South Frontenac Council - Feb 10/26

Three Zoning Bylaw Amendments

The first request could be called a ‘housekeeping’ issue. The property in question is 82 acres designated ‘prime agricultural’ land on Latimer Road just outside Inverary. The intent is to retain a 14 acre portion section containing a homestead, barn, several outbuildings, and fields, separated from the remainder of the property, which will be zoned for agriculture only. Councillor Sleeth was supportive, noting that this was the most appropriate use of the lands. Ruttan expressed concern that this property was so close to the settlement of Inverary; Mayor Vandewal countered that the retained property was 14 acres and not restricted to agriculture.

The second proposal was for a 1.4 ha lot addition from 1022 Nature Lane to 1047 Island View Lane. Speaker Curtis Nichol said his wife owned both properties, and the intent was not to build on the land, but to protect the shoreline.

The third proposal related to the Township’s ongoing development of two parcels of land in Verona, which are anticipated to provide a range of affordable, serviced housing options, both townhouses and apartments. There have been several public meetings around this project, which will require specific water and sewage provisions for communal services. The project has been described as “reasonable and well-thought out.”

In response to the question “Why can’t the Township use the Manor property?” Mayor Vandewal replied “That property is going to be rebuilt”. 

Fire Grant Application

Staff are seeking council support to submit a new application to Firehouse Subs for 90 wildland/technical rescue boots for wildland firefighting and non-structural firefighting operations with a value of up to $50,000. This was approved, along with the recommendation that the Clerk and Mayor be authorized to sign the grant agreement, if the application is successful.

What’s a “Lame Duck?”

When applied to Council, it refers to a municipal elected group nearing the end of their term, and therefore limited in the decisions they can make. IE, they cannot appoint or dismiss staff or approve any expenditure or liability exceeding $50,000, unless the item is already included in the 2026 budget. To prevent limiting the functioning of the municipality during this period, authority has been delegated to the CAO (Louise Fragnito) to assume these responsibilities.

A second, related by-law was passed, which outlines in detail rules and procedures with respect to the use of municipal resources during an election period. (ie, where campaign materials may or may not be posted, and meetings held.)

The next Council meeting will be March 3, 7:00 at the Township Hall.