CRCA budget levy hard for South Frontenac Council to swallow

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Craig Bakay

EMC News The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority wants $106,002.10 from South Frontenac Township this year, an increase of 5 per cent, and Mayor Gary Davison isn't happy about it, especially when the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority asked for less than South Frontenac had expected ($19,523).

"Do we really want the CRCA or should we just gut it?" asked Coun. Ron Vandewal.

The mayor had a solution

"I suggest we just shift our allegiance to Rideau Valley," Davison said.

Coun. Al McPhail glibly reminded the mayor, who is South Frontenac's representative on Rideau Valley that "the (CRCA) budget also includes councillors' mileage and per diem."

"I don't go to the Rideau Valley meetings very often," Davison responded. "It's too far away. Mannotick realistically is 400 kilometres round-trip and a whole day is shot with one meeting."

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A proposal to restrict the placement of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment on residential lots didn't get much support at the regular South Frontenac Committee of the Whole meeting last week in Sydenham, but Council did agree to continue looking at the matter.

"We've had some complaints, even one where a resident is accused of running a business," said Planner Lindsay Mills. "Presently, there are no provisions to address this in the planning bylaw."

Mills gave Council a suggested bylaw for consideration but it didn't garner much support.

"Just within four square kilometres of where I live there are enough trucks and vehicles parked that we'd need a slew of bylaw officers," said Coun. John McDougall. "Who's going to deal with this?

"It's a situation where we're dealing with one problem and taking a huge stick to it."

"The guy who drives a truck to work can't park it when he gets home?" said Coun. Ron Vandewal. "There's getting to be too much control.

"I agree we might need something to deal with one really annoying person but under this, the Mayor would have to get rid of his tractor."

"I just went through the list and I have three vehicles I'd have to get rid of," said Mayor Gary Davison.