South Frontenac population projected to hit 26,000+ by 2050

Wilma Kenny | Jun 26, 2024

Development Charges Background Study

A representative from Watson & Associates outlined a background and future study on development charges, for public review and comment. This study included a summary of anticipated development, both residential and non-residential, over the coming 10-15 years. 

Between 2019 and 2024, the provincial government has brought forward 9 Bills encouraging affordable housing development in Ontario.

Some findings:

3/4 of the Township residents who are employed work in Kingston;

The Township’s growth rate is predicted to be relatively strong, with a forecast increase of 5,500 permanent residents, 3,100 permanent occupied households, and 700 jobs by 2051. The most recent census, in 2021, identified 20,700 permanent residents in South Frontenac, and the Watson report estimates there are now 21,100 permanent residents in the township.

The age structure was described as ‘quite interesting’, in that at the current rate, 1/5 of the population will eventually be over 75 years of age; this necessitates planning to ‘encourage in-migration’;

“Work at home’ statistics may be unreliable, for during Covid numerous cottage owners treated cottages as permanent residences, but have since moved away.

“We are in the process of constructing a new Official Plan,” commented Mayor Vandewal: "We need to ask ourselves if it will permit enough dwelling properties to sustain the forecast population?” 

There were no other questions or comments from either the public or Council.

Zoning By-law Amendments

Planner Christine Woods brought forward a number of minor amendments to the zoning by-law, most of them falling under the heading of “housekeeping items. Some of the development charges being considered for alteration reflect the provincial government’s frequent readjustment of regulations and requirements in relation to housing development. Bill 185, the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act’ is currently in the process of being enacted, and is expected to have a further effect on development charges.

There was also a recommendation to restrict any further requirements for archeological assessments on a lot adjoining Verona cemetery to areas being considered for development, where one grave has already been found and relocated. The property owner provided feedback that contributed to this recommendation.

On staff’s recommendation, this bylaw was passed.

Fire Response Cost Recovery

A representative from Fire Marque, a Canadian Company, which has been working with the Township since 2013, described his company’s services. 

Some larger municipalities recover insurance coverage costs directly; however, since the Township does not have the expertise or capacity to manage such a program internally, Fire Marque’s program provides cost recovery from insurance companies via the Additional Coverages Section, eligible Fire Department Expenses, contained in most property insurance policies in Canada. Fire Department Expense coverage is a non-deductible coverage and does not take away from the amount of funds that the policy holder is entitled to receive for their property and contents. Collecting against this clause does not affect the homeowner's existing or future policy or coverage.

Over the past 10 years, Fire Marque has reviewed 293 files, and determined 31 of them to be recoverable for a total of almost $90,000 for the Township. FMI keeps 30% of the proceeds collected from insurance companies and sends 70% to the municipality. There are no annual fees or file review charges. 

Both Fire Marque and Township staff report a very satisfactory working relationship. 

Council quickly resolved a variety of other issues:

Rezoning of 3514 Buck Point Lane property of Marten & Jessica Anders to permit an apiary, a maximum of 10 hens, and the sale of produce: (there was no reference made to the size of the apiary.)

Report of Township purchase of vacant land on Road 38, June 4, for $346,664. Vandewal said this is the final of three land purchases this year; one property clean-up remains to be done.

One further community grant approved: $2500 to the non-profit component of Wintergreen Studio.

Reported on two (modest) grants received for the Verona Housing Project.

Reappointed Joe Redden as Pound Keeper and Livestock Valuator: “He’s the right guy in the right place: he knows his business,” said Deputy Mayor Leonard. Vandewal agreed.

Appointed Sean Duce as Building Inspector.

Councillor Turcotte presented a summary of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s annual report: “The Year of the Bridges.”