End of Year Report

As we are well into December, and closing in on Christmas, it seems to be a good time to reflect on 2016.

A lot has happened over the year, and while it is hard to summarize 12 months of activity, I wanted to give a few highlights. This is by no means a definitive list, and others may have their own, but this is my take on where we’ve been and a bit toward where we are going.

Taxes – Raising taxes is never a pleasant task, and certainly one of my least favourite things to do. Property taxes are expenses out of your take-home pay or pension, so every dollar that goes to them has to come from something else – like food, hydro, activities for your kids, etc.

In 2015, we raised taxes 3.5 percent over the previous year, and in 2016 we were able to raise them by less than that. One of the biggest drivers of the increases has been OPP costs, and we have another big increase in this expense for 2017. The good news is that this appears to be the last of the phase-in years for the policing cost increase, so 2018 will not be as affected by this. Also, the Township is working to establish a policing committee that will work closely with the local OPP on issues of concern – such as where we may need more patrols and attention. I would like to commend the local OPP detachment for their willingness to engage with us, and to explain what they do and be open to our input. Beyond that, we are also trying to reduce the cost of governance. Recently, Council endorsed changes to our insurance coverage that will reduce our premiums by over $170,000 a year while maintaining current levels of coverage.

My priority for 2017 differs little from 2015 or 2016 – keep taxes as low as possible while ensuring the Township has adequate resources to serve your needs.

Hinchinbrooke and Sharbot Lake Schools – The purchase of the former school properties at Sharbot Lake and Parham have not been without a lot of debate. I understand that, and while I have spoken at times on the issue, I’d like to take the opportunity to give a more detailed answer. Every member of Council will have their own position and perspective on this issue, and I cannot speak for anyone other than myself.

My support for the Sharbot Lake purchase was based on the fact that the property takes up 4 acres in the middle of the village and has a good well and large septic to tie into. Even with the eventual cost of demolition, it is inconceivable that a comparable piece of land could be secured for such a price. Frontenac County had made clear its support for seniors housing before the purchase had been made, and Councillors Dewey and MacDonald are on the committee coordinating their support for our efforts. While we do have quality residences in the vicinity, demand always outstrips supply. Of those units available in the township, all are in private for profit facilities. We do not have a geared to income supply locally, and for those looking for such an option, they would have to go to Glenburnie (Fairmount Home), Northbrook (Pine Meadow), Perth or Kingston.

For me, the opportunity to provide an affordable option for Central Frontenac seniors to stay in the township, to remain near family and friends, and to continue to support the local economy, churches and social / service clubs is important. Knowing that County resources and support can be tapped for this, and that the rental income will support the facility once it is operational was also important in my view.

Increasingly, seniors make up a larger portion of the general population, so the need will only grow. For those who rely on CPP and family support, this option could be a welcome one.

Hinchinbrooke School is a property that may potentially find new life as a community centre. Already, we have had productive discussions with members of the District #4 Recreation Committee who have established a working group to develop a plan for such a facility. The group, as well as Council, is aware that for any plan to succeed it must be fully costed and that it must meet the day-to-day expenses.

If there is an opportunity to have a fully-functioning centre in the heart of Parham that provides a home for groups, services, and possibly private concerns, without incurring ongoing costs to taxpayers, we owe people the chance to make it happen.

The closure of HPS was difficult for Parham, and a sad day for those of us who began our school years there. A vibrant and self-sufficient centre could help put the community back on track, and encourage small business and other activities to locate there.

Along with others, I look forward to seeing a workable plan.

Roads – The condition of many of our secondary roads is an ongoing concern. Over the past couple of years we have worked to improve snow removal and sanding on many of the shorter routes, as well as the usual spring / summer maintenance. In particular, I have keeping an eye on Eagle Lake Road, Clow and Moon Roads, Oak Flats Road, Echo Lake Road, and 4th Lake Road. Last spring was rough on a lot of other roads. I remember specifically the washboarding on White Lake Road, as well as flooding on part of Godfrey Road.

These situations are never welcome. Bad road conditions are an inconvenience and a hazard to people as they try to get to work or the store, and to our young people as they head to and from home on school buses.

There is always work to do, and I am grateful for those of you who bring these issues to my attention, and to our staff who work to resolve these issues in a timely fashion. Among some of these, in particular, was the work done last year on Struthers Road and Ball Road. I am also pleased that we will be working on repairs to a large culvert on 4th Lake Road in the coming weeks to ensure that this route remains safe and secure.

