Council Recap: Councillor Resigns, Summer Projects Ramp Up, and a By-election Called

Amid several updates from Councillors on local initiatives and upcoming events, the most notable item at this week’s Council meeting was the resignation of Councillor Lisa Pottinger. Councillor Darryl Gerrard thanked Pottinger for her years of service to Neepawa, both in her current role and in a previous term when she served as Deputy Mayor and briefly as Mayor.

A by-election has been scheduled for July 16, 2025, with candidate registrations due by June 10. The next general Manitoba municipal election is set for October 2026.

Council Reports

Councillor Yvonne Sisley reported on a recent recreation and economic development meeting, highlighting a busy event calendar and some exciting new initiatives:

• Chamber of Commerce Fair: May 23–25

• Spring Fever Bike Races: May 25 at the bike park

• Cybersecurity Info Session: May 27 at ArtsForward

• Babysitting Course: June 27

• Outdoor Activities: Ongoing throughout June for Participation Month

She also noted that the town’s economic development office has received a grant to produce a new promotional video, and will be offering a series of homeownership workshops—which will also be filmed by NACTV for wider access.

Councillor Jason Nadeau shared updates from the local library board, which is currently recruiting one to two new members, and the Yellowhead Centre board, which is focusing on future planning and fundraising.

Deputy Mayor Murray Parrott reported that public works meetings have increased to twice monthly due to the number of active projects. He’s also been actively sourcing contractors to support Neepawa’s housing development goals.

Town Projects Move Ahead

Manager of Operations Denis Saquet updated Council on several key projects:

• Work has resumed on the storm sewers at the new hospital site.

• Earthmoving continues in the neighbouring industrial park, with some of the displaced topsoil being used to remediate land near the Beautiful Plains Museum, previously part of a railyard.

• The asphalt patcher is now in operation, working over the next 6–8 weeks to repair potholes around town.

• Several diseased and obstructive trees have been removed along Main Street, with a replanting plan in place.

Tax Levy By-law Delayed

CAO Colleen Synchyshyn shared updates on provincial funding approvals, including grants from the National Trail Youth Employment Program and the Green Team Program, both supporting student employment this summer.

She also announced a delay in passing the Tax Levy By-law. Because the Municipal Board has not yet approved the Garbage By-law—which includes a special levy—Council must postpone the second and third readings until approval is received. With the May 15 deadline looming, the Town will request an extension under the Municipal Act.

To clear up confusion, Councillor Gerrard clarified that while the overall property assessment in Neepawa has risen by 7%, this does not mean that every individual property assessment has increased. Much of the rise is due to new construction and newly assessed properties.

Subdivision Development Advances

Council approved the hiring of Morr Transportation Consulting to conduct a transportation impact study for Phase I of Project 320, a key step toward developing a new residential subdivision. The study will cost just under $20,000.

Other items discussed included:

• An application to the Storefront Improvement Program

• A funding request from ArtsForward

• An update from the Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association

• The purchase of a replacement 2-ton truck

• And the regular financial report