Two open Houses were held in the township of Frontenac Islands, one on Howe Island, the other on Wolfe Island. Their purpose to receive comments from island citizens as the township considers allowing more residential lots to be created in its rural designated areas. The geneses of both was the same, ‘should the 3 severance per parcel of land as it existed as of Jan. 1, 1985 be increased or left as is.’ Council is seeking direction and possible changes to the Official Plan.
Before amalgamation in 1998 Howe Island did not have an Official Plan, Wolfe Island did, but had no policies to limit severances on a land holding. The current policy that allows for three severances from a property of record as of January 1st, 1985, was based on an approach used by the Frontenac County Land Division Committee.
Frontenac County Director of Planning Joe Gallivan, attended the open houses to provide the information required in order “to reset the date for severance allowances” or not. Presently if one has the land size required they can have a maximum of three severed lots, for example, and many have already done that. Reset means going back to zero and as of a new date to have two or three lots severed.”
“We are here to provide you with some facts,” Gallivan said.. “There will be a formal meeting, under the Planning Act, in August or September and a report to council with recommendations. This gives you time to think about this issue and provide us with your thoughts. My response to the question, can there be different policies for Howe and Wolfe Islands, would be yes. You have very diverse geography, Wolfe Island has a village, Howe Island does not. Howe waterfront lots have already been developed. While there is a lot more rural land on Wolfe than on Howe, and there is a lot more development land on Wolfe than on Howe,” he said. “It could well be that we have two different policies for severances.”
Gallivan said the Frontenac Islands population is projected to grow by 25% over the next 25 years. For Howe 160 more people by 2036, for Wolfe, 325. The latter to change with a 2nd ferry coming to Wolfe Island. He noted that a 2013 Howe Island transportation study conducted by the township indicates that the foot ferry and the County ferry would stay in place with service expected to be over capacity by 2026. Waiting in line after 3 full ferry trips is considered over capacity. Thus transportation is a concern.
Planner Megan Rueckwald, and Kevin Farrell GIS Specialist, presented a detailed analysis of the study of all the lands within the rural designations that could be developed. This information is available on the County website. It shows the effect of changing the policy to allow one severance on Howe Island to would create 145 building lots. Allowing 2 severances would add 95 more, with 3 a further 73, so with the current 39, there could be 313 lots in total. Each additional severance on all properties would be under current regulations concerning lot size and frontage.
A Q&A followed . On Howe Island it is transportation and waiting times, numbers and kinds of vehicles at peak times etc. not the number of houses. Howe Islander Mike Quinn commented on the situation. ” In the 70’s we had a 3 car ferry. In those days the leadership felt it was time to increase capacity and they brought in a 9 car ferry and growth continued and that vessel wore out and was too small. And another followed. If the ferry is inadequate it’s time to look again at that connection. I am absolutely opposed to restricting additional severances. I think that there is a lot of land here that residents wish to sell off as part of their retirement. I happen to be one of those. Better we look at the ferry and with good planning we will get through this,” he said. Other voices concurred. But for others it was a ferry at overcapacity already. How do you deal with the question of severances? ‘How well does the official plan deal with land planning and transportation at the same time?’ ‘We seem to be preparing for severances and not for capacity.’ ‘I think what we have done here is put the cart in front of the horse.’’ We have to address the transportation issues’.
On Wolfe Island, same topic, same information but also with a focus on the secondary plan for the growth scheduled for Marysville. Questions pertained to more severance on properties, smaller properties, and services, etc. The effect on Wolfe/Simcoe of added severances were….one added, opened 308 lots, 2 gave 232 more, and 3 severances some 183 more, and when added to those now available (110) would give a total of 833. Planner Gallivan encouraged everyone to submit their comment sheets to their municipal office and also to direct their concerns to council for consideration.
Coming Events: . **The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: June 23 - August 12, 2017. **Big Sandy Bay remains closed.

