Latest / North Shore News / September 4th, 2026

Transcript

September 4th, 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.
0:40
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, you know, the Morningstar
1:56
mission is, and their move is looking at their
2:00
options. I think the county has been in on those
2:02
discussions and supportive of Morningstar missions.
2:07
broader mandate. So I'm keeping an eye on that
2:09
situation very closely and appreciating that
2:12
many council members would like to protect as
2:15
much area as we can. Councillor Bill Martin called
2:17
for the designation to include Springside Park
2:19
as well. I agree with most everything and thank
2:22
goodness that we're working to where it's finished
2:24
in the In -Town Trail. It's going to be wonderful.
2:26
Certainly agree with lighting and cameras. The
2:29
sensitive use issue is a big deal for me. I'd
2:32
love to see it as sensitive use on the trail
2:34
as well. But I got Springside Park that I'm really
2:38
concerned about right now. I'm always concerned
2:40
about the homeless situation in Springside Park,
2:44
so I'm finding, you know, if a trail can be designated
2:47
sensitive use, certainly our park can be too.
2:50
I'm really concerned about the children playing
2:52
down there right now. There's people walking
2:55
their dogs, children. running and playing in
2:58
our Springside Park. And that's not a sensitive
3:01
use area. It should be. So I'm saying if we're
3:04
gonna put sensitive use on the trails, Springside
3:06
Park should be sensitive use as well. I mean,
3:09
we've got visitors going down there, hundreds
3:10
of them every day. I wouldn't even be surprised
3:13
if it would hit a thousand people down there.
3:16
I've picked up needles myself off the ground.
3:18
and took them to a needle drop -off. It's dangerous
3:22
for kids. It's dangerous for people being down
3:24
there in that park. I'm really, really ticked
3:27
off right now what's going on down there. And
3:29
I know it's a problem everywhere. Residents,
3:32
taxpayers, they can't use their park because
3:35
of... of what's going on. And that's not fair
3:38
to them. Deputy Mayor Brian Calvert spoke about
3:40
the work of the Trail Development Advisory Committee.
3:43
Speaking on behalf of the Trail Development Advisory
3:45
Committee, we've got off got off our first meeting,
3:50
both feet hit the ground and running in our second
3:52
meeting we just held. We've appointed a chair
3:55
and a vice chair and we've come up with some
3:59
really good ideas. This trail committee is it's
4:01
just an honor to be sitting on it and working
4:04
with them because everybody's all rowing in the
4:07
same direction. It's just a fabulous group of
4:09
people we've put together for this." Council
4:11
has also deferred the promotion or acceptance
4:13
of e -scooters and e -bikes on the trails until
4:15
they come up with a new bylaw. Staff will be
4:18
consulting with the OPP for security camera locations
4:20
on the trails and looking into estimates for
4:22
solar lighting. For Amherst Island Radio and
4:25
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
4:28
This is North Shore News. The town of Greater
4:40
Napany has proclaimed September 28th, 2026 to
4:43
be recognized as National British Home Child
4:45
Day. Between 1869 and 1948, over 100 ,000 children
4:50
emigrated from all areas of the UK to Canada.
4:53
The children were used as a source of labor on
4:55
farms and in households. They are known today
4:57
as the British Home Children. Many of these children
5:00
settled into the Lennox and Addington area and
5:02
contributed to building the region. Councillor
5:04
Bill Martin spoke about the proclamation and
5:06
his own personal connection. the mayor and council
5:09
for actually doing the proclamation. It's it's
5:12
always my privilege. And because of my personal
5:15
situation with my own dad being one of the British
5:18
home children, I always every year enjoy doing
5:20
this to to honor not just my dad, but there was
5:24
thousands of people that came and settled right
5:27
in the Napanee and LNA area. So I just want to
5:31
honor the those people who, who, like I say,
5:34
settled here in Napanee right now. There's literally
5:36
I think there's four or five million people.
5:38
in Canada that are descendants of the British
5:42
home children. So my porch light will be on September
5:46
28th and I'm very proud and happy that everybody
5:52
is doing this proclamation. On September 28,
5:55
over 65 venues across Canada, Scotland and England
5:58
will be participating in the Beacons of Light
6:00
for British Home Children and Child Migrants
6:02
Tribute. Community members can participate by
6:04
leaving porch lights on or by placing a sunflower
6:07
on the resting place of a British home child
6:09
in the area. For Amherst Island Radio and the
6:11
Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This
6:15
is 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
6:57
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.
