Photo by William Crooks
The Barnston West council met for the first session of 2025 on Jan. 6 in Way’s Mills, with Councillor Julie Grenier presiding in Mayor Johnny Piszar’s absence. The council addressed key topics, including the winter carnival, cellular service gaps, and road safety.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Barnston West’s municipal council gathered on Jan. 6 in Way’s Mills for the first meeting of the year, with Councillor Julie Grenier presiding in the absence of Mayor Johnny Piszar. Five residents attended the meeting, which covered a range of community topics including preparations for a winter carnival, cellular service issues, and property-related concerns.

Councillor Ziv Przytyk announced plans for a winter carnival to be held on Feb. 9 at the ShazamFest site. The event will feature activities such as skating, sledding, and a snow skate demonstration. “We’ll have instructors to show people how to use snow skates, and there will be… equipment available for attendees to try out,” he said. The carnival will run from noon to 7 p.m., concluding with a torchlight procession. Event details will be published on the municipality’s website, in local publications, and on social media. The council also noted collaboration with the Barnston West Recreation Committee and the Youth Committee for the event’s organization.

The council reviewed requests for financial aid from local organizations. The Maison de la Famille requested support, although no specific amount was mentioned. “This organization helps families across the MRC, including those in Barnston West,” noted one councillor. Another recurring request came from a local trail maintenance group. The municipality has historically contributed between $300 and $400 annually to support their work. Council members agreed to continue funding these initiatives, emphasizing their importance to the community.

The lack of reliable cellular service in parts of Barnston West was a key topic. Residents and councillors discussed ongoing connectivity issues in nearby areas and even parts of the village of Way’s Mills itself. “Sometimes, you have to stand by a window just to get a signal,” remarked one attendee. The council resolved to support a motion by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) advocating for improved rural cellular coverage. “It’s essential for farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas to have the same tools as those in urban centres,” noted a councillor. The resolution will be sent to political parties and relevant authorities, including the CRTC.

Residents on Chemin Stage had raised concerns about speeding vehicles, particularly near residential areas. The council proposed reducing the speed limit to 50 km/h between Provencher and Bean. While some residents suggested extending the reduced limit further, the council decided to address the most critical section first. “This portion of the road has the highest traffic concerns,” explained Grenier. Discussions also touched on the challenges of enforcing speed limits. Councillors suggested involving the SQ for increased monitoring. “We already pay them enough; we might as well ask for their help,” one councillor commented.

Another notable item on the agenda was the adoption of a minor variance for a property expansion project. The Urban Planning Advisory Committee had reviewed the request prior to the meeting, recommending approval with a condition to address potential odour issues. “The goal is to mitigate any potential impact on nearby properties,” explained Grenier. This condition involves installing windbreaks should complaints arise, ensuring a balance between development and resident concerns.

During the second question period, The Record raised issues about unauthorized hunting activities on locals’ properties, following up on comments made at a previous meeting. A councillor described encountering hunters and their dogs just before Christmas. “I told them they couldn’t come near my house,” she stated, adding that there was no formal agreement allowing access. Members of the council clarified that property owners have full authority over access to their land and encouraged the councillor to establish a clear, written policy to address such situations in the future.

The meeting also addressed the municipality’s financial activities for the end of 2024. December’s expenditures, including $13,000 for snow clearing and municipal insurance costs, totalled $113,203.46. Councillors reviewed these figures, noting their importance in maintaining essential services during the winter months. Discussions emphasized the need to balance budgeting with community priorities.

As part of an ongoing effort to improve municipal transparency, the council approved publishing detailed reports on various projects, including updates on road safety, infrastructure, and recreational programs. Grenier highlighted the importance of keeping residents informed, particularly on matters like the upcoming carnival and road safety measures. “The more our residents know, the better equipped they are to provide feedback and stay involved,” she said.

The meeting concluded with a sense of purpose as the council outlined priorities for the months ahead. Winter carnival preparations are set to move forward, with organizers finalizing activities and funding. Meanwhile, the council’s focus on improving road safety and connectivity remains a top priority. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the municipality’s website and to bring concerns to future meetings, including the next scheduled session in February.

The meeting, lasting half an hour, concluded at roughly 7:30 p.m.