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The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding along with Deputy Mayor Moriaux with Councilors Bobick, McKenzie, White, and Whyte in attendance. <\/p>\n
Absent with notice: Councilor Powell<\/p>\n
Administrative Staff Present: CAO W. Tewnion, CFO T. Gnida, Public Works Director D Harvey<\/p>\n
Delegations:
\nMedia: Jeremy Bergen, Star and Times
\nOther Participants: <\/p>\n
1.
\nCall meeting to order<\/p>\n
Mayor Jacobson called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.<\/p>\n
2.
\nAdoption of the Agenda<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0582
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the December 16th, 2025, regular meeting of Council be adopted, and that the delegation from Corinna Medwid be heard at 7:30 p.m.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
3.
\nApproval of the minutes<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0583
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes for the December 2nd, 2025, regular meeting of Council be approved.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
4.
\nReception of Delegations and Hearings<\/p>\n
This delegation was heard at 7:19 pm. Council Reports were started and paused to hear the delegation. After the delegation, Council reports were continued.<\/p>\n
4.1
\nCorinna Medwid, Vice President, CUPW Local 722<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0584
\nMoved By: Glen McKenzie
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED that the information provided by Corinna Medwid dated December 8, 2025, be received; and
\nBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Corinna Medwid be invited to speak as a delegation.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
5.
\nReception of Petitions<\/p>\n
6.
\nCommunications<\/p>\n
6.1
\nPresentation from the CAO, December 11, 2025 – Councilor Orientation<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0585
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the presentation dated December 11, 2025, from the CAO, regarding Councilor Orientation be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
6.2
\nTo receive building permit applications<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0586
\nMoved By: David Moriaux
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Building Permits 55\/25 and 56\/25 with a total estimated value of $3,554 be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
6.3
\nLetter from Minister Simard, Municipal and Northern Relations – Manitoba GRO Grant Approval<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0587
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter dated December 15, 2025 from Minister Simard, Municipal and Northern Relations, regarding the grant approval for the GRO for the Swan River Legion Park Revitalization Project be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.
\nReports<\/p>\n
7.1
\nChief Administrative Officer Report<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0588
\nMoved By: Glen McKenzie
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chief Administrative Officer’s report be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.2
\nDirector of Public Works Report<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0589
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Public Works’ report be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.3
\nDirector of Recreation Report<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0590
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Recreation’s report be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.4
\nHandi-Transit Van Report<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0591
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the November 2025 Swan River Handi-Transit Van Report be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.5
\nChange Report from the Director of Public Works – Zoning Bylaw 19\/2025<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0592
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated October 14, 2025, from the Director of Public Works, regarding the Zoning Bylaw be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.6
\nBriefing Report from the CAO, December 15, 2025 – Accommodation Tax<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0593
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the report dated December 15, 2025, from the CAO, regarding Accommodation Tax be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.7
\nPMH Needle Cleanup Log (October 8, 2024 – December 12, 2025)<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0594
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the log dated October 8, 2024, to December 12, 2025, from Glenda Short, PMH, regarding needle cleanup be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
7.8
\nCouncil Reports<\/p>\n
8.
\nNew Business<\/p>\n
8.1
\nAppoint Acting CAO – Darren Harvey<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0595
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Darren Harvey, Director of Public Works, is appointed to act in the capacity of Chief Administrative Officer from Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to Monday, December 22, 2025, inclusive, and shall assume all responsibilities and authorities of the position during that period.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.2
\nAppoint Deputy Mayor – David Moriaux<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0596
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Councilor Moriaux be appointed as Deputy Mayor effective January 7th, 2026, until 12:00PM the day following the October 28, 2026, General Election.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.3
\nSwan Valley Planning District 2025 Budget<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0597
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Swan Valley Planning District 2025 Budget and associated minutes including the resolution to approve the budget be received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.4
\nSwan Valley Health Facilities Foundation<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0598
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nWHEREAS the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation Board is undergoing changes that are anticipated to present operational challenges; and
\nWHEREAS 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
\nWHEREAS the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation requires assistance from the Town of Swan River Administration solely to open a trust account and facilitate the transfer of funds;
\nBE IT RESOLVED 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.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.5
\nTo receive Swan Valley RISE May 22, 2025 minutes<\/p>\n
Moved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy minutes from the meeting held May 22, 2025, be received, including the resolution that instead of an audit the municipal partners will be presented with a financial information package similar to the 2023 fiscal year and the resolution to approve the 2025 budget totaling $50,000.00.
