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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.

August 22, 2013
Community Improvement and Island Trails Highlight Frontenac Islands Council Meeting

Frontenac County Planner Peter Young attended the Frontenac Islands council meeting, held on Howe Island, to bring council members up to date with regard to the Marysville Community Information Plan, (CIP), and what will be presented for approval at the September Council meeting on Wolfe Island (Sept.9th).
Frontenac Islands and Frontenac County have partnered together to develop a CIP for Marysville, on(Wolfe Island, to encourage economic development and community revitalization through financial incentives. Both are hoping that Maryville business owners, would be business owners, and residents in the focus area described in the draft, will step forward and take advantage of the incentive opportunities it offers to develop projects including heritage and others unique to Wolfe Island.

“It was a good meeting in November last with public input including things people like about Marysville and its future needs, including Main Street revitalization, green space, seniors housing and employment opportunities,” Young said in his presentation. “At the April meeting we outlined proposed programs, and received feedback as to what areas the programs should apply and about the size of the CIP area. The public also offered suggestions for park locations.”Young noted 4 prime areas of interest contained in the draft CIP: -façade improvement -increased commercial space -seniors housing -options for parkland.

“ Façade improvement of commercial property like new paint, windows, signage can really spruce up the Main Street/Road 96, and ferry dock. The CIP proposes a matching grant of up to 50% of the cost of a project with a maximum grant of up to $3000. (a grant could also apply to a Main Street residential property). Mayor Doyle noted that the Township’s 50% comes from already budgeted money at the county, and the township could add additional dollars.
Young went on to describe a potential loan program, community grants for planning and permit fees, commercial space development, required zoning changes . Someone interested in developing seniors housing could receive assistance for planning studies. (Young suggested that next time around would be opportune to look at special community needs, water, sewage lagoon etc.) The draft CIP and Young’s presentation are available on the Township of Frontenac Islands web site. www.municipality.frontenacislands.on.ca

Trails Development: Anne Marie Young, Frontenac County’s Manager of Economic Sustainability updated council about the KP Trail and County trail development. ” Its amazing how many trails there are nearly half in North Frontenac. Most are crown land trails with owner easement agreements, are off road following rail beds and logging roads. Over a third are hiking trails through natural areas in provincial parks or conservation area,” she said, noting that the KP trail is the main spine to the county‘s trails. She went on to describe what is happening in the rest of the county finally coming to Frontenac Islands, Wolfe Island with it trail to Big Sandy Bay, with its roads designated as bicycle trails and so on…

”So now the connection to Wolfe Island ,” Anne Marie said. “The Mayor provided the Wolfe Island Canal heritage story in our Trail Master Plan since 2009 with its connection to Cape Vincent and to the K&P Trail as it actually barged cars over, The County has a 150th Anniversary coming up. Opening the canal for kayaks and canoes could be a sweet legacy,” she said, adding that the MacDonald family is interested in moving this along should there be any interest.

“Phase one could be a park on the Winter Dock road (people have fished there forever).” Young noted previous canal research and studies and Councillor Grant’s participation at the time. “The material probably only needs updating,” she said. “ The WI Canal is the hook to the K&P trail and we have staff and resources that could be allocated to it.”

“It would be good to see it open,” Councillor Grant said. “Even if just for canoes and kayaks, the water would flow.” Mayor Dole added. While not a formal announcement , Doyle said he was at liberty to say that Mary Lynn MacDonald is prepared to donate two pieces of land “ the 1.5 acres going out to the winter dock road and about 4 acres on the other side. In honour of her dad she would like to see water flow through the canal.” Councillor Springgay wants to move forward with the (MacDonald?) park immediately. “This is exciting news,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Jones had this to say; “ I have respect for trail development but we have major transportation issues. As I have said before, Transportation trumps recreation on Howe Island.”

