Council Debrief: The Depths of Construction Season

This month’s Council meeting sees the second reading of the bylaw amendment concerning a quarter section of land at the corner of Highway 16 and Broadway Avenue, widely believed to be the preferred location for the new hospital. CAO Colleen Synchyshyn goes into depth detailing the response received at the public hearing and the options that are now open to Council. In brief, Council can pass the bylaw as it is, propose major or minor amendments to it, or reject it. The planning act would have compelled a revision if “a sufficient number of objections” were received, that number being 25 eligible persons or 50% of property owners within 100 metres of the location, however that threshold was not met. Council vote was split on the issue, but after some discussion the bylaw did pass second reading.

In very welcome news, the Province announced that Neepawa will be receiving $4.2 million in combined provincial and federal funding towards the new wastewater treatment system. The town applied for this money over three years ago, and it was noted in the town’s budget presentations that it was money they were hoping for but was not confirmed. This is not the entire cost of the project, but will take significant pressure off ratepayers.

Mark Morehouse, a pillar of the community while he served with the RCMP until his retirement this month, will not be leaving Neepawa entirely, it turns out. The Town of Neepawa has hired him as a part-time bylaw enforcement officer, a role that has not been filled before now. Community members have been requesting more reliable bylaw enforcement for some time, especially as the town continues to grow.

Finally, the town indicates they will be applying to the flood mitigation preparedness program. CAO Synchyshyn clarifies just what we can and can’t do when it comes to flood mitigation, and the restrictions around working with existing waterways. Because we are unable to alter the natural flow, some degree of flooding along the Whitemud River will be something we can continue to expect year over year.

Also covered are updates on paving projects around town, mobile home licensing fees for 2023, an application for a service delivery review for the Yellowhead Centre, and a single home subdivision application.