According to the wolfeisland.com web site, Wolfe Island has held plowing competitions since 1947 nine years prior to the establishment of the Wolfe Island Ploughmen’s Association in 1956 (now officially the WI Ploughing Association). At the time Wolfe Island was one of the few townships in Ontario that could boast of it's own Ploughmen's Association. Island women have plowed competitively for many of those 62 years.

This year the 2018 Plowing Match was held Sept. 8th at the farm of Duncan and Bev Pyke on Stevenson Lane. The day started out cool warming up to being an excellent plowing day according to Janine Handforth , WI Plowing Match organizer.

“There was a total of 32 plowers: 4 teams of horses, and 10 juniors. No plower from Wolfe Island went on to the International Plowing Match this year,” she said. “Hi-lights included our youngest plower, 4 year old Christopher Greenwood and the oldest plower 94 year old John Posthumus. And, as always there was -an excellent antique farm equipment display with demonstrations which included Everett Hogan narrating how the antique equipment worked. No plower from Wolfe Island went on to the International Plowing Match this year,” she concluded. Attendance was approximately 200.

Results for the classes and the special awards with acknowledgement of their sponsors follow:

WOLFE ISLAND PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION 2018

CLASS 1 – HORSES HULTON’S CONSTRUCTION RIVERFRONT GOLF COURSE —WINNER; DAVE REID

CLASS 1A – HORSES ST. LAWRENCE VETERINARY SERVICES — WINNER; TERRY PHILLIPS

CLASS 2 – TRACTOR - JUNIORS under 14 years of age - RICHMOND DITCHING — WINNER; SAM GRANT

CLASS 3 – TRACTOR - JUNIORS under 18 years of age- PYKEVIEW MEADOWS GEORGE PYKE- WINNER; DAWSON FLEMING

CLASS 4 – TRACTOR 2-FURROWS METALCRAFT MARINE WINNER; LEE GRANT

CLASS 5 – TRACTOR 2-FURROW visitors and previous 2x winners of Class 4 -FRONTENAC ISLANDS-WINNER; ALLEN HILLS

CLASS 6 – TRACTOR 3-FURROW TRANS ALTA - TCO AGROMART- WINNER; JOHN POSTHUMUS

CLASS 7 – TRACTOR –4+ FURROWS WOODMAN MACHINE PRODUCTS —WINNER; REBECCA PEMBERTON

CLASS 8 – LADIES & QUEEN OF THE FURROW - PYKE’S LANDSCAPING - WINNER; PAM VANCE

CLASS 9 – ANTIQUES -GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO DIST. 13 - FRANK’S MOBILE REPAIR SERVICE-WINNER; COLIN LOCKRIDGE

CLASS 10 – NOVELTY & SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AJ’S CARPENTRY WINNER; MITCHELL GREENWOOD

WOLFE ISLAND PLOWING MATCH GENERAL SPONSORS:
-BANK OF MONTREAL
-TRIHEAT (ROSEN ENERGY GROUP): FUEL
-COCHRANE FUELS
-GENERAL WOLFE INN
-FRONTENAC FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE

SPECIAL TROPHIES 2018

CHAMPION LAND –LORNE HULTON TROPHY ALLEN HILLS

BEST CROWN – GATEVIEW EQUIPMENT ALLEN HILLS

BEST FINISH TRACTOR- WOODMAN MACHINE PRODDUCTS LEE GRANT

BEST FINISH – HORSES- HULTON’S CONSTRUCTION TERRY PHILLIPS

BEST PLOUGH TEAM- WIPP TERRY PHILLIPS

BEST DRESSED HORSE – GEORGE MCALLISTER KIM HADWEN

BEST EFFORT –UNDER 18 - MORNINGSIGHT FARMS DAWSON FLEMING

OLDEST PLOUGHPERSON - FARGO’S GROCERY STORE JOHN POSTHUMUS

YOUNGEST PLOUGHPERSON – HARVEY HAWKEY AWARD CHRISTOPHER GREENWOOD

SAFEST PLOUGHPERSON FRONTENAC FARM SAFETY ASSOC. PETER MYERS

QUEEN OF THE FURROW - The Grant Family NO COMPETITOR

When Chief Paul Charbonneu came to Wolfe Island in July at the request of Frontenac Council to once again address the subject of Paramedic Services and issues that had arisen on Wolfe Island , he came well prepared. Issues included why there were times when only one paramedic was on duty or there was no ambulance on the island.

Although well prepared, he was not very well received by the public. They had attended the meeting expecting answers directed to them from him regarding a number of medical issues serious in nature causing them much anger, frustration and fear that the service was not there for them. But he was not there to address the public.

However at the close of his presentation council allowed time for Chief Charbonneau to answer questions from the public and the Chief left with a request to determine with the Paramedic Union the possibility of a member of the Wolfe Island’s Fire & Rescue Service driving the ambulance at such time when there is only one paramedic on duty, the ambulance is on the island, and a patient assessment requires that he/she needs to be transported to hospital immediately.
The public was advised that information would be forthcoming at the September meeting of Council.

What they were not made aware of at the time was that this discussion was already underway. Knowing that certainly could have eased some of the tension that was brewing in the community. (Thus far no person has been transported to hospital with a Fire & Recue person at the wheel of the ambulance.)

Since July however a number of issues arose where a Paramedic on Wolfe Island was attacked and the OPP was called. Also according to a news reports further instances of anger were directed at a Paramedic on duty. (It should be noted that instances of anger and violence against paramedics in other communities including Kingston have also been identified)

During this period as well, August 10th to be exact, MTO announced a new Wolfe Island ferry schedule (without public consultation), was to begin Sept. 1st during the Labour Day long weekend. A community meeting was quickly organized by WI resident Judy Greenwood Speers and held at the General Wolfe Inn bringing together a large group of concerned island residents who in equal numbers expressed some satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the schedule citing for instance, seniors keeping appointments, working mothers, shoppers and local churches as losers in the schedule. Speers received the concerns and sent a report to MTO with a request that the implementation of the new schedule be delayed until Thanksgiving. The schedule went ahead Sept. 1st as scheduled.

