What was old news is back on the table... one more time
Posted Jul 1, 2010 By Margaret Knott
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Tweet ThisEMC News- Howe Island resident, Norm Vincent re-introduced the possible preservation of the island's abandoned North Shore 1892 school house at the well attended June meeting of Frontenac Islands council on Howe Island.
"Looking around this room there are descendants from 1840, 1850 and 1860, all interested in Howe Island and we have the opportunity to purchase the old school at a very reasonable price with the land," Vincent said at the same time acknowledging the presence of Wilf Garrah from the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board who had in hand a copy of the school's deed. The board is the present owner of the former SS #1 St. Mary's School/ Howe Island Fire Hall.
"The preservation of this building is absolutely paramount for this community in its present location as a museum, meeting place for a historical society, recreational committee and all others interested in meeting there. While funds are always a factor," Vincent continued, "there are funds available both provincially and federally once we have a designation of this building. We already have talented people willing to help restore it."
The preservation of the old school for its historical and heritage value came up originally around the time of building the new Fire Hall and was debated at a number of council meetings with what appeared to be little interest from the public according to Mayor Vanden Hoek . "This has been debated at the council table at a number of meetings. We indicated if there was interest (by May 31st ), we were prepared to listen but we did not get an overwhelming response.
Vincent who has taken on the development of a HI Historical Society has received positive information and guidance from the Ontario Historical Society as well as the Ontario government. "Howe Island is one of the very few communities in Ontario that does not have a Heritage or Historical Society. This is a win win opportunity for Howe Island and Frontenac Islands as a whole," he said noting that the building is in very good shape, (new roof, septic system, leeching bed). Vincent referred to a Frontenac Islands purchase of a building on Wolfe Island now designated as 'The Old House Museum'. "Hopefully this assistance is available to Howe Island at a much lower cost." (It should be noted that following the purchase of the land and building on Wolfe, the building was given over to the island's Historical Society and the township separated itself from the development and operation of the Old House Museum.)
In the discussion that followed, Councillor Mat Fiene noted a resurgence of interest in the school house, "after a couple of runs at this", while Councillor Norris dispelled any comparison between Howe Island's request and the WI purchase."The WI building was worth nothing but the waterfront property it is on, right in the village is very valuable ,"Norris said. "We gave you 6 or 7 months to come up with a proposal and costs and to show us where money could come from and no one ever came back to us," he added.
Speaking in support the Howe Island project were Geoff Hobbs, Shelagh MacDonald and Terry Botten who read from a Howe Island Ratepayers Association (HIRA, Oct. 2009) report citing delays in moving ahead at that time, as there was no one group tasked to do it, while now a Historical Society is under developing along with community support. "This island issue requires an official committee," Botten added.
Frontenac Islands staff will request a further 6 month extension from the school board to discuss their offer and to organize a sub-committee under the Howe Island Culture and Recreation Committee to investigate all aspects of the proposal to retain the old school as part of Howe Island's heritage.
In other Business:
Howe Island resident Louise Watson was not happy with the lack of information islanders had regarding a recent military exercise held on private island property. "We fully support the military exercise but we are not happy with council's lack consultation with residents and no information other than a small sign on the ferry... Someone told us it was on private property and it had nothing to do us, but I think it did. " (The exercise included early morning gun fire and a road blockade.) "The small sign was not enough, perhaps notification through the mail next time."
Military exercises on Wolfe and Howe have been fully supported by council. "We have taken a supportive role regarding the military and will continue to do so," Mayor Vanden Hoek commented "But if it is a matter of communication then indeed we will attempt to do a better job in the future."
2. Overnight camping, approved one night only August 7th to Aug. 8th at the Wolfe Island Community Centre Grounds during Music Fest. As well, a Vendors Village is permitted on the Grounds on August 7th.
3. Councillor Doyle brought forward: a) WIBTA's proposal for a (year round) road closure at the end of Victoria St. (the area has 2 public washrooms including a public dock), m and a possible mini park. This item was deferred to the July meeting. Neighbours on either side to be consulted. b) He noted a need for a multi approach to prevent further vandalism at Big Sandy Bay. Doyle will seek further advice from the OPP. c) Unfinished road work is creating hazards for cyclists. Doyle suggested road conditions should be posted on the web site since no dates are yet available for road work completion.
4. Councillor Norris is opposed to any more payments for Howe Island road work until road WORK IS DONE. "There are problems that must be resolved," he said.
5. The next Frontenac Islands Amenities agreement public consultation facilitated by Robert Wood, Sacred Heart school, Thursday July 8th, 6:30 pm. Council meets next on Wolfe Island, Mon, July 12th, 6:30 pm
Around Town:* Congratulations to Don Roblin recipient of the J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Award presented at the Marysville Public School Grade 8 graduation. *Congratulations to Everett & Denise. *The Stone Heron Gallery is now open for another season.* Euchre continues Thursday's 7pm WI.United Church Hall. *Saturday Evening Mass 5pm through July & Aug. Sacred Heart Church. *Ferry Traffic heavy all the time these days.
COMING EVENTS:
* WI Classic Road Race (5k-10k) Sunday, July 4th at 9:30 a.m. *FOBSB Book sales July weekends. *Taste of WI Market Friday's 12:30 pm.
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