Howe Island Trail: Howe Island resident Mike Quinn was present to outline land owners concerns with the Howe Island Base Line Road Trail. “ Since the township has upgraded the trail we are looking for an accurate picture if there are going to be next steps,” he said. This isn’t about land claim issues. If the trail goes beyond the present area there are lots of questions about who owns what, that need answers.” Quinn originally supported a trail but the present trail is not what he had expected. “We had no input, “he said. “Can we find an opportunity to meet and talk about it all?” Councillor Norris was not prepared to discuss it because it is a legal matter in the hands of their solicitor. He said “the only decision taken by council is to complete the survey to determine what property belongs to the township. There has been no discussion about the trail going beyond Johnson’s Bay. However should there be any change, input will be sought and there will be public meetings.” More Council news next week..

Around Town: The WI Music Festival was a success. Few complaints. Many thanks to WI volunteers. Good garbage pickup and recycling. Noise levels not too bad. AND, Island businesses thrived. Many residents not happy with MTO. There were No PROMINENT notices to say everyone, including residents, had to have a ticket to board.(Traffic line ups all weekend were awful, but that’s how it has been all summer).
Coming events:* Scene of the Crime Festival Sat. Aug 17th. * WI Historical Society AGM United Church August 28th.7 pm (elections and Capt. Brian Johnson) ;. * Frontenac County Official Plan meetings : Howe Island September 10th , 6:30 p.m.; WI Community Hall, September 17th, 6:30 pm. * WI’S Fibre Fest Sept. 14-15th

Posted by M Knott at 07:43 AM
August 15, 2013
Wolfe Island’s Family Ball Tournament includes “Provincial Surprise”

A two hour wait for the Wolfe Island ferry was not uncommon during the August long weekend as family and friends headed home for the island’s 28th Annual Family Ball Tournament.

Twenty-seven family teams, including one new family began playing Friday evening in the A & B Divisions., at the Community Centre ball diamonds and at Sacred Heart school. (The Community Centre is also home to the island’s NHL sized rink.) With that many 15+member teams, with 9 persons (always with 4 women) on the field, means that there were as many as 400 players during the weekend. “play two and barbecue “ was the theme… Hundreds of spectators circled the diamonds during play cheering teams on. A constant stream of people drifted up to the centre during the day, just to check the score board. It was perfect weather for the most part, but heavy rain Friday night brought out many volunteers in the early am to slush out water and prepare the diamonds for Saturday’s day of play according to Amanda Kyle, tournament organizer and member of WI’s Community Centre Board. “Much thanks to our wonderful volunteers. I don’t how we could have finished without their help,” she said. Over 500 people lined the “B” Diamond at the Community Centre as the A and B Championship games took place on Saturday Night. Some watching the game and some visiting, but all having fun! The awards presentation followed immediately with Amanda at the helm.

First Up was a surprise presentation from Mayor Denis Doyle. To the delight and loud cheers of the home crowd, most members of life long island families, the Mayor announced that Frontenac Islands- Wolfe Island ward was successful in its bid for a $75,000 Ontario Trillium Grant to go towards a roof over the rink. “ There have been a number of successful fund raising efforts (Hockeyville, Music Fest, etc.) that raised many thousands of dollars already,” he said. “The $75,000 Trillium grant will go a long way. Councillor Springgay, Councillor Grant and I recently approved going ahead with the roof and having it up by fall hopefully for an extended season through to the end of March.” Doyle read from MPP John Gerretsen’s letter of regret at not being there for the announcement of the provincial grant. “I am aware that putting a roof over the ice pad has received a great deal of attention from islanders. Congratulations to everyone in the community for their dedication and commitment to fund raising. I look forward to attending an event celebrating the opening of the roof hopefully sometime in November,” his letter concluded to more very loud cheers…
Trophys were then presented to the 2013 “A” Division Champs, “The Orr Family Team” and to the “B” Division Champs, “The Brian Hulton Jr. Family”. The Bill Kyle Sportsmanship trophy was presented to the “McKenna –Van Hal Family” by Karen Kyle.
The WI Community Centre Board’s Paul Hogan was honoured with a new award for his long time efforts towards sports generally, and specifically fund raising for the rink its refrigeration and a roof. It was presented by Mark Lollar. Lollar noted the presence of 1962/63 Sacred Heart Pee Wee team members. “There was talk about a roof then and now its happening, “ he said. Extra prizes came from the Casey’s, WI Grill owners “ Thanks to All,” Amanda said as the day concluded. “See you, same time next year “
Some points of interest: Founders of WI the Family Ball Tournament were Jim Kyle, Bernie Fargo, & Elwin McKenna. A larger ball, known as a Melon ball is used. The Early Years program operated a canteen . The ambulance was on hand all day as was a Fire Truck. No garbage was in sight as everyone used the bins provided.
Around Town:* Kristina Walker, participated in the K-town Triathlon placing 1st in her age group of 19 and under at a time of 2:07:340. “This was her first marathon. We are very proud of her,” said all at WI Riverfront Golf Course where Kristina (daughter of Garth & Maryanne) is a summer employee. *Join the Howe Island Ratepayers for presentation by Dale Kristensen, Manager Queen's University Phytotron, (noxious and invasive weeds), Aug. 22nd, 6.30 p.m. St. Philomena's parish hall. * Frontenac County Official Plan meetings : Howe Island Municipal Offices, September 10th , 6:30 p.m.; WI Community Hall, September 17th, 6:30 pm. * WI’S Fibre Fest Sept. 14-15th Free to attend. Pre Register for workshops wolfeislandfibrefest.blogspot.ca wolfeislandfibre@gmail.com * Euchre WI United Church, Thurs. 7pm.