Prior to the Sept. 10th meeting of Frontenac Islands Council a notice was posted by island resident Maureen Lollar inviting islanders to the meeting to hear any answers that had come from Chief Charbonneau about the Paramedic Service since his presentation in July.

And so it was once again a frustrated audience attended the September council meeting on Wolfe Island. Frustrated that they were left to the end with very little time to hear and be heard. This of course led to outbursts from the public. Maureen Lollar had in hand a very positive response to written questions she had asked of Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender about the Paramedic service.
However the council had received a copy of CAO Pender’s answers as well which were part of a handout at the meeting.

Judy Speers had information to bring forward concerning the possible impact of new MTO Wolfe Island-Kingston ferry schedule that began Sept.1st. and the information she had sent to MTO Regional Director Kathy Moore. Mayor Doyle acknowledged that the changed ferry schedule had come as a brief communication to both the township and the public. “MTO was asked to have a meeting with us and they declined,” he said.

Finally a concern was raised regarding when the WI ferry was moving to Dawson Point because of the road work undertaken by MTO to improve the road 7051 and Rd.#95 into Marysville (Sunday OCT.14th to be confirmed) first ferry leaves from Dawson Point at 5:30 am.) and whether MTO will provide buses from the village and back at the end of the day, as well as the rapid return of the ferry to Marysville. The Mayor indicated that a bus or buses were not part of the contract with MTO. A voice from the audience suggested maybe islanders could pay for buses themselves. The meeting was formally closed.

( PS - I couldn’t help thinking that in the spirit of community, particularly after a busy summer, anxiety over the ambulance service, a changed ferry schedule, and NO ELECTION CAMPAINING, rather than fitting residents in at the end of the council meeting, it might have been a good thing for the mayor to simply close the official Council meeting, open the floor to the public and ask, “What’s on your mind Folks?”)

As summer draws to a close it is time to bid the wonderful students hired by MTO to keep the ferry lines in good order in Kingston and Marysville (WI) good bye. What would we do without them?

Well, without them islanders outside of Marysville would be annoyed with village residents who park their vehicles in the lineup and leave them anywhere and empty. Islanders would be annoyed with cars coming from Horne’s ferry that drive around the corner to fill the crossed off spahces in front of the official lineup, frustration with those who leave space between cars rather than pulling up closer as indicated on the very visible signs in the village. And then there is frustration with the number of trucks, commercial vehicles, vehicles with priority and so on and so on. And of course there are always concerns with the waits caused by ambulance calls for whatever reason whether it be to bring an ambulance to the island or for the ambulance to come from a long distance holding up the ferry.. And so it goes.

Anyone traveling by or to the ferry dock in Kingston can’t help but be aware of the ever increasing number of walks ons /offs to and from the ferry trip after trip, and the number of vehicle of every sort and size relative to agriculture, business, service and pleasure as well as the increase in residential and cottage traffic.

But during the summer months MTO hires young adult students to deal with the complaints, bear the brunt of angry travellers, the constant questions of, ”When is the ferry coming (or going)” or, “What’s there to do here”, and “Where is the wash room?” as well as keeping the line up’s in order on Wolfe Island and in Kingston where they have added duties regarding the waiting room and washrooms.

Some would say these are ideal ideal summer jobs, and judging from the wonderful tans, great walking skills and patience they have developed, perhaps they are. But for islanders the arrival of the students is a “godsend.”

So to this year’s MTO summer students who worked so hard keeping us in order, Kayla Chartrand , Trent University (Ecological restoration 1st year); Jake Patterson, Western U (History 2nd yr.); Emilie Turner, Ottawa U (Criminology 2nd yr.); Lilly Low, Ottawa U ( Biochemistry 1st yr.); Mairead Corrigan (Queen’s U, Life Sciences 2nd yr.); Daniel White, Queen’s U (Political Science, 1st yr.), THANK YOU. Have a wonderful and rewarding school year.

Around Town:*Fiends of Ferals held a $1000 Labour Day Draw won by Teilhard Frost of Wolfe Island. All the tickets were sold. Stay tuned for their next draw.
Sad a lone paramedic was threatened last Tues. Also there were two previous incidents on Wolfe Island. What good will that do for us? Good to see the roadwork underway on #95 and #7051. *The new ferry schedule is in place. For some it makes for very long days. The kids have to get up earlier, the churches may have to change their Sunday Service times, while for others it is just fine and still the line ups keep getting longer and longer.*Today Sept.8th the WI Plowing Match is underway. *Check out coming events there are quite a few……

WOLFE Island, in the Township of Frontenac Islands, has been notified that their ferry service schedule is about to change. In a communique, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), said that effective Saturday, September 1, 2018, the Wolfe Island ferry service will be running on a new schedule.

“This new schedule aligns departure times at both docks and provides better alignment for ferry crew shift changes,” according to the notice. It goes on to say that the new departure times will enhance the ability for the ferry service to make up time throughout the day should high traffic volumes or an emergency call disrupt the ferry schedule. “The new times should also improve our ability to perform maintenance, cleaning and mandatory emergency drills during daylight hours.”

MTO issued the new ferry schedule well in advance to help residents plan ahead and adjust daily routines in a way that will accommodate the new schedule, apologizing at the same time for any inconvenience this new ferry schedule may cause. It was also noted by the ministry, that any change to the ferry schedule can affect individual commutes and daily routines and that MTO has attempted “to minimize the impacts while continuing to meet operational goals of safety and reliability of the service”. MTO in its review of how to address various operational requirements for the ferry service noted that a previous interest from ferry users was in having an earlier morning trip from the Island. They also did take into consideration, the typical traffic flows of daily ferry users.

