Latest / North Shore News / September 1st, 2026

Transcript

September 1st, 2026 · North Shore News

0:07
Welcome to North Shore News and Interviews on
0:10
Amherst Island Radio. Each week we keep you updated
0:14
on newsworthy events, happenings and conversations
0:17
that we've had with people in the local community
0:20
and beyond. Staff at the town of Greater Napanee
0:28
are looking to include all in -town trails as
0:30
part of the town's sensitive use designation,
0:32
but will need to go through a larger review process
0:35
first. This expanded designation would mean the
0:37
trails will have encampment protocol restrictions.
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CAO Matthew Grant spoke about the Trail Development
0:42
Advisory Committee's recommendations. The committee
0:45
itself felt that the new in -town trails should
0:49
have encampment protocol restrictions around
0:51
it. Now I point out The encampment protocol already
0:54
covers a significant portion of the in town trails.
0:58
We could expand sensitive use designations to
1:00
the periphery of in town trails. I think that
1:03
should be part of a broader review process. Grant
1:05
noted the impact and explained what future plans
1:07
might include. Not only the impact on the citizens,
1:10
but the impact on the services that citizens
1:13
pay for is significant. And as well, the individuals
1:16
living there are also not having. great time
1:19
of it. There's a lot of concern. I would say
1:22
that Greater Napanee has gone further than most
1:25
in terms of protection. So conservation park
1:28
in its entirety. is off limits. And we've had
1:32
great success in making sure that we've minimized
1:36
conflicting use in those areas. We've been able
1:39
to partner with social service agencies and law
1:43
enforcement. And I would say that in the event
1:46
that there is a proper shelter option in town,
1:52
I'm cautiously optimistic we might see that in
1:54
the future. I know the Morningstar mission and
1:58
their move is looking at their options. I think
2:00
the county has been in on those discussions and
2:03
supportive of Morningstar missions. broader mandate.
2:08
So I'm keeping an eye on that situation very
2:10
closely and appreciating that many council members
2:13
would like to protect as much area as we can.
2:16
Councillor Bill Martin called for the designation
2:18
to include Springside Park as well. I agree with
2:21
most everything and thank goodness that we're
2:23
working towards finishing the In -Town Trail.
2:25
It's going to be wonderful. Certainly agree with
2:27
lighting and cameras. The sensitive use issue
2:30
is a big deal for me. I'd love to see it as sensitive
2:34
use on the trail as well. But I got Springside
2:36
Park that I'm really concerned about right now.
2:39
I'm always concerned about the homeless situation
2:41
in Springside Park, so I'm finding, you know,
2:45
if a trail can be designated sensitive use, certainly
2:49
our park can be too. I'm really concerned about
2:51
the children playing down there right now. There's
2:54
people walking their dogs, children. running
2:57
and playing in our Springside Park. And that's
3:00
not a sensitive use area. It should be. So I'm
3:03
saying if we're going to put sensitive use on
3:05
the trails, Springside Park should be sensitive
3:08
use as well. I mean, we've got visitors going
3:10
down there, hundreds of them every day. I wouldn't
3:12
even be surprised if it would hit a thousand
3:14
people down there. I've picked up needles myself
3:17
off the ground. and took them to a needle drop
3:21
-off. It's dangerous for kids. It's dangerous
3:23
for people being down there in that park. I'm
3:26
really, really ticked off right now what's going
3:28
on down there. And I know it's a problem everywhere.
3:31
Residents, taxpayers, they can't use their park
3:35
because of... of what's going on. And that's
3:38
not fair to them. Deputy Mayor Brian Calvert
3:40
spoke about the work of the Trail Development
3:42
Advisory Committee. Speaking on behalf of the
3:44
Trail Development Advisory Committee, we've got
3:47
off got off our first meeting, both feet hit
3:51
the ground and running and our second meeting
3:53
we just held. We've appointed a chair and a vice
3:56
chair and we've come up with some really good
3:59
ideas. This trail committee is it's just an honor
4:02
to be sitting on it and working with them because
4:04
everybody's all rowing in the same direction.
4:07
It's just a fabulous group of people we've put
4:10
together for this." Council has also deferred
4:12
the promotion or acceptance of e -scooters and
4:14
e -bikes on the trails until they come up with
4:16
a new bylaw. Staff will be consulting with the
4:18
OPP for security camera locations on the trails
4:21
and looking into estimates for solar lighting.
4:23
For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
4:26
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
4:29
News. the town of Greater Nap 28th 2026 to be
4:43
recognized British Home Child Day b over 100
4:49
,000 Children em of the UK to Canada. The c as
4:54
a source of labor on fa They are known today
4:57
as th Many of these Children se in Addington
5:01
area and con the region. Councilor Bi the proclamation
5:06
and his o the mayor and council for actually
5:10
doing the proclamation. It's it's always my privilege.
5:14
And because of my personal situation with my
5:16
own dad being one of the British home children,
5:18
I always every year enjoy doing this to to honor
5:22
not just my dad, but there was thousands of people
5:25
that came and settled right in the Napanee and
5:28
LNA area. So I just want to honor the those people
5:32
who, who, like I say, settled here in Napanee
5:35
right now. There's literally I think there's
5:36
four or five million people. in Canada that are
5:40
descendants of the British home children. So
5:44
my porch light will be on September 28th and
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I'm very proud and happy that everybody is doing
5:53
this proclamation. On September 28th, over 65
5:56
venues across Canada, Scotland and England will
5:58
be participating in the Beacons of Light for
6:00
British Home Children and Child Migrants Tribute.
