Body: Environmental Task Force
Type: Minutes
Meeting: Committee Meeting
Date: 2025
Collection: Committees and Task Forces
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/north-frontenac/Committees and Task Forces/Environmental Task Force/Notes/2025/Environmental Task Force - 30 Sept 2025 - Minutes.pdf)
Document Text
North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes September 30, 2025
Environmental Task Force Minutes 9:00 AM - Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Council Chambers
Present:
Deputy Mayor John Inglis (Acting Chair); Councillor Fred Fowler; Paul
Asselin; and Marlene Spruyt
Absent with Regret:
Councillor Roy Huetl; Ange Defosse; Bruce Moore; Katie Surra; and
Mike Ward
Also Present:
Tara Mieske, Clerk/Planning Manager, Dipl.M.A. Dipl.M.M., and
Darwyn Sproule, Public Works Manager, P. Eng.
Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 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 noted.
Environmental Task Force Notes
a) Notes of the Environmental Task Force Meeting dated August 26, 2025 as approved via email and being provided to Council for information at the September 18, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council.
No comments.
Business Arising
a) Quarterly Newsletter - Fall Edition and Draft Winter Edition
The Task Force discussed the quarterly newsletter. It was the consensus of the Task Force the topic of the fall newsletter would be recycling and suggested the following topics: Page 1 of 3
North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes September 30, 2025
What is recyclable and how it is done? Items that can’t be recycled (i.e. styrofoam, soft plastic) and options to limit/replace these items. Blue Box transition in January – Province to set consistent recycling policies across the Province – information will be added to the Township’s website. Concerns with microplastics.
b) Work Plan Update
Battery Storage Opportunities - John Inglis, Paul Asselin and Marlene Spruyt The Task Force discussed the public comments being received regarding the BESS project. The Task Force felt more consultation and education is required to assist the public with being informed about the benefits and risks around the project. Asselin is going to prepare additional FAQs to address some of the comments. It was noted the decision of Council at this stage is in principal only. The Task Force discussed the additional testing and consultation that will be required if the project is supported by the Township and approved by the IESO. This will include a full formal approval process including an environmental impact assessment, archeological assessment, noise assessment, etc.
Net Metering - John Inglis, Paul Asselin and Marlene Spruyt The PWM advised based on direction from Council the assessment of the roof at the Township municipal complex and fire hall are being completed. Once completed a report will be provided to Council on the finding and any retrofit requirements. Asselin noted if the Treasurer requires any additional information while reviewing the financial details he is available to assist.
Invasive Species - Roy Huetl, Fred Fowler and Mike Ward No update.
Septic Inspection Programs - Bruce Moore, Katie Surra, Roy Huetl and Fred Fowler Staff is completing research in preparation for a report to Council on mandatory inspections at the time of sale.
Short-term Rentals - Bruce Moore, Katie Surra, Ange Defosse and John Inglis Moore provided a document to the Sub-Committee from Marilyn Boston and John Campbell on ideas for By-law wording. The draft will be reviewed and modified by the Sub-Committee and presented to the Task Force for consideration at the November meeting. It was suggested the draft be reviewed by the Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) to discuss the impacts of a potential By-law on tourism and economic development. It was the consensus of the Task Force that once reviewed by the Task Force it could be provided to the EDTF for discussion.
c) Updated Terms of Reference - Milestones and Council Procedural Policy for Task Force Amendments Page 2 of 3
North Frontenac Environmental Task Force Minutes September 30, 2025
The updated Terms of Reference were discussed. It was the consensus of the Task Force no further updates were required.
New Business None.
Adjournment
a) Meeting adjourned at 10:02 a.m. until October 28, 2025.
Recommendation Be It Resolved That Council receives for information the Notes of the Environmental Task Force dated September 30, 2025.
Councillor Roy Huetl, Chair
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