While unable to accommodate all service preferences MTO is hopeful that ferry passengers will come to see the benefit of the new schedule.

This information from Brady Duhaime Mto Communications.

Canada Did not go by forgotten or uncelebrated on Wolfe Island. In fact after the 150 Anniversary of Canada Pancake Breakfast at held last year at the Wolfe Island United Church Hall with such enthusiasm, it would have been a shame to let Canada Day this year slip by .

It could have because the United Church Hall was not available for the event and the Community Centre Board thought perhaps that might have to be the solution. However I have no idea who connected with whom to get Canada Day going.

Was it Liz Crothers who contacted the WI Fire Department or was it the other way around? Was it the Mayor?

What is known for sure is that on a bright sunny Saturday the Wolfe Island with flags flying the Wolfe Island Fire Hall opened its doors wide to receive island residents friends and visitors to the island at the 2018 Let’s Celebrate Canada Day Pancake Breakfast.

Mayor Doyle and Liz Crothers assumed there places along with others serving up the Pancakes. The tables were set the service was excellent. The pancakes slathered with local Maple Syrup were divine. And throughout Chief Mike Hawkins and members of the Fire& Rescue Service assisted and greeted all with good fun and enthusiasm. And at the end of the breakfast all were there to pick up, fold up and put away till next time. On to more fun in the village !

It took years to happen. But at last it has. And, in spite of intermittent rain and high winds the new facility at the Wolfe Island Transfer& Recycling Depot was formally dedicated two week ago.

A bright ribbon waiting to be cut on this occasion stretched in front of the staff building constructed with the same careful attention Wolfe Islander Kevin Kane brings to all his work.

Cutting the ribbon with Mayor Dennis Doyle was Site Manager May Etmanskie, Assistant Stephanie, Councillor Wayne Grant and little later Public works Manager Rob Dillabough. The mayor made reference to the many changes that have happened at “the dump” now a Waste &Transfer site over the years and the dedicated work of staff and volunteers. He pointed out the good work going on in the township generally under the direction of PW Manager Rob Dillabough.

May expressed delight and appreciation for the new building, its larger size, many features including water and the other amenities. ” After 19 years of waiting there is finally a washroom . No more running here and there to find one. It is so wonderful, she said”

A small group of residents friends and township public works employees gathered at the site specifically for the ribbon cutting and the goodies that magically turn up at township events. At the same time residents arriving to bring recycling to the site stayed on to appreciate the moment so important to the staff at the depot and the township. All were invited to have a look around and inside the compact building.

Thanks to D. Plumley, Theresa Quist and Carol Dwyre for the goodies served under the safety of a overhead canopy.

The July meeting of the Frontenac Islands Township Council is upon us and I have told you nothing about the June 11th meeting. What follows is a summary of it.

First of all, in the absence of Mayor Doyle, Deputy Mayor Natalie Nossal was in the Chair at Howe Island’s Town Hall where a number of items related specifically to Howe Island came up.

1.Howe Island’s “Foot Ferry has been out of service for refurbishment and according Public Works Manager Dillabaugh is nearly complete including some additional work and is expected return right about now (July). Ramp work was underway.
2. The Kayak Dock at the public area by the Foot Ferry on Howe is complete . Council heard a suggestion that at the (foot) ferry parking lot overnight parking should be restricted to vehicles with Howe Island Ferry stickers. A further suggestion came later that the WI Boat Club be made aware of the Kayak ramp on Howe Island.
The spring Howe Island Hustle raised nearly $2,500 bringing total monies for Howe Island recreational development up to $6,100. Also a donation was received from Lindy Howlings for a bench. It is to be placed along the Howe Island Trail.
A successful H.I. Open House on HI’s Waste and Recycling Disposal was held June 9th. June 16th, was the 40th Anniversary of Howe Island Fire and Rescue. An event for all ages was held on this occasion.

3. In other business: The township will provide alternative voting methods for the up coming Municipal elections in October (electronic voting machines, voting by mail and paper ballots.) Moving on to

4. Areas in Public Works Manager Rob Dillabough’s report were questioned specifically weed spraying and the effects of pesticides with possible harm to cattle, deer, flora, fauna and especially, bees and wells. Dillabough said the company awarded the contract know how to apply of the herbicides being used against wild mushroom etc.)
The process involves two years of spraying, with spot spraying as maintenance after that. It was suggested that land owners could post a sign to indicate they did not wish the roadside in front of their property to be sprayed

(It should also be noted that a dedicated citizens group on Wolfe Island has been removing (by hand) the very aggressive Dog Strangling Vine that is attacking trees around St. Margaret’s Hall and area)

5. The Township has asked MTO to accommodate priority boarding to the successful contractor for the paving of WI Road 7051/Road 96. On the Kingston side, 3 triaxle dump trucks (asphalt paving) each run between 6:15am to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 2:00am (last run).
On Wolfe Island side a maximum of 3 triaxle paving trucks, each run between 9:00am to 1:20am (last run). Concern was expressed regarding the safe loading and unloading of vehicles during the process as it pertains to Marysville. If issues do arise during the paving process it may be necessary to move the ferry to Dawson Point
6. Manco Recycling Systems Inc. will supply bins and truck Wolfe Islands Household Waste off the island.

7. The University Hospitals Kingston Foundation is once again holding their LifeCYCLE 2018 Event on Wolfe Island bringing many many cyclists to the island. The date is August 18th 2018. MTO will be informed and provided with the details of the event. It will also be promoted on the Frontenac Islands website.

