Motorists who regularly travel Virden’s King Street should notice the drive getting a bit smoother later this year. The Town of Virden has entered into a cost-sharing agreement with Manitoba Infrastructure to fund the resurfacing of the thoroughfare from Thomas Drive to the Trans-Canada Highway. No timeline was given as to when the work might commence. The Town will be responsible for the estimated $50,000 cost of the asphalt overlay on the parking lanes from Thomas Drive to the bridge. The age and condition of the utility infrastructure beneath the street and the remediation of drainage issues, particularly at King Street West and Eight Avenue South, will also be investigated.
APPROVAL FOR LANDFILL WORK
Council gave the green light for Secure Energy Services to perform site work at the Virden Municipal and Industrial Waste Facility. The project, at an approximate cost of $896,900, is necessary to create additional space for the disposal of contaminated soil. The septic waste lagoon and sludge drying beds will be de-commissioned and a liner will be installed. The funds will come from soil facility revenues.
RAILWAY LAND RENTAL NIXED
A recent decision by Canadian Pacific Railway will result in some changes along a portion of King Street. CP recently requested that the Town enter into a five-year agreement for rental of the land between the millennium flowerbed and its right-of-way. Councillors declined to make the $1,500 per year payment, given that the Town has mowed and maintained this and other railway property for some time without remuneration from CP. All Town-owned assets, including the small flowerbed, signage and elevator will now be removed.
BACK TO BUSINESS
The Town of Virden Civic Centre, Wellington Street, will be open to the public effective June 15. The CP Station will be back in operation on the same date provided the tenants supply the Town with their opening plan, following all Phase 2 guidelines set out by the Province of Manitoba.
Outdoor recreation grounds, including the soccer fields and baseball diamonds, will be opened upon acceptance of the “Back to Play” plans approved by Manitoba Health and the respective sports organizations as well as the signing of any required agreements with the Town.
