Frontenac public meetings in 2024
24 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets December 18, 2024, opening with a closed session on growth management negotiations before reconvening as regular Council. The main business is adopting 2025 tax ratios and tax rates, approving routine consent reports, and passing several by-laws. Council will also receive a CAO briefing and consider a provisional appointment to the South East Board of Health.
- 2025 tax ratios and tax rate reductions report (2024-125) and 2025 tax rate report (2024-126), with by-laws 2024-044 and 2024-045 to follow
- Authorize Treasurer to write off $46,828.11 in 2024 Fairmount Home accounts receivable (2024-123)
- Canada Community-Building Fund allocation to the four Townships for 2024, by-law 2024-043
- Appoint Councillor Greenwood-Speers to the South East Board of Health, term expiring November 15, 2026 (2024-127)
- Appointments to the Administration Committee for 2025, one member each from South Frontenac and Central Frontenac
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets November 20, 2024 to elect its Warden and Deputy Warden, then sit as Committee of the Whole to consider the 2025 draft budget, a 2025 ferry fees and fares schedule, and a contract award for dietary services at Fairmount Home. Council will also weigh a K&P Trail bylaw amendment requiring motorized off-road users to hold membership in an authorized partner organization, and a motion calling on federal and provincial governments to invest in rural municipal infrastructure. Many agenda items are procedural, and several reports are listed only by title.
- Election of Warden and Deputy Warden for the County of Frontenac
- Contract award to Sodexo Canada for management of dietary and support services at Fairmount Home, six-year term with option to renew up to three years
- K&P Trail bylaw amendment requiring motorized off-road users to hold membership with an authorized partner organization; revised MOU with Frontenac ATV Club including a 2025 minimum contribution of $15,000 toward trail maintenance
- 2025 Frontenac-Howe Islander Ferry Fees and Fares Schedule to be adopted by by-law
- 2025 Draft Budget Revision report, with a by-law later in the meeting approving the 2025 Budget
Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC)
The Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meets to receive information reports on 2024 accessibility improvements to the K&P Trail, including completed gate modifications, a Google Streetview project, and trail rehabilitation. The committee will also consider the 2024 Celebration of Accessibility Awards and receive a staff briefing from the Manager of Economic Development. Most items are for information only; no major decisions are scheduled.
- Gate modifications on K&P Trail completed, with access widths of 1400-1500 mm at Graham Road, Boyce Road, Bellrock Road, and KM 35.2/36
- High-visibility signage with trail rules, maps, and accessibility information to be added to gates in November
- Google Streetview footage captured for 90% of K&P Trail between Orser Road and Clarendon Station
- Consideration of 2024 Celebration of Accessibility Awards (distributed under separate cover)
- Staff briefing on K&P Trail accessibility updates by Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development
Special Council
County Council is holding a special meeting to fix a by-law error in its expropriation of land for the K&P Trail. By-law 2024-031, passed October 16, 2024, used the wrong template and did not authorize taking the land in fee simple, so staff and the County's solicitors recommended a new by-law (2024-034) to repeal it and grant proper authority. The land is Part of Lots 13 and 14, Concession 10, Geographic Township of Palmerston, Township of North Frontenac (PIN 36211-0081). A confirmatory by-law (2024-035) will also be considered.
- Report 2024-115: amendments to the by-law approving expropriation of K&P Trail lands at Lots 13 and 14, Concession 10, Palmerston, North Frontenac (PIN 36211-0081)
- Proposed By-law 2024-034: execute Certificate of Approval under the Expropriations Act and repeal By-law 2024-031
- By-law 2024-031 was found to use the wrong template and did not authorize expropriation in fee simple
- Proposed By-law 2024-035: confirm all actions and proceedings of Council on October 30, 2024
- Report states no financial implications; land value said to fall within parameters authorized by Council in March 2016
Committee of the Whole Budget Meetings - 29 and 30 Oct 2024
The Committee of the Whole meets Oct 29-30, 2024 for 2025 draft budget deliberations, hearing departmental business plan presentations and considering project proposals. Council is asked to approve the 2025-2029 Business Plans and forward several project proposals to budget deliberations, and to receive a report on outside funding requests, including $2,500 for the Food Policy Council of KFL&A. Public feedback also included requests for an ambulance on Wolfe Island.