8. Councillor Higgs an active member of the Rotary Club updated council with regard to their association with the Municipality of Namobuddha, Municipality of the Republic of Nepal. It had been expected that Shree Krishna Dhital would be visiting, but he was unable to secure a visa. Previously Frontenac Islands council had indicated an interest in maintaining a non financial relationship with the municipality to share friendship and information and exchanges about their many similar concern, economy, agriculture tourism, education etc.. Council formalized their relationship with a formal agreement and a motion

8. Wolfe Island Medical Clinic requested the closure of the main street Marysville from 9:00 until approximately 10:00 am for the annual Wolfe Island Classic 5/10K road race. It is the WI Clinics primary fund raiser. Main Street /Rd.#96 will be closed from the General Wolfe Inn Patio to the Frontenac Islands Township Office .

Around Town Since that meeting: *The summer students have arrived to work with the ferry line ups. Wonderful Frost Walks are underway. The Wolfe Island Community Art Gallery is open. The Fish Tales Shop has reopened as has the WI Old House Museum. There is a big Sandy Bay Shuttle Service on weekend till late August. Business at the WIPP, WI Grill and General Wolfe Inn is good. Fargo’s busy as always More and more people and cyclists are walking on to the ferry to enjoy Wolfe Island. (by the 50’s hundreds maybe on week ends now that school is out.. The farmers fields are planted and growing well. Riverfront Golf is busy even in the heat. The WI Boat Club and swimming dock are busy places. Check out the book sale there. Events have happened and there are more to come.
The Annual Road Race is Sunday July 8th.

Wolfe Island Business owner Casey Fisher addressed council, with regard to the Octoberfest proposal he has for Wolfe Island and his Wolfe Island Spring Craft Brewery. Casey was seeking a Noise Bylaw exemption from the Township for Oktoberfest, a family inclusive event to be held at 1570 county Rd 96 (Metal/Kraft) that “ will showcase the unique culture of the region.”

Oktoberfest in September will be held outside, under tents at the grassy areas around the building Friday Sept. 28th - 4pm to 11pm; Sat. Sept 29th 11am-11pm; and Sun. Sept 30th 11am-5pm. The Wolfe Island Spring Craft Brewery is on the west side at the end of the building. Hulton’s Bus Service will transport attendees to and from the Marysville ferry dock and the festival. “Local craft breweries, a variety of food vendors from local restaurants, markets and farms and local merchants have been invited. Live music will be included to provide entertainment as an additional draw and to showcase of local talent,” Fisher said.

But to achieve all this Fisher noted that while they plan to stay within the hours of the township’s Noise Bylaw the festival will exceed the acceptable decibel level and will require an exemption by Council. To minimize the impact of the noise exemption Casey added that Octoberfest will budget to provide alternate accommodations to the festival site’s immediate neighbours,” should they choose to take us up on this offer.”

Although Octoberfest will be held outside, efforts will be made to provide for accessibility including accessible toilets. The dates are Friday Sept. 28th - 4pm to 11pm; Sat. Sept 29th 11am-11pm; and Sun. Sept 30th 11am-5pm. Casey is looking for volunteers and of course your participation.

Whoever says township council meetings are boring is wrong. The Township of Frontenac Islands regular monthly meeting Monday May 14th was anything but dull. What follows is a very late update about some of the issues and information that came up.

At the out set a planning issue delay caused much grief to Howe Island resident Bill Mahoney who was anticipating approval for a variance that would allow him to begin construction of a new home on Howe island immediately with the construction firm already to begin. But important approvals for the application had not been received from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and the variance was not on the agenda. However a special meeting date was set to help deal with the issue as quickly as possible.

Do you remember the long bit of news about the naming and renaming of highways, private roads streets etc. within the township a number of months ago? At that time there was a request to rename a road that had already been renamed Earle’s Way to Evergreen Way West and it was based on the information on hand. At the May meeting an understanding had been reached with the two parties involved and the road has once again been renamed Earle’s Way.

There were five delegations that evening. Bill Robertson Howe Island Ratepayers association was there to plead with the township to make real time cameras a priority at both of Howe Island’s ferry docks as they had on three prior occasions since August 2017 (Jan. April 2018) with no success. “I want to persuade you to lessen difficulties for ferry users particularly with small foot ferry out of service. We are asking once again that you make this a priority request. We also are asking for ferry maintenance periods be moved the evening particularly with only one ferry.” He requested additional crew for loading and unloading and loading lines as on Wolfe Island.
With regard to an extra crew Deputy Mayor Nossal noted that an additional crew has already been assigned, and a request to change ferry maintenance periods to evenings has been made to MTO, also a portable toilet was to be installed in the parking lot.
Roger Ellerton addressed council about the proposed H.I.’s Spithead (one way) Road Reconstruction increasing his travel distance, decreasing property values and changing the nature of the rural road. He proposed spot repairs on the road and continued drainage maintenance instead.

Joe deMora also addressed council in support of the proposed Spit Head Road Reconstruction and the ongoing discussion over a 3 year period. He acknowledged that the one way solution may not please every one but the road as is, is not wide enough or safe. He thanked the township for their effort.

WI resident Marjorie Bousfield was invited to explain her concerns about health and safety regarding to LED lighting, it’s intensity and wattage in certain areas in Marysville including, the Seniors Apartments, Community Centre Grounds, Transfer Site, Fire Hall Helipad and the light located at the Community Hall affecting a number of residents directly. The township agreed to look into the matter. Ms Bousfield had previously sent a file of material regarding LED lighting to members of council.