Posted by M Knott at 07:36 AM
August 08, 2013
Wolfe Island a Busy Place this summer

Half way through the summer season, Wolfe Island is busier than ever. Every hour the Wolfe Islander 111 arrives at the island dock delivering hundreds of people, many walkers, cyclists and motor cyclists, cars, trucks and service vehicles. Within minutes the dock is cleared and the ferry departs Wolfe Island with, you guessed it, a full load of traffic, and oft times, many left behind.
Just yesterday a group of more than 100 cyclists came to Wolfe Island from Cape Vincent aboard Horne’s Ferry. They were members of the STIHL ( chain saws) Tour des Trees, annual (1992), 500 + mile, international fund raising cycling event . The tour launched July 28th from Niagara Falls, with cyclists travelling through upstate New York, then on through southern Ontario to conclude August 3rd at Toronto Island.
This enthusiastic group of all ages and from many different places have a passion for trees and cycling and according to their web site: ”every full-Tour participant commits to raising a minimum of $3,500 for the TREE Fund research and education programs in addition to pedaling 500+ miles in a week, rain or shine. “ “Its all about keeping trees healthy and strong in our urban communities everywhere,” added one cyclist who said that tree plantings/ public awareness events are part of the fund raising tour.
This group was identifiable in their distinctive T-shirts and with their bicycles, as are many other cycling groups who come. Ever wonder where every one else goes when they come to the island?
Of course, cottagers welcomed by the community, double the islands population every summer. Big Sandy Bay is a very popular destination, as is a trip from Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent via Horne’s ferry. The WI Wind Farm, the Riverview Golf Course and the Corn Maze are all open well into the fall.
Along with the visiting public, the August long weekend in August, along with the regular visiting public, brings with it family and friends from everywhere for Family Ball Tournament. This event is bigger than Christmas in terms of the number who make the trip. They, along with trailers, vans, and tents, are a welcome sight as families get together.
The Wolfe Island Music Festival will bring hundreds to the island. Most will walk onto the ferry. These folks are generally very identifiable by their enthusiasm. The (Aug.17) Scene of the Crime Festival , plus the WI Fibre Fest and Ploughing Match in September, will also draw great numbers to the island.
It is safe to say that islanders worry about the ferry, the long waits, emergency calls and how to become more self sufficient. They are anxious about getting agricultural crops, animals and everything else off the island as required, in a timely fashion, and in receiving equipment, supplies, parts, etc. to the island, also in a timely fashion.
At the same time… Marysville always WELCOMES visitors to its restaurants, hotel, B&B’s, and businesses , to the Stone Heron Gallery, the Old House Museum, gift shops, and to all the island has to offer. Come. Enjoy. (and maybe walk on?)
.

