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Town Supports AMM Resolutions

The Town of Virden councillors met Nov. 16 for a regular council meeting.
T of V Civic Centre
Town of Virden Civic Centre

At Tuesday evening’s regular meeting at Tundra Oil & Gas Place, Town of Virden Councillors voted to support two resolutions to be considered at the upcoming Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Fall Convention in Winnipeg.

The first one, which was developed by the Western Caucus at their meeting in Boissevain on Nov. 5 for consideration by the member Councils, reads:

"WHEREAS the Town if Virden strives to keep its staff,  Council and residents safe during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, AND WHEREAS together with other Western District Municipalities we hereby request the AMM consider the following as an emergency resolution from the 2021 annual AMM Convention.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Manitoba municipalities request support from the Province of Manitoba and AMM to develop guidelines and a policy regarding COVID vaccination standards and regulations for staff and Council.”

Deputy Mayor Tina Williams put forward the motion, which passed unanimously, for Council to back the resolution, despite the COVID-19 guidelines and draft policy being received shortly after the Western Caucus held its meeting. Williams explained that much of the groundwork has now been done in providing municipalities with guidance should they wish to go forward in enacting their own regulations.    

Council will also back a resolution being put forward by the Rural Municipality of Two Borders, which calls on the AMM to lobby the province to create a permanent program to provide services formerly offered by the now-defunct Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), and to lobby the federal government to either reinstate it or create a similar permanent program to prevent and mitigate drought on the prairies. 

UNITED WAY EXPANSION BACKED

In response to a presentation made by Executive Director Cynamon Mychasiw in October, Council authorized the provision of a Letter of Support to the United Way of Brandon for their efforts to expand their fundraising and programming to include Virden. 

REVENUE & EXPENSE STATEMENTS

Council accepted the revenue and expense statements for the Town’s Utility Fund and General Operating Fund for the ten month period ending Oct. 31.

GRANT APPLICATION

Council was informed of a new grant program being offered by the Western Financial Group Community Foundation, whereby municipalities have the opportunity to receive $5,000 for the renovation/rebuild of a publicly owned asset. An application will be made for funding towards the construction of a bathroom/shower/mechanical building at the new Virden Spray Park. 

7TH AVENUE BRIDGE NAMING

Deputy Mayor Tina Williams reported that a local citizen presented a petition requesting that the replacement bridge to be constructed on Seventh Avenue North in 2022 be named in memory of the late Dennis Onofrey. Onofrey was an RCMP Constable who was fatally wounded in the line of duty in 1978 while stationed in Virden.    

“We have a policy in Town for (the) naming of bridges and roads that allows a citizen to come in, pick up a petition, fill it out, get 25 signatures and have it come to Council for passing,” Williams said. 

Councillors approved the request unanimously.    

NEW LIGHTING IN TOGP FITNESS CENTRE

Council accepted a proposal from LRB Electric of Virden for the replacement of the existing lighting fixtures in the Tundra Oil & Gas Place Fitness Centre, at an estimated cost of $9,985.58 plus applicable taxes. 

BRANDING TEMPLATES

Council granted approval to new standardized templates created by administration for such communication pieces as public notices and employment opportunity announcements, as well as letterhead and business cards for use by Council and staff.  They will incorporate the gold and black colours currently used in the Town’s logo, as well as the colour scheme on the website.    

RCMP REPORT

Council received a brief monthly policing report from Westman RCMP Sgt. Scott Fefchak.

Deputy Mayor Tina Williams relayed a concern she received from a local citizen regarding vehicles travelling at excessive speed along P.R. 257 from Thomas Drive to Highway 83. The resident advised her that it is occurring at various times of the day and has worsened over time.  Sgt. Fefchak asked Williams to have the complainant contact police directly with more detailed information.   

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