Search



by Margaret Knott
Recent Entries
Monthly Archives
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003

Annual Archives
Margaret Knott's What's New on Frontenac Islands articles appear with the kind permission of the The Kingston Heritage Newspaper.

October 24, 2007
Council Considers Draft Wind Tower Site Plan Bylaw

Clark Consulting Ltd.'s Bob Clark and Jennifer Current attended the Frontenac Islands October council meeting. They presented a draft Site Plan Control Bylaw for the 86 wind turbines planned for Wolfe Island for council’s consideration. Rob Miller of Canadian Hydro Developers was also present. The presentation came in advance of the CREC Environmental Review Report (ERR) expected to be completed and released to the public by the end of October or early November.

Clark reminded council members that the official plan amendment was approved; the decision from the Ontario Municipal Board is pending the final report of the ERR; and a couple of zoning issues have to be addressed with regard to the addition and subtraction of lands.

“The site control bylaw is adopted under the Planning Act,” Clark said. “No notice is required for council to adopt the by law and there is no appeal to its adoption, however upon application there is opportunity for appeal by the applicant. The draft has been reviewed by the Township solicitor Tim Wilkin and by Tim Birmingham , solicitor for Canadian Hydro. Our purpose in coming tonight was to offer you the opportunity to see the bylaw. We are not expecting you to adopt it at this time perhaps waiting for the release of the ERR for public comment.”

The principles Clark Consulting have used in developing the by law are: that we want a site plan and a bylaw to come before council that provides proof of compliance with the ERR and the zoning bylaw and, that it contain construction details for each turbine so that council understands all construction implications. With regard to the voluntary public notice and public meeting Clark suggested because of the number to be dealt with it might be worthwhile to schedule not only a formal public meeting but an informal open house on the same day to hear and answer concerns etc.

MS Current walked council members through the draft bylaw noting that all lands zoned for the use of wind plants, turbines, facilities etc. must obtain a site plan approval which addresses environmental requirements, complies with the ERR, and the Environmental Assessment act (monitoring, identification, colour, hedge rows…etc.) Rob Miller said CREC is targeting the end of October first week of November for the completion of the ERR followed by 30 days of formal public feed back and possible request for “bump up” which would result in further delays.

In other business: Three property zoning amendment applications were approved after much discussion about high water, flood plain and up rush levels, aggregate review requirements and the question and value of local knowledge regarding certain land issues. A further application of consent was also approved.

Council approved the appointment of a Frontenac County “Closed Meeting Investigator” effective Jan 1, 2008. This permits any person to request the investigation of a meeting or part of a meeting of a municipality or local board that was closed to the public and may be contrary to the Municipal Act.

Councillor Dennis Doyle spoke to the annual Big Sandy Bay Management Plan report and received council’s endorsement that he, one member of staff and Rick Lindgren (BSB Board member) present the report, including councils amended feedback, to the Ministry of Natural Resources. In the course of the discussion there were questions about land use permits, parking, operating budget, fees, who represents Ducks Unlimited, and the extent of MNR’s responsibility for monitoring programs.

Doyle also brought forward the Wolfe Island Information Centre Report, a request for funds, information re volunteer hours etc. which was set aside for the time being until a review can be had with the Wolfe Island Business & Tourism Association.

Township treasurer Christina Lott presented further information regarding the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation proposal (2/3 cost) to supply best possible broadband (internet) coverage (2 towers) for the township (1/3cost). She said that 3 service providers have expressed an interest in having space on the proposed towers. Mayor Vanden Hoek noted that businesses have indicated broadband is important to them. Staff was directed to enter into a funding agreement with FCFDC and come back to council with a plan for best coverage and financing.

