Megan Keenan

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by the adoption of the consent section, which involved moving the Upper Kings Clear Fire Department report to the business section (7A) and the CAO report to section 7D. Presentations included a representative from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers discussing proposed cuts to Canada Post services, such as the conversion to community mailboxes and the elimination of door-to-door delivery, which he argued would result in job losses and service degradation, particularly in rural areas. The union representative requested support for a resolution against these cuts and advocated for expanding postal services. The second presentation addressed significant concerns regarding the water usage of the tree nursery, specifically focusing on planned increases in water withdrawal from a local aquifer, which could lead to aquifer depletion, well interference, and cone of depression impacting nearby residential wells, noting that the nursery's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation did not thoroughly address these community impacts.

The council meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including the addition of item 8C regarding the Merge Program. The consent section was adopted following the removal of the Upper Kings Clear Fire Department report to be discussed under business arising. Discussions covered the Hamilton Days Committee, resulting in a motion to strike the existing committee and establish a new structure chaired by Mayor Dave Morrison, which required an amendment to address concerns about mandatory membership. Additionally, a motion was passed to send a letter of concern to various governmental offices regarding potential cuts to Canada Post services, urging a full public consultation. Finally, a detailed discussion took place concerning the Merge Program 2.0 application, covering potential projects like a road study and site planning for David Bell Park, with staff advising against proceeding due to resource constraints, though some council members advocated for moving forward with specific aspects like the park study.

The meeting included a review of the well-received special edition Hanwell Herald, which contained crucial preparedness information. Discussions covered the recruitment of two new committee members who are expected to assist with an upcoming tabletop exercise. A detailed presentation on the 2025 Hurricane Forecast was delivered, noting predictions for 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes, emphasizing that the neutral pattern causes uncertainty. The committee also noted the Oromocto Fire Department's "Fire Smart Friday's" series as a potential initiative for their community.

The meeting involved welcoming a new member, Samantha Grant. Key discussions focused on a report from the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief regarding several woodland fires in Upper Kingsclear Hanwell, including the Route 3 Fire (2 hectares), Deerwood Fire, and Kitchen Settlement Fire, noting that 2025 was the second worst fire season in Canadian History, though Hanwell experienced no major losses or evacuations. Other topics included monitoring the active hurricane season, disappointing attendance at the Fire Smart open house (with plans to focus on social media education instead), and planning a future training exercise for November covering windstorms and power outages.

The committee report detailed planning for the Hanwell Days event scheduled for June 13th, 14th, and 15th. Key discussions included confirming the format for the Friday outdoor movie night, planning a craft beer or craft liquor tasting event featuring secured distilleries, appetizers, musical entertainment, and security arrangements. For Saturday, plans covered a donation-based community breakfast and kids' entertainment, while the main concert timing remained under finalization, with discussions on securing a beer sponsor and food trucks. Sponsorship achievements surpassed previous years' totals. The Sunday golf tournament's hole-in-one prize was sponsored. The next meeting was scheduled for April 30th.