Land Use Diversity Grows on Wolfe Island by Margaret Knott
Of particular interest to the community, and in the spirit of the 1st Wolfe Island Garden Party, Richard Allen, Frontenac County Economic Development Manager, hosted a panel discussion with members of the island’s agricultural community, about the opportunities and challenges of their work, and to share their stories held at the General Wolfe Inn. “Some of you, generational farmers and others relatively new, will contribute to the agricultural story we gather today. Part of my job is to share and to encourage young people and others to consider the things that are our strengths,” he said in addressing panelists Hank Connell, Jason Pyke, Cathy Rothermel, Trudy De Ruiter and Jason Lacelle. Here is what they had to say:
Hank Connell: a retired school teacher, owner operator of Sugar Woods Farm (maple syrup,) spoke of his 4-5 acre experimental vineyard with grapes growing and on going work to develop hardy winter tolerant grape vines. “Viticulture for me is growing grapes in a field, and to make them survive from one year to the next. It is not running a winery where someone buys the grapes, eventually producing the wine.” Hank spoke of his relationship with the University of Minnesota, and learning tools he has used. “This is no longer experimental. Looking down the road I can see opportunities for people to work in Viticulture I urge others to try it.”
Jason Pyke: -Pykeview Meadows Farm, spoke of his early years, the University of Guelph he and his wife Christina attended. Returning to Wolfe Island, they decided against dairy.. “We married, & started with bison in 2012 with a herd of 160 with Christina doing the product (leather)marketing for 6 years.” They have two children . The arrival of the wind farm on the island, “gave us a boost allowing us to let go of the bison (also have solar) and gave us a fall back in revenue.” They are the 5th generation of Pykes custom cropping. Farming requires continuous learning through farming associations, publications, and contact with other farmers. “Recently we were father, son, brother and 2 uncles, with mother, daughter, and wife, who brought food to fields,’
Cathy Rothermel: Island resident since 2001. “I had no intention of farming. I wanted the kids close to nature. Introduced to Kingston’s organic Seed Co-Op, my life took a turn and with friends started a market garden under the Supported Canadian model, a system that connects the producer and consumers sharing the risk of farming. I have found my place in the area of food production.” She is involved with the Kingston and Area seed system initiative growing-developing -facilitating seed production (organically), working with St. Lawrence College also with a number of breeding projects, “similar to what Hank is doing what survives and what doesn’t.. I think there are all kinds of opportunities on Wolfe Island.”
Trudy DeRuiter: “My story is not so colourful . The DeRuiter Farm was established in 1948 when my husband Case’s family emigrated from the Netherlands buying the Baker farm established 1883, and were in dairy production over 65 years when we took over. Our children, as they moved on in school, showed little interest so about 10 years ago we switched from dairy to Black Angus beef. I told Case the advertising was already done. They feed on grass so the farm becomes labour intensive. The kids, all with full time jobs, help. We love the farm, we want to keep it going. We sell beef to the Pig &Olive, locally to The Grill and fill island orders.” Trudy studied book keeping and marketing. “I would love to teach people about meat.”
Jason Lacelle: new to the island in 2010, bought the Glen O’Shea farm and established a hop yard this season. “When I went to the nursery, someone did not follow through with their order and I was able to get 2nd year plants meaning I might be able to harvest this year. First year is 10% potential harvest and 2nd year 40 to 45%, and 3RD year to 100% forward lasting about 25 years. Most of the hard work for hops, a perennial plant is the first year,” La Salle said. “It looks like a field of telephone posts with wires running through it. The hops were put in about June 1st and already they have grown about 12 inches.. Once the root is established to full growth I should be able to expect 12 inches of growth per day.” Jason indicated most of his learning about hops has come from reading , asking questions and doing it. He sees opportunities for his product with the opening of the WI Spring Brewery and others in the county. “Once we get a breakdown of the quality of the hops we will slowly move forward one step at a time.”
A question and answer period followed about the possibilities and the cost of leasing land, about transportation, expectation for new larger ferry, types of farming possible, grass, grape vines, sheep, small goat herds, organic fruit and vegetables. Most often noted was a need for smaller, available pieces of land and an Island association for farmers. (Taste of WI). For Information, contact Richard Allen at Frontenac County.

Coming events: The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: June 23 - August 12, 2017. ***Wolfe Island Classic Race & Kiddie kilometer Sun. July 2nd. *Canada Day Pancake Breakfast July 1st WI United Church Hall 9am-11am. *Big Sandy Bay remains closed.