- Recommendation to approve 2025-2029 Business Plans as presented
- Project proposals forwarded to budget: Electronic Document Records Management System; Community Development Officer; Population, Housing, and Employment Projections; Occupational Therapist (0.6 to 1.0 FTE); Additional 12-Hour Paramedic Crew; Superintendent of Performance Standards – Training
- Food Policy Council of KFL&A requests $2,500 for public consultations; funded $500 annually since 2020, on levy since 2021
- Two Wolfe Island residents requested an ambulance be re-allocated back to the island
- Departmental presentations scheduled Oct 29-30 including Paramedics, Fairmount Home, Planning, K&P Trail
Administration Committee
The County of Frontenac Administration Committee meets October 16, 2024 to elect its chair and vice-chair, adopt the agenda and prior minutes, and hold a closed session. The closed session is authorized under Section 239 of the Municipal Act to adopt closed minutes from October 25, 2023 and to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, relating to the six-month performance appraisal of the Chief Administrative Officer. No items of business are listed on the agenda.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the committee
- Adoption of minutes from the October 25, 2023 meeting
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act
- Closed session topic: six-month performance appraisal of the Chief Administrative Officer
- No items of business listed on the agenda
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets October 16, 2024, starting with a closed session on Howe Island Ferry litigation and contract negotiations. In open session, council will consider expropriating land at Lots 13 and 14, Concession 10 in North Frontenac to link two sections of the K&P Trail, after the property owner withdrew their hearing request. Council will also weigh a $12,099 floodplain mapping contribution, a ZOLL cardiac monitor lease, and amendments adding a passenger code of conduct to the Howe Island Ferry by-law.
- Expropriation of Part of Lots 13 and 14, Concession 10, Township of North Frontenac (PIN 36211-0081) to link two K&P Trail sections; owner withdrew hearing request and Ontario Land Tribunal cancelled it
- County to invest $12,099 from the Sustainability Reserve toward new floodplain mapping with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
- Lease agreement with ZOLL for cardiac monitors and defibrillators, with 50% of lease value from the Paramedics Joint Capital Reserve
- Amendments to Howe Island Ferry By-law 2022-0032 adding a Passenger Code of Conduct (harassment, violence, vandalism definitions)
- Joint applicant status with South Frontenac for Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program funding for the Road 38 reconstruction project
Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee
Frontenac County's Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee meets to consider recommending the 2025-2029 Planning and Economic Development Business Plan to County Council. Staff from Planning and Economic Development will brief the committee on the business plan, including planning services, economic development, and the Frontenac K&P Trail. The committee will also hear a deputation from Frontenac Business Services requesting increased staff capacity for tourism and economic development.
- Recommendation to County Council to approve the Planning and Economic Development 2025-2029 Business Plan, with an overview to be provided during 2025 budget deliberations
- Deputation by Anne Prichard, Executive Director of Frontenac Business Services, on a request to increase staff capacity for tourism and economic development
- Staff briefing on the 2025-2029 Business Plan covering Planning Services, Economic Development, and the Frontenac K&P Trail
- Proposed 2025 project: Population, Housing, and Employment Projections at an estimated cost of $45,000, funded from the Sustainability Reserve
- Proposed 2025 project: Community Development Officer Phase In, following a 2023 committee recommendation to support Destination Development Plan implementation
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets September 18, 2024, starting with a closed session on Howe Island Ferry Operations, then a public meeting on 2025 budget funding requests. Council will hear consultant briefings on a County information management assessment and a Ten Year Paramedic Human Resources and Facilities Master Plan, and consider reports on paramedic deployment, a central book-on station, and the Neighbours Saving Neighbours program. Other items include the 2024 Asset Management Plan, a Long Range Financial Plan, and committee recommendations on physician recruitment and K&P Trail trailhead criteria.
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act regarding negotiations on Howe Island Ferry Operations
- Public meeting for 2025 budget submissions, including a funding request from the Food Policy Council
- Report 2024-087 recommends keeping the current paramedic base model and directing staff to investigate building a Paramedic Headquarters and training facility
- Report 2024-090 proposes continuing the Neighbours Saving Neighbours program to December 2025 at an estimated cost of $2,300 absorbed into the current operating budget
- Committee recommends authorizing $500 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025 from the Strategic Project Reserve for the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance membership fee
Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee
The Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee will consider a partnership with the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance, including $500 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025 from the Strategic Project Reserve, and will vote on amending the K&P Trail Management Plan to set criteria for trailheads. The committee will also receive an information update on the Community Planning Permit System and hear a presentation from LodgePole Arts about the National Indigenous Presenters Gathering. A planning briefing from the Director of Planning and Economic Development is also on the agenda.
- Report 2024-083: Authorize a partnership agreement with the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance and $500 in 2024 plus $5,000 in 2025 from the Strategic Project Reserve for membership fees.
