Hartland amends land RDC funding request for Rockland Road development project
During a regular meeting at the Hartland town hall on Tuesday, May 13, the Hartland council approved a motion to submit an amended Regional Development Corporation pre-construction grant application to cover 40 percent of a $65,500 Rockland Road pre-construction project.
Director of Communication and Development Michelle Derrah told the council RDC had received a previous water and wastewater application requesting 75 percent funding of the $275,000 total for the pre-construction project.
“That was submitted and then RDC came back and asked us to resubmit our application to reduce the scope for a phase one project in the $60,000 range at 33.3 per cent to 40 per cent,” said Derrah.
Derrah said it would be provincial funding, after which the town could submit a second phase for the balance of the project at 83.3 per cent.
“They’re asking us to split it up,” said Derrah. “They think it might be an easier [application] to approve and get moving faster if we made it a little bit smaller.”
Council approves slew of community, recreation and education grants
Hartland Council passed motions for several grant requests, including a residential development grant to Brad Dickinson for $4,386.48 over four years; $5,500 toward Covered Bridge events on New Brunswick Day; $1,250 to help Scene Promotions promote a music show;
The town will continue its education grants for Hartland Community School graduates. Council approved a $3,500 education grant that includes a $1,000 Leader of Tomorrow award, two $500 awards, and $50 for each 2025 graduate.
Also receiving funding is the town’s sports and recreation program. Council ratified an application of $4,700 to provide basketball nets and basketball sets for the recreation department and $4,000 through the New Brunswick Sport and Recreation Program for activity tables, sports balls, life jackets and staff training.
Director of Facilities and Operations John Nigro told the council the importance of the town’s youth having resources that encourage physical play, particularly through the department’s aquatics program and day camp.
“The equipment we have for these areas lack in terms of quality and quantity and we wish to provide more to use this summer as swimming lesson registration increases due to us having a facility,” said Nigro. “We are anticipating an increase in swimming registrations and we have increased our maximum for day camp as well.”
Council applying for beautification project funding
Council approved an application to the Community Investment Fund (CIF) for a community growth initiative stream of $15,000 to go toward the town’s $20,000 beautification project.
Derrah said town staff came up with a submission for flowers, hanging baskets, replacement of decorative light posts, line painting at the library and tourist information bureau parking lots, and hedges around the town’s historic cemetery and swimming pool.
Derrah said the maximum CIF can fund is 75 per cent, and the town has already budgeted $5,000 toward beautification.
“If approved we would be able to expand on what was already budgeted,” said Derrah.
Western Valley Panthers moving back to Hartland
The Junior C Western Valley Panthers hockey team is returning to Hartland after playing home games at the Ayr Motor Centre in Woodstock in recent years.
Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant told the council she met with Western Valley Panthers hockey team members and town staff on April 23. DeMerchant said the team took a tour of the Day & Ross Community Centre and expressed interest in playing their games at the new complex.
“We want to welcome the Junior C Western Valley Panthers to Hartland,” said DeMerchant. “[We are] so glad to have them here.”
The mayor added that the team was excited to return to Hartland.
Coun. Lee Patterson noted they drew big crowds when the team played at the former Hartland arena.
“I think our community will welcome them back with open arms,” said Patterson.
High Octane BBQ Barbecue and Catering chosen to run arena canteen
Hartland council ratified a motion for High Octane BBQ Barbecue and Catering to be the Day & Ross Community Centre canteen operators for the next year.
The business will be paid at a monthly rate of $200 per month in the summer and $600 per month in the winter season.
Third and final reading of amended bylaw for regular meetings
Hartland council had its third and final reading for an amended bylaw to change committee as a whole meetings to regular council meetings.
Council had discussed the matter at its previous two meetings, citing the inability to make motions at committee meetings as the reason for the change.
With the bylaw amendment completed, every second Tuesday of the month will now be a regular meeting.
