March Report
- pproderick9
- Apr 7
- 9 min read
March 5th Committee of Adjustment
March 9th & 16th ALTO High‑Speed Train Project
March 10th Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Meeting
March 10th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 17th W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Fundraising Committee
March 24th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 25th Full Authority Board Meeting CRCA
March 5th Committee of Adjustment
🏡 Applications Reviewed and approved
1291 Neil Road – Severance (1766849 Ontario Inc.) • Proposed to divide an existing rural property to create one new lot.
2331 Empey Road – Minor Variance (Jim & Tammie Perry) • Requested relief from zoning provisions to accommodate planned improvements on the property.
1485 Rose Road – Severance (David Wood) • Sought to sever a portion of the property to establish a new lot consistent with rural land‑use policies.
252 Main Street, Odessa – Sign By-law Minor Variance • Requested permission for signage that does not fully meet the Township’s sign by-law requirements.
You can view the Committee of Adjustment meeting and view the full Committee of Adjustment Agenda Package at
March 9th & 16th ALTO High‑Speed Train Project
I met with Members of Parliament Michael Barrett and Scott Reid for a brief on the proposed project the discussion was quite robust and common themes are summarized below.
High Project Cost and Uncertain Local Benefit
High‑speed rail requires major investment of 90 billion dollars.. If the route or station locations don’t directly serve Loyalist, the township may see limited return despite being affected by construction or land‑use changes.
Impacts on Land and Communities
A new rail corridor could affect rural properties, farms, and established neighbourhoods. Residents may experience noise, construction disruption, or land acquisition depending on the final alignment.
Ridership and Long‑Term Viability
If ridership projections fall short, service levels could be reduced over time, limiting the economic benefits for communities along the route.
Environmental and Habitat Concerns
Rail corridors can fragment natural areas, affecting wetlands, woodlots, and wildlife movement. Mitigation measures—such as crossings or habitat restoration—would be essential to reduce ecological impacts.
To add your input on this project go to https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail
March 10th Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Meeting
I attended this session which outlined the consolidation process as the government moves to nine conservation authorities
The provincial governments goal in this change includes:
No change to environmental protections—floodplains, wetlands, rivers, and shorelines will continue to be protected
Conservation Authority services will continue, including flood protection, watershed management, and trail access
Permit processes are expected to become more consistent and predictable across communities
Local voices will still matter, with new Watershed Councils ensuring local and Indigenous input
No disruption to current permits, applications, or agreements
Overall, these changes are intended to make the system easier to navigate, improve flood‑risk management, and better support growing communities—while continuing to protect Ontario’s natural environment.
Under this plan our authority would become to the Eastern Lake Ontario RCA serving a much larger area and Loyalist would lose a seat on the board as representation would move to the County of Lennox & Addington. There are many unanswered questions still pending on this process.
March 10th Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting
🔒 Rise & Report
Council met in Closed Session to receive legal advice related to the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre construction project. In Open Session, Mayor Hegadorn reported that Council provided staff with direction on the financial information presented.
🗣️ Statutory Public Meeting – 24 Park Crescent (The Windsor)
Council held a Public Meeting regarding a Zoning By-law Amendment that would allow the existing retirement residence to offer interim medical‑care accommodations.
Residents raised concerns about:
Parking pressures
Traffic flow and safety
Sidewalk use and congestion
Council directed staff to obtain a legal opinion and return with a follow‑up report on March 24, 2026.
📝 Items for Consideration
Council approved or supported the following:
Naming Rights Agreement Authorized the Mayor and CAO to execute a Gift Agreement with Dig’N Dirt Ltd. for naming the Atrium.
Budget Reallocation Reallocated $105,200 from the capital budget to the operating budget, funded through the working fund reserve.
Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Adjustments Approved reallocating HAF resources to proceed with rezoning work for the Township’s surplus Church Street land in Bath, supporting affordable and purpose‑built housing.
Leisure & Activity Centre Closure Approved the closure of the Centre and consolidation of recreation programming into the W.J. Henderson Community Centre, effective August 1, 2026. I opposed this motion.
Ferry Operations Subsidy Authorized submission of the Township’s Petition for Subsidy for ferry operating costs.
Support for Kingston Health Sciences Centre Redevelopment Endorsed the City of Kingston’s Resolution #2026‑32 supporting prioritization and funding for the redevelopment project.
