NEW GLASGOW
Some minor updates are forthcoming for the intersection of Duff Street and Stellarton Road.
At its March 5 committee of the whole meeting, New Glasgow town council voted to repaint a crosswalk at the intersection, and improve the accessibility of the sidewalk on the west side with a ramp.
It was disclosed to council that the intersection did not meet provincial requirements for an upgrade – one that would involve installing lights or more signage – because the signage there already was deemed sufficient by provincial standards.
The matter of that intersection was brought to council’s attention previously by Coun. Frank Proudfoot, after residents in the area spoke up with pedestrian safety concerns.
Proudfoot said there needed to be more indication and warning that there is a crosswalk in the area. Proudfoot also said the speed of traffic going through the area and the fact that an assessment was done on the street at a time when traffic was minimal also concerned him.
Proudfoot suggested that police presence be increased at the intersection, to dissuade drivers from speeding.
Board Repairs
Council voted to approve funding to the West Side Community Centre to renovate the boards that make up its outdoor rink.
Their vote was based on the recommendation of the director of community development, referring to a request from the board of directors for the West Side Community Centre. The centre is owned by the Town of New Glasgow, but run by a non-profit society of volunteers, and gets a yearly capital and maintenance allocation in the budget. The volunteers want to do the repairs to the outdoor rink before council’s budget deliberations and approval for this year.
Borrowing
Council voted to approve the terms for borrowing from the Municipal Finance Corporation for items. One is a water utility debenture, in an amount not to exceed $1.1 million, for a 20-year term. This amount will be for water capital expenditures, with an interest rate not to exceed 5.5 per cent. This is to cover the town’s portion of the costs of water capital projects – the rest being covered by wastewater funding from the federal government.
Council also voted to approve the borrowing of $2 million from the Finance Corporation for general capital projects, for a 20-year period with an interest rate not to exceed 5.5 per cent.
Fuel Tender
Council voted to award a propane tender to MacGillivray Fuels. Reading the recommendation to council, Mayor Nancy Dicks noted that MacGillivray Fuels has the lowest cost and the highest overall ranking out of all those seeking the tender.
MacGillivray Fuels is also the town’s current service provider for propane.