Of particular interest to the community, and in the spirit of the 1st Wolfe Island Garden Party, Richard Allen, Frontenac County Economic Development Manager, hosted a panel discussion with members of the island’s agricultural community, about the opportunities and challenges of their work, and to share their stories held at the General Wolfe Inn. “Some of you, generational farmers and others relatively new, will contribute to the agricultural story we gather today. Part of my job is to share and to encourage young people and others to consider the things that are our strengths,” he said in addressing panelists Hank Connell, Jason Pyke, Cathy Rothermel, Trudy De Ruiter and Jason Lacelle. Here is what they had to say:
Hank Connell: a retired school teacher, owner operator of Sugar Woods Farm (maple syrup,) spoke of his 4-5 acre experimental vineyard with grapes growing and on going work to develop hardy winter tolerant grape vines. “Viticulture for me is growing grapes in a field, and to make them survive from one year to the next. It is not running a winery where someone buys the grapes, eventually producing the wine.” Hank spoke of his relationship with the University of Minnesota, and learning tools he has used. “This is no longer experimental. Looking down the road I can see opportunities for people to work in Viticulture I urge others to try it.”
Jason Pyke: -Pykeview Meadows Farm, spoke of his early years, the University of Guelph he and his wife Christina attended. Returning to Wolfe Island, they decided against dairy.. “We married, & started with bison in 2012 with a herd of 160 with Christina doing the product (leather)marketing for 6 years.” They have two children . The arrival of the wind farm on the island, “gave us a boost allowing us to let go of the bison (also have solar) and gave us a fall back in revenue.” They are the 5th generation of Pykes custom cropping. Farming requires continuous learning through farming associations, publications, and contact with other farmers. “Recently we were father, son, brother and 2 uncles, with mother, daughter, and wife, who brought food to fields,’
Cathy Rothermel: Island resident since 2001. “I had no intention of farming. I wanted the kids close to nature. Introduced to Kingston’s organic Seed Co-Op, my life took a turn and with friends started a market garden under the Supported Canadian model, a system that connects the producer and consumers sharing the risk of farming. I have found my place in the area of food production.” She is involved with the Kingston and Area seed system initiative growing-developing -facilitating seed production (organically), working with St. Lawrence College also with a number of breeding projects, “similar to what Hank is doing what survives and what doesn’t.. I think there are all kinds of opportunities on Wolfe Island.”
Trudy DeRuiter: “My story is not so colourful . The DeRuiter Farm was established in 1948 when my husband Case’s family emigrated from the Netherlands buying the Baker farm established 1883, and were in dairy production over 65 years when we took over. Our children, as they moved on in school, showed little interest so about 10 years ago we switched from dairy to Black Angus beef. I told Case the advertising was already done. They feed on grass so the farm becomes labour intensive. The kids, all with full time jobs, help. We love the farm, we want to keep it going. We sell beef to the Pig &Olive, locally to The Grill and fill island orders.” Trudy studied book keeping and marketing. “I would love to teach people about meat.”
Jason Lacelle: new to the island in 2010, bought the Glen O’Shea farm and established a hop yard this season. “When I went to the nursery, someone did not follow through with their order and I was able to get 2nd year plants meaning I might be able to harvest this year. First year is 10% potential harvest and 2nd year 40 to 45%, and 3RD year to 100% forward lasting about 25 years. Most of the hard work for hops, a perennial plant is the first year,” La Salle said. “It looks like a field of telephone posts with wires running through it. The hops were put in about June 1st and already they have grown about 12 inches.. Once the root is established to full growth I should be able to expect 12 inches of growth per day.” Jason indicated most of his learning about hops has come from reading , asking questions and doing it. He sees opportunities for his product with the opening of the WI Spring Brewery and others in the county. “Once we get a breakdown of the quality of the hops we will slowly move forward one step at a time.”
A question and answer period followed about the possibilities and the cost of leasing land, about transportation, expectation for new larger ferry, types of farming possible, grass, grape vines, sheep, small goat herds, organic fruit and vegetables. Most often noted was a need for smaller, available pieces of land and an Island association for farmers. (Taste of WI). For Information, contact Richard Allen at Frontenac County.

Coming events: The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: June 23 - August 12, 2017. ***Wolfe Island Classic Race & Kiddie kilometer Sun. July 2nd. *Canada Day Pancake Breakfast July 1st WI United Church Hall 9am-11am. *Big Sandy Bay remains closed.

