The Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth held their regular council meeting on Dec. 21. Councillor Barb Stambuski reported on a public meeting held on Dec. 15 to discuss the proposal to dam Pipestone Creek. This idea was first proposed in the 1950s and revisited in the 1980s.
At that time the dam on the Assiniboine at Assessippi was also being considered, and that project was approved and completed. The previous proposed location for the dam on Pipestone Creek would likely not be appropriate today due to the presence of pipelines that have been built since that time. The current proposal includes a dam that would contain up to 12,000 acre/feet of water or roughly 25 per cent of the volume of Oak Lake, which based on a recent lidar calculation, is capable of holding between 40,000 to 60,000 acre/ft, again depending upon the depth of the lake at any given time.
The meeting was attended by about 30 people representing interested groups like local landowners and businesses, as well as cottage owners from Oak Lake Beach. The cottage owners were particularly interested. As this dry summer has shown, Manitoba residents currently have no control over the flow downstream from the dam near Moosomin. Coun. Stambuski said that “this summer they couldn’t get water released out of Moosomin.”
The lack of a continuous flow of water down the creek and through Oak Lake causes the lake to become stagnant, and water quality quickly deteriorates.
While recreational and residential use of Oak Lake is important, the accompanying issue of water level and quality in the entire Oak Lake Aquifer is critical. This aquifer supplies the freshwater requirements of a large section of southwest Manitoba, from Souris on the east to the Saskatchewan border and from the Trans Canada Highway south past Pipestone.
Residents of this area can attest to the fact that dry periods, like the one we are now experiencing, can seriously reduce the water level in their wells. The ability to recharge the aquifer comes from streams all along the watershed, with Pipestone Creek being one of the most important.
Coun. Stambuski reported that plans are being made to initiate a study of the current situation, with the mandate to clarify location, timing, jurisdiction and funding of the project. Council agreed to draw up a resolution for the next meeting, expressing approval in principle of the plan to proceed with the dam.
AG SOCIETY
A delegation from the Virden Ag Society attended the last meeting to request that council forgive an outstanding balance owing to the municipality for insurance on buildings at the fairgrounds. The delegation also proposed to forego any grants from the municipality for five years.
Council agreed to consider the proposal and continued the discussion at this meeting. It was reported that the newly reorganized Ag Society had managed to raise sufficient funds to cover the roughly $7000 current insurance dues, but the $39,000 arrears would hinder the progress of rebuilding the organization. After some discussion a resolution to forgive the arrears was passed unanimously. Council also noted that the possibility of sharing future Ag Society expenses will be presented at the next joint meeting with the Town of Virden.
OTHER BUSINESS
Council discussed plans to establish a policy on maternity leave and benefits for municipal employees. Information was shared regarding coverage and benefits in other jurisdictions. Staff is working on a draft proposal to present for a resolution in January.
Interviews have been held for the replacement of the Wallace and District Fire Department Chief, and Councillor Rea Kinnaird reported that they had several excellent, well-trained applicants to choose from. The selection process will proceed in January.
Councillors attended a meeting with the provincial Minister of Economic Development and Jobs Jon Reyes. All who attended mentioned that they had an opportunity to gather information and express concerns, although no specific agreements were reached.
After a brief in camera session Reeve Canart expressed thanks and Christmas greetings to all staff and council for their good work in a year of difficult situations, saying “I think we made the best of it that we possibly could.”
The meeting adjourned at 7 pm.
