Howland drain
Northeast Town CAO Dave Williamson reviewed the final costing of the Howland drain with council.
He reminded council that this drain goes from the lagoon, past Ferguson’s property, past Jeffery’s property, to the landfill, across Highway 6 and down to the Strawberry Channel.
“The final costing of constructing the drain is $1,054,140.15,” said Mr. Williamson. “Of that amount, the Ministry of Transportation is paying for $740,000 because of the culvert going under the highway.”
Councillor Michael Erskine asked what the “bottom line” is for the town. Mr. Williamson responded, “$105,000.”
Council carried a motion to approve the bylaw for the actual cost of the Howland drain.
Pyette-Ferguson drain
Greg Pyette sent council a letter indicating that he was having issues on his property in regards to the Pyette-Ferguson municipal drain located on Lot 10, Consession 8 in Bidwell.
Under the drainage act, Mr. Pyette said he was giving council and the town notice that maintenance of the drain is required.
“I would like verified: if there is naturally occurring obstructions of the waterway, if there has been alterations of manmade obstructions of the waterway, if the drain was not designed or constructed properly and what corrective measures will be taken.”
Mr. Williamson explained that Mr. Pyette wasn’t to tile drain his field.
“The drainage superintendent inspected the drain and came back and advised staff that there are no issues with the drain and it is working as it was designed to do,” said Mr. Williamson.
He said that a meeting will be held with the landowners along the drain to see if they are having shared experiences and it will be looked at to see if it is indeed a maintenance issue, otherwise it is a drain improvement and the cost will have to be borne by Mr. Pyette alone.
Fire department
Northeast Town Fire Department Chief Duane Deschamps presented council with the November report.
He noted that there had been three calls for service since his last report.
On October 27 the department responded to a fire call on Highway 540, but the fire ended up being in M’Chigeeng.
The department also responded to a fire at 40 Meredith Street, the Valu-Mart’s sprinkler alarm.
On November 6, there was a strong smell of propane reported at Superior propane. When the department responded, it turned out that an employee was purging a tanker truck for servicing.
Fire Chief Deschamps said that there were 43 calls for service to date and that fire apparatus and equipment was in good working order.
Community services and public works
Community Services Manager Reid Taylor delivered his report to council.
“The arena ice is running at normal capacity and staff are completing regular maintenance,” said Mr. Taylor. “The Manitoulin Panthers Alumni game went well and was well attended.”
This month at the recreation centre Mr. Taylor reported that the Soup to Tomatoes Program started on November 20 and that adult and child programs are starting on November 29. He also noted that there is a Canada 150 skate day being held on December 10.
Mr. Taylor said all the buildings and docks have been winterized and closed and that the parks and buildings will be monitored regularly over the winter.
For upcoming events he listed the Little Current Santa Claus Parade on December 2 and the Festival of Trees at the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah November 24 and 25.
Public Works Manager Gary May said that winter operations have started on the roads and that staff are touching up grading when the weather permits. He added that the roadside brushing had been completed for the year.
Building controls
Mr. Williamson presented council with the building controls report, noting that there had been a total of 59 permits issued this year. The total value of construction to date is $52,82727, with a total building permit revenue of $66,888.43.
