STELLARTON
Council decided to not change the uniform of the town crier, after a brief discussion about possibly switching to a miner-themed outfit to reflect the history of Stellarton.
Coun. Simon Lawand, who brought the issue to council from the advisory committee, noted that his bringing the matter for a discussion was not an endorsement of a change.
“I like the uniform as it is,” said Coun. Susan Campbell, who added that she also understands the rationale behind the idea of something to suit Stellarton’s heritage, with a miner outfit.
“It’s a traditional thing,” said Coun. Bryan Knight. “We could always have a town mascot, and make him a miner – that’s another option.”
Mayor Danny MacGillivray said an important consideration is the cost of changing the uniform.
Deputy Mayor Garry Pentz recommended deferring the matter until budget discussions, but after a further talk on the matter, council decided to leave the outfit as is.
“There’s no point in making changes,” said the mayor, acknowledging that there was no real interest in making the change, and the expenses associated with doing so would have to be postponed until the next budget year. “We’re going to stick with the traditional garb.”
Renamed Rec Department
Council decided to change the title of its recreation department from town recreation department to community development and recreation department.
Coun. Bryan Knight made the case to switch the name, noting that municipal programming has taken on a broader scope.
“Recreation is a term that many people feel they have an easy grasp of. Most people feel that recreation is focused on sports and activities mostly in the summer months, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Knight told council that the purview of a recreation director now includes community planning, transportation, accessibility plans, special-event planning, volunteer board development and training – among many other roles within a community.
“Changing the name will better reflect the value of our department,” noted Knight, before a motion was carried to change the name.
Acadia Avenue Application
Council will decide at its next meeting whether to approve an application to convert part of a residence at 37 Acadia Ave. into three separate apartments. Council plans to consult the town planner on what the best course of action will be over a contentious application to convert a residential property near the downtown area.
Coun. Simon Lawand said residents near the property have expressed their disapproval of the conversion, and noted that the units are already set up.
Mayor Danny MacGillivray said the objections came from residents on Stellar Street, who are not neighbours, but in the area. Coun. Susan Campbell emphasized that “we should know what our options are, and we need to take citizens’ concerns or complaints into consideration.”
Coun. Bryan Knight expressed doubt, saying the property is “unsightly” and “it shouldn’t be three. In my opinion, you’d be lucky to get two apartments in there.”
Banner Cost
The cost of a banner from the Town of Stellarton in support of local Olympian Blayre Turnbull was ratified by council at its Feb. 12 meeting. The total cost of the banner was $479. The banner was hung up at the Stellarton town hall, and filled with the signatures of people supporting Turnbull as she competes in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
New Town Clerk
Council officially welcomed the new town clerk for Stellarton, Susan Higdon. Higdon will be replacing outgoing town clerk Joyce Eaton. Eaton started her career with the Town of Stellarton on June 15, 1969. Higdon also works as town clerk for the Town of Trenton.
Purple Ribbons
Council decided to honour those who suffer from epilepsy in March, during Epilepsy Awareness Month. During their upcoming March 26 meeting, the members of council have resolved to wear purple ribbons to honour the occasion, on Purple Day.
Curling Club
A request for funding from the Stellar Curling Club was deferred to budget time for further discussion by council. Mayor Danny MacGillivray said he met with the executive of the curling club in January, where he was acquainted with what the money would go towards – repairs and renovations to the building on Foord Street.
The Stellar Curling Club has requested $5,000 from the Town of Stellarton, and has also applied for provincial financial support to cover the $43,000 cost required for renovations to the roof and exterior of the building.
