First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE)

Wilma Kenny | Dec 14, 2016

FICE is one of those low-tech, imaginative programs that can help communities gain a different perspective by seeing themselves through the eyes of first-time visitors. Coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), representatives from communities that are similar in population and economic drivers visit each other unannounced, and later report back on their first impressions. In this case, South Frontenac ( specifically Sydenham, Harrowsmith and Verona) was twinned with Highlands East (Wilberforce, Cardiff and Gooderham). Among other benefits, participation in FICE can help support funding applications for future community projects.

In reporting back to South Frontenac on behalf of his two co-visitors, Curtis Tigh drew smiles with his description of Harrowsmith as having “a very strange intersection”. They were impressed by all three communities’ cleanliness, beautiful buildings, parks and sense of community pride. They made special note of the use of historic photos in businesses such as Trousdales and The Point Restaurant.

The suggestions to Harrowsmith about improving their parking signs, “doing something with that intersection”, seeking new businesses to fit vacant storefronts and encouraging tourism through promotion of history and heritage fit well into the village’s recently launched community improvement program. The five biggest challenges facing South Frontenac were listed as; proximity to and dependence on Kingston, lack of accommodations and industry, need to attract youth and young families and need to develop greater unity between villages i.e; willingness to reach out to, and support neighbouring towns.

Shooting Range: a Federal Responsibility
Adam Rayner of Buck Bay Road, Godfrey, appealed to Council for help in resolving his issues with a neighbour’s shooting range. According to Rayner, he was aware of the gun range on the adjoining property when he bought his home two years ago. However, after reviewing the ‘Chief Firearms office rules for a licensed range’ he felt assured the range would not be allowed to continue for a number of reasons: the range was far closer to the property line than the required 200 metres; it was being used, but was not approved for, skeet shooting; and the required signage was not posted. The reply from the RCMP indicated the range had been reinspected and was in compliance with all requirements, and therefore fully approved. The Firearms Act has no process for a third party to challenge a decision made under the act: the RCMP recommended contacting the Municipality.

Planner Lindssay Mills confirmed that unless the shooting range is a commercial venture, the municipality has no by-laws (other than possibly the noise by-law) that would apply to this federally regulated use. CAO Wayne Orr said Council could choose to advocate by writing to the firearms officer.

Rayner raised the possibility that restricted weapons (‘semi-automatics’) might be in use on the range. He gave no indication of the orientation of the range, or frequency and times of use. Councilor Mask Schjerning said more background information was needed.

Mayor Vandewal said Council would discuss the problem with the RCMP.

Asset Management Plan
Treasurer Louise Fragnito presented an asset management plan update which will come before next week’s Council for adoption.

First developed in 2013 to meet Provincial requirements, the original plan is currently being integrated with a related software, Cartography. As this is further developed, it will give the Township a more efficient way to catalogue assets and provide