- Report 2024-085: Amend the K&P Trail Management Plan to establish primary and secondary criteria for trailheads, including parking for about 30 vehicles and accessible parking.
- Report 2024-084: Recommend that County Council send a letter supporting the Indigenous Presenters Gathering on Wolfe Island, organized by LodgePole Arts.
- Report 2024-086: Receive an information update on the Community Planning Permit System project.
- Deputation: Terri-Lynn Brennan of LodgePole Arts to speak about the National Indigenous Presenters Gathering from October 7 to 10.
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets July 17, 2024, starting with a closed session on labour negotiations and a contractor arbitration matter before moving to open business. Council will consider a $5,000 partnership with Frontenac Business Services plus up to $20,000 from the Strategic Project Reserve for an operational review of medical clinics, and a motion urging the Province to recognize the physician shortage. Other items include a tree canopy policy, a Canada Community Building Fund agreement, and trailhead funding for an accessible washroom at Sharbot Lake Beach.
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act on labour relations for union negotiations and a Notice of Intent to Arbitrate with a contractor
- Report 2024-074: partnership agreement with Frontenac Business Services for $5,000, plus up to $20,000 from the Strategic Project Reserve, for an operational review of medical clinics
- Motion by Deputy Warden Vandewal, seconded by Councillor Saunders, urging the Province to recognize the physician shortage in Frontenac County
- Report 2024-075: authorization for the Warden and Clerk to sign the Canada Community Building Fund Agreement 2024-2033
- Report 2024-080: Central Frontenac request for trailhead funding toward an accessible washroom at Sharbot Lake Beach, with staff directed to develop trailhead criteria
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets June 19, 2024, starting with a closed session on labour relations and management/non-union compensation. In open session, Council will consider a Gallagher consulting report on Council compensation that could raise the Warden's pay from $36,639 to $60,084, plus audited 2023 financial statements, expropriation of land for the K&P Trail, and a request to release $339,179.53 in Seniors Housing funds to South Frontenac. Several items are routine: minutes, a proclamation, and consent communications.
- Council compensation review: option to raise Warden pay 49% to $60,084, Deputy Warden 18.5% to $23,672, Councillor 36.5% to $22,723, effective January 1, 2025
- 2023 audited financial statements to be approved, with a $37,356 year-end deficit transferred from the Stabilization Reserve
- Expropriation of easement over Lots 11 and 12, Concession 10, Township of North Frontenac for the Frontenac K&P Trail
- Release of up to $339,179.53 in Seniors Housing funds to the Township of South Frontenac (33.33% of eligible expenses)
- Request from Township of Frontenac Islands to remove truck boarding restrictions during peak commuter hours, including a 3,000 kg weight limit
Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC)
The Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meets May 21, 2024 to receive updates and reports. Members will consider endorsing recommended modifications to gates on the K&P Trail and recommending the trail management plan be updated, and will give input on a 360 camera virtual tour and street view project. The committee will also receive an information-only update on the County Administration Building and hear township updates.
- Report 2024-057: Endorse recommended accessibility modifications to gates on the K&P Trail and recommend updating the K&P Trail Management Plan
- Report 2024-056: Provide input on the K&P Trail 360 Camera Virtual Tour and Streetview Project (information only)
- Report 2024-055: Administration Building Update Report, including a May 6 response from CAO Kevin Farrell on accessibility recommendations (information only)
- Adoption of minutes from the February 6, 2024 meeting
- Township updates from North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, South Frontenac, and Frontenac Islands
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets May 15, 2024, starting with a closed session on Howe Island Ferry operations and K&P Trail land acquisitions, then reconvenes in open session at 9:30 a.m. Council will consider a motion to give $20,000 to the Wolfe Island Medical Clinic to recruit a nurse practitioner, a request to deny Frontenac Islands' bid to lift ferry truck-weight restrictions, and a $198,000 transfer from the Joint Vehicle Reserve for 2025 ambulances. Several information reports and a long list of communications from other municipalities are also on the agenda.
- Motion to provide $20,000 from the Strategic Projects Reserve to the Wolfe Island Medical Clinic to secure a Nurse Practitioner, with a one-year update back to Council
- Recommendation to deny the Township of Frontenac Islands' request to remove the 3,000 kg weight limit in truck-restriction policies MS-12-019, MS-17-001 and MS-12-018 during peak commuter hours
- Motion to update policies MS-12-018, MS-17-001 and MS-12-018 to define heavy trucks as 6,000 kg, matching By-law 2023-047 ferry fees
- Recommendation to transfer up to $198,000 from the Joint Vehicle Reserve for a deposit on 2025 vehicles and keep one 2024 ambulance in the Frontenac Paramedic fleet
- Agreement with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada to fund Frontenac Paramedics Bicycle Teams, plus 2024 Q1 financial summary and 2023 investment report
Special Joint Council Meeting
Frontenac County Council is holding a special joint meeting on May 8, 2024, in a virtual format. The main item of business is a presentation by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) on its Cell Gap Coverage project. Council will also consider By-law No. 2024-013, a routine confirmatory by-law that ratifies the actions and proceedings of this meeting.
