Astronomy Club To Take Over Running Astronomy Park

Craig Bakay | May 03, 2023

It’s been known as the Star Gazing Pad, Dark Sky Pad, Dark Sky Viewing Area, Dark Sky Preserve and simply the Observatory. But following North Frontenac’s April 28 regular meeting, the property at 5816 Road 506, will be known officially as the ‘North Frontenac Astronomy Park.’

The term ‘Dark Sky Preserve’ will continue to be used in reference to the entire Township and ‘A Dark Sky Experience’ was approved as the official slogan of the North Frontenac Astronomy Park.

There are other changes planned for the popular attraction.

In 2012, the Township received approval for Frontenac Federal Gas Tax Funding for an initiative involving Eco Tourism. Through the Economic Development Task Force (EDTF), the project was completed and has become a destination for star gazers, both those with their own telescopes and those who just want to gaze through the scopes provided at the facility.

On Feb. 21 of this year, the EDTF made the recommendation to Council that events at the pad be taken over by the North Frontenac Astronomy Club (NFAC), a group of volunteers who work to promote and enhance the facility. The relationship will be much the same as that with Community Hall Committees.

Also, Council approved $300 for a logo design an up to $1,700 for signage. In a report from Brooke Hawley, manager of community development, it is believed that the renaming strategy will “strengthen the location as a tourist destination by increasing perceived prestige/desirability, significantly differentiate the location from the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area, remove any perceived naming uncertainty and refocus each of the two ‘brands’ to capitalize on their unique value to guests.”

Following the resolution, events at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park will be determined, organized and run by the NFAC, whereas in the past, Township staff was involved in many events.

However, the Township still funds the Park to a certain extent and Coun. Wayne Good wanted to see a fee for entry.

“There’s taxpayer money going into it,” he said.

But he seemed to be alone in that regard.

“The task force (which Inglis chairs) recommended a collection or donation model,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

“I kinda like it the way it is,” said Coun. Fred Fowler. “A lot of people use it.”

“Perhaps an entry fee might be possible for major events but I suggest we just continue with a request for donations model,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty.

Free brush at township dumps

CAO Corey Klatt told Council that because of the money they got from the MNR for the derecho event, the Township would be accepting loads of brush for free all year at the Plevna, Cloyne and Mississippi waste sites.

Not much hope for BMO in Northbrook

Mayor Gerry Lichty told Council that he would be attending the May 31 meeting regarding the closure of the Bank of Montreal branch in Northbrook but there was “not much hope” of changing the bank’s mind.

The Township did get a reply to their letter to the bank expressing concerns about the closure that said Council was welcome to attend the meeting.

“I had a meeting with (MPP) John Jordan, who was involved when Scotiabank left Lanark,” Lichty said. “But he didn’t hold out much hope of changing their minds either.

“But they did get them to leave an ATM there.”

“I heard from a very reliable source that it’s a done deal,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer. “There won’t even be an ATM left there.”

Big Chair to museum

Council passed a resolution thanking Tammy Whitelock and her group of volunteers for their efforts on the “Big Chair” project. The old chair, which had been at the Cloyne Shell, had been falling apart and was finished off by the derecho.

The tentative location for the new chair is at the Cloyne Pioneer Museum by the museum sign where it will be available for many photo opportunities.

Struthadam Road to be assumed by township

Council passed a bylaw assuming a portion of Struthdam Road, a portion of River Road and a portion of Cruise Road establishing them as highways and thus making the Township responsible for their maintenance.

Economic Development Week

Council declared the week of May 8-12 as Economic Development Week which will include a free barbecue May 12 at a local hall.