Latest / North Shore News / August 27th, 2026

Transcript

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