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

October 21, 2008
Cable Linking Wolfe Island Wind Project to Kingston Grid now in Place

A massive submarine cable, a very important component required to complete the connection to the Canadian Hydro Developer’s Wolfe Island wind power project expected to be operational in early spring, is now in place. The cable will transport the electricity generated by the island’s wind turbines to the provincial electricity grid on mainland Kingston.
Nexans, a Norwegian cable company was contracted by Canadian Hydro Developers to design and manufacture the cable as well as to deliver it. A large team of Norwegian engineers and divers arrived aboard a cable laying barge, the ‘Henry P. Lading’ from Halden, Norway which carried the large spool of cable into the St. Lawrence River docking off Kingston’s Invista Canada property Thanksgiving weekend. Work to lay the cable on the bed of the St. Lawrence in the Lower Gap from Kingston to Wolfe Island took approximately 5 days to complete following a precise route. The link from side to side is 7.3-kilometre long.
The cable approximately 8.0 km long, weighing roughly 736,000 kg and a 235 mm in diametre consists of three high voltage current-carrying copper conductors and one fiber optic cable made up of 36 individual fibers held in place by hollow filler strands which act like wedges between conductor and the outer sheath. The armour is comprised of steel strands that form the protective sheath, wrapped in a water tight covering. On Wolfe Island the cable was pulled into two concrete transition vaults at the end of the 4th Line Road. An underground cable line running from the Invista property to the Gardiner’s Road sub station will complete the connection to the Ontario provincial electricity grid.
At the same time work continues at turbine sites and turbine components continue to arriveby barge fro Ogdensburg. For further information contact Mike Jablonicky, Site Supervisor, Wolfe Island mjablonicky@canhydro.com

Posted by Margaret Knott at 11:48 AM
October 18, 2008
2008 Beauty of Wolfe Island Photo Contest Winners

Grand prizewinner: David Field
another-picture.jpg

People’s Choice Award (it was a tie)
Avery Walker (Wolfe Island)
Julie Milton (Ottawa)

Category A Beauty of Wolfe Island through the Seasons

First Prize: Nicole Clark Wolfe Island
one-season.jpg

Second Prize: David Field
Seasons-2.jpg

Honourable Mention: David Field
hm-davis.jpg

Category B: Natural Wild Life on Wolfe Island

First Prize: Marven Ford from Paris Ontario
wildlife-one.jpg

Second Prize: Ellen Napier Kingston
two-nature.jpg

Honourable Mention: Melody Tomkow
naturral-two.jpg

Category C: Wolfe Island at Play (including community events)

First Prize: Jo-Anne Finegan Toronto
1-Jo-Ann.jpg

Second Prize: Sarah Eves Wolfe Island/ Kingston
2-Sarah.jpg

Honourable Mention: Natasha Taylor Wolfe Island
nat-ta.jpg

Category D: Historic Marysville to honour its 150th Anniversary

First Prize: Marilyn Hawkins
mar-lins.jpg

Second Prize: Claire Muller
two-muller.jpg

Honourable Mention: Donna Morton
donna-mor.jpg

Youth Category (15years and under)

First Prize: Deanna Walker
first-youth.jpg

Second Prize: Avery Walker
youth-two.jpg

Honourable Mention: Kristina Walker

WATCH FOR THE WINNING PICTURES TO BE POSTED IN THE DISPLAY CABINETS ON THE FERRY A.S.A.P.

Posted by Margaret Knott at 09:37 AM
October 15, 2008
Frontenac Islands Asked to Set Aside Funds to Assist Those Affected By Wind Plant

In a stirring plea Wolfe Island resident Dean Wallace, accompanied by his wife Dawn, (and supported by a number of island residents) asked council to set aside a portion of the funds from the township’s amenities agreement with Canadian Hydro Developers to help islanders in the short and long term who believe they are being impacted by the island’s wind plant and turbine development.

“There is an unknown about health issues and it is not really fair if people feel they have to leave (the island),” Wallace said.. Dawn affirmed her husband’s concerns and request Wallace had in hand a series of reports about the effects of dust, cement particulates diesel fumes, vibration and their effect on health, as well as a lengthy list of issues he is perusing . He expressed concern about transmission wires, the turbines themselves and the polarization of the community and described what it is like living in a house at the corner of the two main roads (Baseline and 5thLine)with a daily continuous stream of trucks going by. “ “We are at ground zero, our house is ruined, we feel we have to evacuate it and we have health concerns. “We have been hearing short term pain for long term gain ( from the wind project) My wife and I are wondering what the long term gain we might enjoy.”

