Panthers’ home opener, lack of skate sharpening, and dog control issues
Panther’s home opener and lack of skate sharpening
At the Hartland Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Mayor Tracey DeMerchant spoke about the Western Valley Junior C Panthers’ season opener at the Day & Ross Community Centre on Oct. 11.
“I had the opportunity to drop the puck for the Panthers’ first home game,” she said. “It was a nice community moment.”
Councillor Lee Patterson said the night showed how much hockey still means locally, describing “standing-room-only excitement” and speaking of those “who were there simply because this is their roots… all signs show support.”
The Western Valley Panthers play in the New Brunswick Junior Hockey League. The Panthers lost 4-2 to the Southern Sting.
Acting Director of Public Works Jed Giberson confirmed the town installed ice in the arena earlier than ever.
Councillor Sam Walton praised the effort.
“I was out on it Sunday… It’s great,” he told the council.
Councillor Wayne Britton asked whether ice sharpening was available at the arena, and was told ‘not yet.’
“It’s a skill,” said Giberson. “Not everyone can sharpen skates. You can’t just grab and toss them on [a machine].”
“It seems very unusual to have a facility of that quality and not have the ability to sharpen skates,” said Councillor George Boone.
Mayor DeMerchant said the question had already come up from players over the weekend. “Maybe that’s a good sign,” she said. “It means people are using the ice again.”
Remembrance Day and scheduling
Council voted to move its scheduled Nov. 11 meeting to Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m., to avoid a conflict with Remembrance Day services.
Mayor DeMerchant encouraged “all those who are able to attend at least one Remembrance Day service.”
Deputy Mayor Stewart Fairgrieve reminded residents that the Royal Canadian Legion also holds observances in Coldstream, Mount Pleasant, Stickney, and Knowlesville on the Sunday before Nov. 11.
Dog Control review
CAO Julie Stockford reported “a lack of response over the summer” from the town’s dog-control contractor and said staff are reviewing service levels to ensure reliability for taxpayers.
Council voted to table the item for closed discussion under Section 68 of the Local Governance Act, which allows council to meet in a closed forum, for example, due to sensitive issues such as personnel matters.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting of Hartland Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, and is open to the public.
