The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding along with Deputy Mayor Moriaux with Councilors Powell, Bobick, White, and Whyte in attendance.
Absent with notice:
Administrative Staff Present: CAO W. Tewnion, CFO T. Gnida, Director of Public Works D. Harvey, Director of Recreation D. Gordon-Broome.
Delegations:
Media: Jeremy Bergen, Star and Times
Other Participants:
1. Call meeting to order
Mayor Jacobson called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
2. Adoption of the Agenda
Resolution No: 2026-0371
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the July 21, 2026, regular meeting of Council be adopted.
Carried
3. Approval of Minutes
3.1 Approval of Minutes – June 16, 2026 Regular Meeting
Resolution No: 2026-0372
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes for the June 16, 2026, regular meeting of Council be approved.
Carried
3.2 Approval of Minutes – July 3rd, 2026 Special Meeting
Resolution No: 2026-0373
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes for the July 3rd, 2026, special meeting of Council be approved.
Carried
3.3 Approval of Minutes – July 14th, 2026 Special Meeting
Resolution No: 2026-0374
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes for the July 14th, 2026, special meeting of Council be approved.
Carried
4. Reception of Delegations and Hearings
4.1 Open Public Hearing – Variance Order 02/2026 – 301 Parkview Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0375
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Regular Meeting be adjourned and the public hearing on Variance Order 02/2026 be opened.
Carried
4.1.1 Close Public Hearing – Variance Order 02/2026 – 301 Parkview Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0376
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Public Hearing be closed at 7:05 pm and the Regular Meeting be re-opened.
Carried
4.1.2 Variance Order 02/2026 – 301 Parkview Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0377
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Variance Order Application 02/2026 for 301 Parkview Dr be approved.
Carried
4.2 Open Public Hearing – Variance Order 03/2026 – 6 Silverwood Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0378
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Regular Meeting be adjourned and the public hearing on Variance Order 03/2026 be opened.
Carried
4.2.1 Close Public Hearing – Variance Order 03/2026 – 6 Silverwood Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0379
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Public Hearing be closed at 7:09 pm and the Regular Meeting be re-opened.
Carried
4.2.2 Variance Order 03/2026 – 6 Silverwood Dr
Resolution No: 2026-0380
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Variance Order Application 03/2026 for 6 Silverwood Dr be approved.
Carried
5. Reception of Petitions
6. Communications
6.1 Email from CN, June 22, 2026 – Rail Safety Week Proclamation Request
Resolution No: 2026-0381
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the email dated June 22, 2026, from CN, regarding Rail Safety Week 2026 be received.
Carried
6.2 Email from RCMP CMC Secretariat, June 22, 2026 – 2026 Census of Population – Contract Policing Implications for Emerging and Demerging Municipalities
Resolution No: 2026-0382
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the email and attachments dated June 22, 2026, from RCMP CMC Secretariat, regarding 2026 Census of Population – Contract Policing Implications for Emerging and Demerging Municipalities be received.
Carried
6.3 Letter and Advertisement from PMH, June 24, 2026 – Volunteers Needed
Resolution No: 2026-0383
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter and advertisement dated June 24, 2026, from Prairie Mountain Health regarding volunteer recruitment be received.
Carried
6.4 Letter from Federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, July 6, 2026 – Federal Assistance for Flood Response and Recovery
Resolution No: 2026-0384
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter dated July 6, 2026, from the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, regarding federal assistance be received.
Carried
6.5 Email from MMSM, June 25, 2026 – Recycling Paper Cups
Resolution No: 2026-0385
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the email dated June 25, 2026, from MMSM, regarding recycling paper cups be received.
Carried
6.6 Email from Fire Chief, July 7, 2026 – Fire Marque
Resolution No: 2026-0386
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the email dated July 7, 2026, from the Fire Chief, regarding the Fire Marque be received.
Carried
6.7 Letter from Municipal and Northern Relations, July 8, 2026 – Financial Information Return
Resolution No: 2026-0387
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter dated July 8, 2026, from Municipal and Northern Relations, regarding financial information be received.