Mayor Vanden Hoek accepted a copy of Wallace’s list of concerns noting a number of things have been dealt with by Canadian Hydro “ But we will go back to McIntosh Perry to see what has been done and if the responses have been adequate.” The Mayor noted that a lot of the product , (gravel, cement, equipment) has been moved and much of the activity will come to an end with the road program. Regarding a fund the Mayor suggested council needs time to reflect and debate how that could be moved forward perhaps at the November meeting on Wolfe Island. “ (CREC continues to make every effort to mitigate issues as they arise.)

Recycling: Steve Webb from Manco Recycling presented a plan for the recycling of electronic waste (E WASTE) for both Howe and Wolfe Islands including cost, suggested tipping fees (1. specific E waste days when a truck comes to collect waste or, 2. collect on site and have regular pick –ups) Manco has been in the recycling business for 19 years and has recently branched out in electronic waste recycling, “a new market changing all the time and one of the greatest waste creators. (CRT tubes cannot be accepted into a bin and are considered hazardous waste if broken.) Manco has North American markets for everything they receive and everything is recycled completely. Nothing is sent out of country for refurbishing or disposal. At the same time Councillor Doyle distributed a notice from Ministry of Environment (MOE) about a new provincial E-waste diversion Ontario Electronic Stewardship program (computers, tv’s monitors etc) coming on stream as early as next spring. While the mayor has concerns that township do something now, council agreed to wait and see what the new MOE program is all about before moving forward. Councillors Doyle and Fiene will meet with the islands respective landfill and recycling committees.

Mrs. Ruth Bryson’s request for a white/yellow centre line painted on part of Road #96 on Wolfe Island was denied at this time as too late in the season and not budgeted for. The township will complete an offer to purchase 5 Leander Street, historically significant to the community as the first house built in Marysville in the 1800’s.

Council agreed to a request made by Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation to convert a limited section of the Wolfe Island Wind Project’s underground electrical system to an overhead line configuration, and in response to a further request authorized CAO O’Shea to approve extended hours for turbine erection depending on circumstances and extending hours for concrete pours on an individual basis up to a maximum of 5 before going back to council. Turbine erection will be allowed on Sunday’s from 1-7 pm. “There is no problem with cranes but lots with trucks on Sunday,” O’Shea said.
Councillor Doyle reminded council of the First Impressions (OMAFRA} program (different communities. (Bloomfield –Wolfe Island) looking at each other and reporting on what they saw) and the WIBTA meeting where Bloomfield will make their report. Mayor Vanden Hoek sees this as a very important program, particularly for local businesses whom he will urge to attend.
Councillor Doyle asked for $3000 in addition to a previous $2000 budgeted for to assist the WI Medical Clinic Board to undertake a ($8000) Medical Needs survey before a new building is erected, but instead received an extra $2000. (A group of seniors has requested that their needs also be considered in any ‘Needs Survey.’) The mayor would like the island’s ambulance paramedics to be included some how in the undertaking.
FYI the ongoing WI water study has defined the study area as beginning at the local quarry to the 8th line. Treasurer Carol Dwyre referred to the recently mailed MPAC assessment notices (increases spread over 4 years). Council will contact MPAC to present the adjustments at an open house on Howe Island (before the end of November maybe) Much comparative information available at MPAC website.

Councillor Grant commented that he has received complaints about popup trailers no to which the Mayor commented that when ever a severance is approved a trailer appears. Bylaw enforcement is by letter of complaint, but it seems nobody is signing a letter. “ There are no building permits or intention to build. People line up a piece of land to play at on the weekend, pop a trailer and staying forever. . To do nothing means just more of the same.” he said. “It is impacting some of our shore line where nothing is added to a $150,000 lot but the owners are enjoying the community and using the services.” The Mayor suggested that in the spring council could s consider changes to the bylaw, inform the community and move the process along. (Wolfe Island no longer has a trailer park. Council meets next on Wolfe Island Nov. 10th at 5:30 pm.
Around Town: Community Euchre, Thursdays WI United Church Hall 7pm.*Due to WIND, no turbines are completely erected as yet. All recent wind plant photos were taken by Trudy De Ruiter.* Remembrance Day Wolfe Island Town Square 10:45 am..* Anglican Church TURKEY SUPPER Sat. November 15, 2008 Open at 4:30 PM

Posted by Margaret Knott at 08:30 AM
October 08, 2008
What’s Up to Now on Wolfe Island

Everyone knows by now that there was a diesel fuel spill Oct. 1st at Dawson Point on Wolfe Island when fuel was being transferred between tanks on a vessel operated by McKeil / Nadro Marine Services a contractor working for Canadian Hydro Developers (CREC) wind project. The first time island residents heard about the spill, the number of litres was 700, the next time it was 7000 litres. The exact numbers of litres has been confirmed by CREC at 1313 litres of diesel fuel.(which I am told does not sink into the water but sits on top) Once detected, 100 feet of boom was installed around the vessel (Sea Hound) in order to contain the spill while the Coast Guard (because the incident involved a ship), Public Health Ontario, the Ministry of the Environment and the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans were immediately called. Ontario Water Keeper was also quickly on the scene.

