A7

By Mark Rickard

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Speak Up

The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation will make changes to the way they report road closures in an effort to make sure communities like Perth-Andover get the messages quickly, Dan Dionne chief administrative officer, told village council at their Sept. 29 meeting.

Dionne said road closures posted on the DOT website will now be part of the Emergency Measures Organization Riverwatch website, giving village residents and officials quicker notice of flooding and road closures.

"It sounds like we were not the only one that had concerns," Dionne stated.

Ernest McGillivary, director of public safety, responded to a letter from Perth-Andover council expressing concern about road closure information.

"As you are aware in emergencies the situation can change very quickly and it is not always easy to communicate those changes to those who have a need to know. We too, have concerns and are constantly striving to overcome these types of communications issues and where possible affect improvements," the letter stated. "I have also been advised that DOT is currently actively seeking to improve the process for road reporting and that they are exploring what options are available to ensure that the information can be collected and made available in a more timely fashion."

Coun. Carter Kennedy said council had written the letter because websites were not updated during last year's spring flooding. Mayor Rick Beaulieu pointed out village officials and all emergency responders need to know when roads are closed.

Council also received a letter from the Perth-Andover Recreation Commission requesting sponsorship for the Community Wellness Challenge and their effort to make Perth-Andover a "Fit Town". The 16-week challenge encourages participants to set goals and inches and pounds lost and to promote a more healthy lifestyle. The donations will help purchase a fit pack with pedometer, log book and water bottle. Coun. Kennedy suggested the village donate $300 for the wellness challenge. Village council approved the motion.

Light Board member

Former village councillor Jim Baird has a new volunteer position in the village. Council appointed Baird to be a new member of the Perth-Andover Electrical Light Commission Board. Two board members have recently stepped down, Brent Hatchard and Carl Shaw. Council also announced they are seeking a new member for the Planning Advisory Committee.