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Emerging and Important Community News
 You
are invited to The ART STOP
Location: In the SKY (Springfield Kinsmen Youth Centre)
Upstairs from ‘the Basement youth centre’ in the old white church on
Cedar Ave
Come see examples of work, meet the team, and enjoy coffee and snacks
while you chat with other artists.
CLASSES STARTED FALL 2008
Watercolour for Beginners
Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm, Oct 7 - Dec 2
$95 for eight week class (supplies extra). Call Deanne Miller at 444-4858
or email
deannem@mts.net for info and registration.
Acrylic Painting Workshops
Call Lisa Funk at 224-1043 for registration.
Bob Ross Oil Painting Workshops
Call Lisa Funk at 224-1043 for
registration.
Paper Quilling
Contact Sarah for info and
registration at 801-1367.
Learn to Draw (Absolute Beginners)
Adult Classes.
Four week workshops ongoing to December; $50 incl.
supplies.
Mini Art (for 3-5 year olds)
4 week
sessions or drop-in.
Ongoing art classes available for ages 6-16. Contact Tracy Jones
‘Crafteas Fun with Art’ at 444-4288
crafteas@mts.net for info & registration.
The Centre will also be available to book
for ‘Art & Craft’ Birthday Parties (with Instructor); Contact Tracy
Jones at 444-4288 for details and cost.
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Information on MOSQUITO cases including age, gender, regional health
authority of residence and
likeliest area of exposure will be provided on
the website when it becomes
available at
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Information on adult mosquito
control schedules for West Nile virus and
weekly average trap counts of
Culex tarsalis by regional health authority is
available on the province's
West Nile virus website at
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Updated information on the risk of West
Nile virus will be provided
to the public throughout the summer. Manitobans
can check the West Nile virus
website regularly for up-to-date data and
information.
More information about West
Nile virus is also available from Health
Links-Info Santé at 788-8200
or 1 888 315-9257.
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July 26,
2007
PROVINCE BOOSTS FUNDING
FOR CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
- - -
Nearly $5 Million Dedicated
to Provincial Partners for Water Resource
Management: Melnick
Manitoba's 18 conservation
districts will each receive a funding increase to
strengthen land and water
management planning and programming, enhancing
protection of the province's
lakes and rivers, Water Stewardship Minister
Christine Melnick announced
today.
"We know water and land
planning issues are best managed at a local level
and in a sustainable manner
with provincial support," said Melnick. "We are
committed to building on the
excellent partnerships we've forged with rural
municipalities, cities, towns
and villages through the conservation
districts."
A total of $4,835,000 - a 10
per cent increase - will be available for the
Conservation Districts
Program including $435,000 in new initiative funding
of which $116,000 will
support the formation of a new conservation district
and expansion of four
existing conservation districts.
Manitoba's conservation
districts are made up of neighbouring rural
municipalities working with
the province to ensure water and soil management
issues in the watershed are
dealt with in a prudent and effective manner.
Conservation districts
develop an integrated watershed management plan,
outlining programs, goals and
priorities.
Funding for the 18
conservation districts in Manitoba includes:
· Alonsa, $250,000;
· Cooks Creek, $285,000;
· East Interlake, $225,000;
· Intermountain, $252,000;
· Kelsey, $150,000;
· Lake of Prairies, $150,000;
· La Salle-Redboine,
$230,000;
· Little Saskatchewan,
$180,000;
· Mid-Assiniboine, $115,000;
· Pembina Valley, $400,000;
· Seine-Rat River, $325,000;
· Swan Lake Watershed,
$125,000;
· Tiger Hills, $115,000;
· Turtle Mountain, $320,000;
· Turtle River Watershed,
$410,000;
· Upper Assiniboine,
$260,000;
· West Souris River,
$217,000; and
· Whitemud Watershed
$710,000.
The number of conservation
districts has grown to 18 in 2006 from nine in
1999.
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The Canada Revenue Agency has handed
out a conditional sentence to a Springfield, Manitoba man who pleaded guilty
to tax evasion and fraud. 56 year old Kevin Gibbons admitted to filing
unauthorized corporate tax returns for a restaurant supply company after it
went into receivership, and produced bogus documents that he used to
fraudulently open a corporate bank account. Gibbons was found to have fraudulently obtained 360-thousand dollars in tax
refunds. He was fined just over 272-thousand dollars and sentenced to a year of
house arrest
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SNOWMOBILE SEASON
In Manitoba
approximately 11,000 kilometres of groomed trails on Crown and private lands
are marked with signs and maintained by the Snowmobilers of Manitoba Inc. (Snoman)
organization to ensure the public
have a safe ride.
