SF Council - May 20/25

Wilma Kenny | May 28, 2025

Presentation to Council

Julie Atherley, of True Friend Supported Independent Living (True Friend), came to Council with a proposal for a group home for adults living in South Frontenac, who are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This includes conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and brain injury. Currently there are approximately 316 people 15 years and older in South Frontenac who are dependent upon the support of family members, many of whom are seniors. 

The request is for 1/2 to 1 acre of municipal land as a building site (possibly south of the Grace Centre), and advice and input in applying for government grant/loan programs. Currently, Township financial support is not being sought, but this may be a future possibility. Feasibility studies for building and operation of such a facility have been completed and are available for Council to review. 

The Deputy Mayor commented that he had not realized there was such a need for this facility, and could see the Township becoming involved.

Building Condition Assessments Report

Overview assessment is necessary in order to maintain facilities in good repair. There was some reaction from Council when one building received a “poor” rating because of the updated recommendations for improved washroom accessibility, which related to width of doorways, style of lighting, and even ceiling materials, etc. Sleeth asked how the facility at Gilmour Point when it was recently built, was rated as ‘fair’. The answer was that it lacked a hard surface walkway so physically handicapped individuals would have full and comfortable access to the water.

In summary, the presenter said “As a township, you fall into the excellent category; you maintain your buildings well; equally or better than the rest of the province.”

Sydenham Water Plant 

An updated financial plan for Sydenham Water Plant (a requirement for licence renewal) was accepted without discussion.

Property Standards 

If a house burns, owner has 90 days to clean up the debris; but if a complication is related to insurance, the process has to run its course, and may take longer. There is a property standards committee to hear appeals: the appeals committee was elected at the meeting. It comprise being Mayor Vandewal, and Council members Trueman and Leonard. 

Heritage Committee’s Role

There was a brief discussion of the role of the Heritage Committee; Mayor Vandewal said he felt the Committee perhaps needed to get more information out to the public about the significance of designation of buildings. Vandewal noted that this might be relevant to the fact that Railton Church was anticipated to be coming forward with their intent to demolish the three-story stone manse on their property.