on Township RoadsRe: Negotiator weighs in on AAFNA actionsIncredible Jenna LambertRequest for CF Township Support for Road MaintenanceBathurst Burgess Sherbrooke Township had history and prideRe: “Development after… and beforeRe:Permitting ATVs on CentralFrontenac Townshiproads

Beautifying Verona

Here’s a big thank you to all the people who sweated in the dirt to make Verona a more beautiful place.

Susie Ralph organized the planting of flower barrels (bought by the VCA and tended by local businesses) that line the Main Street . Jen Bennett, Al Parkin and Doug McIntyre lent their backs and their green thumbs to that project. Louise Day once again planted the lovely display at the cenotaph in McMullen Park , and rumour has it that someone in her household waters them. The floral display at the post office is particularly beautiful this year. Kornerstone Kastle’s Steve Johnson won the Canada Post tender to create that. Thanks also to whoever keeps a rein on the huge planting in front of Prince Charles P.S. It’s an enormous task to hold back the weeds and keep the sides mown. Dave & Angie Gard have created a gem of a meditation park behind their place which is used by passersby.

I’ve noticed that it only takes a few places with flower displays to start a snowball of others in the village, and what a difference it makes to our sense of who we are!

Inie Platenius[ back to top ]Re: Pine Lake

While my heart truly grieves for the cutting down of mature trees on a quiet lake, I suspect there is a lot more going on at Pine Lake than what meets the eye.

While we may feel deeply offended that white man’s protocol may not have been followed, we must also admit that the legal system itself is not free of guilt.

The North American Aboriginals do not deserve to be kept in a defensive position where they must continually be required to fight for the honor and dignity which is already rightfully theirs as forefathers of this country.

- Peter Thomas Rivera[ back to top ]Submission to Central Frontenac Council Re Permitting ATVs on Township Roads

The June 29th issue of the Frontenac News reported on the discussion at the previous council meeting about a possible bylaw permitting the use of ATVs on Township roads. This discussion was initiated by the Frontenac ATV Club. I am concerned that because the club is an organized group, it, and its members, will be the main source of opinion before council.

Summary of my views: ATVs do not belong on public roads.

ATVs on public roads are in competition for the right-of-way with much larger vehicles.

ATVs do not have the many safety features built into, and required in, passenger and commercial vehicles. ATV riders are therefore much more vulnerable to injury than passengers in other types of vehicles.

Then add in the behaviour of some ATV riders that I have observed over the years: no helmets, with children as passengers without helmets, travelling faster than the vehicle/road features support, driving (e.g., in the middle) as if the road was a private driveway.

Then add in the nature of some of the roads in Central Frontenac: gravel roads that are much less than two lanes wide (and certainly, no shoulders), with blind hills and corners reducing visibility of oncoming traffic, soft dirt surfaces that are torn up by ATVs.

Finally, there’s the legal/enforcement element: the OPP are not able to deal now with ATV activity which is clearly illegal, so why would enforcement be better when a bylaw allows ATV use of public roads and it’s a less clear issue of legal vs. illegal? It doesn’t make sense.

ATV use of public roads is a public safety matter and any decision should be based on a wide consultation of taxpayers, not on the biased view of an interest group. Council should allow sufficient time for public input before it is prepared to make an informed decision.

Response to the ATV Club’s views as reported in the Frontenac News

1. Statement: Patricia Dawson, the ATV Club’s secretary, pointed out that other townships permit certain kinds of ATVs driven by people with G2 or M2 licences.

Response: Because one municipality does something, does not mean we should. We should consider our own unique circumstances, as well as the health and safety of all our residents and visitors.

2. Statement about the successful implementation of a bylaw in South Frontenac - the ATV Club representative said that the bylaw improved the situation because “Instead of ATVs riding illegally on township roads, they are riding according to safety regulations that can be enforced,”

Response: “can be enforced” does not automatically mean “will be enforced”.

3. Statement about the issue of driving ATVs on gravel roads, Pat Dawson says that ATVs are expected to ride on the far right - on the shoulder if there is one, or on the road where necessary.’

