June 2009
Concerns emerged over new emergency services facility - Local residents were beginning to voice their concerns over the site that was chosen for the new $12-million emergency services and town hall facility, safety of local schoolchildren, potential flooding, and the decision to include the municipal offices into the facility.
"It looks like a well-thought out building if one truly wanted and needed all these structures incorporated into one and had a proper and economically feasible lot to erect them on," said Sackville resident Percy Best.
Best said he believes the Main Street property on which the town proposed to build the new facility is "not a foundation-friendly site," and it will take thousands of loads of fill to bring it up to a standard on which it can be built. And even then, he's not convinced the site won't be prone to flooding in a high tide situation.
Barry Carroll, the town's CAO, explained there were a number of reasons the downtown Main Street site was chosen as the preferred location.
"When it comes to your RCMP and fire services, you're always looking for a site that's closest to your major infrastructure as well as the largest density of population," said Carroll.
He said the town already owned a large portion of the land on which the new building will sit and negotiated last year to buy the remaining land from the property owners.
The CAO acknowledged that truckloads of fill will need to be brought on to the site prior to construction but that would likely have happened on any of the sites the town was considering.
Carroll also addressed the flooding concerns, saying the building is anticipated to be more than 11 metres above sea level when completed, way above any potential high tide dangers.
Five people arrested in Sackville, Midgic during drug operation - District 4 RCMP, Amherst police and Cumberland RCMP Integrated Street Crime Unit acted on a search warrant at a residence on Crossman Road in Sackville and a residence on Route 940 in Midgic in early June.
The police seized over 200 plants at the Sackville residence and over 400 plants at the Midgic home. Five people were arrested and later released; they were scheduled to appear in court in July. The investigation was ongoing.
Murray Corner resident lauded as "champion of energy efficiency" - Lois Nicholson is a shining example of how one person, with only a few small actions, can make a tremendous difference in their community. As manager of maintenance and security at Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, Nicholson has steadily found new ways to reduce the environmental footprint of the facility over the past few years, thanks to her commitment to learning all she can about the latest in energy-efficient technologies.
"When I first took the job four years ago, they asked me to try hard to get the power bill down. So I started to try some things and they worked," said Nicholson.
Because of Nicholson's commitment to maximize the various energy efficiency measures in place at the nature centre, electricity use had been reduced at the facility by 59 per cent since 2004, bringing in savings of more than $13,000.
Nicholson's dedication to her workplace and the environment certainly did not go unnoticed and earned her a special honour in early June when she was presented with a Premier's Award for Energy Efficiency (Individual category) during a ceremony in Fredericton.
Mount A approved 2009-10 budget - Mount Allison University students wouldn't see an increase in their tuition rates when they returned to campus in the fall although they would have to dish out more money for residence and meal plan fees. Mount Allison University's board of regents approved a $39.6-million budget for 2009-10 in late May.
Mount A president Robert Campbell said the continued tuition freeze by the province and the university's commitment to maintaining the level of its scholarship and bursary programs will ensure that "our students continue to have access to the best undergraduate educational experience in the country."
Residence and meal plan fees would increase slightly by three per cent.
The university was also expected to move forward on several building and maintenance projects. These included replacement of the chemistry fume hoods and exhaust system in the Barclay building, several heating plant upgrades, and the installation of a summer boiler.
Town awarded $1M contract for building design - Merrill Fullerton was the sole voice of dissent during council's monthly meeting as the town awarded a $1-million contract to kick off the design phase of Sackville's new emergency services and town hall facility.
Fullerton was the only councillor to vote against the motion to move forward to the next stage of the $12-million project, although two of his fellow colleagues also expressed their concerns during the meeting. Fullerton voiced his disappointment over council's decision to rush the motion through after only hearing the presentation from the building's evaluation committee two hours before. He insisted the motion should have been delayed until council had more time to consider the proposal and to offer a more in-depth long-term plan to the community.
"I hope this council can open its eyes and do some forward thinking before moving ahead any further on this."
Although he said he wasn't opposed to the idea of a new emergency services facility, Fullerton questioned whether the town hall needed to be included.
"This council needs much more information and informed debate before we proceed any further."
Council voted 7-1 to move ahead with the design work on the new facility, awarding the tender to Architecture 2000 Inc. of Moncton in the amount of $909,000 plus HST.
Coun. John Higham argued the town is getting a good deal by incorporating the town hall offices into the new police/fire station, and would also save thousands of dollars on operating costs by merging three into one.
But Mayor Estabrooks said she, too, was worried over several aspects of the project.
"My concerns are with the site, the safety and the cost," she said. "I think we're going to be downloading the cost onto the citizens and I'm not comfortable doing that."
