Municipal Housing Corporation Not Likely In North Frontenac

Craig Bakay | Nov 27, 2024

North Frontenac Council heard a proposal to deal with the lack of affordable housing in the Township but it’s unlikely much will come of it in the foreseeable future.

Daniel Segal, a builder with Segal Construction introduced himself as someone “who’s taken it upon himself to address a big hairy issue of the housing crisis in Ontario.”

Segal said he’s been approaching municipalities for projects because borrowing costs developers face can make it too risky while municipalities would have easier access to financing the projects.

Segal proposed North Frontenac set up a municipal housing corporation for such projects and his company would do the building of 30-40 smaller homes that would be affordable to many families and seniors.

Council made no commitments but agreed to having the matter referred to staff for further consultation.

“Affordable housing is a scarce resource,” Segal said. “The solution is to increase the supply of entry-level housing.”

“This could get us thinking about possible solutions,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis. “It’s a challenge to get involved with an entrepreneurial scheme like this.

“We would welcome you talking to our staff.”

“My goal isn’t to make a lot of money building one house,” Segal said. “It’s to feed my family by building thousands of homes across the province.”

“I’m thrilled (at the idea),” said Coun. Stephanie Regent. “It’s like an early Christmas present that you’re here.”

But not all of Council was as supportive.

“A municipal housing corporation would cost us a lot of money and time,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty “Would you consider multiple municipalities?”

“We could consider a lend-lease mortgage system,” Segal said.

“What if we were to identify a number of acres, would you be ready to come in and build 30-40 houses?”

“You wouldn’t be the first,” Segal said. “But yes, absolutely.”

Segal presented two-bedroom units, that would sell in the $250,000 to $300,00 and are eco-friendly design, with a Tarion warranty and prefabricated in Kingston to meet Ontario Building Code standards.

Speed Limit Reduction

Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule was directed to look at reducing the speed limit on Road 509 between Snow Road and Mississippi Station following a letter from residents that identifies a 1.8 kilometre stretch which is at 80 kph after 50 kph in Snow Road and buck up to 60 kph just north of Mississippi Station.

“The K & P Trail meets 509 in that area and it’s a bit of a bottleneck,” said Coun. Fred Fowler.

“It makes sense for such a short distance,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer.

“And a bridge around that area is a long way in the future,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty.

Pound Services

Council decided it didn’t have much choice other than re-upping its agreement with the Kingston Humane Society for pound services despite an increase of 257.68 per cent comparing 2024 to 2025.

The new annual cost (for 2025) is $6,000 plus a cost of living adjustment annually.

“I reached out to the other CAOs in Frontenac County as well as our bylaw enforcement officer to determine if they are aware of other options for pound services,” said CAO Corey Klatt. “None are aware of any existing options at this time (and) they advised that their fees for pound services are also increasing.

“I also reached out to another municipality similar in size to North Frontenac Township within a different County.

“They have an agreement with a private individual for services, however their cost is $1,200 a month for a retainer plus mileage and an hourly wage when contacted for services. They advised they had looked into the Humane Society in their County but were told they could not e accommodated.”

“I can’t help thinking $3,000 per dog but I don’t see we have any alternative,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

K&P Trail Bombshell

In his first report to Council as Frontenac County Warden, Mayor Gerry Lichty congratulated Back Forty Cheese for its recent sustainability award, sounded rather skeptical about the value of hiring a another economic development officer at $129,000 per year and dropped a bombshell about the K & P Trail.

“It’s (the K & P) free right now but we might be looking at user-pay,” he said.