Carried
6.8 2023 Supplementary Report from Auditor
Resolution No: 2026-0388
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the supplementary report dated July 15, 2026, from Linda Cole Chartered Professional Accountant Inc. relating to their audit of the Town of Swan River consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, be received.
Carried
6.9 Bulletin from Municipal and Northern Relations – Accommodation Tax Legislative Changes
Resolution No: 2026-0389
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the bulletin dated July 16, 2026, from Municipal and Northern Relations, regarding Accommodation Tax legislative changes be received.
Carried
6.10 Building Permits
Resolution No: 2026-0390
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Building Permits 16/26 through 25/26 with a total estimated value of $1,864,399 be received.
Carried
7. Reports
7.1 Chief Administrative Officer’s Report
Resolution No: 2026-0391
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chief Administrative Officer’s report be received.
Carried
7.2 Director of Public Works’ Report
Resolution No: 2026-0392
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Public Works’ report be received.
Carried
7.3 Director of Recreation’s Report
Resolution No: 2026-0393
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Recreation’s report be received.
Carried
7.4 Other Reports
7.4.1 Briefing Report from the CAO, June 23, 2026 – Correction to Public Reserve Shoreline Vegetation Management Bylaw
Resolution No: 2026-0394
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated June 23, 2026, from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding a correction to the Public Reserve Shoreline Vegetation Management Bylaw be received.
Carried
7.4.2 June 2026 Heavy Rains – Emergency Response Review
Resolution No: 2026-0395
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipal Emergency Coordinator Report, the Director of Public Works – Flood After Action Analysis Report, the Flood Map, and the CAO After Action Report that were reviewed by Council during the June 24, 2026, Committee of the Whole Meeting be received.
Carried
7.4.3 Briefing Memo from the Director of Public Works, June 9, 2026 – Starlite Trailer Court Water Leak
Resolution No: 2026-0396
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated June 9, 2026, from the Director of Public Works, regarding a water leak at the Starlite Trailer Court be received.
Carried
7.4.4 Briefing Report from the CAO, June 8, 2026 – Water Agreement
Resolution No: 2026-0397
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated June 8, 2026, from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the Water Agreement with the Municipality of Swan Valley West be received.
Carried
7.4.5 Handivan Report for June 2026
Resolution No: 2026-0398
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the June 2026 Swan River Handi-Transit Van Report be received.
Carried
7.4.6 Briefing Report from the CAO, July 8, 2026 – Role of Council During an Emergency
Resolution No: 2026-0399
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated July 8, 2026, from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the role of Council during an emergency be received.
Carried
7.4.7 Briefing Report from the CAO, July 10, 2026 – Accommodation Tax Bylaw
Resolution No: 2026-0400
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated July 10, 2026, from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the Accommodation Tax Bylaw be received.
Carried
7.4.8 Briefing Report from the CAO, July 16, 2026 – Amend Emergency Plan – Evacuation Order
Resolution No: 2026-0401
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated July 16, 2026, from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding amending the Emergency Plan be received.
Carried
7.4.9 Briefing Report from the Director of Public Works – Building Permits for Flood Related Repairs
Resolution No: 2026-0402
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated July 21, 2026, from the Director of Public Works, regarding Building Permits for flood related repairs be received.
Carried
7.5 Council Reports
8. New Business
8.1 Rail Safety Week 2026
Resolution No: 2026-0403
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Don Bobick
WHEREAS Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 21 to 27 2026;
WHEREAS 252 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2025; resulting in 69 avoidable fatalities and 60 avoidable serious injuries;
WHEREAS educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens;
WHEREAS Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness; and
WHEREAS CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT National Rail Safety Week be declared from September 21 to 27, 2026.
Carried
8.2 Consideration of Procedures Bylaw
Resolution No: 2026-0404
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
WHEREAS at the June 23, 2026, Committee of the Whole, Council directed that the drafting of a revised Procedures Bylaw be considered;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Administration be directed to include on the August 11, 2026, Committee of the Whole agenda the matter of a revised Procedures Bylaw; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council commits to provide any proposed amendments to the Chief Administrative Officer before the cut off date of August 7th, 2026, for the next Committee of the Whole.
