Coldstream meeting and thanks
As part of their recent plan to take council on the road and into the community, the last Council session was held at the Women’s Institute Hall in Coldstream.
Mayor Tracey DeMerchant thanked the WI Hall ladies, saying, “thank you to the ladies of WI Hall and all the refreshments that they provided and the hospitality and it’s great to be able to community and share our meetings with the public.”
Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve added, “I’ attended… the regular meeting that took place in Coldstream at the WI Hall. It was a real pleasure to take the show on the road.”
Funds from backhoe sale
The town received $8,000 plus tax from the sale of a 2011 JCB backhoe. Treasurer Tina Pelkey explained that the proceeds could be allocated to a capital reserve (restricted for public works) or a general reserve (more flexible), noting upcoming equipment needs.
Fire bylaw aligned with province
Council voted to amend the fire protection bylaw, D-07.02, to bring it in line with provincial fire bans. DeMerchant said the change “strengthens our legal compliance and promotes public safety.”
Outdoor fireworks during provincial bans will be cancelled unless the Fire Marshal or the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development grants an exemption.
Fines are now $100 for the first offence, up to $1,000 for repeat violations.
Appeals committee & beautification efforts
Council has decided to ask the Western Valley Regional Service Commission to establish a regional appeals committee for dangerous and unsightly premises, thereby taking some pressure off councillors.
They also approved issuing a public call for volunteers to form a beautification committee to help with flower beds and seasonal displays.
Mayor DeMerchant noted last year’s effort was handled by just one person, saying it was “a lot to take on alone,” and adding that a group would be more sustainable this year.
$2-Million infrastructure plan
Council spent close to 20 minutes discussing a proposed $2 million infrastructure project for Main Street, making it the most detailed debate of the night.
Originally pitched as a simple paving and sidewalk renewal project, the plan has expanded after staff identified a section of an aging four-inch water line, likely dating back to the late 1940s or early 1950s, that runs beneath the street.
CAO Julie Stockford and Public Works Director Jed Graham cautioned the council against spending money on new pavement only to have to tear it up again later for water and sewer work.
“It makes no sense for us to put down, then dig up the pavement and potentially these very expensive sidewalks back up,” Graham explained.
The expanded project now combines resurfacing, sidewalks, and underground water and sewer upgrades. The town is applying to the Provincial Highways Partnership and Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), with a deadline approaching on September 26. Without CHIF support, Hartland’s share of the cost would be about $1.08 million. With CHIF, that number drops to around $560,000.
Stockford noted the importance of aligning the work with the town’s long-term growth and said this project, while not the top priority without funding help, is one of the best opportunities if CHIF money comes through. The council agreed to submit the complete application, providing future councils with the flexibility to adjust priorities as needed.
