Q: I would like to discuss a concern or idea with all of Council. Can I come to a Council meeting and discuss?

A: Yes, but you must ask the Clerk at least one week in advance. Section 10 of By-law A-028.01 Procedural By-law for the Council of Hartland states if anyone wishes to address Council at one of the meetings, they must contact the Town Clerk at least one week in advance to be added to the agenda. Giving notice allows some time for staff to do any research Council may need before they could consider a request.

 

Q: I would like to attend Council meetings so I know what is happening in my community. How can I do that?

A: The public is always welcome to attend Council meetings. Sections 12.c) and d) of By-law A-028.01 Procedural By-law for the Council of Hartland states Council hold their regular Council meeting the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in Council Chambers at the Town Hall located at 31 Orser Street. Sections 15.c) and d) states Committee of the Whole meetings happen on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. Decisions can only be made at the regular Council meetings, but they can still hear presentations at the Committee of the Whole meetings.

Q. I would like to set up by the Hartland Tourist Bureau to sell products to tourists. Do I need a Peddler License?

A. Yes. Setting up anywhere in the municipality of Hartland to temporarily sell wares would require a Peddler License as outlined in section 3.1 of Hartland’s Peddler’s By-law . You can complete the form found under B By-laws (Regulatory Ordinances). Keep in mind the Tourist Bureau is contracted out to a third party, so the product being sold would also need to comply with contractual agreements between the Town and Tourist Bureau operator. It is best to complete the Peddler License application form, and submit for town officials to review to ensure there is no conflict.

However, busking outside the Tourist Bureau is entirely at the discretion of the Tourist Bureau operator and would not require a Peddler License. This is where someone plays an instrument, sings or entertains in exchange for voluntary donations from passers-by. Busking at any other location would be up to the property owner and would typically not require a Peddler License.

 

Q. My neighbour has overgrown grass, and it looks terrible. Is this in violation of the town’s Dangerous and Unsightly Premises by-law, since it is unsightly?

A. No. For the town to take action, it must meet specific criteria. The provincial Local Governance Act specifies in section 131(1) the following as being in violation:

(a) any ashes, junk, rubbish or refuse,

(b) an accumulation of wood shavings, paper, saw dust or other residue of production or construction,

(c) a derelict vehicle, equipment or machinery or the body or any part of a vehicle, equipment or machinery, or

(d) a dilapidated building.

Section 131 further states a building or structure is in violation if it becomes a hazard to the safety of the public due to vacancy or inoccupancy, or due to dilapidation or unsoundness of structural strength.

Things like unkept grass or paint chipping off buildings do not meet the criteria to take action under the by-law.

You can view the entire section from the Local Governance Act on our website under B By-laws (Regulatory Ordinances), and the link can be found below B-59 – Dangerous or Unsightly Premises.

 

Q. Unfortunately my neighbour’s house burned down 2 years ago, and they have not cleaned the property up yet. Can the town make them clean it up?

A. Yes. Section 131(1) of the provincial Local Governance Act states that no person shall permit premises owned or occupied by the person to be unsightly by permitting ashes to remain on any part of the premises. This includes burned buildings.

While sometimes provincial officials must carry out investigations to determine cause, after a certain point, the town can take action if the property owner does not. In these instances, the public must notify the CAO with details including the address, what the issue is, and approximately how long it has been that way. This information will then be handed over to the By-law Enforcement Officer to investigate. The process from there may take 2-3 months to see remediation, as there is a legal process that must be followed.

The CAO can be contacted at cao@townofhartland.com or call 506-375-4357 ext. 200.

Q: Do I need a permit to have a campfire in my backyard? I live in Coldstream.

A: No. While Coldstream is now a part of the town of Hartland, section 8.a. of By-law D-07 Fire Protection and Prevention states a recreational fire, which includes a campfire, does not require a permit. Section 3.p. clarifies the definition of a Recreational Fire as being no larger than 1.5m in diameter with a non-flammable base. Always be sure to check the provincial website to ensure there is not a fire ban in place before having a campfire. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/public_alerts/forest_fire_watch.html 

 

Q. We are having a family gathering for my sister’s birthday this weekend. Are we allowed to set off fireworks?

A. Yes, you can use Consumer Fireworks without a permit (the type you buy at the corner store), as long as you:

• Follow the provincial burn restrictions as determined by the province (the website is updated during the summer months at 2pm daily). https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/public_alerts/forest_fire_watch.html
• Set them off between 7-10pm Mon-Thurs and Sunday, or on Fri-Sat between 6-11pm
• Set them off at least 30 metres away from your property line
• Contain them to your property. Consumer fireworks are the kind you can get at the corner store. They are designed for outdoor recreational use, and are a low hazard. Commercial fireworks  are a high hazard that professionals to use.
• Have a fire extinguisher at the ready
• Handle and store them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Commercial fireworks are regulated by the province, and require a licensed commercial fireworks operator.

Q. My neighbour’s dog does its business in my yard. I have spoken to the dog’s owner and asked that they clean up after their dog when they take it for walks, but that has not worked. What else can I do?

A. Under the Control of Dogs section in By-Law F-7 Regarding Responsible Dog Ownership, no owner can allow their animal to defecate on any property in the municipality, which is not the property of the owner. The town contracts its Animal Control services to a third party, but the public can contact CAO Julie Stockford, and she will direct the inquiry accordingly. She can be reached at julie.stockford@townofhartland.com or 506-375-4357 ext. 200.