The County of Frontenac is one of the smallest Counties in Eastern Ontario in terms of population (26,600) but one of the largest in terms of area (3,200 km²).

• It would take more than 2 hours to drive from one end of the County to the other.
• The density of the population ranges from a 16 residents square kilometre in South Frontenac to 1.4 residents/km2 in North Frontenac.
• Most of the communities are small, rural and isolated.  None have populations in excess of 1,500 residents.

The population continues to grow.  The growth rate ranges from 2.6 to 13.7% over the last five years.

• In 2001, less than 11% of the population in South Frontenac was 65 or older.
• More than 50% of the population in North Frontenac was over the age of 53 and 27% was 65 or older
• The percentage of young adults (20-34) without a high school education declined over a five year period from 1996 to 2001.
• The percentage of population with trade papers exceeded the provincial average in every township and every age group.
• The percentage of young adults with a college certificate, diploma or other degree exceeded the provincial average in every township.
• Average full-time income ranged from $22,894 in the North to $41,371 in the South.  The average for Ontario was $47,299.
• The main source of income for residents in the South was from employment (>70%).
• The percentage of income from other sources (i.e. government, pension and self-employment) increases with distance from the urban fringe.

Community and Social Services are provided by various agencies throughout the Frontenacs.

• Under a Local Service Re-alignment (LSR) agreement, the City of Kingston delivers social services including Ontario Works, Child Care and social housing to the residents of the Frontenacs on behalf of the County of Frontenac.
• Local service delivery agencies include Rural Visions, Northern Frontenac Community and Social Services and Northern Connections.
• The Frontenac Employment Resource Centre provides job search support for residents of the County.

Last year, all of the Frontenac townships were officially designated under the ‘Underserviced Area Program’ of the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.  A total of 11 family physicians or general practitioners are required to meet the service ratio of 1 doctor for every 1,380 residents.

Areas of Growth

• Retirees
• Seasonal Residents

Challenges

• Accessibility
• Critical mass
• Municipalities are the largest local bodies, representing the community, with the most diverse talent pools and often assume the role of change advocate by default.