February Report
- pproderick9
- Mar 5
- 7 min read
February 5th Committee of Adjustment
February 10th CRCA Meeting
February 10th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 17th W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Fundraising Committee
February 24th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 25th Full Authority Board Meeting
February 5th Committee of Adjustment
Minor Variance Approved for 817 Maple Road
The Committee of Adjustment reviewed an application from the property owner seeking permission to increase the height of a proposed detached accessory building at 817 Maple Road. The request asked for the maximum height to be raised from 4 metres to 5.5 metres.
Planning staff recommended approval, noting that the proposal meets the Official Plan, aligns with the Zoning By-law, and represents an appropriate and low‑impact use of the property. All agency and departmental feedback was positive, and no concerns were identified.
The Committee approved the variance with one condition: the approval applies only to the specific building design submitted with the application.
This decision supports a development that fits the character of the area while maintaining compatibility with neighbouring properties.
You can view the Committee of Adjustment meeting and view the full Committee of Adjustment Agenda Package at
February 10th CRCA Meeting
I met with a representative of KPMG Auditors to review the policies and procedures of the authority for our annual report to the board.
February 10th Council & Committee of the Whole
Delegation
Lindsay Nash from Quinte Conservation presented an update on their application to the Green Municipal Fund’s Growing Canada’s Community Canopies program. The initiative focuses on expanding tree canopy coverage across local communities. Quinte Conservation requested a municipal support resolution to strengthen their grant submission.
Council Decisions
Council approved the requested municipal support resolution and directed staff to provide Quinte Conservation with any information needed to complete the application.
Consent Agenda
Council approved the following items:
Minutes from the January 27, 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meeting
Minutes from the January 29, 2026 East Lennox and Addington OPP Detachment Board meeting
You can view the highlights from the Council and Committee of the Whole meeting and view the full Council Meeting Agenda Package at: https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2241
February 17th W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Fundraising Committee
The committee appointed Denyse Dorr as Chair and Jennifer Shea as Vice‑Chair for 2026.
The committee adopted the minutes from October 2025 and received a major update from BNP Goldie Canada, who reported that the fundraising campaign has raised about $1.1 million toward a $2 million goal, exceeding the original feasibility estimate of $900,000. Committee members praised their progress.
Campaign Chair John Armitage noted that the campaign may extend beyond 2026 and that community momentum remains strong.
CAO Rebecca Murphy outlined next steps, including shifting administrative work to an internal staff team, planning a September 2026 grand opening tied to the facility’s 50th anniversary, and continuing bi‑weekly meetings with canvassers. Most major donor prospects are already secured.
The committee discussed canvasser recruitment, resource limitations, donor recognition ideas, and promotional opportunities at Township events.
After reviewing its mandate, the committee agreed that most fundraising work now rests with the Campaign Cabinet and voted to recommend dissolving the committee.
February 24th Council & Committee of the Whole
Presentations
Joe Gratton received his Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) accreditation, presented by CAO Rebecca Murphy.
Integrity Commissioner John Mascarin presented his report on Code of Conduct Complaints 2025‑01‑A and 2025‑01‑B. https://loyalist.civicweb.net/FileStorage/B6BF37736F7E4D5AA1D537992777E2C0-Final%20Report%20-%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20Complaints%202025-01-.pdf
Council Decisions
Naming Rights Agreements Approved
Concourse: J. Harrison Excavation & Pipeline Ltd. and Creekford Development Company Ltd.
Roundabout: Bayridge Landscaping Inc.
Sports Field: Barr Homes
2025 Audit Planning Letter approved for signing by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Lighthouse Park Licence Agreement approved for a five‑year term with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with an option to renew for an additional five years.
Committee of the Whole Updates
Election Sign By-law: Committee reviewed proposed updates, focusing on sign limits on private property and the first day signs may be installed. Staff will revise the draft and return it to Council.
Historic Settlement Signage: Committee provided feedback on sign size, terminology, colour, design and locations.
Consent Agenda
Minutes from the February 10, 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings
Minutes from the February 17, 2026 W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Fundraising Committee
January 2026 Building Activity Report
By-laws
All by-laws approved at this meeting are available in the 2026 By-laws section.
You can view the highlights from the Council and Committee of the Whole meeting and view the full Council Meeting Agenda Package at: https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2242
Next Meeting
March 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
February 25th Full Authority Board Meeting
Key Highlights
1. Governance & Administration
January 28, 2026 AGM minutes were approved, confirming Paul Proderick as Chair and Gary Oosterhof as Vice Chair for 2026.
Standing and Ad Hoc Committee appointments for 2026 were endorsed, including Budget Review, Personnel, Facilities, and Planning & Permitting Committees.
Statutory administrative approvals reaffirmed the Health & Safety Policy and Workplace Violence & Harassment Policy for 2026.
