Liza Park, Virden’s Economic Development Manager, joined the regular virtual meeting of Town Council on March 8 to provide an update regarding the status of the Manitoba Oil Museum. In February of 2021, Park was approached by staff at the Petroleum Branch office for assistance in establishing a board to spearhead the project. However, she said that a number of behind-the-scenes efforts to do so have met with little success.
The plan now calls for a University of Manitoba researcher to be engaged to develop content and a contracted service provider, Pattern Interactive of Winnipeg, to create an online version of the museum.
In return for a $25,000 contribution this year, the Town would retain ownership of the site and be reimbursed by the Oil Museum. Park feels that building this web presence may be a catalyst in rejuvenating the dormant local organization in the future.
During the discussion, Coun. Grant Gardiner suggested that a sponsor be obtained for the $660 per year in hosting and maintenance fees from the local firms with ties to the petroleum industry.
Council passed a motion authorizing required agreements to be entered into for the development of the website, which will be funded by the Manitoba Oil Museum.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Council authorized the provision of letters of support to three local organizations to accompany their grant applications. They include: Virden Skate Park Committee (Virden Area Foundation); Virden Curling Club (Building Sustainable Communities Fund); Virden Dog Park Committee (Co-op Community Spaces Program)
WESTERN CAUCUS MEETING
Approval was given for Mayor Murray Wright and any available members of Council to attend the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM)Western Caucus Meeting in Boissevain, March 25.
FCM CONFERENCE
Councillors and Town staff will take part in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 2022 Conference and Trade Show being held in Regina from June 2 to 5. The event will have a hybrid format, allowing delegates to participate virtually or attend in person.
Council authorized applicable Town staff to attend the Globe Forum 2022 – Local Solutions to Net Zero virtual program being hosted by the FCM on March 29 to 31 at a cost of $195 per person.
NEW DOWNTOWN MURALS
Council authorized the signing of agreements between the Town and the artists who have been commissioned to create new murals which will adorn the outside walls of two downtown businesses later this year. Erickka Patmore will paint a mural on the Shear Expressions building, located at 408 Seventh Ave., while Erica and Mary Lowe will do the same at Custom Creations, located at 479 Seventh Ave.
MANSEA CONFERENCE
The Town of Virden will be represented at this year’s Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association (ManSea) Conference “On the Road to Net Zero by 2050” being held on April 6 in Portage La Prairie. A reduced rate of $45 per person for ManSea members will apply.
Good Roads AWARDS
A motion was passed approving Council attendance at the Manitoba Good Roads Association Awards Banquet, which will be held in conjunction with the Municipal Officials Seminar on April 19 in Brandon.
SPRAY PARK TENDER
Council voted to award the contract for the design and construction of Virden’s new spray park to Park N Play Design, headquartered in Rocky View County, Alta., at an estimated cost of $479,401.52.
RCMP COMPENSATION
Council reviewed information regarding the RCMP union contract, which calls for compensation increases retroactive to 2017. It is estimated that the Town’s commitment will be between $105,000 to $120,000.
Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Stewart reported that the AMM is attempting to facilitate a meeting of the municipalities who contract the services of the federal police force to discuss the matter. She spoke of the desire to have the incremental costs covered by the federal government, given that there was no municipal representation at the negotiating table when the unionization was put in place.
