Report to Ratepayers and Residents - April 2018

Hello to all:

As the winter gives way to hopefully better weather (at some point), I wanted to touch base on some things happening with the Township and on Council.

Before I begin, a brief word about the fires that took place this past week, one being in our district. Having grown up in a family that lost a great deal in a house fire, I’m keenly aware of the challenges you face when you attempt to get through these events. The kindness and support of family, neighbours and friends got us through our own difficult time, and I have no doubt it will mean a great deal to those challenges right now. Help if you have it in your ability to do so. If you don’t, even a kind word and a sympathetic ear can mean a great deal.

1. Official Plan – The Township, like many other municipalities, is doing an extensive review of our Official Plan. For those not familiar with what an OP is, think of it as a municipality’s ‘zoning constitution’, and that decisions on what is - or is not – allowed for developing, building or changing has to conform to it. These are usually reviewed every 5 years.

In the coming weeks, there will be public meetings to discuss the development of our new Official Plan. When those dates and times are available, I will let you know.

2. Wearing my Arena Board hat, I want to give a brief shout out to our Frontenac Flyers and Fury teams for another amazing season, with 3 All-Ontario playoffs at different levels, and some new championship banners that will be hoisted up in the near future. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, parents and volunteers for all you do!

3. The Piccadilly fire substation does have an operational vehicle once again. As previously noted, the truck – along with the one at Henderson - was temporarily out of service due to mechanical issues. The trucks have been restored to operation, but will be focused on medical response. This has been an emotional issue, and as someone who lives in a part of the township covered by this substation, I share your concern.

While the Township has responsibility for delivery of fire and rescue services, we still have to adhere to the standards set by provincial ministries and the Office of the Fire Marshal. It’s not a choice, but an imperative. Whether or not any of us think that something is suitable for a task, unless it meets with the guidelines set forth by the Province of Ontario, there is an issue.

The measures being taken give us a restoration of service and compliance with the province. As stated previously, my position is to ensure that the Piccadilly substation remains part of the compliment for years to come. Again, never has Council been presented with a proposal that would affect the future of that station. If a vote were ever called in the future, my position is solidly behind maintaining our substation.

4. A public meeting regarding construction work on Crow Lake Road will take place on May 23rd at Oso Hall (7-9 pm). While most of us use the Hinchinbrooke Waste Transfer station for regular garbage, many use Crow Lake for larger items, so you may find this session of interest.

5. The Township will be looking at joining with Frontenac Islands on a joint contract to deal with Wild Parsnip. We’ve had some particularly bad outbreaks along some roads in the township, so it is hoped that we will be in a position to start work when the season begins in earnest.

6. This spring has been particularly rough on a lot of our roads. I’ve gone out and driven a few stretches – Raymo Road, down through Echo and Fourth Lake Roads, Wilkinson and Mary Moore Roads as well. I’ve passed on a heads up to our staff on a few places that could really use attention.

As always, I thank you for your advice, your suggestions and your support. Take care of yourselves and each other – and know that spring will eventually show up!

Brent