January Report

pproderick9
Feb 4
7 min read

January 4th Naming Ceremony Brookland Arena

January 5th Committee of Adjustment

January 13th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting

January 18-20 Rural Ontario Municipal Association

January 27th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting

January 4th Naming Ceremony Brookland Homes Arena

I was thrilled to take part in the naming ceremony for the Brookland Homes Arena. A generous contribution from the Armitage family will be recognized through the naming of the arena. Representatives from throughout the township participated in this event.

January 5th Committee of Adjustment

Minor Variance Approved – 390 County Road 6:

Received the staff report and approved increasing the height of a detached accessory building from 4 m to 6.5 m, with the variance applying only to the submitted drawings.

Permission Approved – 9600 South Shore Road:

Received the staff report and approved the expansion of a legal non-conforming dwelling, subject to adherence to submitted drawings and obtaining required permits from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.
No Negative Impacts Identified: Staff determined the dwelling expansion will not adversely affect neighbouring properties, Lake Ontario, or natural hazard conditions, and supports continued residential use.

Technical Consents Received:
Received the report outlining technical consent applications approved through staff’s delegated authority.

You can view the Committee of Adjustment meeting and view the full Committee of Adjustment Agenda Package at

https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2257

January 13 Loyalist Township Council

🌟 Key Decisions & Updates

Closed Session Update

Council reviewed a private matter about a resident on MacDougall Drive.
They approved a 12‑month repayment plan for outstanding charges, as long as all payments (past and future) are made on time.
If payments are missed, interest will be added to the remaining balance.

📊 Presentations to Council

Blackline Consulting presented the new IT & GIS Master Plan, outlining future technology improvements for the Township.
Alto High Speed Rail shared information about a proposed new passenger rail service.

📝 Major Items Council Considered

Financial & Administrative

Approved the 2026 Temporary Borrowing By-law (allows short-term borrowing if needed).
Increased the Ward Boundary Review budget by $40,000 and pushed the full review to 2027.
Passed a resolution responding to proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.
Supported an AMO resolution related to OMERS governance.

Technology & Staffing

Adopted the IT & GIS Master Plan.
Approved hiring a new IT Business Analyst in 2026.

Grants & Capital Projects

Accepted an additional $162,023 in Green Municipal Funding.
Increased the 2026 capital budget by the same amount for Condition Assessments & Energy Audits.
Authorized the Mayor and CAO to sign the related grant agreement.

Infrastructure & Roads

For Durham Street, Council chose Design Alternative #2.
Directed staff to update the Parking By-law to allow on-street parking on North Street.
Approved obtaining an easement from the School Board to support winter maintenance.

🎨 Committee of the Whole – Arts, Culture & Heritage

Consultant Annalee Adair led a discussion on the Arts, Culture & Heritage Master Plan.
Committee members provided feedback, which staff will incorporate into the next draft.

📚 Consent Agenda (Routine Approvals)

Annual update on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
Approved minutes from:
- Dec. 9, 2025 Council & Committee of the Whole
- Dec. 4, 2025 Heritage Committee

📜 By-laws

All by-laws passed at this meeting are available on the Township’s 2026 By-laws page.

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=2239

January 18th-20th Rural Ontario Municipal Association AGM

The main message was that rural municipalities are under growing pressure without the funding tools needed to keep up.
ROMA called for a reset in the provincial–municipal relationship and more predictable long‑term funding.
Key issues included infrastructure renewal, transportation safety, housing shortages, healthcare access, and workforce challenges. Broadband and energy capacity were also highlighted as essential for rural growth.
The Province announced a new intake of the Rural Economic Development Program to support local economic resilience.
Our Loyalist Team met with Parliamentary Assistants to discuss local issues including transportation and development.

January 27 Loyalist Council in Brief

⭐ Key Decisions

1. Physician Recruitment Support Approved

Council agreed to:

Sign incentive agreements with four physicians: Dr. Jameel, Dr. Munir, Dr. Falusi, and Dr. Adeluyi.
Set aside up to $20,000 from the Working Fund Reserve in 2026 if additional funding is needed.

