South Frontenac’s Evolving Strategic Plan

Wilma Kenny | Jul 12, 2023

For years, South Frontenac Township’s stationery has carried the phrase “Natural, Vibrant and Growing - a Progressive Rural Leader”. That may be about to change.

South Frontenac holds only one Council meeting a month during July and August, so what did Council members do on Monday July 10? They spent all day along with seven members of senior staff in the Community room working on the first steps of renewing their strategic plan for the next 3½ years, under the guidance of two consultants from StrategyCorp.

The day’s activity could best be described as brainstorming, building a base for further discussions. A list of strengths included affordability - taxes are low because of good financial oversight based on long term planning; an excellent natural environment, and a strong sense of community. We are located close to Kingston, yet maintain our separate identity as a rural community, offering residents a good work/life balance.

Concerns were many: an increasing difficulty recruiting volunteers for community events and fire and emergency services. The current website is difficult to wade through: “when you enter a question, you get a huge list of references, many of them irrelevant.” Newcomers don’t always understand what ‘rural living’ entails, especially how to cope with wells and septic systems. The Township phone directory “is long and tedious”.

Staff agreed that they are working to improve customer service delivery, but communication is a challenge. For example, the Township has created a computer app that reminds a person when their garbage day is, and what recyclables can be put out that week, but not all residents use computers.

Environmental issues are an increasing threat: “We don’t get credit for all the things we have done and are doing to address our carbon footprint.” (Councillor Roberts: “Several years ago, we passed Ross Sutherland’s motion to ban plastic water bottles from the Council table, and now look around!” Guilty glances.) “You can’t drive anywhere in a straight line” said Public Works Manager Kyle Bolton; “I don’t know whether that’s a strength or a weakness.”

Words like stewardship, environment, collaboration, communication and even sustainability recurred throughout the day.

There’s a lot more work to be done, and the use of objective outsiders (the consultants) to guide the process will be a huge help. The will to improve is strong. We look forward to the path ahead.