South Frontenac Committee of the Whole

Wilma Kenny | Mar 22, 2023

Frontenac Arch Biosphere Presentation

Julie Servant, Executive Director of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere (FAB) came to Council to provide information about the biosphere’s programs, and to ask for financial support from the Township.

Initiated by a nomination from the community, this region was designated by UNESCO as one of Canada’s 19 Biosphere Regions in 2002. The Frontenac Arch is the name given to an ancient ridge of granite that crosses the Saint Lawrence River as the Thousand Islands forming a corridor between the Canadian Shield and the Adirondack Mountains. 

Much of the topography of the biosphere reserve is rugged, consisting of steep, rocky slopes and ridges, typical of the Precambrian Shield. These alternate with moist forest or wetland valleys, interspersed with pockets of rich farmland. Five separate forest regions meet at the crossroads of the Frontenac Arch and the Saint Lawrence River, creating a rich ecosystem of plant, insect and animal species, renowned as the most biodiverse region in Canada. It has a long and rich cultural heritage.

The goal of FAB as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme is to improve relationships between people and their environments through conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity, encouraging environmentally sustainable economic development and providing research, monitoring, education and training.

Although the biosphere area covers parts of two Counties and 9 Municipalities, the majority of their children's’ nature camps, the youth climate action summit, forest school programs and hiking areas appear to be concentrated in the areas east of Gananoque.

A large portion of FAB’s financial support has been coming from grants, but grants usually require matching funds from the community. Because South Frontenac Township represents almost a quarter of the population of the biosphere, Ms Servant said they are asking the Township for a contribution of $22,900 this year.

Councillor Pegrum asked whether any of their programs generated revenue; “Only the nature camps,” was the reply.

Morey noted that the “ask’ was the equivalent of $1.25 per household in the Township. Mayor Vandewal told Ms Servant that the township’s budget is already set for this year, and they don’t like to fund operating costs, but “We have your ask, and will discuss it further.”

Public Services Department Quarterly Report

Mayor Vandewal thanked staff for this report: “This is the information we were asking for.” The report addressed Engineering and Capital projects, Operations and Fleet (snow clearing and plans for roadside mowing), Recreation and Facilities events.

Councillor Reports

Councillor Roberts said this had been one of the arena’s busiest seasons: “There are a lot of young families coming: the arena has been crazy busy. We do need to improve parking though.”

Deputy Mayor Sleeth reported that last Friday was the first ‘open mic’ at the new Storrington Centre: attendance was good, and attendees were very impressed by the building and the excellent acoustics.

Sleeth added that he travelled with the SFCS Meals on Wheels recently and recommended that all councillors should experience this program, and the dedication of the volunteers; “It was an eye opener.”