- Presentation by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) on the EORN Cell Gap Coverage project
- By-law No. 2024-013: confirmatory by-law to ratify all actions and proceedings of County Council on May 8, 2024
- First and second reading of the confirmatory by-law
- Third reading, signing, and final passing of the confirmatory by-law
- Meeting held in virtual electronic format via YouTube
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets April 17, 2024, starting with a closed session on CAO candidate interviews, CUPE 2290 labour matters, and Howe Island Ferry operations. In open session, Council will hear a funding request from the Wolfe Island Community Medical Clinic for a nurse practitioner pilot, receive committee reports, and consider a motion to remove load restrictions on the County-operated Howe Island Ferry. Several proclamations and advisory committee recommendations are also on the agenda.
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act to discuss CAO candidate interviews, CUPE 2290 labour relations, attendance management, and Howe Island Ferry operations
- Wolfe Island Community Medical Clinic delegation requesting funding for a one-year nurse practitioner pilot project
- Motion to remove 3,000 kg load restrictions on the Howe Island Ferry, subject to an indemnification agreement and Township confirmation of related costs
- Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends a $20,000 annual budget starting in 2025 for primary healthcare recruitment
- Recommendation to extend draft plan of condominium approval for Shield Shores, Township of South Frontenac (File 10CD-2016-001), to April 17, 2025
Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee
Frontenac County's Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee meets April 10, 2024 to review several reports and make recommendations to County Council. Items include a proposed $20,000 annual budget for primary healthcare recruitment, a lease-to-own agreement with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority for K&P Trail lands, and a one-year extension of draft plan approval for Shield Shores Condominium in South Frontenac. The committee will also receive the 2023 Frontenac Business Survey results and a draft update to the Charter for Economic Development for public feedback.
- Report 2024-034: recommends $20,000 annual budget in 2025 for primary healthcare recruitment and a review of Frontenac County medical clinics
- Report 2024-035: endorses joint lease-to-own agreement with Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority for K&P Trail lands, with Lanark and Renfrew Counties
- Report 2024-037: extends draft plan of condominium approval for Shield Shores, Township of South Frontenac (File 10CD-2016-001) to April 17, 2025
- Report 2024-036: 2023 Frontenac Business Survey Results — information only
- Report 2024-038: draft update to the Charter for Economic Development to be posted online for at least 30 days of community feedback
Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee
The Township of South Frontenac's CAO Selection Committee meets April 3, 2024 (with April 4 if required) at the Council Chamber, 4432 George Street, Sydenham. The agenda is largely procedural: adopting the agenda and the March 26, 2024 minutes, then moving into closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act to adopt closed minutes and discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual related to CAO candidate interviews. No items of business are listed on the public agenda.
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act to adopt closed minutes of March 26, 2024
- Closed session on personal matters about an identifiable individual relating to CAO candidate interviews
- Adoption of minutes from the March 26, 2024 meeting
- Meeting held at Council Chamber, 4432 George Street, Sydenham; April 4 reserved if required
- No public items of business listed on the agenda
Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee
This is the March 26, 2024 meeting of the Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee. The committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair, adopt its agenda and December 11, 2023 minutes, and then move into closed session under Section 239 of The Municipal Act to adopt closed minutes and discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals related to reviewing CAO candidate applications. No items of business are listed on the open agenda.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair for the CAO Selection Committee
- Adoption of minutes from the December 11, 2023 meeting
- Closed session under Section 239 of The Municipal Act to review CAO candidate applications
- Closed session to adopt closed minutes of December 11, 2023
- No items of business listed on the open agenda
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets March 20, 2024, starting with a closed session on CUPE 2290 labour relations before reconvening in public. Council will hear several presentations, including on a cardiac-arrest volunteer responder program and a proposed voluntary merger of three public health units. It will consider reports on Fairmount Home's quality improvement plan, 2023 paramedic response times, appointing an Area Weed Inspector, and a request from the Township of Frontenac Islands to remove ferry boarding restrictions. A motion asks the province to create a unified summer motorized trail pass system.