6:03
Community members can participate by leaving
6:05
porch lights on or by placing a sunflower on
6:07
the resting place of a British home child in
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the area. For Amherst Island Radio and the Local
6:12
Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is
6:15
North Shore News. The Town of Greater Napanes
6:27
Waste Diversion Committee will be holding an
6:29
information session regarding recycling guidelines
6:31
on September 12th at Market Square. Councillor
6:34
Bill Martin, who is part of the committee, spoke
6:36
about what they'll be doing. September the 12th
6:38
here at Town Hall, we'll be giving out blue boxes.
6:41
The Waste Diversion Committee is going to set
6:43
up a table with information, brochures on the
6:47
new items that can be recycled, and we're going
6:50
to give out blue box containers to the first
6:52
100 people. that come that day to receive them.
6:55
That's all we have to give out, so I just want
6:58
to stipulate that everybody's not going to get
6:59
one. The market, farmers market will be going
7:01
at the same time. It's going to be September
7:04
the 12th here at the Market Square and the diversion
7:07
committee, myself included, will be set up here
7:09
and we'll try to encourage you to do more recycling.
7:14
If you want to talk to us about ideas about composting,
7:18
anything you want to talk about, we'll be here
7:20
to discuss it. The market runs from 9 a .m. to
7:23
1 p .m. The Waste Diversion Committee regularly
7:25
assists and makes recommendations to Council.
7:27
Members research local needs as the committee
7:29
develops strategies for solid waste reduction,
7:32
recycling, and diversion programs. For Amherst
7:35
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
7:38
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Greater
7:50
Napany Council voted in favor of not changing
7:52
the town's grass -cutting bylaw, but directed
7:55
staff to review it before the next enforcement
7:57
season. Council also implemented a 10 -foot buffer
8:00
to be mowed in regard to a compliance order made
8:02
against a resident with a naturalized lawn. Originally,
8:05
the option was offered with a 15 -foot buffer.
8:07
At their previous meeting, council heard from
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the resident Julie Bogdanovitz requesting they
8:12
cancel the compliance order. She noted her property
8:14
was intentionally naturalized rather than neglected,
8:16
which is not reflected in the bylaw. Council
8:19
granted an extension and requested a report from
8:21
staff. Staff's report noted the bylaw department
8:24
received multiple requests for grass enforcement
8:27
in June and 20 compliance orders were issued.
8:29
On July 20th, a re -inspection was conducted
8:31
of the area and found all other 19 orders to
8:34
be compliant. Bogdanovitz spoke about her position.
8:37
on the matter. Manager of Legislative Services
9:06
and Municipal Clerk Jessica Walters explained
9:09
the need for updating the bylaw. Staff do acknowledge
9:12
that the bylaw is over 25 years old. When we
9:15
look at our other comparators, it's definitely
9:18
the oldest bylaw in that list and we would recommend
9:22
that it be looked at. However, because it affects
9:26
everyone and we know that there's very strong
9:29
feelings and opinions about what's important
9:31
to have in a grass bylaw, we think it's really
9:33
important to do extensive public consultation
9:36
and get community input for a council to hear
9:40
what the residents of Greater Napanee feel is
9:43
important to them to have in a grass bylaw, which
9:45
is why we recommend that that decision be. a
9:49
recommendation that the next term of council
9:50
look at it very early, ideally before the next
9:53
enforcement season begins, but that that not
9:55
be something that we try to rush through in the
10:00
last couple months of this term. Just about every
10:02
property in town has some form of grass on it
10:04
and so something a lot of people, we should give
10:06
them the opportunity to participate in that conversation.
10:11
Bug Danowitz spoke about her findings from staff's
10:13
last report. One of the things in the report
10:15
that I found that was interesting that I wanted
10:18
to highlight was an interpretive direction that
10:21
pollinator gardens and naturalized lawns could
10:24
fall within the existing exemption for ornamental
10:27
grasses that currently exist in the bylaw. And
10:29
if that interpretation is taken, that would protect
10:32
our garden and others like it as the bylaw update
10:35
proceeds without requiring council to wait until
10:38
the next term to act. The report recommends mowing
10:42
along two of my property lines but it says that
10:44
I don't need to mow if the area is a wetland
10:47
and those property lines contain cattails and
10:51
so in my interpretation this is you know part
10:54
of a stormwater swale. The report also suggests
10:58
that the order is cancelled. However, it kind
11:01
of suggests that it could be opened up again
11:04
before the next term of council. And so again,
11:07
I'm here to humbly ask that the decision that
11:09
is made closes the issue for us until the bylaw
11:11
can be updated. Walters noted that grass cutting
11:13
is one of the most frequently requested enforcement
11:16
areas, accounting for approximately 20 % of cases
11:18
so far in 2026. We're seeing an increasing trend
11:21
across the board in requests for enforcement
11:25
of bylaws as people become more familiar with
11:28
using the E -1 -1 tool to submit requests. The
11:32
grass does remain one of our consistently in
11:35
our top five areas where residents request. enforcement
11:39
action to be taken. Bogdanovich spoke about concerns
11:42
regarding ticks. The topic of ticks and pests
11:45
came up at the last meeting, and I wanted to
11:48
refer to the letter that council has received
11:51
by Joyce Hostlin, who is a Thousand Islands Master
11:54
Gardener. She wanted to, I guess, point council
11:57
to a number of scientific papers that have been
12:00
written on the issue. And in particular, just
12:02
to quote her her letter, she says that black
12:05
-legged ticks and their abundance is driven by
12:07
deer access. white -footed mice populations and
12:10
woodland proximity. And plant height and mowing
12:14
schedules do not quite contribute to tick populations.
