Sarah Williams
For the Beaver
On Feb. 13, Bob Baker, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Lennox and Addington (CFLA), made a presentation to the Town of Greater Napanee Council. The purpose of this presentation was to update council on the important work of this foundation.
Baker pointed to the financial benefit of the CFLA, with this organization having 39 funds. Since 1987, CFLA distributed $1.6 million within the community, with $710,680 going toward student awards. Of note, the foundation is a volunteer-driven charity led by a board of community minded leaders. Other financial projects include building endowment funds.
There are many facets that make a community, and the CFLA supports many of these, from arts and culture to social services and environmental awareness. Other sectors they support include: sports and recreation, seniors’ care and service, education and lifelong learning, heritage awareness for preservation, youth support and development, and health and wellness.
Baker also pointed out there are four different types of funds: General Community Fund, Donor Directed Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Emerging Funds. These aim to connect “the generosity of donors with the energy and ideas of people and charities that address community needs.”
In other news, Councillor Bill Martin and the Greater Napanee Heritage Committee brought forward a proclamation request, calling upon community members to reflect on the unique heritage of the Town of Greater Napanee. The proclamation itself, which was approved, states February 19-24, 2024 will be recognized as Heritage Week.
Providing context, the request states that, since 1974, the third Monday every February has been identified as Heritage Day in Canada. In 1985, the Ontario government designated the third week in February as Ontario Heritage Week, with the federal Heritage Day kicking off the week.
Martin spoke to his proclamation request, encouraging everyone to explore the rich heritage of Greater Napanee.
“As council’s sitting member on the Heritage Committee, I want to encourage people to explore our past and unique area. We have many historic structures and examples of beautiful architecture. For Heritage Week, I think everyone should get out and have a look around,” implored Martin. “We have many examples of places of historical value…such as our town hall, where Canada’s first prime minister gave his last political speech. I invite people to get out, soak up the history, and remember where our roots began and what made us who we are today.”
Mayor Terry Richardson concurred with Martin, noting the rich heritage of the area is invaluable.
“We are a community rich in heritage and we should celebrate it because we really do have something that can’t be replaced-something a lot of other municipalities would yearn to have,” said Richardson.
After some discussion regarding flag and proclamation policies during the Jan. 30 regular council meeting, staff provided council with a report and recommendations. In this, council was provided two options for policy revision. Option One includes allowing banners to remain free but limiting the places they can be used, while Option Two places a service fee on banners but they would be available in more locations.
Council was also given the option to provide alternate direction to staff.
Staff recommend council adopt Option One.
As per the report, staff are concerned that Option Two would create a situation where community visibility and participation is based on ability to pay.
Staff also note that public art and recognition of special events are widely agreed to provide local benefits, including an improved sense of belonging, ownership, and civic pride. The ability to participate and be recognized in civic celebrations is an important part of supporting a healthy and engaged community.
With respect to flagpoles, Richardson proposed a slight change to designated flagpole areas and suggested a new flagpole be erected with anticipated town hall renovations in the spring.
“With respect to our flags, flagpole locations, I’m wondering if we could tweak this so, rather than using the municipal recreation complex could we use the No.1 Fire Hall? I think, due to its location, it might be a more appropriate location,” stated Richardson. “Further to that, we only have one flagpole attached to town hall. I’d like to see that flagpole removed soon and, with the work done to town hall this spring, maybe some real flag poles be put up in the downtown complex.”
As Chair of the Market Advisory Committee, councillor Dave Pinnell informed the mayor that committee will “most definitely” be looking at bringing a report back on flagpoles at Market Square.
After some discussion, a motion was passed to bring back a finalized draft report on proposed amendments to the flag and proclamation policies for the next regular council meeting on Feb. 27.