Report to Ratepayers and Residents - November 2017

As we near the Christmas season, I’d like to take a few moments to report to you on activities on Council.

Septic Re-Inspection

No doubt you have read about the decision on November 14th to bring in a modified septic re-inspection program in the township. This has been a very fiercely debated issue around the Council table, and it has been no secret that I have been outspoken on the matter. Up to this point, I have opposed the passage of a program because I sincerely felt that for all the good it may do for some, it would do much harm to others. Safeguarding our lakes and waterways is important, but I also felt it was important to acknowledge the reality of far too many in our community not being able to afford compliance if the demand was made.

The motion we passed – and I supported – was the compromise that I had hoped we would see. We will see timely action on our waterfront areas, and a well constructed plan beyond – one that ensures that people who are unable to raise the necessary funds to comply have the opportunity to finance the work. No one should face financial hardship because the price of doing the right thing has been placed out of reach. Both the Township and individual families with limited means need time and opportunity to prepare. Passing the previous proposal would have given none to either.

When you are elected to Council, your job is to represent everybody – not just your friends, or specific groups, or people with particular education and income levels. The person who drives a 10 year old F-150 deserves no less from us than the person driving a new Mercedes

Without a plan to address the concerns I put forth, I sincerely felt that we were being put in the position of placing more importance in some people than others. Every person in the district – and the township – is important and worthy of consideration and respect. I voted for the measure because I believe the motion reflected that ethic.

Godfrey Post Office:

Early in our term, Canada Post had indicated that they were leaning toward closing the Godfrey Post office permanently. The Mayor, Councillor Smith and myself were involved in a great number of discussions, including sponsoring an open house at Piccadilly Hall in order to show Canada Post how important keeping the service in our area was to us.

As of the beginning of November, the Godfrey Post Office has been re-established, and is back at the Godfrey General Store, where it had operated under Shirley McGowan’s care for so many years. Thanks to Laurie and Scott Love, the office is up and running, albeit on limited hours. I also want to thank the Mayor who joined with Phil and me in appealing to Canada Post, as well as all of you in the Godfrey area who sent your own messages of support. We’re all grateful that it has seemed to work.

Getting the Post Office back is an important first step. All that’s needed now is for all of us to show Canada Post that it was a good decision, and that more hours would be better.

Piccadilly Hall:

An ongoing point of discussion has been the usage levels for Piccadilly Hall. As many remember, there had been a debate on its possible closure and sale. One of the things I’ve been keen on is making a strong case for keeping Piccadilly Hall open, and that means getting more use. Of course, many of you have stepped up and taken the challenge by putting this wonderful facility to use.

I would like to report that another project to increase usage is being taken on. Piccadilly Hall is the closest facility to the Frontenac Community Arena, and it offers a facility complimentary to the Arena’s own services. Details are being worked out where groups and individuals who rent the Arena can also secure the use of Piccadilly Hall, if they wish, for a preferred rate. The Arena often plays host to hockey tournaments and out-of-town teams. Use of the hall may be desired as a place to gather and organize outside of the Arena itself.

Arena and Township staff are currently working on the details, and while no one expects that Piccadilly Hall will be booked 24/7, it will get more promotion, more use and generate more revenue. That is the best way to ensure its future going forward.

Upcoming events:

The biggest upcoming event has to be the Parham / Tichborne Santa Claus Parade on December 3rd. It is always enthusiastically supported, and a great time. I hope many of you get a chance to join us!

In closing…

2017 is like any other year, with both its high and low points. Like many of your families, ours has had to deal with a lot of change and loss.

In our midst, there are people who are going through difficult times. Health issues, the loss of loved ones, or the loss of a home or a job.

For those who are dealing with adversity, I wish you peace and healing during this Christmas season. For those who have been fortunate, I offer my best wishes for continued joy in 2018, and ask that - wherever possible – spare some time and compassion for others.

Bless you all, and thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Brent