Manor heating upgrade
Council carried a motion to withdraw $30,528.15 from the working capital reserve account for the municipality’s share of the Manor heating system upgrade.
Sheguiandah Fall Fair
The Northeast Town council reviewed a letter form the Sheguiandah Fall Fair requesting a municipal contribution towards the 8th Annual Sheguiandah Fall Fair.
“The seventh annual event was extremely successful, especially in the school/youth program,” said the letter to council from Sheguiandah Fall Fair Youth Coordinator Marjorie Collie. “The registration for children saw a huge increase over the previous year. Promotion was carried out through the schools, 4H Clubs, the museum, parents and individuals.”
The letter noted that planning for the 2018 fair was underway and that the committee is seeking donations towards awards for the youth fair entrees.
“The fair has gotten quite popular,” said Councillor Marcel Gauthier. “The entries the kids are submitting are really interesting.”
Council carried a motion to donate $200 towards the youth entries at the 8th Annual Sheguiandah Fall Fair.
MHC donation
The Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) auxiliaries, both Little Current and Mindemoya, requested council’s support in hosting the Hospital Auxiliary Association of Ontario annual spring conference in Little Current May 4 to 6.
Council carried a motion to donate $200 to help offset the auxiliaries’ costs.
Fire department report
Northeast Town Fire Department Chief Duane Deschamps presented council with the February department report. He reported that the department responded to a bush fire in Rockville on January 26, assisted the OPP with a snowmachine accident on February 10, helped a cat in a tree on Robinson Street on February 16, responded to a fire alarm at a home on Highway 6 on February 18, assisted with an EMS call on Campbell Street West on February 18 and a chimney fire on February 22.
Councillor Marcel Gauthier inquired about saving the cat from the tree. Fire Chief Deschamps responded that the department won’t be providing that service again as it puts people as risk by utilizing staff and equipment when a call could come in.
He also noted that all apparatus and equipment is in good working order.
Community Services
Community Services Manager Reid Taylor informed council that the arena ice was running at normal capacity and that staff at the arena are busy completing regular maintenance.
“The Lions’ Winterfest Weekend was a success once again,” said Mr. Taylor. “The Northern Ontario Curling Championships also went well and were extremely well attended.”
Councillor Bill Koehler and Mayor Al MacNevin told Mr. Taylor that they had both heard a lot of positive feedback from the community regarding the event, the facilities and the work of staff.
Mr. Taylor thanked them for the feedback and told council he would pass the message on to the recreation centre staff.
He added that public skating is continuing at the arena, as in Skate Canada Manitoulin, Manitoulin Panthers, ballet, Friends and Fitness, the Soup to Tomatoes program and other activities.
Coming up at the recreation centre Mr. Taylor said there is a cooking workshop on February 26 and March 12, the NOHA Pee Wee Tournament of Champions on March 2 to 4, March Break skating and activities and Island Skate on March 23 and 24.
He also noted that the outdoor municipal buildings are being inspected regularly, as is the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah.
Marina rate
Council reviewed and passed the proposed 2018 Port of Little Current and Spider Bay Marina dockage, ramping and service rates.
Public Works
Public Works Manager Gary May reported that road winter maintenance is ongoing and that patching is being done when conditions allow. He also stated that equipment and maintenance and repairs are being done as required. As well, the tender is out for the new plow truck.
Great Lakes cruising study
Mayor MacNevin reviewed the Cruise Ship Industry Group (CSIG), of which the Northeast Town is a part of, and the funding they received from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) for $250,000 to develop an Ontario cruise ship industry business case.
Mayor MacNevin said that the project consultant has been hired, Bermello Ajamil and Partners, and that they will be visiting the municipality moving forward to discuss the Northeast Town’s interest in the growing Great Lakes cruise industry, port infrastructure and cruising tourism assets and supports.
