The Devil Is in The Details: South Frontenac Council - June 20/23

Wilma Kenny | Jun 28, 2023

Public Meetings: Bob’s Lake Co-op

Tracy Zander came to Council on behalf of the Bob’s Lake Cooperative, (the Co-op) to request a zoning By-law amendment, which would change the property zone from Limited Service Residential – Waterfront Special Provision (RLSW-3) to a new RLSW-XX zone. The Co-op, located on Bob’s Lake, Bedford, is a 54 acre property, consisting of several parcels of adjoining land, and was originally a trailer camp, which became a non-profit cooperative 40 years ago and transitioned into a for-profit corporation between 2007-2009. Only three of the land parcels have trailers on them (a total of 52 campsites). The Corporation has no debt, a reserve fund, and paid almost $19,000 in Township taxes in 2022.

The current zoning, which came into being at the time of the amalgamation of South Frontenac, requires a minor variance each time a trailer is replaced. Because the present zoning makes it cumbersome and costly to do this, they are seeking to update the zoning to allow a travel trailer to be considered the principal building/use on each site, with accessory buildings, and one sleep cabin.

Zander noted that there is no new development proposed, all parking is accommodated onsite, the use is screened from the road, and natural vegetation is retained. (A small area in the NE corner is designated Environmental Protection, and maintained as such.) This proposed Zoning By-law Amendment recognizes the existing uses onsite and provides a framework for future uses, aligns with the by-laws of the Co-operative and meets the intent of the Official Plan policies.

There was no objection from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and no comments from the public or Council: a zone change recommendation will come forward to a later meeting.

1006 Busch Lane, Bedford Road

Another public meeting related to a 37.6hectare vacant property north of Sydenham, with frontage on Bedford Road and Gould Lake, which remained when a parcel with three (legal non-conforming) seasonal dwellings accessed by Busch Lane, a private driveway, was severed from it. The retained parcel contains a series of large ponds and wetland on the property, which drain into Gould Lake, and it abuts Gould Lake Conservation Area. There is a high probability of these lands containing significant wildlife habitat and habitat for endangered species and threatened species. This property also has archaeological potential due to its proximity to Gould Lake.

Currently, there are no plans for development of this land, but staff is recommending a holding symbol be placed on it, which will require an Environmental Impact Assessment and an Archeological Assessment to be completed before any (future) proposed development could proceed. Council agreed, and passed the by-law later in the meeting, to fulfill a condition of consent approval.

SHS 150 Anniversary Request

Darlene Clement came with a request for Township support for the SHS Anniversary celebrations. She specified funding the Aug 26 Family Fun Day, which was estimated to need $2500. Mayor Vandewal said that the SHS request for a community grant had been denied because it did not meet the criteria, but that the community was very fortunate to have SHS, and Council regarded it as being of great value to the Township. Mayor Vandewal, and several Councillors repeatedly asked “What is your overall fundraising target, and what is your current shortfall? What do you currently need?” Clement named the separate costs for various events, but was unable to directly answer either question, finally saying, “I don’t want to be greedy, but we would take $10,000. If there’s any money left over, it will go to help current students.” A notice of motion was made by Deputy Mayor Sleeth (a long-time alumnus of SHS) and seconded by Councillor Trueman, to offer $5,000.

Mayor Vandewal said that technically, approval had to wait until the next Council meeting (July 11), but “It looks like you’ll be getting $5,000).”

Noise By-law Exemption Requests

Three requests came for noise bylaw exemptions: Rose Hahn for a Celebration of Life July 8, from 2-11pm, at 1001 Lines Lane Perth Road; Ryan Arcand for a wedding July 15, from 1pm until 1am July 16 at 2535 Sands Road Battersea, and Charlene Lyon for a motorcycle rally and amplified music from 9am to 11pm on August 4,5,6 &7 at 4625 Wolfe Swamp Road, Harrowsmith.

Deputy Mayor Sleeth commented that he objected to extending an exemption to 1am; “If they’re not winding down until 1am, it will probably be 3am before they kick everyone out.” A motion was made that all three exemptions should end at 11pm. Councillor Morey then asked whether the neighbours (at the corner of Wolfe Swamp and Colebrook roads) had been notified about a 4-day event in their neighbourhood. Mayor Vandewal agreed that it was important that any concerns or comments come to Council. Clerk Thompson suggested that perhaps the noise exemption request form should be amended to include a request that neighbours be notified of pending events. Councillor Pegrum agreed, adding “Perhaps we need more information about the rally: how many attendees are expected?” Mayor Vandewal suggested the first two requests could be passed, but the third one should be deferred to the July meeting, pending further information. Council agreed.

Glendower Net Sports Courts Upgrades

As part of the 2023 Capital budget process, Council approved the resurfacing of the Glendower net sport courts, to provide the northern area of South Frontenac with a revitalized space offering a double tennis court and four pickleball courts with plans to add two basketball net systems as part of the 2024 capital budget.

Accordingly, the Public Services Department recommended that Council authorize them to enter into an agreement with Jeff Wallen’s Construction for a revised contract amount of $154,521.54 (including HST rebate); and authorize a project budget increase in the amount of $34,521.54 to be funded from the Asset Investment Reserve. Due to the increase in cost, staff had considered cancelling the project and re-tendering for 2024, but in a discussion with the contractor, who is also completing the resurfacing portion of the McMullen Court project in Verona, a savings of $25,446 (Including HST rebate) was identified that wouldn’t compromise the quality of work by capitalizing on bulk material orders and shared mobilization costs for both projects. Proceeding with the contract will ensure the Glendower court upgrades are completed this year, benefit from the economies of scale of the two projects, and bring all the courts in the Township to the same surface standard.

Council agrees to fund the shortfall from the Asset Investment Reserve.

Mayor Vandewal asked how use of the public playing courts was being controlled, citing complaints that Kingston residents were using the Inverary Courts. Tim Leprade said that they are keeping records of court bookings, and the Township charged different rates for residents and non-residents.

Speed Limit Reviews and Recommendations

Troy Dunlop, Manager of Technical Services and Infrastructure, presented a summary of speed limit recommendations in response to 7 separate petitions for speed limit reviews that had come to the Township in the summer and fall of 2022. He said that a draft speed limit review policy was in the process of being developed, and these seven were part of a huge backlog that was being worked through.

This resulted in a lengthy, fragmented and sometimes heated discussion which was calmed by CAO Fragnito’s clarification that only five of the seven requests were being recommended, and one of them was a compromise between the current speed and the requested one. The resolution eventually passed. (Councillor Leonard continued to disagree with one half of the Petworth road now having a different speed limit from the other half).

Accessibility

Councillor Morey brought a notice of motion that the Facilities Manager bring a report on what’s needed to improve accessibility to the Township’s parks and recreation areas, so this can be included in next year’s budget plans.