2. General Manager’s Monthly Progress Report (February 2026)
No new provincial information regarding conservation authority consolidation or the proposed Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.
Winter recreation at Little Cataraqui Creek continues with strong participation.
Staffing updates include: near-complete hiring of a Development Officer, a vacancy created by the resignation of a Resource Planner, and seasonal recruitment for Maple Madness and Nature Camp.
Upcoming events include Maple Madness (March 7–March Break) and the Alto High-speed Rail consultation (March 4).
3. Development Review Activity Report – 2025
631 total files processed: 300 Planning Act applications and 331 O. Reg. 41/24 permit applications.
Activity levels decreased compared to the previous five years, consistent with mid‑year trends.
Plan review service met municipal timelines 73% of the time; permit review met provincial timelines 87.5% of the time.
Permit volumes have returned to pre‑pandemic levels.
4. Financial Items
2025 Year-End Reserve Transfers approved, including discretionary and obligatory allocations to Locally Supported Services, Stabilization, Fleet, and Cataraqui Trail reserves.
Capital Variance Report received:
Two projects required amendments (Maple Madness upgrades; deep-water boat purchase).
20 capital projects closed as recommended.
5. New & Ongoing Projects
2026 Invasive Phragmites Control Project created, anticipating a third grant and continued multi‑municipal collaboration.
Alto High-speed Rail Project Consultation received; potential corridor routes may intersect watershed features, including the Cataraqui Trail.
6. Partner & Community Updates
Friends of Lemoine Point minutes (January 12, 2026) received, noting nursery operations, volunteer recruitment, and ongoing monitoring of provincial restructuring discussions.
7. Staff Recognition
Dianne Doyle – 15 years of service.
Jim Barber – 10 years of service.
Overall Summary
The February 25, 2026 meeting focused on operational continuity, year‑end financial housekeeping, development review trends, and preparation for major public‑facing events and consultations. The Board continues to monitor provincial restructuring while advancing core watershed protection, recreation, and community engagement programs.
Loyalist Township Has Welcomed Three New Family Doctors
People who do not currently have a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect, a program that helps connect patients with family doctors accepting new patients. Three new physicians are required to give priority to Loyalist residents.
It is expected that all three family physicians will have their practices established between now and March 2026.
How to Register with Health Care Connect:
Call: Dial 811 or 1-800-445-1822 to speak with a nurse who will guide you through a short series of questions.
Online: Register quickly and easily at Health Care Connect.
Learn More: Visit the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ontario Health Team webpage for additional details about the registration process.
In addition to these three new family doctors, another family doctor will be assuming a role with the Loyalist Family Health Team for a retiring doctor.
Loyalist Township remains committed to supporting residents in accessing quality health care close to home.
W.J. Henderson Revitalization Campaign
After 50 years of serving our community, it’s time to revitalize the W.J. Henderson Community Centre. This project represents a major investment in the health, well‑being, and future of our region.
Community support remains essential to bring this generational project fully to fruition. Please consider supporting the campaign by making a contribution to help us reach our Community Fundraising Campaign Goal! For more information go to:
Want to share an idea or opinion with Council? Share your ideas or opinions with Loyalist Township Council by emailing clerk@loyalist.ca The official record of Council is contained in the Council minutes, available on the CivicWeb Portal. Please refer any further questions to the Clerk’s Division clerk@loyalist.ca
Engage Loyalist is a place to learn about and give feedback about Township projects and initiatives. Go to https://engage.loyalist.ca to participate.
For more information about transit including routes and schedules go to the following link
Lennox & County Council agendas and minutes can be found at https://lennoxandaddington.civicweb.net
Our county representatives are Mayor Hedagorn and Deputy Mayor Townend who can be contacted for County issues.
CamSafe
Registering your camera with CamSafe allows the OPP to locate cameras that may be of assistance in addressing a crime instead of going door to door in a neighbourhood looking for info. This is a totally volunteer program which is available to all residents and no cost and can be withdrawn from at anytime. For further information go to https://camsafe.ca/
Loyalist Township uses the CodeRED notification system to help us get important messages to you quickly when an emergency is happening. CodeRED is a notification system you can sign up for. When you subscribe you will get alerts about emergencies and other important situations happening near you. We can deliver alerts to you by phone, text, email, or TDD for the hearing impaired, depending on what you choose. To sign up go tp the following link.
Check out the following link to find to sign up for the townships twice monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
For information on the Cataraqui Conservation Authority and its programs go to the following link https://cataraquiconservation.ca/
On air with CJAI 101.3 Amherst Island Radio in the 8:00am-10:00am time slot on Tuesday Morning from the Bath Studio. Spinning some tunes interspersed with some local talk. If you know of any potential guests in the area who may wish to join me drop me a line! On the internet at cjai.ca
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