Wolfville Town Council Briefs

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

welliott@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Food bank utilized

The Wolfville and Area Food bank, which is an arm of the interchurch council, feeds about 60 households each month. Approximately half of the families live in town.

Chair Nancy Burbidge appeared before council recently to detail the good work the food bank carries out. She said the families who come “appreciate help with an adequate diet and perhaps some measure of hope.”

Through the food bank, the council is able to support more families than the previous voucher system. “This is due to our relationship with Feed N.S., plus the amazing support we receive from Wolfville and area,” Burbidge said. The food bank has about 30 volunteers.

She detailed the literacy work on behalf of children and adults carried out through the facility, but noted it remains a scandal that food banks are needed.

Support solicited

Three members of the Wolfville and Area Interchurch Council appeared before town council last week to ask for support for the Ramirez family.

Rev. Barry Morrison read a letter from the council asking town council to write to the Canadian authorities on behalf of Juan Ramirez, who was deported to his native Columbia in 2006, then Maggie Kenny said Juan's lawyer Lee Cohen suggested they seek letters of support.

"Juan lived here for nine years. His wife and three young children reside here. We want to see this family back together and we think anyone would if they have concern for their fellow man."

Councillor David Mangle called Ramirez a caring and compassionate coach and referee for his son. Councillor Hugh Simpson echoed his comments, asking, “How are we going to reunite this family?”

Chief Administrative Officer Roy Brideau said he was awaiting advice from the province regarding the best stance for council to take.

Then Dara stood and, her voice trembling with emotion, said, "it's a struggle. Really, right now, we need some help. This is tough for the children."

Bus shelter

Last January town council decided to construct a bus shelter in centre town, but it was a year before the structure was put in place.

At this month’s committee of council meeting, civic watchdog David Daniels asked how much the shelter and information kiosk cost. CAO Roy Brideau said the shelter was now part of a project to reface the entrance of the Kings Centre Mall parking lot.

The entire project is expected to cost $65,000 and will be cost-shared with the mall owners, the Wade family. Brideau said the shelter was expected to cost $15,000, but a stronger foundation was required after one of the kiosks elsewhere blew over.

Report on breaks

Sgt. Ron Smith reported to council on the recent rash of break-ins in downtown Wolfville. He said there was a total of 26 residential and commercial break-ins in the last three months.

Smith said he was recommending merchants improve lighting and remove cash floats on a nightly basis. “Leave your cash register open and empty.”

He also noted that few businesses have alarms or use video cameras. Mayor Bob Stead added that given there was a previous rash of break-ins downtown about three years ago, he could only conclude, “self-security is not a great concern” for local businesses.

Three men were arrested recently in connection with break-ins throughout the county, including Wolfville, said Cst. Les Kakonyi.