Neepawa Council Debrief: Closing out Summer

This week, Council received progress reports from several of the town’s department heads and began making plans for the future of the Training Centre now that the first class of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) has completed their training.

Rrain Prior – Local Journalism Initiative

Physician Recruitment Updates

On September 20, the physician recruitment and retention committee will deliver informational packages to the annual resident retreat for first- and second-year doctors. These packages include a newly produced highlight reel showcasing Neepawa’s attractions, created with the help of NACTV. Initiatives like this have made Neepawa more successful than many neighbouring towns and regions in attracting new doctors to stay in the community.

In addition, the town recently held its first healthcare worker appreciation barbecue. The event was designed to celebrate healthcare workers across all roles and fields, and it drew strong attendance from both healthcare professionals and members of the public.

Weather Conditions Impede Road Work

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet delivered another update on the town’s road projects. Residents may have noticed significant progress on Mill Street, where a block has been dug out, including the section adjacent to Mountain Avenue. Drainage work was completed on that patch before the rain began, and staff are now waiting for contractors to complete the paving.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Street project has been substantially delayed by recent wet weather. Despite the setbacks, work continues when conditions allow. The project is especially important as it includes the roads surrounding the new hospital on Neepawa’s east end.

Busy Summer for Recreation Department

Director of Recreation Cassandra Noonan-Robinson presented her summer statistics to Council following the close of programs and the public pool. Over 800 students took swimming lessons this season, and the Day Camp was fully booked throughout the summer.

Looking ahead, Recreation has secured a grant from the RHA’s Healthy Together Now program to support “Gathering Our Roots,” a new project focused on traditional Indigenous activities. Planning is also underway for the Halloween week festivities, which will include collaborations with several local businesses and organizations. In addition, Noonan-Robinson noted that her department is testing materials for upcoming repairs to the storybook trail in Riverbend Park.

Town Prepares for Influx of New Home Builds

Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe shared updates on two major upcoming projects. The first is “Pathway to Owning Your Own Home,” a free event designed to help prospective buyers take their first steps toward homeownership. The event is particularly aimed at individuals purchasing lots in the new Project 320 Phase I development. It will take place on October 4, and preregistration is encouraged.

The second initiative is the 10th anniversary of the What’s the Big Idea? entrepreneurship event, scheduled for October 14 at the Legion Hall. Crewe also updated Council on the Training Centre’s status and highlighted ongoing collaboration with Brandon Economic Development to streamline small business recruitment through Manitoba’s provincial nominee program.

Post-Secondary Training Centre to See New Program

With the first cohort of LPN students graduating this spring, the town’s Training Centre currently sits vacant as officials determine its next use. A new intake for the LPN program is scheduled for January 2027, leaving more than a year of availability at the facility.

To make use of the space, the town is working with Assiniboine College to offer a one-year Medical Administration certificate program, set to run from January to December 2026. Because this program will only occupy part of the centre, the town is also pursuing additional short-term programs during the gap period.

Revisiting the Highway 16 Functional Design Study

Council also discussed the need to reopen conversations with the Province about developing service roads along the commercial business district on Highway 16 west of Fifth Avenue. While the 2004 functional design study addressed these needs at the time, current and projected traffic patterns for 2025 suggest updates may be necessary. Council emphasized the importance of engaging the Province soon so the project can move forward in whatever form best suits the community today.

Other items addressed at the meeting included approval for street closures for the 2025 Parade of Lights, the installation of a community mailbox at Westpark Place, and the town’s regular financial reports.