South Frontenac Council June 15

Wilma Kenny | Jun 23, 2021

Mayor Vandewal opened the meeting by introducing Troy Dunlop, the Township’s new Manager of Technical Services and Infrastructure, “who is spending his honeymoon with us.”

Vandewal also recognized the recent passing of Mark Tinlin, who represented Bedford District on Council for the years 2010-13. Mark was instrumental in creating the Township’s Coat of Arms.

2020 Annual Auditor’s Report

A representative from the firm Allan and Partners reported that taxation in South Frontenac is ‘competitive’, with residential tax rates of less than 1%. Tax arrears are very low, and the Township is in a low-risk position with virtually no debt.

In summary, “Overall, South Frontenac is in good shape financially, and shows strong financial management.” Councillor Sleeth asked how SF compares to other similar sized communities in Eastern Ontario. The auditor replied that SF’s position was “very favourable: at the top end of the scale, for sure. And you have a good long-range financial plan.” He commented on the value of having a Council that was engaged in their Township’s financial management.

Mayor Vandewal thanked Treasurer Louise Fragnito and her team for their work, on behalf of Council.

Official Plan “Road Map”

South Frontenac has begun the process of preparing a new Official Plan (OP) that will provide the framework for growth, development, and protection of built and natural heritage assets across the Township over a 25 year time-horizon. The OP is also being brought into conformity with the latest update to the Provincial Policy Statement (P.P.S., 2020) and the Planning Act.

Claire Dodds, Director of Development Services, presented a “roadmap” and public engagement plan for Council’s approval. This lays out an overall timeline which could see the final plan completed for Council’s approval by the fall of ’22, and would include consultations with local residents, businesses, community associations, special interest groups, and indigenous communities, beginning this month.

Mayor Vandewal noted the last public engagement (pre-covid) had been well attended and hugely successful, and asked whether there might be any possibility of holding outdoor public meetings later in the summer?

There was general agreement that the timeline was ‘ambitious’, and the process would demand a lot of staff resources, especially with a fall election next year.

Vandewal said “It will be a challenge to meet the timelines we’re setting, and still be able to maintain regular services.” Dodds assured Council that the inclusion of Indigenous engagement would be not cumbersome, but enriching.

Council agreed to the proposed timelines and outline as presented.

Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO)

Under the Planning Act, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing now has the discretionary power to issue a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) to permit development anywhere in Ontario, bypassing normal review and approval processes under the Planning Act. MZOs are intended to be used by the Minister to expedite critical government priorities such as transit-oriented communities, affordable housing, long-term care homes and strategic economic recovery projects, removing potential barriers and delays. The Planning Act was recently amended (through Bill 257) to no longer require that an MZO be consistent with policy statements issued under the Planning Act.

The Conservation Authorities Act was also recently amended (through Bill 229) to require conservation authorities to issue a Section 28 permit for any development authorized by an MZO.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has indicated they would look favourably on a MZO that has been endorsed by a local municipal council. If a MZO is proposed in South Frontenac, it is anticipated that Council would be notified of the application and be requested to indicate Council’s support of the MZO.

To date, most of these expedited developments have been concentrated in southwestern Ontario, but in anticipation of a similar situation in this area, Council endorsed a resolution to notify and engage the local Conservation Authorities of any MZO proposals that come before SF Council for endorsement.

Green Power Enhancements for New Station 8 Firehall

Council supported Councillor Sutherland’s recommendation to use of an air-source heat pump with electric backup for the office portion of the new Station 8 Fire Hall, with a high-efficiency propane boiler system for the remainder of the heating requirements. They also accepted the installation of a 10 kw net-metering solar power plant, given that the panels could be roof-mounted with no additional reinforcement of the roof’s structure. It is estimated that the additional cost will be recovered in 8 to 10 years.