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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.

May 26, 2016
How About Those Development Charges….?

Public meetings were held in both the Wolfe and Howe Island wards of Frontenac Islands providing an opportunity for residents to hear and question the 2016 Development Charges Background study . Its findings were presented by Andrew Grunda of Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. The study calculates new development charges, a tool used to recover the capital costs associated with residential and non residential growth in the municipality, based on the location of growth, servicing needs and the residential/non residential growth forecast.

The development charge for Frontenac Islands (both wards ) is $6000 for a single and semi detached dwelling, generally calculated, payable and collected when a building permit is issued. Non-Statutory Exemptions include: places of worship, hospitals; land owned/used for health care, education, cemetery; non residential farm buildings; creating or adding accessory use structure not exceeding ten square metres of non residential floor space, seniors residence, etc.
Redevelopment credits for the redevelopment of a residential/ non-residential demolition or conversion, up to 5 years prior to the issuance of a building permit, are suggested, not to exceed the amount of the development charge. Statistics Canada, Non-Residential Building Construction indexing is provided for, on an annual basis.
Mayor Doyle opened the floor to members of the public to pose questions to Mr. Grunda, who in respose said:
1, If a temporary (intergenerational) separate use residence becomes permanent, there may be an option for applicable development charges. 2. A Seniors Residence is an independent unit with a common area i.e. kitchen or laundry. 3. No development charges would be incurred if there is addition to an existing structure or adding an apartment. 4. To a request, that single family homes, 1,200 (sq. ft) and under, on non-waterfront lots, be excluded from the development charges, it was noted that using bedroom numbers is a more effective method of creating an exemption than square footage. (Another municipality included two bedroom single detached dwellings in the apartments with 2 bedrooms category.) While not offering an exemption it does gives consideration to smaller residences (young families, seniors). 5. There was a request to phase in the development charges over 3 years, $5,000 in 2016, $5,500 in 2017, $6,000 in 2018. 6. There is no direct relationship, in rural communities that development charges have had an impact on the housing market as those monies would be otherwise generated through the tax base.
Council asked that amendments to the draft by-law reflect the above suggestion. If no subsequent public meeting is required to amend the proposed by-law, council will approve the Study, and consider adoption of a new by-law at the June 13th, 2016 council meeting.

2. The Spay, Neuter, Vaccinate & Return Program Continues
Did you know that 325 feral cats on Wolfe Island have been spayed, neutered , rabies vaccinated and ear tipped over the last six months? That information came to me by way of Harry Sjonger, member of the “Wolfe Island Friends of Ferals.” The ear tipping of course is so that the neutered cats are identifiable and never trapped again according to Harry . And of course when returned to their colonies, they prevent other cats from moving in, and they will never have litters.
According to the information sheet issued by the Friends of Feral(s) (FoF) there are hundreds more on the island. “We will continue our efforts to humanely manage the population,” it states. And now, as a registered charity, the organization welcomes donations to carry out the work done by two committed veterinarians and many volunteers. Their work recommences in June following a short break. (They are also looking for donations of gently used items for an up-coming garage sale)
The FoF release includes a statement from the Neighbourhood Cats 2004 Handbook. “ Ultimately, Targeting the Cats” reproductive capacity through the spay, neuter and returning them back to their territory is the best approach available for lowering their numbers, reducing their impact on the environment and improving their lives.”
Learn more. The WI Friends of Ferals Annual AGM will be held, Tues. June 7th at 7 pm WI Town Hall Guest Speaker: Mary Shaw, MSc LVT, Animal Care Consultant. All Welcome.

Around Town: * The WI Ward Ferry Committee held its 1st meeting where Katherine Gilbert was appointed Chair and John Van Strien Vice Chair. Members also present were Mayor Doyle, Councillor Springgay, Kim Christensen, Walter Knott, Greg Caldwell and CAO Darlene Plumley. ** Clean brush is accepted in the designated area of the WI Transfer Site Saturdays ONLY - $10.00 a half ton or single axle trailer. ** Planting going on in dry (drought) conditions.