The Canadian Coast Guard arrived and installed a further 800 feet of boom and, in short order the Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) http://www.simec.ca/, a private company providing marine oil spill response services arrived on-site, taking over management of the containment and clean-up activities on CREC’s behalf. Residents in the Dawson Point area were advised by Public Health of the spill and were advised not to drink water from their shore wells until advised it was safe to do so. CREC arranged for the distribution of potable water to the Dawson Point residents. An investigation was undertaken into the cause of the spill as well as to determine what changes must be implemented to prevent any future incidents.

At the Liaison Committee meeting that same evening representatives from the Canadian Coast Guard, Environment Canada and Ontario Ministry of the Environment answered questions related to the spill while representatives from the project contractors McKeil / Nadro Marine and Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) responded to containment and clean-up questions. CREC’s Mike Jablonicky who regularly meets with the Community Liaison Committee Group said that the questions appeared to be answered to everyone’s satisfaction noting that at the time 50 to 75 % of the fuel had already evaporated and no fish or wildlife mortality was expected. (The cleanup continues until completed to the satisfaction of the responsible agencies.) As of Oct. 4, water samples contained no detectable levels of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.

It really is quite amazing if one thinks about it, that with a project of this magnitude there have not been more incidents. Instead there is public concern about dust, blasting, noise, setbacks, etc. etc. There is frustration and anxiety related to trucks and the ferry which has led Canadian Hydro to issue a statement to islanders that says all trucks involved in the project have a Canadian Hydro flag in their windows, that workers are ferried to and from Wolfe Island by barge, and if there is no emergency and the barge is not operating (wind can be a problem), project trucks are allowed to access the Wolfe Island ferry but they cannot displace islanders. At the same time, security has been stepped up in the wake of serious vandalism and theft at Canadian Hydro (CREC) sites on the island. The Community Liaison Committee meets November 5th at 7 pm., WI United Church Hall. Everyone welcome.
Fall Days Are Busy Days on Wolfe Island: As the water in Barrett Bay recedes, and the island is often at its prettiest, Marysville residents begin to concern themselves with when the Wolfe Islander III might be moving to the winter dock.
One of the events that makes the point that summer is over is “Apple Fest, a fund raising event organized by the Island’s Early Years Committee held for the second year at the Horne’s Orchard located on the road to Horne’s Ferry to the USA. The event brought out many families and excited children not only to pick apples, but to enjoy apple crafts, treats and games, and to see a few small animals and chickens. The event included marvellous baked goods and fresh pressed cider on sale to take home. What fun it is to see the little one’s climbing trees (with a little help of course). “ We are really happy with the turnout, “ Peggy Plunkett, an Early Years board member said. ”It did not rain, it is not too cool and the children are having a wonderful time. Who could ask for anything more.”
Around Town: * Linda Thomas , president of WIBTA was appointed to the board of the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation for a 3-year term at their annual general meeting. Liz Crothers is also a member while Linda Van Hal is an outgoing member of the board of directors. FCFDC is a private, non-profit corporation, run by a volunteer board of directors funded by Industry Canada. Wolfe Island has been a recipient of its assistance for a number of projects. * The water delivery service on WI provided by the township through the Fire Dept ends Oct. 31st Randy Rixten will offer a local water delivery service beginning Nov. 1st. Call Randy at 613-385-1277 or 613-572-1277 *The WI Corn Maze, now at its peak, provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fall day to its fullest. Located on Hwy. 95 the Cornfield Maze is open to late October. It offers a connection of groomed trails that change direction many times . Large groups require a reservation.For information and costs: call 613-385-1998 or visit www.wolfeisland.com *Coming up on Oct. 18th is WI’s 9th Annual Pumkin Weigh-In and Autumn Social, a premier island Family event. The Pumpkin Festival begins at 11a.m. at the Wolfe Island Town Square. COME for afternoon of AUTUMN FUN that includes wagon rides, games for kids and bake tables and a whole lot more.WI Business& Tourism meeting, Tues. Oct. 21st. at the United Church Hall. Watch for details. *The Wolfe Island Historical Society is sponsoring an evening with Kingston Marine historian, Capt. Ron Walsh. He will be taking us back to the Golden Era of Shipping when Kingston was one of Canada’s busiest ports. His presentation will include a slide show with stories of legends and lore. The date is Wed. Oct. 22nd at 7:30 pm at the Wolfe Island Town Hall. For Further information call 613-385-2934. And, You Are Invited! * WI United Church Turkey Supper Sat. October 25th, 4:30-7:00 pm .

Posted by Margaret Knott at 11:56 AM