Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee council gave the green light to a green project, approving L&A County Stewardship Council’s proposed little forest.
Council made the decision at their May 28 meeting, granting the use of approximately three per cent of the green space located next to J.J. O’Neill Catholic school on Marilyn Avenue. The green space has been discussed regularly at council over the last several months, first as potentially being sold to the neighbouring school as part of its expansion. Council ultimately decided to hang onto to the surplus land. In April the Stewardship Council proposed the idea of a tiny forest, which would see the painting of several native plant species in a small cluster on the plot.
In a report submitted to council it was noted the forest would have no direct cost to the town, however there may be indirect costs during the installation process.
Council voted in favour of going ahead with the forest with Dave Pinnell Jr. abstaining from the vote.
-Greater Napanee declared June as Pride Month.
They did so in response to a deputation from Greater Napanee Pride chair Chris Beauchesne.
“The acknowledgement isn’t just a formal gesture but a profound declaration of our town’s commitments to inclusivity and acceptance. Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the courage and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” Beauchesne told council. “Celebrating this month helps educate our community, fosters empathy and strengthens our collective commitment to a society where every individual is respected and valued irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Council also voted to declare June as Seniors Month as well as recognizing June 9 to 15 as National Blood Donor Week.
-Jimmi’s Italian Kitchen, located at 35 Jim Kimmett Blvd. has been granted an outdoor patio license running to Sept. 30.
-Continuing with its ongoing process of developing a method to regulate short-term accommodations (STA), council directed staff to prepare a report for a future meeting. The report will focus on a draft licence that will promote health and safety concerns for STAs, minimize barriers to licensing for small operators and create a framework that supports the use of seas for residential use.
-Pinnell Jr. made note of an open house coming up June 20 at 6 p.m., hosted at 99 Advance Ave. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide an update to residents on the official plan. All our welcome to attend.
A rendering of the playground equipment that will be installed at South Fred.
-Combining a pair of different options, council approved a $22,000 expenditure for a new playground at South Fred Hall. This structure will replace the one that was removed last year after it failed a safety inspection.
-Greater Napanee has agreed to extend the Deseronto Transit pilot project to March 31, 2025, entering an agreement with the Town of Deseronto. Launched in January, the bus route connects Greater Napanee to Belleville with several stops in-between.