Town of Eston planning town hall meeting in June
By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice
ESTON – The Town of Eston is planning a "town hall" style meeting in June to discuss important issues with the community, including things like nuisance properties and dogs running at large. The topic was discussed at the May 13 regular meeting of council.
In a phone call with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jody Irwin May 26, Your West Central Voice was informed of council's desire to host a town hall meeting for the entire community June 18, which the CAO said is "very exciting."
Irwin stated there are quite a few items on the agenda, including bylaw enforcement topics such as nuisance properties and dogs running at large. Irwin stated Eston's bylaw officer will be present to discuss these issues with community members and to let the community know what the town can and cannot do in enforcement situations.
Councillors also wanted to place the 2026 budget and tax levy on the agenda which will give them a chance to show where and why tax dollars are spent.
Irwin stated the RCMP is also planning on attending this event along with town council and staff who will also explain a bit about municipal committees and their activities like recreation.
The CAO noted the public can pre-submit questions so council and staff have the answers they're looking for the night of the event. Drop by the town office and ask for a submission form.
Irwin stated the entire community is invited to the event and there will be coffee and light snacks as well.
Tax enforcement
Irwin stated that council dealt with several tax enforcement items at the meeting. For two properties councillors gave instructions that enforcement action be continued; this applies to tax rolls 114 and 320.
Another property, the old shuttered cafe, was also discussed. The CAO stated the cafe property has come back into the town's possession and it was also noted the property was publicly advertised for sale but there were no offers.
Irwin noted the Town of Eston took possession of the property a few months ago. Readers should note municipalities are bound by law to handle tax recovery according to legislation and typically it's only done to recover unpaid property taxes. Property owners usually have many chances to clear up the debt to recover their property.
New daycare
Irwin observed a new daycare has plans to open up in Eston; she stated the new operation is still in the licensing phase and has reached out to the town for some assistance in finding grant funds.
The CAO stated Eston's previous economic development officer played a role in landing this new operation.
Scavenger permit
Councillors also considered a "scavenger permit" request for the aforementioned shuttered cafe property. The CAO explained the scavenger bylaw exists because the town wanted to try to re-purpose everything possible if a building is demolished.
Irwin stated a member of the public voiced interest in items at the old cafe property.