Proposed amendments to the Town of Virden Zoning By-Law once again dominated Council’s agenda at its regular meeting on April 5. At a public hearing regarding the subject on March 22, Samantha Brisson objected to the plan to change her property on Anderson Street from residential single-family to commercial highway zone. Passage of the by-law, as amended, was tabled to permit Development Officer Cory Nixon to obtain further procedural direction from the Community Planning Division of Manitoba Municipal Relations regarding Council’s next steps. Nixon also met with Brisson to address her concerns and explain the process. She was invited to the meeting but was unable to attend.
Nixon was advised that Council had the option of amending the by-law to keep Brisson’s property zoned as residential, which he recommended, and a motion was passed to give it second and third reading.
MEETINGS RETURN TO CIVIC CENTRE
After being displaced during the height of COVID-19 due to social distancing requirements, Virden’s Town Council is once again meeting on home turf. The re-configured Council Chambers in the Civic Centre has been equipped with a camera and large screen monitor to permit both elected officials and delegations to participate in the twice-monthly sessions from remote locations where deemed necessary.
MUNICIPAL RESOURCE USE PROHIBITED DURING CIVIC ELECTION
Council gave first and second reading to a by-law prohibiting the use of municipal resources by candidates running in this fall’s civic election for 42 days prior to the vote. As mandated by the province, each Council must pass the by-law by April 9. Registration of candidates for the office of Mayor begins on May 1. Locally, offences will be addressed and enforced under the Town’s Code of Conduct By-Law.
PUBLIC SAFETY SURVEY
Mayor Murray Wright and Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Stewart will complete a survey sent out by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to collect data from its membership regarding public safety.
STREETS NAMED
Josh Hadley received approval from Council for the naming of two streets which lie within a sub-division he is developing off Commonwealth Drive near the Virden Airport. One street will be known as Blair’s Place, while the Frontage Road along the west side of the sub-division will be called Commonwealth Way West.
SKATE PARK WORKS
Council accepted a proposal from New Look Gardens & Landscaping of Brandon for the landscaping of the grounds at the Virden Skate Park. The quoted price of $38,500 includes approximately $6,500 for irrigation, which the Town will be covering the cost of. The remainder will come from funds raised by the Skate Park Committee. Additionally, a proposal from LRB Electric of Virden for the supply and installation of lighting at the park was accepted. Three light standards and fixtures will be supplied and installed, while a fourth adjustable one will be mounted on an existing pole. The work will be funded by the committee.
NEW LIGHTING
Council accepted a quotation in the amount of $882 plus GST from Manitoba Hydro for the supply and installation of a new street light on an existing pole at Third Avenue and Lyons Street.
A proposal from LRB Electric of Virden for the replacement of the lighting fixtures in the Tundra Oil & Gas Place parking lot, at a cost of $7,653.19 plus applicable taxes, was accepted.
SAIL FUNDING
A funding request from Seniors Access to Independent Living was deferred to budget deliberations.
VIRDEN INDOOR RODEO LETTER OF SUPPORT
Council authorized the provision of a Letter of Support to the Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze committee to accompany their application for a grant from the provincial Community Festivals and Events Program.
RUSSIAN SANCTION
Council reviewed correspondence from the Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, which stipulated that any municipalities receiving funding from the department must not engage in business with any entities from Russia or Belarus. In the past, the Town has received a grant towards the cost of the fireworks at the annual Canada Day celebrations.
