Nackawic-Millville Council discusses varied issues at July 20 meeting
Members of the Nackawic-Millville Council reviewed a letter from a concerned Nackawic resident regarding off-road vehicle usage on Landegger Drive.
The letter writer noted he’s seen many people use this street to access the waterfront. He stated that most drive slowly down the street, but certain individuals seem to think it’s their private speedway, including dirt-bike riders.
The concerned citizen said they sometimes travel fast up and down what he calls the busiest street in Nackawic on their rear wheel. He feels that a couple of strategically located cameras could go a long way to solving the problem and felt it is time the town did something to curb these problems.
CAO Kathryn Clark contacted off-road enforcement to have a presence in town and conduct enforcement. Mayor Tim Fox asked for the email to be forwarded to the local RCMP. He also suggested that larger signage than the current “no ATV access” signs would be more noticeable.
Request to plant an oak tree by cenotaphs
Council reviewed a letter from Patricia Lawson regarding the Season of Creation, which is observed in various ways from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 each year. She said that Jim Landry, a horticulturist from Saint John, has possession of acorns from Vimy Ridge in France.
The letter went on to say that Jim’s grandfather fought and died during WWI at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and that Jim has honoured him by visiting his grave at Vimy. She said the acorns Landry collects are planted and nurtured in Saint John, and he volunteers to plant the saplings around the Maritimes.
Landry would like to come to Nackawic on Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. The letter stated that he has planted oak saplings at cenotaphs in various regions, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 27 is receptive to such an occasion in Nackawic.
Landry also shares a friendly, informative, personal story while planting the oak sapling, honouring both the success of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the lives lost, with the peaceful hope that the oak tree represents strength and wisdom as it grows, standing tall, powerful, and timeless with patient endurance.
The letter asked for permission to plant an oak sapling near the cenotaph in Nackawic, honouring the commitment to both caring for the life of all nature during this Season of Creation and the hard-fought, successful Battle of Vimy Ridge by Canadians.
A motion was made by Councillor Steven Meldrum and seconded by Councillor Stephen Ouellet to allow an oak tree to be planted in Nackawic and also to request one for the Millville Cenotaph. The motion was passed. Mayor Fox said he visited Vimy Ridge in 2014 and it was amazing.
Funding request for the Vial of Life program
Affinity Care Services submitted a proposal to council requesting financial support from the town to launch the Vial of Life Program for residents within the community.
The Vial of Life Program is an emergency preparedness initiative that provides individuals, particularly seniors, those living alone, and people with chronic medical conditions, with a clearly marked envelope that stores vital medical information, typically on their refrigerator.
The letter stated that emergency responders are trained to look for the accompanying decal and can quickly access critical information such as medical conditions, medications, allergies, emergency contacts, and physician information when every second counts.
Total funding requested is $520 for 500 units. Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane has some questions regarding frequent changes to medical information that need to be updated, where else this program is being done, and the town’s liability. He would like to learn more about it.
Mayor Fox said it is a really good idea and worthy of the council’s consideration, given the community’s demographics. Council requested that Affinity Care Services attend a council meeting to make a presentation and allow council to get more detail and ask questions.
Tender awarded for Route 105 left-turn lanes
Council awarded Dexter Construction Company Limited the tender for the Route 105 left-turn lanes project for $627,000 plus HST.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is funding a portion of this project for left-turn lanes on Route 105 under the Provincial-Municipal Highway Partnership (PMHP).
