South Frontenac Lays Out Plans For Office Renovation

Wilma Kenny | Jun 12, 2024

Big changes coming soon: the tender for the Town Hall expansion in Sydenham is in the process of being issued, and will close mid-July. The plan is to reconfigure and expand the existing spaces and the project is expected to take a year, more or less, starting this fall.

So…the Township’s administration offices will be relocated to space in Storrington Hall which the fire department has vacated for the newly-completed Station 8 Fire Hall. Other options such as site trailers were dismissed as being more expensive, and by utilizing existing facilities the Township will end up with updated space for future use.

Furniture and equipment will need to be moved &/or stored, services such as internet relocated, etc. All furniture and equipment that is required for customer service sites will first be moved from Town Hall, and a full inventory of all workstations, equipment etc. will be taken. There will then be an assessment of what can be used at the customer service sites and what can be repurposed to other departments or stored within existing Township facilities.

Council approved a budget of $25,000 for these relocation and preparation costs to be funded from working funds, and $40,000 from the facilities reserve for the renovation of the Storrington administration offices.

During this year-long reconstruction period, the Sydenham community room adjoining the library will be repurposed as a township customer service office.

Automatic Mutual Aid with Central Frontenac 

Councillor Pegrum agreed that it would be appropriate to remain with the current agreement, but in the future, it might be formally expanded to include serious medical incidents, as well as fires. Staff said that currently, mutual aid is automatic between the townships in case of medical emergencies. Fire Chief Del Blakney agreed to bring back a formal report on automatic mutual aid for emergency situations other than fires.

Private Lane Upgrade Assistance Program

The purpose of this annual program is to offer grant incentives for

private lane associations that carry out construction to improve access for emergency service vehicles. Total annual subsidies are limited to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $7,000 per application.  This year, the total eligible applications exceeded the amount available ($114,279) by slightly over $15,000.

Council agreed to follow staff recommendations to reduce subsidies to all applicants who have received three or more grants in the previous 5 years, suggesting that the amount assigned to the program could be increased for next year.

“Del Stowe originated this program,” said Mayor Vandewal; “It’s a ‘win-win’. It helps out the economy and improves lane accessibility for emergency vehicles.” Sleeth agreed.

The list of applicants, followed by the amount they will receive, is as follows: *Belknap - $102, Barr - $2915, Bessey - $6844, Brittara - $7,000, Coates - $2466, Doucette - $2898, *Everett - $1672, First Point - $1062, *Garter Lake - $4864, *Hiawatha - $3720, Hideaway - $2853, *Hillcrest - $2533, Heron - $2802, *Howes Lake - $2772, *13 Island Lake - $2324, Maple Grove - $7,000, *Meredith - $5180, Miner Lake - $6746, *Oakshores Lake - $5180, Oak Haven - $7,000, *Old Fourteen Island - $5180, *Old Mine - $2433, Pine - $4185, Sargent - $7,000, *Stafford Lane, $5180, Sweetfern - $988, *Tims - $1496, Winding Creek - $1017, and Wood Duck - $7,000 (* refers to frequent user – 3 or more grants in previous 5 years)

Frontenac County Economic Development

Richard Allan and Debbi Miller brought their annual report to Council. They are currently distributing a weekly email newsletter to around 400 businesses in the Frontenacs, and reported that the K&P Trail is now connected between Verona and Sharbot Lake, and links up with the 360 km Eastern Ontario Rail Trail loop. Allan said this latter trail is mainly used by cyclists; there was no mention of snowmobiles. Frontenac County still lacks wayfaring information, accommodation and amenities such as water stations within easy reach of the trails.

“Can you say the Cataraqui trail will never be motorized?” asked Mayor Vandewal. Allan did not answer. Ruttan said he would appreciate more data about tourism in the area. Vandewal noted that it could be hard to get statistics from local restaurants and chip wagons, for example; “Networking events are very important.”

Allan said that there was more information about Economic Development initiatives on the County website. “Any way you can put more in the Frontenac News?”, asked Deputy Mayor Leonard. Mayor Vandewal and Clerk Louise Fragnito agreed that there was need on both sides to continue to increase communication between the Township and the County.

Closing Comments

Councillor Roberts reported from Quinte Conservation Authority that a pledge to plant a tree for every hockey stick broken by the Belleville team has resulted in 418 new trees being planted in Belleville.

Vandewal praised staff and volunteers for the highly successful Summer Kick-off at Centennial Park: “A great venue for a worthwhile event.”