Response: Similar to point #2, “are expected to ride on the far right” does not mean “will” do so.

4. Patricia Dawson cautioned council that they consider the will of the majority when they think about whether to pass an ATV bylaw. “Most of the people who live in your township year round and shop in the stores and volunteer in the fire departments are in favour of this,” she said, “you might want to consider their interests over those of a minority who might oppose it.”

Response: First, where is the proof that the majority are in favour? Second, just because a majority approve of something that might be harmful to people does not mean that responsible elected officials should embed it in the law.

- Gail Burgess [ back to top ]Negotiator weighs in on AAFNA actions

Several weeks ago Mr. Robert Potts, Chief Negotiator and Legal Counsel for the Algonquins of Golden Lake Land Claim issued a media statement in response to the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation’s initiative of building a Cultural Centre and Pow Wow grounds on Algonquin land near Ardoch , Ontario . While Mr. Potts concedes that Algonquins have the unilateral right to develop land in their homeland he suggests that the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation has chosen the wrong time to do so. He also attempts to portray the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation as “some persons who have chosen not to participate” in the ongoing Algonquin land claim. While Mr. Potts’ statement is half true (Algonquin people and their communities have an unquestionable legal right to develop land as they choose) he once again undermines the legitimacy of the Algonquin claim by supporting a process that is flawed and inequitable.

Mr. Potts has cobbled together a coalition of individuals and the Band Council of Pikwan in an effort save a failed process. At best the representation of so called “non-status” ANRs is questionable in that they have no other political responsibilities to their communities than going to negotiation meetings and collecting their per diem. The so called representative of “Ardoch” was never elected and his constituency consists of a mailing list stolen from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and names borrowed from other ANRs. This representative and Mr. Potts have been challenged publicly on numerous occasions to resolve this issue with the legitimate Ardoch Algonquin First Nation but they both have refused.

“Wrong time”? One begins to wonder when the right time will be to find the truth. The present Algonquin negotiation team consists of six Band councillors from the Pikwan community and one representative from some of the other historical Algonquin communities. Some Algonquin communities have been ignored altogether. Why does this inequality exist? In reality Band Council is a federal incorporation under the Indian Act; in reality one branch of the federal government is negotiating with another branch for Algonquin land. The Indian Act does not support the rights and title of Aboriginal people in Canada . In fact, it has undermined and hobbled the self-determination of Indian people for the last 130 years.

“Wrong time”? Let’s get rid of the Indian Act first in law and in our own minds before we negotiate with a government that still wields the instrument of oppression.

The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation was one of the first historical Algonquin communities engaged by Pikwan 16 years ago at the beginning of their land claim. Band Council was told by Canada that they needed full participation (total extinguishment) before a final deal could be reached. After careful study and through experience the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation has determined that it is not in the best interest of their 700 plus members to take part in this claim. We do need a Cultural Centre and a gathering place for ceremony and Pow Wow?

This is the right time for our community to move forward.

- Robert LovelaceCommunications Team LeaderArdoch Algonquin First Nation[ back to top ]

Incredible Jenna Lambert

Jenna Lambert certainly is an incredible young woman.Proper acknowledgement should also be given to Jenna's coach, Vicki Keith.The raw passion of this amazing young lady was honed by Vicki.She counseled Jenna regarding this challenge, the required endurance, and the intense media engagement that would follow Jenna's unquestionable landing at Ontario Park . Jenna's effort surpasses all published descriptions.This young woman gives us hope, and she is a formidable athlete in her own deserved right. She demonstrates not only incredible physical strength, but she possesses something she will never lose in the water, in life, or on land: an absolute beautiful zest for life.In today's world, this is something most able-bodied adults either never attained, or somehow lost along the way.Jenna Lambert is already a much more beautiful and confident person than most of us ever hope to be. You will notice I have never mentioned disability, neither did Jenna.. "quitting was never an option." - Ian Fanning[ back to top ]

Request for CF Township Support for Road Maintenance

The Blue Heron Ridge Road Association welcomes this opportunity to clarify and supplement the information in the article "Private road residents open up dialogue with CF township", The Frontenac News, July 27, 2006.

