Council discussed a new project to utilize a Canada 150 federal grant, on June 9, at the regular council meeting.
Mayor Jeff McConnell chaired the meeting. Councillors Lomer Girardin, Joe Careme, Tara Cowan, Tina Williams and Zac Penner were present, Brock Koop was absent. CAO Rhonda Stewart, EDO Ed Brethour
and Utilities manager Jake Doran also attended.
Council gave second and third reading to By-law 2725, regarding paving in the Kenderdine subdivision, with borrowing amounts of $78,805 and $25,288. They cancelled borrowing of $30,674.
AMM resolutions
Councillors voted to support a resolution from the Town of Souris that will be brought to the upcoming Western District AMM meeting, this June. This resolution asks the province to reverse a decision that could cost
the Town of Virden an extra $2,000 to continue the current level of control of Dutch elm disease in town. Council also voted to support the R.M. of Pipestone’s resolution to ask AMM to lobby the regional health authority to provide three paid Emergency Medical Technicians to be stationed in Reston to work in conjunction with Melita and Virden.
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Phase I is complete and functioning as planned. Water Services has been informed of the progress and now requires a resolution from Council requesting their technical and financial services.
Utilities manager Jake Doran told Council, “This will be utilizing the funding that is still there, because [Phase I of] the project came in underneath what was set aside for the funding. In order to continue
and plan properly for Phase II, the major tasks of construction would be decommissioning of the shaft well, salvaging demolition and retrofitting of the existing plant. A low pressure sewer line that needs to be
re-located within the plant.” Council passed a motion regarding the request to Water Services.
Virden Draft Horse Show requested sponsorship.
CAO Stewart explained the Town had sponsored the event at $1,000 last year. However, Council decided to table this request and discuss it in Planning and Finance committee meeting next week.
For Canada 150 anniversary in 2017, the federal government is looking for applications for grants for projects from local governments and non-profit community organizations. “It includes the kind of infrastructure we are willing to support,” said the CAO listing off recreation facilities, libraries, and cenotaphs. “They will support up to 50 percent of the cost of the projects.”
Councillor Williams noted there was no time to cast a new vision. “You would have had to have something in mind.”
The CAO advised the project would need to be built in 2016 and be ready for opening on 2017, the 150 birthday year for Canada. The Town or whoever was applying for the grant, would have to budget for
the 50 percent share of the cost. The CAO suggested “The Aud Theatre does have its annual meeting on Monday night....” Renovations of that classic cultural centre would fit the project’s description,
noted Councillors as they discussed the matter.
Councillor Penner asked about funding for such a project. “It would be within their budget?” he asked. "Potentially, yes,” stated the mayor. Councillor Williams asked if the Town needed to send a letter of support. The Town does own the building, Mayor McConnell pointed out, andwould have to endorse the project. “If there is a possibility for us to [expand Town government area of the building], that would help us too,”
said McConnell, indicating the Town may want to support the project as well. Town representatives will meet with the Aud Theatre at their AGM.
With short notice from the federal government on this project, the application for the Canada 150 grant has to be in by next week. Home Town Heroes award program is open for nominations until June 30,
Council was advised. The Hometown Heroes Award Program is your chance to help Canada recognize and celebrate environmental leaders - whether an individual, group or small business
- who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action.