Coming Events: WI Ferry & Docking Improvements EA, 1st PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC) June 1st, 5-9 pm at Sacred Heart School. It is a “drop-in”. (Kingston PIC - June 2nd, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Holiday Inn, Kingston Waterfront).* WI Medical Clinic AGM Tues May 31st at 6:30 pm. Speakers: KFLA Nurse Joan Black - Lyme Disease - An Update. Karen Lowry VON Meals on Wheels, Cindy Weatherhead, SMART Exercise for Seniors.
** WI United Church Yard Sale, Sat. June 4th. Open 9 am.** WOLFE ISLAND BOAT CLUB OPEN HOUSE & TRY-IT-DAY!
WIBC 4th Annual Open House & Try-It Day!
Saturday June 18th, 2016 from 11:30 - 3:00
Set sail, paddle a canoe, tour the bay in a kayak or canoe!
This is a free event for the community to drop in and check us out.

Posted by M Knott at 12:12 PM
May 18, 2016
More Frontenac Islands Meeting Highlights

Dealing with the increasing number of Deer on the Islands. Lisa Solomon, Management Biologist from the MNRF, Peterborough District Office (Deer Manager) attended the May meeting of council where she provided information, using maps and statistics, concerning the deer population patterns in the region, and an overview of the current designations concerning the deer hunt on Wolfe Island. The original purpose for the gathering of all of this information was to provide a means of controlling hunter densities and controlled hunts (69A2) . The hunts, open only to Ontario residents, began in 1989 and require an application to hunt any deer. Additional tags can be provided. Farmers and land owners are guaranteed tags (over and above the determined quota). The current regular archery hunts (Wolfe-Howe Islands 69A1 and 69A3): Oct. 1-Dec. 31 and for 69A2: Oct.1-Dec.4 & Dec.12-Dec.31. In 2015 antlerless tags for all of 69A numbered 600 , with 445 1st choice applicants. Additional tags were offered for Wolfe Island only and fifty antlerless tags were all allocated. Lisa Soloman informed council that if they wished to change the type of hunt conducted, (bow hunt) they would need to submit a request asking for a change. It was noted that public consultation would be required and any change could take at least one to two years. Councillor Grant questioned the option of providing antlerless deer tags to non-residents. Ms. Solomon stated she would investigate and report back.

2. Roadside Brush and Tree Policy. Frontenac Islands adopted the brush and tree trimming and cutting policy for municipal road allowances. The policy addresses the concerns of residents regarding particularly the preservation of significant trees whenever possible, as well as providing safe roads and clear site lines for the travelling public. The policy acknowledges the value of a tree replacement-planting program by the township on municipal roads. Public Works Manager Dillabough said that efforts will be taken to maintain road tree stock, and the canopy they provide now and for future generations. Council will receive reports for their consideration prior to the removal of trees on municipal road allowances. Work on the 11th Line Road (South) has been deferred. The Township accepted the quote by Timber Tree Services for work on Wolfe Island to include cutting, trimming, chipping the brush and grinding of stumps (part A). Part B deferred to 2017 budget year with the same 2016 pricing.

3. The quotes for three projects on Howe Island were accepted. a. Roadside brushing trimming cutting Spithead Road. (Part B- 2017 budget). b. Installation of steel beam guiderail. (HI Roads Development Charges Fund, HI reserves) and c Lining cross culvert (HI reserves). FYI-The process to fill a Part-Time Emergency Call-Out Position for the Howe Island Township Ferry has begun. More Township news next time.