Other business: * A proposed name update for the Howe Island and the Simcoe Island Ferry Services to Marine Services Division was approved;* Power Marine Centre will supply and install a new Floating Kayak Dock and Launch on Howe Island; * Public Works Manager Dillabough’s third anniversary with the Township was acknowledged. * Council received report from Howe Island Fire & Rescue about the donation of a Fire Pump upgrade on their Marine Unit. *The township has asked MTO to consider that the Wolfe Island ferry operate from the Dawson Point dock during the repaving of Road #96 from the 7th line to the Marysville dock and that it return to the summer dock as quickly as possible.. *A similar scheduled system of Priority Boarding for the WI Roundup booking times for trailer access, as in the past is being set up for the weekend of Friday June 29th all day and Sun. July 1st with 2 trailers each trip off the island. ** It is time to begin thinking about Municipal Elections….

Frontenac County- and it's “In Frontenac” team has established a web site that includes Wolfe Island and is well worth looking at/promoting to friends and visitors.

It outlines the features of Marysville and encourages “Walk On” Visitors to the island, even suggesting parking facilities in Kingston where to leave the car behind. 'Ferry by Foot' is the best way to avoid long line up's to go home. If you are on route to the US via Horne's Ferry Of course you require a vehicle (and a passport). Also if you are travelling to Big Sandy Bay during the week.

However when it comes to Big Sandy Bay a bus service will be available every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday during July and August, visitors are invited to leave their cars in Kingston, walk on the ferry, and ride the “Big Sandy” shuttle bus to Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area. Catch the bus at the Town Hall, a short walk from the ferry dock. You are reminded that there IS an entry fee to Big Sandy Bay. Welcome to Wolfe Island… Let's hope it is sunny and warm.

Visit the this website:www.visitwolfeisland.ca

Congratulations to Judy Greenwood Speers and her team, for organizing a debate opportunity on Wolfe Island for the five candidates running to represent Kingston and the Islands in the imminent Ontario Provincial election..

The debate between the five candidates offered them the opportunity to answer every question (written in advance) posed by islanders. The questions included everything from changing agriculture, tourism, business, schools,, and of course transportation and ferries. The candidates included Liberal incumbent Sophie Kiwala, NDP candidate Ian Arthur, Robert Kiley Green Party, PC Party Gary Bennet, Trillium Party Andre Imbeault. Each candidate was given the same amount of time to offer opening and closing remarks and to answer the questions. All were well versed on the topics.

It was obvious throughout this event that the candidates had, over a short period of time come to know and respect one another. That sentiment was expressed by both MPP Kiwala and Robert Kiley. At the same time, there was no heckling from the audience that filled the beautiful dining room at the island’s General Wolfe Inn.


The debate provided a perfect opportunity for all in attendance to consider the platforms of the individual candidates and their interest in the local issues facing constituents in advance of Voting Day June 7th.

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

Mayor Doyle invited local artist Nancy Steele to address Council concerning a
Pop -Up Art Show Proposal for Marysville.

“When we heard that Pat Sandford was giving up the Stone Heron Gallery this summer, Barb Halliday and I talked about a Pop up gallery around Marysville. So that’s how the idea started.

Our thought is to have a ‘pop up” in different places in Marysville , during the summer, appearing to be very spontaneous but really very well organized so every one knows when they will happen and they are not a surprise,” she said. ”We would have a representation of island art in the pop-up (tent) acknowledging the island’s large art presence as well as offering other information about things going on. We’ve talked to a number of places on the island, the Grill, Boat Club, the General Wolfe, the Bakery, all who see this as a good idea.”

Ms. Steele indicated that there would be approximately six to eight events organized and scheduled over the course of the summer and the various business owners they have spoken to all have no objection to having the gallery at their locations.

The township endorsed the proposal and agreed to assist with advertising the times and locations of Pop-UP events.

Steele’s presentation was followed by another with island resident Diana Moore concerning the use of the Wolfe Island Community Hall in a cooperative venture from mid June to mid September as a Co-Op Art Gallery.

The proposed opening date of the Gallery is scheduled to coincide with the June 15th Wolfe Island Garden Party. It would operate separately from the island’s Craft shop. Once again council endorsed the proposal and the use of the Community Hall.

The terms of the lease agreement (cost, shared use, availability of the hall etc.) will be determined by the township and presented at the May 14th Council meeting on Wolfe Island. The Co-Op development group has asked to be heard at that meeting to outline how they propose to operate.

Frontenac County Planner Joe Gallivan and Megan Rueckwald, M.PL. Community Planner attended the Frontenac Islands council meeting to present an Official Plan amendment proposal to increase the number of severances allowed in the rural designation from three to four from any lot on Wolfe Island as it existed Jan. I, 1985. (The thought originally being that keeping that date might be restricting development on the two Islands). In this instance the recommendation excludes Howe Island.

“About a year ago council asked us to look at severances on both Howe and Wolfe Islands. You now have a detailed report before you with recommendations,” Gallivan said.

“ Since we set up our county GIS services we didn’t have any information prior to 2009. We wanted to go back as far as 1990. With no assistance from MPAC Frontenac Islands staff members and county planning staff went through every file to come up with the information to that time.. It is also important for you to note that the recommendation made in the report is a temporary one. It is a short term remedy to be revisited at such time the Secondary Plan for Wolfe Island is completed indicating how you want to grow over the next 20 years. That is, with the understanding that a second ferry is coming. The province has been very clear that it wants to direct growth in villages. There are also going to be service issues . Once accomplished we will work with you to update the Official plan and zoning updates. At that point we will have a much clearer picture of how many residential lots should be allowed particularly on Wolfe Island.

Megan presented a detailed outline of the work that was undertaken on behalf of the Township to present an Official Plan amendment for their consideration. It included a relevant Planning Policy Review (Provincial policy, County and Township Official Plans as well as planning analysis of vacant land. Consent applications from 1985-2016,(changing or upping the date) and consent potential.

Future considerations include a secondary plan for Marysville and a comprehensive review of the township’s Official Plan.