This continues the Township’s efforts to attract and retain family doctors for the community.

See the bottom of the page for more information.

2. Road Allowance Adjustment on West Street

Council passed a by-law officially adding a small piece of land (Part 11 on Plan 29R‑11394) to the public road system as part of West Street. This is an administrative step that helps clarify property boundaries and road ownership.

📋 Consent Agenda (Routine Items Approved Together)

Council received or approved:

Year 1 status update on the Housing Accelerator Fund Workplan (progress on housing-related initiatives)
Building Activity Reports for November & December 2025
Minutes from the January 13, 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings

📜 By-laws

All by-laws passed at this meeting are available on the Township’s 2026 By-laws webpage.

📅 Upcoming Council Meetings

February 10, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

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=2240

January 28 Cataraqui Conservation AGM

Board Leadership Confirmed: Paul Proderick (Loyalist Township) was elected Chair and Gary Oosterhof (City of Kingston) was elected Vice Chair for 2026.
Board & Committee Appointments (IR‑003‑26): The Board confirmed appointments to the Full Authority Board, standing and ad hoc committees, and partner organizations.
Policy & Administrative Approvals (IR‑004‑26 to IR‑006‑26):
- Affirmation of statutory approvals for Health & Safety and Workplace Violence & Harassment policies.
- Receipt of the General Manager’s monthly progress report, including key meetings and legislative updates.
- Recommendation to appoint the auditor for the 2026 fiscal year.
Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop Update (IR‑007‑26): The Board received information on the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop Partnership Project.

With Dianne Doyle and David Ellingwood recognizing

Dianne's 15 Years of service with CRCA

I wish to give a shout out to our Loyalist Township Emergency Services as well as Lennox & Addington Paramedics and the OPP for their continuing service to our community. This past month has been a very trying one with several incidents that taxed all to the max. Loss off property and more importantly loss of life takes a toll on all who serve us. Condolences go out to the family and friends of our young community member who perished in the fire on Millhaven Road.

Family Day Fun for the family

Join us on February 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre for an action-packed afternoon filled with FREE activities! Join us for a day of fun and spend some quality time together on Family Day! Hosted in partnership with the Lennox & Addington Public Libraries.

There will be a Public Skate in the newly renamed Brookland Homes Arena - kindly sponsored by Lynn Wyminga & Lorna Willis, REMAX Finest Realty Inc. Brokerage, with two ice times from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Activities at the Library

Come Out and Play Trailer Games
Tattoo Station
Colouring and Lego Stations
Live streaming of the Olympics
Photobooth - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Face painting

At 2:30 the Amherstview Jets will play their last home game before the playoffs begin vs Picton.

Loyalist Township Welcoming 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.

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

https://www.loyalist.ca/en/living-in-loyalist/transit-service.aspx

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.

https://www.loyalist.ca/en/living-in-loyalist/emergency-alerts-codered.aspx

Check out the following link to find to sign up for the townships twice monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox.

https://www.loyalist.ca/subscribe/

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

January 4th Naming Ceremony Brookland Arena

January 5th Committee of Adjustment

January 13th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting

January 18-20 Rural Ontario Municipal Association

January 27th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting

January 4th Naming Ceremony Brookland Homes Arena

I was thrilled to take part in the naming ceremony for the Brookland Homes Arena. A generous contribution from the Armitage family will be recognized through the naming of the arena. Representatives from throughout the township participated in this event.

January 5th Committee of Adjustment

Minor Variance Approved – 390 County Road 6:

Received the staff report and approved increasing the height of a detached accessory building from 4 m to 6.5 m, with the variance applying only to the submitted drawings.

Permission Approved – 9600 South Shore Road:

Received the staff report and approved the expansion of a legal non-conforming dwelling, subject to adherence to submitted drawings and obtaining required permits from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.

