Cpl, Rob Landry

Corporal Rob Landry presented council with the RCMP statistics for the month of December. Landry told council that nothing really stands out and again this month there were lower numbers for traffic tickets. He explained that mischief calls were up slightly from the same month last year. Landry told council that mischief can be anything from causing damage to complaints of a loud party. When things get out of hand, he says the police use the criminal code to resolve issues. In December in GBW there were 49 traffic warnings issued and 20 tickets handed out. In the rural area, 43 traffic warnings were given and 13 tickets written. Vehicle collisions reported in the area outside of town was high at 19 compared to only 3 collisions within Grand Bay-Westfield.

Mayor Losier told council the value of new housing starts in the community was up in 2009 over the previous year, despite a slow start. It was 2.7 million dollars compared to 2.5 million in 2008.

Council reminded pet owners that it’s time to pick up a new 2010 licence for your dog. Sewerage bills for the year will be sent out in the latter part of January.

Council agreed to pay 2010 membership dues of $722.63 to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Mayor Losier reminded council that as a result of lobbying by the FCM the town should receive GST rebates and Gas Tax refunds of almost $445,000 this year.

The town agreed to donate its free day at Harbour Station this year to the 2010 Francophonie Games being held at Harbour Station in June.

Bills totalling $354,512.94 were paid.