Neepawa Council Debrief: New Funding for New Roads

This week, the Neepawa Town Council discussed some upcoming programs, the public hearing for the 2025 budget, shared exciting funding news for the hospital development area, and started looking ahead to summer events.

Council Sisley presented a report from Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe, covering several recent initiatives. These included an information session for internationally educated nurses about provincial programs and a discussion on tariffs with Chuck Davidson from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The EDO’s office also recently conducted a local business survey on tariffs, where more than 80 per cent of respondents said the tariffs, as they stood at the time, would increase the cost of their goods and disrupt their supply chains.

Councillors Pottinger and Kostenchuk also provided updates from recent meetings, including discussions with the community clinic, the Yellowhead Centre, and HAND.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet reported that ongoing projects, such as the installation of a new raw water line, are progressing well. The department has filled its staff vacancies, and town workers are once again clearing streets and sidewalks after the recent snowfall, along with trimming overgrown trees. Residents are reminded to watch for temporary parking restriction signs to allow equipment access for cleanup.

In the biggest news of the evening, Minister for Municipal and Northern Relations Glen Simard notified the town that it will receive an additional $2 million in provincial funding for new road construction in the area surrounding the future regional hospital. The funds are part of the province’s Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program for municipalities.

A few other items wrapped up the meeting. Council passed its annual resolution to close streets for the Filipino Heritage Parade on June 14. They also moved their next regular Council meeting to April 22, which will be preceded by a public hearing for the 2025 budget.

Deputy Mayor Parrott gave a brief PSA about the upcoming federal election. Advance polls will be open from April 18 to 21 at the Yellowhead Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Election day is April 28, with regular polling also at the Yellowhead Centre during the same hours. Mobile polls will be available at Elks Manor, Kinsmen Kourts I and II, and Country Meadows. Parrott added that Elections Canada is still looking for election workers. For any election-related inquiries, the nearest Elections Canada office is located at the Minnedosa Ukrainian Hall, 202 5th Street NW in Minnedosa.

Also on the agenda was the regular financial report, which included a review of budgetary purchases.