By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Barnston West’s municipal council gathered on Jan. 6 in Way’s Mills for the first meeting of the year, with Councillor Julie Grenier presiding in the absence of Mayor Johnny Piszar. Five residents attended the meeting, which covered a range of community topics including preparations for a winter carnival, cellular service issues, and property-related concerns.
Councillor Ziv Przytyk announced plans for a winter carnival to be held on Feb. 9 at the ShazamFest site. The event will feature activities such as skating, sledding, and a snow skate demonstration. “We’ll have instructors to show people how to use snow skates, and there will be… equipment available for attendees to try out,” he said. The carnival will run from noon to 7 p.m., concluding with a torchlight procession. Event details will be published on the municipality’s website, in local publications, and on social media. The council also noted collaboration with the Barnston West Recreation Committee and the Youth Committee for the event’s organization.
The council reviewed requests for financial aid from local organizations. The Maison de la Famille requested support, although no specific amount was mentioned. “This organization helps families across the MRC, including those in Barnston West,” noted one councillor. Another recurring request came from a local trail maintenance group. The municipality has historically contributed between $300 and $400 annually to support their work. Council members agreed to continue funding these initiatives, emphasizing their importance to the community.
The lack of reliable cellular service in parts of Barnston West was a key topic. Residents and councillors discussed ongoing connectivity issues in nearby areas and even parts of the village of Way’s Mills itself. “Sometimes, you have to stand by a window just to get a signal,” remarked one attendee. The council resolved to support a motion by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) advocating for improved rural cellular coverage. “It’s essential for farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas to have the same tools as those in urban centres,” noted a councillor. The resolution will be sent to political parties and relevant authorities, including the CRTC.
