STELLARTON - Stellarton town council deferred a decision on providing financial support to Viola’s Place to a future meeting, when it has more budget information for this year.
Viola’s Place, a homeless shelter to be based in New Glasgow, is seeking financial support from municipalities in Pictou County.
“I think we should support the program. It’s a needed one in Pictou County,” said Coun. Brian Knight. “I think the money should come out of next year’s budget to support it.”
During council’s discussion on the matter, Mayor Danny MacGillivray said a decision has to be made before March 31 – the deadline for a purchase of property on the part of those running the shelter.
“I know this is a one-time thing for the purchase of the property. In the future any assistance they ask for will be for the operational part of it,” said MacGillivray. “They need an answer before that. I know other councils approved (the request), pending an operational plan.”
Council discussed the best approach, and which budget the financial contribution would be reflected in, this year’s or next year’s.
Property sale
The Town of Stellarton now has legal right to a new piece of property within the town, after successfully bidding on a property at 102 River St.
At its Jan. 15 meeting, council approved a motion by Coun. Simon Lawand to purchase the property for $13,827. It was one of two that were up for bid – the other, at 25 Bunker Hill, was successfully bid on by a citizen.
Dog bylaw
Council approved an upcoming, revised dog bylaw in principle at its Monday meeting. The town clerk advised council that they could not completely approve the bylaw yet, as the new law still has to go under legal review, and receive first and second official readings before being passed.
Historical panel
Council is considering giving some recognition to an important historical figure in Stellarton – and Canadian – history. Pictou County historian John Ashton visited council, proposing the construction in Stellarton of a historical panel focused on Rev. George Munroe Grant.
Council deferred the decision to the planning advisory committee, to explore the options surrounding a historical panel in greater detail. Once the matter has been looked into, the committee will report back to council.
While speaking to council, Ashton noted that Grant was born in Stellarton, was a missionary, author and educator who helped established numerous educational institutions in Nova Scotia. Grant also surveyed mapped and helped construct the Canadian Pacific Railway and was instrumental in Confederation.