NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS JUNE 25, 2021 A13
‘We cannot Road repair underway in Neepawa breach the public Micro-sealing planned for large portions of Brown Avenue health order’ Neepawa clarifies situation on gatherings and COVID restrictions
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press
Neepawa’s municipal office has received many calls as of late related to the current COVID-19 regulations and just how they would impact the upcoming high school graduation. With the existing provincially mandated restrictions scheduled to remain in place until at least Saturday, June 26, there has been uncertainty surrounding what types of festivities can or cannot take place. Because of that, a group of parents and supporters have enquired about what can be done in celebration of the student’s achievements. During the most recent town council meeting, held on Tuesday, June 15, chief administrative officer Colleen Synchyshyn clarified just where the situation with celebrations, such as a parade, for example, currently stands. “We certainly feel for a lot of these people who feel that they cannot celebrate,” said Synchyshyn. “The bottom line is, there is a section in the public health orders that clearly s pea k s to g at her i ng s. So if you are all coming together for the same purpose and same intent, it’s called a gathering. It doesn’t matter if you are standing six feet apart anymore, it’s a gathering. Not to pick on grad, it’s just the most recent example. But, coming in separate cars, keeping sepa rate a nd wea r i ng mask; if you are asked why you are there, you are
there for grad. And if there are 100 families there for grad, it’s a gathering. It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 people, we cannot breach the public health order.” Clarifying the point In a response to a request for clarification on that point from the Banner & Press, Synchyshyn indicated that, as of Monday, June 21, the Town had not received any request for a street closure for the purposes of a parade, but for isolating a block of street to host a grand march and pictures. Synchyshyn noted that from a liability standpoint, the Town of Neepawa cannot approve any type of mass gatherings. “Simply put, in t he instance that the Town authorizes the closure of a public street, this would be viewed as approving a nd enc ou r a g i n g t he organizing of an event to promote a gathering. As a result, Council would be placing the Town in a position of liability by closing the street and we cannot engage in actions that would place the Town in a position of liability or non-compliance with Public Health.” T he st r ic t er publ ic hea lt h order s , put i n place back in April, only permitted outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people in public outdoor spaces only. A “gathering” has been defined as a grouping of people in general proximity to each other who have assembled for a common pur pose or reason.
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PHOTO BY DIANE WARNER
The process of micro-sealing Brown Avenue in Neepawa began on Tuesday, June 22, as West-Can Seal Coating started near the post office building.
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press
The planned microsurfacing of about 20,000 square metres of road in Neepawa has begun. On Tuesday, June 15, WestCan Seal Coating Inc, the company selected to do the work, recently informed mayor Blake McCutcheon that barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would be able to start work within the community very shortly. On Tuesday, June 22, preliminary work and evaluation on the road by West-Can employees had started. The areas of road that West-Can are working on include Brown Avenue, between Hospital Street and Adelaide Crescent and Hamilton Street, from Walker Avenue to the bridge near Broadway Avenue. A section of Brown near the Flats will not be part of the micro-surfacing plans, as severe washouts can minimize the micro-seal’s ability to properly adhere. That section will actually be repaved, though the work will be happening at a later date.
Micro surfacing is a ‘surface treatment’ for roads. It is laid over the top of the existing surface to seal and protect it. It consists of a water-based mix of stones and bitumen which is spread over the existing surface by a special machine. The cost of the work will be $209,200 plus applicable taxes Paperwork for Park Lake Town officials recently met with Stantec, the Alberta based engineering services company that will lead the Park Lake restoration project. In an update to town council, administration indicated that for the work to proceed, up to a dozen permit requirements will need to be met through the Canadian Dam Association and other agencies. Those licensing and permit efforts are already well underway, but are still expected to extend into the winter Can you spare a chair? The Town of Neepawa has been asked if it can assist in furnishing the community’s newest senior’s living
Congratulations on your Retirement! Thank you for your dedication and hard work, you deserve the best retirement ever. Cherish every moment and have fun! Please join the Municipality of McCreary to celebrate
Wendy Turko’s 28 years of service. A Come and Go will be held on Wednesday June 30, 2021 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office located at 432 1st Ave., McCreary, Manitoba All are welcome to attend. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the Municipality of McCreary will be following all Public Health Guidelines and Orders. Please RSVP by telephoning 204-835-2309 or emailing municipality@mccreary.ca
facility. Administration and Council recently reviewed a letter from the executive director for the Neepawa Kinsmen Senior Citizens Housing Inc. The correspondences asks if there was funding available to help with the furnishing of Kinsmen Kourts Two, an assisted living residence under construction on the 200 block of Davidson Street. The construction of the building itself has been covered through a CMHC mortgage, but the decor, including furnishings, wall hangings, exercise equipment, recreation supplies and landscaping, is not. The total cost for those amenities is estimated at around $300,000. Community fundraising has been taking place and is ongoing, but to date, has not been enough to cover the total amount needed. Council will review the request at a later date. The Town of Neepawa has previously supported the housing project through the sale of the former Resource Centre land to Kinsmen for parking. That land was sold at half its assessed value.
Bray Farms subdivision The owners of land most likely known to many in Neepawa as the “Chicken Barn” property, has asked for a change to its designation. Bray Farms Ltd. has requested a subdivision to a portion of its lot located just of Westward Ford. The intent of the request is to create a 3.44 acre lot for commercial use. The property is currently designated as commercial highway. Counci l approved t he request. OPTOMETRISTS
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