12:18
Deputy Mayor Brian Calver explained his concern
12:20
regarding ticks. I'm just a little concerned.
12:23
I mean, we have bylaws in place for a reason.
12:27
And I'm just concerned myself, I know, with our
12:29
property that we maintain and look at 100 plus
12:32
acres of land. and we have trails as well and
12:36
we do have ticks on the property as well and
12:39
it's a non -stop fight to try to keep them and
12:42
we keep everything cut back on our trails and
12:44
so on and so forth but yeah I'm just a little
12:47
concerned when you say that the long grass doesn't
12:49
doesn't inhibit these ticks because we have them
12:52
too and they're everywhere especially in southeastern
12:56
Ontario there's these ticks are all over the
12:58
place I still believe our bylaws are are still
13:02
good and should be followed. Walters referred
13:04
to staff's report and spoke about bylaw enforcement.
13:06
We do note in the report that Eastern Ontario
13:09
does have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease
13:11
and black -legged ticks than maybe other areas
13:13
of the province, and that is certainly a valid
13:16
consideration in a grass bylaw. A lot of bylaw
13:20
enforcement is making sure that neighbours can
13:21
live with each other, that one person's right
13:24
to use their own property doesn't cause negative...
13:27
impacts or unreasonably negative impacts to the
13:30
people who are also living in that same area.
13:34
Councillor Bill Martin noted the importance of
13:36
naturalized lawns. I just think if there's going
13:39
to be a staff review, this order to mow should
13:41
be suspended until that's done and we have a
13:45
new bylaw in place. I just feel that naturalization
13:50
has to have some weight in this. Some people
13:55
I know we're worried about ticks and they're
13:57
worried about noxious weeds, but sometimes you
13:59
have to go beyond those things. I mean, it's
14:02
very important that we also have pollination
14:05
with our bees and with our butterflies. So I'm
14:08
the opposite of some people's view on this. Mayor
14:11
Terry Richardson spoke about offering a 10 -foot
14:13
buffer zone as opposed to 15. I think what we're
14:16
doing here is taking a very measured approach.
14:19
I don't think we are in a position to completely
14:23
discredit the risk. of the black -legged tick.
14:26
It's become a public safety issue at some point
14:28
because back in April of 2025, the Southeastern
14:35
Health Unit put out a release that identified
14:38
that the risk of encountering the black -legged
14:40
ticks in the Southeast region, which where we
14:43
are, is very high compared to the rest of the
14:45
province. I think we need to do our due diligence
14:48
on this at this point. provide some form of a
14:51
buffer, which I think 10 feet is probably the
14:54
fair amount, as we've heard in previous reports
14:56
that the 15 foot buffer zone is a buffer zone
15:00
that is being used by a municipality that's close
15:03
to us, which would be fine, but I think the 10
15:06
foot buffer zone would be sufficient in order
15:08
to provide the public safety that I think we
15:12
need to provide. For Amherst Island Radio and
15:14
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
15:17
This is North Shore news. Lenox and Addington
15:29
County staff will be looking into implementing
15:31
road signage to warn drivers about agricultural
15:34
vehicles along county roads while also providing
15:36
information about local farms. Staff will be
15:39
conducting a safety study to determine areas
15:41
that warrant signage. Representative with the
15:44
Lenox and Addington Federation of Agriculture,
15:46
Max Kaiser, explained concerns that were raised
15:48
and why he came to council. Recently, we've had
15:51
a member from North Varensville, they farm just
15:54
North Varensville, but they also have properties
15:56
up Maguire Road and some of the other side. roads
15:58
there so they're on and off 41 with slow moving
16:01
vehicles as part of their normal activities due
16:03
to the new waste management sorting facility
16:06
at just south of roblin they've perceived an
16:09
increase in heavy truck traffic coming up and
16:11
down their roadways and that's adding to you
16:15
know summertime cottage traffic and whatnot,
16:18
going up and down 41. And there's a pretty big
16:20
speed discrepancy between cars going up and down
16:23
the road and then heavy equipment like tractors
16:25
and what you might be pulling. They've seen the
16:27
signs in neighboring municipalities. I know Tainanaga
16:30
has them on some of their roads and Napanee has
16:32
them on a couple of our roads like Meach Road.
