10
January 2011
More Than Just News!
Fundraiser Launched to Finish Ile Des Chênes Community Centre
Construction of the new energy efficient geothermal community centre in Ile Des Chênes has been progressing smoothly over the past six months.
De Salaberry Wants Safer Intersection The RM of De Salaberry is taking their concerns about a dangerous intersection to the province in hopes of finding a solution that could save lives. The municipality has made a formal request to Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation to have additional warning devices installed at the intersection of Hwy 200 and Hwy 23. The Hwy 200 which starts between St. Malo and St. Pierre has stop signs at the intersection so that traffic along Hwy 23 has the right of way.
“We feel that this intersection seriously warrants investigation by provincial authorities...” According to the municipality, the pleas for better safety control at the intersection comes after two fatalities and numerous close calls have been reported. “We feel that this intersection seriously warrants investigation by provincial authorities in regards to looking at ways at making this a safer crossing,” stated council. “At first glance this intersection does not appear dangerous,” stated Ron Musiak, RM of De Salaberry reeve. “The problem is that it is so wide open that people don’t pay enough attention to it.” The municipality suggested that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation install a red flashing light, highway warning “wake up strips” or any other device in order to better warn of the approaching intersection. The intersection, which has stop signs installed for west and east bound traffic, has been the scene of two fatalities in the past six months. On November 9, a 54-year-old woman from Rosenort was killed in an accident that also injured four people. Two of those injured were from Landmark. On June 16, George Forsyth, a teacher in Dominion City, was killed when the vehicle he was in was struck by a vehicle that did not stop at the sign. Three other occupants, all teachers with Borderland School Division, were injured.
Dawson Trail Dispatch By Marianne Curtis Over the past six months a new community centre has been going up at the north end of Ile Des Chênes. Now that the structure is clearly visible local fundraising crews are hitting the streets looking for donations that will see the facility complete and fully functional. The Community Centre is expected to bring much needed services to the community and will also create employment opportunities. The new centre includes a hall and a bilingual public daycare for 94 children. There is also office rental space, with a focus on bringing medical services to the community and surrounding area such as a medical doctor, pharmacy, dentist, and physiotherapist. Cyrille Durand, on behalf of the fundraising committee, hopes that businesses and local residents will pitch in financially and help furnish the facility. The group is looking to raise $750,000 from the community. This money will be used for a fully furbished commercial kitchen, acoustic tile ceiling, sound system, tables, chairs and a stage, main entrance canopy, paved handicap parking and a rain water collection system. “We are targeting the residents in the area that will be using the arena, the daycare, the community centre, the health services, all those people plus we are targeting businesses, employers and larger corporations,” explained Durand. “It’s a huge project.” Some donations have begun to flow in and the group hopes that the balance will be raised over the next few months. The new community centre is expected to be ready for use in the late spring or early summer. Durand admits that while there are no firm commitments there is interest from a doctor, pharmacist, physiotherapist and dentist who may set up their practices in the rental office space. The committee has already included any anticipated costs associated with ensuring that a working practice can be established within the fundraising goal. “We are only coming to the community once for this project,” Durand said. The $4.7 million community centre was made possible with $2.77 million in federal funding through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Rural Municipality of Ritchot. The Ile Des Chênes project is unique because it is one of the first energy efficient geothermal community centres in the province. The geothermal system is also connected to the community’s local arena and the RM of Ritchot fire hall bringing the entire costs to $6.5 million.
Journey For Sight Looks for Riders By Marianne Curtis The Steinbach Lions Club is still looking for a few adventurous people to come out and hit the trails with them during the upcoming Journey for Sight. Sam Slobodesky, from the Steinbach Lions Club, invites anyone with a snowmobile and in the mood for adventure to come out and join the southeast portion of the ride. The eastern leg of the trip runs from January 20 to 23 and starts at Moose Lake. Riders will travel some of the most beautiful snowmobile trails in the region. “We are doing the ride again this year and we welcome anyone that wants to participate explained Slobodesky. This year’s Journey for Sight will be his 15th. “We hope to see
more this year.” Participants and their crew accept cash and cheque gifts along the trail in any amount. Tax receipts will be issued for donations greater than $10.00. Those wishing to help the organization are invited to meet with the Steinbach Lions Club participants when they gather at the Franz Motor Inn in Steinbach around noon on January 21. For the past 27 years, the Journey for Sight ride has taken place and more than $1 million has been raised for the Lions Eye Bank. Anyone wishing to join the ride can call Slobodesky at 3209635 or email slobos31@hotmail.com.