Feature Article - January 11, 2007

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Januay 11, 2007

Notes from Addington Highlands Councilby Jule Koch Brison -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Addington Highlands has notified the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) that council voted to reconsider the ban on Sunday gun hunting, but so far has not heard back from the MNR.

Council debated the forming of a planning advisory committee, which would bring recommendations to council about the Official Plan. Councilor Helen Yanch asked if a committee could be formed, say, two months from now. Reeve Henry Hogg replied that the committee could be formed whenever it was needed; however qualified people are needed to sit on it. Council decided to seek expressions of interest from the public (see ad on page 3).

The Denbigh Waste Site is an ongoing issue that is currently in the Ministry of the Environment’s court. The MoE has raised the possibility that the site could be expanded, and Township Clerk Jack Pauhl has talked to owners of the land surrounding the site. He said that while an application to expand the site would require an amendment to the Official Plan, in principle the surrounding landowners are prepared to sell.

“No snow” was the summary of Roads Supervisor Royce Rosenblath’s report to council. “Are we saving money?” asked Councilor Helen Yanch. “Well,” Rosenblath replied, “We still have to pay everybody, but yes, we’re saving some.”

He said the uncertainty as to when it might snow makes it difficult to proceed with other jobs. They will put some gravel in potholes, but not a lot, as if it snows it will be plowed out again.

- Rosenblath has contacted an engineering firm to get a quote on repairing a bridge on the Hartsmere Road. The township will be submitting a request for funds to repair the bridge to the new Rural Infrastructure program.

- Confusion over sidewalk maintenance in Northbrook has been cleared up somewhat. The sidewalks are in fact owned by the MTO, not the township, and if problems develop with people piling snow onto the sidewalks, the MTO will contact them. Council will try to obtain an agreement in writing from MTO for snow removal

Building Inspector Wayne Kivell reported that 198 building permits were taken out in 2006.

Articles from December '06

Habitat fo

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage Festival It's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage Festival It's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

r humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Back toHome

Januay 11, 2007

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

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

Zoning By-law Amendment Questioned

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

2007 Recreation Guide

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

Kubota Tractor

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

Sydenham Road

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

Building Department

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

Sydenham Water

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

Property Standards By-law

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

Chain of Office: 6:1

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

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Back toHome

Januay 11, 2007

MNR must explain pits and quarry legislation, CF Council saysby Jeff Green -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A letter from an engineering firm asking Central Frontenac to forward the names of quarry owners sparked a discussion at the first Central Frontenac Council meeting of the year.

Councillor Bob Harvey recalled, for the benefit of newly elected councillors, that “we were able to stay out of the pits and quarries act 15 years ago, but now it looks like it is being brought in.”

The Aggregate Resources Act, which regulates gravel pits and rock quarries, is being extended to include all the townships in Southern Ontario that were until now excluded.

In a letter to quarry operators dated November 1st, Brian Messerschmidt of the Ministry of Natural Resources advised that “the Ontario government is strengthening the protection of the environment by designating additional private lands in southern, central and northern Ontario under the ARA [Aggregate Resources Act] and by increasing fees to support enhanced rehabilitation, compliance and enforcement.”

Until now, aggregate sites (i.e gravel pits) within Central and North Frontenac and AddingtonHighlands, for example, have not been subject to regulation, whereas pits in South Frontenac, all of LanarkCounty, and parts of Stone Mills township, have been subject to regulation.

Of particular concern to members of Central Frontenac Council is the impact of this on operators of small pits, who may be required to undertake expensive engineering studies, fencing, and site rehabilitation in order to maintain their pits.

Owners of existing pits are required to register with the MNR by the end of June in order for their pits to be grandfathered into the new regime. Otherwise, they will face even more expensive requirements should they try to establish themselves as new pits later on.

Councillor John Purdon conducted some research into the situation before the council meeting. He reported that the specific rules have not yet been set out by the MNR, but “I contacted Tracy Zander, the Engineer from McIntosh Perry who wrote to us, and she said she expects it could cost between $2,000 and $3,000 for required site sketches and other information for rehabilitation for each pit.”

