When contacted last week, Mayor Debbie Brake-Patten of Kippens said she was advised by council and the Department Municipal Affairs not to speak publicly on the issue of the Aucoin farm.
Her council has issued an order on that farm for Gerard and Cora Aucoin to get rid of their animals, with the exception of pets, along with taking down signage, longer fencing and several farm related buildings.
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She said because her personal opinion on the issue is irrelevant when it comes to a motion of the majority of council. As she is mayor she still has to move that motion forward and that’s why she can’t comment on it.
Deputy Mayor Leon Benoit said last week council has to follow its policies and procedures and that as this farm was located in a residential area that the order had to be placed on it.
He never returned a call on Monday for further comment on the issue.
The owners contend the property was being used for farming before the town was even incorporated and animals were being raised there before the town changed the zoning to residential. The Aucoin farm has been in operation for decades, the owners say, adding that they were not informed when the town decided to change the area’s zoning to residential.
When contacted on Monday, councillors Heather Shears, Tim Alexander and Wayne Howlett all had the same answer when asked about the farm issue — no comment.
Coun. Shawn Boyd wasn’t in on the discussion about the farm as he had declared himself in a conflict of interest and the remaining council member, Coun. John Dawson, said he wasn’t part of the discussion on this latest order as he’s currently on leave from his council duties.