The proposed Official Plan Amendment would permit limited residential development and resource-based recreational uses in the Rural designation permitted by Provincial Policy . It will not affect agricultural activity and conforms to the County Official Plan and certain policies in the Township’s Official Plan.

The omission of Howe Island in this instance is based on the results of citizen participation in 2017 that expressly pointed out Howe Islanders do not support additional rural land severances until such time as ferry transportation concerns are dealt with.

Note: Public meetings will be held to receive comments on the amendment proposal on the following dates. Howe Island May 7th, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Wolfe Island May 8th, 2018 at 6:30 pm.

The Township of Frontenac Islands passed the budget for the year 2018 at the April 9th council meeting held on Howe Island. The tax rate in the Howe Island Ward is a 2.47% increase over the 2017 rate, and in the Wolfe Island Ward the tax rate is a 2.48% increase over 2017. Frontenac Islands Mayor, Denis Doyle, noted that at the outset of the budgeting process he had called upon staff and council members to work toward a budget with no more than a 2.5 percent tax increase.

“We had many meetings to achieve these numbers,” Mayor Denis Doyle said, before the bylaw to levy taxes in the township for 2018 was passed. Mayor Doyle also serves as Frontenac County’s Deputy Warden. Councillor Wayne Grant extended thanks to all involved, including CAO Darlene Plumley, Deputy Clerk Treasurer Carole Dwyre, and Administrative Assistant (Health & Safety) Theresa Quist, and Public Works Manager Rob Dillabough. Howe Island Fire Chief Mike Quinn and WI Chief Tim Hawkins were also involved in the process. “Every one was so helpful,” Deputy Mayor Nossal added.

According to the information sheet, issued by mail to all island residents, the average residential assessment on Howe Island rose from $531,368 in 2017 to $537,584 in 2018 and on Wolfe Island from $303,715 to $311,132. The amount to be raised by property taxes from both islands is $4,171,493 in 2018 with $2,225,935 to the township and the remainder towards Frontenac County and education. Roads will take up the largest share of the municipal property tax dollars followed by OPP costs , waste &recycling, fire, and administration

About the high OPP costs. The original plan, being implemented, was to phase in the new model OPP costing to municipalities over 5 years, starting in 2015. The township is now in the 4th year of increases, with one more budget year, 2019, to face an increase. Assuming it will be in the same range, the 2019 budget for OPP costs could reach $400,000…remaining as the second highest cost to the township.

Among the highlighted projects scheduled for 2018 is the first phase (of 3) planned for Howe Island’s Spithead and North Shore Roads and roads needs study is to be undertaken for each of the islands. The ferry dock rehabilitation will happen for both the Howe Island foot ferry dock, and the Simcoe Island dock at Wolfe Island. The foot ferry is scheduled to be out of service from April 16th to mid July 2018. There will be recreational expenditures as well as fire and emergency expenditures e.g. expansion of dry hydrants, etc., again on both Howe and Wolfe and…. So it goes on Frontenac Islands.

News from Frontenac Islands
The Township of Frontenac islands heeded the advice heard by Mayor Denis Doyle at the ROMA conference, that a “Lame Duck” resolution should be passed well in advance of the coming MUNICIPAL election. (Oct.22nd) The resolution council passed, at their regular meeting in March, delegates authority to the township’s CAO Darlene Plumley through a possible lame duck period (which may occur between July 28th of this year until the new council take office in December 2018 following the election.

In politics, A lame duck is an elected official, such as mayor or member of council whose successors are already elected. The official is often seen as having less credibility or influence with other politicians due to limited time left in office due to planned retirement or electoral loss. “On the other hand, a lame duck may make decisions that could have serious consequences. And without such a resolution a township could end up in chaos,” Mayor Doyle said.

At the same meeting, a team of Public Health Inspectors from the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health Unit were present to outline the many areas of public health under their jurisdiction. Mayor Doyle (Frontenac County’s Deputy Warden) is a county representative to the KFLA Health Unit. He serves as president of the KFLA Health Board. The Mayor welcomed Andrew Girouard presently Manager of Environmental Health, Gary Brasnell and Dave Mitchell, both Public Health Inspectors. (also including septic systems inspections and approval).

Andrew Girouard , outlined KFLA’s major areas of community health promotion and concerns and the many roles of inspectors. “The best way to describe what we do is to describe it under the new Public Health Standards: Food Safety, Safe Water, Healthy Environments, Infectious and Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control, as well as Emergency Management as a Foundational Standard,” he said

“The Health promotion Act includes safe drinking water and all that entails. We inspect small AV water systems, beaches, water trucks, spas, pools, indoor out, wading pool and splash pads, etc. We deal with Health hazards,( land lord tenant issues, injury prevention pest control, drugs). We inspect for carbon monoxide, radon, mold, magnetic fields climate change and Rabies, Lyme disease(mosquitos, bat, ticks, livestock bites).There are inspections of personal service settings, funeral homes, summer camps and childcare facilities, and safe shelter. We also waste disposal also including septic systems,” he concluded.

Gordon Mitchell an inspector with the powers and duties of a CBO, Chief Building Inspector for Part 8 of the building code, (sewage systems: design, construction, operation) followed. “We have a contract with Frontenac Islands and 9 other municipalities for this part of the Building code, respecting a number of new regulations,” he said. “We are called upon to review new construction and renovations.” He showed pictures of sewage systems including a new system approved in January that replaces the need for sand and gravel and uses pipes called infiltrators. With new regulations requiring Health Unit review of any new construction and renovations, he recommends that homeowners review building/renovation plans with the Health Unit in advance of any construction to determine, if they affect an existing sewage system, avoiding surprise or disappointment later. This important presentation was followed by a Q.& A.

