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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The Village of Fort Simpson has purchased a new front-end loader.

Councillor Tom Wilson, right, examines the Village of Fort Simpson's new front-end loader while public works foreman Gabe Buggins demonstrates some of its abilities during the council meeting on March 19. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Based on the recommendations of the public works foreman and the council's public works committee, the village bought a John Deere loader for $195,825. Council had sufficient funds set aside in the capital budget for this purchase to replace the existing, aging loader.

Based on owning and operating costs and factoring in the cost of an operator, it is more efficient for the village to purchase a loader than to rent one, said Sebastien Goyer, the village's senior administrative officer.

The village also purchased a snow blade for the loader. The village realized the importance of having a back-up option for snow removal after its grader broke down on March 13, said Goyer during the village council meeting on March 19.

The village staff is receiving on-site training by John Deere for the operation and maintenance of the loader.

New grader discussed after snow removal delays

Mayor Sean Whelly thanked village residents for their patience with a delay in snow removal.

The village's grader broke down on March 13 due to a problem with a hydraulic pump. The village was able to rent a grader from Rowe's Construction and some of the main roads were cleared between March 15 and 18.

During the village council meeting, councillors approved a motion to rent a grader from Rowe's for two weeks for $9,000. A new pump has been purchased for the village's grader but it isn't certain when the repairs will be complete, said Mayor Sean Whelly.

"This is playing it safe," he said about the rental.

Sebastien Goyer said village staff are already in the process of researching options for how to replace the grader, which dates from 1994.

Spaying discount sought for problem stray dogs

At the recommendation of two councillors, the village is considering covering the cost to have a group of dogs spayed.

Coun. Stella Nadia and Gus Croatto presented their idea to the council on March 5. To address the village's current problem with stray dogs, Nadia said the village should pay to have the vet spay up to 10 dogs during one of his stops in Fort Simpson.

The spaying could be done on a trial basis and if it works the village should set aside money to continue the program during future visits by the vet, Nadia said. Because the village is committing to have a group of dogs done all at once, it may be possible to get a discount on the procedures, said Croatto.

Sebastien Goyer suggested the village use the expertise of Lois Martin, a local resident who is involved with the pound and caring for injured animals, to identify which dog owners may want their dogs spayed but not have the means to do so.

"We know who has the need," he said.

Goyer said he will set aside $2,000 in the village's budget for the project although more information has to be gathered before a motion is brought before the council.

Recycling to be used for fundraising

Following on a request from the New Church Building Committee, the village has agreed to allow the committee to place recycling bins in the village office and recreation centre.

The committee is looking to raise approximately $360,000 to build a new Roman Catholic Church in the village. One of their fundraising ideas is to place recycling bins in local office spaces and collect the recycling.

As a community committee, the group has committed to donate 10 per cent of the net profits from the recyclables to local youth groups.

Coun. Ron McCagg agreed with the idea on the condition the recyclables are collected. He said the first time the committee forgets to empty the bins, the recycling project should be discontinued in the village's buildings.

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