16:34
So they'd seen them and they knew they were out
16:35
there and they asked specifically if we could
16:37
help. Kaiser noted the area in question and spoke
16:39
about a previous concern raised. When you turn
16:41
north on 41 from the 401. That's a key spot where
16:45
we believe it's warranted as soon as you leave
16:48
Napanee or even north of Selby that those farms
16:51
that are using that road, we had another farmer
16:53
who expressed a concern a few years ago. closer
16:56
to Napanee because of a closure of a small municipal
17:00
road that he was forced to go out on 41 and come
17:03
back in just to get to the north end of his farm,
17:05
which was on the other side of a creek. Director
17:06
of Parks, Recreation and Culture with the town
17:08
of Greater Napanee, Chris Brown, explained that
17:11
the Traffic Advisory Committee wouldn't support
17:13
signs that are unwarranted. Brown spoke about
17:15
his suggestion for new signage. I think treating
17:18
all of our roads equally is the fundamentals
17:22
of what we do and just putting signs up that
17:25
are unwarranted, aren't really supported by TAC
17:29
or staff. But what I would be recommending to
17:31
do is more of an information campaign and working
17:34
with our communications department, creating
17:37
not quite a billboard size, but the size for
17:40
our reconstruction, like a four by four, four
17:42
by eight signage and doing an information about
17:46
agriculture and including the slow moving vehicle
17:49
sign and Notifying residents that there are a
17:53
lot of farm equipment in the area Brown went
17:55
on to speak about the need for a safety study
17:57
after reviewing this back through attack minutes
18:00
as well as with other municipalities at the county
18:03
level the signs that we discussed Are typically
18:08
used and warranted at certain certain specific
18:11
criteria safety restrictions sightlines that
18:13
that sort of thing so I think that staff need
18:17
to complete like a safety audit of the area to
18:20
ensure that proper signage as approved by our
18:23
policy which is using the OTM book five and book
18:26
six manuals from the province and if that if
18:29
those signs are warranted we'll install those
18:30
signs. Brown explained how the new signs might
18:33
work. If we move that say two weeks or four weeks
18:36
around to different farming areas. And we would
18:40
have to work with the agricultural society to
18:42
get a list of participants of farmers that want
18:45
to participate. We could one, do a safety message
18:49
of here's where the signage today. And here's
18:52
what that farmer in the area produces and offers.
18:55
And where can you find it locally? Kaiser spoke
18:58
about possibilities for the signage. It actually
19:00
fits really well with with sort of our mandate,
19:02
which is promoting agriculture, but also we're
19:04
an advocacy group for agriculture. We have produced
19:07
some signs that we've installed on field edges
19:11
that say, you know, this is a field of soybeans.
19:13
This is what it's used for and and whatnot. But
19:15
I think work on this sort of education and awareness
19:18
campaign, which kind of covers a lot more than
19:20
just the road safe. Maybe we can hit some targeted
19:22
areas. Councillor Brian Calver noted the importance
19:25
of road signage for safety. The amount of traffic
19:27
is really, really increasing and so whatever
19:31
we can do to kind of help things out a little
19:32
bit because you've got cottagers, you've got
19:35
Airbnbs all over the place, you've got a lot
19:37
of people coming from cities, coming from different
19:40
countries to visit that aren't aware of these
19:43
big pieces of equipment. they don't stop on a
19:47
dime. So whatever we can do to get it out there
19:50
and let people know to try to help and save,
19:53
it's a good thing for sure. Deputy Warden Tony
19:56
Fritch noted safety as a priority. If you're
19:59
on one of those roads, you pray every time you
20:01
pull the tractor out and you thank the Lord every
20:05
time you pull back in your driveway. So it's
20:07
just about that simple. For Amherst Island Radio
20:10
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
20:12
Evans. This is North Shore News. The East Lenox
20:25
and Addington OPP Detachment Board marked 2025
20:28
as an important year as they presented their
20:30
annual report to Loyalist Township Council. Community
20:33
representative for Loyalist Township and the
20:35
town of Greater Napanee, Jessica Jones, provided
20:38
council with an overview of the work the board
20:40
did in 2025. Overall 2025 was an important year
20:43
for East Lenox and Addington OPP Detachment Board.
20:47
Much of our work has been about establishing
20:49
the board. putting the necessary governance pieces
20:52
in place, completing our training and developing
20:55
the processes and relationships that will allow
20:57
us to effectively represent our municipalities
20:59
and communities going forward. As we continue
21:02
to develop, our focus will remain on ensuring
21:04
that the communities we represent have a meaningful
21:07
voice in policing priorities. and that we continue
21:10
to foster a strong collaborative relationship
21:13
between our municipalities, our residents, and
21:15
the OPP. Jones detailed how they've worked to
21:18
establish the board. Because this is still a
21:20
relatively new board under the Community Safety
21:23
and Policing Act, a significant portion of our
21:26
work has involved establishing the governance
21:29
structure necessary for the board to operate
21:32
effectively, which includes a lot of bylaws and
21:35
policies that are just the foundational work
21:37
for the board moving forward. That's included
21:39
developing and adopting our bylaws and policies
21:41
in areas such as remuneration, misconduct, and
21:44
conflict of interest, as well as communications
21:47
and information sharing. And while governance
21:49
is an important part of our mandate, ultimately
21:51
our work comes back to community safety and policing.
21:54
Our role is to ensure that there's a strong connection
21:56
between the communities we represent and the
21:58
OPP, providing policing services to them, and
22:02
that community needs and priorities continue
22:04
to be a part of those conversations. Jones further
22:06
explains the role of the The East Lenox Nottington
22:10
OPP Detachment Board represents the four municipalities
22:13
served by our OPP detachment. Addington Highlands
22:16
Township, the Town of Greater Napanee, Loyalist
22:18
Township, and Stone Mills Township. Our role
22:21
is one of civilian governance and community representation.
