Colleen Smook

The council commenced with an acknowledgment of being on Treaty 5 territory. The organizational meeting marked the last official organizational meeting for the current tenure, with remarks emphasizing a busy past year due to construction projects, including the aquatic center and bridge completion. Key actions during the organizational session involved the reappointment of Louis Fitzpatrick as Deputy Mayor, and the appointment of council members to several bodies: the Board of Revision (with Councilor Wong or Chong appointed as chairman), the Vehicle for Hire Commission (with Duncan Wong appointed as chairperson), and the Building Standards Committee (with Councilor Orbidorfer appointed as chairperson). A resolution was passed to appoint designated officers for signing authorities related to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), detailing which executives are authorized to act on the city's behalf for tax and payment transactions. Furthermore, the council approved a $1,500 sponsorship for the Hudson Bay Root Association's annual general meeting. Resolutions were passed concerning approving the adoption of minutes from previous meetings and authorizing the closure of the Thompson Community Center Trust account, transferring its remaining balance, which had accumulated interest, to the Thompson Aquatic Facility Trust account to offset construction costs. A motion regarding the disposal of organizational meeting ballots was defeated, and a change order for the ACOM road design project was controversially approved.

The meeting commenced with the Thompson Planning District meeting on January 22, 2024. Discussions included the approval of the agenda, and the adoption of minutes from the January 8, 2024, Thompson Planning District Public Hearing and the Thompson Planning District Meeting. A resolution was passed concerning Crown Land General Permit 0000492 for a change in use/terms, stipulating multiple requirements regarding provincial confirmation, local government variances, conditional use application, building inspections, and engineering reports. Following this, the regular Council meeting began, including recognition of the traditional land. Key agenda items included the adoption of minutes from the January 8, 2024, regular council meeting and the January 15, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting. Resolutions were passed to approve the write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable for Princeton Towers Receivership 5409676 Manitoba Limited and Polar Bear Properties. Another resolution endorsed the reconstitution of the Northern Manitoba Round Table to ensure northern communities speak with a united voice. A resolution was also approved to allow access to specific check register information to an individual named Ron Man. Finally, the Council addressed the land transfer for 335 Aspen Drive, resolving to table the transfer pending the execution of a payment agreement regarding outstanding taxes and interest by the Thompson Neighborhood Renewal Corporation.

The council meeting addressed several resolutions. Key items included the adoption of the minutes for the previous Committee of the Whole meeting held on December 1, 2025. The council approved a subdivision application for property owners Hillrest Car Wash Limited and Northern Home Cup Limited, advising the Manitoba municipal planning branch of their approval. A one-year extension to the existing Letter of Understanding regarding municipal tax and funding arrangements with Valley Canada Limited, effective January 1, 2026, was approved to facilitate future negotiations following the company's restructuring. The 2026 Emergency Plan was adopted for submission to emergency measures organizations. Resolutions were passed to approve taxes added totaling \$104,844.76 across 2024 and 2025 tax rolls and to cancel taxes totaling \$21,581.22. Provisional estimates for operating and capital expenditures for the period from January 2026 until the annual estimate adoption were established, based on 512 of the previous year's budget. Finally, council representatives were appointed to various controlled entities, including the Thompson Public Library Board, Thompson Recycling Center, Boreal Discovery Center, Community Futures North Central Development Board, Thompson Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee, Valley Liaison Committee, and the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy Committee.

The combined meeting included a Public Hearing for the Thompson Planning District regarding a conditional use application for SASU Rapids at Lot A Plan 7128 to permit retail business and services, specifically the sale of light recreational vehicles. The application appeared to meet all setbacks required by the zoning bylaw, and one written statement in support was received. The Council meeting subsequently addressed the resolution to approve this conditional use application. Additionally, the Council adopted minutes for previous Planning District meetings (November 28, 2022, and July 31, 2023), and regular/organizational Council meetings from October 2023. A resolution was passed to declare the Community Futures North Central Development Small Business Expo on November 18, 2023, as a special event to allow participating crafters and vendors to operate without individual business licenses. The Council also approved a resolution to amend the fee and fine schedule to add an hourly rate of $27 for the new Level 3 electrical vehicle charging station installed at the Thompson Regional Community Center.

The meeting discussed the Manitoba Games, focusing on presenting Thompson in a positive light, supporting local businesses, and demonstrating a commitment to reconciliation. Key topics included welcoming 1300 athletes and the need for 800 to 1,000 volunteers. The venues are condensed around TRCC Arter and Deerwood School. Capital funds projects include railing and a curtain at the Trojan gym, a snowmobile for the skier, and TRCC changer benches. The meeting also covered including Cree language in the games and the good condition of the cross-country ski trails.