A meeting of Victoria County Municipal Council was held at St. Andrew's Parish Hall, Neil's Harbour, on Monday, July 6, 1998, at 4:00 p.m.
Present were:
District #1 - Gerald Yetman
District #3 - Bruce Morrison
District #4 - John Graham MacInnes, Warden
District #5 - Gerald Sampson
District #7 - David Donovan
District #8 - Robert MacLellan
Also present was:
Heather MacLean, Recording Secretary
Absent were:
Brian Trask, CAO
District #2 - Shane Toms
District #6 - Lawrence Barron
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
Warden MacInnes called the meeting to order. He expressed Council's pleasure on being in Neil's Harbour and welcomed those in attendance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/SET TIME FOR ADJOURNMENT
Warden MacInnes advised that the following items would be added to the agenda.
Father Duncan MacIsaac and Gilles Poirier would be making a presentation regarding the rebuilding of St. Margaret's Church, Bay St. Lawrence.
Rural Dialogue meetings to be held in Victoria County on how the Government of Canada can assist the development of rural communities by supporting the social and economic opportunities of rural Canadians.
Solid Waste Update for both the northern and southern areas of the County.
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It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that the agenda be approved with the noted changes. Motion carried.
Council agreed that the meeting would continue until the agenda was completed.
NORTH OF SMOKEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Warden MacInnes extended the courtesy of Council to representatives from the North of Smokey Economic Development Association (NOSEDA) - Kim Stockley and Osborne Burke.
Mr. Burke advised that he is president of NOSEDA and Ms. Stockley is their Economic Development Officer. He also introduced George Fraser, representing the Pleasant Bay Development Association and Angus MacIntyre, facilitator for the proposed Wilderness Hiking Trail Project - the reason for their attendance at today's meeting.
Mr. Burke advised that both NOSEDA and the Pleasant Bay Development Association are jointly interested in pursuing the development of a work class wilderness hiking trail. They have undertaken a great deal of research on same and have travelled to British Columbia to view the West Coast Trail. The trail they are proposing is approximately 150 km of wilderness area and includes 50 km. of new and existing day use trails. It is located in the northern area of both Inverness and Victoria Counties and has an elevation of up to 1,500 feet.
Ms. Stockley advised that nature and eco-tourism is currently the fastest growing segment of tourism in Canada and the northern area of Cape Breton has the potential to be one of the premier hiking destinations in the world. Research has indicated that in places where there are hiking trails, their is significant economic benefits to the communities involved. Along with the jobs that would be created to construct the trail, there would also be long term jobs for trail maintenance after completion and also for interpretive guides.
Mr. Burke advised that both Tom Wilson, Victoria County, and John Cotton, Inverness County, have been supportive and have provided some funding to assist with this project to date. Mr. Burke and Mr. Fraser then gave a slide presentation of the area involved in this proposed trail.
Mr. MacIntyre advised that he has been hired as the facilitator for this project and outlined the public consultation process to Council. He indicated that it is important to get the public meaningfully involved in the decision making
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process right from the beginning. Not only is it the public's
right and responsibility to be involved, their knowledge of the area and
what they would like to see happen
to the area is important. By getting the public involved from
the beginning it also eliminates trying to sell the project later.
There will be community consultation meetings held beginning in September, 1998. In all there are 13 open houses planned. Mr. MacIntyre advised that the open houses will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The meeting was then open to questions. How the proposed area is split between the 2 counties was questioned and Mr. Burke presented a map outlining same. The land in question is all provincial crown land, bordering on the CB Highlands National Park. The question was also raised as to how this project would fit in with the recently announced protected status. This will remain to be seen.
Councillor Sampson thanked the development associations for their upfront approach with the public where this project is concerned. He indicated he was very impressed with the slide presentation and felt that this would be a great selling point.
After further discussion, it was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that Council go on record as complementing NOSEDA and the Pleasant Bay Development Association on their proposed project, and wish them well in their future endeavours and if at a later date Council can be of assistance, let us know. Motion carried.
Warden MacInnes thanked the representatives for their impressive presentation and indicated that Council would look forward to hearing how this project progresses.