Snoman volunteers from 49 affiliate clubs groom trails on a regular basis. The
province grooms about 1,100 kilometres of trails within the Whiteshell, Birds
Hill, Grand Beach, Hecla and Spruce Woods provincial parks
More
information is available at
http://www.snoman.mb.ca
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E-Coli in Oakbank Wells |
Contamination of wells in Oakbank may have been caused by a
sewer line break (June) or general overland flooding as a result of the
heavy precipitation this recent Spring. Some 67 of 85 wells sampled showed
signs of total coliform or E-Coli (10-12). Those with wells in the area
should boil water (rolling boil for at least a minute) if consuming for
drinking, washing fruits, vegetables, brushing teeth and etc. Those hooked
up to the town's water system are not affected. More details to follow.
VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL REVENUE SHARING OF $8.7 MILLION FLOWS TO 197
MANITOBA MUNICIPALITIES
The VLT payment will include a base of $5,000 per municipality plus $17.49
per capita, based on population information from the 2001 Statistics Canada
census. Payments will be distributed in two equal installments, with the
second to be made by Sept. 30.
There are many family and individual events held at Birds
Hill Park throughout the year. Check out their website at:
www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/birds_hill/
A packed public hearing at the RM offices on Tuesday May
24, 2005 saw residents concerned about the cost for the implementation of
a sewer and water Local Improvement District, initially spurred on by the
boil water advisory. Residents want a defined individual property cost
before supporting or opposing the project. The municipal office promised
to obtain those numbers within two weeks. The residents also want a
reasonable offer by the RM for low rate financing and amortization of the
project. Estimated costs are around $7,000 per property owner.
The Reeve indicated if residents oppose By-law #05-16,
concerns could be brought forward to the Municipal Board who themselves
would hold public hearings to deal with the issue. He also noted this is
an opportunity for the residents to tap into a cost shared project which
could enhance their current state of affairs.
Springfieldfirst.ca will keep you apprised of any further
developments.
The RM presents its 2009 financial plan to the public
on May 12th, 2009. Copies of the plan are
available at the RM office (628 Main St.) in Oakbank.
The Municipal Board has
made its Report to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade.
The Municipal Board has recommended that the Development Plan Amendment be
approved and as such, the Minister obliged. Springfield Council will give
third reading to the By-law and is required to publish notice of its
approval. By-law 04-03 is the first amendment to the Development Plan
98-22 since enacted in 2001. By-law 04-03 amendments established a new
class of land designation, redesignated 27 clusters of lands to Rural
Residential from Ag Preserve, expands the Hamlet boundaries of the
Ostenfeld district and adds definitions and changes certain terminology.
For a copy of the By-law, contact your councillor or the
municipal office.
At the April 12, 2005,
Springfield Council Meeting, Council made no changes or efforts to amend
By-laws 97-19, 01-17 or 01-24. Leading up to October 2006, the current
municipal council boundaries will remain the same, so will the number of
councillors and method of election. The Municipal Act allows
municipalities to review the election format and if deemed necessary, a
defined public process is initiated. There has been some "general" concern
over concentrated population growth and non-uniform boundaries (ward
schematics) and even some talk about an at-large election. It won't happen
for 2006.
At the May 3, 2005,
Springfield Council Meeting, Council approved $10,000 towards a proposal
by South Interlake Animal Control to monitor and control beaver activity
within the municipality. Contact the RM office for more information.
At the May 3, 2005,
Springfield Council Meeting, Council approved $12,000 towards the purchase
of a tilt top trailer for Public Works. The existing trailer was deemed too
expensive to repair and renting one in the interim was seen as uneconomic.
Reeve Holland
attended the "invitation only" open house/grand opening of the Deacon's
corner A&W among other senior A&W officials. The restaurant and gas bar
are expected to provide employment for some 50-60 persons. A public Grand
Opening happens the first weekend (Saturday) in May.
At the May 3, 2005,
Springfield Council Meeting, at least four council members reported they
attended the Rural Forum in Brandon. No information was provided if they
car pooled and/or how there multiple participation benefits the RM.
