(Photo: Quinte News / File)
Council confirms land purchase, will dedicate new section of park
Brighton Council is looking at expanding a downtown park, by way of a land purchase, worth just under $129,000.
Staff struck a deal with owners of property at 125 Elizabeth Street, to buy the six acre parcel, in an attempt to expand King Edward Park and increase the amount of general park space in town.
The deal was finalized by councillors on Monday, with the condition that the plot or any structure built there, be named in honour of the land’s original owner, Isaiah Thayer.
Thayer and his brother Nathaniel settled in Brighton in the 1800s and developed the land into an apple orchard and farm.
No word on what type of structure might go there, or when any work will start.
CAO: Applewood gate must stay down
Brighton Council says a gate constructed between the industrial and residential sections of Applewood Drive needs to stay down, for now.
CAO Bill Watson says the gate was never put up by city order and was likely installed to limit truck traffic through the residential area and into the neighbouring industrial park.
While some residents are unhappy with traffic being allowed through, Watson says the problem is Applewood is a fully open road allowance and can’t be blocked unless a change is made to reclassify the road.
A report from Watson, approved last night, suggests it would be a bad idea to put a gate back up, especially since the fire chief sees the road as a key access point in case of emergency.
Council has approved the installation of “no trucks” signs on streets in the area to try and alleviate residents’ traffic concerns.
As far as enforcement goes, Watson says he’ll meet with the OPP within the next month or so to discuss the issues they have and council may revisit the issue in the future.
Updates made to water control by-law
The Municipality of Brighton is following suit with other towns nearby and is making sure it has control, in case of a level three low water condition, or emergency.
Council passed an updated water control bylaw on Monday night, which allows council and staff to force residents to conserve water during an emergency situation.
Currently and until the low water condition reaches level three, water conservation efforts are voluntary.
Staff was also asked why workers are still watering municipal properties when residents were being told to cut back, with CAO Bill Watson responding that in most cases, especially with sports fields, the watering is needed to avoid any liability issues with users.
Rules placed on sale and show of fireworks
If you’re planning to buy fireworks in Brighton during non-peak times, think again.
Council there has implemented a fireworks bylaw, which bans the sale and display of the colourful explosives, except at certain times of year.
You’ll still be able to celebrate on Canada Day, Victoria Day, Labour Day and New Year’s Day, but only with small home displays.
Permits will be needed for anyone who wants to put on any sort of public fireworks show.
Fire calls for service down in June and July, compared to last year
Firefighters in Brighton responded to almost half as many calls last month, as they did in July 2015.
There were 17 calls for service in July of this year, compared to 36 in the same month last year, with the majority being false alarms or outdoor burn calls.
Crews also responded to two natural gas leaks, a gas spill and three medical assist calls last month.
In July last year, almost half of the calls that came in were for medical help.
Council asks for provincial help with tennis court repairs
Brighton Council is hoping it can get some upper-level government help, in making repairs to the aging King Edward Park Tennis Courts.
Council has agreed to submit a funding request to the Ontario 150 Capital program, which would provide 50% of the $50,000 cost.
Another $20,000 would come from the municipality, with $5,000 coming from the Brighton Tennis Club.
Applications for the program have to be in by mid-September, which means an update on the application will likely come in the fall.
