KIPLING — Kipling town council gave second and third reading to a bylaw amendment during their regular meeting last Monday, March 10, tweaking what can take place in downtown commercial buildings.
Bylaw 1-2025 amended the Town’s current zoning bylaw by deleting a section under Zoning District Designations, specifically Downtown Commercial District, where one line states “commercial or office or residential uses are permitted on any floor, but no floor may contain a mix of residential and commercial/office uses.”
“Getting rid of that, they don’t have to be on separate floors,” commented Mayor Pat Jackson while reading the action item.
Secondly, the motion amended the definition of a mixed-use dwelling to read “a building which has a commercial, special, or office space and a rear residential suite.”
Previously, the definition only allowed commercial or office space at grade and one or more dwelling units above.
First reading of the amendment took place on Feb. 10, an action that also required a public hearing before proceeding further. That public hearing took place before the March 10 regular meeting of Kipling Town Council, with zero members of the public in attendance.
At issue is the use of a property on the 500 block of Main Street which the new owner wanted to change from commercial to multiple dwelling use. The 1,500-square-foot commercial building had sold in June, 2024 to a buyer from Nova Scotia. During the Oct. 15, 2024 meeting of council, that initial discretionary use application was denied.
Grants approved
Council accepted the Kipling Library’s 2024 financial statement and budget for this year. A motion was made to approve the library’s annual grant in the amount of $5,807.
Also received were the 2024 financial statements and 2025 budget from the Kipling Fire Department. Council approved a grant of $55,000 towards the fire department.
Also brought to Council was the previous year’s financial statement and 2025 budget from the Kipling EMO in the amount of $5,000.
Community centre deficit
Council accepted the deficit for the Kipling Community Centre in the amount of $20,823. The Airport Reserve saw a surplus of $1,439 and the Handy Van Reserve also saw a surplus in the amount of $706.
Handy Van policy
A request came to Council that people using walkers not be permitted to use the lift on the Handy Van. Where the action becomes an issue is the possible loss of balance someone might have while standing, balancing one hand on their walker and one on the rail of the lift.
Under the town’s current Handy Van policy, drivers are responsible for the safety of passengers, and it is up to their discretion whether or not to provide loading or unloading assistance. Riders must be capable of getting on and off the bus themselves and can have a family member or medical professional assist.
“While the driver is not responsible for assisting riders, the driver may do so at their discretion,” reads the policy.
A discussion followed as to who can use the ramp on the Handy Van—strictly wheelchair users, or those with other mobility aids such as walkers and canes.
Ultimately, the item was tabled in order to gather more information in order to make a decision on the request.
Line of credit renewed
A motion to renew a $100,000 line of credit with the Kipling branch of Cornerstone Credit Union for a period of three years came before council.
“I remember when we talked about this three years ago. It was what happens if we don’t have that line of credit, then we have to be pulling stuff out of savings,” said Mayor Jackson.
Council agreed to renew the line of credit, and the motion was carried.
Solar lights for walking path
Council approved a motion to apply to the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund for solar lights along the town’s walking trail. The original motion was initiated back at the Jan. 15, 2024 meeting of council, but the question at that time was whether other not to wait for the path to be extended before applying for the lights.