Around Town: You may have noticed an increased level of activity around the Wolfe Island Boat Club in advance of their numerous summer programs, fund raising book sale and 11th annual regatta and of course the Club’s Open House & Try-It Day– Sat. June 18 11am -3:00 pm providing the perfect opportunity for anyone to experience what the Club has to offer. “ And we do have an exciting season with lots of programs to offer,” according to Club treasurer Nicole Clark. “They include After-School Sailing in June, Summer Kid's Camp in July and August, and a new program for the wee one's - 'little kid's fun camp' in July & August for children ages 4 - 7 years. We are also offering seasonal coached rowing for youth & adults beginning in June and Saturday morning —Dragon Boating. Our 4th Annual Try-It Day & Open House is on June 18th from 11:00 am to 3:00pm and we are looking forward to opening our doors for the community to check us out and spend some time on the water, register for one of our programs, or renew membership. The boats will be in the water and ready to go. The Book Sale grand opening will open June 4th & 5th and will be ongoing all summer. Book donations can be dropped off on Saturday May 28th. Watch for posters,” she said. “We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Community Sport and Recreation Grant from the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the Canada Summer Jobs grant. We have two students this summer.” Incorporated in 2011, the WIBC promotes small boat activities, powered by oar, paddle, or sail. Other areas of interest include boating history, boat building, environmental issues concerning boating and waterways, boating safety, and the development and protection of public water access routes. The Boat Club is funded through membership fees, donations, sponsorships, and grants. Wolfe Island’s 11th Annual Barrett Bay Regatta is Sun. Aug.21, 2016. WIBC offers fun, safe, and family oriented programs geared for beginners and the more experienced as well, fun events and seasonal racing. Members enjoy the use of the sailboats, canoes and kayaks and can sign up for: Learn to Row, All Summer Rowing Adult & Youth, Learn to Sail, Dragon Boating, and more. Registration opened in May. EMAIL : info@wolfeislandboatclub.ca https://www.facebook.com/wolfeislandboatclub/ (all programs/costs are listed) . Don’t forget the WI Boat Club’s Open House & Try-It Day– Sat. June 18 11am -3:00 pm (If coming from Kingston it is a ferry trip to WI’s Marysville and walking distance to the club.) There is no need to bring a car.

Coming Events: *WI Historical Society: The Carleton Island Raid of August 1821:Smuggling in the wake of the War of 1812 with Walter Lewis Wed. May 25 7:30 pm UC Hall ** Morrison Hershfield - WI Ferry & Docking Improvements EA study’s will hold the 1st PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE to provide background on the study and present the study process, the alternatives under consideration and process that will be used to select a technically preferred alternative. The PIC is “drop-in”,no formal presentation. (Kingston PIC will be held - June 2nd, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Bellevue North Room, Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront)

Posted by M Knott at 12:04 PM
May 12, 2016
Well Known Wolfe Islander Receives Senior of the Year Award

The first order of business at the Frontenac Islands regular meeting of council was the presentation of the Wolfe Island ‘Senior of the Year 2016 Award’ by Mayor Denis Doyle, to well known Wolfe Island community member. Nadine (Hawkins) Greenwood. Nadine, had no idea why she had been asked to attend the meeting simply assuming it had to do with any one of the island committees she is involved with or, that her family, and friends had been informed of the event until she stepped out the door of the WI Town Hall with the mayor , where the presentation took place and saw them all there.
“It is a pleasure to see so many of you here as we honour Nadine with this year’s ‘Senior of the Year Award’. Most of you know of her years on the island and her contributions to it as a volunteer,” Mayor Doyle said, noting in particular her 13 years with the island’s (volunteer) ambulance service, and her ongoing involvement with the Big Sandy Bay Committee since its inception in 2004 and her work in the city. Nadine’s surprise was evident as she graciously accepted the award. “I am so grateful to receive this award and thrilled and happy to have my family here to share this occasion with me,” she said.

Nadine is a proud parent and grandparent, and a long standing CWL member. She continues to do the bookkeeping for the island’s Sacred Heart Parish. She is also known to many more as a volunteer for Bereaved Families of Kingston, through her job at Tompkins Funeral Home, where her quiet presence gives comfort to the bereaved.

2. FRONTENAC COUNTY: Mayor Doyle welcomed the presence of Frontenac County Warden Frances Smith and CAO Kelly Pender to the meeting. “ I am happy to be here on the island” Warden Smith said. “It has been a long time, and. I am here first to bring greetings from the county, to talk about what’s going on at the county but most importantly to recognize that we are all one. If there is an issue, we need to talk about it and resolve it. The county and the townships are working more closely than they ever have. It’s the way of the future and very important to all of us,” she said.

Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender brought council up to date on what has been going on at Frontenac County for the last six months. “Like everyone else we passed our budget . We also passed the KPMG study recommendations in December to allow each of our member municipalities to know what our position going forward and to develop a long range financial plan, reviewed by our auditor, which looked at everything from reserves to service levels.”
Pender spoke of the importance of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Conference and one of their priorities to Frontenac County (and to Frontenac Islands). that is “Closing the cell gap, including cross border 9-1-1 cell reception issues” , ie.. calling 911 from the south side of Wolfe Island and getting a dispatcher in Cape Vincent , adding that Warden Smith had presented to the CRTC in April on behalf of the Wardens Conference.
He cited other projects including: Rural Health Care issues , School and Community relations, and the WI Paramedic Service transition which is going well. Hiring is ongoing and hopefully by the June 1st there will be a full complement to draw upon draw from for the island. Mayor Doyle reminded Mr. Pender that summer is busy …
Pender noted Fairmount Home with its exemplary accreditation, has become a challenge. with the Patient First initiative including the aging in place strategy, which means the acuity levels continue to go up, “There are more feeding tubes, more bed sores, more dementia patients and the pressure is on the municipal homes because the for profit homes do not take those cases. That’s the challenge we see over the next few years No where in the discussions with the ministry has there been mention of long term care. It seems to be the forgotten part of the puzzle,.” Pender suggested.

Pender drew attention to County Planning and Economic Development, shared services, private road studies , the communal services in rural areas study, objectives of the Economic Development Charter, (Trips/Trails; Accommodation /Food; Recreation /Lifestyle) and the $500,000 set aside for economic development over 3 years. A
Community Development Advisory committee formed to guide the Economic Development Charter and a Rural Economic Development (RED) application has been submitted to match the $5000,000. To a query about Accommodation and Lifestyle projects, Pender said “ it’s specialty shops, brew pubs, B&B’s, small motels, noting part of the tourist trade is related to the trails but there is no accommodation. So it really is about developing small businesses.” Information Services was last item of interest to all was also a shared service with the County.

3. Wolfe Island Ward Ferry Committee: Due to the interest shown by those who wished to sit on the committee, the number of community members was increased from three to five. Members are: Mayor Doyle, Councillor Springgay, Greg Caldwell, Kim Christensen, Katherine Gilbert, Walter Knott, & John Van Strien. There was more on the agenda for next time…..

Around Town: * Welcome back MTO’s summer students. * Clean brush will be accepted in the designated area of the WI Transfer Site ONLY Saturdays - $10.00 a half ton or single axle trailer. * Good road work, ball diamond going on at Community Centre.

Coming Events: .*.Fish Fry at the WI United Church Hall, Saturday May 21, 2016 Doors open at 4:30 ($15.00) *The WI Medical Clinic AGM Tues May 31st at 6:30 pm. Speakers: KFLA Nurse Joan Black - Lyme Disease - An Update. Karen Lowry VON Meals on Wheels, Cindy Weatherhead, SMART Exercise for Seniors. I nterested in serving on the board contact Linda 385 1947 or Jackie 583-4447.

Posted by M Knott at 12:00 PM
May 06, 2016
Wolfe Island battles European Water Chestnut

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)) and a number of Wolfe Island volunteers have been waging a battle with a European Water Chestnut invasion of Wolfe Island’s Upper West, Upper East and Lower Bayfield Bay and Button Bay water surfaces, where colonies of the species have been found. DUC has taken the lead in locating, monitoring and controlling the invasive European Water Chestnut. This species is described as “ an aggressive, annual aquatic plant, visible as thick, floating mats of vegetation that shade out native plant life, choking out the life of wetlands and shallow bays, preventing the growth of native plants beneath and limiting the different bays ability to support water fowl and wildlife, as well as affecting recreational activities.”

Recently DUC’s European Water Chestnut Coordinator, Conservation Technician Justin White conducted a workshop on Wolfe Island to update the community on efforts to control and eradicate the island outbreaks and to offer insights into how we all can help reduce this invasive species. He was accompanied by DUC’s Erling Armson.

