Neepawa Council Debrief: More Transportation Issues Hit the Table

This week, Council addressed a variety of issues, including the future of the Handivan service and concerns about wheeled vehicles on sidewalks, alongside regular items of business.

The issue of scooters on sidewalks has come before Council previously, and they are now considering ways to improve public education on what is and isn’t allowed on sidewalks. Manitoba Public Insurance and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities are lobbying for provincial regulations governing powered personal transportation devices, including scooters and e-bikes. In the meantime, Council is asking anyone using wheeled devices to respect pedestrians on the sidewalks.

A delegation from the Neepawa Handivan provided Council with an update on the service’s financial situation and what it needs to continue operations. Government funding for the service has not increased in decades, while operational costs continue to rise, and ridership has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. The Handivan is currently seeking $20,000 per year from its four municipal partners, including Neepawa, to remain operational. Additionally, they are looking for extra funding sources to replace aging vehicles as needed. The service is primarily used by seniors and those with mobility issues and is also frequently contracted for out-of-town medical appointments.

Council reports were brief this month as many committees took time off over the summer. However, the Yellowhead Board has been working to address issues with the ice plant and has adjusted the ice schedule for early September to accommodate repairs. The Summer Day Camp is winding down for the year, and the Children’s Business Fair, held last week, drew 17 young entrepreneurs, generating approximately $1,700 in sales. "What’s the Big Idea," an event showcasing adult entrepreneurs, is now in its tenth year and will take place in October.

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet updated Council on recent maintenance work, including road patching, wastewater treatment plant training, and contracted projects to address erosion at culvert ends and remove brush from the compost site.

Saquet also discussed the upcoming closure of the railway crossing on Hurrell Street. Due to new legislation, uncontrolled railway crossings must meet updated safety standards. Since the Hurrell Street crossing cannot be upgraded before the regulations take effect on November 28, it will be closed for up to a year to allow Transport Canada time to bring it into compliance.

Additional topics covered in the meeting included a short public hearing for a variation order, increased tipping fees, an application to the Storefront Improvement Program, opt-in legislation for employee protection for public interest disclosures, preparations for future expansion of the water treatment facility, and the regular financial report.