Shuttle Bus to Big Sandy plus Ferry Walk ON’s & Cyclists Welcome!

Islanders may have read that Frontenac County has adopted two proposals to increase pedestrian traffic, on the Wolfe Island ferry with cyclists and person’s “Walking On.” That is not boarding the ferry with a vehicle. For the county encouraging cyclists has everything to do with extending the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail by adding side trips to Wolfe and Howe Island with county council providing $10,000 for promoting this purpose. The second proposal is a pilot project for a shuttle bus service from the WI Marysville ferry dock to Big Sandy Bay with the county providing ($6000.) for that purpose.
Both initiatives and costs were brought forward by county Economic Development Manager Richard Allen and both , though originally questioned, were supported by County Council according to Frontenac Islands Mayor Denis Doyle..
“It was a serious debate at the last County Council meeting and some councillors were initially opposed to the expenditures. They seemed to forget that the county has supported the KP trail and many other mainland programs over the years, and other than the ambulance service, little county money has come to Frontenac Islands,” he said recently. ”But In the end, the projects costs were supported.
County staff are finalizing the contracting of the bus and the and the hours of operation “Hopefully we will see the official details within a week or two and then the advertising encouraging people to walk on the ferry rather than bring their vehicles will start in earnest.” Mayor Doyle added that the driving factor for the bus to Big Sandy Bay is to reduce vehicular traffic from Kingston on the ferry, which should also lead to more visitors to village businesses. “In past years a lot of tourists just gave up coming to Wolfe Island as the line ups are so busy on weekends during the summer months.”

Doyle noted that the program tied to the water front trail that goes along the lake from Niagara Region then along the St. Lawrence to the Quebec boarder initiative will offer cyclists side routes to the Islands, (again reducing vehicular traffic) but encouraging visits to Marysville. Both initiatives , and their kick off dates will be advertised in soon to be released promotional material from Frontenac County.

Road work: Some additional information pertains to the rebuilding of road #7051 to the Dawson Point terminal
and road # 96 from there to the Marysville dock in advance of the new ferry. Tentative information indicates that the Waterkeepers group is interested in being involved in the canal portion as MTO handles the road portion with the township. Watch for the dates of Public Meeting coming up May 22nd regarding that phase of the MTO Ferry Study Plan at which time some of these things may be confirmed.

Around Town:* Damage was considerable to the Gen. Wolfe Inn Dock from the recent frightening wind storms. Good luck with those repairs and the ongoing renovations to the Wolfe, and to all with damaged shore lines.* * How wonderful to see the Businesses opening longer hours and new ones spring up. Music at Prime locations on weekends. And WI Canon Ball Beer becoming a favourite. And How About the Riverfront Golf Course!!! Have you been there already this season?* It’s Great to have the students back to keep us honest. Spring birds are back in droves but I’m missing a number of species generally here by now. ** INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR COUNCIL? TAKE NOTE! Visit Township Office (s) for papers and information.

Coming events: The WI United Church' annual Fish fry is: Sat May 19th 4:30 . Take outs available $15.00 under 12 $6.00 under 6 free. There will also be a Bake Sale. **Drop In & Check Out Your local WIBC Boat Club OPEN HOUSE May 19 & 20 Registration & Membership Information. *** Drop In to Stories, Portraits at the “Old House Museum’ Presented by WI Historical Society, May 19 Aug. 25th . Nancy Steele, Artist in Residence. (Event happens once in May & June, & 8 times in July & August)*** Wolfe Island United Church Annual Yard Sale Sat. June 2nd Watch for posters. *** WI Friends of Ferals AGM & Movie Night at the WI Medical Clinic, June 11th at 6:30 pm