Mount A students took action to reduce carbon emissions - Students at Mount Allison University take their responsibility to the environment seriously. So it should come as no surprise that last spring, they overwhelmingly supported a move to raise student fees - all in the name of ensuring a 'greener' future for Sackville.
Nearly 80 per cent of the students voted in favor of levying a $10 green fee aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the community, both on and off campus.
SAC president Mike Currie said this action by the student body at Mount A will leave a lasting legacy for future generations to come.
"It's very exciting to see the students have taken on a leadership role in combating climate change . . . and we hope we're setting a precedent here that will encourage other student leaders to take more action as well," he says.
The new SAC Green Investment Fund will be used towards initiatives that will help offset carbon emissions in the town. The increased student fees will bring in anywhere from $20,000 to $24,000 each year, and the fund will be governed by an environmental affairs committee.
Sackville swimmers named to Canada Games team - A trio of Sackville swimmers were set to continue their intense training regiment throughout the summer, hitting the pool twice a day, as they prepared for what is considered to be the pinnacle of national competition for athletes across the country - the Canada Games.
Dylan Wooley-Berry and siblings Mitchell and Marya Peters would be representing New Brunswick at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island in August after qualifying for the national competition during the trials meet in Saint John in June.
"It's exciting," said Dylan. "But qualifying is just the first step . . . now we have to prepare."
Coach John Peters said his swimmers worked hard to have a shot at qualifying at the Spring Classic meet and all three deserve the opportunity to swim at a national level.
Cape Tormentine Legion marked 60 years - It was a sea of shiny medals, berets and crisp, neat uniforms as a long procession of servicemen and women, both past and present, marched in tandem along the Main Street in Cape Tormentine on June 7.
Cape Tormentine Branch #81 of the Royal Canadian Legion marked the 60th anniversary of its charter with a large celebration, beginning with a march from the local church to the Legion building, followed by a ceremony, musical entertainment, and legendary Legion camaraderie. A number of honoured guests, including local politicians and fellow neighbouring Legion representatives, were on hand for the events, which also brought out local residents, Legion members and friends out to mark the occasion.
Future looked brighter for local scallop fishery - The future of the Northumberland Strait scallop fishery was looking a bit brighter as fishermen began to see an increase in young scallops on the once-sparse ocean floor.
Brian Stright, who has fished the waters of the Northumberland Strait for many years, said that although the scallop catches during this year's annual five-week fishing season were about the same as that of last year, there was evidence of more younger shellfish growing in the strait.
"About five years ago, DFO closed the waters on the west side of the (Confederation) bridge to scallop dragging and that really seems to have helped us with the recruitment of small scallops on the south side of the bridge where we do drag," Stright said.
He added that many local fishermen were hoping DFO will keep that area closed to scallop dragging for several more years to come.
Sackville honoured first four inductees to Arts Wall - On the afternoon of June 21, following a reception at Live Bait Theatre, the town of Sackville unveiled plaques honouring the first four inductees to the community's new Arts Wall.
Situated on the exterior of the town hall, at the intersection of Main and York Streets, the Arts Wall was part of a series of special projects triggered by Sackville's designation last year as one of Canada's Cultural Capitals for 2008.
"Many communities, including Sackville, recognize athletic achievement with a sports wall," said project coordinator Charlie Rhindress. "We felt it was fitting that Sackville, which has so many creative people among its citizens, should honour cultural achievement in a similar way."
The first four individuals to be acknowledged included: internationally-renowned poet and author Sir Charles G. D. Roberts; outstanding painter, printmaker and professor of fine art Alex Colville; acclaimed fiddler, composer and record producer Ray Legere; and Pauline Spatz, a philanthropist and supporter of arts education and research
TRHS bid farewell to 142 grads - Tantramar Regional High School held its graduation ceremonies on June 20 where 142 graduates walked across the stage of Convocation Hall at Mount Allison University.
TRHS principal Jason Reath pointed out that although the sun may not have been shining outside, it certainly was inside with all the smiling faces.
Reath spoke of how as educators, he and the staff at Tantramar have cared for the graduates during their time at TRHS and hoped that they would always keep learning in order to make tomorrow better than today.
Valedictorian Mariah Malone told her fellow graduates to "strive to make their lives special in all they do." Malone received the Governor General's award for top academic achievement and Caroline Evans was awarded the Birks' medal for school involvement.
Council demanded action on antique shop - Members of town council were demanding action be taken on a vacant, rundown building in Middle Sackville that has continued to fall into disrepair for many years.
