South Frontenac Council - Nov. 17/09

Wilma Kenny | Nov 19, 2009

Threatened Species vs Roadwork? 

Councillor Stowe spoke to a report from the South Frontenac Natural Environment Committee with respect to the Blandings Turtle, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act. This creature, which can berecognized by its high domed shell and bright yellow throat, although rare enough to be listed as threatened, is frequently seen in parts of South Frontenac. Although its chief habitat is wetlands, it is highly mobile,traveling up to seven kilometres or more, especially during its mating and egg-laying season in June and July.One of the options suggested by the MNR was to suspend all summer roadwork in areas where the Blandings turtle had been identified. This promptedsome discussion. Fillion: "There are people out there who would stop a subdivision for a turtle." Mayor Davison: "It's not meant to be a roadblock. We can't stop development, they (the turtles) are all over theplace." On the other hand, fines of $25,000 and jail terms of 9 months have already been laid under the Endangered Species Act. Staff was directed to draw up wording for Council to consider adding toroad-building contracts requiring contractors to brief their workers about issues related to endangered species. Public Works Manager Segsworth askedthe township to arrange an information session for his road workers.

Building Report

With $3.4 million of construction in October, it appears the 2009 total will come close to 2008's $23 million. (2007's spike of $29 million can be attributed to the installation of Sydenham's water system.)

Councillor Fillion admitted the late-year totals were less disastrous than he had expected.

Closing of Prison Farms

Frontenac County had asked Council for endorsement of their resolution concerning the closing of prison farms across Canada. Councillors York and Vandewal both emphasized the need to support prison farms in our area, but not necessarily country-wide. Mayor Davison reminded them that a letter opposing prison farm closures was sent to the federal government earlier this year. Council endorsed the County resolution, and agreed to draft another separate letter concerning the agricultural importance of the over 2,000 acres of prime land presently being farmed by area prisons.

Replacement of Pumper Truck

In keeping with the fire department's 25-year replacement program, Chief Chesebrough recommended Council initiate the RFP for a pumper replacement for station 4. This needs a long lead time as delivery will take six to twelve months. There is $100,000 in reserve: the rest will be paid from the 2010 fire budget.

Designation of Wetlands

Council agreed to support a resolution made by the Township of Wainfleet, objecting to the Ministry of Natural Resources' designation of Provincially Significant Wetlands in that area without public input.

Councillor Vandewal had asked that this be brought forward for attention, asking whether this was a single incident, or something that was happening province-wide?

Community Profile

Statistics released by Employment Ontario, based on numbers from 2006 show South Frontenac to have a higher growth rate than the rest of the province (11% vs 6.6%), a "significantly higher" income level for all-private households, and a higher rate of people remaining at the same address for 5 or more years.

Overheard:Our new CAO being initiated to the finer points of rural pronunciation: "It's Charlais: you can't go around making up words for cows."

The rumour that a photo of a cougar seen on a farm in Elginburg met with scepticism from the MNR, who asked for footprints or scat.

"So who's gonna look after (the farmer) if he gets all scratched up trying to collect scat?"