Councillor Jeff Matson, who works in construction himself and uses five different pits, pointed out that, “This could have a big effect on all of the road construction companies in North and Central Frontenac, and even the small landscape businesses. If it means that small pits have to close, it will mean material will have to be trucked further and costs will go up.”

Although the Aggregate Resources Act has been extended to include local townships as of January 1st, the way it will be implemented has not been revealed.

“We are waiting for the MNR to let us know what will be required for different-sized pits,” said Councillor John Purdon, who proposed a motion that council request MNR representation at a public meeting to go over the regulations.

A table outlining some of the costs was released on November 1st, and in late November John Ibey, the public works manager for North Frontenac, brought the issue forward to that council.

At the time Ibey said that it looks like small pit operators will have to pay about $400 each year to be registered, and may not face other costs for several years, if ever, since the MNR will likely be more interested in inspecting larger operations.

Because pits are not regulated, no one knows exactly how many there are in North and Central Frontenac and Addington Highlands, but there are likely dozens or more. “If this means it will cost about $400 per year to register a pit and pay royalties, then it won’t be a problem, but if it starts costing construction companies around here $20,000 to bring all of the pits they use up to new standards, do fencing, and berming so the pits can’t be seen from the roads, then I don’t think it will happen because how can anyone get that money back?” Jeff Matson said to the News.

Central Frontenac Council decided to lobby the province to either push back the June 30th deadline for registering or alter the regulation. They will also seek a public meeting with the MNR as soon as further information is forthcoming from the MNR.

Other items from Central Frontenac Council

Police budget estimates

The township received an estimate of policing costs that it will be charged by the OPP for services in 2007. The township will be charged just under $900,000 ($891,534) in 2007, up in excess of $50,000 from 2006.

Council will be able to question the OPP about this when they bring their next report on activities to Council.

RideauValley wants more

The preliminary budget for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) was outlined in correspondence from General Manager Dell Hallet. Although the total budget for the RVCA is over $3.5 million, Central Frontenac’s share of the costs is $7,131.35. Still, that is an increase of 13.3% over 2006, and although Rideau Valley Staff have been instructed to trim the budget by 2%, a double digit increase is envisioned again this year.

Council instructed John Purdon, their new representative to the RVCA Board, to see if it is possible to cut the budget further.

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Back toHome

Januay 11, 2007

Letters page

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Re - Sunday Hunting

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to the new council of Addington Highlands for voting to allow the Sunday gun hunt in our township.

The majority vote shows some forward thinking onthe Addington Highlands Council, as all the surrounding townshipsalso have Sunday gun hunting. This will make it less confusing for hunters, andwill provideeconomic benefits.

WhenI ran (unsuccessfully)for councillor in Ward 2 in the last election, this was one of my objectives, soI am glad this will be implemented. I am looking forward to working withthe new Addington Highlands Council.

- Larry Pealow

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Re: Condition of Zealand Road

My husband and I came home after lunch on Sunday, December 24 to discover that the Willis Armstrong Road had been graded. What a surprise! We thought the township had taken pity and had given us a late present, but on a Sunday?!Shortly after we got home we found out it was our neighbour, Art Teal, who had used his tractor and blade to grade the road. It had been absolutely atrocious for weeks and weeks without a sign of the township machinery.Now, things are getting pretty bad when we have to take things into our own hands. I do believe that all of us back here pay our taxes on time. Several calls and personal visits have been made to those in charge but they have all fallen on deaf ears. Although we were promised it would be looked after, it wasn’t. Art felt something had to be done or our cars would have to go for repairs from falling into sink holes or driving almost in the ditches to try to miss the worse spots. Impossible to do.So the day before Christmas he took two hours out of his already busy day to fix this road for at least two miles. In some cases gravel had to be brought in to fill in the especially bad holes. On Christmas Day he and Frank White, another neighbour, used two tractors to try to repair a terrible 40 feet of potholes near David Armstrong’s home on the Zealand Road. Will these heroes be compensated for time, fuel and tractor use? I think not!It’s not as though no one lives on this road: we have folks who work in factories, the library in Sharbot Lake, Bell telephone, Red Cross Homemakers, Community Living, the Seniors Home and the Royal Bank in Sharbot Lake (Sandra White is the bank manager!) Even the superintendent of road maintenance lives on the Zealand Road, so surely he is aware of the horrible state of affairs, unless he drives in only by Maberly and up Highway 7 to miss the mess.So those of us who live here and have to drive these usually pleasant and scenic roads would like to thank Art and Frank for taking the time on the holidays to save us from hefty car repairs. Will this be the normal thing around here? We certainly hope not but we’ll wait and see! Thanks again for a job well done.