On May 1, 2005,
Springfield's Services to Seniors Coordinator Diane Dumas was awarded the
prestigious Fred Douglas Society Seniors Distinguished Volunteer Award.
Congratulations to Diane for contributing to the well being of seniors in
our community. It is very well deserved, as she continues to work hard
throughout Springfield and collaboratively with NEHA (www.neha.mb.ca) and
the many stakeholders throughout our community.
The Citizens on Patrol
group holds meetings the last Thursday of every month at Kin Hut (by
Oakbank Arena on Almey) at 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend.
A consultation meeting
by the recreation consultant (Dave Bosiak) was held in Dugald on October
24, 2005 with most of the community recreation interests in attendance. A
draft report should be available shortly. History - At the request of the
Springfield Recreation Commission, Springfield Council at their March 29,
2005 meeting supported the allocation of funds to support a study into the
recreation needs assessment of the entire municipality. Local residents
have been urging council to move forward on this for some time. In
addition, at least two other projects have been identified for support
including Cooks Creek Dance Academy and Anola Community Centre. Oakbank
Community Club is considering various options in their ever increasing
demands for facility improvements and space.
Thieves broke into Hazelridge Community Club and stole some random tools
and
other objects. If you have
information on this crime, contact our local RCMP.
As part of the on-going
and continued generosity of the Knights of Columbus in Springfield, they
recently donated $1000 to the Victoria Lifeline program which will support
an important safety initiative which assists seniors to remain independent
in their own homes. Some 170 people attended an annual dinner at St.
Michael's Church (Cooks Creek) which was the venue were the funds were so
generously donated by those in attendance. Contact Diane Dumas, Resource
Coordinator for Springfield's Services to Seniors for more information on
seniors programs and for info on Victoria Lifeline at 444-6128.
At the February
22, 2005 RM Council meeting, CBC news was present to hear a delegation of
concerned citizens who came forward pleading with Council to address their
concerns with what appears to them to be non-compliance with By-law 73-22
by a company at a local aggregate pit. The residents are concerned with an
expansion which appears to be in the cards which may affect the
groundwater and disturb adjacent lands. Inland's Moose Nose aggregate pit
is the site in question. Council promised to advise the citizens about
Inlands compliance and/or current plan for aggregate
excavation/extraction. On March 29, the concerned citizens again
approached council to raise concerns that little progress has been made
regarding their concerns of potential water borne pollution from
activities at the pit. Council appears concerned but uncommitted on
enforcing bylaw compliance. The citizens will maintain profile and
continue to hound and approach council in late April to ensure they don't
just pass the buck on this very important issue.
Through the active
efforts of several key local residents and feedback from residents through
a survey, Springfield Council approved (Jan 11, 2005) the establishment of
a Library for the entire RM in Oakbank. The RM will lease space in an
Oakbank mall (next to Esso) and have an ambitious goal of moving resources around the
community in a yet to be announced fashion. Approximately $15,000 was
allocated for the project, an amount which echoes the amount spent
subsidizing Springfield residents library memberships in other
jurisdictions. Volunteers will be required to help support this
initiative. Watch here for more details, as they are announced.
Visit
Cybertip.ca - Cybertip.ca is Canada's National Tipline for reporting
the online sexual exploitation of children. It is a centralized web portal
for receiving and addressing reports from the public regarding child
pornography, luring, child sex tourism, and children who are exploited
through prostitution. Cybertip.ca also provides the public with
information, referrals and other resources to help Canadians keep their
children safe while on the Internet.
Police issue public warning
Winnipeg police have issued a public alert about a high-risk sex
offender who was getting released Tuesday from the Headingley Correctional
Institution.
Police say 38 year old Jeffrey McIvor is a high risk to re-offend....
McIvor served 19 months for property-related offences and Breach of
Probation. He was expected to take up residence in the R-M of St. Andrews.
Visit:
www.winnipeg.ca/police/
Non-governmental organizations:
Faith and community groups
COMMUNITY PLACES GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Grant applications are now available for the
Community Places program providing an early launch to this year's program,
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson announced today.
Community Places website at
http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/grants.
E-mails can also be sent to mcpp@gov.mb.ca.
Watch here as springfieldfirst.ca will soon launch the quest to find the
greatest resident our community has ever had.
Corey Koskie was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays from
Minnesota. He hit .251 with 25 homers and 71 RBIs during an injury-plagued
2004, his seventh season in the majors, but had a strong on-base
percentage of .342.
His new contract is worth a reported $16.5 million US for 3
years.
The current situation in Canada
More than 3,700 Canadians are awaiting organ transplants for kidneys, hearts,
lungs, or livers, and thousands of others are in need of replacements for
tissues such as corneas, heart valves, bone grafts, and skin. Approximately
1,800 organ transplants are performed in Canadian hospitals annually.
Last year, some 140 Canadians died while waiting for organs that never came
because suitable donors were not found in time. Part of the problem lies with
Canada having one of the lowest organ donation rates among industrialized
nations. There are fewer than 14 donors per million people in this country, as
compared with more than 31 in Spain. What's more, the gap between transplant
patients on waiting lists and numbers of available organs is widening.
Health Canada reports-Transplants can save health care costs: the cost of a
kidney transplant averages $20,000 plus $6,000 per year thereafter ($50,000 over
five years). Maintaining a kidney patient on dialysis costs $50,000 per year
($250,000 over five years).
HUMAN TISSUE AMENDMENT ACT PROCLAIMED (1/12/04)
New procedures that will make it easier to share the gift of life through
tissue and organ donation will be put in place following the proclamation of the
Human Tissue Gift Act tomorrow.
Health Minister Tim Sale announced the proclamation of the act at a reception
held at the Manitoba Legislative Building today.
The amendments include changes to: * require the tissue, eye bank and/or
organ transplant agencies to be notified of a death or an impending death so
trained staff can assess the suitability of tissues, eyes or organs for donation
and, when appropriate, agencies will attempt to obtain informed consent for the
donation; and * enable the disclosure of personal health information of
potential donors to the organ, tissue and eye bank agencies for suitability
assessment.
The amendments were developed in consultation with representatives of the
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Organ Donation Program, the WRHA
Tissue Bank Program and the Lions Eye Bank.
Various websites on organ donation exist, here is a sampling:
www.kidney.ca
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/organandtissue/
www.organ-donation-works.org/
www.givelife.ca/
www.transplant.ca
NEW VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE TO MANITOBA CHILDREN
Four additional vaccines are now available to eligible Manitoba children as
part of the routine immunization schedule, Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau
announced today.
"These four vaccines will be added to Manitoba's universal immunization
program for children and will offer protection against serious but preventable
diseases," said Rondeau. "This initiative is consistent with the Healthy
Living mandate to keep people well and take pressure off of the acute care
medical system."
The four free vaccines for children are:
* conjugated meningococcal type C vaccine - prevents bloodstream and
meningitis infections;
* conjugated pneumococcal vaccine - prevents infections from seven types of
pneumococcal bacteria that can cause bloodstream and middle ear infections,
meningitis and pneumonia;
* varicella vaccine - prevents chickenpox and complications arising from
chickenpox including skin infections and encephalitis, an infection of the
brain; and
* influenza vaccine.
The vaccines will be delivered by public health nurses at schools and
clinics and by physicians in their offices, depending on the vaccine.
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Council
supports a councillors spousal allowance!
At a mid-January 2005 daytime council
meeting, a spousal allowance provision was supported and passed, although
opposed by councillors Lalonde and Shaver. There is now a supplement for when
spouses participate at events outside Springfield. In addition, Springfield Council
is in process of considering a new remuneration and
compensation package for councillors and the Reeve. The remuneration and
expense numbers show having less councillors is in fact more expense for
taxpayers than the previous system of having an additional councillor for the
RM. For more information, contact your councillor or the RM office.
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Kinsmen Awarded
$100,000
At the September 28 meeting of Springfield Council, the Kinsmen made a formal
presentation seeking approval of their application for a $100,000 grant
towards the development of a youth activity centre in Oakbank. Other funds
have been secured from the Province and from their own organization and future
fundraising. Council agreed to the funds with safeguard conditions, including
reimbursement of much of the funds up to 10 years after the grant with the
proceeds coming from the sale of the youth activity site property.
