Neepawa council discusses suites and sidewalks

Details

Published on Thursday, August 6, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

The Town of Neepawa held a council meeting on Tuesday, Aug 4.  During the gathering Councillors  received an update from Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation on planned upgrades to Provincial Highway 16. MIT recently informed Town administration that there will be a slight delay to the planned road surfacing from the west junction of PTH 5 to just past the east junction of Highway 5.

The reason for the scheduling holdup is due to existing work being done near Gladstone falling behind due to weather delays. An exact time for the work to begin was not given, but MIT did stress that the delay will not be an extended one and that the upgrades are anticipated to start ‘any day.’ The province is covering the cost of the work. While these upgrades are occurring, there will be periods of time in which section of PTH 16 are reduced to one-lane traffic. 

Secondary suites

Deputy mayor Isobel Jerema would like Town Council to enact regulations to legalize secondary suites in Neepawa. 

A secondary suite is a self-contained housing unit located within a permanent single family dwelling, or in an accessory building. The suite contains its own separate access, cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities that are separate from and not shared with those of the principal dwelling. 

Jerema noted that a lack of housing is a challenge for Neepawa and area and that this option may assist in dealing with the situation. She added that it would also reduce liability to the homeowner, as it ensures a suite meets required fire, building and housing standards under the Manitoba Building code.

A memo discussing the concept has been forwarded to council for consideration and debate under Planning and Community Development. If the concept is deemed to be in the best interest of the community, it could be brought to Town Council for a vote. There is no time line for when or if this this could be brought forward for an official vote.

Ellen Street sidewalk

Town Council has approved the installation of a sidewalk on the north side of Ellen Street. The estimated cost of the work, which would stretch from Brown Avenue to Walker Avenue, is $15,823.50 for the construction and an additional $2,000 for the removal of trees. The old sidewalk was removed as part of the repaving of the road, which was done last year.

“What’s the Big Idea?”

Planning is underway for a regional entrepreneurship event call “What’s the Big Idea?”. The Town is gearing up with sponsorship letters going out to support the day. Sponsors are needed to assist with event expenses and backing for local entrepreneurs who will pitch their business idea “Dragon’s Den” style. Additonal details on the event will released in the fall.

Neepawa will also make a submission to the EDAC Marketing Canada Awards of the “Land of Opportunity” brochure. The nationally recognized award program gives communities an opportunity to showcase their marketing excellence.