Schreiber Municipal Centre Facing Huge Repair Expenses

Schreiber Council met this week for a lengthy session focused on infrastructure upgrades, funding opportunities, and pressing repair needs at key municipal facilities.

The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement before moving into the evening’s agenda. Council approved minutes from the previous meeting and reviewed financial reports. Major expenditures included $1,941 for backflow prevention at the water treatment plant and $10,221 for an analyzer replacement. A steel storage shed was approved at a cost of $999. Council also supported a donation of $75—rising to $280 in the event of bad weather—for the Wilkes-Terrace Fundraising Committee to use local facilities in September.

In a positive development, Schreiber has secured NORDS funding for the reconstruction of Winnipeg Street, with the project expected to go to tender shortly. Staff are also pursuing NOHFC support to help fund a new Township office.

The Economic Development Officer reported on several pending grant applications, assistance for a new historical display at the Discovery Centre, and ongoing staffing challenges. Only one student was approved for the summer, which may force the Discovery Centre to close two days per week. Staff are in contact with Service Canada to explore solutions.

Council confirmed that paving of Winnipeg Street from Manitoba Street will begin in June. New flagpoles will be installed at the Royal Canadian Legion, and updated signage is on the way for both the cemetery and the museum. Schreiber’s $56,083 share of the Connect the North broadband project will be drawn from reserves, with hopes of future reimbursement.

Ditching and flushing work has been completed, and a contractor will soon begin manhole cleaning. Infrastructure data is also being digitized into a new GIS system. In response to public requests, the landfill will now be open on Sundays.

Concerns were raised about the municipal complex roof, which dates back to 1962 and is leaking in several areas. The rusting deck beneath poses a safety risk, and urgent repairs are needed to avoid a full replacement, which could cost up to $5 million. Council reviewed a phased repair plan starting with the front section of the roof. Phase 1 is estimated at $250,000 to $279,000. Phase 2 includes an additional $13,000 to properly seal the adjoining gym wall, while Phase 3 will address the section with solar panels. Over the next four years, repair costs could total up to $1 million annually.

The solar panels, installed in 2012, are now operating at just 30% efficiency due to age and wear. They will be removed at a cost of $4,000. With limited funding options available for administrative buildings, Council is considering a $1 million loan, which would cost approximately $90,000 per year over 20 years. Mortgaging the building is also being explored.

The Recreation Department is busy preparing for Canada Day celebrations, a seniors’ social, a kids’ cooking class, and the Lake Superior Picnic in July. Other proposed activities include a splash pad, tennis court upgrades, and a mural scavenger hunt. Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, and new court lines have been added. A successful May carnival also helped boost community spirit.

The CAO presented the first quarterly update on the five-year strategic plan, noting that 90% of the asset management plan is now complete. Playground inspections were reviewed, and the Director of Operations confirmed the splash pad is ready for the season and public washrooms are open. Renovations at the senior centre have been completed, thanks in part to strong community support.

Council approved a letter backing regional physician recruitment efforts and a donation to the Schreiber Horticultural Society. A new bylaw was introduced to regulate vendors operating on public land. Additional bylaws were passed to support dedicated gas tax transit funding, a community improvement grant for the railway museum, and a tax extension agreement.

Starting in July, Council will shift to one meeting per month. The session concluded with a closed meeting to address legal and staffing matters.