Councillor Kaley Bancescue - Regina Beach Town Council Meeting
At the February 23rd meeting of the Town Council, proceedings began with Councillor Jared Rommens giving his vision statement. It’s a practice adopted by the new Council to begin each meeting giving gratitude. Rommens talked about his delight that the Town is providing more recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. “I want to focus on the new skating loop on the lake, which the Town will maintain,” he said, “it is another great step towards building our vision for Regina Beach.”
That skating loop, near the main shoreline, is a new addition to the lakefront and will be maintained by the Town. Eventually, there may be more seating areas for visitors, as well as a fire pit and garbage cans close by.
Soon, it was time for the Mayor and all Councillors to hear from the delegation, known as the Regina Beach Business Association, recently formed. Representative Shawn Probe was there to familiarize new Council members with the goal of the association and what it’s done so far.
“All businesses came together as a group, so we can properly reflect the needs of our community. Since this all began, what’s ended up happening is phenomenal. The new Beautification Committee, organized by the Town, has new signage at the top of the main street. There are interesting things to look at, like the Christmas tree display along the main business area this past Christmas, and flowers are planted each summer. Where do we go forward? In terms of visitors to our Town, we’d like to see trail signs that explain points of interest, as well as plant life in the area.”
The discussion also revealed that there are plans for a new tourist booth to be situated at the top of the hill at the round-about, which is the entrance to Regina Beach. It will be a year-round information centre, telling people about activities going on, no matter the season.
The next delegation to present was from Access Communication, and representative Ron Irvine, who talked about how that company is increasing and upgrading its system so that Regina Beach can better respond to the new needs since this pandemic became a reality,
“We are expanding our broadband system where connectivity is more essential. The new reality means that at-home learning has spiked, as well as video conferencing and file sharing. Our new system means, more opportunities for new business in the community. In the next several months, those internet speeds will increase as well, providing for more video services, needed during this time.”
There was also discussion about a well-known area across the highway from the grocery store. That space is currently vacant. The Administrative report to Council gave information that a developer has put in motion plans to develop one-acre lots for residential single-family dwellings with green space. Details have yet to be worked out.
Chickens were discussed
Councillor Barry Wasnik reported that he’d been approached to find out if there is a bylaw allowing laying hens to roost and live in the backyards of Regina Beach. It is a program popular in many other cities, which does require licensing. No roosters are allowed.
Council decided there wasn’t enough information on this question to make a decision at this moment. It’s been deferred for later discussion when more details are available.
Another question asked was whether taxpayers could pay their property tax with a credit card. While it may be easier for some residents to pay this way, it would come at an additional cost to the Town. There is a fee to set up the service as well as a monthly fee to maintain. The general consensus was that if it will cost the Town more in administrative fees to provide that option, it is not worth the extra cost.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle