Central Frontenac Council Report

Global conditions and fears about Alto rail have not had an appreciable impact on home construction activity in Central Frontenac, at least in the first third of 2026. As of the end of April, permits for 6 new homes had been issued, up from 5 at the same time in 2025, and down one from 7 at the same point in 2024.

The total value of construction edged over the $3million mark, very slightly over the number at the end of April in 2024, and $400,000 over 2025.

The department has also taken in $57,000 in permit fees, the highest amount in the first third of the year, over the last 3 years.

Ramp at Olden Hall

Council received and supported the recommendation of Chief Building Official Andy Dillon to award the contract for the construction of a new accessibility ramp, and other associated work, at the Olden Hall to JC Construction of Glenburnie for $55,000. JC's bid was the lowest by $20,000 to the second lowest bidder, Jones Construction of Maberly. The work is being funded by an Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) grant.

Oso Hall Kitchen

JC Contracting was also the lowest bidder for a contract for a number of jobs aimed at improving the substandard kitchen at the Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake. The jobs include: Replacing the existing ceiling, upgrading insulation to R60, alterations to the cabinets for fire safety improvements, constructing an electrical room, providing a large refrigerator and rerouting some cables, The contract was awarded for $16,800. The next highest bidders were Kehoe Property Solutions, at $19,200, and Jones Construction at $19,250.

Trade Shows – Council received a report from Councillor Lynn Klages, regarding the Quinte Sportsman's Show and the Ottawa Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show, where the townships of North and Central Frontenac shared a booth, which council members from each township staffed.

She said the booths were popular at both shows.

“Many visitors were actively seeking nearby destinations for outdoor activities, with particular interest in parks, trails, lakes, and multi-day trip planning. There was also a noticeable increase in interest in local travel, influenced in part by broader economic conditions and reduced cross-border travel,” she wrote.

She said that a large map display in the booth was a focal point.

The display also sparked memorable interactions, including with Madeline and Charlie, two Scouts preparing for an upcoming trip to Scotland where they will hike the West Highland Way and summit Ben Nevis, covering approximately 100 kilometres in five days. They shared that they have been training on local trails within the Frontenacs, highlighting the role our region already plays in supporting outdoor adventure experiences.”

Two council members from each township, including John Inglis and Mayor Lichty from North Fontenac and Klages and Bill MacDonald, as well as 2 volunteers from North Frontenac and 3 from Central Frontenac, were in attendance.

“This visible collaboration reinforced the strength of the regional partnership and the shared commitment to promoting the area," Klages said.

Housing Committee Recommendations

In receiving the minutes from a meeting of the township's housing, council also adopted three recommendations from the committee regarding the proposed housing project at the former Sharbot Lake Public School property.

The first was to include a library and communal space within the proposed development plan, and the second was to explore creating a municipal service corporation to own and operate the project. The third was to proceed with geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations to determine if it is feasible to build on that site.

Councillor Philip Smith, from the committee, said that the committee brought these items forward because, even though they have been talked about at council, it felt they needed to be officially recognised by Council to ensure they are considered, as the project moves forward.

Bag Tags coming in August.

Council received and approved some of the details surrounding a shift from the current system whereby waste must be contained in clear bags purchased from the township, to a bag tag system, with one tag required for a standard 30” x 38” clear bag supplied by the resident, or 2 tags for a construction sized bag, approximately 25” x 50”. The tags will sell for $1 each, and will be available starting this summer. Township bags will still be accepted until they run out.

A brochure has been prepared and will be distributed, outlining “program rules, bag size requirements, proper tag application, and key enforcement expectations,” according to a staff report.

Final details about procurement, and distribution locations for bag tags, will be completed in the coming weeks.

The cost to the township for the clear bags was 38 cents per bag, and bag tags will cost 4 cents each.

Meeting cancelled

The first scheduled council meeting in June, scheduled for June 9th, has been cancelled, due to Staff unavailability in early June. Council will hold one meeting in June, on the 23rd, and one meeting per month in July and August. The next council meeting is set for May 19