North Frontenac wants full $337,500 from County for seniors housing

Craig Bakay | Oct 19, 2022

First, a bit of background.

In 2013, $337,500 was tentatively allocated to each of the four Townships in Frontenac County to be used for seniors housing. To date, only Frontenac Islands has followed through on such a plan. Central Frontenac has a tentative plan in place, but much of that hinges on the formation and operation of a Municipal Services Corporation. The corporation would make it more financially viable to create specialized water and septic services, to facilitate proposals of up to 100 units as opposed to five units.

North Frontenac has opted out of the formation of a Municipal Services Corporation.

When the County first offered the grants, it was stipulated that they would be forthcoming for bricks-and-mortar (ie buildings) only. North Frontenac Council had requested to use the money for aging-at-home programs.

When that request was rejected, North Frontenac went to considerable effort to build something, even putting out a request for proposals to build and operate a modest senior’s residence in Northbrook or Plevna. While there were some inquiries, no proposals were received.

Given this reality, Council held a special meeting on meeting Oct. 6 to discuss a notion of motion from Councillor Fred Fowler’s regarding the potential acquisition of the former Palmerston Motel property in Ompah for seniors housing.

North Frontenac Council not only decided against the Ompah property but also passed a resolution to request $100,000 of the seniors housing money from the County, suggesting the additional $237,500 left over be provided towards other seniors housing projects within the other three Townships, and not be used to subsidize the Municipal Services Corporation for Communal Services.

Between October 6, and the regularly scheduled North Frontenac Council meeting on November 14, council’s position changed. Giving back the $237,500 was no longer a supportable position.

So what changed between the Oct. 6 and 14 meetings?

For one, there was a rather raucous all-candidates meeting in Ompah Oct. 13 where a capacity crowd (at least 70 people) let their feelings be known.

“It was pretty clear that the residents wanted (to request the full $337,500 from Frontenac County),” said Mayor Ron Higgins.

“I sent a report to the County and Gerry (Martin, North’s second County Council member) and I will make the case at the next County Council meeting (Oct. 19).”

“Some people think it’s the staff making the decisions but it isn’t — it’s the politicians,” said Coun. John Inglis. “And the way to get through to politicians is persuasion and lobbying.”

“I think the piece in the Frontenac News had a lot to do with interest in that meeting,” said Coun. Wayne Good.

Council passed a motion to request the full $337,500 from the County.

Doctor Shortage

“We desperately need a new doctor at the Northbrook Clinic,” Dep. Mayor Gerry Martin said, during the Council portfolios section of the meeting. “We’re (North Frontenac) putting in $20,000 to help recruit one as is Addington Highlands.

“There’s a waiting list of 700 people waiting to become regular patients.”

Martin said each of the three doctors has a patient list of more than 1,000 (1,200 is the recommended provincial maximum per doctor).

“And two of them want to retire.”

Martin said the clinic is looking at potentially hiring a couple more nurse practitioners to help pick up the slack.

“I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to certify foreign doctors,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer. “This wouldn’t be a problem if they’d just smarten up.”

“It’s Ontario Medical Association turf protection,” said Martin.

Quackenbush Road residents seek maintenance

A request for maintenance on Quackenbush Road led to a discussion of how the Township might approach such requests in the future.

“It’s only 2.5 kilometres being requested but it would still require a pretty significant investment,” said Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule.

“A lot of people are complaining about roads,” said Coun. Wayne Good. “Our tax base can’t afford to tack on any more roads.”

“I think we’re going to have to look at this with the next Council,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “With improved wifi, a lot more people are moving in.”