Growing feline colony, multi-unit residential policy among items discussed at Aug. 25 council meeting
Resident Rebecca Graham spoke to council, raising concerns about the growing cat colony in Centreville. She said the colony currently consists of about 25 adult cats and 6 kittens.
“It is going to continue to grow until some action is taken,” said Graham, noting that most of the cats are feral and unable to be homed.
Graham said that the scenting left by the male cats is causing odour issues for local homes and businesses, and that the cats also pose a risk to the daycare and school children.
Graham said she has been working with volunteers and organizations to explore options for proactively controlling the growing population and requested that the District support a collaborative, community-based Trap-Neuter-Return program.
After discussion, council recommended that Graham confirm costs and other funding sources, recruit additional community members to assist with the Trap-Neuter-Release program, and develop a long-term strategy for District of Carleton North. At that time, the council will consider the information.
Multi-Unit Residential Development Incentive Policy
The council voted to adopt a new Multi-Unit Residential Development Incentive Policy. “We feel it’s important that we offer incentives to multi-unit residential buildings,” said CAO Amy McIntosh. While an incentive was already in place, McIntosh said it needed to be changed to meet allowable parameters.
The new Multi-Unit Residential Development Incentive Policy (ED-03) is designed to encourage the construction of new multi-unit residential developments and the conversion of existing buildings into additional residential units by offering up to $4,000 per eligible unit, to a maximum of $50,000 per development.
Community park and playground survey results
The District of Carleton North conducted a public survey to gather community input on the proposed playground project, which will be located at the R.G. “Bun” Veysey Active Living Centre.
CAO Amy McIntosh explained that the district received 246 responses, which she said was “great to see.” McIntosh said the survey responses indicated that the playground would primarily be used by children under 12, with many families hoping to visit weekly or more often. The most requested playground equipment was a multi-use climbing tower, followed by an obstacle course, swings, balance features, and inclusive play elements. Residents also said they would like picnic tables, shade trees, landscaping, and appropriate waste receptacles.
The preferred design aesthetic was natural and rustic, with poured-in-place rubber surfacing. Other comments expressed interest in accessible pathways, water refill stations, and washroom access. The community also expressed strong interest in supporting fundraising efforts.
Council advised that it will use the feedback as the project moves into the design phase.
PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
Councillor Angel Connor read a letter received from the Inflamed Brain Alliance requesting that the District participate in World PANS PANDAS Awareness Day. This day is designated to raise awareness of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections; both are difficult-to-diagnose neuroinflammatory conditions.
Council voted to support the initiative and, on Oct. 9, will light the Andrew & Laura McCain Library and Art Gallery in green as part of the #LightUp4PANS campaign.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Councillor Ryan Dickinson read a letter from Prostate Cancer Canada asking the district to participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in September. The letter advised that prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among Canadian men, and awareness helps promote education and early detection.
The council voted to support the initiative by lighting up the Laura & Andrew McCain Art Gallery & Library, the Florenceville-Bristol Town Office, the Bath Town Office, and the Western Valley Multi-Plex in blue during the week of Sept. 14-18.