7:10
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
8:09
the resident, Julie Bogdanovic, 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. Bogdanovic spoke about her position.
8:37
on the matter. Manager of Legislative Services
9:06
and Municipal Clerk Jessica Walters explain the
9:09
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 it's something a lot of people we should
10:06
give them the opportunity to participate in that
10:10
conversation. Bug Danowitz spoke about her findings
10:13
from staff's last report. One of the things in
10:15
the report that I found that was interesting
10:17
that I wanted to highlight was an interpretive
10:20
direction that pollinator gardens and naturalized
10:23
lawns could fall within the existing exemption
10:26
for ornamental grasses that currently exist in
10:28
the bylaw. And if that interpretation is taken,
10:31
that would protect our garden and others like
10:33
it as the bylaw update proceeds without requiring
10:37
council to wait until the next term to act. The
10:40
report recommends mowing along two of my property
10:43
lines but it says that I don't need to mow if
10:46
the area is a wetland and those property lines
10:49
contain cattails and so in my interpretation
10:52
this is you know part of a stormwater swale.
10:56
The report also suggests that the order is cancelled.
11:00
However, it kind of suggests that it could be
11:03
opened up again before the next term of council.
11:06
And so again, I'm here to humbly ask that the
11:08
decision that is made closes the issue for us
11:10
until the bylaw can be updated. Walters noted
11:13
that grass cutting is one of the most frequently
11:15
requested enforcement areas, accounting for approximately
11:17
20 % of cases so far in 2026. We're seeing an
11:21
increasing trend across the board in requests
11:23
for enforcement of bylaws as people become more
11:27
familiar with using the E -1 -1 tool to submit
11:30
requests. The grass does remain one of our consistently
11:34
in our top five areas where residents request.
11:39
enforcement action to be taken. Pogdanowicz spoke
11:42
about concerns regarding ticks. The topic of
11:45
ticks and pests came up at the last meeting,
11:48
and I wanted to refer to the letter that council
11:50
has received by Joyce Hostlund, who is a Thousand
11:53
Islands Master Gardener. She wanted to, I guess,
11:57
point council to a number of scientific papers
12:00
that have been written on the issue. And in particular,
12:02
just 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
Councilor 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. Lennox 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
Lennox 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.
16:03
Due 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 what not
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 Nampany 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's
18:14
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 sort of our mandate, which
19:02
is promoting agriculture, but also we're an advocacy
19:05
group for agriculture. We have produced some
19:08
signs that we've installed on field edges that
19:11
say, you know, this is a field of soybeans. This
19:13
is what it's used for and whatnot. But I think
19:15
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 renumeration, 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 that
22:02
community needs and priorities continue to be
22:04
a part of those conversations. Jones further
22:06
explains the role of the The East Lenox -Naddington
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 14,
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. A new design
24:47
for the main level of Napanee Town Hall has been
24:49
approved by Council and staff will now move forward
24:52
with the renovation. The new design would include
24:54
moving the lease space for the Chamber of Commerce
24:56
to the front of the building. This space would
24:58
then be used for storage. Staff would be looking
25:00
to then move washrooms to the back of the building.
25:03
The new washrooms would include a barrier -free,
25:05
fully accessible washroom and two standard washrooms.
25:08
Staff's next report to Council will include full
25:10
construction drawings as well as a breakdown
25:12
of costs for the interior renovation. Further
25:15
design work will continue beyond that, as well
25:17
as stakeholder consultation with the Chamber
25:19
of Commerce, Rotary Club of Napanee and relevant
25:22
advisory committees. The design includes a durable
25:24
vinyl plank flooring chosen for its ease of care
25:26
and to reflect the plank floors that buildings
25:28
of the same age were originally constructed with.
25:31
Mayor Terry Richardson spoke about the renovation.
25:34
It's placing the Chamber of Commerce in the front
25:37
of the building, which has many, many options.
25:39
The back of the building where they were going
25:40
to be is... a part of the facility that I think
25:45
would be better suited for storage. It's a part
25:50
of the facility that was never abated and I think
25:52
it'd be more appropriate if we use that for storage
25:55
and then there's a number of different advantages,
25:57
especially with the bathrooms in the back as
25:59
originally when the bathrooms put in this building,
26:01
that's where they were. So I'm almost thinking
26:04
that there's probably still holes and plumbing
26:06
on the floor that would assist us in doing that.
