Skate, swim and read
Library supports tiny new lending branch at Sunny Life centre
The Trent Hills Public Library is trying to encourage reading by adding public lending libraries where people can share their books.
The first take-a-book-lend-a-book kiosk was unveiled on Wednesday in the main lobby at the Sunny Life Recreation & Wellness Centre.
This kiosk was purchased by Charles and Joanne Elliott after they saw a similar one in Cobourg and thought it was an idea that should spread north. In fact, they had the fellow who built the Cobourg kiosk make this one.
“We hope to add kiosks at the Hastings Field House and other spots,” said Graeme Peters, Chief Librarian and CEO.
The Sunny Life unit has two shelves and the plan is to have one for adult books and one for kids.
In other library news, the new electronic sign has been installed at the Hastings branch and is communicating information to drivers as they stop at the busy corner.
“It’s great to finally have the sign operating,” said Skye Morrison, member of the library board and a volunteer who in the past has updated the manual sign dozens of times.
In other YMCA news, the Lost and Found table in the lobby is quite full. I think the busy summer programs have resulted in lots of water bottles and other things left behind.
Also, I was surprised to see that the ice is in at the Sunny Life centre and several skaters were zipping around when I was there. The municipal website says it’s closed for the season, but I guess that season is over.
Rain ends ban on burning
The Northumberland County-wide burn ban that was imposed on August 6 has ended.
“Based on significant rainfall, cooler temperatures and more rain in the forecast the county-wide open-air burn ban has been lifted in Northumberland County, effective immediately,” the county said in a news release.
“Residents are reminded to follow their local municipal open-air burning by-laws and to always use extreme caution when performing open-air burns.”
You can apply for a burn permit on the municipal website.
Short-term rental plan still under development
It’s been 14 months since council asked staff to prepare a revised policy on short-term rentals, since the version that was suggested in spring of 2024 was opposed by owners hoping to rent and neighbours unhappy about loud parties.
That version was take 2 on a policy for short-term rentals — better known as Airbnbs and VRBOs. Such rentals are currently illegal in the municipality but there are dozens listed online.
I recently asked Planning Director Jim Peters and Planner Cameron Law about the issue and they said they hope to have a recommended policy before council by November, so it can be approved and in place for next year.
It’s likely the new plan will be modelled on the approach taken two years ago by Kawartha Lakes that charges property owners licensing fees of up to $1,500 a year and has a 24/7 monitoring system so residents can report any noise or other complaints.
“We have established a 24/7 monitoring service to ensure that short-term rental operators promptly address any issues at their properties within 30 to 60 minutes,” the municipal website says. “Both guests and STR owners/operators may incur fines for various violations of the new Short Term Rental By-Law. Violations related to parking, noise, pets and waste will result in fines for guests. Guests are the responsibility of owners and owners will face fines, inspection fees and demerit points for each infraction, potentially leading to losing their licence.”
In addition to licensing fees, some municipalities have imposed an accommodation tax paid by guests.
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