The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Bringing uncovered or unsecured garbage to the Flin Flon landfill now carries a financial penalty. City council on Tuesday approved the final reading of a motion to charge $25 to residents who do just that. 'I think it's showing respect for the people of Channing,' said Coun. Colleen McKee, adding that unsecured garbage often falls off vehicles passing through the subdivision en route to the dump. Coun. Skip Martin, who made the motion, said the fee addresses 'an environmental issue.' From the public gallery, council faced questions on the fairness of the fee and even their legal authority to impose it, but that changed nothing. Concerned resident Mike Besler told council that not long before they approved first reading of the motion, a city employee told him no such charge was in the works. Coun. Martin said the fee was not actually finalized until Tuesday, so he does not know how anyone could say that. He said the issue was reported in The Reminder after first reading to give the public a chance to offer feedback before the final reading two weeks later. All three required readings carried without the support of Coun. Tim Babcock, who abstained. Not only is moving an unsecured load of garbage now subject to the $25 charge, it remains an offense enforceable by the RCMP. The new charge is on top of the tipping fees that took effect at the landfill earlier this month. It applies to all uncovered or unsecured loads, including certain recyclables that are exempt from the tipping fees. Highlights Other highlights from the council meeting: Amid reports of foxes roaming the streets and cats disappearing, Coun. Karen MacKinnon reminded residents not to feed foxes, as they are not pets. Council reviewed the animal control officer's June report. One dog was captured and redeemed, while three cats were caught, two of which were euthanized and one of which was redeemed. There were no animal-related prosecutions or warning letters. Council approved final reading of a motion to permit parking, during certain times, along the wall that separates the Ruth Betts Community School playground from Hiawatha Avenue. Parking will be banned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to oblige school buses, but will be allowed at all other times. Council had fielded a request to accommodate patrons at the Ukrainian Catholic Church across the street. Council varied lot requirements to permit construction of a garage at 1 Lake Street and a rear porch at 2A Fifth Avenue. Council voted to contribute $500 toward a bursary for Alexandrea Oliver, the Hapnot Collegiate student who spent the past year as council's youth representative. Council voted to spend $715 plus GST on graduation- and tourism-related advertising on CFAR. Coun. Babcock, who was president of the Trout Festival this year, commended city crews for their work during the celebration.