"I think we need to start the ball rolling on this . . . and put our unsightly premises bylaw into action," said Coun. Merrill Fullerton during council's monthly meeting June 3.
Fellow councillor Bob Berry agreed it's time to either persuade the owners of the former antique store along East Main Street to fix it up or tear it down.
"I think the time has come to use this bylaw to its full effect," said Berry.
Coun. Virgil Hammock said town officials should ensure they work with the property owner during the process.
"We need to work with these people to resolve this," he said.
Mount Allison named new athletics director - After a national search and selection process, Mount Allison University announced that Pierre Arsenault would join the campus as its director of athletics and recreation, effective July 27. Arsenault replaced long-time director Jack Drover, who retired in early 2009 following a 35-year career at Mount A.
"Pierre brings a strong combination of sports administration experience, proven leadership ability, and team management at a variety of levels to this position,"?said Mount Allison vice-president of international and student affairs Ron Byrne. "We are pleased to welcome Pierre as a Mount Allison 'Mountie' and I look forward to working with him to further enhance our leading athletics and recreation program."
July 2009
Campaign to keep local prison farm operating was mounting - The prison farm at Westmorland Institution was slated for closure, but residents in the community and village officials, as well as staff at the prison, didn't plan to see it close without a fight.
A campaign rally was held at St. Ed's Hall in Dorchester as a way to try and keep the prison farm open. The 'Save Our Farms' campaign, which brought out hundreds of area residents, was launched by the men and women who oversee, instruct and work with the inmates in federal prison farm programs - members of the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE-PSAC).
Reg Tower, a carpenter in the maintenance department at Westmorland, said the farm programs developed character and strong work habits in the inmates.
Heather Reid, president of the local union, agreed.
"They learn compassion for animals, they learn respect, and they also gain a sense of accomplishment and achievement."
Dorchester Mayor Mel Goodland said the village council was putting its support behind PSAC as it fought to keep the farm's doors open. As mayor, he was deeply concerned over the job losses at the farm as well as the loss of food donations to the local food bank and other non-profit organizations. As a farmer, he said he was disturbed the government seemed to think so little of farming.
Romeo LeBlanc died - RomÉo LeBlanc, a longtime Liberal MP, cabinet minister, senator and Canada's first-ever Acadian governor general, died June 24 at the age of 81 following a lengthy illness.
But his legacy would certainly not soon be forgotten, especially by the people of the Westmorland-Kent (now Beausejour) riding he represented for more than a decade.
"He was a lion among men," recalled Wallie Sears, a friend of LeBlanc's and a longtime news correspondent in the region.
Through his years as local MP, fisheries minister, and later on as governor general, Sears said LeBlanc was able to wield a lot of influence for the Acadian and Aboriginal populations.
"Here was an Acadian, at a time when there was division among French and English, who became the hero of everyone," he said. "Anglophones, Francophones, First Nations . . . he bridged all sections of society."
Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, a longtime family friend of the LeBlancs, agreed that LeBlanc played a key role back in the 1970s and '80s to "break down the walls" between Francophones and Anglophones.
"All the years I knew him, I never thought of Romeo as a politician," said Trenholme Counsell. "He was so compassionate and caring . . . he was truly a man of the people."
Mount A received $4.3M for infrastructure projects - The Barclay chemistry and biochemistry building at Mount Allison University was set to get a green makeover.
In early July, Senator John Wallace and New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Labour and Training Donald Arseneault announced $2.1 million in funding for the university through the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), with a matching contribution of $2.2 million from the province of New Brunswick.
Plans for Mount A's Barclay chemistry and biochemistry building included the replacement of the laboratory exhaust system, which would see the replacement of 51 fume hoods.
Mount Allison also used the funding to complete updates to ensure the continued structural integrity of the Barclay building.
Thousands paid last respects to Romeo LeBlanc - Amid much pomp and circumstance, including a 21-gun salute, the state funeral for Romeo LeBlanc was held July 3 from Saint Thomas de Memramcook Church.
Mourners packed the centuries-old church, while many people lined the streets of the village to say their final goodbyes to one of Canada's much-respected politicians and 25th governor-general, who passed away on June 24 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.
In his eulogy, former Prime Minister Jean ChrÉtien said LeBlanc would be remembered as 'that great gentleman of Acadia', known and respected for his consideration of all peoples.
". . . our friend Romeo was as much respected and loved by the Anglophones of Sackville than by the Francophone of Richibucto," ChrÉtien said in a tribute to his long-time friend and colleague.
A large number of area residents came to pay their respects, lining the streets of the small village as the funeral cortege wound its way from the nearby Monument Lefebvre to the large stone church.
