12.15.23 – Hamilton Spectator – Brockton – By Pauline Kerr, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Walkerton Herald Times
The animal control and bylaw enforcement activity report from August to October 2023 included some numbers that at least one Brockton councillor found concerning.
Coun. Tim Elphick noted that the number of false alarms recorded to the end of October was 48, including 26 in the three months in the report.
The report indicated 10 were first occurrences, for which warnings were issued. Repeat offences involve an invoice being sent. A total of 10 invoices were sent. Nine of the false alarms were invoiced together, since they were listed on the same monthly report. The total fees involved amounted to $9,300.
Elphick noted the number of false alarms has “a significant impact” on Brockton’s policing costs. False alarms continue to be monitored through the police services board. Elphick suggested the board and council may want to take a look at the false alarm bylaw, and determine if it’s having the desired deterrent effect to reduce the number of calls.
The expectation when the bylaw was implemented was that it would encourage owners of malfunctioning alarm systems to get them repaired.
Christmas Market committee discussed
Deputy Mayor James Lang commented that a number of downtown business people have “brought up the possibility of a committee to assist with the downtown market.”
He said he’d attended this year’s Christmas Market and enjoyed it.
“It was a really good night,” he said. “It (a committee) might be something to consider.”
CAO Sonya Watson said the matter is being looked at.
Lang reiterated that there was “nothing negative, but a lot of people said they’d be willing to help.”
Coun. Kym Hutcheon added that lighting for the stage in the park needs to be looked at.
Elevator for Elmwood Community Centre?
Council received a report on the possibility of submitting a joint application with West Grey through the Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The funds would be used for improvements to the Elmwood Community Centre entrance including an elevator.
The application would be conditional on West Grey also approving it. The project would likely cost in the range of $500,000, with those making the application required to fund 35 per cent of the total project cost.
Council noted Elmwood’s homecoming celebration is next year (Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2024).
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