John DuChene, Guenter Nitsche and Michael Wise approached Central Frontenac Council, at its July 25, 2006 meeting, on behalf of our members, the owners of the 76 properties accessed using Blue Heron Ridge and Thrush Trail, to request that council enter into discussions regarding the township contributing to the maintenance of those roads.

Both Blue Heron Ridge and Thrush Trail are public roads, as shown in Judge's Plan 1608 and Plan of Subdivision 1751, they are not private roads. They differ from most public roads in Central Frontenac in that they are maintained by the local property owners rather than the township. They are similar in that they are owned by the township, the township has jurisdiction over them, they are freely available for public use and the local property owners can neither limit nor control their use. Private roads, on the other hand, are owned by individuals or corporations, are not subject to the same government controls and are not freely available for public use. Given the differences between public and private roads, we do not believe it to be appropriate to include the latter in our request.

We knew when we purchased our properties that the township is under no obligation to maintain Blue Heron Ridge and Thrush Trail. However, economic conditions have changed and expectations have evolved. Equity and fairness are the bases of our request for township support. We are not the only persons to benefit from the development that has taken place along these roads. Our fellow township residents enjoy, with us, the improvements in services funded by the resulting increases in tax revenues and our township businesses benefit from an expanded customer base. We are, however, the only persons paying to maintain them. This is in addition to our contributing, along with all other property owners, to township operations through municipal taxes. We are, in effect, being levied a "surtax".

We are not asking that the township cover the full cost of maintaining Blue Heron Ridge and Thrush Trail. Nor are we asking that the township roads department assume the additional burden of undertaking this work. We ask only that other Central Frontenac tax payers now share with us in the cost of maintaining these two public roads that are benefiting us all.

Wemade our request to council as property owners living on public roads. We know that several matters pertaining to private roads are currently under consideration by council; however, we see these as being distinct from our request. To make progress on all matters, the distinction should be maintained.

We cannot take credit for preparing the Report on Private Lanes. It was prepared by township staff and presented to council by Heather Fox as part of her Report to Council.

We appreciate the reception given us by council and their undertaking to consider entering into a dialog on this matter. There are, understandably, a number of issues council wishes to look into before discussions can proceed, and we need time to obtain the information requested by the mayor. We will follow up with council in a few weeks. - The Blue Heron Ridge Road Association.[ back to top ]

Re: Development after… and before

I have just read your article, “Private road residents open up dialogue with CF township” in this week’s “News” and would like to point out an error that occurred in a similar article, “Development after …and before” which appeared in the June 29th issue of The Frontenac News.

There is a significant difference between the Blue Heron Ridge road in Central Frontenac, a private road and Sunday Lake Drive in North Frontenac. Sunday Lake Drive is NOT a private road as was stated in your article but, rather, it is a North Frontenac Township road that is not maintained by the township. Councilor Dave Smith was either misquoted in the article or didn’t realize what he said when referring to, “….. our concerns about developments on private roads.”

The Sunday Lake Property Owners’ Association president was only asking for financial assistance to maintain a township road that has seen a large increase in traffic after the township put in the new boat launch. This increased traffic has resulted in higher maintenance costs for the residents and the association has felt it necessary to purchase insurance for the road.

Jim Beam, Sunday Lake [ back to top ]

Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke Township had history and pride

Drummond/North Elmsley Township has some prominent new township entrance signs. Five stars to Drummond North Elmsley for showing pride in heritage and keeping the old township names.

One sign is just outside Perth on Highway 511. On the opposite side of the road is .

Bathurst Township , now part of the amalgamated township currently called Tay Valley Township , (TVT) or Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke (BBS) before name change.

Bathurst and Drummond were founded by soldiers and settlers arriving at Perth in the early 1800's. The concession roads run the same direction. Balderson is located at the junction of the 8th line Bathurst , the 8th line Drummond and the Lanark Road . Farmers from both townships participated in making the Mammoth Cheese of 1893.