More than 32 dignitaries including ChrÉtien, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham, former senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, LeBlanc's one-time colleague Marc Lalonde, Governor-general MichaËlle Jean and current federal MP Justin Trudeau were among those attending.
Seniors housing proposal approved for King Street - Another seniors housing development for Sackville was given the green light by town council.
John and Patricia Lafford's revised proposal for their property at 32-34 King Street was given approval during council's monthly meeting.
The Laffords' request to modify the existing development agreement for the property was the latest in a series of revisions that had been made over the past several years.
Although their plans two years ago called for an 18-unit apartment building, the Laffords' latest proposal would see construction of three single-storey buildings containing four units (each with two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and dining area, and living room) aimed at the local seniors market.
Three injured in boating accident - A father and his six-year-old daughter, along with a family friend, ended up in the hospital with serious injuries following an accident in which their boat collided with another on Silver Lake on July 10.
Sgt. Paul Ouellette of the Sackville RCMP said the two powerboats were traveling from opposite sides of a wharf when the crash occurred.
"It was just one of those freak accidents," he said. "The drivers just didn't see each other . . . they were coming from different sides of the wharf and then they tried to avoid each other and didn't quite make it."
The 44-year-old Sackville man suffered a broken arm and leg, and his daughter was taken to hospital with a broken wrist and bruising to her face. The woman in the boat, 46-year-old Susan Taylor from Amherst, sustained severe head injuries (she later died in hospital from those injuries).
The son was being towed behind the boat in a tube and escaped injuries; he, along with the driver of the other boat, was credited with helping bring the family members to shore.
District 4 RCMP continued to investigate the collision. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor.
Another CAO leaves town hall - Sackville CAO Barry Carroll announced he would be stepping down from his top post at town hall although officials declined to comment as to why he was resigning.
"I think he's just ready to move on," said Mayor Pat Estabrooks following the announcement.
Estabrooks said she preferred not to comment as to the reasons why Carroll had decided to leave Sackville, although she did thank the CAO for his work over the last three years.
"We wish him well and thank him for all he has done in the past three years," she said.
Carroll, himself, also chose not to comment as to why he had submitted his resignation after only three years at town hall. He said he was satisfied with what he accomplished in the short time he was here.
"I am pleased that, in working with a good management team and council, we were able to advance a host of important initiatives for the community," he said.
Fire Chief took on full-time duties - Sackville Fire Chief Craig Bowser was promoted to a full-time position with the town.
Effective July 27, the fire chief, who previously worked on a part-time basis, came on board as a full-time member of the town management staff, a move that was a long time coming, according to Sackville's Chief Administrative Officer Barry Carroll.
"We've been looking at this for quite some time," said Carroll during council's regular meeting.
Carroll explained that with the additional requirements placed on fire chiefs over the past few years - including equipment maintenance and repairs, firefighters' training, education, etc. - it was inevitable the Sackville position would become a full-time job.
"It's quite a responsibility for a volunteer," he said, noting that the fire chief will now be paid a full-time salary rather than the monthly honorarium he received.
Pointe de Bute man died in highway accident - A 22-year-old man from Pointe de Bute was killed on July 8 following a single-vehicle accident on the Trans-Canada Highway near Sackville. RCMP said the man's vehicle went out of control on a westbound lane of the highway just after 6 a.m. on July 8.
Scott Wells, the lone occupant of the vehicle, was ejected from the Hyundai Accent after it swerved into the median of the highway between the Bridge Street and Main Street overpasses and then rolled over.
He was transported to the Sackville Memorial Hospital where he passed away as a result of his injuries.
District 4 RCMP continued to investigate the cause of the accident but neither speed nor alcohol were believed to be a factor.
Port Elgin investigated new environmental policies - The village of Port Elgin was considering the implementation of a number of environmental policies.
At council's regular meeting, Deputy Mayor Val MacDermid introduced a dozen policies which were proposed by members of the village's environmental committee. Committee member Anthony Roberts presented the policies to which council, which were met with a mixed response.
"These policies which we have drafted are not meant to reprimand anyone but to serve as a good example for staff, volunteers and village residents."
The proposed policies included: banning the purchase of bottled water by the village; turning all lights off if a room is going to be empty for more than five minutes; turning off of all electronics when not in use; no idling of village vehicles; switching to CFL light bulbs; using recycled paper products; and using solar powered lighting.
Sackville students qualified for Canada Games - Three Sackville area students were set to represent New Brunswick at the Canada Games, set for August 15-29 in Prince Edward Island. The trio qualified for positions on the NB team during the Fredericton Duncan Hadley Triathlon held in early July.
