South Frontenac Council March 19/24

Wilma Kenny | Mar 27, 2024

Public Meeting: Mulrooney Trucking

A public meeting was held to receive comments about a proposed zoning by-law amendment on the SE corner of Battersea Road and Frontenac Road. This proposal would change the zoning from RU & RI to RI-XX, in order to permit light industrial uses and future lot creation. This would fit with Provincial, County and Township plans to : ‘promote diversification of economic base and employment opportunities, that are compatible with the rural landscape and land use.’ Speaking on behalf of the owner, planner Lindsay Mills noted that this sort of development would provide employment and could qualify as a business park, which is being encouraged by the Township; “several incompatible uses have been eliminated, and there will be controls and a site plan agreement.”

One Mount Chesney Road resident said that although it was good to provide employment, if there was no available housing, that was a problem. An online speaker and resident of the past two years described this as a ‘major change to the space’, and noting the hydro lines and watercourse crossing the property, asked how the lower eastern part of the property would be used. Speaking online, Councillor Trueman expressed concern about the presence of agricultural equipment and trucks: “Is there danger of oil getting into the waterway?”

In response to the concern that property values might be reduced, Mayor Vandewal commented that light industrial use had already been going on there for a long time.

A report with recommendations will be brought to a future Council meeting.

2124 Charlie Green Road

This amendment to change the zoning on a retained lot (following a severance) from waterfront to rural was considered technical in nature. There were no comments from the public, and the property use (residential) remains unchanged. It was approved without comment.

Traffic Calming Needed

Mr Pedersen, a recent resident in Loughborough Housing apartments, came as a delegate to ask for some sort of traffic calming measure, possibly speed bumps, on William Street, near the seniors’ housing. “We can’t give you an answer tonight, but your concerns are noted,” said Mayor Vandewal.

Verona Housing Consultant

Council agreed with the Staff proposal to award a Verona Housing consultant support contract under sole sourcing to 2B Developments. This company is already familiar with the project and has a history of specializing in rural projects in Perth, Lanark and others in the Ottawa area. Funding is being drawn from a 2022 carryover of $175,000 and several grants. Full information on the Verona project is available at EngageFrontenac. 

Roney Application Denied

Council denied an application by Roney to alter two unopened Township Road allowances running off the end of Wolfe Swamp or Quarry Road, in the area south of Bellrock Road.The request was to build a trail to access a parcel of landlocked property by ATV, snowmobile and horseback. 

According to Quinte Conservation, the request would require considerable site alteration, which could be deemed interference within a wetland. Also, Quinte’s regulations and policies do not permit development within the extent of identified karst. “The unopened road allowance is densely vegetated with mature trees, seedlings, shrubs and grasses. The entirety of the road allowance and the benefitting lands lie within the Cameron Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland. The area also has the potential for karst topography and is identified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).” 

Township Planning Services also expressed concerns that opening up these road allowances would encourage possible future development proposals on the subject property. 

Sales of Alcohol at Frontenac Farmers Market

A report prepared by Amanda Pantrey, Township Recreation and Events Planner, recommends that Council designate the Frontenac Farmers Market’s 2024 special events (listed online) as municipally significant, as required by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), in order to facilitate the sale and consumption of locally made craft beer. “The goal of the beer garden is to create an atmosphere for networking and community connection, encouraging market attendees to stay for a longer period and engage with the vendors and activities, thereby increasing attendee spending and bolstering the economic benefits of the market. The events will also feature additional added-value elements such as face painting, fire pits, food vendors, live music, yard games, and more.”

This lengthy application is intended to cover the entire summer of events in Centennial Park, rather than having to submit a number of separate applications. (It should be noted that there are no records of problems at last summer’s events when alcohol was sold.) Council approved the application.

June is Recreation and Parks Month

Recreation and Park Month: (JRPM) is a Province-wide movement that promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social, and environmental health. South Frontenac Township has been working with a regional industry resource group, South Eastern Ontario Parks and Recreation Association (SEOPRA), for collaborative ideas to celebrate JRPM. A regional disc golf celebratory competition between our elected Councillors is planned for the June Music in the Park event taking place on June 22nd, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at McMullen Beach in Verona. Watch for further information coming soon.

Harmsen Construction’s Rutledge Road Application Approved

Mayor Vandewal introduced this item by saying that “While it’s understandably stressful for the neighbouring property owners, this application ‘checks every box’: it’s infilling within the hamlet, on municipal water, and similar to another 6-plex further down the road currently being developed with no opposition.” 

Councillor Ruttan said he was opposed to the application because of safety concerns due to its proximity to the schools, the possibility that it could prevent future development of the property south of the site, and ‘significant concerns from local residents.’ 

Councillor Roberts asked for a recorded vote; the motion to approve the application was opposed by Councillors Ruttan and Trueman: the application passed.

Township Investment Report

The Township’s investments for 2023 showed an increase of $1,065,526; this compares favourably with the RBC bank interest that would have amounted to $833,968.

Frontenac County Council Meetings

Deputy Mayor Leonard reported that the County Council would be continuing to meet in the SF Township hall, during ongoing (soon-to-be-completed) renovations at the Fairmount site.