Swan Valley (G-7) Regional Municipal Agenda

Monday, February 6th, 2012
Minitonas Community Hall
Minitonas, MB



**MEDIA VERSION**

OPENING:
Mayor Henry Barkowski opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. with a brief introduction and welcomed those in attendance.

DELEGATES:
Carolyn Baldwin & Mel Edmunds – Thunderhill Ski Club
Kevin McKnight – Parkland Regional Health Authority

Thunderhill Ski Club Presentation:
– Mel Edmunds started off the presentation and introduced Carolyn Baldwin. A brief history of the Thunderhill Ski Club and their work at maintaining and expanding the ski hill was provided along with a slide show. The recent expansion of the ski hill has seen the addition of 9 new runs (total of 22) and a new 450m T-bar. The value of the 1st Phase of this project is approximately $300,000 – $116,000 in savings and $184,000 in donated local labour, services & supplies. The 2nd Phase will include replacement of the existing T-bar, some new grooming equipment and a new storage shed – total estimated cost of $350,000. Since the group have secured nearly $200,00 in donations, contributions and loan funding, they are asking the local ‘G-7’ municipal governments to consider financial contributions of approximately $150,000 (collectively) towards this capital project. There was an emphasis on the facts that; this facility is available to all ages / it is utilized by schools all over the valley (and beyond) / 19 local students from all over the valley are employed there each winter / it is a great tourist drawing card. There is no intent for this to be an ongoing funding request, as the Thunderhill Ski Club operates well within their annual budget (with substantial volunteer help).

PRHA Q&A Session:
– Kevin McKnight provided a few brief comments regarding the PRHA’s Primary Focus on Prevention / Healthy Living / Primary Health Care. There was also discussion of funding being set aside by the Province for a capital project in the Swan River Valley. The suggestion was to build a Public Health Facility at the Wellness Centre Site that would eventually be attached to a portion of the Wellness Centre. This site would allow room for parking and expansion. Mr. McKnight also commented on the PRHA’s focus on recruitment of physicians and health practitioners. The Province of Manitoba has promised that ‘Every Manitoban should have access to a Primary Health Care Provider’. There was some discussion on development of a clinic in the Swan River Valley.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1.
Swan Valley Medical Services Committee: Councillor Whyte provided an update on the efforts of the Swan Valley Medical Services Committee on behalf of all Swan Valley residents in their fight for;
– Better health care & services
– Attraction of new physicians
– Development of a local clinic
This committee will be working with members / cooperation from local council members, representatives, professionals, the Health Facilities Foundation, local Lions Clubs and Swan Valley RISE

2.
Regional Landfill – no discussion at this time

3.
Swan Valley Lions Recycling Building – the old building was owned by the Town of Swan River & RM of Swan River on a 50/50 basis (had been partially used for storage of landfill equipment). The new building will be utilized exclusively for recycling. They are looking for funding participation from all ‘G-7’ Municipalities since they are in partnership with the Valley Lions Recycling Program and receive benefit of reducing the amount of household waste being deposited in our local landfill sites.

4.
Swan Valley Wellness Centre Update – The Town of Swan River provided a brief report on the status of the construction. Permits are in place and construction should be starting soon – it will take approximately 1 year to complete. The facility should be ready for use in early 2013.

5.
Correctional Facility Update – reply letters have been received by all municipalities who submitted letters of support of the construction of a facility in the Swan River Valley. It was suggested that Swan Valley Rise take over and promote / further explore the project.

NEW BUSINESS:
1.
Scheduled Air Services – We have no scheduled air services now, but work is being done to try to find a solution.

2.
Settlement Services – Shirley Mullet has been working hard at assisting immigrants in settling into the Swan River Valley – Swan Valley RISE will work towards a partnership with her.

OTHER BUSINESS:
1.
Media Attendance at G-7 Meetings – G-7 Meetings are held as an informal setting to gather information and have ‘off the record’ discussions. The meetings provide an opportunity for the local municipal council members to speak openly & freely. Their discussions are not meant to be publicized. If a member of the local media were present, the members would not be able to speak as frankly or a freely, and that would be detrimental to the whole concept of providing an informal and open platform for discussion of local issues.

2.
Valley Wide Calendar – The Town & RM of Minitonas will explore the possibility of providing a local calendar that could be accessed and updated by all G-7 Councils in an effort to streamline the Special Meeting / Committee Meeting process and avoid future meeting conflict for those council members who sit on a variety of committees.
Next Meeting: June 4, 2012 – Hosted by Village of Bowsman

**Mayor Barkowski thanked everyone for coming and participating in some good discussions.**

Meeting Adjourned