Latest / North Shore News / July 3rd, 2026

Transcript

July 3rd, 2026 · North Shore News

0:07
Welcome to North Shore News and Interviews on
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Amherst Island Radio. Each week we keep you updated
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on newsworthy events, happenings and conversations
0:17
that we've had with people in the local community
0:20
and beyond. Lennox and Addington County Council
0:28
heard from residents who opposed a staff recommendation
0:31
to remove historic oak trees in the area. Council
0:34
decided to wait for further information from
0:36
staff before going ahead with any removals. Staff's
0:39
report consists of 20 trees, both living and
0:42
dead, located within the designated clear zones
0:44
along County Roads 9 and 41. The report noted
0:47
upcoming road construction and excavation work
0:49
within the critical route zones, which is likely
0:52
to result in significant and lasting harm to
0:54
the trees. Given the likelihood of structural
0:56
deterioration, staff advised council that the
0:59
trees be removed to prevent future safety risks.
1:02
Council and staff noted the liability issues
1:04
that the trees caused for the county. Director
1:06
of Infrastructure Services, Chris Wager, spoke
1:09
about staff's recommendation to remove the trees.
1:12
No one wants to see these trees removed. It's
1:15
basically liability and the decision on how much
1:19
liability the county wants to accept at the end
1:21
of the day. Staff have to recommend the removal
1:24
of the tree based on engineering standards and
1:27
the regulations and practices, not just by our
1:29
municipality, but by all municipalities. We looked
1:32
at all options as indicated in the report. We
1:35
are doing the work this year. It's in six to
1:38
seven years out in Canada Road 9 we'll be doing
1:40
additional significant work which may impact
1:43
the root system at that time. But we are planning
1:46
on doing work on Canada Road 9 this year and
1:48
that's why the trees were recommended for removal
1:50
because as we do capital works that's when we
1:54
identify the section of work being done and we
1:57
have to bring that work or that roadway up to
2:00
standard that are present and current to date
2:03
and that's what is accepted by the insurance
2:06
engineering standards and and all municipalities
2:10
Staff can be held personally liable if we are
2:14
negligent in our duties County council members
2:17
can be held personally liable if it's if it's
2:21
proven that they have acted negligible However,
2:24
if you do pass a policy Council members are protected
2:28
through policy, but it does not remove the liability
2:31
from the county as a whole. We do recognize the
2:35
environmental impacts. in looking at our budget
2:39
and looking at ways to minimize those impacts.
2:43
Staff have proposed planting four trees and they're
2:46
not just saplings, they're 12 -14 foot tall trees
2:50
and those are trees that can be easily sourced
2:53
and supplied by local arborists and planters
2:56
in the area. Again, we talked to municipalities,
2:59
Prince Edward County in particular, they did
3:02
designate their roadways and have heritage roadways.
3:05
They also removed trees within the clear zone.
3:06
on those roadways. Most of the municipalities
3:09
that responded to us were actually shocked that
3:12
we still have trees this close to the road, in
3:14
the clear zone and of that size. And again, I
3:17
will say, like, I grew up there. They're magnificent
3:20
trees. No one wants to take them down. It's a
3:25
duty that we have in the Municipal Act to ensure
3:28
that the roadways are safe for the travelling
3:31
public, and it's a recommendation by staff to
3:34
remove the trees. Residents voiced concerns about
3:37
losing the historic trees and noted the trees
3:39
are no more dangerous than other stationary features
3:42
along the roadside such as cliffs or rocks. Resident
3:45
Julie Bogdanowicz spoke about the importance
3:47
of the trees. The trees clearly have cultural
3:50
heritage value and I think that should be assessed
3:52
through future study. They were lovingly planted
3:55
by our ancestors and it's what drew our family
3:57
to the area. Our family owns property off of
4:00
South Shore Road and it's kind of the natural
4:02
character and the heritage. of the area that's
4:07
really quite appealing, and that's what I think
4:09
is being threatened here. I understand that there
4:10
have been two deaths near these trees, and I
4:13
don't want to minimize those tragedies, but I
4:15
do think that roadside collisions are not uncommon,
4:18
and I think that the removal of these trees will
4:20
not significantly decrease future casualties.
4:23
And I appreciate that the goal is to generally
4:25
improve roadsides according to the TAC and MTO
4:28
guidelines. However, the removal of the trees
4:31
in most cases is not an issue. trees. However,
4:35
the community has identified that this is a very,
4:37
very special grove of trees that deserves protection,
4:40
special attention, and I think that an exception
4:43
can be made in this case. Bogdanoff spoke about
4:45
potential plans if the trees are to be removed.