26:09
CAO Matthew Grant noted the committees that worked
26:11
on the project and spoke about some of the new
26:13
features of the design. That work has been undertaken
26:17
with the Market Square Advisory Committee and
26:19
as well as the Director of Parks, Recreation
26:21
and Culture. in a number of meetings and discussions.
26:26
And there's also been input received from the
26:30
Arts Committee and as well from the Heritage
26:33
Committee. So in essence, they've talked about,
26:37
you know... Clearing out the inside, ensuring
26:41
that there is infrastructure to hang arts material,
26:44
putting in a coffee bar. Staff provided Council
26:46
with various options for where washrooms would
26:48
be located, as well as the location of the Chamber
26:50
of Commerce offices. Grant spoke about the option
26:53
Council chose. The committees themselves didn't
26:56
have the ability to consider this fully, given
26:59
that where the Chamber of Commerce is located
27:03
was considered off limits in the planning exercise.
27:06
I think having the chamber in the front solves
27:08
their accessibility problems and people aren't
27:10
going through the event space to get to their
27:12
office. Councilor Angela Hicks noted some of
27:15
the reasoning behind Council's decision. I think
27:17
it's a better use of the space. I have never
27:19
liked the idea of the bathrooms at the front
27:22
of the building because we lose the natural light
27:26
coming through two, if not three. Well, it would
27:29
have been all three. of those windows in the
27:31
front. It also gives us the option for a closet.
27:35
So the occupancy limit is 149 people. We didn't
27:40
consider where they'd all be hanging their coats
27:41
in January. Richardson spoke about the future
27:44
of the facility. I had some different ideas as
27:46
well, but they've convinced me that this type
27:48
of floor plan is the way we should go. So I,
27:50
for one, am going to be very excited to see some
27:53
of the progress that we're going to see downstairs,
27:56
because I think it's going to be an absolutely
27:57
marvelous and fabulous facility for our community.
28:01
For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
28:03
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
28:06
News. Loyalist Township Council approved the
28:18
extension of the Loyalist Link pilot program
28:21
to September 3rd, 2027. This will maintain uninterrupted
28:25
service while the Township waits for the outcome
28:27
of their Ontario Transit Infrastructure Fund
28:30
application. Funding for the extension will be
28:32
provided through provincial gas tax allocations
28:34
as well as fares. Beginning in September, the
28:37
current 90A -90B service will transition to a
28:40
single connector route linking Bath, Odessa and
28:43
Millhaven to the WJ Henderson hub. will align
28:46
with the planned shift for Kingston Transit Route
28:48
10 to 30 minute intervals. According to staff,
28:51
the combined ridership of the two Loyalist link
28:53
routes was over 9 ,600 in 2025 and continues
28:57
to grow. Staff are looking to improve coverage,
28:59
flexibility and cost efficiency. They will be
29:02
reporting back to council with updated financial
29:04
projections and service performance metrics following
29:06
the release of the funding decision. Director
29:09
of Community and Customer Services Lori McFarland
29:11
noted plans for the future. There is plans to
29:14
increase ridership. You know, we're trying to
29:18
do that. Hopefully, you know, through the as
29:24
presented, we're looking at on demand, which
29:26
could bring some efficiencies. and might increase
29:30
ridership as well. Director of Corporate Services
29:33
Strategy and Innovation Jenna Campbell spoke
29:35
about waiting for the outcome of the funding
29:37
decision. We are limited right now in some of
29:40
our actions that we can take while we're waiting
29:42
to have the final OTF application submitted to
29:46
the province because we have to remain in pilot
29:50
status. So some of those opportunities may...
29:55
come to fruition a little bit more in terms of
29:58
encouraging the growth of the ridership and that
29:59
sort of thing once we have an idea of whether
30:02
we'll be receiving that funding. Councillor Paul
30:04
Broderick showed his support for the program.
