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ENTERPRISE
The hamlet of Enterprise is currently working on submitting a water licence permit application, as it works towards potentially developing its own water treatment plant.

Peter Groenen, senior administrative officer, said the hamlet needed to complete such an application in order to conduct drilling on a future test well that would monitor flow rates and water quality.

"If those tests are positive, then we are in a position to go to the next step and make the next decision towards maybe operating our own water supply system," said Groenen.

He said the hamlet is currently waiting for information from Dillon Consulting about how much that permit would cost and whether it would also need to file for a land-use permit and a waste and water permit in order to do the drilling.

Groenen said he would be meeting with Municipal and Community Affairs officials on Dec. 15 in Yellowknife to get that information. He said he hoped to have the permit submitted by April, adding it takes 42 days for the department to approve. At that time, the hamlet could drill its test wells.

Mayor Al Flamand was optimistic about the state of the project, which was tagged at a rough cost of $1.6 million.

"The good news is, it's looking good for a water treatment plant," he said. "We have the money. We'll be independent from Hay River and that will be good for everybody."

Free first aid courses discussed

First aid courses will once again be offered in the hamlet as part of ongoing training for its fire department and hamlet staff, but some councillors wondered whether the course should be offered to residents, free of charge.

SAO Peter Groenen said the course costs roughly $100 per person.

"We should make that course free to anybody that wants to take it," said Mayor Al Flamand. He said having more trained first aid responders in Enterprise would only benefit the community.

Coun. Craig McMaster said the training is needed in the hamlet, as it has been two years since volunteer firefighters have received the course.

Coun. Tammy Neal warned that council should abstain from making decisions of a financial nature, due to the upcoming election. Her suggestion was met with agreement.

However, Coun. Jim Dives said if some residents took the course, council could meet after the election to decide whether to reimburse the citizens.

Groenen said the courses had yet to be scheduled.

Final words

Mayor Al Flamand signed off at his last council meeting as mayor last Monday.

"This is my last official meeting. It's been fours and, man, it's been an education for me," he said.

"It's been an honour to work for our community."

Before Flamand could adjourn the meeting, long-time resident - and frequent council meeting attendee - Anne Liskew rose to offer a few words of appreciation.

"I'd like to thank you Al, for all that you did for us," she said. "It's been very good and let's hope it can carry on."

Flamand and Liskew shared a hug as people put on their coats and went home.

More final words

Enterprise council approved the name of its cemetery on Dec. 5, based on responses it received in a public poll. Enterprise Cemetery beat out Wild Rose Cemetery, Gateway to Heaven and a couple of other suggestions to become the new namesake.

"I always thought it would be Enterprise Cemetery, with Gateway to Heaven written underneath it, but that's just my own thinking, based on the fact that it's my future residence," joked Mayor Al Flamand.

SAO Peter Groenen said the hamlet had to be sensitive about using language that was non-denominational, in order to respect residents with different - or without - religious beliefs.

Coun. Tammy Neal suggested the hamlet could inscribe something a little more inclusive under a future 'Enterprise Cemetery' sign, tactfully suggesting: "Gateway to wherever you're going."

Good looking police statistics

The hamlet's sterling month-end RCMP statistics were on display at a council meeting on Dec. 5, prompting Coun. Jim Dives to wonder aloud if Enterprise should start using the numbers to promote itself.

"It's a pretty impressive set of statistics, month after month after month," Dives said. "It makes it a little more attractive to live here."

Not one call or issue was reported in Enterprise, a hamlet of 108 residents, last month.

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