Summerfest Report
In the face of the recent cold snap and snow on the ground, Council and staff had an opportunity to look back at Summerfest, and one of the hottest days of the year, during the Summerfest Committee’s final report.
Bill Gibson, speaking on behalf of the committee, went through some of the highlights from this year’s event, including attendance, economic impact, and comparative data year over year.
In 2019, Summerfest welcomed 31,951 people over the four-day festival, down slightly from last year, with Saturday’s extreme heat and evening electrical storm playing a factor. On average, over the last three years, Summerfest welcomes just over 37,000 people per year.
In 2019, 65 vendors and 30 bands, buskers, and entertainers filled downtown Fonthill, and over 1,200 volunteer hours were supplied. Additionally, 681 people used the free shuttle services and 49 bikes were valeted.
Talking numbers, Summerfest received $17,155 in the form of donated materials, supplies, services, and expertise, not to the mention the over $30,000 in volunteer hours. This year, the Summerfest Committee gave back $4,834 to local service clubs, bringing the lifetime total over $62,000 given back to service clubs.
Next year marks the festivals 10th anniversary.
“As you read this report it’s so easy to see that it is indeed a community festival,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “Obviously you need someone at the helm, but the community embraces this – one of the reasons you’re here and going into your 10th year is because you’re always evolving; you’re always seeing how you can make it better.”
Mountainview Homes granted early application process
Ken Gonyou of Mountainview Homes requested permission to make an application for minor variances prior to their original September 2020 date as outlined in the Planning Act.
The request was made for homes on Summersides Boulevard and Klager Avenue.
The minor variances proposed are for removing the requirement for the masonry wall separating detached garage blocks, reducing setback for detached garages to property lines form 2.4m to 1.2m, and reducing the front yard setback from 4.5m to 3m.
Council approved the request with a 3-2 vote in favour.
Cannabis Control Committee updates
Tim Nohara, chair of the Cannabis Control Committee, updated Council on the progress committee’s progress ince the interim control bylaw was extended earlier this fall.
Identifying new facts from research that underpin the preparation of bylaws to come before Council in December, Nohara outlined the areas of concern the forthcoming bylaws address.
Nohara says that the committee has been in contact with other municipalities facing similar changes, notably Niagara-on-the-Lake, to discuss what types of work is being done and how issues are addressed. Nohara noted that while the issues are similar, different communities, based on geography and other criteria, will need to be somewhat unique in their approaches to solving the problem.
Budget passed
Pelham Town Council passed the 2020 operating, capital, and water and wastewater budgets, resulting in an overall estimated increase of 6.05% after growth. A report with an updated growth number is coming to Council is coming in December. Water rates increase by 7.5% and wastewater by 9.5%.
Budget highlights will available in the coming weeks.
Effingham Street turns 50
Committee of the Whole supported the recommendation the approval to implement a uniform 50 km/h speed limit on Effingham Street between Regional Road 20 and Regional Road 69.
In response to concerns expressed by local residents and potential safety problems, the Town of Pelham retained Associated Engineering Inc. to conduct an in-service road safety review of Effingham Street between Regional Road 20 (HWY 20) and Regional Road 69 (Pelham Road).
The purpose of the study was to analyze: collision history, speed and traffic volume data, road geometry, signage, intersection safety and pavement markings to provide potential low-cost mitigating measures to address the identified safety issues.
Staff reviewed keeping the speed limit as is, however this will require the installation of additional warning signage, and is not likely to reduce the frequency or severity of mid-block, or intersection collisions.
A consistent posted speed limit and installation of signage along Effingham from Regional Road 20 and Regional Road 69 will improve the driver’s ability to anticipate and understand road hazards and allow them to make better decisions regarding their speed.
Brock and Pelham partner up
Committee approved a health and well-being partnership between the Town of Pelham and Brock University, with a focus on 55+ programming.
The program will be a 6 month “pilot” beginning January – end of June, 2020 and will be a “subscriber based” program (where participants sign up for a 12-week session). Sessions will be held twice weekly from January – March and three times weekly from April – June, between 9-10 a.m. during the trial period.
The proposed program will be overseen by a part time Brock University staff member who will recruit, train and supervise Kinesiology students in delivering the fitness program. This is similar to the full program offered at Brock. Being that the MCC is our transit hub it is convenient for students to use public transportation to participate in this program.
“I think it’s a great program,” said Councillor Lisa Haun. “However, I think that if taxpayers are going to spend $7,000 [on equipment], they should be able to use it when this program isn’t running.”
Director of recreation, culture, and wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay indicated that the program is likely to grow, and that availability during daytime hours would accommodate the Councillor’s vision.
Entering into this partnership builds a strong relationship with Brock University; gives students community work experience; and benefits residents that are 55+ to have the opportunity to increase quality of life and everyday health and wellness.
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