No Negative Impacts Identified: Staff determined the dwelling expansion will not adversely affect neighbouring properties, Lake Ontario, or natural hazard conditions, and supports continued residential use.

Technical Consents Received:

Received the report outlining technical consent applications approved through staff’s delegated authority.

You can view the Committee of Adjustment meeting and view the full Committee of Adjustment Agenda Package at

https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2257

January 13 Loyalist Township Council

🌟 Key Decisions & Updates

Closed Session Update

Council reviewed a private matter about a resident on MacDougall Drive.

They approved a 12‑month repayment plan for outstanding charges, as long as all payments (past and future) are made on time.

If payments are missed, interest will be added to the remaining balance.

📊 Presentations to Council

Blackline Consulting presented the new IT & GIS Master Plan, outlining future technology improvements for the Township.

Alto High Speed Rail shared information about a proposed new passenger rail service.

📝 Major Items Council Considered

Financial & Administrative

Approved the 2026 Temporary Borrowing By-law (allows short-term borrowing if needed).

Increased the Ward Boundary Review budget by $40,000 and pushed the full review to 2027.

Passed a resolution responding to proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.

Supported an AMO resolution related to OMERS governance.

Technology & Staffing

Adopted the IT & GIS Master Plan.

Approved hiring a new IT Business Analyst in 2026.

Grants & Capital Projects

Accepted an additional $162,023 in Green Municipal Funding.

Increased the 2026 capital budget by the same amount for Condition Assessments & Energy Audits.

Authorized the Mayor and CAO to sign the related grant agreement.

Infrastructure & Roads

For Durham Street, Council chose Design Alternative #2.

Directed staff to update the Parking By-law to allow on-street parking on North Street.

Approved obtaining an easement from the School Board to support winter maintenance.

🎨 Committee of the Whole – Arts, Culture & Heritage

Consultant Annalee Adair led a discussion on the Arts, Culture & Heritage Master Plan.

Committee members provided feedback, which staff will incorporate into the next draft.

📚 Consent Agenda (Routine Approvals)

Annual update on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Approved minutes from:

Dec. 9, 2025 Council & Committee of the Whole

Dec. 4, 2025 Heritage Committee

📜 By-laws

All by-laws passed at this meeting are available on the Township’s 2026 By-laws page.

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=2239

January 18th-20th Rural Ontario Municipal Association AGM

The main message was that rural municipalities are under growing pressure without the funding tools needed to keep up.

ROMA called for a reset in the provincial–municipal relationship and more predictable long‑term funding.

Key issues included infrastructure renewal, transportation safety, housing shortages, healthcare access, and workforce challenges. Broadband and energy capacity were also highlighted as essential for rural growth.

The Province announced a new intake of the Rural Economic Development Program to support local economic resilience.

Our Loyalist Team met with Parliamentary Assistants to discuss local issues including transportation and development.

January 27 Loyalist Council in Brief

⭐ Key Decisions

1. Physician Recruitment Support Approved

Council agreed to:

Sign incentive agreements with four physicians: Dr. Jameel, Dr. Munir, Dr. Falusi, and Dr. Adeluyi.

Set aside up to $20,000 from the Working Fund Reserve in 2026 if additional funding is needed.

This continues the Township’s efforts to attract and retain family doctors for the community.

See the bottom of the page for more information.

2. Road Allowance Adjustment on West Street

Council passed a by-law officially adding a small piece of land (Part 11 on Plan 29R‑11394) to the public road system as part of West Street. This is an administrative step that helps clarify property boundaries and road ownership.

📋 Consent Agenda (Routine Items Approved Together)

Council received or approved:

Year 1 status update on the Housing Accelerator Fund Workplan (progress on housing-related initiatives)

Building Activity Reports for November & December 2025

Minutes from the January 13, 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings

📜 By-laws

All by-laws passed at this meeting are available on the Township’s 2026 By-laws webpage.

📅 Upcoming Council Meetings

February 10, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Received the staff report and approved increasing the height of a detached accessory building from 4 m to 6.5 m, with the variance applying only to the submitted drawings.