Animal talk back at the table

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The issue of keeping non-domestic animals in Berwick came back into focus September 4, when a motion to discourage future regulations was defeated at a meeting of the town’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).

After a proposed bylaw restricting the type and number of farm animals failed to gain the support of council last spring, PAC tabled the issue at its July meeting. Committee chairwoman Beth Easson said, while some PAC members simply “wanted the issue to go away,” the majority felt it was “important to examine the issue again in order to strike a balance" that will be fair for people who want to keep farm-type animals while offering protection to their neighbours.

The committee has instructed staff to take a look at all properties in town that have housed, or are currently keeping large animals, such as horses and cows. “We need a better understanding of who is taking part in this kind of activity and look at the size and location of lots currently in use,” added Easson.

New signage on horizon

PAC voted to change welcoming signs at both the north and south gateway to town on Commercial Street.

A new “Welcome to Berwick” sign at the town’s southern entrance will recognize Berwick as the “fastest growing town in Nova Scotia.” At the same time, an effort to clear up the “signage clutter” south of the Cornwallis River bridge will see the welcome sign and map come down, and signage reworked or replaced. “Right now with the fire hall going in, that area is under construction, so it may be wise to get further into the project before making any decisions about signage,” explained Easson.

Subdivision bylaw to be revisited

The committee has decided to look at changing the town’s existing subdivision bylaw in order to lure more development to the area.

Developers are responsible for the cost of installing sidewalks and concrete curbing in new subdivisions, which one developer recently called “onerous and unnecessary,” given the amount of anticipated traffic on these new side streets.

After reviewing similar bylaws in nearby towns and municipal units, PAC concurred Berwick’s requirements were “right in line with other communities,” but a lower price yield for lots translates into less profit for developers. The committee will undertake an inventory and classification of roads in order to move the discussion to the next level. A "road hierarchy" that defines routes by traffic volumes and access will be presented to the committee at a future meeting.