22:24
We work collaboratively with the OPP Detachment
22:26
Commander to provide guidance and advice regarding
22:29
policing services and to help ensure that policing
22:31
priorities and initiatives reflect the needs
22:33
of the communities we represent. An important
22:35
part of that role is supporting community safety
22:37
while also promoting transparency and accountability
22:40
and helping to maintain a positive relationship
22:42
between the OPP and the communities that serves.
22:45
Our inaugural meeting was held on November 14th,
22:48
2024, and our meeting records are publicly available.
22:52
We've also made the decision to rotate our meetings
22:55
amongst the four municipalities represented by
22:57
the board, which we think is very important.
22:59
Although we operate as one detachment board,
23:02
we represent four distinct municipalities, each
23:05
with its own community, geography, priorities,
23:07
and policing needs. Jones spoke about members
23:09
on the board and their training. Our board is
23:11
made up of six members. providing both municipal
23:14
and community representation across those four
23:17
municipalities. Here in Loyalist, Mayor Hagedorn
23:20
serves as our council's representative and I
23:22
have the privilege of serving as the joint community
23:25
representative for Loyalist Township and Greater
23:28
Napanee. Our other members include Councillor
23:30
Bob Norrie representing Greater Napanee, Councillor
23:33
Sherrie Milligan representing Stone Mills. Tina
23:36
Marie Chamberlain as the community representative
23:38
for Addington Highlands and Stone Mills, and
23:41
Tony Fritch who's now representing the Addington
23:44
Highlands Council. All six board members have
23:46
also completed prescribed training developed
23:48
by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and
23:50
it covered areas including police governance,
23:53
policing in Ontario, the roles and responsibilities
23:55
of the detachment boards, and requirements relating
23:59
to board appointments, training, codes of conduct,
24:01
and conflicts of interest. While some of that
24:04
work is not necessarily the most visible part
24:06
of what we do, it has been an important part
24:08
of establishing a strong foundation for the board
24:11
and ensuring that we can carry out our responsibilities
24:13
appropriately and effectively. Mayor Jim Hagedorn
24:16
noted the importance of community representatives
24:18
on the board. We are very fortunate with the
24:21
residents, representatives that we've got on
24:24
the board. Very engaged, very knowledgeable,
24:26
and they certainly do represent the residents
24:30
very well, I believe. For Amherst Island Radio
24:32
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
24:35
Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township
24:48
Council appointed former CAO Diane Pierce as
24:51
deputy mayor until the end of council's current
24:53
term. Council heard from three candidates before
24:55
nominating Pierce and passing the motion to appoint
24:58
her as deputy mayor. I never expected this to
25:00
happen and I feel truly honored and I will do
25:04
the best job I possibly can. Pierce read and
25:06
signed a declaration of office. I, Diane Pierce,
25:10
having been elected to the office of Deputy Mayor
25:12
in the municipality of Loyalist Township, do
25:16
solemnly promise and declare that I will truly,
25:20
faithfully, and impartially exercise this office
25:22
to the best of my knowledge and ability. I have
25:25
not received and will not receive any payment
25:28
or reward or promise thereof for the exercise
25:31
of this office on a biased, corrupt, or in any
25:34
other improper manner. I will disclose any pecuniary
25:38
interest, direct or indirect, in accordance with
25:41
the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. I will
25:44
be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty
25:47
King Charles III. And I make this solemn promise
25:50
in declaration, conscientiously believing it
25:53
to be true and knowing that it is of the same
25:56
force and effect as it made under oath. The role
26:00
became vacant on June 15th following Nathan Townend
26:02
taking on a staff position with Lennox and Addington
26:05
County. The clerk's division requested suggestions
26:07
from council regarding potential nominees to
26:10
fill the position. Nominees were then contacted
26:12
to confirm their interest. Those who expressed
26:14
interest besides Pierce were former mayor of
26:16
Loyalist Township Bill Lowery and former councillor
26:19
John Ivey. Pierce's statement before council
26:21
made their decision outlined her work with the
26:23
township. My 39 -year career in municipal government
26:26
was on the administration side, not the council
26:29
side. I never expected to give a campaign speech
26:33
that... fact differentiates me from the other
26:36
nominees whom I respect for their lengthy political
26:38
service to the Township and whom I respect as
26:42
individuals and former colleagues. They are worthy
26:45
candidates. My fellow nominees and I have all
26:48
served the Township in our time and made a meaningful
26:51
contribution in our own sphere of operation and
26:53
influence. As Deputy Mayor, even for this temporary
26:57
appointment, I would take my role seriously as
26:59
the position deserves and I would dedicate my
27:02
time and talents fully. I would ask Council to
27:05
consider the ongoing involvement I have had in
27:08
Township Matters since my retirement as a fundraiser,
27:12
as a witness for the Township before the Ontario
27:14
Land Tribunal, and more extensively as an active
27:18
member of an advisory committee to Council for
27:20
several years. Former Mayor Bill Lowery explained
27:23
his interest in the position during his statement.
27:26
When I got the call to see if I wanted to volunteer
27:30
to serve in the chair of deputy, It was the same
27:34
way that I got into politics. My next -door neighbor
27:39
back in 1999 came to me and said, did you ever
27:43
think about getting into politics? And I just
27:46
looked at him and thought he was in space somewhere.