4:48
If the trees are to be removed, I don't think
4:51
it's acceptable to chip these trees, which is
4:54
typically what's done in these cases. I'm requesting
4:57
that the lumber be milled responsibly. Potentially,
5:01
we can explore creative solutions where woodworkers
5:03
can be engaged to produce commemorative products
5:06
using the wood. Resident and chair of the Lenox
5:08
and Addington Stewardship Council, Marilyn Murray,
5:11
shared her concerns about the removal of the
5:13
trees. We do not believe these heritage trees
5:16
present a driving hazard. Old growth trees are
5:19
irreplaceable, historical, ecological, and increasingly
5:23
rare landscape features. We know trees are our
5:26
biggest allies in the fight against climate change,
5:28
but these trees, remnants of an old growth forest,
5:31
are in a class of their own. The services they
5:33
provide cannot be replaced by planting young
5:35
trees. These trees have environmental resilience.
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They withstood the test of time, weather events,
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including storms, drought, and disease, some
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for over two centuries. You cannot appreciate
5:45
the size of these trees until you're standing
5:47
beneath them. Trees of this size and age are
5:50
very, very rare, some of the oldest in L &A.
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These trees are an asset. a gift worth protecting
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and present an opportunity for council to act
5:58
now, to be good stewards and preserve these trees
6:01
for this and future generations. Don Mitchell,
6:04
a resident who started an online petition to
6:07
save the oak canopy on County Road 9, spoke about
6:10
the safety risks the trees pose along the roadways.
6:13
These trees are no more hazardous than other
6:15
roadside fixed objects. Across the county motorists
6:17
travel past deep ditches, utility poles, rock
6:20
faces, buildings, culverts, open water in some
6:23
points, and countless other roadside features
6:25
that are outside the clear zone. And many on
6:28
those roads with substantially higher traffic
6:30
volumes than this stretch of County Road 9. Municipalities
6:33
are expected to manage risk thoughtfully and
6:36
responsibly, not to eliminate every conceivable
6:39
hazard at the expense of an irreplaceable community
6:42
asset. We respectfully ask Council to pause before
6:45
making an irreversible decision, ensure that
6:48
every possible alternative has been reviewed,
6:51
and choose a solution that reflects both safety
6:54
and stewardship. Once these trees are removed,
6:57
the option is gone. Taking the time to make the
7:00
most informed decision is not delay, it's good
7:03
governance. Resident Lori Forrester spoke about
7:05
a tree on County Road 41. I'm here asking Council
7:09
to not cut any of the trees, but I'm speaking
7:12
specifically to a 200 to 220 year old bur oak
7:16
on County Road 41 midway between Youngs Road
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and McLaughlin Road. It stands on the side of
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the highway beside our farm. It's a healthy grandmother
7:25
tree and it has a lifespan, healthy bur oaks
7:29
have a lifespan of 400 to 450 years. It and the
7:32
other trees can't be replaced by the saplings
7:35
proposed in the report. The tree beside 41 stands
7:39
beside an agricultural entrance that allows my
7:42
husband to have access to his field. And he has
7:47
told staff verbally and in writing that he would
7:49
happily give up the access to that field at that
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point because he has another access point to
7:54
the field to save a giant of a tree that his
7:57
father said was a giant in the 1910s when he
8:00
was a child. Forrester went on to note how important
8:02
the trees are for the future. If we leave them
8:04
alone to continue to provide food and shelter
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for wildlife and to make oxygen for us and store
8:11
carbon, then they'll still be here providing
8:13
for the world that we've left behind. once the
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only people alive are our descendants and those
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descendants will be as distant to us as the settlers
8:23
that came here are from us right now. Nine generations,
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it would take nine generations for those replacement
8:29
saplings to look like they are now and none of
8:32
our grandchildren or great -grandchildren or
8:34
great -grandchildren would ever see them. Once
8:36
those trees are cut, they can't be replaced.
8:39
Resident Joseph Reeve shared his concerns about
8:41
the removal of the trees. There are thousands
8:44
of miles of roadway in Ontario with rock cuts,
8:48
mailboxes, hydro and telephone poles as close
8:51
to the road and closer than these oaks. There's
8:54
no motive here. Nobody wants them cut down. Everybody's
8:58
afraid of insurance liability, as John Wise said
9:01
to me. It's a liability issue, as if that was
9:04
the answer to this destruction of these magnificent
9:07
oaks. Councillor Brian Calver spoke about the
9:10
trees and the importance of waiting for more
9:12
information. I understand the tree back on 41
9:15
Highway. I don't see why it couldn't be shielded
9:18
by a guardrail. The landowner's willing to give
9:20
up his place there for his entrance way. I fully
9:25
believe it can be protected by a guardrail, safely
9:27
sound, keep everybody safe. The trees on County
9:31
Road 9, I don't see where putting a guardrail
9:34
is going to do the job. Some of the trees on
9:38
County Road 9 are a little questionable when
9:39
you start looking at the trunks and stuff. Every
9:42
single tree along County Road 9 has been hit
9:44
by something. Whether it's been a car, whether
9:46
it's been a snow plow, whether it's been a snowmobile
9:48
over the years. Lots of scar marks on those trees.
