Postmasters Association Vice President Offers His Help With Ardoch Post Office Situation

Craig Bakay | Jul 31, 2024

They’re still looking for a new postmaster in Ardoch (including Plevna and Ompah) and the vice president of the Ontario Branch of the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association was at North Frontenac’s regular Council meeting July 25 in Plevna to offer what advice and support he could.

“I don’t work for Canada Post and I just want to see a federal presence in rural Canada,” said Anders Carson. “It’s my understanding that the Ardoch post office has closed and they’re looking for a new home.

“Otherwise people will have to go all the way to Sharbot Lake to pick up parcels and such.w “I don’t know if there’s an appetite for that but I’m willing to help.”

“We’ve had several conversations with Canada Post,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “We had six candidates interested but they all declined.

“We’re not done with this.”

Carson said the operation that had been running in Ardoch was called a group office, one that operates out of someone’s home or business.

“I’ve heard stories over the years that it’s not a well-paid position,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

“If someone takes the position, we can negotiate higher wages for them,” said Carson. “It starts at $18.88 an hour and can go up to $25.

“It’s a good system if you stay with it and there are benefits for the entire family.”

He said that 92 per cent of his association is women.

Camping under the stars

Council voted to allow (tent only) camping at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park Sept. 6-8 for the Festival of Stars.

Coun. Wayne Good was opposed to the idea.

“There’s a sign on the site that says ‘no camping,’” he said.

However, other members of Council were quite keen on the idea.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Coun. Stephanie Regent. “It’s already a popular event.”

“You might see 10 tents there,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “I’m for it as long as they get the ($250) insurance.

However, camping doesn’t mean things like alcohol will be allowed.

“Astronomers don’t drink,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

“They’d be starry-eyed,” said Lichty.

Playground car mishap costs

Council approved using $15,000 from the operating contingency reserve to pay the insurance deductible (total cost $31,892) for damage caused when a car rolled down the hill from the Clarendon Miller Community Hall parking lot into the playground structure June 1, 2024.

While Shannon West, playground inspector for Active Recreation determined that there was no observable damage that would pose an immediate health and safety risk and the park was re-opened that day.

However, West advised there was no way to determine what damage was done inside the structures (visible damage was bent metal and stress marks in the plastic) and recommended all items impacted by the car should be replaced including the Spiral Slide, Infinity Axis and Boingo Panel.

In her report, Manager of Community Development Brooke Ross also said: “To mitigate this happening again, the Township will be extending the rail fencing up to the hall, which will cost about $600(within current approved 2024 budget for maintenance to be completed in-house by the facilities/recreation supervisor.

Culvert Replacement

Council approved emergency culvert replacements on Road 506 (near the municipal office) and 509 (near Snow Road).

Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule said heavy rain contributed to both culvert failures but the one near Snow Road “is somewhat related to beaver dams.”

Cost for the Road 509 culvert is about $30,000 and Road 506 at about $35,000. Funds will come from the Infrastructure Sustainability Reserve Fund.

“We’re getting a torrential downpour almost every week,” Sproule said. “This makes grading difficult as you don’t want to grade and have it all washed out,

“The good news is that we’re not getting any dust complaints.”

Credit Card Payments

Council approved allowing resident to pay most fees via credit card but in all but the lowest charges, third-party processing fees will be paid by the individual.

Administration and Finance fees, Dog Tags, Licence and Animal Control fees, Landfill tipping fees and Community Hall bookings fees will be paid by the Township.

GIC’s

Council decided to reinvest a maturing investment of $817,100 in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), corporate bonds and government bonds, which is in line with Township policy.

“I’m not much of a risk taker,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “I’m comfortable with GICs.