By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
Chief Administrative Officer
The Village of Halkirk is once again searching for a new Chief Administrative Officer.
The announcement was made after the Nov. 18th meeting where council accepted the resignation of CAO Andrea Benoit, effective Nov. 20th. Former Chief Administrative Officer Doris Cordel has been appointed as interim-chief administrator in what is hoped to be for the short-term.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Benoit.
“I feel badly that I’m leaving so soon, but I had a personal opportunity (arise) that I did not want to pass up.”
Council, with Cordel’s assistance have already begun the process to find a new chief administrative officer.
Bylaw amendment
Village of Halkirk council has approved a motion to amend the penalties associated with the Animal Control Bylaw. Previously, a dog running loose in the village would net you a $25 fine per offence. With the amendment made to the bylaw, a first offence for an animal running at large or creating a public nuisance will be $250 for a first offence, $500 for a second offence, and $750 for subsequent offences.
“Rather than rewrite the entire animal control bylaw, we followed the County of Stettler’s lead,” said Benoit.
“The bylaw that council looked at was an amendment to the Animal Control Bylaw. (The amendment) amended Schedule ‘D’, which is the penalty schedule.”
The amendment comes after council received a complaint about animals running at large in the village, and the existing penalty being insufficient to dissuade from the behavior.
The amendment is effective immediately.
Road closure
Halkirk Village council has approved the closure of Main Street between Railway Avenue and Alberta Avenue on Dec. 5th for the Halkirk Elks Santa Street Festival.
With current global events limiting their ability to do their traditional breakfast with Santa, the Elks are proposing to do a street festival, which would include sleigh rides, free hot chocolate and hot dogs, and several other social-distancing acceptable activities.
Along with the street festival, a Christmas Market will be held between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Halkirk hall.