Transportation, water to be issues on Island in 2010
Posted Jan 7, 2010 By Margaret Knott
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Tweet ThisEMC News - It should come as no surprise particularly to those who live in the smallest township in Frontenac County and in Ontario for that matter that 2009 was a rather incredible year for Frontenac Islands. Whether it was a good or bad year is all in the eyes of those who lived it.
WIND
The completion of the Canadian Hydro Wind Plant project (now Trans Alta) with its 86 towers stands out as the biggest change for Wolfe Island in its history, probably supplanting rural electrification, the ferry service takeover by the Ministry of Transportation in 1964, the ban on vehicular traffic going across the ice, the bubble system, or the arrival of the Wolfe Islander III in 1975.
The wind power plant is described by many as being the industrialization of Wolfe Island, an affront to the health of islanders, wildlife, the environment, as well as a deterrent to its development as a wholesome and safe community and an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful landscape.
Others have no quarrel with the project or the changes it has made to Wolfe Island. They acknowledge the financial benefits to both the landowners and the township through the amenities agreement and the jobs created during and after construction. They are unconcerned with the size and number of turbines. They have a basic trust that whatever difficulty might arise with the project they will be dealt with in a timely fashion by the township and the company.
Indeed, many islanders wonder what can be done next to continue "greening" the island and saving the environment. Some possibilities include creating solar energy projects, capturing methane or creating a centre for alternative renewable energy.
WATER
2009 saw the beginning of an environmental assessment by XCG Consultants regarding water and sewer services for the Wolfe Island community of Marysville.
Frontenac Islands Mayor Jim Vanden Hoek has commented a number of times that while it will be a contentious issue, it will not go away and "it must become part of the game plan for Wolfe Island, for its future and long term development."
A preferred option presented by XCG is water piped from Kingston. XCG will move to the next stage of the environmental assessment including establishing a working committee (with council members Dennis Doyle and Wayne Grant) to look at project issues and water delivery alternatives.
The water issue looms big for 2010. Island residents see no growth for the village without it, or for providing amenities such as a much sought after seniors' accommodation. Their main concern is cost.
TRANSPORTATION
Last winter was Wolfe Island's busiest ever with workers coming to the island to work on the wind plant. The ferry remained in the village. All businesses remained open, accommodation was at a premium with every bed and breakfast and empty house filled.
However, in October the Wolfe Islander III went into dry dock, replaced by the Frontenac II, Amherst Island's ferry, operating from the winter dock. Ramp work was completed at the Marysville and Barrack Street docks in advance of the Islander III's return just before Christmas, a welcome sight for islanders whose lives revolve around the ferry.
The Islander III continues to operate from the winter dock (water levels have noticeably declined) resulting in the usual winter closure of most village businesses except Fargo's and Megaly's. At the same time, a Ministry of Transportation generated transportation study environmental assessment, with an anticipated 2011 completion date, is underway with URS Canada determining future transportation needs and generating and assessing planning alternatives to meet them for a 20-year span. Some time ago, the township submitted a report to MTO suggesting that a municipal link between Howe Island and Wolfe Island should be included in the list of alternatives.
Whatever alternative is chosen by MTO is perhaps years away from implementation, but when it happens, it will become a determining factor in Wolfe Island's future development. We can only presume that whatever happens, the decision will be cost effective, environmentally sound and provide sufficient capacity to make the wait worthwhile. Further information can be found at www.wolfeislandtransportationstudy.ca
And during all this, Howe Island continues to have concerns about the county ferry and its operation.
ROADS
The responsibility for major road work passed to the township in November and includes those roads affected by the development of the wind plant. There is money from the gas tax, Canadian Hydro Developers as well as federal-provincial infrastructure roads grants.
BIG SANDY BAY
Big Sandy Bay has seen many improvements over the past years and experienced a break-even season in 2009. It is a success story according to Mayor Vanden Hoek, despite the vandalism of some late evening visitors.
HOWE ISLAND
Howe Island saw the completion of its new fire hall, the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at the municipal hall and St. Philomena's, the start of road work, and the work of an active ratepayers association. Among other things, Howe Island celebrated Rozanne Moizer as its Senior of the Year.
What else happened in 2009?
*Wolfe Island now has a NHL-sized rink and is attempting to raise the funds for an ice plant.
*Frontenac Islands received its first amenities cheque from Canadian Hydro Developers.
*The Wolfe Island Historical Society opened a museum in the island's oldest house and installed a tribute to General James Wolfe for whom the island is named.
*A beautiful baby was born on the ferry, the first time that has ever happened.
*The island's new medical clinic is nearing completion with an expected opening in late January.
*Frontenac Islands initiated the restructuring of county council and will be sending two delegates (the mayor and one councillor from Howe Island) following municipal elections at the end of 2010.
*A study regarding the future of the Wolfe Island Community Hall was completed.
*Frontenac Islands asked the federal government to keep the prison farms open.
*Growing and selling food is a concept that has begun to take off in a big way on Wolfe Island.
While much happened in 2009, it is clearly evident that Frontenac Islands has many issues that are waiting to be resolved and as always, transportation and water are priorities for 2010.
COMING EVENTS
*Council meets on Wolfe Island this Monday at 6:30 p.m.
*Euchre at the Wolfe Island United Church Hall returns tonight at 7 p.m.
* Winter euchre at St. Margaret's Hall begins at 8 p.m. on Monday.
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