June 2016 – Morinville News – Morinville Online

Morinville Public Library opening on Mondays for July and August

Jun 30, 2016 1

The Morinville Public Library Board is pleased to announce the library will now be open seven-days-a-week over the next two months, thanks to a $4,500 grant awarded by the Town of Morinville Council (effective July 4).

Since January 2016, the Morinville Public Library (MPL) has been closed on Mondays due to insufficient funding. The grant awarded to MPL will cover the costs associated with operating on Mondays for the months of July and August.
[…]

National Column: Let’s not confuse bromance with Canadian influence in U.S.

Jun 30, 2016 Comments Off

Of the four most recent U.S. presidents to have addressed a joint session of the Canadian Parliament, Barack Obama has the least political capital left to spare to translate words into actions. In the dying months of his presidency, he is down to small change. […]

Province to raise minimum wage this fall

Jun 30, 2016 Comments Off

The province will move closer to its goal of a $15 minimum wage this fall with a $1 increase Oct. 1 bringing the minimum wage to $12.20. A second increase of $1.40 will take place Oct. 1, 2017, bringing minimum wage to $13.60. Additionally, the current liquor server rate will be removed Oct. 1 of this year. […]

Edmonton RCMP charge Morinville parents in death of child

Jun 30, 2016 25

The parents of a toddler who drowned in a pond in The Lakes neighbourhood of Morinville, on July 25, 2015, now face a criminal charge in relation to the death of their two-and-half-year-old daughter. The child was not under adult supervision at the time of her drowning. […]

Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw delayed again, second reading rescinded, and on-leash requirement back in

Jun 30, 2016 1

In a unanimous decision, Council has rescinded Second Reading of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. The new legislation was intended to make significant changes to pet registration and enforcement in Morinville, including allowing the registering of nearly any safe animal, including chickens, pigs, goats or other less common animal companions, among other changes. […]

Morinville Council Briefs

Jun 30, 2016 1

Council has passed a slew of motions at once without debate as it, for the first time in its term, utilized a consent agenda to pass more than half of their items in the evening without discussion or debate. The motion came at the beginning of Council’s final meeting before their summer recess, with a jam-packed agenda. […]

Council fumes about photo radar – delays passing policy

Jun 30, 2016 1

In another round of disgruntled comments, Council has decided to defer a decision on changes to photo enforcement in Morinville following escalating concerns over the recent massive spike in photo enforcement issued tickets in the last quarter.

The motion to differ was presented by Councillor Stephen Dafoe on the basis that he felt Council should see if Administration’s procedures for operating photo enforcement had the teeth Council is looking for to put some checks and balances into how the program is run in Town. […]

Town moves ahead with plan for new public school

Jun 29, 2016 1

“We have a school site.” The final words from Mayor Holmes after resolving months of uncertainty on the future of public schooling in Morinville. The declaration followed unanimous votes on three bylaws that allow for a new school site to go ahead that is supported by the Province, School Board and Town. […]

National Column: Trudeau channels Harper on Ukraine

Jun 29, 2016 Comments Off

Some days it’s as though Stephen Harper never lost the election. Okay, not most days, but some. That was a hawkish speech Justin Trudeau delivered on Ukraine to a Ukrainian-Canadian audience last week in Toronto. A robust statement of continuity in Canadian policy. […]

Morinville ready to celebrate Canada’s 149th

Jun 28, 2016 1

The flags are flying above Main Street in preparation for the Morinville Historical and Cultural Society’s annual Canada Day in the Park event running Friday from noon until 3 p.m.

Although the festivities and participation have grown, organizer Murray Knight says patriotism and a sense of community remain at its core. Once again the celebration will carry the family picnic in the park theme. […]

National Column: Brexit a bold, perilous stab at de-globalization

Jun 28, 2016 1

In voting to leave the European Union, Britons have embarked on a bold but perilous experiment.

They are turning their backs on expert opinion. They are ignoring the advice of the mainstream elites who argue further economic integration is both inevitable and necessary. […]