“Justin presented a very informative and compelling presentation,” according to Frontenac Islands Administrative Assistant Theresa Quist. It was particularly compelling at this time of year as the migrating ducks and geese and fish continue their spring time arrival across the lake to the island.

The European Water Chestnut has an unusual appearance. The floating leaves are green, sharply-toothed and appear in May/June. The seeds (viable up to 10-12 years) are very sharp and nasty! (according to the presentation), free floating or washed ashore, their barbed spines can cause injury to boaters, cottagers, pets, hunters, swimmers etc. The decomposing vegetation, and lower oxygen levels reduce the water’s productivity and its value to waterfowl, fish and other wildlife which directly affects the water fowling and angling, as well as the recreational users of Wolfe Island. all of which in turn impacts the local economy.

During a question period, information from an island resident (who takes her boat out regularly) that she has seen European Water Chestnut on the west side of Brown’s Bay was much appreciated by DUC’s White and will be followed up. Jim Vanden Hoek was looking for more information about the removal and handling of the invasive plant.
As stated, DUC’s Wolfe Island efforts are focused on the two main areas of the invasion- the Monitoring and Controlling of Bayfield Bay and Button Bay so this invasive plant does not impact the waters physical, biological or economic benefits , according to DUC Coordinator White. Also noted during the evening were DUC’s further effort s to control the plant through a number of initiatives. One, considered the most effective, is to prevent seed production of the plants, and to manually remove the plants using boats/canoes on a daily basis and physically pulling them from the water along with their roots for their proper disposal. (Fragments stuck to a boat /animal if transported elsewhere, may re-root.) Other initiatives included public outreach to the Wolfe Island community by open houses, newsletters, and engaging volunteers. Very important was Increasing surveillance and monitoring of water chestnut at numerous locations on Wolfe Island and the surrounding area. and finally, curriculum based education for local school field trips on Invasive Species & the European Water Chestnut Program for island youngsters.

DUC’s efforts to monitor and control the invasive plant numbers on Wolfe Island thus far have been positive with a 30 percent reduction of the European Water Chestnut on Bayfield Bay and a 40 percent reduction on Button Bay in 2015. But regular annual funding to continue with the 2016 spring program on Wolfe Island is not guaranteed as yet, but is needed Now. DUC needs the financial support of all who share a love of the waterfowl, the wetlands and the environment, all very much at risk if the European Water Chestnut and/or other invasive species programs are discontinued. The surrounding areas are at risk if action is not continued. According to DUC, Wolfe Island is not alone with this problem. European Water Chestnut is invading many of Canada’s Lakes… Take a Look as you travel.
For more information contact : Conservation Technician Justin White 613- 389-0418 ext:131’ Email j_white@ducks.ca

Around Town: **Big Sandy Bay is now open weekends.** The Osprey venture far from their nests. Beautiful birds. ** Still quiet in the village between boats. But it won’t be for too much longer. **The King Wolf Swim (KWS) is a ~5 km swim across the St. Lawrence River from Kingston to Wolfe Island (sanctioned by Triathlon Ontario) held annually the first Saturday in July. A great swim for more experienced open water swimmers! Swim the river, enjoy lunch on the island and then take the ferry back to Kingston. **The WI Riverfront Golf Course is OPEN. ** Horne’s Ferry to Cape Vincent is Operating.

Coming Events:** . Fish Fry at the WI United Church Hall, Saturday May 21, 2016 Doors open at 4:30 ($15.00) ** Learn about the 'cochlear implant technology' May 17th, 11a.m.–5p.m. At Frontenac Mall, 1300 Bath Road Kinston, (Call Linda Thomas 385-1947). ** WI Medical Clinic AGM, Tuesday May 31- 6:30pm. If interested in serving on the board (2 year term). contact Linda Thomas at 385 1947 or Jackie Bird at 583-4447** Have You registered for the 5K -10K WI Classic the fund raising event for the Wolfe Island Medical Clinic held July 3rd at 9:30 am. ** The WI Round Up will be held July 2nd & 3rd 2016. Check WI Round Up Face book for registration.
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Posted by M Knott at 11:57 AM