- Jean Lewis

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A message from the Fire Prevention Officer of NorthFrontenacTownship

Happy New Year to everyone in 2007! With the weather being very mild and sunny, some of you are planning on cleaning brush, leaves and debrison your properties.

Please be aware that on January 4 North FrontenacTownship Fire Department responded to a brush fire which burnt approximately two acres of land due to windy conditions.

Just a reminder to all who plan on burning: Please keep your firesto a reasonableand safe sizeand watch for weather conditions that can change at any time.

Have a safe 2007.

- Norman Mills, Fire Prevention Officer

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Re - Electoral reform

I am encouraged and hopeful for a future government that will be both responsive and responsible (Zannah Matson's report Dec. 7th).

However, that is then and this is now. Canada's previous and present political leaders are primarily concerned with retaining the power assigned to them by the one-third of the electors that go to the polls and vote for them. That explains their pre-occupation with trivial non-issues and vague promises to consider formally praising whatever happened under their administration, or might happen if you nodded your head forward on hearing or reading their "top" policies. Easy examples are "Supporting Seniors" (by continuing taxes on OAS and CPP?); "Enforcing the Laws" (did anyone notice that crime rates are down?); "Restoring Marriage" (What happened, anyway -- did the idea fall off a shelf?) and "Fulfilling a Military Mission" (one that has yet to be explained beyond following the dictates of the CIA and Pentagon and diverting billions of tax dollars to the war-making industry where our defence minister maintains his allegiance).

Well now - can we find even more pressing issues? I think so.

1) The loss of jobs at Harrowsmith and Gananoque.

2) The restoration of funding for healthcare and daycare and native peoples' care.

3) The overdue expansion of educational activities for the oncoming generation.

4) The planned contamination at the Richmond twp landfill.

5) The planned contamination (air, land and water) at the Bath cement plant.

6) The overwhelming infrastructure deficit - roads, bridges, highways, water supply, sewage treatment and garbage disposal.

During last winter's election campaign, I failed to hear any concern about any of these six issues -- from either of the front-running candidates. It's only 12 months later, but I recall the word 'Accountability' being emphasized again and again. When I notice that we have a not-elected Minister of Public Works, an ex-lobbyist as immediate Minister of Defence, a previous 'point man' from another party trying to help the USA, bankers and corporate leaders sweep away our rights, freedoms and sovereignty permanently, and a Minister of Finance that refuses to use the Bank of Canada to fund our public goods and services, I wonder whether the word 'accountability' has some entirely different meaning -- once you are in public office.

- Jerry Ackerman

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Where have all our politicians gone?

On November 14, I sent communications to MPP Leona Dombrowsky, MP Scott Reid, and the Frontenac News expressing my concern regarding the impending closure of FEWR (Frontenac Electronic Waste Recycling) in SharbotLake at the end of December. Although Ms Dombrowsky wrote a response of sorts through the News, indicating that the matter was a federal concern, I have received no direct reply from either Leona or Mr. Reid. On December 8 the same issue was presented to Premier Dalton McGuinty on the CTV (Ottawa) noon news. On December 11, thanks to the investigative research of news editor Paul Brent, the FEWR facility was a news feature on CTV Ottawa on the evening news. Having received no response by Dec. 31, I continue to wait for a reply about the status of this facility from any of the above elected officials.

A further issue, unearthed through CTV news investigations and reporting, appears to be gas leaks onto private and business properties from abandoned gas station tanks in Plevna, SilverLake and Tichborne.

Where are our supposedly environmentally conscious politicians on this issue?

Elections are on the horizon both federally and provincially. I suggest that you press your candidates about local issues such as these and find out what they plan to do about them. Their first accountability should be to those citizens who elected them and to the communities and geographic region which they represent.

