North Frontenac Council Talks Communal Servicing

Craig Bakay | Dec 18, 2024

A substantial portion of North Frontenac Council’s regular meeting Dec. 13 in Plevna was given over the implications of communal services and land use policies as Frontenac Municipal Service Corporation (FMHC) administrative coordinator Tyler Lalonde visited followed by Frontenac County’s Director of Planning and Economic Development Joe Gallivan.

The Municipal Service Corporation was established in November of 2023, Lalonde said.

“It’s been just over a year now and we wanted to provide you with a bit of an update,” he said. “Currently, we’re developing a workplan to implement these systems (ie communal water and wastewater solutions).”

Lalonde said communal services enable smaller lots to increase population density in rural communities that should strengthen the local economy and community infrastructure.

He said next steps include the recruitment of a CEO, establishing a brand identity, development of an informational website and marketing collateral, a technical support committee and workplan, work on streamlining environmental approval as well as official plan updates.

“That’s where Gallivan comes in.

“I think by this time next year, we’ll be entertaining building proposals,” Gallivan said. “This (communal servicing) is the biggest game changer.”

With the advent of communal servicing, one of the biggest obstacles to development, the responsibility agreement, will be removed.

“Under the responsibility agreement, a developer must put up additional funds equal to the costs of the development and at that point, most walk away,” he said.

He said the concept of putting 300 homes on a 100-acre parcel could become a reality.

“A developer can come to you, say ‘I have a parcel, I’ll buy the equipment, I’ll build it and then turn the keys over to FMHC.’” he said. “It opens the door to higher density.”

“The attitude as to what’s possible in terms of development has changed drastically,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

Gallivan said the next step is to hold public meetings before the Official Plan is amended in order to determine where development might be allowed, what kinds, lakefront, all lakes, some lakes and rural landscapes. The communal servicing concept could also be used to create new commercial and/or industrial type development, he said.

The County Official Plan was already amended in October of 2023 to recognize the creation of the regional public utility that was formed to operate and manage these systems thereby insuring public oversight of this infrastructure rather than property-by-property private management.

“It is the intention of the Plan to set the context for planning in the County as a whole and provide regional direction on planning issues,” the Official Plan says.

Service Awards

North Frontenac presented years of service awards.

In Waste/Recycling: Antonio Runco — 15 years; Gary Thompson — 15 years; Randy Baker — 10 years.

North Frontenac Fire Department: Dillon Boles — 15 years.

North Frontenac Council members: Wayne Good — 20 years; Vernon Hermer — 10 years

And the following recipients will receive their recognition at an event organized by Kaladar Barrie Fire Chief Casey Cuddy: 2023 recipients: Dwayne Thibault — 20 years; John Nowell — 20 years; Mitchell Alcock — 15 years; Russell Gray — 10 years; Jamie Miles — 10 years; Kristin Warlick — 10 years.

2024 recipients: Kevin Smart — 30 years; James Nowell — 15 years; Wayne Speck — 10 years; Casey Cuddy — 45 years.

Inglis Deputy Mayor, again

John Inglis was re-elected Deputy Mayor defeating the only other candidate, Fred Fowler.

“You may have to work a little harder this term with the Warden stuff,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty, referencing his recent appointment as Warden of Frontenac County.

Summer student

At the urging of Dep, Mayor John Inglis, Council decided to revisit the hiring of a summer student for economic development.

Inglis suggested the $20,000 could come out of the contingency reserve so it wouldn’t affect the budget.

Mayor Gerry Lichty proposed allotting $15,000 and applying for a $5,000 grant, with the entire $20,000 coming from reserves if the grant were unsuccessful.

“I thought we discussed it and decided we didn’t need a student,” said Coun. Wayne Good.

Still, the motion carried and the hiring is back on.

Eurasian Milfoil

Council voted unanimously to continue talks with Addington Highlands Council on the Eurasion Milfoil issue, which could include the option of partnering on the installation of a boat washing station as part of an initiative to prevent the spread of invasive species from lake to lake.

Budget Approved, 4.55% increase

Council passed its 2025 budget bylaw that results in a levy increase of $327,376 or a 4.55 per cent increase.