Addington Highlands Council

Council decided to receive and file a report from Deputy Clerk Patricia Gray regarding a request for funding support from the “Corridor Train Alliance”, a group advocating for the Alto project to create a stop in Kingston, and to progress along the 401 Corridor instead of over the land north of the 401.

Gray’s report confirmed that the township could make such a grant, if it sees the goals of the organisation asking for support to be consistent with the interests of the township, as a whole.

Deputy Reeve Ken Hook said that he looked into the organisation and they appear to be a lobby group with some support, but not a full-fledged organisation with a board of directors, charitable incorporation, etc., so he recommended that Council just receive the request, and Council did just that.

(Note – this meeting took place before the announcement about Alto’s new plans, which include a stop in Kingston.)

Species at Risk

Council agreed to permit Quinte Conservation to promote their Species Awareness Program (ISAP) at an information table, at the Trails End Boat Launch on Skootamatta Lake, 2-3 times this summer.

Fireworks

Council received a request from Cheryl Hartwick, on behalf of Blackwell Construction and David Postma, Team Small Engine Repairs, to permit a fireworks display on Canada Day at the old ballfield on Pineview Drive.

There was a display at that location last year, without the township’s knowledge and Hartwick wanted to make sure that the township knew about it, and were ok with their property being used. Council said they appreciate that they have been approached and granted the approval for this year.

Township Road Policy

There was a long conversation at council regarding a letter from Glenn Davidson requesting a requirement for a road upgrade on a private road, in order to build on a property. Members of council were concerned that a resident wanting to upgrade his property in the township is being asked to upgrade their road to a level above that which other roads are maintained.

The complication, as pointed out by Pa tricia Gray, stems from the Provincial Policy Statement, which frowns on development on private lanes, and says they should be upgraded to a township road standard.

Municipal Official Plans, which are the background document for all zoning bylaws passed by Council, are required to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement by the Ontario Municipal Act.

“We need to come up with something that is workable here,” said Councilor Kirby Thompson, “because we all want the township to improve.”

Deputy Reeve Hook suggested that the matter be referred to the committee of adjustment to look at and then return to Council, and Council agreed. Mr. Davidson will also be invited to attend the Committee of Adjustment when it considers this matter.

Rules of Procedure

Chief Administrative Officer Christine Reed presented an update to the procedural bylaw that governs how Council and Staff operate, after completing a review that has been ongoing since the beginning of this term of council. This was the first comprehensive amendment of the bylaw since amalgamation in 1998, although there have been changes made from time to time.

The new bylaw will be posted, and advertised, to provide an opportunity for public comment before it returns to Council for adoption.

Roof at Northbrook Medical

Council agreed to fix a portion of the roof at the Medical Centre in Northbrook at a cost of over $12,000. CAO Reed said that there is money available in the Medical Centre budget, but if that does not cover the costs, it will be taken from reserves