Connor McCumber, a 2009 TRHS graduate, qualified for the triple jump on the NB track and field team; while Mikhel Peters, also a TRHS graduate, and third-year Mount Allison biology student Janelle St. Laurent would both compete in triathlon. Twenty-year-old St. Laurent said she was eagerly anticipating the upcoming event.
"Taking part in the Canada Games will be a great experience and I'm really looking forward to it all," she said.
Willow Lane continued to cause traffic concerns - RCMP and town officials continued to voice concerns over the drivers who were still ignoring the left-turn sign at Willow Lane.
Sackville CAO Barry Carroll said motorists were continuing to turn left into the alleyway next to the Royal Bank, sometimes blocking traffic at the downtown intersection and at times even obstructing the sidewalk while parking there.
"RCMP will continue to enforce it and will continue to ticket people who are turning left or are parking illegally on the sidewalk," Carroll told town council during its July meeting.
Coun. Virgil Hammock suggested the town should install a curb at that location, nipping the problem in the bud, and RCMP Cpl. Levesque said she agreed with the recommendation.
Charlotte Street seniors' housing project downgraded - After coming across unfavourable soil conditions on his Charlotte Street site, local developer Warren Weeks was planning to reduce the number of seniors' townhouses originally proposed for the four-acre property.
Although site work was already well under way on the project, Weeks (of T&W Holdings Ltd.) requested an amendment to his development agreement that would see three multi-unit buildings constructed on the site at 66-74 Charlotte Street instead of four, reducing the number of units from 40 to 32.
"He found a sinkhole in the centre of the property where they were going to build . . . so they're re-orienting the buildings," said Coun. Virgil Hammock, who introduced a resolution during July's council meeting to hold a public hearing for the requested changes.
August 2009
Sappyfest drew 1,500 music fans from across Canada - Hundreds of music fans flocked to Sackville on the weekend of Aug. 1-2 to enjoy the diverse line-up of bands and artists that took to the stage and the street during the fourth annual Sappyfest.
"It was a complete success from our accounts," said organizer Paul Henderson. "Everything went pretty smoothly . . . and the audience response and the turnout was beyond our expectations."
Henderson estimated the weekend events attracted about 1,500 fans from across Canada and said the festival has grown exponentially since its inception.
Town's community, business leaders disappointed over departure of CAO - Barry Carroll was only at the helm of town hall for three years but the Sackville CAO's resignation left many community and business leaders frustrated and unsettled over his sudden decision to step down.
"I was disappointed to hear of Barry's resignation," said Robert Lyon, chair of Sackville's downtown revitalization committee as well as a local business owner.
Lyon said he had worked with Carroll on a number of occasions on various projects and was impressed with the professionalism and commitment shown by the CAO.
Coun. Bruce Phinney said he also had major concerns with Carroll's decision to resign and was full of praise for the CAO he had worked with over the previous three years.
Tourism numbers were on the rise in Sackville - Perhaps it was the multitude of festivals and conferences that were on the go in Sackville; or maybe it was the unique new signage on the highway; or quite possibly it was the enhanced advertising the town had put into promoting the wide array of events happening in the community.
Whatever the reason, tourists were flocking to Sackville in 2009 like never before and town officials were hoping it continued throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall.
"I think the word's getting around," said Warren Maddox, the town's director of tourism and community economic development. "And it's great because we're in (economic) hard times, yet we're increasing our numbers."
In May, 1,400 people registered at the VIC, up from 1,000 in 2008. In June, staff served over 1,700 visitors, approximately 100 more than in 2008.
Design work was under way for new building - Planning for Sackville's new $12-million emergency services building was moving full steam ahead and it was expected architects would soon reveal what the exterior of the facility would look like.
Sackville CAO Barry Carroll told council during its monthly meeting that design work was under way on the new facility, which will house new police and fire stations, as well as a new town hall.
Carroll said he had recently participated in three days of meetings with the design consultants and sub-consultants, which also included tours of various buildings in the region.
The CAO said the designers also met with community representatives in July on the architectural look of the building and received some valuable feedback on the design. The architect was also planning to meet with council to seek direction on options for the exterior look of the building
Town sought head-hunting firm to help fill CAO post - Sackville was looking to hire a head-hunting firm to help in the search for a new CAO.
Coun. Margaret Tusz-King, liaison councillor for personnel, said a request for proposals had gone out for an executive recruitment firm to assist the town with the search process.
"We are looking to hire a human resource firm to help us with the search," said Tusz-King.
Sackville's former CAO Barry Carroll worked his last day on Aug. 7. Council believed it might be difficult to fill the position during the tough economic times.
"It was suggested to us that the really good people are not budging during a time of recession," said Tusz-King.