- Closed session under Section 239 of the Municipal Act to discuss CUPE 2290 labour relations and closed minutes
- Report 2024-033: Township of Frontenac Islands request to remove the 3,000 kg weight limit and other ferry boarding restrictions, with a required 30-day public consultation and indemnification
- Report 2024-030: appointment of Kelly J. Pender as Area Weed Inspector, to be enacted by By-law 2024-009
- Report 2024-031: Fairmount Home Quality Improvement Plan submission to Health Quality Ontario
- Motion of Support: request to the Province of Ontario for a single province-wide summer motorized trail pass system
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets February 21, 2024 to consider a rural housing funding options report, environmental impact study guidelines, and compensation surveys, along with delegations from ATV clubs about K&P Trail maintenance. Council will also vote on a resolution supporting Bill C-310 to raise volunteer firefighter and search-and-rescue tax credits from $3,000 to $10,000, and receive numerous communications from other municipalities.
- Rural Housing Funding Options report; authorize KWM Consulting to complete a report to an upset limit of $5,000 from the Seniors' Housing Reserve
- Purchase of consulting services for Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Guidelines at 50% of Envision Consulting's proposal, totaling $5,250.00 plus HST, from the Sustainability Reserve
- Authorize the Clerk to petition the Ministry of Transportation for $1,164,037.06 for the 2023 Frontenac Howe Islander Ferry subsidy
- Resolution supporting Bill C-310 to increase volunteer firefighting and search-and-rescue tax credits from $3,000 to $10,000
- Delegations from Jim Knapp (Frontenac ATV Club) and Shari Black (Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs) on K&P Trail maintenance and management
Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee
Frontenac's Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee meets Feb. 13, 2024 to elect a chair and vice chair and to consider several staff reports. Members will vote on recommending changes to the 2024-2028 Economic Development Business Plan, including deferring the Destination Development Plan, and on 2023 planning services and 2024-2025 priorities. The committee will also consider a $60,000 Community Development Reserve contribution toward a Rural Economic Development Program application for K&P Trail Phase 6 between Clarendon Station and the Mississippi River.
- Report 2024-019: endorse changes to the 2024-2028 Economic Development Business Plan and recommend deferring Destination Development Plan implementation until resources are available
- Report 2024-020: recommend Council endorse proposed changes to the planning services business plan under 'Future Projects and Time Commitments'
- Report 2024-022: recommend up to $60,000 from the Community Development Reserve for a Rural Economic Development Program application for K&P Trail Phase 6, Clarendon Station to the Mississippi River
- Report 2024-021: receive Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop Market Readiness Assessment and authorize staff to complete a memorandum of understanding with Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization
- Reports 2024-023 (Frontenac Business Retreat and Awards) and 2024-024 (Community Planning Permit System update) are for information only
Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC)
The Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meets to hear a report on accessibility issues found during a February 1 site visit to the newly developed County Administration Building, and to vote on forwarding those recommendations to senior staff. The committee will also receive two information-only reports: the 2023 Annual Accessibility Status Report and a provincial report on the fourth independent review of the AODA. A deputation on The Inclusive Play Project in Shannon Park, Kingston, is also scheduled.
- Vote on Report 2024-012: support Review Team recommendations from the Feb 1 site visit of the new County Administration Building and forward them to Senior Staff
- Recommendations include upgrading the Council Chamber public entrance to an accessible power door, a larger 96-inch TV, an accessible podium, and relocating the accessible washroom paper towel dispenser beside the sink
- Report 2024-010: Annual Accessibility Status Report on 2023 progress under AODA and Ontario Regulation 191/11 — for information only
- Report 2024-011: Provincial release of the final report of the fourth independent review of the AODA — for information only
- Deputation by Rachel Doornekamp, Community Collective, on The Inclusive Play Project in Shannon Park, City of Kingston
Regular Council
Frontenac County Council meets January 17, 2024, starting with a closed session on labour grievances and K&P Trail land acquisition. In open session, Council will consider a $3,000,000 debenture for the Administrative Building Redevelopment, 2024 user fees, a temporary borrowing by-law, and setting 2025 budget dates. Several items are routine consent reports and by-laws.
- Long-term borrowing of $3,000,000 through Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for the Administrative Building Redevelopment
- 2024 User Fees and Charges By-law to replace By-law 2023-007
- Temporary borrowing by-law for 2024 current expenditures
- Setting 2025 budget deliberation dates and public engagement on engagefrontenac.ca
- By-law to declare part of Lot 9, Concession 2, Hinchinbrooke surplus for a K&P Trail right-of-way