9:52
But when I look and see what MTO has done on
9:54
their own roads, and now, as early as last week,
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some new guide rails have been put in protecting
10:00
trees. There's even more trees along 33 Highway
10:03
that are closer in that zone by a steel guard
10:07
rail. You know, there's a lot of things that
10:09
I just want to make sure that we have not left
10:11
a single rock unturned before our chainsaw fires
10:14
up. Councillor Terry Richardson shared his thoughts
10:17
about removing the trees. The reality of it is
10:19
that all we're talking about is safety and liability.
10:22
And that's our job. Our job is to consider safety
10:25
and liability because that's what we're responsible.
10:28
That's what the public put us here to do. I think
10:30
it is upon us to exhaust each and every option
10:34
before we select the option that is the most
10:40
grave with respect to these trees, which is cutting
10:42
them down. We do have to keep in mind is that
10:46
there are some of the trees in that bank of trees
10:49
that I don't think are very healthy. And we do
10:53
have to, along with a lot of other trees out
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along County Road 9, I see lots of them on my
10:57
way home. And they're most of them dead ash that
11:01
have to be removed from there because they are
11:03
causing liability and safety issues. Councillor
11:06
John Wise spoke about the risk the trees may
11:08
pose. I also have a great deal of reverence for
11:11
human life. No matter how small the risk, within
11:14
reason, we have to value that above all else.
11:18
Let's make sure that we're arguing from an honest
11:21
and legitimate point of view. We love these trees
11:25
because they're beautiful and because they represent
11:28
a heritage. You cannot dismiss fatalities. You
11:34
cannot exonerate them because in some other places
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there are hazards that exist like rocks. We can't
11:41
remove cliffs. Hydropols that are in the clear
11:44
zone shouldn't be there and should be moved.
11:46
I don't believe we have that situation in our
11:48
county. We've got to get rid of the ash trees
11:50
that are dead within the clear zone and adjacent
11:53
to it on private land because they're a risk
11:56
of falling or of having branches drop. It's already
11:58
starting. The staff report says that the guardrail
12:02
itself becomes a hazard. That simply means because
12:06
it has now expanded an object in the clear zone.
12:09
It can itself become something that can be struck,
12:13
that can possibly cause a flip. It changes the
12:18
risk, but it doesn't totally remove the risk.
12:21
It's also a significant cost, tens of thousands
12:24
of dollars. Warden Jim Hagedorn noted safety
12:26
always comes first. With my background, I have
12:29
attended scenes that once you see something,
12:31
you can never unsee it. So safety is always where
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I start, and then I go from there. So with that,
12:40
I will support the motion because we are still
12:43
looking at options. But when it does come back,
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just to be very clear, the most important thing
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I'm going to look at is safety, maintaining lives,
12:54
and making sure that our roadways are safe. Pliability
12:57
is an issue because of safety. Safety is my concern.
13:01
I want to make sure that everyone makes it home
13:04
and no families are disrupted. For Amherst Island
13:07
Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm
13:09
Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Lennox and
13:23
Addington County has appointed Nathan Townand
13:25
as their new Director of Communications and Community
13:27
Development. Townand will start the new role
13:29
in August and has since stepped down from his
13:32
roles as Warden of the County and Deputy Mayor
13:34
of Loyalist Township. Townend served eight years
13:37
on Loyalist Township Council as well as four
13:39
years on County Council. During that time, he
13:42
also held leadership positions with the Association
13:44
of Municipalities of Ontario, the Rural Ontario
13:47
Municipal Association, the Eastern Ontario Wardens'
13:50
Caucus, and the Southeastern Health Unit. Loyalist
13:52
Township Council addressed the process on how
13:54
to fill the vacancy. At this time, staff and
13:57
council members may propose names of individuals
13:59
who have previously held a position on council
14:01
or senior leadership. Council members could then
14:03
choose to appoint or select an individual from
14:05
the proposed list. This was one of three options
14:08
council chose from. Councilors Lorna Willis and
14:11
Carol Parks explained their support for the option
14:13
council chose. I just think this is the cleanest
14:17
way to address it given how close we are to an
14:20
election and it leaves the current councillors
14:23
to do whatever they're going to do. I think this
14:25
is the best option that's available just because
14:28
of the tight time frame the election's coming.
