South Frontenac Council - June 26

Wilma Kenny | Jun 28, 2012

Representatives of Queen’s University’s biological station and the Nature Conservancy of Canada came to Council requesting closure of a section of road allowance crossing the developed portion of the former Hewlett-Packard property in Storrington Township. Presently, Queen’s is leasing the Elbow Lake facility, a recreational complex contained in the 1200 acre property, for “use as an education and outreach centre specifically targeted towards community extension.” The lease agreement includes an option to purchase “a 20% undivided share of the property.” Presently the land in question could not be severed for sale, as it is divided by the unopened road allowance.

Council discussed the options of closing and selling the road allowance, which is described as running across a swamp, or possibly accepting an alternate road allowance in trade. Councillor McPhail expressed concern that the proposed summer programs for children would compete with similar programs offered by the Cataraqui Conservation authority, though the Queen’s representative said he had already met with the CRCA, and felt this would not be a problem. However, Deputy Mayor McPhail noted that there has been no meeting with the Limestone School Board,which runs summer outdoor education camps from their Gould Lake facility.

Later in the meeting, Council requested more policy information and time for a viewing of the road allowance in question, before making any decision.

Township Reserves

Treasurer Louise Fragnito reported that the Corporate Services Committee is in the process of reviewing the Township’s reserve structure, with the goal of drafting a reserve policy for Council’s consideration in the fall. Presently, the Township has a projected 2012 year-end balance of almost $14 million, to be held in 45 separate reserve funds.

Cemeteries in South Frontenac

Angela Maddox, Recreation Coordinator, reported on comments received from the district cemetery boards in regard to the existing structure of cemetery boards, the fee schedules and the respective by-laws. Council’s goal is to develop common fees and by-laws. Maddox included information from the Ministry of Consumer Services, which administers the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act (FBCSA). This act, which comes into force July 1, combines two previous acts and addresses issues such as the resale of unused plots and establishments of crematoriums.

Council directed this report to the Corporate Services Committee for further direction. CAO Orr noted that as well as municipal cemeteries, the Township also contains church-owned, community-managed, private family and abandoned cemeteries which may also be affected by the new act.

FYI: The FBCSA states that “cremated human remains cannot be interred in a pet cemetery.” But it does not seem to address the reverse possibility….