Neepawa Council Debrief: Opening Up Opportunities

Councillors were busy with several meetings this past couple of weeks, including the Spruce Plains Justice Committee AGM and Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association. Councilor Nadeau reported that the local library will begin opening on Thursday evenings as well as Saturdays and and also has several new activities starting. Council Sisley brought up a whole host of activities and events from the Economic Development and Recreation Departments, including a job fair on April 25 and Community Expo on April 9, among others. As well, an Age-Friendly Community Workshop will be held on April 18 for any interested parties.

Councillor Parrott announced that the 2024 Farm & Leisure Lotto is now underway, an annual fundraiser that pays for the local medical clinic. One of the newest projects at the medical clinic is the Resident Lounge, which will help support the new medical residency program in the community.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet brought forward a staff training request to attend the Western Cemeteries Association conference, which will be taking place in Winnipeg this June. Water and sewer infrastructure projects are ongoing, including the extension at Highway 16 and the lagoon. He noted that staff are patching potholes where they can, but the potholes cannot be patched while still holding water. They are aware of the problem and are addressing it as quickly as they are able.

 CAO Colleen Synchyshyn introduced the Neepawa Heritage Resource Protection Plan, which was prompted by several recent developments that are pushing town boundaries into new areas. The plan sets out the process that workers are to take if they come across remains or an item of historical significance while working. Synchyshyn also brought forward a resolution to request a new zoning bylaw and the second and third reading of the bylaw to set out the 25-year lease for the new RCMP building.