Carried
8.3 Starlite Trailer Court – Water Leak
Resolution No: 2026-0405
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
WHEREAS a leak in the Star Lite Mobile Home Park water distribution system discharged directly into the sewer system and was not detectable during normal maintenance;
WHEREAS the leak resulted in an abnormally high utility bill of $30,491.44; and
WHEREAS the property owner has been advised that water leak credits are granted only once per property and any future leak-related charges will be the owner’s responsibility;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Administration is authorized to issue a credit of $21,916.04 to Star Lite Mobile Home Park, representing the difference between the billed amount and the average utility cost for the same quarter over two previous years.
Carried
8.4 Swan Valley Employment and Training Project (SVETP) – 2026 – 2027 Renewal Agreement
Resolution No: 2026-0406
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Don Bobick
WHEREAS the Town of Swan River has an ongoing agreement with the Province of Manitoba as service provider for the Swan Valley Employment and Training Project;
WHEREAS the Province of Manitoba is requesting renewal of the agreement and amendments to the previous agreement to accommodate year end closing requirements; and
WHEREAS the CAO has reviewed the updated Agreement with the Province of Manitoba Project Officer responsible for this matter and supports the minor revisions contained therein,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the renewed agreement and associated amendments be received and approved.
Carried
8.5 Appointment of Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Resolution No: 2026-0407
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Darren Harvey, Director of Public Works, is appointed to act in the capacity of Chief Administrative Officer from Friday July 24, 2026, to Friday July 31, 2026, inclusive, and shall assume all responsibilities and authorities of the position during that period.
Carried
8.6 Amend Emergency Plan – Evacuation Order
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Swan River 2026 Emergency Plan be amended to:
Add to Section 2.1 and Appendix C a duty for the Mayor that they may order an Evacuation;
Add to Section 2.1 and Appendix C a duty for the Municipal Emergency Coordinator that they may order an Evacuation;
Add to Appendix C that the Local Authority Administrator / Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) may order an Evacuation; and
Add to Appendix E, section 1.1., 3rd paragraph, “An assigned Incident Commander may order an Evacuation.”.
Tabled
Councilor Powell: Motion to table to the August 18, 2026 Regular Meeting. Councilor White: Seconded. Vote Result: Carried.
8.7 Building Permits for Flood Related Repairs
Resolution No: 2026-0408
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
WHEREAS three flooding events in the Town of Swan River have caused significant damage to private properties; and
WHEREAS property owners are required to obtain a building permit for repairs or renovations resulting from flood damage;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT any building permit fees associated with flood-related repairs or renovations shall be paid by the Town of Swan River; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town of Swan River submit claims to the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA), where eligible, to recover the costs incurred for funding these flood-related permits.
Carried
8.8 Letter to Municipality of Swan Valley West – Response to Water Agreement Request
Resolution No: 2026-0409
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: David Moriaux
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter to the Municipality of Swan Valley West regarding its request for information about water utility rates and the water agreement be approved and authorized for delivery to Reeve Bill Gade.
Carried
9. Unfinished Business
10.Accounts
10.1 To Close Trust Account for Medical Recruitment Committee Funds
Resolution No: 2026-0410
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
WHEREAS on December 1, 2025, the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation passed a resolution to transfer all Medical Recruitment funds to the Town of Swan River, in trust for the Medical Recruitment Committee; and
WHEREAS Town of Swan River Council resolved at its meeting held December 16, 2025, that the Chief Financial Officer of the Town of Swan River is hereby authorized to establish the necessary trust account and facilitate the transfer of Medical Recruitment funds as requested; and
WHEREAS the trust account was setup but no Medical Recruitment funds were transferred into it;
BE IT RESOLVED that the account setup by the Town of Swan River in trust for Medical Recruitment Committee funds be hereby closed.
Carried
10.2 To Adopt the December 2024 financial statements
Resolution No: 2026-0411
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: David Moriaux
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Financial Statements for the Twelve Months Ending December 31st, 2024, be adopted as received.
