What's New on Frontenac Islands

Every Community has an Identity. Every Citizen has a Place in it.

Two meetings, a week apart, one on Howe Island and the other on Wolfe Island were the first steps in the Frontenac Islands “Official Plan Review.” Their purpose, not only to introduce the process and to identify the community’s involvement in it but to also introduce the township planner Glenn Tunnock and David Sappleton of the firm Tunnock Consulting Ltd who will complete the review on behalf of the township. The review team also includes CAO Terry O’Shea, Carol Dwyre, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer and CGIS (mapping) and provincial ministries, MTO, MOE, MNR & OMAFRA.

At the outset Tunnock engaged the public in a trivia quiz about the the Frontenac Island community. And, on both occasions he spoke of the Official Plan (OP) as a blueprint for growth and development of the community for the next 20 years, “a partnership agreement between the council, the residents and the province of how land (agricultural, wet lands etc.) should be used and how development should be serviced.” The OP process includes a research phase to develop a comprehensive community profile to be used as a marketing tool, develop policies, seek public and agency input, hold open house meetings, a statutory public meeting with a presentation, adoption of the OP amendment submitted to the province, notice of a decision and a 20 day appeal period available for participants. Communication will be through surveys, use of the township’s web site, newsletters, flyers, etc.

Responding to a question about his position Tunnock said he is now the Township Planner taking over from Clark Consulting noting that Clark Consulting continues considerable involvement with Wolfe Island’s Canadian Hydro Development Wind Plant as well as certain quarry files. A resident wanted answers about the MTO’s Transportation EA and dates of public meetings and when there can be resident participation. Tunnock suggested the EA was probably in its first phase with no information at this time and that it is a provincial issue. He did however reiterate that MTO is one of the partners in the OP process and will be consulted from time to time.

Small group discussion and reporting on both islands was based on the same 10 questions related to sustainability, rate of growth, quality of life, viable/marketable uses of agricultural lands as well as shoreline development/ access/ protection; Marysville, limits to growth; Howe Island attributes and disadvantages; suitable/compatible home based businesses; private road development benefits/downfalls; cultural heritage and historical sites and a final question regarding the promotion of alternative energy systems and possible controls.

Howe Island wants its feel, flavour and independence sustained. It wants a community hub, larger (3 acre) lots, a dependable faster (free) ferry; island growth restricted by maintaining resource protection. Attributes two ferries, a low crime rate, non intrusive home based businesses. They believe their identity is diluted by attachment to Wolfe Island, are concerned about the poor farming environment, have health and safety concerns about wind power but wonder what the amenities agreement means for them. They have differing opinions about island roads, they want high speed internet, believe in grow your own food, market days and cultural heritage and citizen participation.
For Wolfe Island sustainability, well managed growth ( people-tax base) and quality of life means considering all ages and needs (health, seniors services, safety, clean water, self sufficiency, environmental protection (Big Sandy Bay) , waste disposal, multiuse community centre, etc.), as well as dependable ferry transportation, public transportation on the island, new businesses through encouraging different land uses (Retirement Community) while islanders see growth for Marysville dependent on municipal services (water-sewer). Tunnock Consulting was asked to consider addition of Grey Highlands Reg. 10 (scales of energy, noise etc)and a compelling request that from this time forward citizens are kept informed on all development issues and that someone is available to hear concerns.

Both communities, Howe and Wolfe, question the appropriateness of the extensive agricultural land use designation and their inability to sever. They see the need for more rural designation and smaller farming land plot sizes (developing food movement, hobby farms etc.) as well as shore line management with public access to the water as important issues.
Residents were encouraged to take home, fill out and return comment sheets . Further meeting dates will be announced. A report of the meetings will be available on the Frontenac Islands website : www.municipality.frontenacislands.on.ca.

Raising Funds for Early Years: Recently The Kingston Community Strings, a group of string players who play for enjoyment came to Wolfe Island’s Trinity Anglican Church. They offer their services for fund raising to organizations . They came to play a benefit concert on behalf of the island’s Early Year Centre. Trinity’s pastor, Rev. Canon Chris Carr is a member of the Kingston Strings. Angie Vaughn, Chair of the Early Years Committee welcomed the group to the island. And what a concert it was with both conductors James Cole and Robert Clark offering exciting and amusing insights into what we were to hear from the playing of the Suite in F Major, Battalia and a wonderful Wizard of Oz Medley. These musical delights were followed by five fiddle tunes for orchestra featuring fiddle soloist Amy MacDonald and step dancer Jenny Ashbury. The Cello ensemble led by Jennifer Tindale played music by Tchaikowsky and Bach. In closing, well known Bassoon soloist Katie Legere accompanied by the full string ensemble thrilled the audience with her playing of a Concerto for Bassoon & Strings by Vivaldi . And as always on Wolfe Island, the food prepared for intermission was incredible. The event raised through donations $1,400.

Around Town: *You are invited to an “Ecumenical PENTECOST Service of Light” at Trinity Anglican Church, Sat. May 10th 8:30 pm. Everyone welcome.
*The Partners in Mission Food Bank, WI Food Drive is Wed. May 14th. Have bags ready for pickup between 6-9 pm., Or drop off bags at the UC Hall from 6-9 pm. Volunteers needed to sort, pack or canvas. Contact Geneva Keyes : 613-385-2377.
* Friends of Big Sandy Bay “Mother’s Day Walk along the trail to Big Sandy, Sunday, May 11 at 1-3 p.m. Contact Linda Van Hal 613-385-1521.
* Bake Sale, St. Margaret’s Hall, Sat. May 17th 11am. * ‘FISH FRY” & Plant Sale WI United Church Hall Sat. May 17th Doors Open @ 4:30 pm.