In other business it was noted that work cannot begin on Howe Island’s North Shore and Spit roads until the work is budget approved and half-loads limits are lifted. Further to Howe Island, the “Foot Ferry” at the east end of the island will be out of service for at least 3 months for extensive deck work and other repairs at Tom Wroe Boat Building Ltd. at a property on Wolfe Island.

Further delegations included Frontenac County Economic Development Manager Richard Allen there to present an overview of the “Foot to Ferry Initiative” a very successful Frontenac County Brand Ambassador Program highlighting in Frontenac.

Council also entered into an agreement with Wolfe Island Music Fest organisers for the rental of the W.I. community centre grounds for the event Aug.10-11. This year the Music Fest will celebrate its 20th year on the island.

Around Town; * Notice to Howe Island Residents Frontenac Islands Howe Islander (Township Ferry) will be out of service from Monday April 16th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. for Vessel Rehabilitation and Inspection for approximately 10 weeks..** The next Frontenac Islands Meeting of Council will be held Mon. April 9th @ 6:30 pm at the Howe Island Township Office to pass a by-law to adopt the 2018 budget.***Now that the ferry Wolfe Islander 3 is operating from Marysville at Wolfe Island, the village is anticipating a busy season as shops and restaurants reopen and event planning is underway.
The ice is out of the bay but it is still cold.Brrr

Prior to the Township of Frontenac Islands regular monthly meeting in December, two other meetings were held.. One a closed meeting about normal personnel issues, and the second , a 2018 Priority Setter. That meeting was a dandy, open to the public, engaging members of council and staff, first to review the 2015-2016 priority setting status, what was achieved and to be competed (or not) in 2017, and finally to engage in a round table discussion related to those priorities not yet achieved , and set up a document listing future {2018) priorities. All this done under the specific headings of: Accessibility, Economic Development, Planning Initiatives, Community Support Development, Ferry Concerns, and Public Works, all evaluated under 3 colours : Green /Completed; Yellow ongoing-improved and Red/ Not Achieved.
Mayor Doyle, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors Springgay, Higgs, & Grant, CAO Plumley, and Public Works Manager Rob Dillabough, were totally engaged in the process which led to a number of decisions. For instance Township Welcoming signs to be made of composite material for both Howe and Wolfe generated some of that discussion with Councillor Springgay concerned that the township has been ready and waiting too long to replace them. “It would be better to do it ourselves than to wait for county participation,’ she suggested. The township will follow up with the county. And for Howe Island Deputy Mayor Nossal suggested setting up a working group to further study fees and fares, noting many suggestions had been made during earlier meetings on the subject. It may be that no further changes are made, “ but due diligence will have been done,” she said. And so it continued.

Under Accessibility and Public Works, completed items include washroom the WI Community Centre, accessible parking and ramp at the WI Town Hall, and a council chamber upgrade. There was side walk work and the WI Seniors apartment project as complete. On Howe Island the HI Trail was upgraded. And a two phase plan determined for Spit Head Road. WI & HI Community Halls up grades are partly complete with Wolfe’s requiring electronic door openers and a new furnace. Also expanded facilities at the ball diamond on Howe for basketball , pickle ball and tennis came up for budget discussion. A major concern for Marysville is the proposed secondary plan critical for the village and when it would happen. Alternative methods for sewage disposal were discussed. A communal approach to water delivery was suggested, all with an eye for the growth of the township based on improved ferry service. Further approaches to accessibility and communication with the public also are up for more discussion.

Under the heading of Ferries and Public Works, the Simcoe ferry has had an engine upgrade but the Simcoe dock work must be restarted, as an emergency, and as soon as possible. WI has a new helipad. The new building at the WI recycling facility includes a washroom, (a first at this location.) And, of course there is anticipation for improvement to Rds. 7051 and 96, from the Dawson Point dock to the Marysville Dock by MTO. That may include improvements at the canal crossing (larger pipe to get the water flowing) once the township completes the EA for the upgrades. Road work including diching maintenance on Wolfe and roadside brush removal on both islands will continue. Future road work on gravel roads requires capital planning. Howe Island waits for MTO’s approval to tender the ‘deck rebuild’ of their foot ferry. Also costs of a bubbler system for it will be studied.

Under the Administration heading CAO Plumley reported on the status of reserves, and the requests for annual funding. She noted the importance more and more of recycling for economic reasons for Frontenac Islands as opposed to carrying more and more garbage off the islands. Custodial services and property management are under consideration with a number of objectives requiring more study such as the effect of a secondary plan on bylaw enforcement policies, or township rental policies and as always, better communications with the public.
At the conclusion of the priority setting meeting the council expressed satisfaction with the process and the materials which were provided to undertake that review.
It should also be noted that at the outset of the process, and again at its conclusion, Mayor Denis Doyle stated that the two &1/2 % target agreed to by council (1% for policing, 1& 1/2% through inflation) to be raised through taxation for the township as compared to last year’s figures. This is not the tax rate change. The township also collects and remits taxes for the school boards and to Frontenac County. It is the total of those 3 numbers (township/education/county) that is then applied to the total assessment, to determine the tax rate. Council will met again in January for a meeting of Council as well, as for another budget meeting, and has set dates for further meetings. The intent is to pass their budget, and the tax rate, at the April meeting on Howe Island.
Around Town;** The WI ferry is now operating from the Dawson Point dock. Please note: there is no public transportation from the village of Marysville to Dawson Point. Wouldn’t it be great if a City of Kingston Bus came across to Marysville for at least One peak period trip in the morning to pick up folks for school/work and again for one peak period in the late afternoon to bring them home again.? ?*** The WIPP remains open for the winter months. **Local Island beer is now on sale at Fargo’s. Check out the Gen. Wolfe Inn “Special Events” calendar on face book.Busy Day of Meetings in December 2017 at Howe Island – I’m Slowly Catching Up!
Prior to the Township of Frontenac Islands regular monthly meeting in December, two other meetings were held.. One a closed meeting about normal personnel issues, and the second , a 2018 Priority Setter. That meeting was a dandy, open to the public, engaging members of council and staff, first to review the 2015-2016 priority setting status, what was achieved and to be competed (or not) in 2017, and finally to engage in a round table discussion related to those priorities not yet achieved , and set up a document listing future {2018) priorities. All this done under the specific headings of: Accessibility, Economic Development, Planning Initiatives, Community Support Development, Ferry Concerns, and Public Works, all evaluated under 3 colours : Green /Completed; Yellow ongoing-improved and Red/ Not Achieved.
Mayor Doyle, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors Springgay, Higgs, & Grant, CAO Plumley, and Public Works Manager Rob Dillabough, were totally engaged in the process which led to a number of decisions. For instance Township Welcoming signs to be made of composite material for both Howe and Wolfe generated some of that discussion with Councillor Springgay concerned that the township has been ready and waiting too long to replace them. “It would be better to do it ourselves than to wait for county participation,’ she suggested. The township will follow up with the county. And for Howe Island Deputy Mayor Nossal suggested setting up a working group to further study fees and fares, noting many suggestions had been made during earlier meetings on the subject. It may be that no further changes are made, “ but due diligence will have been done,” she said. And so it continued.

