ESTEVAN — The issue of recycling in Estevan came up during the May 26 meeting of Estevan city council.
While discussing the April report from GFL Environmental, which handles residential garbage pickup and curbside recycling for the city, Coun. Brian Johnson asked for a report on how they are presently handling and processing all of the recycling.
"I'm not sure, I'm not clear on where they do it, or how it's baled, or where it's sent to, and if it's separated. I'm very curious to that fact," said Johnson.
The April numbers show a total of 2,660 blue carts were emptied with a total weight of 15,077 kilograms. The average recycling cart weighed 5.67 kilograms. There were four single-stream recycle pick-up days in the month.
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Council denied a request from the Hockey Canada Skills Academy at Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur for a reduction to $105 an hour for ice surface rental.
Principal Amber Hilstrom said the program is a self-funded, tuition-based effort that operates with no profit margin. Its goal is to provide all students with access to a high-quality, skill-based hockey program that supports personal growth and physical development. Ice sessions take place during school hours.
The cost per student has been $700, she said, but due to rising costs across all components of the program, it is to increase to $750 per student.
"While we considered a steeper increase, we are mindful of the growing financial strain on families due to the current economic climate. We fear that additional increases could prevent some students from participating," she wrote in a letter to council.
Families with financial hardships are able to apply for support through a process modeled on programs such as KidSport.
Coun. Shelly Veroba said if the city gives Sacred Heart the rate, other user groups would come back to the city.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser suggested the use of the Power Dodge Arena, which would provide cost savings to the academy instead of reducing the rate. She would not support a change to the rate for Affinity Place.
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Council approved a lot consolidation request from McComb Automotive to bring all of the properties into one.
In a report to council, land development services manager Richard Neufeld wrote the purpose of the consolidation is to eliminate the issues related to property lines crossing through buildings and to allow more room for expansion in the future.
Since it is not a formal subdivision, Neufeld said all that is required is a consent letter from the City of Estevan to land titles.
"The landowner has in the past been denied the ability to expand or connect his buildings due to conflicts with property lines extending through existing buildings," Neufeld wrote. "Both our zoning bylaw and the National Building Code generally prohibit buildings crossing property lines. With a consolidated parcel the landowner will be able to develop the property in a more orderly fashion."
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Council approved minor variances for the Pebbles to Rocks Day Care centre, which was approved last year and will be located on Wellock Road.
Neufeld noted the project has moved from the initial design stage to the engineering stage. The consultant has come forward with recommended changes to the placement of the building on the property.
He added the property has a tight building pocket due to a franchise utility right of way that extends west to east in the rear of the property.
The standard setback from the front property line will be moved from 7.5 to 5.8 metres. The standard building setback from a side property line is 3.0 metres, he said, but it will be reduced to 2.5 metres.
Neufeld said the amended building location will also improve safety, with an increased separation distance from the south gas line. He pointed out denying the request might result in the developer having to re-design the proposed building.
Walliser supported the variances, but thought it would make the neighbouring lots even more difficult to sell. She suggested a conversation to make the lots adjacent to the daycare site more desirable for development.
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Council gave three readings to a bylaw to close the northern two metres on the east side of Drader Street. The road allowance was 23 metres instead of 20. The move is to make it more appealing for development. Council had approved a bylaw to close the north two metres on the west side of Drader, but Neufeld admitted there was a clerical on his part, which forced the do-over on the bylaw.
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During the inquiries portion of the meeting, both Veroba and Johnson brought up matters related to bylaw enforcement. The city is currently looking for a bylaw officer. Veroba noted many people think there is too long of a wait from when a bylaw notice is issued until it is enforced.