Carried
10.3 To Add Unpaid Accounts to Taxes
Resolution No: 2026-0412
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: David Moriaux
WHEREAS the Town of Swan River used municipal equipment, materials and labour to carry out private works on private property under The Municipal Act clause 250(2)(e), and set the fees and charges for the works under clause 252(1)(a) of The Act; and
WHEREAS sufficient time has been allowed for payment of such outstanding amounts as listed on the attached Schedule “A” totaling $3,179.32;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT each of the unpaid amounts listed on Schedule “A” be added to the corresponding property tax roll and collected in that manner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT notice be sent to each property owner detailing the amounts being added to the taxes and advising that interest will accrue on said amounts in the same manner as for unpaid property taxes effective August 1st, 2026.
Carried
10.4 To Approve Assessment Alterations
Resolution No: 2026-0413
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
WHEREAS Section 326 of The Municipal Act provides that a municipality may impose supplementary taxes, and Subsections 300(6) and 300(6.1) provide that a municipality may cancel or reduce taxes, upon receipt of assessment alterations from Manitoba Assessment Services;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the assessment alterations provided by Manitoba Assessment Services on July 16th, 2026,be made to the Property and Business Tax Rolls, with the resulting increases totaling $1,733.02 and the resulting decreases totaling $580.23.
Carried
10.5 To Receive Accounts
Resolution No: 2026-0414
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following accounts be received:
1. Payroll Account Cheques No. P5640 to No. P5642 and Direct Deposit Payments totaling $129,794.71 as listed on Schedule A
2. Payroll Account Cheques No. P5643 to No. P5645 and Direct Deposit Payments totaling $144,858.39 as listed on Schedule B
3. General Account Cheque No. 34015 in the amount of $14,756.00 as listed on Schedule C
4. Payroll Account Cheques No. P5646 to No. P5648 and Direct Deposit Payments totaling $133,093.39 as listed on Schedule D
5. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $64,961.71 as listed on Schedule E.
Carried
10.6 To Approve Accounts
Resolution No: 2026-0415
Moved By: Tanya Powell
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following accounts be approved for payment:
1. General Account Cheques No. 33974 to No. 34014 totaling $77,741.12 as listed on Schedule A
2. General Account Cheques No. 34016 to No. 34060 totaling $107,592.06 as listed on Schedule B
3. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $860.00 as listed on Schedule C
4. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $44,116.89 as listed on Schedule D
Carried
11. Bylaws
11.1 First Reading – Bylaw 08/2026 – Public Reserve Shoreline Vegetation Management
Resolution No: 2026-0416
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Ainslie White
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw No. 08/2026 being a Bylaw of the Town of Swan River to regulate development activities and the clearing of vegetation on public reserves along the river shorelines be read a first time.
Carried
11.2 Second Reading – Bylaw 06/2026 – Control of Traffic and Parking Vehicles Bylaw
Resolution No: 2026-0417
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw No. 06/2026 being a Bylaw of the Town of Swan River to control traffic and parking of vehicles be read a second time.
Carried
11.3 First Reading – Bylaw 09/2026 – Short-Term Accommodation Tax Bylaw
Resolution No: 2026-0418
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw No. 09/2026 being a Bylaw of the Town of Swan River to impose a Short-Term Accommodation Tax on any Short-Term Accommodations be read a first time.
Carried
12. Notice of Motion
13. Member Privilege
14. In Camera
Resolution No: 2026-0419
Moved By: Don Bobick
Seconded By: Duane Whyte
BE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to Section 152(3) of the Municipal Act, Council go into Committee and close the meeting to the public.
Carried
15. Out of Camera
Resolution No: 2026-0420
Moved By: Ainslie White
Seconded By: Tanya Powell
BE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to Sections 152(4) of the Municipal Act, this meeting be reopened to the public.
Carried
16. Items Arising out of Camera
17. Adjournment
Resolution No: 2026-0421
Moved By: Duane Whyte
Seconded By: Don Bobick
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this regular meeting of Council now adjourn at 9:24 pm.
Carried