South Frontenac Township Council

Wilma Kenny | Nov 27, 2024

Recreation Service Fees for Township Facilities

In 2022, Council endorsed the Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Master Plan, which included a recommendation for a comprehensive review of all recreation service fees, facility rental fees, allocation policies, and related procedures. Although the majority of township groups already pay user fees, some few do not, and there is no overall policy for rental to (possibly profit-making) non-resident or individual groups. Also, the Township’s expenses for upkeep continue to rise.

In 2023, the consulting firm of Sierra Planning and Management was retained and since that time, have held numerous public/group engagement activities, document reviews and meetings with staff and councillors. This presentation to Council was a public meeting to hear Council and public comments on the proposed by-law.

The guiding principles for developing the “Fees Policy and Facility Allocation Policy” were to ensure fairness and equity in access to township facilities, and set fee rates which promote public policy goals, including: universal access, maximizing community health and wellness; maintaining the level of service for municipal services; effective asset management, and fiscal sustainability. User groups were divided into three main categories: (a)Youth, Seniors & Non-profit; (b)Adult users; and (c)Commercial and Non-resident. A 20% increase is recommended for all lighted facilities after 8 pm.

There were three written comments from the public, all speaking for small volunteer groups with limited financial resources. Comments from Council were minimal.

Proposed Development near Quarry

Property owner Brown is hoping to build a residence on a lot which is partially within 245m from an existing quarry. (The quarry is not currently active because the particular type of red granite it provides is evidently not in fashion.) However, because the Provincial 2024 Planning Statement specifies that mineral aggregate resources must be protected for long-term use, the township recommends the property owner hold further discussion with the quarry owner regarding future plans. Next steps will include registering notice on title. There were no comments from the public.

Disposition of Surplus Township Land

The land in question is Con 13, pt lot 10; a landlocked 100-acre property between Bedford Road and Frontenac Park Lane. There is interest in the property for nature reserve purposes. Although it is only accessible through private land, there is what appears to be an unopened road allowance abutting the property at the north which extends East-West from Canoe Lake Rd to Frontenac Park but would still not provide access due to watercourses through the road allowance. The property abuts to Frontenac Provincial Park and is an opportunity to establish a conservation corridor between the Park and the Kingston Field Naturalist’s Helen Quilliam Sanctuary and the Gould Lake Conservation Area to the southwest. This is recommended.

Sydenham Cenotaph Enhancement Proposal

A delegation from the Sydenham Legion noted that the cenotaph was dedicated in 1960, and improved some time in the early 2000’s. However, the walkway on the approach needs to be widened, and the overall site needs to be made more accessible to seniors, veterans, and physically handicapped individuals. Although the monument itself belongs to the Legion, the site itself is township property. Currently, it does not meet provincial safety standards. For example, the monument needs to be drilled and pinned and the site would be safer if the bank was cut back. Inground lighting and landscaping would help enhance the site.

The Legion is working with Director of Public Works, Kyle Bolton, who has been seeking estimates and conceptual drawings from local contractors.

In response to a question about funding sources from Councillor Trueman, the delegates said the Legion is also looking into the possibility of Federal or Provincial funding assistance