This is a brief note to HIRA members and other residents of Howe Island about the Township of Frontenac Islands regular council meeting held on Monday March 10, 2025. This note deals with Council business that is of particular interest to residents of Howe Island.
Staff Reports
FN Report No. FN-001-25: Q4 2024 Financial Reports:
A report tabled by Township treasurer, Jesse Collins, provided a high-level year-to-date summary of the financial position of the municipality Reports were prepared for the Township in general, with separate reports for Wolfe Island and for Howe Island.
The report indicates the Township, overall, realized a 2024 budget surplus of $328,544. As a municipality, 2024 revenue was higher than expected and expenses were lower than amounts budgeted.
Howe Island departments were able to generate a 2024 budget surplus of
$76,520. Expenses for all Howe Island departments (e.g. Fire, ferry, roads and waste/recycling) came in under budget.
The complete report can be accessed via a link found in Section 5.1 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on March 10, 2025. The Agenda is located on the Township website.
The report was approved and received by Council for information.
Administration Report No. AD-003-25 : 2025 Departmental Work Plan:
A report prepared by Township CAO, Vanessa Latimer, provides an overview of planned activities for 2025 and timelines for same for each Township department.
The major public works initiatives planned for Howe Island include plans to resurface sections of Howe Island Drive (9.4 km in total), Spithead Road (1.2 km), Base Line Road (1.4 km) and Lighthouse Lane (0.1 km).
Plans also call for construction of a second washroom for Pat Norris Park as well as tilling the soil and removing weeds from the ball diamond infield.
The complete report can be accessed via a link provided in Section 5.2 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on March 10, 2025.
The Agenda is located on the Township website.
By-Laws Enacted
By-law #039-2024 – General Fees & Rates:
The by-law, intended to establish general fees and charges for a range of various services provided by the municipality (e.g. animal control, waste disposal, burn permits etc.) received first and second reading at the February 10, 2025 regular meeting of Council. The by-law received third reading and was enacted March 10, 2025
For those who wish to review a copy of the proposed by-law, it can be accessed via Section 11.1 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council March 10, 2025. The agenda can be found on the Township web site.
By-law #006-2025 to appoint a Building Inspector:
The by-law was enacted on March 10, 2025 to appoint Ashley Osmar to the position of Building Inspector/Provincial Offences Officer. We understand that the appointment is intended to provide support to the Township when the full-time building inspector is not available.
Full content of the by-law can be accessed via a link provided in Section 11.2 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on March 10, 2025. The Agenda is located on the Township’s website.
By-law #007-2025: Adoption of Personnel Policy:
The Township has adopted a formal, written personnel policy to govern relations between the Township and its employees. This by-law gives legal force to that policy.
Full content of to the Policy Manual can be accessed via a link found in Section 11.3 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on March 10, 2025. The Agenda is located on the Township website.
By-law #008-2025: Appointment of Deputy Clerk:
The by-law was enacted to appoint Angelique Cardinal to the vacant Deputy Clerk position with the Township. Angelique has extensive experience in municipal administration, most recently with the County of Frontenac.
Content of the by-law can be accessed via a link provided in Section 11.4 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on March 10, 2025. The Agenda is located on the Township website.
END of COUNCIL BUSINESS
Other Items:
Township offers Spring Clean-Up Wood Chipping Service:
In response to the recent ice-storm, The Township will be offering a wood chipping service to Howe Island residents on the following dates:
- Thursday April 24
- Friday April 25
- Saturday April 26
The service is being offered by appointment only. To book an appointment please contact Mike Quinn:
Email: mquinn@frontenacislands.ca
Tel: (613) 531-1250
The service is restricted to brush material only and diameter cannot exceed 8 inches at the stub end. Further detail can be found on the Township website on the New & Notices page.
END OF BRIEFING NOTE