Neepawa Council Debrief: Seeking More Growth

This week we return to Neepawa Town Council’s regular schedule of two meetings per month.

Starting with Council Reports, Deputy Mayor Parrot kicks off the meeting by sharing Council’s participation in the Invest Canada Partnership Tour last week in Brandon. Invest Canada fields inquiries from across the world looking for business partnerships in Canada - and right now particularly in Manitoba - and Neepawa had the opportunity to share what the community had to offer.

Councillor Sisley reminds residents that there are no wheels permitted on the new pickleball and tennis courts as it degrades the surface, and this includes things such as scooters. As well, now that the pool is closed for the season, the pickleball paddles and balls can be signed out from the town office. The Neepawa Handivan will be the recipient of this year’s Co-op Fuel Good Day on September 19, where there will also be a fundraising barbecue and 50/50 draw.

Councillor Nadeau lets residents know that for anyone interested in becoming a Health Care Aide, Westlake Employment has a partnership that may be able to provide some funding for that training. He has also received a contribution from a local service organisation to the new hospital, and outlines how others can make a contribution through the Town of Neepawa. The town recently lost its Citizens on Patrol coordinator, and Nadeau recognises all his past contributions.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet reports on several ongoing projects they are hoping to finish before we head into the winter months. This includes some concrete and road patching work as well as the Park Lake reconstruction. Work at the new lagoon is on hold while they wait for parts shipments to arrive, and town staff are investigating some troublesome areas in the town’s sewer lines. A couple of notes for residents this week: hydrant flushing has started, which may result in some discoloration of water, and another small portion of Mountain Avenue will be dug up to facilitate servicing the new pharmacy build.

Council holds the third reading of the new water and sewer rates bylaw. These rates have not changed since 2019, and for the entire span of 2019 to 2025 the rates will see an increase of 9%, which comes out to less than 2% increase per year. CAO Colleen Synchyshyn also reviews the process they go through to come up with the rates and have them approved provincially, and the notification criteria for ratepayers as these increases are implemented.

Also covered were the 2023 Manitoba General Election, the regular financial report, and the postponement of this year’s medical clinic lottery.