Frontenac Islands Recognizes Staff, Also Welcomes Ontario Waterkeeper
The first order of business at the June meeting of Frontenac Islands June meeting, held on Howe Island, was the presentation of Staff Recognition Awards to four Howe Island municipal employees. This follows a similar presentation on Wolfe Island in May. “ To night we are recognizing four persons who work on Howe Island representing more than 60 years of employment,” Deputy Mayor Nossal who chaired the meeting, said. “So whether they are running administrative affairs for our township, protecting our public assets, or maintain our life line, they play a very important role towards the lives we live here on Howe Island . And on behalf of all Howe Islanders we want to thank you for your service to our community.” Service award recipients were Carol Dwyre-27 year; Larry Quinn-20 years; Pat Quinn-15 years; Christian Prior-8 years. Along with certificates each received a Canadian Mint gift card.

2. Kingston and Wolfe Island Culture Festival- Deputy Mayor Nossal invited Rebecca Harrison Manager of Programs Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, to provide information about The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival — a seven week celebration of the Great Lakes to be presented through story and song, June 23rd – August 12th The opening ceremony will be held at the General Wolfe Inn on June 23rd at 5pm . Harrison reminded council of the ongoing work of Ontario Waterkeeper, and its beginnings in the region, working “for a day when every person in our watershed can safely touch the water, when the water is pure enough to drink and when the lake is clean and wild enough to toss a line anywhere and pull out a fish.” She outlined the significant programs they undertake including the popular “Swim Guide” and the “Water Mark Project,” among others. With regard to the festival, she said “We have always had a lot to do with the Lit Festival and the WI Music Festival usually held back to back, but this year there is a 7 week space between, a perfect opportunity for Waterkeeper to come back to the Wolfe Island -Kingston area, and to showcase how vast the community, the more people get connected to water. We are fortunate with our relationship to Kingston and in increasing our relationship with Wolfe Island.” She added that all advertising for the festival encourages people to LEAVE CARS BEHIND and WALK ON THE FERRY TO WOLFE ISLAND.
She noted the second week of the Cultural Festival will focus on Geography of the Great Lakes (location, food, fish). “The 3rd week (July 7-13) is about history, myths, legends, and stories of Wolfe Island”, she said. “There are many historical artifacts that have been found on Wolfe Island, but do not live (stay) on the island. They live in Ottawa or the ROM, which is a bone of contention with the WI Historical Society. So we are working with the Historical Society to organize and launch a fund raising campaign to build the ‘Old House Museum’ up to snuff, so that it can become the permanent home for these artifacts. We are hoping to have a follow-up feature event of photos of these artifacts hosted by the WI Historical Society, and encourage people to contribute so that they can get their collection management system together to bring the artifacts home.” Harrison identified the remaining weeks as Week 4: Identity | July 14 - July 20 – ‘How has Lake Ontario shaped who we are?’ Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Retrospective Wed. July 19th. Week 5: Protection| July 21 - July 27 ‘How do we protect Lake Ontario for Generations to come’ ? Includes Water Sampling Workshops. Week 6: The Future | July 28 – Aug. 3 ‘What does the future look like for Kingston, Wolfe Island, & Lake Ontario?’ Week 7: Celebration | Aug. 4 – Aug. 12 –‘The Wolfe Island Music Festival: Waterkeeper Showcase - Pledge Campaign in Kingston Aug. 9th ‘

Working with Trail Head, they have planned a Lake Ontario Explore Town event challenging people to go out , walk, paddle, hike, cycle, anything but drive, to different parts of Kingston and Wolfe Island, and take pictures of the lake and post them often, for draws . We have prizes, not sure yet what they are. “And that,” she said, “ is just a short list of what we hope will bring people to Kingston and Wolfe Island,” A Full Schedule of events will be unveiled at the festival launch on June 23rd. Watch for details.

3 More about Frontenac Islands Council next time.

Around Town; The sign in Kingston still indicated Big Sandy Bay is “Closed Due to Flooding”.
** Slight lowering of water levels since outflow at Cornwall.** Cafe Tenango - Coffee & Tea - Main Street, Wolfe Island opens June 23rd. **Check Shanti Retreat for Up Coming programs. ** The WI Waste Site is open Mon., Wed. and now Sundays (till the end of summer).**WI Crafts Opens June 24th 10-4 daily (Behind Town Hall)

Coming Events: ** Severance restrictions meetings. — Tues, June 20th 6:30PM Howe Island Municipal Bldg; Thurs. June 22nd 6:30 pm, WI Town Hall. **The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: June 23 - August 12, 2017. ***Wolfe Island Classic Race & Kiddie kilometer Sun. July 2nd. Visit wolfeisland.com ***Canada Day Pancake Breakfast July 1st WI United Church Hall 9am-11am.

