Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot attended the Sept. 9 Committee-of-the-Whole session of Richmond Municipal Council in Arichat and spoke with Warden Amanda Mombourquette following the meeting.

One of the first topics discussed was a presentation by Joshua Dubois from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice about the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program.

Dubois explained that the program allows residents to report concerns in their neighbourhoods and investigates illegal activities in residential and commercial properties, such as the illegal sale or distribution of alcohol and drugs.

Focusing on communities negatively impacted by habitual safety issues, Dubois said that while the program handles civil matters, they forward files to the RCMP for criminal investigations.

Dubois also mentioned that they can make recommendations to the Minister of Public Safety and apply to a judge for a Public Safety Order. Offenders can be forced to leave their property, prohibited from returning for up to 90 days or more, and fined up to $500 per day.

Next, council discussed the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce's application to Nova Scotia’s Community Housing Growth Fund to create a non-profit housing organization in the region.

The warden noted a delay regarding short-term rentals while reviewing the Chief Administrative Officer’s report.

Under action required, council considered a grant request from Lisa Dewolfe under the Recreation/Sponsorship Grant Fund for $447.50.

The council also debated a $10,000 grant request from Paroisse Saint Joseph in Petit de Grat under the Type 4 Regional/Health/General Grant Fund.

District 1 Councillor Shawn Samson explained that the Diocese of Antigonish does not contribute to the church, leaving it up to the local community. After falling short on fundraising goals, residents purchased metal roofing in memory of loved ones to complete a roof project at St. Joseph’s Church.

Samson recommended that council approve $5,000 for the project. Warden Mombourquette suggested the support be conditional, given that provincial funding for the project is uncertain.

However, District 5 Councillor Brent Sampson expressed concerns about using regional funds for the project, given that the diocese owns the building and could potentially sell it. Mombourquette agreed with his reservations.

In correspondence, the warden provided an update on Amy Wagg’s request for English-Gaelic boundary signs.

Finally, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a $9,400 grant request from the Seniors Take Action Coalition.

The meeting then adjourned.