30:06
I remember going out for a early morning ride
30:09
with director Campbell around the the first few
30:12
weeks and you know sort of thinking we're going
30:14
to be the only two on here but the data supports
30:18
some growth and I think that was the original
30:20
thing we were worried about was Would people
30:22
come thinking, oh, this is only going to last
30:25
a year. You know, we're not going to change our
30:26
habits, but I think we're heading in the right
30:28
direction. And this is one thing I'm really proud
30:31
this council has done is looked into that. And
30:34
I hope that we can continue this down the road.
30:36
I think it's a viable service and through personal
30:39
experience. Anytime you can get my kid on public
30:42
transit, we're doing something right. For Amherst
30:44
Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
30:47
I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Cataract
30:59
Way Conservation is looking to restore nearly
31:01
23 hectares of degraded meadow to functional
31:04
native grassland habitat at the south end of
31:07
Lemoyne Point Conservation Area. Previous monitoring
31:09
of the site identified nesting pairs of both
31:12
bobalink and eastern meadowlark, two native bird
31:14
species listed as threatened under the Federal
31:17
Species at Risk Act. However, extensive encroachment
31:20
by gray dogwood and other shrub species had reduced
31:23
habitat suitability. The project will look to
31:25
reestablish a structurally native grass and forb
31:27
community suitable for bobalink, eastern meadowlark,
31:30
and other native ground -nesting grassland species
31:32
and pollinators. According to Cataraqui Conservation,
31:35
the restoration plan for this project has been
31:37
designed in accordance with the Migratory Birds
31:39
Convention Act and Species Conservation Act.
31:42
It will prioritize long -term habitat function
31:44
and ecological resilience, ensuring the restored
31:46
meadow develops the vegetation structure and
31:49
plant diversity required to support breeding
31:51
grassland birds. The timeline for the project
31:53
has been designed to have the least amount of
31:55
disturbance for species at risk. until spring
31:58
of 2027. The work has been structured using an
32:01
integrated pest management approach. A range
32:03
of available methodologies have been combined
32:05
to most effectively restore the grassland habitat
32:08
at the south end of Lemoyne Point Conservation
32:10
Area. The goal is to minimize negative environmental
32:12
impacts and use only the minimum amount of chemical
32:15
intervention necessary to successfully remove
32:17
gray dogwood and establish the native grassland
32:19
ecosystem. Certain activities will require restricting
32:22
access to the project area and surrounding trail
32:25
network. Restrictions and closures will be limited
32:27
to a few hours or a few days. Closures will be
32:29
posted on social media and signage will be placed
32:32
in parking areas and trails to notify visitors.
32:35
Cataract Way Conservation notes the project will
32:36
ultimately enhance biodiversity, provide critical
32:39
habitat to threatened species, as well as improve
32:41
the site's overall resilience to climate change
32:44
and invasive species. For Amherst Island Radio
32:47
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
32:49
Evans. This is North Shore News. The Canadian
33:01
Walk for Veterans Kingston takes place Sunday,
33:04
September 27th at the Kingston Military Family
33:06
Resource Centre at 32 Lundy's Lane. Veterans,
33:10
military members, families and community supporters
33:12
are invited to walk in support of those who have
33:14
served, those currently serving and the families
33:16
who support them. Registration is at noon and
33:19
the walk begins at 1pm. There are 5k and 2 .3k
33:23
walk options. Families, strollers and pets are
33:26
welcome. For more information and to register,
33:28
visit kmfrc .com. For Amherst Island Radio and
33:32
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
33:36
This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council
33:48
agreed to proclaim October 21st, 2026 as the
33:51
26th Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood
33:54
Educator Appreciation Day. The day is in recognition
33:57
of the education, dedication, and commitment
33:59
of child care workers to children, their families,
34:02
and quality of life within their community. The
34:04
proclamation request noted that trained and knowledgeable
34:07
registered early childhood educators are the
34:09
key to quality in early years and child care
34:12
programs. It stated that early learning and child
34:14
care promotes the well -being of and responds
34:17
to the needs of families as well as the broader
34:19
community by supporting quality of life. Each
34:21
year, the day is proclaimed by the Ontario Coalition
34:24
for Better Child Care, the Canadian Union of
34:26
Public Employees, as well as municipalities and
34:29
school boards across Ontario. The day is marked
34:32
by hundreds of child care centres, unions and
34:34
allies. Councillor Paul Proderick showed his
34:36
support for proclaiming the day. Having spent
34:39
30 years in education, this is a... core group
34:43
both within the school system and within child
34:45
care that are vastly underpaid and underappreciated
34:49
at times, but their contribution to youth is,
34:52
it can't be measured. For Amherst Island Radio
34:55
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
34:57
Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township
35:10
will be recognizing October 10th, 2026 as National
35:13
Dental Care Day. Council heard from founder of
35:16
the day, Dr. Raj Kanuja, who spoke about the
35:18
importance of improving access to oral health
35:20
care. Kanuja explains how and why he started
35:23
the initiative. National Dental Care Day started
35:26
from one simple moment. Years ago, I met a single
35:30
mother who was living with severe dental pain.
