South Frontenac Budget Requests: Medics and Mills

Jeff Green | Dec 21, 2022

Residents were invited to present budget ‘asks’ at this meeting.

Former Councillor John McDougall submitted a written request concerning the looming family doctor crisis in Verona and Sydenham, as well as Sharbot Lake.

“We are facing 3 pending retirements in 2-4 years from our team of 7 physicians. In 2 of our 3 clinics, we need at least one more doctor immediately to alleviate the stress of their patient quota. Sharbot Lake has 3000 patients, Verona 2600 and Sydenham 4000,” he wrote.

“My request is that Council consider, in its Strategic Planning and 2023 Budget deliberations, the establishment of a plan to provide a financial incentive to attract family doctors similar to the successful City of Kingston model. This might even be accomplished through a partnership with the County of Frontenac and the City of Kingston.”

He noted the success of the Verona Clinic, which was purchased ten years ago by the Township as an incentive to attract a family doctor.

Wilma Kenny spoke on behalf of the South Frontenac Museum Association:

“During Covid, the SF Museum Society has been working with the Township to reclaim two mill-site properties: Petworth and Bellrock,” she said. Both of them belong to the township, and have great potential as tourist attractions. Both are currently in derelict condition; unsafe for the public, and fenced off. Petworth has part of two stone walls standing: Bellrock is a very neglected wooden structure.”

An engineering firm was approached by the Township to do an engineering study on the mills. Due to lack of response, that contract was terminated and another company, more experienced with historic properties, has been contracted. Kyle Bolton has indicated he expects their response within the next few weeks.

“On behalf of the Museum, I am asking you to consider budgeting $60,000 toward the Museum Society for this coming year. That, along with whatever is left from last year’s $100,000 would go toward clean-up and salvage at the two mill sites this coming year. The community has been supportive: in the past two years, over $11,000 has been raised by the Mills subcommittee,” Kenny said

Mayor Vandewal said he continues to be frustrated that the township has owned the Petworth mill site for over ten years, and has still not made it safe for public use.