Municipality tackles speeding, budgets, and a leaky pool during session
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant opened the regular meeting of Hartland council on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Women’s Institute Hall in Coldstream. Council worked through a long agenda that included speeding on Route 104, tight finances, roadwork, and even a leaky pool at the arena.
Coldstream Hill back in the spotlight
Anyone who drives the hill into Coldstream knows the spot: a blind curve, a steep grade, and driveways too close to the road. Council heard once again that it’s a recipe for disaster.
The town has reopened the file with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) and is waiting for feedback. Data from the portable speed sign will also play a part. On Route 103, the sign recorded nearly 2,000 cars in a single week. Most stayed near the limit, but a few hit 75 in a 50 zone. Councillors said the results showed fewer speeders than expected, but warned that even a handful pose a risk.
At the bottom of the hill, Janet Brewer of the ColdStream Convenience Store said the danger is plain to see.
“I’ve seen an accident right out front here. I’m surprised there isn’t more. People come down that hill so fast, and transports, big trucks, get a run at it. I’ve had customers come in talking about the speed.”
Budgets under pressure
Treasurer Tina Pelkey’s update showed rising costs. By July 31, public works were $30,000 over budget due to snow and plow costs. Streetlight and solid-waste expenses are climbing, too.
Recycling is down. The Western Valley used to keep close to ten percent out of the landfill. Now it’s closer to five, and that means higher disposal costs for the town.
The town managed to trim $51,500 from its 2025 deficit projection. Starting in 2026, two new provincial funding programs will launch—one tied to fiscal capacity, the other promising at least $50,000 a year for infrastructure. Council heard that the province says numbers should be ready by fall, just before the Nov. 15 budget deadline. Pelkey added that a decision to freeze property assessments might cost Hartland as much as $200,000.
Roadwork and sidewalks
Public Works Director Jed Giberson said paving at the Route 105/Route 575 intersection should start in mid-September. A 150-foot stretch of sidewalk on Main Street, between 360 and 362, is also set to be rebuilt.
The “Welcome to” signs at the edges of town — including the ones for Coldstream and Brighton — had to be repaired after staff found they’d only been sunk eight inches into the ground. Two signs, the Hartland and Lower Brighton, have already been fixed. Staff are now working through the remaining issues after the original vendor failed to return and correct the job.
The portable speed sign — bought with grant funding that Communications and Development Director Michelle Derrah secured — will be moved near the school.
Community pool leaking
Council heard that by late summer, the community pool near the Day & Ross Community Centre was losing about six inches of water every two days. Staff are draining it carefully to check if the leak is a surface seal or something deeper. Council said the town needs an answer before winter to ensure the pool can open next summer.
Community and grants
Hartland athletes once again brought home the Western Valley Regional Games banner. The town also secured a $202,948 Jumpstart grant for helmets, curling gear, and skate aids, allowing kids to borrow necessary equipment.
“No one should miss out because they don’t own the equipment,” noted Derrah.
The Regional Development Corporation approved $61,320 for upgrades to Town Hall, the library, and the pavilion. July’s permits added $1,595,620 in construction value, bringing the year’s total to $6,248,220 so far.
Fire calls and emergency planning
Interim Fire Chief Roy Reid said it had been a busy month — several arsons, a vehicle fire, and even a serious moose crash on Route 105. Hartland firefighters also supported Woodstock during a restaurant blaze.
Council learned that a generator is being installed at Town Hall so it can serve as a warming or cooling centre during emergencies. CAO Julie Stockford said the plan still needs improvement, especially on how to reach residents without internet. She said it may take boots on the ground, going door to door.