14:31
Town and spoke about taking on the new role.
14:33
Applying for a position of employment with the
14:36
county while being a sitting warden requires
14:39
an extra level of ethical vigilance. It was imperative
14:42
to protect the integrity of the hiring process
14:45
and therefore essential that I did not place
14:47
myself or my colleagues in a position where an
14:50
actual or perceived exertion of political influence
14:54
could be suggested. I consulted with the integrity
14:56
commissioner and have followed his advice from
14:59
beginning to end. I can also say with complete
15:02
and total confidence that I competed fairly for
15:04
the position as any other applicant, and for
15:07
me personally that has been extremely important.
15:10
Moreover, as an incoming Director of Communications
15:13
who wants to foster openness and accessibility
15:15
in how the county speaks to our citizens, I need
15:19
to close this chapter with my cards on the table.
15:22
Indeed, I recognize it is not everyday a warden
15:25
gets hired in their own upper tier, but I hope
15:28
the public can be confident in both the process
15:31
and ultimately the outcome. Townand went on to
15:33
speak about his decision to apply for the position.
15:36
In truth, I expected to continue pursuing elected
15:39
office for the next 2026 to 2030 term. What has
15:44
transpired was not on my bingo card and the timing
15:48
of it all not within my control. I am sure there
15:51
are those would -be detractors who assume my
15:54
decision was purely self -interest. As I just
15:57
said, because I believe in being honest with
15:59
the public, I will not deny that a steady job
16:03
with a solid income and a nest egg for the future
16:06
was part of my consideration. Like many millennials,
16:09
I have spent my working life cobbling together
16:12
financial means with numerous precarious jobs
16:15
that take a lot of time and leave little for
16:18
the future. At 40 years old, it isn't unreasonable
16:21
for me to have considered what 20 to 30 years
16:24
down the line might look like. Townen noted the
16:26
work he was most proud of with Loyalist Township
16:29
Council and thanked community members. I am so
16:32
proud that after successive councils kicked it
16:34
down the road, we took the decision to rebuild
16:38
the WJ. It is a significant investment that will
16:41
serve generations to come and I will always be
16:44
proud that we did that. I'm also proud to have
16:47
had my personal stamp of initiation on our physician
16:49
recruitment program. and so grateful to Rebecca,
16:52
our CAO, for doing the work to make it the success
16:54
that it has been. I'm also proud to have helped
16:57
in the development of Loyalist Township's first
16:59
climate action plan. And of course, I want to
17:01
thank the people of our great township, our community
17:05
of communities. Over the past eight years, I
17:08
have only gained in respect and affinity for
17:11
our residents. It is truly a great privilege
17:13
and joy when you're in elected office that you
17:16
get to know your community more deeply than you
17:19
really do any other way. Our township is full
17:22
of community -minded, generous, kind people who
17:26
take care of one another, who care to make our
17:29
community better and give of themselves to make
17:31
it happen. For Amherst Island Radio and the Local
17:34
Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is
17:38
North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council approved
17:49
the extension of the Loyalist Link pilot program
17:52
to September 3rd, 2027. This will maintain uninterrupted
17:56
service while the Township waits for the outcome
17:59
of their Ontario Transit Infrastructure Fund
18:01
application. Funding for the extension will be
18:04
provided through provincial gas tax allocations
18:06
as well as fares. Beginning in September, the
18:08
current 90A -90B service will transition to a
18:12
single connector route linking Bath, Odessa and
18:14
Millhaven to the WJ Henderson hub. will align
18:17
with the planned shift for Kingston Transit Route
18:19
10 to 30 minute intervals. According to staff,
18:22
the combined ridership of the two Loyalist link
18:25
routes was over 9 ,600 in 2025 and continues
18:28
to grow. Staff are looking to improve coverage,
18:30
flexibility and cost efficiency. They will be
18:33
reporting back to council with updated financial
18:35
projections and service performance metrics following
18:38
the release of the funding decision. Director
18:40
of Community and Customer Services Lori McFarland
18:43
noted plans for the future. There is plans to
18:46
increase ridership. You know, we're trying to
18:50
do that. Hopefully, you know, through the as
18:55
presented, we're looking at on demand, which
18:58
could bring some efficiencies. and might increase
19:02
ridership as well. Director of Corporate Services
19:04
Strategy and Innovation Jenna Campbell spoke
19:07
about waiting for the outcome of the funding
19:08
decision. We are limited right now in some of
19:11
our actions that we can take while we're waiting
19:14
to have the final OTF application submitted to
19:17
the province because we have to remain in pilot
19:21
status so some of those opportunities may come
19:27
to fruition a little bit more in terms of encouraging
19:29
the growth of the ridership and that sort of
19:31
thing once we have an idea of whether we'll be
19:34
receiving that funding. Councillor Paul Broderick
19:36
showed his support for the program. I remember
19:38
going out for a early morning ride with director
19:41
Campbell around the the first few weeks and you
19:44
know sort of thinking we're going to be the only
19:46
two on here but the data supports some growth
19:50
and I think that was the original thing we were
19:52
worried about was Would people come thinking
19:55
of this is only going to last a year. You know,
19:57
we're not going to change our habits, but I think
19:59
we're heading in the right direction. And this
20:02
is one thing I'm really proud this council has
20:04
done is looked into that. And I hope that we
20:06
can continue this down the road. I think it's
20:08
a viable service and through personal experience.
