Geese issue on waterfront, and recreation staff praised for work
Recreation and Parks Director Paul Sherman has set up a meeting with Canada Wildlife and their Chief Bird Biologist. They will make a presentation at the council meeting on Oct. 20. In August, the council received complaints regarding the goose feces left on the waterfront grounds. Sherman said the problem seems to be worse this year and that his staff have struggled to keep up with it.
Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane praised the Recreation staff for a great job fixing up one of the shelters along the waterfront. He said it looked amazing and would lead to a lot of use. MacFarlane would like to see a plan to replace bridges along the Nackawic Nature Trail, with one bridge replaced yearly.
Councillor Jeff Clark said Sherman has done a great job advertising for the arena. He stated that arena revenues have been growing and are expected to be 34 per cent higher this year. A new condenser arrives in mid-September, and ice will be put in the second week of October. Sherman is also hoping to have a WeeHawks Learn to Skate program again this year. He will be working on developing a Recreation page via social media to advertise upcoming programs and other relevant events.
Fire Service Review proposed
In a report to council from Fire Chief/EMO Director Jason Smith, it was recommended that council proceed with the issuing of a contract for a fire service review.
Smith said this is needed to make an educated decision on what the future looks like regarding public safety. He said the decision to merge the three existing fire departments into one new municipal fire department is designed to cut duplication of expenses, enhance communication and service levels. He proposed a fire service review to assess the current fire department and emergency management division’s abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Mayor Tim Fox suggested the proposal be given to the Protective Services Committee so they can assess, compare companies and offer their recommendation. He also said that the council has an opportunity to budget for this to be done in 2026. Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane pointed out that he’s been on council for 10 years, and a plan is definitely needed. He said the council needs to find the money to support the chief. Jason will reach out to companies to see if they will honour their quotes in January. The chief hopes to have a complete report as soon as possible, allowing the council to consider it and initiate funding for the transition over the next few years. A short-term, mid-term and long-term plan for the fire service will be developed.
Name change proposed for Millville Waterfront Park
Council reviewed a request from Stan Graham, a former mayor of Millville, to change the name of the Millville Waterfront Park to the Burton Hoyt Jr. and Alfred Reid Jr. Memorial Parklands. This would be a tribute to honour two local Second World War veterans and businessmen in the community. Both men made donations of property, with Hoyt donating 9.64 acres, which led to an extension of the waterfront property. In 1994, Reid donated an additional 12.13 acres. Graham said their kindness and sacrifice have given residents many advantages in the past, as well as opportunities for the future.
Deputy Mayor Greg MacFarlane suggested having a community meeting. In the meantime, the council decided to revisit the recommendation at budget planning in November.
