South Frontenac Council, Oct 21/25
Councillor Morey attended online; Councillor Ruttan was absent.
A public meeting was called to formalize a zoning by-law amendment from Rural to RLSW (Limited Service Residential - Waterfront) on a property on Hickey Lane in Bedford district. There were no comments or questions, so the meeting was closed, and Council passed the amendment later in the evening.
Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG)
Council endorsed the Township’s application for this grant and authorized additional funding of $50,000 from the Working Funds Reserve, conditional on the approval of the grant. The Clerk and the Mayor were authorized to finalize the agreement once the grant is approved. Councillor Pegrum asked whether there was money available to purchase fire ban signs if this grant was not awarded to the Township. CAO Fragnito confirmed that if an emergency situation developed, signage purchase and placement would be given priority.
KPMG Audit for the Year 2024
Representatives from KPMG presented their Township audit report for the year 2024: their cautious, detailed and thorough report can be read in full on the Township website. In short, they found no areas of neglect or major concern, describing ’24 as a quiet year, with no dramatic changes, and thanked the township staff for their preparation of information. South Frontenac has an annual surplus of $1.5 million.
Noting that 27% of the year’s budget went for staff wages, Councillor Sleeth asked how this compared to other townships of similar size: the answer was that SF is at the lower end of the range: the average is 36-38%.
Mayor Vandewal said to KPMG “We have done a great job and you have confirmed that: Thank you very much!”
2026 Budget Process
Mayor Vandewal outlined the 2026 budget process which incorporates public engagement, long range financial planning and budget deliberations.
Public consultation commenced October 22, 2025, and will conclude on November 21, 2025. During this period residents may complete an online survey or submit comments through the Clerk’s Department. Delegations from the public related to the budget will be scheduled to present to Council on November 18, 2025. All comments and submissions received from the public will be considered and presented to Council, as part of the process of preparing next year's operating and capital budget documents. The goal is to have the 2026 budget approved by February 2026.
2026 Municipal Events
The Recreation and Leisure Services Committee plans to: Prioritize family-friendly, low/no barrier, and accessible events across the township; Avoid conflict or competition with existing community programming; Maximize attendance; Diversify event themes and activities; Increase programming in Bedford District during the summer months.
To achieve these objectives, staff will redirect existing budget allocations by holding only one Beats by the Beach event per summer while introducing two new community events in July and August: the overall number of municipally coordinated events will remain unchanged, and no additional operating funds will be required.
Director of Public Services Kyle Bolton said his department’s goal is to offer a variety of events across the Township in 2026, assess their popularity, and accordingly readjust the programs for the following year.
“How well were those Beats by the Beach events attended this year,” asked councillor Roberts.
Manager of Recreation Tim Laprade responded to the question, saying that the Beats By the Beach at Gilmour’s Point was the best attended one this year, which is why it is still on the list, but the other two have been replaced by two new events, a Bubble Bash event at the Point on August 15th and a S’mores Stories evening event at Glendower Hall on July 18.
Mayor Vandewal then weighed in.
“As far as this Bubble event is concerned, I thought counldn’t that be easily combined with Canada Day ... Some of these, I’m not sure I support them or not.,” he said.
After questioning why this list is coming forward before the budget, Vandewal then talked about the other change in the list of events from last year, moving the Lakes and Trails event from mid July to June 20, and from the Point in Sydenham to McMullen Park an Beach in Verona
“As far as I am concerned Lakes and Trails was a disaster last year. I was told by people who were that there were more exhibitors then than people attending, and it was the worst one they had been to.”
“We have met with those that were involved with it, and we have received feedback” said Tim Laprade. Lakes and trails is definitely and event that meets with what our community is. We would like to see how it goes next year at a different time of year, and a location. If it isnt’t successful then I definitely think that it will be the last year for it.”
There was further discussion of the Township’s summer fireworks: Roberts questioned the number of shuttle busses, although they evidently lowered the parking demands and were generally well used.
Mayor Vandewal said that in his opinion Sydenham Point where the fireworks were set off across water seemed to be the safest site, especially in a dry summer, and Councillor Sleeth agreed.
Boat Launches and Water Access
Councillor Pegrum noted that surveys show that water access points need attention: there is an overall lack of adequate parking for vehicles and trailers. Boats are becoming larger, and there is no accommodation for handicapped access. This year’s low water levels have amplified the problems. Bolton agreed that it is a question of priorities, investments and long-term planning. Councillor Turcotte noted that boat launch site planning needed to coordinate with emergency services (paramedics, police and fire.)
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