20:11
Anytime you can get my kid on public transit,
20:14
we're doing something right. For Amherst Island
20:16
Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm
20:19
Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist
20:31
Township Council has decided to go ahead with
20:33
a new staff plan to relocate programming from
20:36
the Leisure and Activity Center in Amherst View.
20:39
Staff looked at feedback from residents and completed
20:42
a review on the space. Staff's review confirmed
20:44
recreation service levels can be maintained through
20:47
a combination of municipal space and third -party
20:49
facility use. Based on program testing conducted
20:52
in May and June, staff found that the W .J. Henderson
20:54
Community Centre is only suitable for low -volume
20:57
fitness programming, but due to a number of factors
20:59
including room layout, ceiling height, acoustics,
21:03
privacy and overall functionality considerations,
21:06
high -volume fitness classes are better suited
21:08
to third -party spaces. Staff noted that deferring
21:11
the closure beyond August 1st, 2026 would impact
21:14
ongoing discussions related to child care in
21:16
the Township and space negotiations with BGC
21:19
Southeast. Members of the community were out
21:21
to voice concerns including programming, scheduling,
21:24
cost and location. This is our community centre.
21:28
The dispensing of programs in multiple locations
21:31
takes a step back. from the goal of centralizing
21:34
programs under one roof. It is not about the
21:37
boys and girls' deadline, but about making the
21:40
correct decision for the whole community. Council
21:43
should think carefully and not be pressured into
21:45
making this decision to fit the Kingston Boys
21:47
and Girls Club schedule. There's a saying, your
21:49
emergency is not my problem. This decision should
21:52
be made with complete information, careful consideration
21:55
and without haste. It took years to develop LAC.
21:59
I acknowledge the work to come up with a plan
22:01
in short. in a short period of time but this
22:03
plan is in no way ready to implement in such
22:06
short notice. I think it is great that the Boys
22:09
and Girls Club have a chance of obtaining a grant
22:11
to open a daycare and knowing this it gives me
22:14
no pleasure to say that I believe their benefits
22:17
should not be our losses. I believe renting these
22:21
spaces in different locations that is not under
22:23
one roof will be problematic as it has been in
22:26
the past for staff and members and these programs
22:29
will also be more vulnerable because now we are
22:33
not owners, we are renters. Manager of Parks
22:35
and Recreation with the Township, Matthew Sobalski,
22:38
speaks about maintaining service levels. In this
22:40
report, we have addressed that service levels
22:43
that are expected are maintained. So we do have
22:46
20 hours of fitness classes that are outlined
22:49
in this report. And 75 % of those programs that
22:54
are going to be moving to an alternative location
22:56
will be moving to Rhythm Dance Centre. And the
22:58
other 25 % would be moving to the WJH Community
23:01
Room or ACH as an alternative location. So it
23:04
does maintain our current service levels as outlined
23:07
in this report. Councillor Paul Broderick spoke
23:09
about residents' concerns. I guess I've been
23:11
troubled since the start because the word closure,
23:15
I prefer the word relocation, but that's just
23:17
my English teaching background. In the surveys
23:21
that were presented to council, there was 152
23:25
submissions on this. Number one was program availability
23:30
at 86%. And 93 % of the 152 respondents wanted
23:36
adequate programming. Proderick went on to speak
23:39
about the importance of daycare in Loyalist Township.
23:42
If you walk around parts of the township, there
23:45
are lots of people looking for daycare. I think
23:48
some of the questions have been answered. The
23:50
big question is, can you have getting it all
23:53
under one roof? And right now, I don't see that
23:55
as an option. I firmly believe in daycare. But
24:02
I'm firm on the daycare. And if it costs me,
24:05
if I should run again for elections, so be it.