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Springfield Rec Centres Crumbling
To no surprise of many, Springfield's Recreation Centres
are crumbling. This is not due to the incredible effort of the volunteers
or from those who support the clubs and sports activities or even the RM's
Recreation Director. The municipal council has not seriously addressed the
needs of our community or focused energy or dollars to enhance our
community's recreation facilities. A long-term, sustainable and visionary
effort is required NOW before local clubs like Zora, Hazelridge and others
are declared unsafe for activities. A recent engineers report has
identified many significant structural problems with these aging
facilities. Hazelridge Sports
Complex has approached Council (April 2005) for a $40,000 annual operating
grant to cover expenses. |
You may contact the Rec. Director via email at
src2000@mts.net or fax 444-2137 if
you wish to make comments and/or appear before the Commission in future.
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The Fine is $530 if you pass a School Bus
For those of you who can't wait those extra few seconds
when a school bus is stopped and the flashing lights are on, it could cost
you $530 quite easily. No police have to be around, its a responsibility
of the bus driver to take your license plate number and submit it. That's
the easy part! Can you imagine if you hit a child or caused others to
scramble. It's not worth the risk. Your time may be valuable, but
endangering a child's life could change your life! The safety of a young
person is far more precious!!
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Local Heritage Site
Designation
Cooks Creek was the site of the newest heritage
site designation, with the listing of the Immaculate Conception Church, on August 14, 2004. The church was completed in
1954. The adjacent Grotto, was constructed shortly afterwards and is
reminiscent of Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to a young
girl (Bernadette) over 100 years ago. The church was built with volunteer labour and donated materials. It is truly a treasure and wonder, right
here in Springfield.
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Auditor's Report Available
The RM of Springfield, Municipal Office (Oakbank), has
available the Municipal Auditor's Financial Report and related statements
for the 2003 fiscal year. You may view or make copies at "your" own
expense! - during regular office hours - Monday-Friday between 8:30 am -
4:30 pm.
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The RM has mailed out your property, combined Sunrise
School Division, tax bill, due near the end of October (29), 2004. You guessed it right, your taxes are up again
(combined Educ/Mun. around 9%) and would have
been even more if the RM didn't extract monies from their reserve fund.
Remember to submit it on time or you'll be charged a interest penalty.
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Large
Oakbank Subdivision Approved?
Terracon Developments Ltd. presented their proposal for a 146 serviced lot subdivision on the east side of Oakbank
to Springfield Council and the public on Tuesday evening, July 27, 2004. A Public Meeting
was held at the RM office/council chambers (628 Main St., Oakbank)
beginning at 8:00 pm to a standing room only crowd of about 50 people,
ending near 10:00 pm. Their development proposal was coined as similar to
Pritchard Farm Properties with winding roads and several creeks and
lagoons with circulating pumps to inhibit mosquito growth. No residential
ditches would be created, a new approach for Oakbank. There would be 4-5
phases of development with 30 lots allocated for development each year.
Many issues were raised through questions from the public including
drainage, access to existing properties bordering the proposed
development, long-term vision for improved recreation facilities, impact
on school enrolment and the school boards awareness and vision for
expansion, policing and crime, increased vehicular traffic, children's
safety, among others. It was identified that the developer would pay a
municipal levy of $2,000 per lot for sewer and $4,500 for water services.
It was noted that no new private well systems are permitted in urban
centre developments like these. In addition, the developer would provide
the municipality a cash donation for park space, instead of allocating
specific property. Residents were concerned about the change in rural
atmosphere, with the continued aggressive development of Oakbank, whereby
people are attracted to the community due to its current country feel.
Many citizens asked that the developer come back to the public with a
revised plan and answered questions. Reeve Holland noted that Council has
provided the public hearing as a courtesy and that it was not entirely
required. A decision on this development proposal will be decided by
Council at a future meeting, unlikely with any further public scrutiny or
input. springfieldfirst will post the decision or any further news as it
becomes available. This is among the largest single development proposals
brought forth for consideration within Springfield besides Sage Place
(Oakbank).
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"Vantage Point" - Letters to the Editor
Your letters are welcomed!
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Oakbank, Dugald and Anolas lagoon is being paid
for by the whole municipality. Why?
Enquired how we had decided on the location and
was advised by Councillor Shaver that they also tested the soil content at N
1/2 8-ll-6E (Cloverspring Farms) which is 2 1/2 miles east. But, they chose
Neil Van Ryssels' property and purchased one half (1/2) section for
$384,000.00. As per Councillor Shaver he stated that they did not use a real
estate firm or the
Provincial Land Appraisal Commision and further
stated "why should we"? The consulting fees are unknown as our C.A.O.
states it would be inappropriate to release these details???The legal fees
for the purchase of only the land was $7,806.59. I just finished
purchasing a Condo and my legal fees were $l,200.00. Remember the
$78,340.26 legal fees for the Union Agreement!!
