End of Year Report

It has been just slightly more than one year since members of Council – including myself – were sworn into office. A quarter of the way through this term, and I can say that the job is both everything and nothing that I expected. For the others who were new to the experience of municipal politics, I am sure the same holds equally true.

There have been a great many things that have occurred over the past 12 months, but I would like to review some of what seem to be the more notable events:

1. The building of a new fire hall and library for Parham – To go from an idea to a reality in a little over a year, you need the support and combined effort of Council, staff, our fire department, and the community. All recognized the urgency and the need. It will be particularly satisfying to see our firefighters – the people who train and work to keep us safe – have a facility worthy of their commitment

2. Keeping Parham Library open – Together with the Mayor and Councillor Phil Smith, I was pleased to meet with the very people for whom the Library is much more than a place to store books.

The case was made to the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board and, for the time being, the branch will re-open in its new location. Having said that, the old adage of ‘use it or lose it applies’, but I am positive that all of us will show that this community can support such an important service;

3. Keeping taxes affordable – Despite the pressure on the Township to deliver services amid increasing costs, we know that the taxes you pay take up a huge portion of your household budget. Every dollar increase is one less dollar you have for yourself and your family. While we often need to increase rates, they should always bear in mind that reality. For 2015, we kept the increase to 3.5% after a number of years where the rise was often as high as 5 to 8%. In 2016, it is my hope that we can provide a number that recognizes your challenge in making ends meet,

4. Frontenac Community Arena – Together with my Council colleague Sherry Whan, I am proud to represent Central Frontenac on the management board of the Frontenac Community Arena. Working with our colleagues from South Frontenac, Al Revill and Norm Roberts, as well as Arena Manager Tim Laprade, we have undertaken a number of projects that we hope will enhance the activities of the Arena and help us fulfill our mandate in 2016 - our 40th Anniversary year – and beyond. Bookings and ice times are on the increase, improvements to the facility are well underway, and the FCA has a new website. Also, there is a hope that interest is sufficient for ball hockey, allowing us to provide full year service to the community.

5. Road work, etc. – This year we have seen major planned (Sharbot Lake overpass) and unplanned (Raymo Road repairs) work done. In addition, the rehabilitation of Wagarville and Fifth Lake Roads has continued. As our new Public Works Manager continues to identify issues with township roads and maintenance, I’m hopeful that the next 12 months will see a number of improvements on this front.

6. Purchase of Hinchinbrooke and Sharbot Lake school properties – Recently the Township concluded an agreement to purchase both school properties from the Limestone District School Board. While we had been interested in the properties for some time, we were also mindful of the cost to taxpayers. I am pleased to say that the negotiated price for the properties was comparable to what we would have paid for one location alone initially. While Mayor Smith has publicly commented on possible uses for both properties, she also indicated that public input would be sought before a final decision is made. Given the growing percentage of seniors in our community, and the need for quality housing alternatives, I believe that the redevelopment of the Sharbot Lake property for that purpose is worth further study. This should be done in a way, however, that is affordable and financially sustainable for ratepayers.

The past year has been one of listening and learning. Regardless, there have been two things that have not changed. One is my desire to do a good job for you, and the other is my gratitude to you for having given me the chance to work on your behalf.

I wish you and yours every happiness in the coming year.

Cheers, Brent