🏛️ Committee of the Whole
Deputy Clerk Gillian DeMille led a discussion on the proposed Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy. Committee members sought clarification on how the policy applies to:
Campaign materials
Websites
Social media use
📂 Consent Agenda Highlights
Council received and approved the following reports and items:
2025 Annual Reports for Drinking Water Systems, Sanitary Collection System, and Sewage Treatment Facilities
Election Signs By-law
Appointment of Jesse Collings as Deputy Treasurer
Community Grant Committee Minutes (Feb. 26, 2026)
2026 Community Grant Allocations
Organization | Amount Approved |
Amherst Island Agricultural Society | $55,568 |
Amherst Island Recreation Association | $10,000 |
Bath Gardening & Horticultural Society | $4,938.30 + $2,668.73 in‑kind |
Ernestown Barracuda Swim Club | $10,000 |
Live Music Sunday | $6,810.88 + $3,189.12 in‑kind |
Loyalist Township – Community Garden | $15,000 |
Loyalist Township – Tree Initiative | $24,000 |
Family Physician Recruitment Incentive | $60,000 |
Neilson Store Museum & Cultural Centre | $3,000 |
Food Sharing Project | $10,000 |
Amherst Island Public School | $100,000 |
Waterside Summer Series Music Festival | $1,760 |
To review this meeting in full go to https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2243
📅 Upcoming Meetings
Council & Committee of the Whole: April 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. April 28, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
March 24th Council & Committee of the Whole
🔒Rise and Report
In Open Session, Mayor Hegadorn reported that during Closed Session:
Council received information and provided direction to staff regarding Zoning By-law amendment decision implications.
Council received a verbal update on the Kingston Area Taxi Commission.
Council provided direction to staff regarding the 2026 Civic Awards. Staff will notify recipients, and names will remain confidential until all awardees have been contacted.
🗣️ Presentation
Thomas Hart, Executive Director of Patient Care & Deputy Chief Nursing Executive at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, delivered a presentation on services and operations at the Transitional Care Unit at The Windsor, supported by a slide deck.
📝 Items for Consideration
Council received the 2026 Spring Strategic Plan Update and confirmed no further priority changes for the remainder of the term.
Council delegated authority to the Director of Finance/Treasurer to finalize remaining Gravel Pit Appeals, with a follow-up report to be provided once complete.
Council approved Hot2Trot’s Noise Exemption request for various dates from April–October 2026.
Council approved Zoning By-law Amendment D14-012-2024 and enacted By-law 2026-8, permitting an Alternative Health Facility and adding site-specific provisions within the R6-1 Zone.
Council also directed staff to review the Parking By-law to consider timed parking restrictions on Park Crescent.
Council approved an extension of draft plan approval for the Lakeview Subdivision to April 24, 2029, deeming the change to conditions minor.
Council passed By-law 2026-12 to remove the holding symbol for Lakeside Ponds Phase 2 Stage 4.
Council approved a Capital Budget increase to $59,400,000 for the W.J. Henderson Community Centre Renewal, with operating budget proposals to return in the 2027 Operating Budget.
Council authorized staff to replace T2505 through the LAS/Canoe program, funded from the Fleet Reserve Fund in the amount of $200,000.
Council adopted a municipal support resolution for an application to the FCM Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, supporting development of an Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Council authorized the Fire Chief and CAO to execute the Transfer Payment Agreement for a $69,419 Fire Protection Grant, to be used for cancer prevention equipment.
🏛️ Committee of the Whole
The Committee reviewed and discussed the draft Loyalist Township Social Media Policy, focusing on:
Eliminating public commenting
Reporting on public opinion statistics
Protecting the Township from reputational risk related to employee social media activity
The Committee recommended that Council adopt the new Social Media Policy and repeal the existing 2016.10.10 policy.
📂 Consent Agenda
The following items were received or approved:
Council and Committee Remuneration & Expenses (Year Ended Dec. 31, 2025)
2025 Annual Achievement Report
County of Lennox & Addington Official Plan Comprehensive Review
Building Activity Report – February 2026
Minutes of the March 10, 2026 Council & Committee of the Whole Meeting
By-law 2026-13 – Appointment of Sylvie Garabedian as Deputy Clerk
To review this meeting in full go to https://loyalist.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=2244
📅 Upcoming Meetings
Council & Committee of the Whole: April 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. April 28, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
March 25th Full Authority Board Meeting CRCA
🔄 Provincial Amalgamation Proposal
Ontario has proposed merging Cataraqui Conservation with six neighbouring conservation authorities to form a new Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority. This update outlined the key elements of the provincial plan and its potential implications for local watershed management.
🏛️ Amalgamation Process Working Group
The Board reviewed terms of reference for a new Amalgamation Process Working Group. This group would guide discussions, planning, and coordination related to the proposed regional restructuring.
📋 General Manager’s Monthly Update – March 2026
The General Manager provided updates on:
Recent inter‑agency and municipal meetings
Staffing changes and recruitment
Legislative and regulatory developments affecting conservation authorities
This monthly report is intended to strengthen communication and transparency.
🐦 Lemoine Point Bobolink Habitat Restoration
The Board considered a recommendation to retain Ducks Unlimited (Conservation Pro Division) to support habitat restoration for the Bobolink, a species at risk. Approval is sought for services and expenditures up to $140,000 for restoration work at the south end of Lemoine Point Conservation Area.
🌱 2026 Afforestation Program
Cataraqui Conservation is preparing for its 2026 tree‑planting season. Staff requested approval to secure planting and tending services from Sustainable Resources Forestry, Fisheries & Environmental Services Inc., with an option to extend the contract for up to five years. The request also includes approval of expenditure limits for forestry services and products.
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.
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! Our family has committed https://www.wjrenewal.ca/updates/the-proderick-familys-donor-story and there are many ways to commit, 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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