- Doug Boulter

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Back toHome

Januay 11, 2007 McDonalds Corners Re-users celebrate their first yearby Ankaret Dean ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To celebrate their first year of staffing and organizing the re-use trailer at the McDonalds Corners landfill site, the volunteer group of ReUsers held a potluck lunch at the MERA Schoolhouse between Christmas and New Year’s. It was during this time in 2006 that they took over the Re-use centre and completely re-organized the trailer.Of the original founding 17 members, 13 were able to come, as well as several more who have joined since that time. As an indication of ‘practising what they preach’ several re-users arrived in re-use apparel, from silly hats to sequined tops and stylish outfits. Stories were told and even melodic sounds were played on a re-use guitar.The highlight of the afternoon came when Cheryl Nash from Eco-Perth arrived to give the group a cheque for $500, to acknowledge their ‘green’ nature, and to assist in the erection of a new building.

Chris Anstead and Lynne Parks spearhead the group, and during the year have approached the township council to consider a new building more suitable for the re-use activity. The successful operation of the re-use centre has prompted council to rethink their original idea of closing McDonalds Corners’ centre, particularly now that the other re-use centres have been closed.

The existing trailer faces north, is extremely cold in the winter and very mouldy in the summer; also there is no outside shelter for large pieces such as furniture, appliances, and garden equipment. Plans have been submitted and volunteers are ready to assist with the building in the spring, subject to council’s budget cycle.The success of this kind of volunteer activity is entirely dependant on the good will of the community. The ‘free store’, a.k.a. ‘McDonalds Corners Boutique’ is becoming a local attraction, even an inspiration for a local song writer, and also a gathering place for all who come and go to the dump. Anyone interested in joining this ‘green’ activity, please phone Chris Anstead at 613-268-2008, or Lynne Parks at 613-279-2739.

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Back toHome

Januay 11, 2007

John Duchene to fill in for Heather Foxby Jeff Green -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The incoming Central Frontenac Council received word at their first meeting that Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Heather Fox needs to take a leave of absence due to illness.

Council decided that the CAO role is too important to leave the post vacant for any length of time, according to Mayor Janet Gutowski.

“Council authorised the Mayor and the Deputy Clerk, Cathy MacMunn, to explore options. We decided that it would be unwise to have another staff member take over, because they are all so busy, and began looking for a temporary replacement,” she said

It turned out that John Duchene, known locally as the artist whose drawings were used as fundraisers by the train museum committee and mural project, has significant municipal experience. He was approached and agreed to take on the CAO role on an interim basis.

“We were very fortunate to find someone,” Gutowski said.

John Duchene has resided on KennebecLake with his wife for the past ten years. He worked as Chief Administrative Officer for LanarkHighlandsTownship for 3 years, and was the manager of the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority until the summer of 2005. He resigned from that position partly because he did not want to be working so far from his home. Since then he has been doing some consulting work in the emergency planning field. This past fall, he taught a course in emergency planning at FlemingCollege in Peterborough. He had already decided not to teach at Fleming this spring when he received a call from the township, again citing distance issues.

“It works out for me to be taking this job on at this time,” he told the News, “which I see as a caretaker role. I’m not looking for long-term work.”

Central Frontenac Council met in emergency session just after the New Year to discuss the hiring, which was confirmed at council’s regular meeting this past Monday night in Mountain Grove.

John Duchene started working for the township on January 5.

Articles from December '06

Habitat for humanity

Crow Lake School house receives Council support

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

Ompah Helipad

Pine Lake tops busy North Frontenac Agenda

Oops: repairs damage library, cause temporary closing

Slow Food advocates bring their message from Truin to Sydenham

Direct Democracy: Editorial

A new look for South Frontenac Council

CD release for Fank Morrison

Ron Maguire assumes Frontenac County Warden's role

Letters

Feature Article - February 22, 2007

Back toHome

Feature Article - February 22, 2007

Maguire and AAFNA

by Jeff Green

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire has been walking a fine line in trying to facilitate a memorandum of understanding between the Ardoch Algonquins (AAFNA), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the township.

Council passed a resolution in July giving Maguire the authority to communicate on the township’s behalf with all parties. During the election campaign last fall, Maguire advocated the “recognition and appreciation by the broader community of the unique culture, interests and claims of the Algonquin First Nations and Allies.” With this forming part of his platform, he was re-elected against two other candidates.