\nTabled<\/p>\n
Councilor McKenzie: Motion to table to the January 6th meeting. Councilor Whyte: Seconded. Vote Result: Carried.<\/p>\n
8.6
\nManitoba Hydro Street Light Standard Replacement Project<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0599
\nMoved By: David Moriaux
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nWHEREAS Manitoba Hydro is undertaking a streetlight standards replacement project and has requested input from the Town;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports Manitoba Hydro in replacing post-top standards with galvanized poles at no cost to the Town and acknowledges that light posts may not all be uniform in appearance.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.7
\nPlanning District – Request to Confirm Support for 2025 Development Plan<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0600
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nWHEREAS the Swan Valley Planning District Board includes two members representing the Town of Swan River; and
\nWHEREAS the Planning District has undertaken extensive work and consultation in preparing the newest Development Plan, culminating in the January 2025 final draft;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Swan River supports its two representatives on the Swan Valley Planning District Board to vote in favour of adopting the Development Plan.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
8.8
\nAsset Management Administration Policy<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0601
\nMoved By: Glen McKenzie
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Asset Management Administration Policy and Schedule A – Asset Management Strategy be approved.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
9.
\nUnfinished Business<\/p>\n
10.
\nAccounts<\/p>\n
10.1
\n2026 Tax Sale Auction Date<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0602
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nWHEREAS Section 365(2) of The Municipal Act provides that Council may in any year designate the immediately preceding year, or any earlier year, as the year for which properties, the taxes in respect of which are in arrears for the year, must be offered for sale by auction to recover the tax arrears and costs;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Designated Year for which properties in arrears be offered for sale by auction, be 2025 (meaning all properties with outstanding taxes from the year 2024 or prior); and
\nBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT in accordance with Section 363(1) of the Municipal Act, \u201ccosts\u201d shall be the actual costs incurred for each parcel listed for the 2026 tax sale plus an administration fee of $50.00 (as set forth in Manitoba Regulation 50\/97); and
\nBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the 2026 tax sale be held Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Town of Swan River Committee Room and that Taxervice be hired to manage the Tax Sale for the Town during the Fiscal Year 2026.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.2
\nSwan Valley Planning District 2025 Levy<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0603
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the Swan Valley Planning District 2025 Annual Membership Fee of $7,042.56 be approved for payment once the 2024 audited financial statements have been received.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.3
\nTo approve 2025 contribution to Swan Valley RISE<\/p>\n
Moved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2025 Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy contribution in the amount of $17,560.35 be approved for payment.
\nTabled<\/p>\n
Councilor McKenzie: Motion to table to the January 6th meeting. Councilor Whyte: Seconded. Vote Result: Carried.<\/p>\n
10.4
\nTo transfer to Crime Prevention Reserve<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0604
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nWHEREAS the 2025 Financial Plan budgeted amount for Protective Services – Police included $270,000.00 for a planned RCMP GIS Unit; and
\nWHEREAS no expenditures have been made in 2025 as the GIS Unit has not yet been established;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT $270,000.00 be transferred from the General Operating Fund to the Crime Prevention Reserve Fund to be used in a future year for expenditures incurred for the RCMP GIS Unit.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.5
\nTo transfer to Water and Sewer Reserve<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0605
\nMoved By: Glen McKenzie
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nWHEREAS the 2025 Financial Plan for the Utility Operating Fund included $40,170.00 Transfer to Utility Reserve;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the lesser of $40,170.00, or the Utility Operating Fund Net Operating Surplus for the 2025 fiscal year, be transferred from the Utility Operating Fund to the Water and Sewer Reserve Fund once the 2025 fiscal yearend has been completed.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.6
\nTo transfer unspent 4th St S Public Reserve budget to Tax Stabilization Reserve<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0606
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nWHEREAS the 2025 Capital Budget included $6,000.00 for 4th St S Public Reserve to be Borne by General Fund; and
\nWHEREAS no monies were expended in 2025 for the 4th St S Public Reserve project;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT $6,000.00 be transferred from the General Operating Fund to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund in the 2025 fiscal year so that the Tax Stabilization Reserve can be used to fund the 4th St S Public Reserve project in the 2026 fiscal year.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.7
