Neepawa Council Debrief: Expanding the Business Sector

Neepawa Council Meeting: Focus on Land and Community Updates

This week’s Neepawa council meeting revolved around land matters, including sales, acquisitions, rezoning, and servicing. However, the session also included updates on community events and key infrastructure projects.

Community Highlights

Councillor Sisley began the meeting with a report on current and upcoming community events:

• What’s the Big Idea: A showcase for entrepreneurs.
• Park at Dark: A fun, spooky event for kids on October 25.
• Preschool Costume Parade: Scheduled for October 31, with businesses encouraged to participate.

Sisley also praised the efforts of the newly formed NACI Community Art Club, which has beautified a vacant stretch of Hamilton Street. Additionally, she celebrated the success of the recent Handivan Fundraising Lunch and 50/50 draw, which raised over $3,000 for the vital community service.

Operational Updates

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet provided updates on several municipal projects:

• Water Maintenance: The annual raw water line flushing is complete, ensuring reliable service from the well sites.
• Yard Waste Pickup: Scheduled from October 21 through early November, with residents reminded to use paper bags as plastic will not be accepted.
• Tree Replacement: While 25 trees affected by Dutch Elm Disease are set for removal, the town’s robust replacement program has already planted numerous new trees this year.
• Hospital Area Upgrades: Preparations to install a lift station and streetlights near the new hospital are underway, with funding discussions ongoing with Manitoba Hydro.

Public Hearing on Coop Modular Office

Mayor Hedley recused himself due to a conflict of interest, allowing Deputy Mayor Parrott to preside over a public hearing regarding the Neepawa-Gladstone Coop. The Coop seeks a permit to place a temporary modular office on the north side of their Main Street food store for three years while they plan an expansion.

The planning department confirmed there were no objections from adjacent property owners or businesses, and the provincial highways department does not need to be involved as the town governs that portion of PTH 16.

Land and Development Decisions

Council moved forward with several land-related items:

• Subdivision and Rezoning: A separate parcel of town-purchased land was subdivided and consolidated. A bylaw for rezoning portions of a larger parcel purchased this summer received its third reading. Council also addressed public concerns raised during a hearing at the previous meeting.
• Ellen Street Lot Sale: The final lot on Ellen Street was sold, marking progress in residential development.

Additional Council Business

• A bylaw amendment was passed to increase meal reimbursement amounts.
• An application was submitted to the Storefront Improvement Program, supporting local business revitalization.
• Residents were invited to an information session on the new hospital, scheduled for October 24 at 5 p.m. at the Roxy Theatre.

As Neepawa continues to grow and evolve, the council remains focused on balancing infrastructure upgrades, land management, and community engagement to meet the town’s needs.