![["The Town of Westville failed to meet seven fiscal thresholds for three years in the financial condition index, recently released by the province. Council and town staff have been working hard to move the town forward, Mayor Roger MacKay says, explaining that they've made positive steps towards solutions, while some issues are beyond their control. AMANDA JESS - THE NEWS"]](https://saltwire.imgix.net/westville-2814806.png?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=format%2Ccompress%2Cenhance)
WESTVILLE - Council has approved an updated dangerous and unsightly premises bylaw at its regular meeting on Jan. 29.
During a brief discussion about the bylaw, CAO Kelly Rice said the updated bylaw is meant to harmonize it with the dangerous and unsightly premises bylaws in Stellarton and Trenton, since the same people were responsible for enforcement of those laws in those towns as well.
Coun. Lennie White asked what differences there would be in the updated bylaw.
“Not a lot,” answered Rice, who explained the only significant change was one that requires the person filing a complaint to provide their name.
“In 6.2.1…when you report a dangerous or unsightly property, there is a clause that a complaint can only be made by a resident or a ratepayer of the town,” said Rice.
The new clause prevents the mayor and councillors from filing complaints, and requires the complainant to file their name, so that there are not potential situations where the mayor or council can be accused of having an agenda behind a complaint, or abusing the power of their position.
Council supported the adoption of the bylaw as written, carrying a motion for a notice of intent to pass the bylaw.
Northern Pulp
Coun. Lynn MacDonald asked that council table the action it intends to take in response to Northern Pulp’s plans to build a new effluent treatment facility to replace its current facility in Boat Harbour.
Council previously drafted letters to send to various federal and provincial ministers relating to Northern Pulp’s effluent treatment plans, but MacDonald urged council to set the matter aside for the time being, because “information has come out in the interim.”
“In fairness to all parties involved, on both sides of the issue, I ask we table the letter until we’ve met with both parties and gathered as much information as we can, about this situation,” she said.
Council decided to table the letters until it has an opportunity to hold meetings about the contentious issue of how and where the pulp mill’s effluent will be disposed of, and the consequences of those plans.
Demolition
Rice informed council that the owner of the property at 1862 Purvis Ave. intends to demolish the structure there.
Originally, council planned to issue a request for demolition of property, but the owner acquired a demolition permit, and will be tearing down the structure in April.
Sports Heritage Donation
Council moved a request for funding from the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame to the finance department. Rice relayed information from the letter to council, which entailed a request for financial support for the hall of fame.
Coun. Lynn MacDonald made a motion to send the letter to the finance department for consideration next fiscal year, after Rice reminded the members of council they made a $200 donation to the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in November 2017.
Roots For Youth Funding
Council is considering providing funding to the Pictou County Roots For Youth Society. At the Jan. 29 meeting, Rice read a letter from program director Stacey Dlamini to council, which provided statistics on the non-profit organization and asked that the Town of Westville consider providing financial support in its 2018 budget.
A motion was carried to forward the request to the finance department for deliberations for the 2018 budget.