She said if the country were not in the midst of a global economic downturn, it would be a bit easier to find a qualified person to fill the post.
Fourteen-year-old boy killed in motor vehicle collision - A 14-year-old boy from Dorchester was killed as the result of an accident on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 12, when the scooter he was driving collided with two other vehicles. Cpl. Jean Gosselin of District 4 RCMP said police were investigating the fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 935 in Westcock shortly after 5 p.m.
Gosselin said the teen was driving towards Sackville on a Yamaha 50-cc scooter and was attempting to make a sharp turn in the road when he veered across the centre line, hit the side of an oncoming car and then swerved into a pick-up truck. Jordan Cormier, 14, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Sackville Memorial Hospital.
Town council approved changes to seniors' housing project - Sackville town council approved several modifications to a seniors' housing development that was under way on Charlotte Street.
Following a public hearing for the changes on Aug. 10, council okayed changes to the development agreement that would see three multi-unit buildings constructed on the site at 66-74 Charlotte Street instead of four, reducing the number of units from 40 to 32. The buildings would also be set at different angles than what was originally proposed.
"The developer ran into soil stability issues . . . so, as a result he had to modify his plan," said Lori Bickford, a planner with the Tantramar District Planning Commission.
Environmental issues delayed road repairs near village - It was announced that repairs to a road culvert just outside of the village of Dorchester would be further delayed until 2010 due to unforeseen problems. Residents in the Dorchester area who travel along Route 106 were upset that repairs to the road culvert had yet to be completed.
"They're going to wait until there's an accident before they do something about it," Dorchester Fire Chief Greg Partridge said.
Tantramar MLA Mike Olscamp said environemental concerns were the reason why repairs to the culvert, which was washed away as a result of heavy rains last fall, might have to be shelved until 2010.
"Under that road is an original concrete culvert that for many years has been able to absorb the volume of water that flows through there. They put extensions on that culvert I don't know how many years ago and it's these extensions that have corroded; that is the problem."
Town of Sackville continued to buck tourism trends - Sackville's tourism numbers continued on an upswing in July, bucking a trend that saw numbers throughout the Maritimes on the decline in the summer of 2009.
"I think this is really remarkable, given what the tourism industry was anticipating this year," said Coun. John Higham during council's regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 17. "So either we're outstanding in what we're doing or they were wrong."
The local visitor information centre posted an 11 per cent increase over the previous year for July.
Sackville woman received Caring Canadian Award - A long-time Sackville volunteer was honoured for her many years of service within the community. Audrey Hicks was presented with the Caring Canadian Award by Governor General MichaËlle Jean at a ceremony held at the UniversitÉ de Moncton on Friday, Aug. 14. Hicks said she was thrilled to receive the award from the Governor General, but was initially surprised to learn she had been nominated for the award.
September 2009
Sackville home destroyed in fire - Sackville firefighters did all they could to contain a house fire on Fairfield Road on the night of Thursday, Aug. 27, but they weren't able to save the home from the fiery blaze.
"The house was fully engulfed when we arrived at the scene," said Fire Chief Craig Bowser.
Bowser said more than two dozen members of the fire department helped fight the flames at 209 Fairfield Road after a call came in from a neighbour just after 10 p.m. When they arrived at the scene, the fire chief said he had to make several phone calls to confirm everyone was out of the house. Fortunately, he said, the occupants were not at home when the fire started.
New trail for Sackville Waterfowl Park was delayed by environmental regulations - Work on a new expanded trail in Sackville's Waterfowl Park continued to be delayed by government red tape.
Mayor Pat Estabrooks said the trail work that was expected to get under way in the fall of 2008 in the park was on hold yet again after Department of Environment officials declined to approve the town's latest plan because of the impact they say it will have on the wetlands.
Estabrooks said because the town's plan for the park at that point called for a longer bermed trail than what was originally proposed, the provincial government had raised concerns about the project "displacing more wetlands" than what is permitted under environmental regulations.
SGCI Communications closed its doors - A local marketing firm closed its doors, leaving a dozen people in the community out of work.
SGCI Communications, based in downtown Sackville for the past 15 years, shut down operations on Sept. 3. Owner Blaine VanSnick said the closure was "absolutely devastating" but was necessary after a year-and-a-half of economic turmoil.
"The economic downturn was ultimately the reason to close the business because there was simply no hope of a turnaround in the near future,"?he said.
VanSnick said out of the six major clients his firm had been working with over the past few years, four had either relocated or re-organized while the other two had downsized over the past 18 months.?These clients constituted 80 per cent of SGCI's business.
