In late November, Niverville’s town council and staff met for their annual planning session. In 2021, the town intends to take on major capital projects that will change the landscape of Niverville significantly.
Landscaping and Infrastructure
First up, the Community Resource and Recreation Centre is scheduled to be complete as of June 2021. After the building is finished, the surrounding landscaping will be targeted. This work will include improving the nearby dog park and bringing some finishing touches to grounds around the old arena.
In preparation for Niverville to host the 2022 Manitoba Winter Games, and in conjunction with Sport Manitoba, the town is purchasing a cross-country ski trail groomer. The equipment will help maintain the three-kilometre trail in Hespeler Park. Maintaining the ski trails also helps promote active healthy living.
Hespeler Park will continue to see development with a continuation of the pathway lighting project. Power will be brought to the southwest corner of the park, in anticipation of the RV park which is planned to be built there. The possibility also exists for lights to be erected at the soccer fields and baseball diamonds.
Earlier this fall, council received a completed study conducted by Native Plant Solutions, with suggestions for how to manage the water quality in the Fifth Avenue Estates ponds. The low water quality, which is below acceptable levels in terms of both phosphorus and blue/green algae, poses a risk to pets and children.
One solution council will pursue to manage the growth in the ponds is to install bulrushes for the first retention pond in Fifth Avenue Estates.
The planning sessions highlighted this choice as the best possible option.
“While options like aerators, fountains, and other means would have been council’s first choice, science indicates that bulrushes are the better option as they absorb phosphorus and minimize algae growth,” reads a report from council. “Council realizes there is no perfect option, but in this instance, based on the science and health of our residents and their pets, it is the best value and option available to improve our lakes.”
The last major project for landscaping and infrastructure will tackle the next length of new sidewalk along Main Street. The town’s tree budget will also be increased.
Water and Sewer
Council will continue to advance two key utility projects: the expansion of the water treatment plant and a regional wastewater treatment plant.
“Money is being set aside in savings accounts or reserves for the completion of these projects, with construction planned to begin in the next couple years,” reads council’s report.
The town originally had planned to begin a significant renewal of sewer infrastructure, hoping to complete it over 15 years. However, due to Niverville’s rapid residential growth, coupled with increased interest from commercial businesses wanting to move into the area, these plans had to be re-evaluated. Instead, plans for a larger water treatment plan and increased septic capacity have been moved up the priority list.
“Sewer renewal will still happen,” says council, “but will have to be stretched out over a longer period of time.”
Policing
Another topic addressed at this year’s planning sessions was public safety. Though the report is light on details, council is mentioned to be “looking at policing options and will have more information in the next couple of months.”
Council has initiated discussions with the RCMP about securing additional police resources for Niverville. One of the ideas put forth would involve reaching out to Public Safety Canada, a branch of the federal government, about organizing a municipal police service agreement.
Budget
The results of the annual planning sessions, along with its preliminary budget, are typically presented at a town-wide open house event, but so far no date for such a presentation has been announced. Due to COVID restrictions, the presentation will instead be made available on the town website, www.whereyoubelong.ca, later in December.