Driving to Balderson from Perth the traveller is greeted by another sign.- "Welcome to the

Mississippi Valley ". Balderson is in the Mississippi Valley . So too are Harper, Fallbrook, and Playfairville. By Highway #7 from the west, travellers enter TVT along the shore of Silver Lake . They can stop at a provincial park or at Maberly on the Fall River . Both are in the Mississippi watershed. In the south in Burgess is Murphy’s Point Provincial Park on Big Rideau Lake .

TVT has new township/tourism signage (grant money) with name, logo, and words "Support

Local Business". To me the message is mixed. I believe in supporting local business, but I do not support the current township name and this branding. There is a lot more to a community name than promoting tourism. The old townships have almost 200 years of community and family history and pride. BBS was a compromise to respect the old townships when amalgamation swept Ontario . BBS is a big name for a big, beautiful and diverse area. There is no pride in the high-handed manner in which the TVT name was adopted by the previous council. Branding does not make the name issue go away.

Yes, "Welcome to Bathurst " - "Welcome to Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke".

Catherine McCann[ back to top ]

Re:Permitting ATVs on CentralFrontenac Townshiproads I would like to provide my comments in respect of the Central Frontenac proposal to allow ATVs on township roads and to rebut the opinions about ATVs and ATVers offered by Gail Burgess.

Foremost, I think permitting ATVs to use township roads would be a benefit to tourism. Presently, townships north,south and west of Central Frontenac allow such use and I would suggest tourism in these areas has benefited substantially.One only has to look at the number of ATVs on trailers traveling north on Hwy 41 to confirm this suggestion.I believe the Town of Madoc also promotes itself on the ATV Ontario website as a tourist destination for ATVs.If council permits theuse of Central Frontenac roads but restricts ATVs from accessing Hwy 38 and the Village of Sharbot Lake, then effectively council cuts the Eastern Ontario Trail in two (as it passes through town) and the ATVers I saw staying at the hotel in town would be in violation of the law as they have to pass through town and travel a short distance on Hwy 38 to access the hotel(I recently saw 8-10 ATVs parked in front of thehotel for what I can only presume was an overnight stay).

I would suggest that Gail Burgess allow some credit to the responsibility of ATV riders and their respect for the law.I certainly agree that ATVs will compete with vehicles for the right-of-way with larger vehicles.Thishappens today when two vehicles meet; however,I fail to see how the ATV will be any different.I also agree that ATVs don't have many built in safety features.Neither do motorcycles, yet they are not restricted from any road access. Not wearing helmets is a responsibility issue similar to thewearing of seat belts.I believe enforcement statisticsindicate that in many provinces/areas, 10% or moreof the drivers of cars and trucks still refuse towear seatbelts or fail todo so all the time.Using Gail Burgess' argument against ATVs because some riders don't wear helmets is synonymous withprohibiting private vehicles from using thesesame roads because some drivers don't wearseatbelts or drive too fast. Again, using her same argument for enforcement, this prohibition against vehicles should be put in place immediately because we cannot expect police to be always available to do trafficenforcement, nor should we.

Owner responsibility should not be confusedwith safety.The majority of ATV riders, like car drivers, areresponsible- they wear helmets and visible clothing (traffic vests) and they respect the law.There are also those that break the law (fail to wear helmets / drive too fast) similar to manycar drivers. However, unlike car drivers,such irresponsiblebehavior usually results ininjury or death to the rider - not toinnocent pedestrians orpassengers,as isusually the case withirresponsible car or truck drivers.

Finally, in terms of noise, the majority of ATVs are stock and contain mufflers designed to eliminate high decibel noise.The majority of ATV riders don't modify their muffler systems. Most motorcyclists or car/truck owners don't modify their exhaust systems either.Noise from any vehicle is annoyingand that is part of traffic enforcement - not general prohibition against the vehicle itself.

It is time that municipalities gave respect to ATVs, their owners (many whom are your neighbours and friends) and the fact that the Government of Ontario has seen fit to pass laws allowing use of ATVs on provincial highways and roads in general. Municipalities should also consider thetourismbenefits that legalizing ATV use would provide. Brian Hilton[ back to top ]

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