Under Accessibility and Public Works, completed items include washroom the WI Community Centre, accessible parking and ramp at the WI Town Hall, and a council chamber upgrade. There was side walk work and the WI Seniors apartment project as complete. On Howe Island the HI Trail was upgraded. And a two phase plan determined for Spit Head Road. WI & HI Community Halls up grades are partly complete with Wolfe’s requiring electronic door openers and a new furnace. Also expanded facilities at the ball diamond on Howe for basketball , pickle ball and tennis came up for budget discussion. A major concern for Marysville is the proposed secondary plan critical for the village and when it would happen. Alternative methods for sewage disposal were discussed. A communal approach to water delivery was suggested, all with an eye for the growth of the township based on improved ferry service. Further approaches to accessibility and communication with the public also are up for more discussion.

Under the heading of Ferries and Public Works, the Simcoe ferry has had an engine upgrade but the Simcoe dock work must be restarted, as an emergency, and as soon as possible. WI has a new helipad. The new building at the WI recycling facility includes a washroom, (a first at this location.) And, of course there is anticipation for improvement to Rds. 7051 and 96, from the Dawson Point dock to the Marysville Dock by MTO. That may include improvements at the canal crossing (larger pipe to get the water flowing) once the township completes the EA for the upgrades. Road work including diching maintenance on Wolfe and roadside brush removal on both islands will continue. Future road work on gravel roads requires capital planning. Howe Island waits for MTO’s approval to tender the ‘deck rebuild’ of their foot ferry. Also costs of a bubbler system for it will be studied.

Under the Administration heading CAO Plumley reported on the status of reserves, and the requests for annual funding. She noted the importance more and more of recycling for economic reasons for Frontenac Islands as opposed to carrying more and more garbage off the islands. Custodial services and property management are under consideration with a number of objectives requiring more study such as the effect of a secondary plan on bylaw enforcement policies, or township rental policies and as always, better communications with the public.
At the conclusion of the priority setting meeting the council expressed satisfaction with the process and the materials which were provided to undertake that review.
It should also be noted that at the outset of the process, and again at its conclusion, Mayor Denis Doyle stated that the two &1/2 % target agreed to by council (1% for policing, 1& 1/2% through inflation) to be raised through taxation for the township as compared to last year’s figures. This is not the tax rate change. The township also collects and remits taxes for the school boards and to Frontenac County. It is the total of those 3 numbers (township/education/county) that is then applied to the total assessment, to determine the tax rate. Council will met again in January for a meeting of Council as well, as for another budget meeting, and has set dates for further meetings. The intent is to pass their budget, and the tax rate, at the April meeting on Howe Island.

Around Town;** The WI ferry is now operating from the Dawson Point dock. Please note: there is no public transportation from the village of Marysville to Dawson Point. Wouldn’t it be great if a City of Kingston Bus came across to Marysville for at least One peak period trip in the morning to pick up folks for school/work and again for one peak period in the late afternoon to bring them home again.? ?*** The WIPP remains open for the winter months. **Local Wolfe Island Spring Craft Brewery beer is now on sale at Fargo’s. Check out the Gen. Wolfe Inn “Special Events” calendar on face book.

And finally a Special Thank You (better late than never)to Wolfe Island's Christmas Elves who, inspite of terrible weather, provided us all with a beautifully decorated Marysville for the Christmas Season.

The purpose of writing for a community newspaper really is about keeping people informed regarding things they would never or rarely read about in the daily news unless it is a story for the broader community.

Fortunately for Islanders, Wolfe Island was well covered over the years in the Whig Standard offering in effect a historical overview of island life and times good and bad. Now with Facebook, Twitter, etc. and the many web sites that exist people find their news in numerous places.

The Womens Institutes have been the guardians of Island History with the Tweedsmuir Community History Books (or Tweedsmuirs as they are commonly known) preserved at Queens. The Wolfe Island Historical Society is keeping WI History alive within the Old House museum and through their publication Windward. their website, on \Facebook and regular annual events.

For the Howe Island Historical Society, preserving Howe Island’s history in one form or another continues to be a priority.

The Kington Heritage and Frontenac Gazette also provided a venue to keep in touch weekly, with information and local news about Frontenac County and the City of Kingston.

Personally I have been writing for the Kingston Heritage for years. Now with the paper’s demise it is my intention with encouragement to continue to post weekly articles about Frontenac Islands at the wolfeisland.com website.

Going forward, may 2018 be a “Good Year” for Frontenac Islands.