New chairman in Miscouche

Ivan Blanchard unopposed at position, Coun. Pat McLellen appointed vice-chairman, Robin Gillis elected as new councillor

Ivan Blanchard was elected as chairman of the Miscouche community council during its April 18 meeting at the Rec Centre.

Blanchard, who was vicechairman preceding the election, has been on council for about 11 years. He was unopposed.

The election was required following the recent resignation of former chairman Peter Mallett.

This year, Blanchard hopes to get rid of some derelict properties and to finish laying sidewalk on Kelly Drive.

The council members are all people who want to be involved, Blanchard said.

“It’s a great community,” he said. “I’ll do my best.”

Councillor Pat McLellen was appointed vice-chairman, and an election was held for a new councillor. The floor nominated Robin Gillis and Billy Casey. Gillis won 19 to 16.

A resident of Miscouche for about 19 years, Gillis said she is just getting her feet wet by joining council.

“It’s an opportunity to make change. Why not try?”

Following the election, the council heard a request from St. John the Baptist parish asking for a donation to help repaint the church exterior.

Rev. Greg Conway explained on the Catholic church’s need to be repainted, noting the last time it was painted was in 2006.

The job requires $50,000 to $60,000, according to quotes Conway received.

The church is a historic landmark for Miscouche.

“If you’re coming from any direction, you see the church,” he said.

The parish is fundraising and already has about $20,000.

There was some disagreement among councillors regarding the request because the church doesn’t belong to Miscouche.

A motion was passed to donate $15,000; however, this requires council to have a special meeting, as the amount is over $10,000.