Hay River (Nov 20/06) - Concerns over the amount of time Hay River's resident judge actually spends in the community were raised at the council meeting.

Councillor Vince McKay questioned local MLAs Jane Groenewegen and Paul Delorey about Hay River's resident judge, Bernadette Schmaltz.

McKay said he doubted the territorial court judge had spent one night in residence in Hay River.

Groenewegen said that while Schmaltz's official residence is indeed in the Hay River highrise, her duties as territorial judge keep her travelling throughout the NWT.

"I think she lives out of a suitcase most of the time," Groenewegen said.

Delorey added that when Judge Schmaltz is in Hay River she tends to keep to herself, suggesting she is in the community more than people would know.

McKay requested the judge's schedule, to see what portion of time she spent in Hay River. Groenewegen said it shouldn't be a problem to obtain.

Judge Schmaltz does not speak to the media directly. However, Director of Court Services Colin Gordon said that while he wasn't certain how much time Schmaltz spent in Hay River, "she certainly does travel (there)."

Deputy mayor Mike Maher suggested a resident crown prosecutor might be the way to go instead of a "resident or non-resident judge, whatever the case may be."

Road renamed for veterans

The road running in front of the Hay River Legion had its name changed to Veteran's Road in time for Remembrance Day.

Councillors pushed a bylaw through to change Nahanni Road's name at the council meeting, Nov. 6.

The Legion had presented a petition to town council asking for the name change, said Legion manager Tom Jacobs.

Mayor John Pollard said he considered it a just cause and so had drafted the bylaw.

The bylaw passed unanimously. Signs had been made in advance, in order to be ready for Remembrance Day, said Pollard.

"The Legion's very happy with that," said Jacobs. "It will honour all past, present and future veterans."

The Legion has received permission from its headquarters to use the poppy symbol on the signs, he said.

Territorial Treatment Centre to open in 2008

The Territorial Treatment Centre will be open by April 28, 2008, reported MLA Paul Delorey.

Formerly the Dene K'onia Young Offender's Facility, which shut down in April, 2005, the new centre will begin its refurbishment next summer.

The move has been delayed after government flip-flopped on tearing down Dene K'onia or renovating the facility.

The treatment centre, children with behavioural problems, is now in Yellowknife.

No more sharing of bylaw officer

Calling it "outdated" town council has cancelled an agreement with local RCMP. Formerly the town and the RCMP shared one bylaw officer, but Deputy Mayor Mike Maher said it was "time we discussed the idea of the position working 100 per cent for us."

Coun. Dean McMeekin said the town has a responsibility to take care of its employees and the previous agreement "puts the employee in situations that are anything but safe."

Maher's motion to give RCMP 90 days notice of the cancellation passed unanimously.

Staff Sgt. Craig Seafoot of the Hay River detachment declined to comment.