Report to Ratepayers and Residents - July 2017

Hello, everyone:

As we approach the midpoint of summer, I wanted to take an opportunity to report to you on some of my activities in the Township, and bring you up to speed on a few issues:

1. Hazardous Waste Day is this Saturday (July 15th) at Sharbot Lake (intersection of 38 and 7). It starts at 9 am, and is a good opportunity to get ride of those items that have been clogging up your garage and basement, like old paint and CFC lightbulbs.

2. Amnesty Loads – the Crow Lake site (as well as the other active non-transfer locations) will be processing loads until September 10th during regular operation hours.

3. Roads – of course, this is an ongoing concern, and staying on top of it is important. Maintenance is proceeding, although the wet weather and higher than normal water levels has meant delays on a few priorities.

Currently, there are issues with Raymo Road, Welly Smith Road, Second Lake Road, and Struthers Road that have been brought to the attention of staff and will hopefully be resolved soon.

At our most recent Council meeting, I asked whether or not we were still on track with our capital construction plans for upcoming years. There are some significant roads in Hinchinbrooke District that were included in the plans for 2018, and my priority is to ensure that they are not delayed.

4. Chip Trucks – As you may know, the Township has been examining a bylaw governing the operation of ‘refreshment vehicles’. This came about from some complaints about specific cases where operators set up in proximity to existing vendors and bricks-and-mortar operations. While all vendors must adhere to basic rules set forth by the Health Unit, the Fire Department and TSSA, there is no existing township rule.

Suggestions from staff and from the public via written submissions and the open house in June relate mostly to the cost of a permit (a suggestion of $300) as well as exclusion zones around existing vendors.

For me, an issue like this involves hitting the right balance. As a matter of principle, I do not like the possibility of government picking winners and losers in the marketplace. Having said that, I also have concerns about situations where a business operator, having followed the rules and have done due diligence, would find themselves competing side-by-side with someone who did not.

My preference is for rules that are neutral, impartial, do not impose a heavy financial burden on small businesspeople and do not penalize people for following the rules.

5. Septic Re-Inspection – The Township will be holding Open Houses on the proposed plan in August. Specific dates have not yet been confirmed, but will be posted on the Township website ( www.centralfrontenac.com) as soon as the dates / times have been nailed down.

I am part of a sub-committee examining what the financial impact of any change will be on individual residents, and how best to mitigate any financial hardship. This has been my main concern about the proposal, and one expressed by many in the community. What we do at the Council table affects peoples’ lives in a direct way, and we have a responsibility to consider the consequences of each decision we make.

6. Facilities and Maintenance – Whether it be lawn cutting or general repairs, please let me know if you notice any items that require attention. I am happy to bring these forward, and will continue to do so.

7. Township Official Plan - An update to the existing Township Official Plan (circa 2008) will be starting soon, with the first open house meeting taking place at the end of August.

This will be a process that will involve many opportunities for public input, culminating in a proposed draft sometime in 2018. As with all open houses, notification will be posted on the Township website and appear in local papers such as the Frontenac News.

8. Meetings and Events – In addition to the Canada Day Parade, I had the privilege of representing the Mayor and the recent anniversary celebration of the Parham Happy Travellers – well attended and very enjoyable. Congratulations to them for 45 years of service to the community!

On July 8th, Phil Smith and I got together with the Cole Lake Association for the annual meeting and BBQ, and on the 15th I will be attending the Eagle Lake Association meeting. In my capacity as Deputy Mayor, I will also be attending the Sharbot Lake AGM at the end of July.

Recently, we had the opportunity to honour Gord Struthers as our Senior of the Year for Hinchinbrooke District. Gord’s frequent donations of time and talent to numerous charitable causes and events, as well as his mentorship of young musicians has been a great benefit to the whole community. Although he could not join us, we were pleased to welcome his daughter Sherry on his behalf. Congratulations, Gord!

As always, I am appreciative of your support and will continue to do my best to bring your concerns to the table. I will try to fix what I can. Even if I cannot resolve an issue, I hope that you feel that you can approach me about anything.

Stay well, stay safe.

Brent