1st meeting in post Carbone era meeting in SF looks to Verona

Wilma Kenny | Feb 23, 2022

Mayor Vandewal opened the meeting by acknowledging that this is former CAO Neil Carbone’s last time to attend a Council meeting, wishing him “All the best”.

Verona Housing Master Plan and Next Steps

This was the main topic of the meeting: the Verona Housing Master Plan, developed by the Township’s consultant MHBC, establishes recommendations and guidelines for a variety of housing on Township lands in Verona, including development of affordable seniors housing.

Council was asked to: A) Endorse the Master Plan as presented; B) Approve undertaking a servicing options study for the proposed Verona Housing development, as part of the 2021 Servicing Options Study capital project 21-17; and C) Work with its municipal neighbours in Frontenac County and elsewhere in Eastern Ontario to lobby the Provincial government to address inconsistencies in their policy objectives and the associated challenges they have created for development in rural Ontario on municipal communal services.

Only recently have Township and County staff learned that the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) had made decisions in late 2021 regarding the interpretation of the definition of “Municipal” drinking water systems and their requirement for source water protection. Despite the Province’s knowledge of the extensive work on communal servicing that is occurring in Frontenac, this information had not been communicated by MECP to the County. This, and the lack of any flexibility on source water protection requirements for ANY communal water system means that MECP requirements are at odds with Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) promotion of communal services as the preferred servicing option for rural development where full services are not viable.

The Plan provides a policy framework for how development should proceed on the property including the size and scale of development; accessibility; amenities; connections with the downtown core, nearby housing developments, and adjacent public recreational properties; active transportation linkages; motorized vehicle compatibility; built form and design standards; parking; servicing, and phasing.

With the Ministry now mandating a source water protection plan for any municipal drinking water system that services six (6) or more dwelling units, coupled with the implications of establishing a well-head protection area in an existing and constrained settlement area, the consultant recommends undertaking a servicing options study to determine whether a communal well is the most viable alternative for water, or if another option (e.g. lake water intake) would be more desirable when cost, constraints, and ongoing source water protection implications are all considered. Such a study will add between $50,000-$100,000 to the project cost, and 12-18 months to the project timeline.

Council’s reactions varied widely. Sleeth: “I’m disappointed and confused: I had thought it was for Seniors, not mixed demographics, and most of the property looks useless. I need to be convinced that the project is even viable.” McDougall: “Wow! This is such an exciting opportunity to do something that may become a model for the County!”

Carbone cautioned Council not to get too hung up on the details yet: market research will come later. This report’s purpose is to show the eventual potential of the property; the project will be done in phases, permitting the Township to adjust types and sizes of future buildings, and other details as needed.

The property in question includes the portions on either side of Verona Road, and it does present challenges: the eastern portion is quite narrow, while the much larger western part has some rocky outcrops, a lot of trees, and a sizeable portion of wetlands. The McMullen Manor property was included in the overall planning of pedestrian connections, etc.

The master plan showed potential locations for septic beds, and included the possibility of two three-storey apartment buildings, and three blocks of townhomes, with considerable housing potential, depending on the final designs.

Council agreed that no matter what the details of the final development might be, the first step before any development of more than six units will need to be an expensive and time-consuming water servicing options study. They also agreed to lobby the Provincial government for more consistent policies for rural development.

Private La Rochelle

Matt Smith came as a delegate to ask Council’s support of a motion recommending that Private Jess Larochelle, a former serving member be awarded the Canadian Victoria Cross for his heroic actions on October 14, 2006. Council agreed.

Portland Community Caring Lease Renewed

Council renewed Portland Community Caring’s five-year $2,400 lease for rent of the space they use in Princess Anne Building, Hartington. The non-profit recycling centre will continue to be responsible for items such as their own cleaning and communications costs. The rental amount is an estimate of utility costs associated with the amount of space rented while acknowledging the charitable nature of the operation. This volunteer group donates all profits back into the community, welcomes donations, and is a popular source of clothing and small household goods at very affordable prices.