VanSnick pointed out that, through an arrangement with M-5 Marketing in Moncton, at least four SGCI employees had accepted jobs there while the firm would also take on their former clients.
SGCI employed 12 people when the shut-down came, although there had been a series of job layoffs at the company in the previous couple of years, which at one time employed more than 30 people.
New rural plan was in the works for Tantramar - It was announced that rural areas in Tantramar would soon have improved planning guidelines in place to help steer development in those communities while also taking residents' concerns into consideration.
A rural plan was in the works for the outlying, non-incorporated areas of the region - from Rockport to Shemogue - a document that would allow greater flexibility for future growth in those districts, according to Ron Corbett, director of the Tantramar Planning District Commission.
Currently, the rural areas don't follow any set guiding principles when it comes to new developments. The new rural plan will ensure those procedures will be put into place without waylaying development.
"At the present time, the communities don't have any input into planning," said Corbett.
Developed in consultation with local residents and stakeholders, at the time the plan was in draft form and was broken down into residential, commercial, industrial, coastal and conservation zones.
Lobster season another bust in Northumberland Strait - Hopes for an improved lobster fishing season in the Northumberland Strait in 2009 had not panned out, leaving local fishermen wondering when and if it would rebound.
Cape Spear fisherman Jimmy Trenholm had earned his living from the waters of the strait for 45 years and said 2009 was one of the worst he could remember.
"There's not many lobsters and we're not getting anything for what we're catching," Trenholm said.
"The prices are way down; we're getting $3.25 for markets (sized-lobsters) and $3 for canners but I see the stores are still charging about $9 a pound for lobster. I don't know whose getting that other $6 but it sure isn't the fishermen."
Nova Scotia woman died in hospital after July boat crash on Silver Lake - A Nova Scotia woman involved in a crash between two pleasure boats on Silver Lake earlier that summer had died.
Susan Taylor, 47, of Amherst passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the QE II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax as a result of injuries she sustained in the crash.
Taylor was boating with family friends when the two boats collided on July 10. Another adult and a child in the same boat were taken to the hospital with injuries. Sgt. Paul Ouellette of the Sackville RCMP said in July the two powerboats were traveling from opposite sides of a wharf when the crash occurred. Taylor sustained severe head and chest injuries in the crash. The 44-year-old Sackville man suffered a broken arm and leg, and his daughter was taken to hospital with a broken wrist and bruising to her face. The son was being towed behind the boat in a tube and escaped injury. The driver of the other boat was also taken to hospital but was released with no serious injuries. RCMP and boating safety officials from Transport Canada were continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Alcohol was not believed to have been a factor.
Tantramar residents walked, ran, biked in support of Terry Fox Run - More than $3,700 was raised for cancer research throughout the Tantramar area on Sunday, Sept. 13, as nearly 200 people came out to show their support during the 29th annual Terry Fox Run.
The rain held off for most of the afternoon as residents of the Tantramar area - in Sackville, Port Elgin and Murray corner - walked, ran, rollerbladed and biked in support of the cause. In Murray Corner, the annual Terry Fox Run and community fundraising supper brought in $1,774. In Sackville about 120 participants took part, raising about $1,700. In Port Elgin $311 was raised by the tiny village.
Head-hunting firm hired to find new CAO for Sackville - Sackville hired a head-hunting firm to help in the search for a new CAO. With a pricetag of about $20,000, town council awarded the contract for executive recruitment service to Gerald Walsh Associates Inc. of Halifax on Monday, Sept. 14.
Coun. Margaret Tusz-King said the town received three proposals, all of which were reviewed by the council working group in charge of facilitating the hiring process. Each RFP?was scored on quality, methodology and experience.
"We went with the one we think offers the best service and the best price,"?she said.
Former CAO Barry Carroll resigned Aug. 7 and council decided the best course of action, particularly during a recession, would be to hire a recruitment firm to fill the post.
Town established citizens' committee on policing - In an effort to enhance policing services in Sackville, town council appointed a citizens' advisory committee aimed at improving communications and accountability measures between the public and the local RCMP force.
During September's monthly council meeting, Mayor Pat Estabrooks said the committee, made up of a handful of local residents, would be working to develop "local linkages needed for the highest quality of policing services in the town."
The committee's mandate would be to: provide an ongoing focus on police services; develop recommendations for improvements to the policing system (taking the fiscal capacity of the town into consideration); develop greater community accountability and responsiveness for police services; and to maximize police service contributions, in an effort to build a safe and welcoming community.
Tantramar communities were urged to take action on environment - Preparing for the effects of climate change will require some bold action from municipal leaders over the next few years and a local environmental organization was hoping to point those communities in the right direction.
