Carleton North Collaborative Care Clinic update
At the March 10 council meeting for the District of Carleton North, Andrea Waugh, Primary Health Care Manager for the Carleton North Allied Health Team, gave an update on the Collaborative Care Clinic in Florenceville-Bristol. The clinic currently features three family practitioners, as well as other allied health personnel, including a registered nurse, a respiratory therapist, a registered dietician, a social worker, and a diabetes educator. The clinic also hosts a weekly women’s health clinic.
Waugh told the council that the clinic is facing some challenges, including how to navigate “unattached patients” who do not currently have a primary care provider but need one. She noted that, despite the challenges, they will “not deny anyone.”
Another challenge Waugh mentioned was space. She told councillors they are actively exploring solutions in the district to create more office space. The other ongoing challenge is recruitment, though Waugh said she is hopeful that the new Talent Acquisition Consultant being hired for the Upper River Valley will help with that.
Mayor Andrew Harvey stressed that they are “eager partners” and want to be an active participant in the recruitment process.
“In cities,they host lunches and receptions [for prospective hires]; we need to play in that world,” said Harvey.
Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law passed
The council offered the official second and third readings of the new District of Carleton North Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law, which were officially adopted after the final readings.
Mayor Andrew Harvey thanked CAO Amy McIntosh, Assistant Clerk Rayma Rediker, and the council members for their dedication and hard work in finalizing the documents.
“This was two years in the making,” said Harvey. “We had a lot of public feedback…[and] it is a living document; it can always be amended.”
The documents can be found in their entirety on the District of Carleton North website at: https://carletonnorth.com/district-of-carleton-north-municipal-plan-and-zoning-by-law/
Rim Road expansion approved
The council voted to approve the final subdivision plan entitled “Mountain View Packers Ltd. Subdivision Creating Commerce Drive” extension, prepared by Dale M. MacFarlane Land Surveying Ltd.
Mayor Harvey noted that the expansion will allow for more commercial development in the Florenceville area.
Municipal election nominations open Monday, March 23
Mayor Harvey let councillors know that nominations for the upcoming municipal election will open on Monday, March 23 and close on April 10. Information on nominating a candidate can be found at the Elections NB website: https://www.electionsnb.ca/content/enb/en/representatives/municipal-candidates.html
“Democracy is a great thing,” said Harvey. “We encourage people to participate in the process.”
Councillor Ryan Dickinson echoed Mayor Harvey’s sentiments.
“If you feel like you want to help or make a difference in your community, then get out and participate,” he said.
Dental Hygienist Week
Councillor Angel Connor shared a letter received from the NB Dental Hygiene Association, asking for the District’s support for Dental Hygienist Week, April 4-10.
The week aims to “highlight the importance of maintaining good oral health practices while helping Canadians to understand the vital role dental hygienists play in the health care system.”
Council agreed to light up a variety of municipal landmarks, including the Florenceville municipal office, the Bath office, Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery and Library, in purple, the official colour of Dental Hygienist Week.
Epilepsy Awareness Week
Councillor Angel Connor also shared a letter from the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes. It asked for the District’s support for Purple Day on March 26.
Purple Day is “an international movement celebrated in over 100 countries across every continent, with individuals and landmarks lighting up purple to spark conversation, increase understanding, and show support for the epilepsy community.”
Council agreed to light up a variety of municipal landmarks, including the Florenceville town office, the Bath office, the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery and Library, in purple, in support of Epilepsy awareness.