27:48
But I went home and thought about it. And I was
27:51
thinking about retiring. And that road was going
27:54
to come. And I wanted something to do, so. because
27:57
I was appointed, it was only a two year term
28:00
in a three year election. It just was all an
28:02
immediate flashback when I got the call from
28:05
the municipality to see if I want to put my name
28:07
forward. And I just immediately felt that I did.
28:11
There was no hesitation. You know, it was just,
28:14
yes, they're asking me to do something and I'd
28:16
like to do it. I also made note of the other
28:18
candidates during his statement. I have time
28:21
and I believe I have enough background to fill
28:25
the position and I was surprised to be remembered
28:30
from that far back. I looked at the the other
28:34
candidates and they're very high level people.
28:38
Mayor Jim Hagedorn spoke about the qualifications
28:40
of all three candidates and how it wasn't an
28:42
easy decision. This is the tough one, but with
28:46
all three very qualified, I basically had to
28:50
come to the conclusion that whatever motion went
28:52
on the floor. I have no reason to say no to whatever
28:56
motion it is. The quality and qualifications
28:59
of the people sitting here is amazing. It's outstanding
29:04
that a municipality has the brain trust, the
29:07
experience, and the willingness to step up and
29:11
help when the time is needed. and the township
29:14
is very blessed. To support a consistent and
29:16
transparent approach to filling council vacancies,
29:19
staff developed a procedure for when a vacancy
29:21
occurs during a period in which a by -election
29:23
cannot be held. According to staff, the procedure
29:26
establishes a clear framework for council's consideration
29:29
of appointments. After being appointed, Pierce
29:31
joined council for the remainder of the meeting.
29:33
Pierce will hold office during the September
29:35
8th and September 22nd regular meetings of council.
29:38
For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
29:40
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
29:44
News. A new design for the main level of Nappan
29:56
E -Town Hall has been approved by Council and
29:58
staff will now move forward with the renovation.
30:00
The new design would include moving the lease
30:02
space for the Chamber of Commerce to the front
30:04
of the building. This space would then be used
30:06
for storage. Staff would be looking to then move
30:08
washrooms to the back of the building. The new
30:10
washrooms would include a barrier -free fully
30:12
accessible washroom and two standard washrooms.
30:15
Staff's next report to Council will include full
30:17
construction drawings as well as a breakdown
30:19
of costs for the interior renovation. Further
30:22
design work will continue beyond that, as well
30:24
as stakeholder consultation with the Chamber
30:26
of Commerce, Rotary Club of Napanee and relevant
30:29
advisory committees. The design includes a durable
30:31
vinyl plank flooring chosen for its ease of care
30:33
and to reflect the plank floors that buildings
30:36
of the same age were originally constructed with.
30:38
Mayor Terry Richardson spoke about the renovation.
30:41
It's placing the Chamber of Commerce in the front
30:44
of the building, which has many, many options.
30:46
The back of the building where they were going
30:47
to be is... a part of the facility that I think
30:52
would be better suited for storage. It's a part
30:57
of the facility that was never abated. more appropriate
31:01
if we use that for storage and then there's a
31:03
number of different advantages especially with
31:05
the bathrooms in the back as originally when
31:07
the the bathrooms put in this building that's
31:09
where they were so I'm almost thinking that there's
31:11
probably still holes and plumbing on the floor
31:13
that would assist us in doing that. CAO Matthew
31:17
Grant noted the committees that worked on the
31:19
project and spoke about some of the new features
31:21
of the design. That work has been undertaken
31:24
with the Market Square Advisory Committee and
31:26
as well as the Director of Parks, Recreation
31:29
and Culture. been a number of meetings and discussions.
31:33
And there's also been input received from the
31:37
Arts Committee and as well from the Heritage
31:40
Committee. So in essence, they've talked about,
31:44
you know, Clearing out the insides, ensuring
31:48
that there is infrastructure to hang arts material,
31:51
putting in a coffee bar. Staff provided council
31:53
with various options for where washrooms would
31:55
be located, as well as the location of the Chamber
31:57
of Commerce offices. Grant spoke about the option
32:00
council chose. The committees themselves didn't
32:02
have the ability to consider this fully, given
32:07
that where the Chamber of Commerce is located
32:10
was considered off limits in the planning exercise.
32:13
I think having the chamber in the front solves
32:15
their accessibility problems and people aren't
32:17
going through the event space to get to their
32:19
office. Councilor Angela Hicks noted some of
32:22
the reasoning behind Council's decision. I think
32:24
it's a better use of the space. I have never
32:26
liked the idea of the bathrooms at the front
32:29
of the building because we lose the natural light
32:33
coming through two, if not three. Well, it would
32:36
have been all three. of those windows in the
32:38
front. It also gives us the option for a closet.
32:42
So the occupancy limit is 149 people. We didn't
32:47
consider where they'd all be hanging their coats
32:48
in January. Richardson spoke about the future
32:51
of the facility. I had some different ideas as
32:53
well, but they've convinced me that this type
32:55
of floor plan, this is the way we should go.