Oh, this is not all, now Mr. Neil Van Ryssel has
submitted an inovice for $5,256.65 for re-seeding a portion of our purchased
land for his cattle. Why???
It is nice that one cattle farmer made out well
in 2004.
Sincerely,
Jack J. McCombe, CMA
"Vantage Point" is a
special independent editorial submitted to springfieldfirst.ca by
Springfield residents. We welcome your input and reserve the right to edit
or refuse your submission(s). The column is designed as a "letters to the
editor" forum. The information is not necessarily the viewpoint of
springfieldfirst.ca and we rely strictly on the authors for the contents
and its genuine accuracy.
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Councillor
Lalonde's Resolution Defeated - WHY??
Councillor Karen Lalonde (Oakbank) has taken bold steps to
try to reduce municipal councils wasteful spending habits. The most recent
involves the number of municipal elected officials attended functions and
the use of public funds to pay for spousal expenses. Often, more than one
councillor has been delegated, or shall we say eagerly volunteered to
participate at various conferences, workshops, events and hearings. While
it is primarily the Reeve's responsibility to attend and represent the RM,
councillors have eagerly participated at out-of-RM events, at taxpayers
expense, with little to show, document and even less to report. A prime
example of this is a conference held earlier this year in Edmonton (FCM)
and Brandon (AMM) where councillors and some of their partners attended.
Councillors are paid extra - an amount above their monthly salary - to
attend various meetings. Certain Springfield councillors past and present
have abused and/or taken full advantage or this perk. Councillor Lalonde's
resolution (June 2004)to limit the number (3) of RM elected
representatives attending outside of Springfield events was defeated.
We'll be keeping a close eye on each and every elected official who is
using political position to exploit one of those perks that only
politicians enjoy. |
June 10, 2005
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION REPORT RELEASED ON RED RIVER
FLOODWAY EXPANSION
CEC Recommends Issuance of Environment Act Licence To Manitoba Floodway
Authority
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers today released the Clean
Environment Commission's (CEC) report on public hearings into the Red
River Floodway expansion project.
The CEC recommends issuing licences, subject to conditions, to
the Manitoba Floodway Authority for the expansion and maintenance of the
floodway, and to
Manitoba Water Stewardship to operate the floodway."The CEC is to be
commended for a comprehensive review and a thorough, timely report," said
Struthers. "The CEC recommendations will be consideredas part of the
provincial environmental impact assessment and Environment Act licensing
decisions regarding the planned expansion project."The minister noted the
required federal assessment and ensuing permits will relate to such
federal legislation as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the
Fisheries Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
The CEC's report followed public hearings in February and March to
consider public comments on the project and an environmental impact
statement and related material prepared by the Manitoba Floodway
Authority.
The Manitoba Clean Environment Commission is an arm's-length provincial
agency appointed under the authority of Manitoba's Environment Act and
designed to encourage and facilitate public involvement in environmental
matters. It offers advice and recommendations to the government on
sustainable development, environmental issues and licensing matters. The
minister noted the report is under review as part of the environmental
licensing process. A licensing decision is expected to be issued shortly.