\nTo transfer unspent Legion Park Upgrades budget to Recreation Facilities Reserve<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0607
\nMoved By: Glen McKenzie
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nWHEREAS the 2025 Capital Budget included Legion Park Upgrades with a portion of the costs in the amount of $37,600.00 to be Borne by General Fund; and
\nWHEREAS only $3,387.28 was expended in 2025 for that portion of the costs;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT $34,212.72 be transferred from the General Operating Fund to the Recreation Facilities Reserve Fund in the 2025 fiscal year so that the Recreation Facilities Reserve can be used towards the remaining costs of the Legion Park Upgrades project in the 2026 fiscal year.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.8
\nTo transfer General Operating Fund surplus to Tax Stabilization Reserve<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0608
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: David Moriaux
\nWHEREAS the Town deems it advisable to use any surplus in the General Operating Fund to stabilize property tax increases in future years;
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT an amount equal to the General Operating Fund surplus for the 2025 fiscal year be transferred to the Tax Stabilization Reserve once the 2025 fiscal yearend has been completed.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.9
\nTo adopt the 2026 Interim Operating Budget<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0609
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nWHEREAS Section 163 of The Municipal Act provides that \u201cA Council may adopt an interim operating budget to have effect only until the Council adopts the operating budget for the fiscal year\u201d;
\nNOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following interim operating budget be adopted for the year 2026:
\nGeneral Operating Requirements:
\nGeneral Government Services\t$900,000
\nProtective Services\t$2,000,000
\nTransportation Services\t$1,000,000
\nEnvironmental Health Services\t$1,000,000
\nPublic Health & Welfare Services\t$150,000
\nRegional Planning & Development\t$40,000
\nResource Conservation & Industrial Development\t$50,000
\nRecreation & Cultural Services\t$1,000,000
\nWater & Sewer Services\t$1,300,000
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.10
\nTo receive accounts<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0610
\nMoved By: David Moriaux
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the following accounts be received:
\n1. Payroll Account Cheques No. P5601 and No. P5602 and Direct Deposit Payments totaling $130,484.29 as listed on Schedule A
\n2. Payroll Account Cheques No. P5603 and No. P5604 and Direct Deposit Payments totaling $138,727.67 as listed on Schedule B
\n3. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $39,040.29 as listed on Schedule C.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
10.11
\nTo approve accounts<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0611
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Glen McKenzie
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT the following accounts be approved for payment:
\n1. General Account Cheques No. 33449 to No. 33493 totaling $88,731.95 as listed on Schedule A
\n2. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $129,815.25 as listed on Schedule B
\n3. Direct Deposit Payments totaling $900.00 as listed on Schedule C
\nCarried<\/p>\n
11.
\nBylaws<\/p>\n
11.1
\nFirst Reading – Bylaw 19\/2025 – Zoning Bylaw<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0612
\nMoved By: David Moriaux
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw No. 19\/2025 being a Bylaw of the Town of Swan River to regulate the use and development of land be read a first time.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
11.2
\nFirst Reading – Bylaw 22\/2025 – Accommodation Tax Bylaw<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0613
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw No. 22\/2025 being a Bylaw of the Town of Swan River to impose a tax on accommodation be read a first time.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
12.
\nNotice of Motion<\/p>\n
13.
\nMember Privilege<\/p>\n
14.
\nIn Camera<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0614
\nMoved By: Don Bobick
\nSeconded By: Duane Whyte
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to Section 152(3) of the Municipal Act, Council go into Committee and close the meeting to the public to discuss two items.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
14.1
\nRCMP Report – Prisoner Origin Information November 2025<\/p>\n
14.2
\nCommittee Admin Position<\/p>\n
15.
\nOut of Camera<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0615<\/p>\n
Moved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to Sections 152(4) of the Municipal Act, this meeting be reopened to the public.
\nCarried<\/p>\n
16.
\nItems Arising out of Camera<\/p>\n
17.
\nAdjournment<\/p>\n
Resolution No: 2025-0616
\nMoved By: Duane Whyte
\nSeconded By: Don Bobick
\nBE IT RESOLVED THAT this regular meeting of Council now adjourn at 9:18 pm.
\nCarried<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding along with Deputy Mayor Moriaux with Councilors Bobick, McKenzie, White, and Whyte in attendance. Absent with notice: Councilor Powell Administrative Staff Present: CAO W. Tewnion, CFO T. Gnida, Public […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-40549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-local","tag-minutes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40549"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40549\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swanriver.valleybiz.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}