24:07
I think it's the right decision. And it can only
24:10
help our growing township. And I will stand by
24:13
that. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townand explains staff
24:16
and council's focus. I think throughout this
24:20
process over the last couple of months, the word
24:22
I would use to describe what we have been trying
24:25
to do here in collaboration with staff, obviously
24:29
at ground level, is accommodation. We are trying
24:34
to accommodate the feedback that we've had from
24:38
residents and users of the LAC. We're obviously
24:41
trying to accommodate child care spaces. We're
24:45
trying to accommodate the provincial government's
24:49
timeline for the funding that will make those
24:52
spaces possible. And so from our side, the work
24:54
has been... accommodation, the flip side to that
24:58
from members of the public is is compromise.
25:01
And, you know, I want to acknowledge that, you
25:04
know, we are asking residents and users to compromise,
25:07
you know, we are asking users to compromise the
25:10
fact that the LAC has been this particular space
25:14
that has functioned a particular way and meant
25:17
a particular thing to those users. And now we
25:20
are changing that town and went on to explain
25:23
their decision. We have tried to accommodate
25:26
and staff in particular have worked hard to do
25:29
that. There were comments made about you know,
25:32
the change in this report versus, you know, the
25:35
original report and, you know, things do change.
25:38
And, you know, the democratic process has worked
25:41
here in this situation. You know, we heard the
25:46
feedback and we responded to the feedback and
25:48
staff have responded to the feedback and staff
25:51
have worked to make adjustments and change courses
25:54
to try and, as I say, accommodate. I do think
25:58
this is in overall the best interests of the
26:02
township. I don't want the narrative here to
26:04
be that young people were chosen over old people,
26:07
that childcare spaces were chosen over seniors.
26:09
That is a politicized and simplistic way of looking
26:13
at it that I don't feel is the case. We are trying
26:16
to accommodate our residents and the needs of
26:21
our residents and that requires some compromise.
26:25
Councillor Jake Ennis noted the importance of
26:27
child care in the area. I'm sympathetic to the
26:31
need for child care. My youngest is in junior
26:35
kindergarten, so I've been through the daycare
26:38
process for two children recently. It's not easy.
26:42
It's expensive. Where responsibility lies for
26:45
making that happen across various organizations
26:48
and levels of government. However, I also believe
26:51
that a large portion of the community sees this
26:56
closure as a cut to their recreation services
27:00
and I find it difficult to argue with them in
27:05
principle. Councillor Carol Parks spoke about
27:08
their decision -making process. From conversation
27:10
with several residents in regards to the lack
27:14
closure It really is, the deputy has mentioned,
27:19
a change of venue or consideration for change
27:21
of venue. And the original report that came out,
27:23
it was moving everything under the WHC. So we
27:28
did take that information back from the residents
27:30
that was brought forward about the concerns about
27:33
the location and changed course. And I think
27:36
staff has provided some fairly substantial alternatives
27:40
to the LAC to run the programming between the
27:44
Rhythm Dance Center and also through the Presbyterian
27:47
Church. In an effort to accommodate the needs
27:49
of everyone involved, council voted in favor
27:52
of the new plan. For Amherst Island Radio and
27:55
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
27:58
This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council
28:10
has agreed to a request made by the Odessa Agricultural
28:13
Society to waive fees for emergency services
28:16
at the tractor pole and demolition derby during
28:19
the Odessa Fair taking place July 24th to 26th.
28:23
Secretary and volunteer with the society Stephanie
28:25
Gimo spoke about the fair and the increase in
28:28
costs. The Odessa Fair has been a staple of Odessa
28:32
for 191 years and has traditionally relied on
28:35
emergency fire services at no cost to us for
28:39
fair events. This bylaw is a drastic increase
28:42
to our budget that we had not foreseen. As a
28:46
non -profit volunteer run organization, we do
28:49
not have the reserve funds to cover the substantial
28:53
cost increase to operate these community favourite
28:56
events at the annual fair. Gimo noted the breakdown
28:59
of costs for emergency services. Deputy Chief
29:02
Grenham stated that the Agricultural Society
29:05
would be required to pay for the Fire Emergency
29:08
Services for the tractor pull and demolition
29:11
derby at the annual Odessa Fair taking place
29:15
July 24th to 26th. Based on the hours, the Fire
29:19
Department was required for these events in 2025.