Posted by M Knott at 07:29 AM
August 01, 2013
Wolfe Island’s Family Ball Tournament includes “Provincial Surprise”

A two hour wait for the Wolfe Island ferry was not uncommon during the August long weekend as family and friends headed home for the island’s 28th Annual Family Ball Tournament.

Twenty-seven family teams, including one new family began playing Friday evening in the A & B Divisions., at the Community Centre ball diamonds and at Sacred Heart school. (The Community Centre is also home to the island’s NHL sized rink.) With that many 15+member teams, with 9 persons (always with 4 women) on the field, means that there were as many as 400 players during the weekend. “play two and barbecue “ was the theme… Hundreds of spectators circled the diamonds during play cheering teams on. A constant stream of people drifted up to the centre during the day, just to check the score board. It was perfect weather for the most part, but heavy rain Friday night brought out many volunteers in the early am to slush out water and prepare the diamonds for Saturday’s day of play according to Amanda Kyle, tournament organizer and member of WI’s Community Centre Board. “Much thanks to our wonderful volunteers. I don’t how we could have finished without their help,” she said. Over 500 people lined the “B” Diamond at the Community Centre as the A and B Championship games took place on Saturday Night. Some watching the game and some visiting, but all having fun! The awards presentation followed immediately with Amanda at the helm.

First Up was a surprise presentation from Mayor Denis Doyle. To the delight and loud cheers of the home crowd, most members of life long island families, the Mayor announced that Frontenac Islands- Wolfe Island ward was successful in its bid for a $75,000 Ontario Trillium Grant to go towards a roof over the rink. “ There have been a number of successful fund raising efforts (Hockeyville, Music Fest, etc.) that raised many thousands of dollars already,” he said. “The $75,000 Trillium grant will go a long way. Councillor Springgay, Councillor Grant and I recently approved going ahead with the roof and having it up by fall hopefully for an extended season through to the end of March.” Doyle read from MPP John Gerretsen’s letter of regret at not being there for the announcement of the provincial grant. “I am aware that putting a roof over the ice pad has received a great deal of attention from islanders. Congratulations to everyone in the community for their dedication and commitment to fund raising. I look forward to attending an event celebrating the opening of the roof hopefully sometime in November,” his letter concluded to more very loud cheers…
Trophys were then presented to the 2013 “A” Division Champs, “The Orr Family Team” and to the “B” Division Champs, “The Brian Hulton Jr. Family”. The Bill Kyle Sportsmanship trophy was presented to the “McKenna –Van Hal Family” by Karen Kyle.
The WI Community Centre Board’s Paul Hogan was honoured with a new award for his long time efforts towards sports generally, and specifically fund raising for the rink its refrigeration and a roof. It was presented by Mark Lollar. Lollar noted the presence of 1962/63 Sacred Heart Pee Wee team members. “There was talk about a roof then and now its happening, “ he said. Extra prizes came from the Casey’s, WI Grill owners “ Thanks to All,” Amanda said as the day concluded. “See you, same time next year “
Some points of interest: Founders of WI the Family Ball Tournament were Jim Kyle, Bernie Fargo, & Elwin McKenna. A larger ball, known as a Melon ball is used. The Early Years program operated a canteen . The ambulance was on hand all day as was a Fire Truck. No garbage was in sight as everyone used the bins provided.
Around Town:* Kristina Walker, participated in the K-town Triathlon placing 1st in her age group of 19 and under at a time of 2:07:340. “This was her first marathon. We are very proud of her,” said all at WI Riverfront Golf Course where Kristina (daughter of Garth & Maryanne) is a summer employee. *Join the Howe Island Ratepayers for presentation by Dale Kristensen, Manager Queen's University Phytotron, (noxious and invasive weeds), Aug. 22nd, 6.30 p.m. St. Philomena's parish hall. * Frontenac County Official Plan meetings : Howe Island Municipal Offices, September 10th , 6:30 p.m.; WI Community Hall, September 17th, 6:30 pm. * WI’S Fibre Fest Sept. 14-15th Free to attend. Pre Register for workshops wolfeislandfibrefest.blogspot.ca wolfeislandfibre@gmail.com * Euchre WI United Church, Thurs. 7pm.

Posted by M Knott at 07:19 AM