2020 Tax Deadline
All 2020 RM of Piney taxes are due on October 30th, 2020. If you miss this deadline, your RM account will incur interest charges of 1.25% on the first day of each month following the deadline. Payments can be made online (Credit Union or Caisse banks), over the phone with by credit card, my mailing in a cheque, or in office by debit, cash, or cheque.
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Winter Garbage Dump Hours
November 1st, 2020 to March 14th, 2021
9:00am – 5:00pm
As of November 1st, 2020, the hours’ of all three garbage dumps in the RM will change to 9:00am to 5:00pm on the regular days the dump is scheduled to be open. These winter hours will remain in effect until March 14, 2021.
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Starting November 24th, 2020, council meetings will commence at 6:00pm until March 2021.
The council meeting on November 10th will start at 7:00pm. |
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RM Office Closed for Rembrance Day
Wednesday, November 11th, 2020
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Fences in the RM
As per page 28 of the Zoning By-Law 122/2017, development permits are not required for the construction of a fence but compliance is still required. Fences built within the RM are to be no taller than 4 feet high in the front yard with the sides and back of the property being able to measure up to 8 feet tall.
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Traffic Gravel Haul
RM of Piney Public Works
2019-2020 Cost Comparison
The total cost for traffic gravel in 2019 was $160,441.21 for 20,785.55 tonnes of gravel that was hauled and spread onto RM of Piney municipal gravel roads.
For 2020, the total cost for traffic gravel including hauling, spreading, repairing municipal roads, and projects to date is $176,941.71. This amount covers 21,984.20 tonnes of gravel. The RM will be receiving funds from DFA (Disaster Financial Aid) to cover a portion of these costs.
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Public Meetings
All public meetings held by the RM are accessible via computer, tablet, smartphone or by using your phone, through GoToMeeting invites. If you wish to attend an upcoming meeting please contact the RM Office and specify which meeting(s) you would like to attend.
Email: office@rmofpiney.mb.ca
Phone: 204-437-2284 / 204-437-2060
Facebook: Rural Municipality of Piney
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RM of Piney Transit Plan
Here’s an opportunity to book a door to door shopping trip for November 25, 2020 and/or mid December 2020 (date to be determined) to Steinbach Clearspring Mall and/or Winnipeg St Vital Center.
- Trip to Steinbach November 25 will use the Vita Handi Transit (booking deadline November 17th) at a subsidized of cost $30. Wheelchairs can be accommodated.
- Trip to Winnipeg mid December will use a bus charter (booking deadline December 1st; date to be confirmed in the December RM Newsletter) at a subsidized of cost $40.
- Note this option may pickup up from community centers rather than your home.
Current health directives must be followed including:
- Stay home if you are sick,
- All passengers and drivers must wear a non-medical mask during the ride
- Passengers are expected to handle their own bags/items
- More detailed information will be sent to you after booking including Provincial Health guidelines on transportation
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/transportation.html
Depending on demand, priority may be given to those 60 years & better and those in need (unable to drive or don’t drive) as seating capacity is expected to be limited to 50%.
HOW TO BOOK A RIDE – Call Mel Parent 204 437-2604 and provide:
- Your name, address, phone number, email (detailed info), emergency contact information
- Whether lift is required (wheelchair or unable to use stairs)
- Identify estimated time to shop to allow a schedule for passengers shopping preferences.
- Trips may be cancelled due to lack of sufficient bookings or COVID19 health directives.
- These rides are separate and distinct from the current funding of essential trips for seniors and thus fares will be charged but are subsidized
- Trips are expected to leave approximately 9am and return by 2pm for November 25 and by 5pm for mid December however are subject to passenger requests
- If you are unable to go shopping after booking a ride, cancel ASAP; there may be a penalty if you do not provide at least one week’s notice or do not show as scheduled unless related to COVID-19 (TBD).
Transit Survey Results
Thanks to all those who submitted the 75 surveys and those who attended the open houses. Here are some highlights from the survey where 51% identified 60+ and 43% in the 31-60 age range.
Travel Purpose by Area
- 41% drive their own vehicle daily and 28% weekly.
