From the Ashcroft Council meeting of March 25.
Roll Call: Mayor Andy Anderson and councillors Alice Durksen, Helen Kormendy and Jackie Tegart. Missing: Coun. Jerry Fiddick.
Plein Air
Council will be sending the mayor or acting mayor to the opening night supper of WRAPS’s Plein Air on May 21, to welcome the artists to Ashcroft. Last year’s event attracted 34 artists this year the Society is hoping to attract 40 or more. The artists spend two days (May 22-23) in the community, painting or drawing whatever scene strikes their fancy.
Daffodil Month and Day
Mayor Anderson declared April as Daffodil Month in Ashcroft, and Apr. 27 is officially Daffodil Day.
Lady Minto grant
Council received word that its grant for an upgrade to the heating system and improved accessibility for the Lady Minto building (Village Office) was not approved.
Coun. Tegart suggested that the Village send a copy of the grant application to MP Mark Strahl, together with the letter advising them that the application was unsuccessful, and ask him to let them know if any other grants for this project become available.
Honey Bee
Council approved a request from Clinton Shane Ekdahl to proclaim May 29 as the fourth annual Day of the Honey Bee and that the Village send letters to federal cabinet ministers supporting the idea of a National Day of the Honey Bee.
Bifuka delegation
A delegation from Bifuka, Ashcroft’s Sister City in Japan, is visiting on Aug. 4-8. The Village will host a welcome dinner for them on the evening of the 4th. Other activities are planned for the rest of the visit. Next year is the 25th anniversary of the relationship.
Doctor Recruitment Program
Coun. Helen Kormendy asked Mayor Anderson what the TNRD had to say about the provincial rural doctor program.
“It doesn’t impact our community at all,” said Anderson.
Two communities in crisis were chosen - Clearwater and Chase.
“We missed out because of our success,” he said. But he wondered how the financial incentive was going to be of benefit if the physicians aren’t available.
“They’ve told us it’s not about the money,” said Anderson. “The doctors have to be available and they have to be through the system.”
“It reflects the fact that everyone thinks it’s a simple issue, and it’s not,” said Coun. Tegart. “But the lobby is still focussed on dollars.”
“Creating physicians within your own community is the bst way to keep them,” said Anderson.
Dr. Antoinette Kitsoff’s contact with other doctors helped recruit two more for Ashcroft, said Anderson, and he hoped that Dr. Peedikayil and Dr. Govindasammy could others help recuit others.
Next meeting
Apr. 8 at 4:30 pm in the Village office. Everyone is welcome to attend.