Wolfe Island Wind Farm money again a topic for discussion by residents
Posted Jul 15, 2010 By Margaret Knott
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - "How does this present process tie in with the many priority setting meetings held in the past," Wolfe Island resident Linda Van Hal asked of Frontenac Islands Mayor Jim Vanden Hoek. The question came at the outset of a 2nd consultative meeting with facilitator Rob Wood, of 8020Info, regarding possible uses of the WI Wind Farm 'amenities agreement' money. "Will we ever get back to establishing priorities for the township as a whole?" The second meeting was held to offer summer residents in particular, and those who were unable to attend the first meeting in January, an opportunity to be involved in the consultative process.
Mayor Vanden Hoek agreed that priority setting had been going on for at least 10 years noting an original list of priorities which included water for Marysville, opening Big Sandy Bay, opening the canal, a community centre. "Three quarters of that list is in play now, which is not a bad record for municipal government, and there have been at least two updates with Brian Ritchie, (OMAFRA) and supplementary work with Patrick Thomson regarding the community hall and the Community Centre board. The mayor added that all the information gathered at this time and over the years will be for the benefit of the next council. "A summary, weaving it all together so that nothing is forgotten, will be part of the report ," he added.
Facilitator Wood added that that the materials handed out at the January meeting contained the many ideas and priorities weeded out from other meetings. "We got to all this by looking at what we have done in the past," he said as he began a quick review of the January meeting
The list of priorities handed out at that time, was rated by participants, not as poll or survey but weighted as: not appropriate, OR: could, should, must be considered. "The materials handed out tonight list the top 18 'must be considered' results. My goal with this smaller group meeting is to capture all of your comments about the use of money and any new ideas."
He pointed out that at the first meeting residents had added ideas about leveraging the money, developing a 5 year plan, avoiding duplication of purpose, short and long term projects, costs and sustainability of projects, governance and overall management of the money. Were there new ideas expressed at this second meeting?.
For starters, Greg Caldwell talked about quick and easy projects (easy to do with a high pay off). Maureen brought forward the idea of a commercial kitchen in a multi purpose community facility. W. Knott suggested that the township consider mitigation for road damage. Keith Walton questioned why the wind farm revenue is described as a special fund. "It is just another lump of money coming into the township to be administered by council," he said. "That's their job," he said. "Could there be a management sub committee regarding the extra funding to provide continuity," Norma O'Shea asked.
Mixed governance aligned with the township, was another thought. But Walton was adamant that the use of the funds remain with the township (accountability/liability)
There is support for a scholarship fund administered by a foundation. Ken Keyes sees wisdom in a 20 year administered 'Frontenac Islands Fund' with the township annually designating one third of the monies received. Sustainability of projects is key he said, noting particularly planning for operating costs.
A concern that monies would be used for normal road work rather than special projects drew an intervention by Mayor Vanden Hoek. He reminded residents that until recently there was not enough tax base (revenue) coming into the municipality to pay for basic infrastructure work creating a fairly severe infra structure deficit "The amount of tax revenue that stayed on Wolfe Island last year was about $750,000 .There are 40 miles of highways and many miles of side roads. There are years ahead of us to bring the roads up to a basic standard," he said.
Further discussion centered around cultural and heritage projects, light house protection, a vibrant village "as our only cluster" and competitive business centre of the community, supporting needs of seniors and kids, water and sewer...Wi-fi at ferry terminals.
Facilitator Wood in summary noted the new ideas, (commercial kitchen, mitigation of the road damage, light house protection, infrastructure, fleshing out ideas, council's responsibility to manage funds, cultural /heritage initiatives and a focus on Marysville) and will present his report in the very near future. By the way the top priority continues to be for multi purpose community facility.
The long-term amenities agreement, established that Frontenac Islands will receive $7,500 per year for each of the 86 turbines, $645,000 in total with growth, for the next 20 to 40 years.
AROUND TOWN:
August is shaping up to be another busy month on Wolfe Island. Lots of events are planned.* The ferry lines continue long and hot. *Road work underway with Reeds Bay Rd. now' tembined'. Rd. #96 still a disaster. *With roadwork nearing completion, cyclists are being reminded of the "Taste of Wolfe Island Farm Tour on Sunday Aug. 29th. * There will be an all day Taste of Wolfe Island " Farmers Market on Sat. July 30th during the annual Family Ball Tournament. Taste of Wolfe Island is a not-for-profit community association formed to promote food grown and produced on Wolfe Island as well as culinary tourism.Regular Friday markets begin at 12:30 pm
COMING EVENTS:
Frontenac Islands Open House & Public meeting will be held to consider revisions to the Official Plan. The open house will be held at the St. Philomena Hall, Howe Island from 5-8 pm. On Thurs. July 29th. The Public meeting will be held Thurs. Aug.5th at Sacred Heart school at 6:30 pm. *Friends of Big Sandy Bay Book Sale continues every weekend in July at the WI Old Fire Hall * WI Family Ball Tournament 25th Annual Family Ball Tournament, Aug. long weekend. *Wolfe Island Music Festival Aug, 6th &7th For Info, tickets: www.wolfeislandmusicfestival.com * Scene of the Crime writers festival Sat. Aug, 14th for more information www.wolfeisland.com (go to Crime Writers Festival).
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