Central Frontenac looking for Sharbot Lake downtown revitalization co-ordinator

Craig Bakay | Jun 17, 2020

Further to a report presented to Council at a February meeting, Central Frontenac is advertising for a downtown revitalization co-ordinator, to oversee its revitalization project for downtown Sharbot Lake.

Dep. Clerk Cindy Deachman said the new co-ordinator will identify opportunities, conduct research and liaise with partners and the community.

The Township Economic Development Committee will be acting as the advisory committee for the position.

Back in February, the township joined forces with Frontenac County’s economic development department to apply for a Rural Economic Development grant from the Provincial government. The province has yet to announce the grant but The Frontenac News has learned that the grant has been approved.

Just exactly what economic development in downtown Sharbot Lake will look like is still somewhat up in the air but Deachman did say that the Township’s partnership with the County and Province “is an exciting partnership opportunity with the County’s Economic Development department, and the local community business groups to leverage the impact of the hamlet’s streets to support existing businesses, attract new business, coordinate with stakeholders, make physical improvement for a safe and pedestrian friendly downtown.”

According to the Feb. 11 report, the Township’s share of $43,000 for downtown revitalization should be revenue-neutral, having been accounted for within the hamlet reconstruction budget by finding efficiencies within the project.

The Sharbot Lake Business Group has committed to providing the private donation amount of $5,000.

Mayor Frances Smith said she didn’t know much about potential plans but when asked if the former Sharbot Lake Public School property would figure into things, she said she thought it unlikely.

“It (the school property) is part of the village plan but it’s been pretty much slated towards seniors housing,” she said. “But it is possible the property might be integrated into some plan.

“It’s a big part of the hamlet and they can’t ignore it.”