This week the Neepawa Town Council jumps right into Council reports with Deputy Mayor Parrott updating Council on the new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) training centre. Construction is running on schedule and the renovated facility will be open in about six weeks. He also commends the organizers of last week’s Indigenous Culture Day, which was briefly visited by Premier Heather Stefanson. The event was identified by Darren Mousseau, the First Nations Elder who hosted the pow-wow, as one of very few of its kind in the Westman area.

Councillor Nadeau reports that the Yellowhead Board is once again looking for a new director. As they are ramping up for the winter months, they hope the position will be filled very soon. As well, he indicates that the upcoming LPN program through Assiniboine Community College is not at capacity yet, and they will be having an information session on October 11 at the library. Councillor Kostenchuk also thanked the community for their support of HAND, or Home Assistance Neepawa and District, which received a nearly $2,000 donation raised from a fundraising supper put on by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Councillor Gerrard introduces the Housing Accelerator Fund, which is a program from the federal government to support the development of housing and housing-related infrastructure. The town has submitted an application to the program, which required them to have a housing study prepared, and are waiting to hear if they are deemed eligible. If the town receives funding, it could be as much as $4.9 million. Because all funds are to be paid out by the end of 2025, the window for accessing this program is not large but it could mean a great deal of support for community growth.

Council will also be applying to the Manitoba Economic Development Infrastructure Program for funding to help build new road infrastructure east of town. Specifically, this would be an east-west road off PTH 16 used to access the new hospital.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet updates Council on the progress of several ongoing projects, including winterizing some of our water infrastructure, and makes particular mention of the fish upstream relocation that will be necessary as they proceed with the Park Lake build as they begin to bypass the river. He also notes that motorized vehicles, including dirt-bikes and ATVs, are not permitted at the bike park because they can cause serious and costly damage to the trails.

Finally we have a couple of items of particular note for public action. First of all, the Neepawa Area Health Auxiliary is looking for support from businesses and private donors to help them enhance the health-care services in our area, including at the new hospital which is slated to open in 2025. As well, Cats TNR and Rescue has recently lost their operating and care facility and are looking for a new home. Council mentions the great social and economic service they do for the town and encourage anyone who is able to help to step forward.

Also covered were the regular financial reports, the upcoming November 2 tax sale, and two applications to the Development Incentive Program.