NEW HAVEN LOTS
Council requested four County surveyors for an expression of interest for developing a survey of subdivision for approximately 20 building lots on County owned land at New Haven, Victoria County. Of the four requests, two replies were received.
James Gunn, NSLS, CLS, presented a preliminary plan showing lots 1-21 inclusive as the first phase of this project. He broke his costs into two areas:
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To conduct the necessary soil analysis in accordance with DOE regulations
to determine the acceptable lot sizes (including backhoe costs) - $200
per lot for a total of $4,200.
To survey, subdivide lots 1-21 and to receive tentative and final approvals
for same - $650 per lot for a total of $13,650.
The total estimate amounted to $17,850.00.
Paul Harvey, NSLS, outlined his interest in pursuing this matter and indicated he was prepared to discuss this matter further, however, he did not give any costs or plans in conjunction with same.
Councillor Donovan indicated that time is of the essence, as people are waiting the opportunity to purchase lots to build their homes. He felt we should proceed with this work as soon as possible.
It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that Jim Gunn's proposal for the survey and subdividing of the New Haven lots be accepted. Motion carried with Councillors Yetman and Morrison voting against the motion, as they did not feel comfortable approving same, with only one cost estimate being received.
REPRESENTATIVES - ST. MARGARET'S PARISH, BAY ST. LAWRENCE
Courtesy of Council was extended to Father Duncan MacIsaac and Gilles Poirier. Mr. Poirier indicated that St. Margaret's Church, Bay St. Lawrence, was destroyed by fire in February, 1997. Although this landmark cannot be replaced, a Committee has been working diligently on building a new church which will be something the residents can be proud of.
The costs of what they wish to build are over and above the insurance settlement and they requested the County for any financial assistance they could provide. Father MacIsaac reiterated Mr. Poirier's comments.
Warden MacInnes advised that all financial requests have been referred to budget talks which are ongoing. Councillor MacLellan has made Council aware of this request previously and Warden MacInnes assured that consideration will be given.
RECESS
Warden MacInnes announced that Council would take a 10 minute recess.
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RECREATION/TOURISM REPORT
Warden MacInnes extended the courtesy of Council to Tom Wilson, Recreation and Tourism Director.
Mr. Wilson advised that Victoria County is well represented in the Nova Scotia Doers and Dreamers Guide for this tourist season. There are a total of 18 pages allocated to Victoria County businesses.
He indicated he would be attending a Cape Breton Travelways Enhancement Project meeting tomorrow and advised that to date 5 projects have been approved for funding in Victoria County. The total funding for these 5 projects amounted to $94,000.
Mr. Wilson presented the list of requests for assistance under the program assistance funding.
It was moved by Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that the following be approved for funding under the Program Assistance Funding:
4th Boularderie Company $200.00
Baddeck & Area Minor Hockey Society $400.00
Boularderie Little League $300.00
Dingwall Swim Program $300.00
St. Ann's Bay Youth Soccer $350.00
St. Ann's Girl Power Program $250.00
Washabuck Swimming Program $370.00
Bay St. Lawrence Girl Guides $200.00
Ingonish Girl Guides $250.00
North Shore Swimming Program $500.00
Silver Bullets Speedskating Program $400.00
St. Andrew's Group Committee $400.00
Wagmatcook Youth Camp $400.00
Highland Bras d'Or Rec. Sport Fishery $150.00
Bay St. Lawrence Swimming Program $500.00
Iona/Little Narrows/Washabuck Beavers and Scouts $300.00
Neil's Harbour Swim Program $115.00
Motion carried.
Mr. Wilson presented requests for funding under the 1998/99 ECBC Festival and Event Funding.
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It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that the following projects be approved for funding under ECBC's Festival and Event Funding Program:
Feis Nan Oran, Iona $497.28
Little Narrows Community Development Association $875.95
Washabuck Community Centre $2,000.00
Motion carried.
Warden MacInnes extended a vote of thanks to Mr. Wilson for his report.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Councillor Morrison indicated that Bruce Aikman requested he bring three (3) solid waste concerns to Council.
The first was the advertisement and proposed job description for the operator/manager for the Baddeck Landfill Site.
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that the advertisement for Operator/Manager for the Baddeck Landfill be placed in the Cape Breton Post and Victoria Standard. Motion carried.