> NOTE: Copies of the report are available from the Clean Environment
Commission:
305 - 155 Carlton St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8 Fax: 204-945-0090
Telephone: 204-945-0594 or 1-800-597-3556 (toll-free in Manitoba)
Internet:
http://www.cecmanitoba.ca
Clean Environment Commission (CEC)
hearings have been completed regarding the $600 million Floodway Expansion
Project. The screening Report and other assessment documents are now
available at the Conservation and Environment Library (123 Main St Wpg) or
by visiting
www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/Viewer_e.cfm?SrchPg=1&CEAR_ID+5146 or contact the CEC at
1-800-597-3556
MANITOBA FLOODWAY EXPANSION AUTHORITY:
Recreation & Economic Development Opportunities Report
Visit: www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/reports_recreation.html
Manitoba Conservation has informed the public (December
2004) that supplemental information on the Red River Floodway Expansion
has been filed by the Floodway Authority. You may access the new
material at:
www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/envapprovals/registries/index.html.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been filed by
the Manitoba Floodway Expansion Authority for the expansion of the
floodway. The EIS contains an updated description of the project that
incorporates new information from engineering studies and project impacts
and mitigation studies. Public comments on the EIS were being
accepted until
OCTOBER 12, 2004. ........ An open house was held at Dugald Community Club on Tuesday, June
8 between 4:00 and 9:30 pm. The Club was nearly full with citizens
who began asking direct questions, just after 8:15 pm. Concerns on water
flow, wind, bridges and Hwy 15 vs. Garven Road access issues were directed
at the consulting firm representatives. There is no question the proposed floodway expansion will
affect Springfield. From sensitive water issues to jobs, recreational
opportunities to new bridges, if you leave near or drive over the
floodway, you should keep aware of the emerging concerns and
opportunities. Watch this site as information becomes available, but also
directly visit the official floodway website at:
www.floodwayeia.com.
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Quinn's Quest - A Huge
Success!!
A large, eager and energetic crowd of race goers assembled
and successfully participated in the 1st ever, Annual Quinn's Quest, held
on Sunday, 15 August 2004 at Pine Ridge Hollow and Bird's Hill Park. Some
$30,000 was raised!! The event included a
3 or 5 km
run/walk and a 1 km scamper for kids. The event was organized to help raise
awareness and funds
supporting the quest for a cure and treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (www.SMACanada.com).
The event included a pancake breakfast,
rainbow auction, music, loot bags, face painting and special
presentations. For more information, contact Springfield resident
and Event Chair, Lori Orchard at 444-2118 or see
www.quinnsquestforacure.com.
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Report on Oakbank Fate - Public Meeting
Oakbank private citizen,
Mr. Richard Liebrecht, initiated a public exploration meeting on Monday eve,
August 23, 2004, (in Oakbank) to gauge residents input on the re-designation
including forming a Local Urban District (LUD) and/or possible ultimate
incorporation of Oakbank. Mr. Richard Liebrecht spoke of the options, provided
examples of successful LUD's and the challenges and potential drawbacks of
incorporating. Feedback from the diverse group of about 65 was mixed, but
receptive for more information. A common theme was echoed that the municipal
government is not transparent, Oakbank is not represented adequately as it
contributes significantly to the whole RM and that tax dollars are being
wasted.After nearly two hours of interaction with the citizens who attended,
Richard Liebrecht asked if there was interest to form a committee to formally
organize and too obtain more information on the options Oakbank may have. A
committee was struck by many eager residents and future discussions and public
input will unfold. Oakbank councillor Karen Lalonde and RM councillor Bob
Bodnaruk attended the evenings session. Former municipal councillors (Tony
Lefko, Steve Pochuk) were also in attendance.
Keep informed on the progress of this new committee by visiting
springfieldfirst.ca. This is an important issue which will ultimately affect
how our community continues to emerge.
For more information, contact Richard Liebrecht at
townofoakbank@hotmail. or 444-2624.
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The Municipal Board held a public hearing on
Thursday, December 9, 2004. The meeting began promptly at 9:30 am at the Anola
Community Club to consider By-law No. 04-03 with representations by the
key government departments and the public. Intergovernmental Affairs (Doug
Houghton) and Reeve Holland spoke in favour of the proposed bylaw, in
addition to about 10 local residents. The public support for this bylaw
was clearly motivated by self interest as the proposal would allow for a
new opportunity to subdivide property within the newly defined areas.
Specifically, 2 lots out of a 80 plus acre lot and one lot out of a
holding of less than 80 acres.
Manitoba Agriculture and some 8 Springfield residents spoke
against the proposed bylaw. The opposition noted that the bylaw has
environmental impact, incomplete mapping, does not safeguard farmland and
existing agricultural holdings and livestock operations, would conflict
with clauses in the current Springfield Development Plan and other
government agency policies such as the Farm Practices Guidelines and
Livestock Manure Management.
Debate between the two sides became heated at times during
the questioning of various speakers, whereby the acting chair of the
meeting had to re-focused those in attendance on several occasions. The
Municipal Board will be taking all the information presented at the
hearing and will be compiling a series of recommendations regarding the
proposed bylaw. Springfieldfirst.ca will report on any breaking news
on this issue as it becomes available.
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