35:33
She avoided treatment because she could not afford
35:36
it. She told me she was saving every dollar she
35:40
had so she could keep a promise to buy used hockey
35:43
equipment for her child. She chose her child
35:47
over herself. That moment stayed with me because
35:50
dental pain is not just about teeth. It affects
35:54
confidence, sleep, work, mental health. and dignity.
35:59
That is why National Dental Care Day was created.
36:03
Kanuja speaks about how the initiative has grown
36:04
and notes numbers from last year. What started
36:08
as one free dental day has now grown into a national
36:12
movement after 13 years of volunteer care. Last
36:16
year alone, 219 Canadians received care across
36:20
the country through volunteer clinics. and professionals.
36:24
National Dental Care Day was proclaimed by 25
36:27
municipalities, three premiers, and two lieutenant
36:31
governors. It was also spoken about in the Senate
36:35
of Canada by Senator Muhammad Iqbal Rawalia and
36:39
entered into the Hansard Parliamentary record.
36:43
National Dental Care Day mobilizes volunteer
36:45
dental professionals, students, clinics, educators
36:48
and community partners across Canada to provide
36:50
essential dental care to underserved individuals
36:53
and families without cost, barriers or judgment.
36:56
The initiative emphasizes the importance of oral
36:58
health as an essential component of overall health
37:01
and well -being. Kanuja explains the importance
37:03
of bringing National Dental Care Day to more
37:05
communities. The need for dental care is not
37:08
limited to one city. or one region. It exists
37:13
dentistry is expensive and care forces many people
37:20
t teeth, hide their smile a and dignity. For
37:27
Amherst The Bath Museum and Visitor Center is
37:44
welcoming the community back for another season
37:46
of Culture Talks, a speaker series celebrating
37:48
history, heritage, and storytelling. Hosted at
37:51
the museum, the series brings together local
37:53
historians, musicians, and researchers who share
37:55
unique perspectives on the region's history.
37:58
Held on the third Monday of the month from 6
37:59
to 7 p .m., Culture Talks offer an opportunity
38:02
to explore fascinating cultural topics in an
38:04
intimate setting. Tickets are $5 per person and
38:07
seating is limited. Monday, September 28th at
38:09
6 p .m., Steve and Bruce Med will be presenting
38:12
a combination of song ballads and storytelling.
38:14
The evening will cover historical events and
38:16
people in pre -Confederation Canada including
38:18
indigenous connections, French explorers, loyalist
38:21
refugees of the American Revolution, the War
38:23
of 1812, and more. Stephen Bruce Medd is a performing
38:27
songwriter of historical ballads and spiritual
38:29
songs. His songs are inspired by Canadian history,
38:32
the remote and beautiful landscapes he explored
38:34
as a geologist, and social issues of the day.
38:36
Monday, October 26th at 6 p .m., Phil Norton
38:39
will be telling his 2021 bicycle camping journey
38:42
from Prince Edward County to the Mexican border.
38:44
Repeating a journey he did in 1979 and 1980 as
38:48
a 22 -year -old, Norton set off again in 2021
38:50
at the age of 63. Norton tells personal stories
38:53
about his adventure combined with the geography
38:55
and people he met along the way. Culture Talks
38:58
take place at the Bath Museum, located at 434
39:00
Main Street in Bath. Tickets for each talk can
39:03
be purchased online. For more information about
39:05
Culture Talks and other upcoming programs, visit
39:08
Loyalist .ca slash events. For Amherst Island
39:11
Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm
39:14
Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. This has
39:18
been North Shore News and Interviews. If you
39:21
have an idea for a story or want to create stories
39:24
for the show, consider joining our volunteer
39:27
team. Contact Amherst Island Radio for more details.