Permission is being requested to relocate the gate from its present location at the Transfer Station in Cape North closer to the roadway. Mr. Aikman indicated to Councillor Morrison that the cost to fabricate and locate the gate would be approximately $1,000.00.
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Donovan, that pending permission from the landowner, approval be given to erect a new gate at the Cape North Transfer Station, the cost not to exceed $1,000.00. Motion carried.
The present arrangement for covering the waste at the Baddeck Landfill is not working and Bruce Aikman is requesting permission to hire an operator for a period of up to 3 weeks, (6 days per week, 8 hours per day) until the permanent Operator/Manager is in place.
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It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor MacLellan, that an interim operator be hired for a three week period at a cost not to exceed $16.00 per hour and the Solid Waste Management Committee, along with Bruce Aikman, entertain applicants for the interim operator. Motion carried.
Councillor Morrison indicated he would be distributing an outline of proposed user fees to Council for review.
RURAL AFFAIRS
Councillor Yetman advised that the Honourable Lyle Vanclief, Minister Responsible for Rural Affairs, indicated in a letter that the Government of Canada wants to assist the development of rural communities by supporting the social and economic opportunities of rural Canadians. The Government will be undertaking a Rural Dialogue that will enable rural areas to have a voice in the future of federal policies and programs that may effect rural communities.
Councillor Yetman advised that Peter Mancini, MP, Sydney-Victoria, will be hosting such meetings in Victoria County - tomorrow evening at the Gaelic College, St. Ann's and on July 8, 1998, at St. Andrew's Parish Hall, Neil's Harbour. He felt it would be beneficial for Council members to attend and participate in this meeting.
It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that any Council Members who can attend these open forums, do so officially representing the Municipality. Motion carried.
OPEN PERIOD
NEIL'S HARBOUR WATER
The public requested an update on the Neil's Harbour Water System. Councillor Donovan indicated that he spoke with Wayne Vervaet, Washburn & Gillis Associates Ltd., and he advised that the NSPI hookup would be done on Thursday and the following week the commissioning of the system will take place.
The residential cost for water for residents of the Neil's Harbour Water System will be $460 annually. The water will be brought to the property line and the cost for the hookup from this point will be the responsibility of the property owners. The Municipality has retained the services of Terry Hogan to maintain the system and he is to be contacted to do the physical hookup to all households.
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The question was raised as to whether Highland Manor and Buchanan Memorial Hospital would be hooking to the system. Councillor Donovan indicated that Highland Manor is waiting for a cost estimate for the necessary piping and materials and it is hoped that the hospital will also connect to the system. Victoria Co-op Fisheries have indicated that they will connect to the system this year if it is available before crab processing starts, if not they will connect next year. These facilities will be charged a commercial rate.
Discussion took place on the cost of the connections and the fact that some residents cannot afford the costs involved. A general discussion took place.
THANK YOU
It was moved by Councillor Yetman, seconded by Councillor Morrison, that Council is pleased to hold this session in Neil's Harbour, and they thank the public for their questions and interest, and hope to hold another session in this area in the future. Motion carried.
The residents present requested that in future the meeting be held later - at 5:00 p.m. rather than 4:00 p.m.
DISTRICT CONCERNS
District #7
It was moved by Councillor Donovan, seconded by Councillor Yetman, that a letter be forwarded to Bruce Fitzner, District Director, Eastern - Department of Transportation, with copies to Honourable Kennie MacAskill and Charlie MacDonald, Area Manager - Department of Transportation, expressing concern on the lack of maintenance to the roads in the Neil's Harbour and White Point areas - in particular that the rails have been off the bridge since December, 1997; there have been sink holes since January, 1998, and that the alders be cut back on the White Point Road. Motion carried.
District #3
It was moved by Councillor Morrison, seconded by Councillor Sampson, that Bill Fraser, Job Developer, be requested to fill the two student grant positions for the 2 Enviro-Depots in the County immediately. Motion carried.
THANK YOU
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As the business on the agenda was concluded, Warden MacInnes extended a vote of thanks to the public for attending and the hospitality provided to Council.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, on motion of Councillor Sampson, seconded by Councillor Yetman, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
John Graham MacInnes, Warden
Brian E. Trask, CAO