As Wolfe Island gears up for the busy summer season of activities and events, I was struck at just how busy the island already is. So much activity at the Wolfe Island Grill, with boats coming this way to make use of the new docks that were stored over the winter, and now are in place in spite of the still high water levels. And it’s a similar situation at the General Wolfe Inn. With their doors now open most days, and work progressing beautifully at the dock side the area is alive with people. And the WI Bakery , the WI Pub and Pizzeria, and Fargo’s Store, continue as important places to go. Along with the WI Information Centre, the Stone Heron Gallery, opening once again in the WI Township Community Hall for the summer, the “Old House” Museum, the Dreamcatcher B&B, Bill Speers “Cycle Wolfe Island” bicycle rental, and the WI Boat Club, all are on Main Street. And with the WI Community Garden and the Community Centre Grounds, (ball diamonds, covered rink, horse ring etc.) where the WI Music Festival takes place, ALL ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE FERRY, requiring NO Vehicle to get there, if physically able.

Of course there are important locations all over the island, too numerous to mention, requiring transportation to get there. For instance Big Sandy Bay, presently closed due to high water, and the international crossing to Cape Vincent via Horne's Ferry, and Riverfront Golf , the Corn Maze…..

During the summer months the population of Wolfe Island increases from 1400 to perhaps 3000, when cottagers and summer residents return. That alone increases traffic on the ferry. But already this early in the season the lineups are long both sides, often leaving vehicles behind, not just on weekends. Add to that Emergency Calls causing the ferry to go off schedule. With no stop light in the village when the ferry unloads, and non synchronized lights in Kingston, how can it stay on schedule? Consider too all the service vehicles, agricultural, construction, and the transport of water, waste, fuel etc., that must come and go to the island.

Wolfe Island welcomes visitors to the island any time of year, to share in what it has to offer. But, if you coming this time of year to visit the village of Marysville specifically, and do not require a vehicle please consider leaving your vehicle behind in Kingston, and walk-on the ferry.

B. Lake Ontario Water Keeper- A delegation from Lake Ontario Water Keeper will attend Frontenac Islands June council meeting to inform council of the schedule for a seven week celebration of the Great Lakes, The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival . Through story and song, it will begin with the Wolfe Island Festival the Arts by Dave Bidini, and end with the Wolfe Island Music Festival, organized by Virginia Clark . They will seek council’s input into what other areas of the island can be promoted during the festival. The Kingston and Wolfe Island Festival will feature the art, history science and nature of the area to foster new connections with water. The themes of each week will look at how Wolfe Island, and Kingston, provide an example “ of all that the Great Lakes can provide in swimmable, drinkable, fishable future.”
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is a Canadian charity aimed at keeping the province’s water systems clean. ,It is part of Robert F. Kennedy , Jr.’s Waterkeeper Alliance, to ensure waterways worldwide are protected. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper was founded in 2001 by Mark Mattson and Kingston’s Kristyn Tully, following the water tragedy in Walkerton Ontario, where Mark had served as counsel for a public interest environmental group. At about the same time there was a terrible sewage spill in Kingston that fouled Wolfe Island shores and waters. Mark, a lawyer, grew up spending summers swimming and fishing on Wolfe Island, where his family has owned property since the 1800’s. Watch for details of the Kingston and Wolfe Island Culture Festival (KWICF).

Around Town: **Wolfe Island Fire & Rescue have issued a letter outlining the costs of required equipment with thanks for donations. It reminded resident that the WI service is a volunteer department and required to have the same equipment as career fire fighters, ensuring resident safety but that of the fire fighters as well. It noted that a new Hurst Jaw for Life tool cost $13,000, pads for defibrillators cost $200 each, and bunker suits, good only for 10 years, cost $2,300. “You can see how important your donations are,” the letter said. ** Work is well underway at the site of the Senior Apartment Project in spite of rain earlier in the week. ** Linda Thomas spoke on behalf of the WI Feral Cat group on CBC radio morning about the successes and benefits for the cats. Worth a listen. Islanders have cared for feral cats for many years. ** Water levels remain high. Concern raised with the Big Sandy Bay sensitive sand dune erosion , and the no beach situation. *** (By the way, cycling Wolfe Island is becoming more and more popular (reserve your bike at 613-385-2240 cyclewolfeisland@gmail.com.)