29:23
The cost would be $8 ,472 .20 for the tractor
29:28
pull and $3 ,230 .52 for the demolition derby,
29:35
totaling $11 ,000. $703 .20. These fees include
29:40
the MTO's apparatus hourly rate and the hourly
29:44
wage of each firefighter for these events. Alongside
29:48
partnering with the Township for events like
29:50
Trunk or Treat, Gimo spoke about how proceeds
29:52
from the fair are used and how important the
29:55
agricultural grounds are for the community. The
29:57
proceeds from the fair enable the Agricultural
30:00
Society to continue to maintain the agricultural
30:03
grounds and its buildings. The grounds offer
30:06
a park like setting for the community to enjoy
30:09
and the large palace building is a space for
30:11
the community to come together. The Lions Club
30:14
prepares the holiday baskets in this space and
30:17
free events for families such as see and learn
30:19
are held on the fairgrounds. With the original
30:22
staff recommendation being to receive the delegation
30:24
request from the society. Councilor Jake Ennis
30:27
also added the motion to waive the fees. I would
30:30
move that council received the delegation request
30:33
from the Odessa Agricultural Society. and to
30:36
approve the request for waiver of emergency services
30:39
fees. So moved. Do I have a seconder? Councilor
30:41
Buber. Ennis noted possible funding options for
30:44
the future. I think it's a long -standing event,
30:48
a community event that we're supporting. And
30:50
I think perhaps if we support it this year, the
30:55
organization could look to the community grant
30:56
fund in the future as a possibility. But I think
31:01
it's a long -standing event that we... to continue
31:03
to support. Councillor Mike Budarek spoke about
31:05
the importance of supporting events like the
31:07
fair in the community. I believe, too, that we
31:10
should support anything that gets people in our
31:13
community out and such a long -standing tradition
31:15
of the Odessa Fair and even the tractor pull
31:18
is fantastic. Great crowds and it's great to
31:24
see. people in our community come out and support
31:25
things. Council also asked for a staff report
31:28
to help guide decisions for future events. Councillor
31:31
Paul Proderick noted why they want the report.
31:33
There's no doubt that over the years, this has
31:35
been a very valuable, you know, 191 years. I
31:38
think that's why all my grandparents were at
31:40
that fair when they lived in Railton. And as
31:44
we sort of move ahead, we want to quantify things
31:46
just so we get an overall picture and a staff
31:48
report looking at that for next year. Maybe there's
31:50
a Back and forth questions that can be answered
31:52
such as, you know, do you really need six firefighters
31:55
or whatever? Things like that that can come out
31:57
of a report. For Amherst Island Radio and the
31:59
Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This
32:03
is North Shore News. Loyalist Township will be
32:14
recognizing October 10th, 2026 as National Dental
32:18
Care Day. Council heard from founder of the day,
32:20
Dr. Raj Kanuja, who spoke about the importance
32:23
of improving access to oral health care. Kanuja
32:26
explains how and why he started the initiative.
32:29
National Dental Care Day started from one simple
32:32
moment. Years ago, I met a single mother who
32:35
was living with severe dental pain. She avoided
32:38
treatment because she could not afford it. She
32:41
told me she was saving every dollar she had so
32:45
she could keep a promise to buy used hockey equipment
32:48
for her child. She chose her child over herself.
32:52
That moment stayed with me because dental pain
32:55
is not just about teeth. It affects confidence,
32:59
sleep, work, mental health. and dignity. That
33:03
is why National Dental Care Day was created.
33:07
Kanuja speaks about how the initiative has grown
33:09
and notes numbers from last year. What started
33:12
as one free dental day has now grown into a national
33:16
movement after 13 years of volunteer care. Last
33:20
year alone, 219 Canadians received care across
33:24
the country through volunteer clinics. and professionals.
33:28
National Dental Care Day was proclaimed by 25
33:31
municipalities, three premiers, and two lieutenant
33:35
governors. It was also spoken about in the Senate
33:39
of Canada by Senator Muhammad Iqbal Rawalia and
33:43
entered into the hands of Parliamentary record.
33:47
National Dental Care Day mobilizes volunteer
33:49
dental professionals, students, clinics, educators
33:52
and community partners across Canada to provide
33:55
essential dental care to underserved individuals
33:57
and families without cost, barriers or judgment.
34:01
The initiative emphasizes the importance of oral
34:03
health as an essential component of overall health
34:05
and well -being. Kanuja explains the importance
34:07
of bringing National Dental Care Day to more
34:10
communities. The need for dental care is not
34:13
limited to one city. or one region. It exists
34:17
dentistry is expensive and care forces many people
34:24
t teeth, hide their smile a and dignity for Amherst
34:46
Construction of the new pump track at Loyalist
34:48
Park in Amherstview has begun. The expected completion
34:51
date is July 30th. Thanks to a confidential donation
34:54
of $500 ,000, the construction of the pump track
34:57
will not impact the Township's budget. It will
34:59
be developed at no cost to Loyalist Township
35:02
other than staff time to oversee it. The entire
35:05
project, including the skate park, is estimated
35:07
to cost approximately $1 million and is being
35:10
completed in two phases. Phase 1 is the construction
35:13
of the pump track, including a skate bowl, while
35:15
Phase 2 will include the completion of the remaining
35:18
skate park features, subject to securing additional
35:21
funding. Council heard a presentation in June
35:23
of 2025 from New Line Skateparks, an engineering
35:26
firm with expertise in skate park construction.