After the election, the idea of a “working agreement” among the three parties was developed, and this was later changed to a “memorandum of understanding”.

There have been pitfalls along the way, and Maguire has found himself in the middle of some heated exchanges between AAFNA and the MNR.

One group has been left out of this process, however: the property owners on Pine Lake . They have repeatedly expressed concerns about what is going on. Unlike Mayor Maguire, the Pine Lake Cottagers’ Association does not trust either AAFNA or the MNR.

It is this group, as well as other North Frontenac residents who don’t like the way this matter is progressing, who were in effect being represented by Councillor Wayne Cole when he addressed council last week.

Cole’s main point was that Pine Lake should not be a township matter. He thinks the senior levels of government are avoiding this issue and should be addressing it directly, and he proposed a motion whereby a meeting be sought with senior levels of government on the Pine Lake matter. This motion was passed, and in fact the meeting he was requesting is now being planned for early March.

The heated debate that took place two weeks ago between Maguire and Cole stemmed from the fact that Mayor Maguire saw Cole’s motion as contrary to his approach to Pine Lake . But as cooler heads prevail in the aftermath of the debate, it becomes clear that the motion did not go so far as to preclude the process that is underway between Maguire, AAFNA and the MNR. It casts some doubt as to whether council would agree to a memorandum of understanding should one be presented to them, but that is all. The initial resolution from July still stands; Maguire is still operating with the authority of council.

What has happened, however, is that a bit more of the bitterness that pervades this issue from all sides has come out in public.

AAFNA members claim that they have the right to do what they are doing, and feel they have been and will continue to be good stewards of the land. They bristle at any suggestion that they would act otherwise, pointing out, for example, how much sediment flows into Pine Lake and other lakes as the result of the way the MNR boat launches have been constructed

The Pine Lake residents, and others living on the surrounding land, have said repeatedly what Wayne Cole said in council. It’s a refrain I’ve also often heard since last July: “What would the MNR do if I started building something on Crown land? What would the township do if I started building on municipal land? What would the township do if I started building on my own land without taking out a building permit?”

The difference between Algonquin descendents and the rest of the people who live in the region stems from the fact that Algonquins have a recognised aboriginal claim to the land. The governments of Canada and Ontario have acknowledged that the Algonquin lands were never signed over and they agreed to begin negotiating a land claim agreement for that very reason.

Given the legal legitimacy of the Algonquin claim, the question that is left is whether AAFNA, as a First Nations entity, are legitimate holders of that claim. This has been an internal issue among Algonquin descendents in the region for several years. But, as far as the Township of North Frontenac is concerned, AAFNA has been recognised as the Algonquin representatives in the township for more than a decade. So, if AAFNA does not carry Algonquin rights at Pine Lake , who does? And what becomes of the Land Claims process if the government formally acknowledges AAFNA’s aboriginal rights at Pine Lake ?

These are the issues that only the MNR can address.

It is easy to see why the MNR is taking its time deciding how to handle this, because there are a great many issues at hand, including the Algonquin Land Claim, which AAFNA has rejected.

Central to what AAFNA is doing is an attempt to win the hearts and minds of all people of Algonquin descent in the region. AAFNA is trying to demonstrate to them that there is no need to wait for a land claim to assert their aboriginal rights and begin to rebuild their culture - that the value they retain by not signing a treaty outweighs what would be gained by pursuing a land claim at this time.

Most local Algonquins will be concerned if Pine Lake turns into a battle in the courts, or worse, another physical confrontation between native and non-native people.

This gives AAFNA every reason to seek an accommodation with the province and the township. However, in order for this matter to be resolved, the gulf between AAFNA and their neighbours must be bridged. This is something AAFNA must work on with their neighbours, and in doing so they can repay Ron Maguire for putting himself on the line on their behalf.

Other Stories this Week View RSS feed

Feature Article - February 22, 2007

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Feature Article - February 22, 2007

Study proposed on effects of climate change in Addington Highlandsby Jule Koch Brison

Robert McLeman, a professor of Geography from the University of Ottawa , came to council to seek support for a study he proposes to do on the economic, social and cultural impacts of climate change on communities in Addington Highlands. Professor McLeman is not seeking financial support from council, but he hopes for council’s assistance in publicizing the study. He said he chose AH for the study because he used to own a cabin on Sheldrake Lake and is familiar with the area, and also because small communities like AH often get overlooked in these types of studies.

