Loyalist Township

Welcome sign for Lennox and Addington County and Loyalist Township is standing in grass beside road. Telephone poles line the road into the distance. Minimal clouds in mostly clear blue sky.

Some policies still a concern for council as 2024 Provincial Planning Statement comes into effect

October 10, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township council noted concerns regarding policies within the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) at their meeting this week. Council received the report from the economic growth and community development services department, outlining changes that will affect the township. The new PPS comes into effect on October 20.

Policies that remain a concern for staff include flexible settlement area boundary expansions, and no longer requiring comprehensive reviews in regards to settlement area changes and employment area conversions at the municipal level. The township will be doing their own official plan review in 2026.

Staff also noted a new policy that has been incorporated for large and fast growing municipalities who are encouraged to plan for a target of 50 residents and jobs per gross hectare in designated growth areas. The PPS identifies 29 municipalities to be large and fast growing, but does not include Loyalist Township.

Glass of water shown next to water filters on a white table.

Loyalist looks to second round of water systems funding to upgrade water pollution control plant

October 10, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township will be applying to round 2 of the provincial Housing Enabling Water Systems (HEWS) fund in the coming weeks to help with the Amherstview Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). The funding staff is seeking will help with peak flow equalization and headworks upgrades. Their application to round 1 was unsuccessful.

At their meeting this week, council decided to go ahead with the application, while leaving an application to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program off the table. The township secured $16.5 million in funding for the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre under the first round of this program, so staff did not recommend making application under this program, noting that approval of additional funding is unlikely.

According to the Ontario Government, the HEWS fund supports municipalities to develop, repair, and expand infrastructure for critical drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. This helps communities unlock more housing opportunities.

Metal tubing leads to a water tap in the middle of the frame, in front of blurred dirt ground.

Township keeps water rates low for new water station

September 27, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township council approved the classification of a new water station this week to include lower, bulk water rates for users. The station is expected to be fully operational this fall.

The new low-volume bulk water station will be located alongside the existing bulk water station at County road 6 and Taylor-Kidd Boulevard. This site was selected for the convenience of the vehicles being able to fill up their containers and existing infrastructure to support installation. The existing bulk water station isn’t capable of filling low-volume containers due to the high rate of flow.

The station will be open year round with the ability to fill containers up to 1000 liters. Staff expect significant interest in the station, as many members of the public have requested the service specifically.

Since 2016, residents have been able to fill small containers of water at the Odessa Office during the summer months.

Runners of all ages shown across entire frame. Trees and blue starting-line tent in background.

Amherst Island Recreation Association to receive $5000 annually for programming

September 26, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township and The Amherst Island Recreation Association (AIRA) have entered into a three year agreement that includes $5000 for the association each year. The agreement will automatically renew for one year after its three year term is up.

According to staff’s report, the delivery of recreation and leisure programming on the island has
been challenging for the township in the past. Originally, the former Amherst Island Recreation
Committee would organize and implement programming on the island suitable for all ages and abilities, which is difficult for the township to take over and facilitate.

The committee has now re-established itself as a not-for-profit volunteer organization known as the
AIRA. Under the new agreement, the AIRA will provide inclusive and accessible recreation and leisure services on Amherst Island for residents of all ages, while the township will provide a $5,000 annual operating fee upon receipt of an acceptable annual report.

A graphic illustrates rising housing costs with stacks of coins growing in size leading up to illustration of a house

County to explore $15M affordable housing project

September 24, 2024 by Ted Evans

Staff at Lennox and Addington county are exploring a partnership with one or more of the lower-tier municipalities for a $15.7M affordable housing project. Council received the report at their meeting on Sept. 18.

With a 42-unit building mentioned in the report, staff also spoke to council about other multi-unit options in one or more of the municipalities. The estimated total cost is based on the partnership including the donation of land and an exemption for development charges.

As of July, there are 477 individuals/families on the centralized waitlist for rent-geared-to-income housing. The largest need based on the centralized waitlist is for one-bedroom units.

Staff noted that if the project were to move forward, all funding opportunities would be applied for. The working group has also reviewed existing county-owned properties, but noted no suitable properties for this type of project.

Amherst Island is seen across Lake Ontario at evening time, as sky is filled with pink and blue. Windmills and the ferry are seen in the distance along with the island.

Great Lakes Islands Alliance announces first ever strategic plan, aims for growth

September 12, 2024 by Ted Evans

After its recent founding, the Great Lakes Islands Alliance (GLIA) announced its first ever strategic plan on Sept. 3.

The plan, spanning to 2034, looks to address challenges facing Great Lakes islands, such as emergency preparedness and general communications.

The alliance’s foundational charter helped shape the creation of the plan, and their focus on growth. The four goals within the charter are: facilitating connection between island communities, improving information access, encouraging multi-island collaboration, and amplifying island voices. With the plan, GLIA also looks to improve its long-term sustainability, as well as its environmental and socio-economic program areas.

