Sept. 22 meeting also provided a municipal policing plan update; more information on Centreville cat colony
Mayor Andrew Harvey told council the district must submit its recommendations for provincial municipal road repairs for 2029-2031 by Sept.30.
The roads up for repair consideration are primarily in Florenceville-Bristol, including a portion of Juniper Road, a portion of Route 105, and Buttermilk Creek Road.
Councillor Ryan Dickinson suggested that as the District replaces the roads, it “should be looking at adding sidewalks.”
Mayor Harvey agreed that the district should consider options to promote active transportation, whether through sidewalks or by widening the road to allow space for walking and biking. In particular, they recommended installing sidewalks along Route 560 up to the new apartment buildings.
Municipal Police Force Update
The mayor also said talks with the RCMP about developing a municipal police force for the District of Carleton North and Hartland resumed over the summer.
“Staffing was the main reason our plan was rejected,” advised Harvey. He explained that directly after amalgamation, “everyone was expanding at the same time” after the municipal reforms.
However, the RCMP has told the District of Carleton North that “they are now ready to have the discussion” about developing a municipal police force. As part of the conversation, Harvey said the RCMP is requesting an updated proposal, and the District and Hartland are working to create a “framework of what it will look like.” Currently, the main detachment is expected to be in Florenceville-Bristol, with a substation in Hartland.
Mayor Harvey said “policing was still the number one issue for residents” during his spring campaign. “I’m more bullish than ever,” said Harvey. “We need to pursue this and see where it goes,” he added, saying that for shared trail use to happen, the District will need its own police force. “I’m very passionate that this is the way to go,” said Harvey.
Centreville Operation Purrvention
Rebecca Graham attended the council meeting to update the council on the cat colony situation in Centreville. Centreville Operation Purrvention was set up in partnership with the Florenceville Veterinary Clinic (FVC). The clinic will offer significantly discounted rates for health care and preventative spay/neuter procedures for the cats captured from the Centreville colony.
Graham noted that the cat colony is “very healthy.” The kittens born this year will be adopted through the Oromocto SPCA. The remaining cats will be released back into the area once they have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Some adults may be rehomed as “barn cats.” All treated cats will also have their ears notched for tracking purposes. Graham hopes that once the current colony is treated, maintenance costs will be minimal going forward.
Graham shared that they are actively fundraising and seeking donations towards the cost of treating the cat colony. The Florenceville Vet Clinic has set up an account for Centreville Operation Purrvention, and donors can send contributions directly to the account using client ID: CENTCAT. Graham said that they are “very grateful for the response from the community,” which has helped them raise almost $500 to date.
Councillor Scott Oakes told Graham that while the district has already allocated its money for this year, it can see what might be available for a donation.