32:57
So I, for one, am going to be very excited to
32:59
see some of the progress that we're going to
33:02
see downstairs, because I think it's going to
33:03
be an absolutely marvelous and fabulous facility
33:07
for our community. For Amherst Island Radio and
33:09
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
33:12
This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council
33:25
approved the extension of the Loyalist Link pilot
33:27
program to September 3rd, 2027. This will maintain
33:31
uninterrupted service while the Township waits
33:34
for the outcome of their Ontario Transit Infrastructure
33:36
Fund application. Funding for the extension will
33:39
be provided through provincial gas tax allocations
33:42
as well as fares. Beginning in September, the
33:44
current 90A -90B service will transition to a
33:47
single connector route linking Bath, Odessa and
33:50
Millhaven to the WJ Henderson hub. will align
33:53
with the planned shift for Kingston Transit Route
33:55
10 to 30 minute intervals. According to staff,
33:58
the combined ridership of the two Loyalist link
34:00
routes was over 9 ,600 in 2025 and continues
34:04
to grow. Staff are looking to improve coverage,
34:06
flexibility and cost efficiency. They will be
34:09
reporting back to council with updated financial
34:11
projections and service performance metrics following
34:14
the release of the funding decision. Director
34:16
of Community and Customer Services Lori McFarland
34:18
noted plans for the future. There is plans to
34:22
increase ridership. You know, we're trying to
34:25
do that. Hopefully, you know, through the as
34:31
presented, we're looking at on demand, which
34:34
could bring some efficiencies. and might increase
34:37
ridership as well. Director of Corporate Services
34:40
Strategy and Innovation, Jenna Campbell, spoke
34:42
about waiting for the outcome of the funding
34:44
decision. We are limited right now in some of
34:47
our actions that we can take while we're waiting
34:49
to have the final OTF application submitted to
34:53
the province because we have to remain in pilot
34:57
status. So some of those opportunities may...
35:02
come to fruition a little bit more in terms of
35:05
encouraging the growth of the ridership and that
35:07
sort of thing once we have an idea of whether
35:09
we'll be receiving that funding. Councillor Paul
35:11
Broderick showed his support for the program.
35:13
I remember going out for a early morning ride
35:16
with director Campbell around the the first few
35:19
weeks and you know sort of thinking we're going
35:21
to be the only two on here but the data supports
35:25
some growth and I think that was the original
35:27
thing we were worried about was would people
35:29
come thinking of this is only going to last a
35:32
year. You know, we're not going to change our
35:34
habits, but I think we're heading in the right
35:35
direction. And this is one thing I'm really proud
35:38
this council has done is looked into that. And
35:41
I hope that we can continue this down the road.
35:43
I think it's a viable service and through personal
35:46
experience. Anytime you can get my kid on public
35:49
transit, we're doing something right. For Amherst
35:51
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
35:54
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Cataract
36:06
Way Conservation is looking to restore nearly
36:08
23 hectares of degraded meadow to functional
36:11
native grassland habitat at the south end of
36:14
Lemoyne Point Conservation Area. Previous monitoring
36:17
of the site identified nesting pairs of both
36:19
bobalink and eastern meadowlark, two native bird
36:21
species listed as threatened under the Federal
36:24
Species at Risk Act. However, extensive encroachment
36:27
by gray dogwood and other shrub species had reduced
36:30
habitat suitability. The project will look to
36:32
reestablish a structurally native grass and forb
36:35
community for bobalink, eastern meadowlark, and
36:37
other native ground nesting grassland species
36:39
and pollinators. According to Cataraqui Conservation,
36:42
the restoration plan for this project has been
36:44
designed in accordance with the Migratory Birds
36:46
Convention Act and Species Conservation Act.
36:49
It will prioritize long -term habitat function
36:51
and ecological resilience, ensuring the restored
36:54
meadow develops the vegetation structure and
36:56
plant diversity required to support breeding
36:58
grassland birds. The timeline for the project
37:00
has been designed to have the least amount of
37:02
disturbance for species at risk. The project
37:04
will run until spring of 2027. The work has been
37:07
structured using an integrated pest management
37:09
approach. A range of available methodologies
37:12
have been combined to most effectively restore
37:14
the grassland habitat at the south end of Lemoyne
37:16
Point Conservation Area. The goal is to minimize
37:18
negative environmental impacts and use only the
37:21
minimum amount of chemical intervention necessary
37:23
to successfully remove gray dogwood and establish
37:25
the native grassland ecosystem. Certain activities
37:28
will require restricting access to the project
37:30
area and surrounding trail network. Restrictions
37:33
and closures will be limited to a few hours or
37:35
a few days. Closures will be posted on social
37:37
media and signage will be placed in parking areas
37:40
and trails to notify visitors. Cataract Way Conservation
37:43
notes the project will ultimately enhance biodiversity,
37:45
provide critical habitat to threatened species,
37:48
as well as improve the site's overall resilience
37:50
to climate change and invasive species. For Amherst
37:53
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
37:56
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. The
38:08
Canadian Walk for Veterans Kingston takes place
38:10
Sunday, September 27th at the Kingston Military
38:13
Family Resource Centre at 32 Lundy's Lane. Veterans,
38:17
military members, families and community supporters
38:19
are invited to walk in support of those who have
38:21
served, those currently serving and the families
38:23
who support them. Registration is at noon and
38:26
the walk begins at 1pm. There are 5k and 2 .3k
38:30
walk options. Families, strollers and pets are
38:33
welcome. For more information and to register,
38:35
visit kmfrc .com. For Amherst Island Radio and
38:40
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
38:43
This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council
38:55
agreed to proclaim October 21st, 2026 as the
38:58
26th Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood
39:01
Educator Appreciation Day. The day is in recognition
39:04
of the education, dedication, and commitment
39:06
of child care workers to children, their families,
39:09
and quality of life within their community. The
39:11
proclamation request noted that trained and knowledgeable
39:14
registered early childhood educators are the
39:16
key to quality in early years and child care
39:19
programs. It stated that early learning and child
39:21
care promotes the well -being of and responds
39:24
to the needs of families as well as the broader
39:26
community by supporting quality of life. Each
39:28
year, the day is proclaimed by the Ontario Coalition
39:31
for Better Child Care, the Canadian Union of
39:33
Public Employees, as well as municipalities and
39:36
school boards across Ontario. The day is marked
39:39
by hundreds of child care centres, unions and
39:41
allies. Councillor Paul Broderick showed his
39:43
support for proclaiming the day. Having spent
39:46
30 years in education, this is a... core group
39:50
both within the school system and within child
39:52
care that are vastly underpaid and underappreciated
39:56
at times, but their contribution to youth is,
39:59
it can't be measured. For Amherst Island Radio
40:02
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
40:05
Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township
40:17
will be recognizing October 10th, 2026 as National
40:20
Dental Care Day. Council heard from founder of
40:23
the day, Dr. Raj Kanuja, who spoke about the
40:25
importance of improving access to oral health
40:28
care. Kanuja explains how and why he started
40:30
the initiative. National Dental Care Day started
40:33
from one simple moment. Years ago, I met a single
40:37
mother who was living with severe dental pain.
