| Nov 28, 2018


Despite a rather lengthy agenda that included a public meeting on a unique proposal for a family recreational complex on Kashwakamak Lake, an afternoon information session/open house on the new Zoning Bylaw and recognition of long-serving employees, there wasn’t much actual business done at North Frontenac’s last regular Council meeting before the new Council takes over in December.

The proposed development on Kashwakamak prompted county Manager of Community Planning Megan Rueckwald to comment: “this is quite site specific.

“The Zoning Bylaw is not going to service every single property in North Frontenac.”

Rueckwald said they have received “a number” of letters and emails on the proposal.

“I know the Kash Association is against four or five families there because of potential congestion,” said Coun. Gerry Martin. “We didn’t even inform the lake association.”

“We have no requirement to tell the lake associations,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “It was advertised in the paper.”

The proposal is unique in that Debbie Rucker owns 101 acres on two lots. There are four grown children who would like to create a family lodge along with parents and small children, 11 family members in total.

Writing in the proposal for the family, Debbie Rucker said: “The property was initially purchased with the intention of eventually giving ownership to the current owners’ four adult children.

“Its purpose was to be a place where the family can come together, and the owners’ grandchildren have a place to grow up exploring and making memories.”

There was a pre-existing trailer on the property when purchased and they have also used two additional trailers and tents.

If approved, the plan would include four sleep cabins of varying designs, an outdoor kitchen, bathroom and shower facilities, fresh and grey water, a power/storage shed, a water tower, a garage and a main dwelling.

“Our next planning report will address the comments we’ve received,” said Rueckwald.

“Today, we’re just getting information,” said CAO Cheryl Robson. “We’re still receiving public input.”

“I guess I’m concerned about precedent here,” said Coun. John Inglis. “What prevents anybody from doing whatever they want?”

Recycling Blues
Mayor Ron Higgins expressed concern that the amount of recyclables were going down.

“A lot of it is around plastic,” said Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule. “There’s a shift in what packaging producers are sending us.”

“A lot of things are changing in the market so we’ll be bringing a report soon,” said CAO Cheryl Robson.

“Toronto is to be barred from shipping its waste to the U.S.,” said Coun. John Inglis.

“They’ll be turning their eyes eastward,” said Coun. Gerry Martin.

“We have the most capacity in the Frontenacs,” said Robson.

“And China isn’t taking as much plastic as they used to,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer.

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