CJAI has more on the story.

Municipal building in background with flags and flower bed in foreground.

Loyalist Township introduces new online engagement platform for residents

September 6, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township launched a new online engagement platform yesterday and are encouraging residents to have their say.

Engage Loyalist features a number of current initiatives that the township has opened up for public input.

The platform features seven current initiatives including public transit improvements, the 2025 municipal budget, the township’s solid waste management master plan, as well as various construction and reconstruction projects. There is background information and current statistics available alongside each initiative, as well as a form to submit comments or questions directly related to the initiative.

Staff at Loyalist Township believe the platform is a more proactive way to engage with members of the public. They hope it will encourage more questions and feedback to come in before decisions are made by council. The platform asks users to sign-up in order to have their say, and stay up to date.

L&A Studio Tour to host live music for first time

August 30, 2024 by Ted Evans

The L&A Studio Tour will feature live music at the studios for the first time this year.

The weekend features 32 artists in 17 studios located in Lennox and Addington County. The tour runs Sept. 7- 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and participants are invited to visit different studios throughout the county.

With a chance to meet artists in their studios and homes, there will also be live music taking place in various spaces from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Participants can learn about each artist’s artistic process, see demos in various mediums, and purchase new artworks from the artists. The musical acts to be featured throughout the weekend are Kathryn McConnell, Tim Babcock, The Cork Sniffers, Jen Calder, Steve Giberson, Kay Francis, and Steve Tanner.

It is a self-guided tour with no cost for admission. A tour map and guide-book are available for download on the event website.

Red brick building shown on left of Main Street in Bath. Buildings line each side of the road. with a patio visible on the left. Paved roads with sidewalks.

The Hive to host first Bath Artfest

August 29, 2024 by Ted Evans

The Hive Artist Collective in Bath will be hosting its first ever Bath Artfest in September.

Over 30 local artists will be featured: the event is set to be a celebration of creativity and community, Event organizers at the Hive are hoping to give people in the area the opportunity to explore, connect, and support the art scene they’re cultivating in Bath. The event is also looking to provide a boost to local businesses as more people come to visit the area and explore the village.

Amanda Lloyd, one of the owners of the Hive, says they hope to make it an annual event.

Bath Artfest runs Saturday, Sept. 14 in Centennial Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place rain or shine.

CJAI has more on the story.

Townend elected to Association of Municipalities Ontario board in rural caucus

August 23, 2024 by Ted Evans

The deputy mayor of Loyalist Township and deputy warden of Lennox and Addington County has been elected to the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) executive board in the rural caucus. Nathan Townend will serve for the 2024-2026 term.

Nine candidates were up for election to fill the four spots on the board. With Townend as the first representative from the area in years, he notes that more locally-related issues will be brought to the table.

Townend also noted other representatives from Eastern Ontario that sit on the same, or similar boards. Mayor of Westport Robin Jones is the president elect, Mayor of Kingston Bryan Patterson sits on the large urban caucus, and Mayor of Mississippi Mills Christa Lowry is the chair of rural caucus.

The AMO represents and advocates for municipalities in the province. Members of these boards help develop government policy, relaying concerns and issues that municipalities face.

Wooly Bully Races see record number of registrants and finishers

August 21, 2024 by Ted Evans

The 2024 Wooly Bully Races on Amherst Island over the weekend saw a record number of registrants and finishers. Race Director, Joe Du Vall noted 220 registered racers, as well as 50 more finishers overall than any previous year. The kids race had 42 registrants.

The Kingston Road Runners Association had runners in the event, as well as a number of families, and people from outside the region. Some racers complete the Wooly Bully race as part of the Tri-Island Series, including races on Wolfe Island, and Howe Island.

Proceeds from the event go to the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Center. Staff from the centre also help organize and run the event alongside Du Vall. This is the 12th year of the Wooly Bully Races, as they first took place in 2012.

Tree with orang eleaves is shown spanning across picture, low to the ground. The top, middle section of the tree is split. Cloudy, blue sky behind.

Topsy Farms to host first-ever storytelling visit at the bluffs on Amherst Island

August 19, 2024 by Ted Evans

A brand new three-part storytelling event, including a visit to the bluffs on Amherst Island, is coming to Topsy Farms this weekend.

The private area is located on the west-end of the island.

The event runs from 9 a.m. until noon on Aug. 24, and will feature war of 1812 re-enactor André St. Jean describing the wartime role that Amherst Island played in the defense of the capital of Canada. Participants will also learn the history of the Battery Pasture.

In the second part of the day, Sally Bowen will be telling stories of early solstice celebrations and the annual women’s campout on the island.

Finally, participants will visit the “Lightning Tree,” and hear a detailed history behind it.

The event is the first of its kind for the farm, but could transition to an annual event depending on public interest.