Priorities | Expanded sewer system, new fire hall, attracting industry among 2009 plans

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By SANDRA HENNESSEY
For The Daily Gleaner

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MINTO - Minto Mayor Eric Barnett credits the work of past and present village councils for local projects done or in progress.

"We're very pleased with the Habitat for Humanity home completed in the village this year. We're happy that Stacey Arsenault and her family were able to spend Christmas in their new home," he said in a recent interview.

He expressed appreciation for the co-operation of all who helped with the project, especially the Armed Forces personnel from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

The local sewer expansion project was done by village workers, which meant costs were less than if the village hired a contractor.

"We're hoping for next year to expand to Stage 2, the Black Diamond area," Barnett said. "Of course, we'll need federal money again, but it is definitely in our plans."

The move of NB Coal's dragline operation to its new location last fall was a positive move for the future of the mining operation and the Grand Lake Generating Station, Barnett said.

"The village still would like to see NB Coal and the power plant run past 2010 (when it is slated to close)," he said. "We feel it's feasible since the price of oil could skyrocket as it did before. If the government still plans to close the Grand Lake station, we'd like some industry brought in before that happens.

"We have a large, beautiful industrial park, and are always looking for new industries. Hopefully, NB Coal will continue in operation, but we'll still lobby for more industry in the village."

Health care continues to be a concern in Minto and the surrounding area.

Minto and Chipman village councils have scheduled quarterly meetings to discuss health care and other common issues.

"If the government can't provide doctors 24-7 (at the Queens North Health Care Centre in Minto), then we want extended hours with doctors present, and a third ambulance to serve Minto and Chipman," Barnett said.

"We'd like to have the ambulance stop at the health centre if a doctor is present to assess the situation and provide medical care. This would also ease the burden on the Oromocto and Fredericton hospitals' emergency care (workers)."

The building of a new fire hall, to be located behind Veterans' Park in central Minto, is planned for the spring.

"The old fire hall was deemed unsafe, but the new one will meet all the requirements," Barnett said. "Village council and the fire department are looking forward to the new facilities."

Council is committed to youth, he said.

"We'll have programs in the winter and in the summer, and will continue to support the youth centre which is open and running. Minto has always been a friendly community, with good schools, recreation areas nearby and tourist attractions."