*Council will establish a committee made up of two councillors (one from Wolfe, one from Howe) and 3 or 4 community representatives involved in tourism, to work with OMAFRA on the First Impressions Community Program. *Councillor Doyle has been nominated as an alternate to the Central Region Cataraqui Authority Source Protection Committee.
*Council also supported a City of Cornwall resolution asking the province to re-assume all provincially mandated Social Services and Court costs. *On Howe Island, all possible services hydro, etc. will be cancelled at their old Fire Hall. This follows the formal opening of the new Fire Hall.
*Problems still exist because of a blocked culvert on Howe Island Drive. *Councillor Fiene wonders why speed signs requested for Howe Island Drive are not there.
*Council wants small Howe Island ferry operating 12 months a year because of the problems with the island’s County operated ferry and are looking at ways that might be accomplished (MTO? County?).
*Council meets next on: Mon. Nov.12, 2008 on Wolfe Island 6:30 pm.

The following was NOT published in this week's Heritage
For your information:.* The Ontario Energy Board has issued an order granting CREC, (Canadian Hydro Developers) permission to construct the transmission facilities and 12.1 kilometres of single circuit 230 Kilovolt (kV) and sub marine electricity transmission line, which will be underground, connecting the Wolfe Island wind plant to the Hydro One Networks Gardner Transformer station. The OEB found the transmission line to be in the public interest. It’s approval is one of many permits Canadian Hydro is working to obtain for the Wolfe Island Wind Project.
*The free bus tour to see a wind farm in Lowville NY, via Horne’s Ferry organized by WIRE (W.I. residents for the Environment) and open to anyone who may or may not have seen a wind turbine was cancelled but will be rescheduled..
*The official opening of the NEW Howe Island Fire Hall took place recently. According to Mayor Vanden Hoek it was a wonderful event and brought out the whole community, guests and friends..
* The 8th Annual Wolfe Island PUMPKIN WEIGH-IN and AUTUMN SOCIAL, Photo Contest Winners Sat. OCTOBER 27th @ 11:00am at the Town Square. For Further Events: www.wolfeisland.com

Posted by Margaret Knott at 06:32 PM
October 05, 2007
Wolfe Island & Frontenac County Ploughing Matches held on Wolfe Island

The site of the 2-day , 51st annual Wolfe Island Plowing Match held this year in conjunction with the Frontenac County’s Plowing match, at the island’s Pykeview Meadows farm was spectacular with its incredible view of Lake Ontario at one end, and rolling slopes to a view of Kingston in the distance at the other. The weather was perfect. People came from Lunenburg, Elgin, Osgoode, Kingston, Inverary, Portland, Napanee as well as Wolfe Island to plough. Judges for the event were Don Dodds of Seaforth & Ross MacGillivray of Dalkeith. Special thanks go out to the many businesses and individual sponsors of the event .

Men and women, younger and older came to plough with horse and tractor on newer models and antique. Friends, neighbours and island visitors came to cheer them on.

New this year was an Open Market Place offering opportunities to a group of enthusiastic vendors to sell, show or demonstrate any number of things. Farm machinery was also on display. And of course there was food. One booth sponsored by the Wolfe Island Women’s Institute served muffins and homemade pies, an island favourite. Also Frank Van Hal’s ‘Corn Chucker’ was a favourite for the kids at this successful Island Ploughing Match.

The upcoming Ontario election brought NDP candidate Rick Downes and PC candidate Dr. John Rapin to the island. Dr. Rapin, raised on a farm, also took time, perched on a wagon to chuck hay into an antique threshing machine.

Trophies and awards, donated by businesses, industries & the W.I. Plowmen’s Association were presented to: Class #1 Horses:1.David Guitierrez 2. Marwin Antoine 3. Elswood Gamble; Class # 2 Juniors (under 14 years): 1. Hunter Chown 2. Jeremy Posthumus; Class # 4 Two-furrow: 1. Lee Grant 2. Everett Hogan 3. Dick Posthumus; Class # 6 Three-furrow: 1. John Posthumus 2. Tom Berry 3. Henry Posthumus; Class #7 Four-furrow: 1. Tom Woodman 2. Dave Woodman 3. Adam Pemberton; Class # 8 Ladies: 1. Rebecca Woodman 2. Wendy Grant; Class # 9 Antiques: 1. Jim Hulton 2. Peter Myers 3. Ben Greenwood; Class # 10: 1. Cole Chown 2. Reed Chown 3. Peter Van Hal; Youngest Plough person Reed Chown;
Oldest Plough person: John Posthumus;
Safety Practiced During Match: Frank & Linda Van Hal;
Best Dressed Horse: Marwin Antoine;
Best Plough Team: Kaye Fawcett;
Best Finish-Horse: Leo Greenwood;
Best Finish-Tractor: Jim Hulton;
Best Crown: David Guitierrez;
Champion Land of The Day: Jim Hulton.

