Farmery asks Council to rezone land

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Published on Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Neepawa Town Council Briefs: Tuesday, Mar. 1

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Farmery Brewery has requested a change in the zoning bylaw at its new proposed location. The business would like to establish their new brewing facility at the former Mazergroup location, on Highway 5 north.  The property however, must be rezoned from commercial to light industrial. Council is reviewing the request. A decision is expected in the near future.

Council reconsiders decision:

Neepawa Town Council is reconsidering a decision it already made regarding participation with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). In mid-January, council voted against membership in the FCM. Recently, however, council learned of new information that suggested being a part of the Federation may assist with easier access to funding for the gasification project.

The Gasification Demonstration Project is an initiative based on technology which can take solid waste and convert it to a gas that can be burned for heat energy, leaving only recyclable, environmentally friendly ash as a by-product. A decision on reversing the FCM decision will placed on the Mar. 15 council agenda

New business survey:

The 2016 Neepawa and Area Business Survey has been released. The survey, which can be accessed via the Town of Neepawa’s website, is a partnership between Neepawa Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce. The plan is for the survey to continue over multiple years in order to track trends in local business

Fluoride consultation:

Representatives from the Public Works committee recently met with three local dentists, along with a provincial consultant and dentist via phone. The gathering was an effort to get professional opinions on whether the town should continue to add fluoride to its water. The dentists suggested that it would serve the best interest of the town to continue using fluoride. 

The addition of fluoride to tap water has been common across North America for many years as a means to help prevent dental issues, such as tooth decay. Recently, however, many municipalities have started reexamining use of the compound, as some new research has suggested the practice may not be as beneficial as first thought. Recommendation on whether Neepawa will continue to add fluoride to its water will be made in the near future.

Leisure Services working on grant requests:

The Leisure Services Department has completed a proposal to the Co-op Community Spaces Grant. If it were to receive the grant money, Leisure Services would like to use it to create more recreational venues at the Flats, by the addition of concrete on the outdoor rink. The addition will include basketball and pickle ball courts. 

Leisure Services has also made arrangements to host a Community Spring Registration night on Tuesday, Mar. 8 from 7-9 pm at the Yellowhead Hall. Minor Baseball, Soccer, Junior Golf, Swimming, the Yellowhead Bow Hunters Association and the Boxe Neepawa have all confirmed attendance.