The goal of the research project is to document how the unusually warm winter has affected the economy and well-being of the community, and McLeman is looking to speak with AH residents in April, after the winter is over, to determine how conditions affected them, whether positively or negatively. The study will produce a report that will be available for council to use. The federal government has allocated $1.5 billion to help communities adapt to climate change and McLeman said that communities that have done their homework would be in the best position to access the funding.

Councilor Helen Yanch asked Professor McLeman if he would look at past winters to determine what a typical AH winter was like, but he said that might be in the longer term right now he is looking to do a baseline study just on this winter. Yanch also asked if he had a list of the questions he is planning to pose to residents, and he replied that he was hoping to get input as to what those questions should be.

Other councilors then started to give some input on the effects of the warmer winter - Councilor Louise Scott said that trappers had to start much later than usual, and that the ice still isn’t safe, as it is only 12” thick compared to 30” last year. Councilor Eythel Grant mentioned the effect on the local economy of the lack of enough snow for snowmobiling, and Building Inspector Wayne Kivell said that contractors have lost a lot of time because they can’t get to building sites over the ice. He also said that all the rain last fall slowed building starts down a lot.

McLeman said that those comments were exactly the type of input he was seeking. Council will place a link on its website to the project’s website, and will also include an article on the study in their next newsletter. Professor McLeman can be contacted at 613-562-5800 x 1051; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Council has received two estimates to survey the Denbigh Waste Site: one from P.A. Miller Surveying and one from McDonald & Eberhart. Township Clerk Jack Pauhl said that the Miller quote was the better one, but council deferred a decision until the next meeting in hopes of pinning down the costs more exactly.

Roads Superintendent Royce Rosenblath will contact loggers to see if they would cut the large trees on the Hughes Landing Road in return for the lumber, so that planned work on the road can proceed more efficiently. Rosenblath said that having to cut the trees down had really slowed down work in the past.

Pine Meadow Nursing Home has requested that the township do ditching to deal with an ongoing problem of water in the parking lot in the summer. Royce Rosenblath said the work would be done when there is time.

Several councilors expressed concern about the cost of animal control for the township. Jack Pauhl said the costs were broken down on the invoices and he would make them available for councilors to look at.

Wayne Kivell told council that he has been working with the OPP for 2 years on the problem of methane labs and people growing pot. He said that mould becomes a health problem in such houses, and although he couldn’t divulge too many details, certain houses are flagged.

Other Stories this Week View RSS feed

Feature Article - February 22, 2007

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Feature Article - February 22, 2007

South Frontenac Council

by Wilma Kenny

Northern Allowance?

At council’s request, CAO Burns distributed a comparison of elected officials’ 2007 salaries in the Frontenacs:

Frontenac Islands Mayor: $5,320, councilors: $2,060

South Frontenac Mayor: $15,620, councilors: $9,372

Central Frontenac Mayor: $15,913, councilors: $11,140

North Frontenac Mayor: $19,000, councilors: $13,700

Another Small Step Toward the "A-Word"

South Frontenac Recreation Committee has begun the process of bringing together representatives from the district swim programs to see if there might be ways of working together to harmonize the three programs.

New Booklet from Land O’ Lakes Tourist Association

Terry Shea, Land O’ Lakes director, advised council that in addition to their popular visitor guide and area maps (70,000 distributed annually), this year they are also publishing a City Guide to Rural Adventures, targeted at tourists staying in hotels in the Kingston area. The goal is to encourage visitors to Kingston and the 401 corridor to stay longer, and explore some of the surrounding area.

Septic Re-inspection Program to Continue

Council approved awarding a contract to KFL&A Health Unit to undertake 200 to 300 septic inspections of shoreline properties on Knowlton and Bobs Lakes in 2007. They also approved investigating the possibility of requesting pump-outs of septic tanks whenever lakefront properties are sold.

