Body: Environmental Task Force
Type: Minutes
Meeting: Committee Meeting
Date: June 24, 2025
Collection: Committees and Task Forces
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/north-frontenac/Committees and Task Forces/Environmental Task Force/Notes/2025/Environmental Task Force - 24 Jun 2025 - Minutes.pdf)
Document Text
North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes June 24, 2025
Environmental Task Force Minutes 9:00 AM - Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Council Chambers
Present:
Councillor Roy Huetl (Chair); Deputy Mayor John Inglis; Councillor Fred
Fowler; Paul Asselin; Bruce Moore; Marlene Spruyt; Mike Ward; and
Katie Surra (Electronic Participation)
Absent with Regret:
Ange Defosse
Also Present:
Tara Mieske, Clerk/Planning Manager, Dipl.M.A. Dipl.M.M., and Brooke
Drechsler, Deputy Clerk/Assistant to the Planning Manager, Dipl.M.A.
Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
Traditional Land Acknowledgement We begin this gathering by acknowledging and celebrating these traditional lands as a gathering place of the first peoples and their ancestors who are entrusted to care for Mother Earth since time immemorial. We do so respecting both the land and the Indigenous People who continue to walk with us through this world. Today, the Township of North Frontenac is committed to working with Indigenous Peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof None.
Environmental Task Force Notes
a) Notes of the Environmental Task Force Meeting dated May 27, 2025 as approved via email and received for information at the June 12, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council.
Business Arising
a) Work Plan Update
- Battery Storage Opportunities - John Inglis, Paul Asselin and Marlene Spruyt The FAQ sheet prepared by the Sub-Committee has been reviewed by Alectra who confirmed the information is appropriate and is ready to be included on the Township’s website.
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North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes June 24, 2025
Councillor Huetl advised the first step in the process is to complete the public consultation. Council has instructed the Clerk’s Department to work with Alectra on the public consultation process. The Task Force suggested two public meetings should be held for the project as this is a very important topic. People need to complete research and weigh the risks and benefits, including looking at situations where there were bad outcomes and see if these risks can be mitigated.
Deputy Mayor Inglis inquired about the contract with Alectra. Council instructed the Public Works Manager to work with Alectra on the contract. It was suggested questions regarding the contract be directed to the CAO while the Public Works Manager is away. Some Task Force Members felt it would be beneficial to have a Solicitor or consultant with expertise in this field to review the contract.
Surra asked if this would fall under a Class EA. Councillor Huetl advised several studies would be required and they would be the responsibility of Alectra. This step follows the public consultation process.
The Task Force requested the Clerk/Planning Manager to research the recent project in Ottawa to see what concerns were raised by the public. This may assist the Task Force in preparing for the public consultation.
- Net Metering - John Inglis, Paul Asselin and Marlene Spruyt
Deputy Mayor Inglis advised Council did not approve the project at the Council meeting and requested the Task Force review the proposal and provide more details. The Task Force supports the project and feels it is worth pursuing further.
The Task Force discussed additional information that could be provided to Council to assist them with their decision making. This included a more detailed business plan, review of the roofs’ integrity and maintenance requirements, how the existing system will be addressed, construction costs, etc. The Task Force also discussed opportunities for financial or installation support. Asselin advised he would complete the additional research and review it with the Sub-Committee.
The Task Force discussed the best approach to provide the information to Council. They felt a presentation may be more effective than just providing a report. The Task Force decided Asselin would prepare a presentation for Council at the August 28, 2025 Council Meeting. This approach would allow Council to ask questions about the proposal.
- Invasive Species - Roy Huetl, Fred Fowler and Mike Ward Councillor Huetl advised they are working setting up the meetings with the Province and Addington Highlands Township.
Following her presentation Meghan Ward provided information to Councillor Huetl and Moore to share with the lake associations. Ms. Ward, along with colleagues Page 2 of 4
North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes June 24, 2025
from Trent University, are planning to attend Summerfest to provide education to the public on invasive species. Councillor Huetl is going to contact Ms. Ward to see if she is agreeable to sharing the information provided on the Township’s website and social media.
Septic Inspection Programs - Bruce Moore, Kate Surra, Roy Huetl and Fred Fowler Councillor Huetl advised the Sub-Committee is working on the information to assist with drafting the report regarding the Mandatory Septic Inspection By-law. This information will be provided to the Task Force at the July 29, 2025 Meeting.
Short-term Rentals - Bruce Moore, Kate Surra, Ange Defosse and John Inglis Deputy Mayor Inglis advised Council approved the Task Force continuing to investigate the Short-term Rentals.
Moore advised the Sub-Committee will review the information they have collected and look at the impacts of Short-term Rentals and how these can be addressed including noise, overloading septic systems, housing impacts, etc.
The Task Force recommended the Sub-Committee include other people in their discussions (i.e. Economic Development Task Force) with respect to the economic impact. Also, it was recommended they look at options to create a system that could benefit the Short-term Rental owners.
b) Quarterly Newsletter - Summer Edition
The Clerk/Planning Manager will provide the draft document to the Task Force by email for review. Once reviewed, it will be provided to the public on the Township’s website and social media.
New Business
a) 2025 Voluntary Septic Inspection Program
A package regarding a Voluntary Septic Inspection was sent to selected residents based on specific criteria. The package includes details on the program and allows the property owner to schedule an inspection. This information is being provided to the Task Force so the Task Force and North Frontenac Lake Association Alliance can help promote the voluntary program.
Adjournment
a) Meeting adjourned at 10:12 a.m. until July 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
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North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes June 24, 2025
Councillor Roy Huetl, Chair
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