EOS Eco-Energy - a community-based, non-profit organization that encourages sustainable living in the Tantramar region - offered to develop a 'green' plan for the local municipalities, a document that would provide them with the tools they need to face the imminent challenges that will come with the effects of climate change.
EOS chairman Roland Chiasson said all levels of government could no longer afford to be complacent when it comes to the environmental impacts of climate change. Chiasson said the proposal that was presented to the communities of Sackville, Dorchester, Port Elgin and Memramcook recommended a 'collaborative' approach in developing such a plan, one that would focus on energy conservation, renewable energy and sustainable community planning for Tantramar.
'Uncle Lou' was honoured as Sackville's Citizen of Year - Sackville was extremely fortunate when Louis Lambe chose this community as his home following his retirement in 1999. Because since that time, Lambe became widely known as a professional full-time volunteer who contributed immensely to the quality of life residents here enjoy.
And it's for that reason and many more that Lambe was honoured as Sackville's Citizen of the Year 2009 during the opening ceremonies of the Fall Fair on Friday, Sept. 18.
Nominated by friend and fellow volunteer Wallie Sears, Lambe has, over the years, provided leadership in areas ranging from the Relay for Life to Meals on Wheels and from the Fall Fair to volunteer work in both Salem and Marshview schools, as well as transporting friends, neighbours and acquaintances to hospitals and medical appointments."
A pair of sisters and a Mount Allison student were also honoured for their numerous achievements and volunteer efforts in the community.
Charlotte and Marilla Steuter-Martin shared the award for Sackville's Youth Citizen of the Year, while Hyla Lapointe was awarded with Youth Achievement honours.
Tantramar Toys for Tots Motorcyle Run continued to thrive - Still going strong after 21 years, the annual Tantramar Toys for Tots Motorcyle Run was another resounding success on Saturday, Sept. 12, bringing in $15,000 in new toys and donations and attracting about 1,000 riders on more than 750 bikes.
Organizer Mike Purdy said with the help of corporate donations, individual sponsors and the motorcyclists, many local families would have a merrier Christmas this year. Proceeds from the run are distributed through area organizations to families in the Moncton/Sackville/Amherst area who are having difficulty providing for their children.
Town council wanted guidelines set for local wind turbines - Sackville town council was insisting that a set of tighter regulations be developed to go hand-in-hand with the new zoning plan that would allow wind turbines to be installed in the community.
Coun. Margaret Tusz-King said a specific set of guidelines that would detail the how-tos of municipal wind turbine development might help alleviate some of the concerns she'd been hearing from local residents about this new addition to the town's zoning bylaw.
Tusz-King pointed out that although she was pleased the town saw fit to include wind power in its newly-proposed zoning bylaw, she was concerned that there was a lack of clarity on where turbines could be located and the size regulations involved.
The town was undergoing a review of its zoning bylaw, a move that coincided with the recent approval of the new municipal plan.
One of the additions to the plan allowed for more renewable energy options in the community, including wind power.
Under the new bylaw, wind turbines or farms would only be permitted in rural residential, agricultural and industrial zones in Sackville, and would be subject to site plan control.
Sackville was preparing for possible pandemic - It was announced that Sackville would be well prepared in the case of an H1N1 outbreak in the fall.
Fire Chief Craig Bowser, who also serves as EMO coordinator for the town, told council in September that hand sanitizer machines would soon be installed in town-owned buildings and hand-washing signs would be placed in public washrooms.
Bowser also noted that vaccines were expected to be available by mid-November and he was continuing to keep updated with school and university officials as well as hospital staff about their plans for the flu season. As part of the pandemic plan, the local EMO was also in the process of updating its list of emergency equipment and supplies, including care kits, blankets, cots, etc.
Farm Field Day continued to build on its success - In recent years Sackville's Farm Field Day has become one of the community's most-loved and well-attended events during the annual Fall Fair; and in 2009 it was easy to see why.
"I think it's the best part of the Fall Fair . . . it takes in and includes so many aspects of the community, such as our culture and our history and our people," said Mayor Pat Estabrooks.
Derrick Acton, one of the main organizers behind the Farm Field Day, said the day-long activities, which this year included a petting zoo, a giant corn maze, pony rides, and milking, sheep-herding and hay-threshing demonstrations, brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of children who attended. And he said he hoped that tradition would continue for years to come, even amidst concerns over funding cuts.
Acton said although the mayor recently offered her personal reassurance the town would continue to put its support behind the event, members of the Agricultural Field Day committee were concerned about a letter they received earlier in the year from the town, advising them that funding for their organization "may not be as readily available" in 2010.