COMING EVENTS:** WI’s 1st Annual Garden Party, June 15,16, 17th. Wrist bands available at businesses, & tourist centre. ** Severance restrictions meetings. Tues, June 20th 6:30PM Howe Island Municipal Bldg; Thurs. June 22nd 6:30 pm, WI Town Hall. **The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: June 23 - August 12, 2017. ***Wolfe Island Classic Race & Kiddie kilometer Sun. July 2nd. Visit wolfeisland.com ***Canada Day Pancake Breakfast July 1st

On May 31st the Township of Frontenac Islands issued a status report with regard to flooding conditions on Simcoe Wolfe and Howe Islands. This follows the issuance of the Emergency Response Plan, and Declaration of Emergency with the Province, as a means of protecting health, welfare and property of islanders at this time.
The current update lists health and safety issues as of most concern and advises residents to be aware of high levels of bacteria in the water, and to continue getting water tested. Bottles remain available at the township offices but now must be dropped off at the Public Health Kingston Lab at 181 Barrie Street. Sand bagging continues with sand available at Wolfe and Howe in the event of high winds. No evacuations have been necessary.
The Simcoe Ferry is operational with large sand bags on the docks both sides to allow operation during high winds and wave uprush. The Howe Island foot ferry is currently running on a reduced schedule and carrying a ¾ ton truck for ballast. It is restricted to two vehicles and reduced hours. Big Sandy Bay remains closed. Water on roads shows little reduction

Wolfe Island Garden Party: The 15th,16th and 17th of June are the dates of the 1st Annual Wolfe Island Garden Party, presented by ‘Wolfe Island Records’ and ‘Wolfe Island Spring’. Wolfe Island Records (located on the Island) has been involved in the development of The Garden Party, a weekend and in association with the Wolfe Island Craft Brewery, and the Wolfe Island Grill will present a weekend of culture, music, agriculture and art and a number of events promoting music, local food production and sustainable farming. The event has received support from the Township of Frontenac Islands, Frontenac County, and CFDC ‘
A beautiful brochure has been created with much thought, much colour and a delightful play list of events announcing the Wolfe Island Garden Party, in support of the Wolfe Island Community Garden(s). It is a wonderful invitation to join Islanders on those dates at the Wolfe Island Grill on Thursday June 15th at 8:30pm, for a Listening Party of new releases by David Corley and Hugh Christopher Brown. And on Friday June 16th for Live Music at The Wolfe Island Grill , General Wolfe Inn, and the Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria, also beginning at 8:30 pm
Saturday offers a variety of events beginning at 11 am with Family Music with ‘Butterfingers’ at the dock of the Wolfe Island Boat Club. A Wolfe Island Grill ‘Bar B Que’ will feature locally sourced food. A panel discussion on the opportunities and the challenges for local food and agriculture on the island (1PM-2:30PM) follows at the General Wolfe Inn, hosted by Frontenac County Economic Development.

A map will be available indicating the locations of open houses, farm locations, gardens and music workshops. Coming by ferry, visitors are urged to leave cars behind , walk on to the ferry, and to walk, cycle or hop on a wagon to visit the different locations and meet the exciting people who operate them, whether an artist, an organic master gardener, a photographer, a sheep farmer, an artist and many more. Live music continues at the same three venues the Wolfe Island Grill, General Wolfe Inn and the WI Pub & Pizzeria that evening. Weekend passes are $20. Children free with all proceeds going to the Wolfe Island Community Garden(s). Wristbands will be available at local businesses and the Wolfe Island Tourist office in advance. An email address is being created by which to reserve…stay tuned for that at the WI Network on Facebook. All kinds of work is underway on the outdoor patios, and in completing seasonal boat docking spots at the WI Gril,l and the Inn in preparation for the Garden Party weekend and summer generally. Exciting times.

COMING EVENTS: **Open House meetings to receive public comment on the restriction of severances in rural areas and proposed amendments to Official Plan Policy, Section 6.3.3. Tues, June 20th 6;30-6 PM Howe Island Municipal Bldg. and Thurs. June 22nd 6:30-8 pm, Wolfe Island Town Hall. **The Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival: a celebration of Great Lakes Voices Events throughout Kingston and Wolfe Island June 23 - August 12, 2017