Gananoque council briefs: Lion statue approved, locum grant awarded

A cement lion statue will soon take its place in Lions Park after Gananoque council approved a motion at its May 20 meeting directing staff to work with the Lions Club of Gananoque on its installation.

Rodger Gollogly, a member of the club, appeared before council with the request to install the statue at the park, located at Wilson Drive and King Street East. Council supported the proposal, which adds a symbolic feature to the well-used community space.

Also during the meeting, Jeff Johnston, the town’s manager of parks and recreation, was recognized for completing the Parks and Recreation Management Certificate program through York University. Council commended Johnston for his professional development and commitment to the community.

Council also approved a bylaw to amend the town’s general fees and rates bylaw to remove, in its entirety, an item related to fees for brush, leaf, and yard waste disposal at the public works yard. A final bylaw will be brought forward for formal passage on June 3.

In an effort to support local health-care services, council passed a motion to award a physician locum grant to the Greenwood Medical Centre in the amount of $16,000. The funding adheres to the town’s established policy, providing 40 per cent of eligible expenses for locum coverage, up to a 40-day limit.

Mayor John Beddows also gave notice that a public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on June 3 regarding a proposed Class III development permit for 250 Wilson Drive. The application involves relocating a building to the south side of the property to support before-and-after school care as well as summer programs.

The next regular meeting of council is scheduled for June 3.