*Apple Fest: hosted by Wolfe Island Early Year Centre, raised well over $1000. It brought out many families, friends and visitors from away to pick apples, fly kites, play games, press apples for cider and generally have fun on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Apple Crisp and Pies, both island favourites provided by the WI Women’s Institute were a crowd pleaser. Apple Fest was held at Peggy and Bruce Horne’s Orchard on Hwy 95. Watch for it next year.

*A Book Signing on Wolfe Island with Jane (Greenwood) Hall, author of “The Red Wall- A Woman in the RCMP”, sponsored by the Historical Society, will be held at island’s Community Hall Sunday, October 14th 1:00-4:00 p.m. The book presents a true story look inside the RCMP. Jane Hall, daughter of the late Carmel and D.J. Greenwood, graduated from Queen’s University before joining the RCMP in June 1977, retiring in 1998. Hall resides in Langley BC but is a frequent visitor to her Wolfe Island home.

*Living at the Barricades: A live taping of the CFRC 101.9 FM radio show ‘Living at the Barricades’ hosted by Lake Ontario Water Keeper Mark Mattson took place at the General Wolfe Hotel on Wolfe Island. Mattson interviewed Sarah McDermott and Peggy Mattson of Wolfe Island Residents for the Environment (WIRE), there to express their environmental concerns regarding the proposed island wind power plant and the agreement reached at a recent OMB hearing with Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation to mitigate those concerns.
Chris Brown, producer of the CD “At the Barricades”, which reflects efforts by artists committed to the fight for clean water, also was interviewed. Music followed with Chris Brown & the Citizens Band.

*And speaking about WATER: Water levels on Wolfe Island are, as of yesterday were below chart datum which means that the charts showing rocks, shoals, shorelines etc. are not accurate for boating purposes and more caution is required.
Whether there is enough water in Barrett’s Bay for the Wolfe Islander III to remain in the Marysville is always a contentious issue because a move to the winter dock affects the village. With water levels this low the ferry might have been moved. However there are problems at the winter dock which have to be fixed. ( At our house we have more beach area than we have ever had.)

This summer we had three granddaughters with us, city kids, accustomed to turning on taps and water flows, long showers, daily hair washing, laundry whenever etc. etc. Young people with no concept about wells, dug or drilled, shore wells or cisterns, having to treat water or buy water (except bottles for $1plus, frequently left unfinished), about water tables, or water levels in lakes and rivers or ponds drying up. Nor about the effort required to bring water to livestock or irrigate crops away from the water surrounding Wolfe Island, or for that matter about septic systems.

What a learning curve for them as we dictated a few rules. Short, timed, showers, not every day… imagine…. laundry once a week often in the city, use as few glasses and dishes as possible and accumulate for a single dishwasher load, no tap running for teeth brushing, fewer flushes, etc. etc. and BRITA water for their flasks. It wasn’t easy but they did it. Hopefully they will continue to understand, not only the importance of conserving water but be willing to fight to protect it.

As I look around the island and feel the heat of the sun day after day, see trees that are stressed from lack of rain, algae forming in the bays, land and rocks I have not seen before, and hear about the daily contamination of our lakes and rivers I, like you, am concerned. We all know clean water is the staff of life.
Very soon Frontenac Islands Council will deal with the question of water for Marysville. May their deliberations be sound. Best wishes to all this Thanksgiving 2007.

Posted by Margaret Knott at 04:53 PM