New Role for CAO Burns

Council approved Gord Burns’ authorization to perform civil marriage ceremonies. Burns assured council that if any requests came forward, they would be honoured outside regular business hours, so there would be no direct costs to the township.

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

Central Frontenac council meets, and keeps meetingby Jeff Green

Central Frontenac Council met for almost four hours this past Monday night before going into closed session. Council had a heavy agenda to deal with, with three delegations, and a 30-minute presentation on site plan control from planner Glenn Tunnock.

CP trail revisited Councilor Frances Smith pointed out, for the benefit of the newly elected councilors, that several years ago council agreed to purchase the stretch of former CP rail line that runs across the township in an east west direction parallel to Highway 7. “We paid $35,000 for it, but opted out because of fencing costs we might be facing,” Smith told council.

Changes have recently been announced to the Ontario Line Fences Act which could make the trail viable again for the township. “I think we might consider opting back in. It won’t cost us anything because we’ve already paid the money,” Frances Smith suggested.

It was decided that staff will research the possibility of the township opting back into the CP trail, and will bring back a report next month.

Manco and recycling The township has a received a proposal for next year’s service from Manco, the recycling company that it has contracted with over the past few years. A letter was also received from Dennis Scott, expressing interest in providing hauling service.

The terms proposed by Manco, along with the information that there have been problems with missed pickups over the past year, led Councilor John Purdon to say “it might be time to look at other contractors”.

Staff was given direction to do so.

Public Works Manager on leave It was revealed that the public works manager has been on leave for unspecified reasons for the past month. Acting Clerk Administrator John Duchene said after the meeting that he is hoping to find out by the end of this week whether it will be a short term situation.

Demolition blues “Frankly, that building scares the pants off of me,” said the township’s chief building officer Ian Trickett in referring to the Oso Fire Hall, which should be vacated by the end of February as the new fire hall comes on stream. Trickett recommended that a tender be opened for demolition of the building, with a stipulation that the work be completed no later than May 1st.

Councilor Gary Smith wanted to know how it is that the fire hall was allowed to deteriorate to this point. “Who has the responsibility for looking at these buildings?” he asked.

“I think all of the buildings come under public works,” Trickett replied.

“Do we need a plan for regular inspection of our major buildings?” Smith asked.

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea,” responded Trickett.

Ian Trickett then said that he hopes that the demolition can be completed without damaging the large cistern that is buried underneath it.

“The fire department wants us to try to keep the cistern, which is quite large,” he said, “and I don’t see why that can’t happen.”

Mountain Grove fire hall Council received a short report from Fire Chief Mark MacDonald, which stated that he has net with Cornerstone Builders at the site of the proposed Mountain Grove hall, along with the deputy and assistant deputy chief from the Olden fire crew.

“Cornerstone expects to have a draft design and cost estimate completed in approximately two weeks” the report concludes.

Mayor Gutowski then reported that she visited the nearly completed Sharbot Lake fire hall late last week, which is being built by Cornerstone. “I was very impressed with the work that was done,” she said, “I have to commend our fire chief. When he took on the job of temporary fire chief he didn’t know that two fire halls would have to be built in less than a year. We really should recognise the work that he has done.”Septic confusion At council’s previous meeting, staff was instructed to obtain design and build quotations from area contractors for the septic systems at the two new fire halls.

John Duchene brought back a report saying that after consulting the chief building officer it was determined “that the design/build approach may cause variations in design and associated construction requirements that would make the selection process difficult.”

Duchene recommended that the engineering firm, McIntosh Perry be retained to provide septic system designs for a cost of $3,000 for each system.

Councillor Jeff Matson then handed over a set of plans for a septic system, saying, “I drew up these plans. You can have them for free. They will be acceptable to the health inspectors.”

Councillor Frances Smith then said “I think you are putting yourself into a bad position, Jeff.”

“I don’t think so,” Matson responded, “no tender has been issued, so I can’t be accused of any kind of conflict of interest.”

“That brings us back to where we started,” said Smith, “having contractors design the system, and then bid on it.”

“To me, if we can save $6,000, we should do it,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger.

“I think we have some time,” said acting CAO John Duchene. “I’d like to consult with the chief building officer and bring this back.”

The proposal to hire McIntosh Perry was deferred.

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