South Frontenac Council July 18/23

Wilma Kenny | Jul 26, 2023

Watersheds Canada Presentation

Robert Pye, Executive Director of Watersheds Canada, gave a brief presentation on the value of naturalized shorelines. Pye began by acknowledging that his agency regards South Frontenac Township as a great example of leadership. Referencing the Township’s lake ecosystem grants and Lake Advisory Committee, he said “We can’t think of any community that has had more watershed.ca programs and shoreline restoration than South Frontenac. You have had 46 naturalization projects on 12 lakes with an overall 7,000 square metres of shoreline restored.” Pye’s presentation illustrated how planting a shoreline with native plants benefits the ecosystem, stabilizes the soil, and is considerably less expensive than building various forms of retaining walls. “At least 75% of one’s shoreline needs to be kept or restored to its natural state, because almost all (freshwater) aquatic life is born, raised and fed within 25 feet of the shoreline.”

Mayor Vandewal commented that a surprising number of people have participated in the Township sponsored Lake Ecosystem Grants Program (which is currently accepting applications.)

Road Allowance Transfer Not Approved

Council did not support an application to close and transfer an irregularly-shaped portion of unopened road allowance between Labelle and Big Clear Lakes. Since the property north of this road allowance is part of Frontenac Park, it is probable this is in keeping with the Park’s announced intent (several years ago) to assume all unopened road allowances adjoining their boundaries.

Noise Bylaw Exemptions

Approval was given to have a firework display between 9pm and 10pm at 86 Palmer Lane, Tichborne (Burridge Lake) “unless prohibited at that time by any other bylaws or legislation.”

Charlene Lyon’s request for a noise bylaw exempt to permit amplified music and a motorcycle rally from 9pm-11 pm Aug 4-7 inclusive, had been held over from the previous Council meeting, for additional information. Council has been informed that approximately 170 participants are expected, and all neighbours within 500 metres have been notified both in writing and verbally: none has complained. The request has been modified to limit the motorcycles’ exemption to 15 minute increments between 8am and 8pm to allow them to assemble for group rides.

Councilor Pegrum said that a 4-day period seemed to be overlong for an exemption.

Mayor Vandewal agreed that it was an unusually long time, “But at least they asked,” he said. “It’s important to try this and gauge how it works, only then will we know (whether to handle this sort of request) differently.”

Council agreed and passed the exemption.

A noise bylaw exemption was granted from 4pm – 11pm for a wedding on Oak Bluffs Road, near Maberly. “I hope they cut it off at 11,” Mayor Vandewal commented; “that’s a long way to have to send a bylaw officer at that hour of the night, but we do appreciate people coming forward to ask.”

SHS Reunion Committee was granted a noise exemption from 6pm to 11pm on Aug 25 & 26.

Later in the meeting they were approved for a Council Grant of $5,000.

Tax Sale Proceeds

Council agreed to support a resolution from the town of Essex that requests the Province of Ontario amend the Municipal Act to reinstate previous legislation permitting a municipality to retain surplus proceeds from tax sales.

A tax sale is the result of property taxes going uncollected for several years and forfeiture by the property owner, resulting in a tax sale on the property. The tax sale surplus is that part of the amount paid for the property which is in excess of the property tax and interest owing.

In 2017, the province ruled that the township must pass this surplus on to the courts. Until then, the surplus had helped to offset any uncollectible taxes that couldn’t be recovered (including cases where the Township ultimately vested the property). The Treasurer for South Frontenac estimates that in 2023, $653,000 of SF tax sale surplus proceeds will be paid into the courts.

“Province-wide, this results in a lot of money they won’t want to lose,” said Mayor Vandewal, “but it’s worth trying.”

Battersea Sidewalk

Council approved the bid from Dig N Dirt Ltd. In the amount of $164,223.90 for the construction of 250m of new sidewalk in the Village of Battersea from Mill Street to the Battersea Ball Diamond. This is part of a five-year plan for investing in new sidewalks in the township. $25,575 will need to be drawn from the Asset Investment Reserve.

Township Hall Expansion

Council approved awarding $203,362 to Colbourne and Kembel Architects Inc to develop detailed design plans for the Township Hall expansion. Not only was this bid the lowest, but they also proposed the most hours dedicated to the project.

“Colbourne and Kembel Architecture (CKA) is a very reputable company that has experience in overseeing construction projects of varying complexity. Township Staff have full confidence in the experience and expertise of CKA to meet the project requirements, create a solid design, and assist in construction oversight once construction has commenced.” Said Kyle Bolton, Director of Public Services.

Speed Limit Changes

Following previous Council discussions, Council supported speed limit changes on portions of Lower Round Lake Road, Perth Road (just north of the boat launch), Petworth Road, Carrying Place and Westport Road. Three Councilors were not in favour, on the grounds that the changes should not establish two different speed limits on relatively short roads such as Petworth Road.

Staff is currently working on a township-wide speed management policy due to be brought to council in September at the latest, which is intended to provide more consistency and direction regarding speed limits.

August Meeting

The August Council meeting will be Tuesday Aug 15.