South Frontenac Council mulls over a short term rental bylaw

Wilma Kenny | Nov 10, 2021

Councillor Revill, Bedford’s current Council representative, was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the term ending May 32/22, replacing the late Deputy Mayor Pat Barr.

Delegation concerning Short-Term Rentals (STRs)

Rick Ottenhof and Gabor Solymar came as a delegation

“We are here to request a system of licensing and bylaws that will accommodate, but also regulate and control, the growing Short Term Rental business in order to protect our lakes and environment as well as the rights of residents to enjoy their properties,” said Rick Ottenhof.

Currently one company, Air Bnb, lists 240 properties in South Frontenac. There are several other similar rental companies, as well.

The delegates’ concern focused on owner-absent rental properties where there is a constant turn-over of unregulated guests, frequently resulting in overcrowding, heavy drinking, fire-setting, littering, dangerous boating behaviour, trespassing and threats and rudeness to local residents.

“The effect on SF residents can be drastic. Some are considering moving/have abandoned plans to move to cottage permanently on retirement/don’t visit their cottage on weekends/ are in constant fear of events such as fires that would trap their families /fear intoxicated strangers while on their own properties and are afraid to leave their homes unattended.”

They asked for stronger enforcement of existing by-laws (re noise, fires, fireworks, etc), offering to work with the Township to find out how other regions of the province have dealt with similar difficulties.

There was agreement from Council that this issue was a problem. Councillor Ruttan, who himself rents vacation cottages, said he knew of a lakeside resident who rented a neighbouring cottage, keeping it empty just to ensure one quiet week for himself. Mayor Vandewal said that although he does agree there is a problem, the Township does not have the staff resources to be able to have changes in place by next summer. “Enforcement will be a problem…we don’t have the staff resources to control this: without enforcement, the laws are useless.” CAO Carbone, who was the lead on developing a STR bylaw for Prince Edward County agreed. He spoke of the many interested parties requiring a voice in the process, and the need for various outside consultants.

“This was a two-year process for Prince Edward: our issues are not all the same, but we will need more staff resources to fully develop and appropriately enforce a township-wide STR program.”

Council agreed there is a problem which needs to be addressed, and several suggested possible first steps.

Councillor Sutherland made a notice of motion to request a staff report with recommendations.

New OPP Staff Sergeant

Councillor Sleeth introduced Marty McConnell, the new OPP Frontenac Detachment Staff Sergeant, who has 21 years of policing experience, the last five years in Lanark. McConnell spoke of his interest in community involvement, and noted that he has connections with Sydenham through his wife, who is a Dahm, and granddaughter of George Walker. “I can give you a lot of history on the Dahms, if you need it,” joked Mayor Vandewal.

Cataraqui Trail Survey

Heather Keeling presented a preliminary summary of the Cataraqui Trail Survey currently being done by the Friends of Cataraqui. She described some of the groups’ activities and asked those who use the trail to participate in the survey, which can be accessed on their home page:

cataraquitrail.ca. This collects information about trail use and concerns, (and might be of particular interest to some of those who have been expressing indignation on public media about bicyclists on the trail not warning pedestrians of their approach.)

Commemoration of Pat Barr’s Service

Council unanimously agreed to have a bench installed at Glendower Hall, in acknowledgement of Pat Barr’s long involvement in and support of community events, especially in the Bedford area.

Restoration and Preservation of the Bellrock Mill

In May of this year, Council approved the purchase of the historic Bellrock Mill. At that time the South Frontenac Museum Society obtained a cost estimate for engineering services to preserve and restore the Mill. They also applied, unsuccessfully, for several grants to cover a portion of those costs. In the absence of other funding, a Public Services report recommends to Council that they fund the engineering study directly in order to prepare for shoring up the property to prevent further degradation.

Deputy Mayor Revill said “We all recognized there would be some expense involved: the roof is a safety issue: it needs work immediately.” Leonard agreed: “if we don’t take immediate steps, we will lose a lot more: the snow is coming soon.” Mayor Vandewal cautioned: “We need to look at preserving something realistic…” CAO Carbone added, “(An engineering study) is the first step: we can’t even shore the building up without an examination of the issues.”

Council approved a motion by Councillors Leonard and Morey to approve $20,000 from the Working Fund reserve to complete an initial engineering review on the feasibility of preserving and restoring the historic Bellrock Mill.

Hinchinbrook Road

Mayor Vandewal reported on his recent “grand tour of Hinchinbrook Road”, by saying it looks safe for winter travel, and congratulating staff on their work.

Harrowsmith Beautification Committee

Following a closed session, the CAO announced that the following will constitute the Harrowsmith Beautification Committee: Adele Hamilton, Brenda Taylor, Amanda Dirksen, Lindsay Morey, Sean Irish, and Greg Hamlin. (Apologies for any spelling errors. W.K).

January 2022 Council Meeting Schedule:

Council will meet in January 2022 on January 11 and 25; Committee of the Whole will be January 18.

Note: New Director of Public Services for South Frontenac was announced on November 8: Charles Croll will take up the position of November 17. Mr Croll will be responsible for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the financial, technical, and operational elements of the Public Services department which encompasses roads, engineering, solid waste, recreation and facilities portfolios. This is the last vacant position to be filled within the Public Services Department following a year of change. Earlier this year, Troy Dunlop was recruited for the new role of Manager of Technical Services and Infrastructure, and Ronnie Joslin was recently hired into the new position of Construction and Technical Services Technologist, rounding out the Public Services team.