There are, of course, other roads projects that I hope we can make progress on over the next couple of years (my ‘wish list’) which would include resurfacing of our section of Westport Road, as well as work on Forty Foot and some of the roads out toward Wilkinson and heading toward Mary Moore Road. As always, the priority will always be those in most need and within our ability to pay, but I will still work to get a positive answer.

Facilities Maintenance – Late in the summer there were issues at Piccadilly Hall and Piccadilly Cemetery related to lawn maintenance. While I am grateful that the work eventually got done, it was apparent that we needed a better way to proceed.

Together with Councillor Phil Smith, I asked staff to review our contracts in order to ensure that there are performance clauses, so that when we contract out a service, you – the taxpayer – get what you pay for.

I strongly believe that performance clauses are important for all contracted services. Whether or not work is needed should be for us to decide. Having these terms explicit in our contracts gives both parties the opportunity to understand what the expectations and duties are so that there is no misunderstanding.

Clarity is a friend to all.

Parham Fire Hall / Library – In May, the community celebrated the opening of the new Parham Fire Hall and Public Library facility. Anyone familiar with the previous locations for both would readily recognize the improvement. Like many, I felt strongly about this project proceeding. Years ago, Council members showed wisdom in establishing a reserve fund for this task, and I would like to acknowledge the role that one of my predecessors, Bill Snyder, played in making that happen. A regret I have is that he did not have the opportunity to see this plan become a reality.

Giving our firefighters the tools to protect lives and property in Hinchinbrooke District, and throughout Central Frontenac, is an imperative. They cannot ensure our protection unless they have a safe working environment and adequate equipment. Maintaining a library for the people of Parham and surrounding area is hugely important. People in rural areas have less access to the Internet and technology, and our attendance rates for college and university significantly lag those of city dwellers. While not every child will want to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer (or do a degree in political studies!), our kids should at least have the choice and the opportunity that those living in Kingston or other urban centres take for granted.

Frontenac Community Arena – Over the past year, I have had the privilege to serve as the Board Chairman for the Frontenac Community Arena. It has been a big year for the FCA. On the maintenance end, we have replaced the compressors (that dated back to 1976!) that maintain the ice, the heaters in the bleachers, the sound system, as well as the arena lighting, which has doubled the light levels on the ice surface. Many of these changes, while incurring costs, have already resulted in a reduction in Hydro costs of thousands of dollars compared to the same time last year. Beyond that, they ensure that the FCA has reliable equipment and can continue to serve you and your family for years to come.

The 2016-17 season also represents our 40th Anniversary, and it was my privilege to help in the celebrations – from the Gala Dinner and Dance (in which I still have forgotten to pick up our cooler) to the unveiling of our 40th Anniversary Logo (which, in the attempt to get into the ‘hockey spirit’, I chipped part of a front tooth a couple of hours before walking onto the ice!)

It is important to acknowledge the people who make all of this possible: My board colleagues Sherry Whan, Alan Revill and Norm Roberts; our Arena staff, led by Tim Laprade; our 40th Anniversary Committee members; our Frontenac Flyers and Frontenac Fury families; and to the people of Central and South Frontenac Townships who continue to give this important facility their support. Thank you!

By-Law review – This year, Council was presented with a number of drafts for new and updated by-laws. After some debate and input from concerned residents and ratepayers, it established a By-Law Review Committee to spearhead a more in-depth consultation. Along with Councillors Heese, Whan and Kelsey, I will be working on this committee, and it is our hope that we will be able to involve you in the discussion.

While the process has started to take shape, one decision seems to be clear – our final recommendations must reflect your input.

In the new year, we will be announcing how you can participate and make your views known. I will be sharing that information with you as early as possible.

Summing up - In closing, 2016 has been an interesting year – with all its ups and downs. On balance, it has been a good one for our family. We know that is not always the case for everyone. While it has not been one of the harder, more challenging years for the Camerons, it has been for a lot of people – in our community and elsewhere.

We are a caring community, and while I am grateful for any good that comes, I am also mindful that many among us face difficulties – lack of money, health issues, and other challenges. Our family has had its share of obstacles, and I would like to think that the take away from it all is an appreciation of the good in our lives, and an awareness of what others still deal with.

I have found that family, good friends and neighbours have always been a comfort when times are tough. My faith and a sense of humour have also helped at times. I’ve learned that you should never be afraid to laugh a little or pray a lot.

As a Councillor, I can do some things to help people, and I’m grateful for the chance. For the things I can’t help you with, I hope that someone can. If that’s not possible, I do wish for you the peace and strength to prevail. Even if you feel alone, you are not.

Thank you, again, for the privilege of serving you on Central Frontenac Council.

On behalf of our family, I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2017! Brent