North Frontenac To Place Signs on Mosque Lake Road Hill

Craig Bakay | Nov 08, 2023

A request to level off a hill on Mosque Lake Road was denied and replaced with additional warning signage by North Frontenac Council at its regular meeting Nov. 3 in Plevna.

The Township received an email Sept. 27 from Jim Ford of the Southside Road Association, Mary Doxtater of the Eastside Road Association and Brent Loney of the Westside Road Association, pointing out that many residents feel the blind hill poses a safety hazard as it is impossible to see traffic coming down the hill, especially ATVs and snowmobiles.

In a report to Council, Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule said the hill would have to be taken down about 10 feet over 120 feet and that would be bedrock as there is evidence there that the hill has been lowered before.

He estimated the costs to do this would be about $70,000.

“And, if the hill is levelled off, an adjacent curve should also be addressed at an additional estimated cost of $10,000,” he said.

“The cost seems high and I don’t know if we can afford it,” said Coun. Fred Fowler.

“I agree, $80,000 is a lot of money, say Mayor Gerry Lichty.

Fowler also asked if there had been any big accidents there and Sproule said not since he’s had the job.

He said there is a mirror there but the Township didn’t put it up.

“I’d like to see signage and perhaps a lower speed limit,” said Coun. Wayne Good. “We have enough trouble keeping up with our roads.”

“We have a large number of substandard curves and alignments in the Township,” said Sproule. “We’ve been focusing on resurfacing our roads.”

Council moved to put up signage at the site with the public works manager to decide on the actual wording.

Wheeler (30 years) tops long serving honourees

Council acknowledged several long-serving employees, issuing certificates to Kevin Wheeler (30 years), Greg Wise (25 years), Dean Salmond and Tim Neal (20 years), Donna Schonauer, Michelle Ross, Tara Mieske and Eric Korhonen (15 years) and Brooke Ross (Dreschler), Lori Newman and Sandra Lessard (10 years).

ED budget increase trimmed

A proposal to increase the Economic Development Task Force’s budget for 2024 Summer Fest to $10,000 from the $5,000 that was approved last year was instead decreased to $6,000.

The EDTF said it would like to expand the summer festival.

“I’d rather see that $10,000 go to doctor recruitment rather than a fun day in the park,” said Coun. Wayne Good, who called for a recorded vote.

Mayor Gerry Lichty suggested the figure be lowered to $6,000 and Good was the lone “no” vote.

The funds will come from the Economic Development Reserve Fund and Council will consider replacing it in the fund during the 2024 budget deliberations from taxation. Any revenues generated from the event will be placed back into the fund.

EOTA at 25

Coun. Fred Fowler reported that the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance is turning 25 and plans a celebration in June of 2024.

Bottle collection leads to debate of Lions Clubs local cred

Council gave its approval for the Clar-Mill Community Volunteers to set up bottle/can collection sites at the Ompah and Mississippi sites where there are currently no collection sites. The group also asked if it could be considered if the sites at the Plevna and 506 waste sites ever come up for review as those are the closest sites to their community.

Currently the bottle/can collection sites at Plevna and 506 are run by the Land O’Lakes Lions Club, which operates out of Northbrook.

“I think it’s a good idea but it doesn’t go far enough,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “I’d like to see the Plevna site go to North Frontenac people as well.”

“There are many members of the Lions Club in our Ward 1 and their programs benefit Ward 1 too,” said Coun. Wayne Good.

“And the recycling sites are part of what the Lions Clubs do,” said Coun. Fred Fowler. “The Sharbot Lake Lions do it.”

“When this comes back, I’d like to see a discussion on it,” said Lichty.

Mobile Dental in Ompah

Council approved free use of the Ompah Community Hall for the KFL&A Public Health Unit’s Mobile Dental Clinic.

“I think it’s a good idea for something like this to come around,” said Coun. Fred Fowler. “People would of course have to know about it ahead of time in order to make appointments.”