40:40
She avoided treatment because she could not afford
40:43
it. She told me she was saving every dollar she
40:47
had so she could keep a promise to buy used hockey
40:50
equipment for her child. She chose her child
40:54
over herself. That moment stayed with me because
40:57
dental pain is not just about teeth. It affects
41:01
confidence, sleep, work, mental health. and dignity.
41:06
That is why National Dental Care Day was created.
41:10
Kanuja speaks about how the initiative has grown
41:12
and notes numbers from last year. What started
41:15
as one free dental day has now grown into a national
41:19
movement after 13 years of volunteer care. Last
41:23
year alone, 219 Canadians received care across
41:27
the country through volunteer clinics. and professionals.
41:31
National Dental Care Day was proclaimed by 25
41:34
municipalities, three premiers, and two lieutenant
41:38
governors. It was also spoken about in the Senate
41:42
of Canada by Senator Muhammad Iqbal Rawalia and
41:46
entered into the Hansard parliamentary record.
41:50
National Dental Care Day mobilizes volunteer
41:52
dental professionals, students, clinics, educators
41:55
and community partners across Canada to provide
41:58
essential dental care to underserved individuals
42:00
and families without cost, barriers or judgment.
42:04
The initiative emphasizes the importance of oral
42:05
health as an essential component of overall health
42:08
and well -being. Kanuja explains the importance
42:10
of bringing National Dental Care Day to more
42:13
communities. The need for dental care is not
42:16
limited to one city or one region. It exists
42:19
in every community. Dentistry is expensive. and
42:23
not being able to afford care forces many people
42:27
to live in pain, lose teeth, hide their smile
42:30
and lose confidence and dignity. For Amherst
42:34
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
42:37
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. The
42:49
Bath Museum and Visitor Center is welcoming the
42:51
community back for another season of Culture
42:53
Talks, a speaker series celebrating history,
42:56
heritage, and storytelling. Hosted at the museum,
42:58
the series brings together local historians,
43:00
musicians, and researchers who share unique perspectives
43:03
on the region's history. Held on the third Monday
43:05
of the month from 6 to 7 p .m., Culture Talks
43:08
offer an opportunity to explore fascinating cultural
43:10
topics in an intimate setting. Tickets are $5
43:13
per person and seating is limited. Monday, September
43:16
28th at 6 p .m. Stephen Bruce Med will be be
43:19
presenting a combination of song ballads and
43:21
storytelling. The evening will cover historical
43:23
events and people in pre -Confederation Canada
43:25
including indigenous connections, French explorers,
43:28
loyalist refugees of the American Revolution,
43:30
the War of 1812, and more. Stephen Bruce Medd
43:33
is a performing songwriter of historical ballads
43:35
and spiritual songs. His songs are inspired by
43:38
Canadian history, the remote and beautiful landscapes
43:40
he explored as a geologist, and social issues
43:43
of the day. Monday, October 26th at 6 p .m.,
43:46
Phil Norton will be telling his 2021 bicycle
43:48
camping journey from Prince Edward County to
43:50
the Mexican border. Repeating a journey he did
43:52
in 1979 and 1980 as a 22 -year -old, Norton set
43:56
off again in 2021 at the age of 63. Norton tells
44:00
personal stories about his adventure combined
44:02
with the geography and people he met along the
44:04
way. Culture Talks take place at the Bath Museum
44:06
located at 434 Main Street in Bath. Tickets for
44:10
each talk can be purchased online. For more information
44:12
about Culture Talks and other upcoming programs,
44:15
visit loyalist .ca slash events. For Amherst
44:18
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
44:21
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. This
44:25
has been North Shore News and Interviews. If
44:28
you have an idea for a story, or want to create
44:31
stories for the show, consider joining our volunteer
44:34
team. Contact Amherst Island Radio for more details.