File Photo - This has nothing to do with Groundhogs
November 8th, 2021
No one will be able to say that the RM of Longlaketon’s animal bylaw wasn’t given ample consideration when it was developed, whenever that may be. The RM’s Reeve said the current animal bylaw had been in place long before he was on council, which appears to be 2013. On Monday, when the bylaw was, again, brought before council with amendments, it was the 6th time over the last 14 months with no resolution. Reeve Ray Wild said this would be the 5th public hearing on the bylaw. The meeting was held in person as well as Zoom at the last minute due to extenuating circumstances.
The RM thought they had it right this time when it reached the council table. However, it was not to be. Three people spoke against the bylaw, and one person who had spoken before again addressed council in favour of it. All submissions over the consideration of the bylaw are on record, so there is no requirement for people to resubmit if their position hasn’t changed.
The three who spoke against the bylaw are all residents of Valley Ridge. Reeve Wild described the lots in Valley Ridge as long and narrow, ranging from 2.5-4 acres with 13 homes in the subdivision. Those against it didn’t want roosters but would possibly be ok with hens and horses, but not cattle.
Reeve Wild said the bylaw wouldn’t be coming back before council in December. The Reeve said the composition of the lots varies from subdivision to subdivision, so to investigate different options, the RM has struck up a committee. The Reeve said that while the council is a little frustrated, they felt if there was an issue with the current bylaw, it was unenforceable.
In other news, the RM is changing how it holds its meetings. Beginning in December, the public will be able to tune into live meetings over Zoom. The change is happening because one of the councillors will not be able to attend in person. The COVID-19 policy for the meetings requires in-person attendees, including the public and councillors, to submit proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours. At Monday’s meeting, all in physical attendance did so.
Because the RM needs to hold the meetings over Zoom, they also need a space that provides adequate social distancing and has an internet connection. Wild said the rink where they have been meeting isn’t an option, and the council chambers don’t provide enough social distancing space. The next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Earl Grey Community Hall. Wild says the move will likely mean the RM will incur additional costs. However, he said they felt they didn’t have a choice.
While some councils have stopped meeting in person and are meeting exclusively over Zoom, Wild said, “I feel that it’s way more productive to be in a meeting face to face than electronically. I like that format and I think most of our council members do as well.”
The next meeting is on Tuesday, December 14th @ 9 am. The link to watch the meeting via Zoom will be on the RM’s webpage.
- Jenifer Argue, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports may be abridged for content