Crystal Kolt

The council discussed various financial and administrative matters, including the approval of financial contribution agreements for arts and environment projects, donations to community organizations and service groups, and a tax enforcement action to acquire land titles. The meeting also included a discussion about an official site visit from provincial government representatives to discuss major infrastructure projects such as waterworks, street upgrades, and ice plant improvements. Additionally, council members received updates on the planning progress for an upcoming anniversary celebration and addressed inquiries regarding the status of a vacant commercial property in the city.

The council meeting addressed several municipal matters, including the public hearing for development and zoning bylaw amendments, authorization of tax enforcement proceedings, and updates to the accessibility customer service policy. Financial resolutions included the approval of payment for accounts, a donation to the tourism collaborative group, and funding for the homecoming committee. Council discussed ongoing municipal projects, including the opening of a new pool, future upgrades to the ice plant and superstructures at the Whitney Forum, and infrastructure improvements on Main Street. The council also reported on meetings with the provincial finance minister regarding municipal financial challenges, public transportation funding, the impact of property tax credits in Flin Flon Saskatchewan, and the closure of the local MPI office.

The council discussed various resolutions, including the approval of payment for accounts, tenders for water, sewer, curb, and sidewalk projects, and agreements related to the Manitoba Wildfire Service and recycling processing. Additionally, the council addressed an animal control agreement, appointed members to the board of revision, confirmed the assessed value of a specific property, reviewed utility rate adequacy, and processed development and zoning plan amendments. Other matters included the establishment of mill rates, business tax assessments, and the authorization of travel expenses for councillors attending upcoming municipal conventions. The meeting also featured a memorial tribute to a community figure.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment concerning Treaty 5 territory and partnership with First Nations in Treaty 6 and 10. Key discussions centered on financial resolutions, including the approval of payment for accounts totaling $493,493.44. Bylaw 2026-03, which amends Bylaw 2025-21 to implement a financial assistance program for eligible principal residents, proceeded through second and final readings. Another bylaw amendment concerning general borrowing for the design and construction of a new aqua center facility (Bylaw 2025-15 amending Bylaw 2024-13) also advanced to final reading. Discussions detailed the reduction of the aqua center's authorized borrowing amount from an initial $9.5 million to $7.45 million due to successful grants, fundraising, and sponsorships, with construction expected to conclude around the end of March or mid-April. Furthermore, Mexiccom Systems Group Incorporated was awarded a three-year contract for IT support services. An agreement for propane supply with Federated Cooperatives Limited was ratified. Approval was also granted for the Recreation Director to attend the Connect 2026 Recreation Manitoba conference. Concerns were raised regarding the protocol for residents accessing the tax credit benefit, with confirmation that the deadline has been extended to the end of March, and that communications (letters) have been sent. There was also discussion regarding pending provincial updates on weight restriction signs for large trucks and GPS navigation systems affecting vehicle routing.

The meeting included an acknowledgement of the meeting place situated on ancestral lands. Key discussions and approvals involved adopting the minutes from the previous regular meeting held on January 6, 2026. Resolutions were passed approving accounts for payment, hiring Tax Service Inc. to manage tax arrears recovery for a three-year term, and approving municipal funding of $500 for the Jimmy Kuster Memorial Dog Race. Bylaws concerning an amendment to the development plan, changing land use from highway commercial to residential for specific lots, and an amendment to the zoning bylaw were read for the first time. Further resolutions ratified agreements for airport hangar leases and an airport parking agreement with BLT Automotive. The animal control report for December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026, was received and filed. Council members also discussed the public safety awareness committee's work on identifying strategic locations for new security cameras, noting a $150 camera rebate program for residents and businesses, and the ongoing rollout of the new accessible city bus funded through a federal transportation grant.