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As the Neepawa Town Council meets only once per month during July and August, this week’s meeting covered a month’s worth of reports and highlighted several exciting events happening in town for the rest of the summer.

One of the key highlights was the announcement of the upcoming “Super Saturday” events. This weekend will see the RAFT festival at ArtsForward, the Garden Party tour by the Margaret Laurence Home, and the rescheduled Canada Day celebration all taking place on the same day. Looking ahead, the HAND fundraising barbecue on August 15, Music at the Flats on August 22, and the Rolling Barrage passing through town on August 9 were also noted, with council approving street closure requests for two of these events.

Councillor Kostenchuk updated the Council on the dispersal of the Sayward Estate fund, which is allocated exclusively for healthcare needs at the community’s facilities. This fund continues to support the health and well-being of Neepawa’s residents.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet reported the return of the rented pothole patcher after six weeks of intensive work, utilizing three entire semi-loads of aggregate to address the pothole issue. With the patching complete, public works will now focus on street sweeping and repainting street lines. Additionally, about 500 trees will be planted this summer, and residents interested in having a tree on their front boulevard can contact the town.

Saquet also addressed complaints about bikes and scooters on sidewalks, reminding everyone that town bylaws allow only bikes with 16” wheels or smaller, ridden by children, on sidewalks. All other bikes and scooters should use the streets to ensure pedestrian safety.

The Town received two applications to the Storefront Improvement Program, a successful initiative aimed at assisting business owners in beautifying their main street storefronts. New Hope Health Centre applied for a new sign, and ArtsForward requested to replace their street-facing windows. Despite receiving other funding from the council, ArtsForward remains eligible for this program due to its location.

Council also discussed logistics following the recent purchase of 320 acres on the northwest side of town. They approved rezoning two pieces of land north of the railway line and entered a lease agreement with the previous owners to continue farming undeveloped acres, which will decrease year over year as development progresses.

Other matters covered included a public hearing for a tile drainage application, an amendment to a previous subdivision application, the Manitoba Multi Materials Stewardship annual report, updated tipping fees for hog hair, and the regular financial report.

This meeting encapsulates Neepawa's dynamic community spirit and the council's ongoing efforts to support and enhance the town’s infrastructure and quality of life.