Connected Communities Project Comes To South Frontenac

Mar 08, 2023

Last week, two groups of people met to discuss the upcoming launch of a pilot project in South Frontenac, at information gathering sessions used to determine what makes the Frontenacs, even though rural, a strong community. Those who were curious, headed over to the Grace Centre and listened to a brief presentation on the overlying ‘model’, and then groups broke out to smaller tables to begin brainstorming. In the mini-groups, discussions were had, and notes were taken by a few principal players, that had volunteered to work within the project, to continue building ‘connector’ momentum as they moved north of Kingston.

Connected Communities is “all about linking local people with local resources to help them stay healthier and longer in their own homes,” is how David Townsend, former Director at SFCSC, explained the concept when we spoke earlier in the week. “How do we connect better in the community, and how do we share the knowledge?” He is working with Kate Kristiansen on the project and they are aligning themselves with a model that has been used in Mendip, England and is showing signs of success. Emergency room visits dropped 17% on average within connected communities. Their model started in 2013 and this is what they quote:

“We look for opportunities and work alongside people to shine a light on the things that people want more of and want to share; and to help draw energy and creativity into areas where people want to get involved in finding their own solutions to things that are important to them. By being the glue and helping create connections we have shown the impact of a can-do model that is based on trust, kindness, creativity, and connections.”

Kate noted that “this is the first pilot project of its kind in all of Ontario. South Frontenac is going to be a blueprint for other communities. During the research gathering we are looking to uncover all the activities and connections that makes this a connected and spirited community”. 

As Florence (a lead coordinator) explained, their goal is to have a central database that is aligned with various other agencies so people can find out how to connect directly with a service that is required. The services will be at various government levels, but will also include grass-roots organizations, friends, and neighbours who offer a service or some type of support within an area. These ‘connectors’ are the main source of information that link residents to very localized people that can continue to support them and, hopefully, keep them living independent lives, longer.

Studies continue overseas and there has been some evidence that this type of program helps support people living happier, healthier lives within their communities and reducing visits for medical care, helping decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system. Doctors are returning to a more holistic approach to caregiving and see the person… what is making them sad, what is keeping them isolated, … and then prescribing accordingly, ‘look at finding local walking group for exercise’ etc…

Within the groups there were local business owners, volunteers, teachers, city employees, and residents, each offering up ideas on what makes Frontenac a great place to live. South Frontenac township has stepped up and begun the arduous process of merging the many databases with pieces of information from multiple sources, and it is hoping to house the information linked on their main page. Anyone would be able to click to the website and search for a needed service and also submit a suggestion for one, if it is missing. The plan is to launch a beta-test by the end of March, and then continue to fine-tune the content for ease of accessibility and search features.

Kate stated that “we may be rural and not see our neighbours as much, but we truly are a caring connected community”.

If you would like more information or would like to be a ‘connector’ you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..