- Weekly and monthly trips to Steinbach were noted for 35% and 27% of respondents respectively while 20% went to Winnipeg monthly or 51% sometimes.
- Travel destinations also noted Altona, Morden, Vita, Ste. Anne, Richot, Portage La Prairie and Roseau and Warroad in the US as well other outing ideas.
- 48% would consider parcel pickup/delivery to Steinbach, 32% no, 20% no answer.
- The most important considerations for a transit plan are cost and schedule followed by availability and safety.
- The range of a round trip from a community to Steinbach varied considerably within each community itself. On average people are willing to pay 20 cents per kilometre. In comparison Handi Transit vans in southeastern Manitoba charge is $14-15/hour for a driver plus 50-60 cents per kilometre, another charges 80 cents per kilometre.
- Comments supported the need for transit especially for seniors and those without access to a vehicle.
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MUNICIPAL SERVICES
What would happen if local services and infrastructure were provided by the provincial or federal government? Did you know that less than 10 cents of every tax dollar goes towards the local services you rely on every day?
Some services that the RM of Piney provides include:
Road maintenance on municipal roads: We provide gravelling, mowing, snow plowing and dust control. We are not responsible for provincial roads and infrastructure (i.e. PR 404 and Hwy 12). Manitoba Highways is responsible for all provincial roads.
Waste management: The RM of Piney has three waste disposal sites located in Woodridge, Piney/Menisino and Sprague. Waste disposal sites in Vassar and Sandilands are open during select seasons for burnable yard waste.
Fire protection services: There are three fire stations in the RM, located in Woodridge, Piney and Sprague. We also provide residents with fire prevention educational materials through our website, and protective services during wildfire season.
Emergency management: The RM of Piney has faced wildfires that threatened forests, farm land and communities (i.e. the wildfires of 2018 and 2012). Our emergency coordinator makes sure the resources and planning are in place to handle all kinds of emergencies.
Building inspections & weed control: The RM of Piney and Stuartburn’s joint building/weed board provides rate payers with building inspections and weed control within the boundaries of both municipalities. The building inspector provides inspections and consultation for seasonal cottages, permanent residences and other structures. The weed control initiative strives for safe and effective control over weeds that threaten the health of agriculture and livestock.
Economic development: The economic development coordinator is there to support local businesses and organizations, from planning and marketing to tourism and grants.
As a rate payer, you can influence what services we offer by interacting with Council and staying informed with how local government works. Stay tuned for next month’s article: “Roles & Responsibilities of Council Part 1”.
Sources: “2018 Council Member’s Guide,” AMM.
http://www.amm.mb.ca/issues/alternate-revenues/
www.mbweeds.ca
www.rmofpiney.mb.ca |
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Municipal Emergency Coordinator
COVID-19 and the Holidays
We are still seeing the second wave of COVID19 cases. Hopefully these numbers will begin to drop soon. In early October/2020 the Province released COVID-19 safety guidelines for all fall holidays including Halloween. Please find the latest updated information at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/holidays.html
Halloween Festivities
We need to re-channel what’s at the heart of Halloween and consider how we can still make celebrations easy and accessibl, especially for children. Rather than taking our children from door to door to collect sweets, take a lesson from the Easter egg hunt and organize a Halloween treats hunt at home instead. A Halloween hunt done in costume provides a good photo/video opportunity for families. If you can’t imagine not being out in the streets, a useful alternative is to take socially distanced COVID-safe Halloween walks. That way, children can still see their friends’ costumes, and show off their own.
Other ways to maintain a Covid safe Halloween, include using tools (ei. tongs) to distribute candy at a distance and providing individual bags and avoid using candy bowls. Indoor or mall-based trick-or-treating is permitted where physical distancing is maintained and shared contact items are minimized or eliminated.
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Economic Development
Building Partnerships to Help Local Businesses
Sunrise Corner Economic Development is the partnership of the RMs of Piney and Stuartburn in southeastern Manitoba. Our goal is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in our communities by creating jobs and supporting or growing incomes. One of the ways we do that is to partner with other organizations that provide business owners with resources to successfully achieve their goals. If you are looking to start a new business or grow your existing business, I invite you to get in touch with me and I can direct you to the organizations that can best meet your needs.
Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce
Formed in 2016, the mission of PRCC is to promote an environment which fosters economic development, works in partnership with our civic agencies, and provides value to members through education, networking & cultural interests thereby enhancing our region for work, play, raising families and doing business. www.pineyregionalchamber.ca
Triple R Community Futures
Community Futures is a community-based economic renewal initiative funded by the Government of Canada and directed by local volunteer boards. Their main objectives are to help rural Canadians start or expand a business and to help sustain and improve communities and their local economies. www.cfmanitoba.ca/triple-r
Eastman Tourism
Eastman Tourism is the official Regional Tourism Association in Eastern Manitoba. They provide quality tourism information, support tourism operators & agencies, and facilitate networking and collaborations that strengthen the Eastern MB tourism industry. www.eastmantourism.ca
World Trade Centre Winnipeg
WTC Winnipeg provides support to Manitoba companies looking to grow their business beyond Manitoba and provides services to international companies interested in doing business with Manitoba companies. www.wtcwinnipeg.com
North Forge Technology Exchange
North Forge Technology Exchange is innovation-based economic development agency and business incubator that combines funding and mentorship connections with technology to help ensure business expansions and new start-ups are given the right tools to succeed. Armed with Canada’s largest non-profit fabrication lab, they operate out of 27,000 square feet in Winnipeg. www.northforge.ca
Travel Manitoba
Travel Manitoba is the only public/private non-profit tourism marketing organization that provides a province-wide platform to promote Manitoba as a premier travel destination. Travel Manitoba is a Crown corporation whose role is to provide leadership by collaborating with tourism businesses, communities, destination marketing organizations and governments to realize the full potential for tourism in Manitoba. www.travelmanitoba.com
Monique Chenier
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Sprague RCMP
It would appear winter is upon us a little faster than most of us had hoped! As the snow starts to fall, and the roads become a little more slick, let’s all remember to slow down, and wear our seatbelts. This is also a good time to review your winter safety kit for your vehicle. If you don’t have one… you should! If you hit the ditch and have to spend the night in your vehicle, it could mean the difference between life and death. Extra blankets, warm clothing, winter boots, food, water, a flashlight, candles, and a lighter, are just a few items to have on hand. Feel free to add more to your winter safety kit! If you do hit the ditch, and have to spend the night in your vehicle, there are a couple things to consider. First, if your vehicle is still running, make sure snow is not covering your exhaust pipe! Secondly, STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE. It’s shelter from the wind, and houses that look close enough to walk to can be deceiving. Exposed skin freezes quickly in the winter temperatures, and many a person has not made what they thought was a “close walk” to the next farm yard!
With the rising Covid 19 numbers on the rise in Manitoba, Sprague RCMP is still requesting you call the Detachment before attending for all non-urgent matters, including the requesting of Criminal Record Checks. Please call (204) 437-2041 and leave a message, your call will be returned. Should you require immediate Police assistance you can call (204) 437-2222 or 911. Stay warm, and stay safe!
Richard Graham Cpl.
NCO i/c Sprague Detachment
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RM of Piney Firefighters
With winter weather quickly approaching, please remember to drive carefully on the snow and ice. Make sure you allow more travel time while venturing out on the icy roads. Keep an emergency kit and extra winter gear in your vehicle at all times. Stay safe!
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Looking for Meeting Agendas, Minutes,
RM Notices, By-Laws, RM Businesses,
and much more?
Visit our website at:
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Mental Health Support
The Wellness Support Line is a confidential phone number anyone can call to speak with a Mental Health Clinician for support and referral services.
204-346-7038
Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call Crisis Response Services 24/7 @ 1-888-617-7715.
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| East Borderland Primary Health Care Centre Reminder:
Flu immunizations will be available starting November 2020. To Book an appointment, call East Borderland Primary Health Care Centre at 204-437-3015.
FLU SHOTS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY & SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE. PLEASE BRING A MASK.
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