35:29
Now with approval, the company is beginning construction.
35:32
A public consultation process is currently taking
35:34
place on the Township's website. Vice President
35:37
and Director of Business Development with New
35:39
Line Skateparks, Trevor Morgan, spoke about the
35:41
benefits of the skateparks and pump tracks they
35:43
build and the one they're looking to build in
35:45
Loyalist Township. Very integrated, green space,
35:49
connections to pathways, colour, texture, art
35:54
installations that can be very exciting to...
35:56
Put a signature, I guess, of the community within
35:59
the architecture of the park, even through different
36:01
lighting schemes, if that's something that's
36:03
desired, and then accessibility. You're likely
36:05
to have folks from the adaptive community who
36:08
would like to ride this park. So yeah, every
36:10
park has its story and we hope there's a story
36:13
to be told here for the township. Morgan noted
36:15
the potential boost in tourism the facility could
36:18
bring. A network of these parks are being created
36:21
in communities across Canada and across Ontario.
36:24
And there's a large population that will want
36:27
to experience each different unique park and
36:29
communities and they'll... purposely travel around,
36:32
stop in these communities, visit, spend money
36:34
at local businesses, maybe even spend a night.
36:37
I know when I was 12 years old on the family
36:39
trip and I was an avid skateboarder, I could
36:42
be very influential to spend an extra night in
36:44
the community if they had that one skate park.
36:46
Morgan spoke about the potential of events at
36:48
the facility as well. You're likely to have user
36:51
groups and community groups that will say, hey,
36:53
we would love to have some level of organized
36:56
events there that could be lessons nights, some
37:00
community -based contests and so forth and so
37:03
we really try to design a modern park with that
37:07
in mind. Councillor Paul Prodrick spoke about
37:09
neighbouring communities and their skate parks
37:11
as well as what a new one in Amherstview could
37:14
do for the community. I think the closest one
37:16
to us is Napanee and then you go to Picton's
37:19
got a great site but again it's probably 20 years
37:22
old now. I think it becomes a hub. for gathering
37:26
and it fits into the master recreation plan also
37:30
an opportunity to add something to the community
37:32
and I think we haven't had a recreational facility
37:36
addition in well over I'm going to say 40 years
37:40
and again it's just through the the leadership
37:43
of a community member who wishes to help out
37:46
in times where we don't have a lot of money to
37:48
do a lot of things that we'd like to do. Councillor
37:50
Jake Ennis spoke about the donation and choice
37:53
of the donor. It's a very generous donation.
37:56
They're very appreciative for the donation and
38:01
I think the donor is chosen well. It's an amenity
38:04
that focuses on youth and one that I think will
38:08
be very well used. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townand
38:11
showed his appreciation towards the donor as
38:13
well as what the project will do for youth in
38:15
the area. It's incredibly generous and provides
38:19
an amazing opportunity for us and to appreciate
38:23
the particular kinds of youth that something
38:26
like this can engage based on the whole lifestyle
38:29
and culture that goes with it. Not one I claim
38:31
to understand. I think it's not just, you know,
38:36
youth engagement writ large in some sort of big,
38:39
broad context. This is something quite specific
38:41
that I think will cater to members in our community
38:45
that otherwise don't have a facility like this.
38:51
I do go by the one in Napanee quite regularly
38:54
and it is a gathering place. You see all sorts
38:57
of demographics and ages and different usage
39:00
of it, so I fully support this. Mayor Jim Hagedorn
39:03
spoke about the progress in access to skateboarding
39:06
facilities and shared a story from his youth.
39:08
I was in my teens on probably a $10 skateboard
39:12
trying to go down the largest hill where I lived
39:15
at the time called Big Hill and with blind corners.
39:18
It's come a long way. When I was young, I've
39:21
actually seen some of the like may dock, they
39:24
have a nice one there. I remember when they were
39:28
building the first phase. And I was kind of like,
39:30
what is going on in there? And now to see it
39:33
now, it's been developed into the whole park
39:37
is basically devoted to this now. And it's packed
39:40
all the time. It is something that is what I
39:43
believe will be well used. And this is a Great
39:47
opportunity, I think, for Lilas Township to be
39:49
able to provide another amenity new to the community
39:53
that will be used, very well used, I believe,
39:56
for an extended period of time. For Amherst Island
39:59
Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm
40:02
Tad Evans. This is North Shore News. This has
40:07
been North Shore News and Interviews. If you
40:10
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40:13
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