Council is pursuing new funding opportunities and moving ahead with local infrastructure improvements following its Sept. 18 regular meeting.
Council voted to apply for Manitoba’s Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program to help fund a fire hall expansion in partnership with the RM of Dufferin. The $630,000 project originated from the department’s desire to reduce exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens and improve firefighter health and safety.
“The project started with the idea to reduce exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens,” said CAO Susan Stein. “It will include a new washing facility for cleaning equipment and turnover gear (PPE). This will optimize the space for day-to-day work and help the fire department prepare and be ready for the next call.”
Stein said the expansion will also add a small gym to support firefighters’ mental health and wellness. The municipalities are seeking $315,000 through the GRO grant, which would cover half the total cost, with the remaining $315,000 split between the town and RM.
Council also approved submitting a Rubber Aggregate Road Building Grant application to improve 5th Avenue NW. A new floor scrubber will be purchased for the Carman Community Hall at a cost of $7,895, with funds drawn from the Carman-Dufferin Joint Tax Sharing account.
Council approved a $33,162 contract with Carman Bobcat to replace the sidewalk along 1st Street SE between 2nd and 3rd Avenue SE. Accounts totaling $1.87 million were approved for August, and two overcharged garbage fees—amounting to about $5,450—were cancelled.
The 2024 audited financial statements were tabled for further review, and signing authority was updated to include CAO Susan Stein and CFO Curt Letkeman, who was appointed earlier this year.
Public Works staff presented design plans for the Trestle Bridge Project behind the Carman Personal Care Home.
Council also reviewed the results of a cybersecurity penetration test conducted by Solutions IT. “The penetration test went well,” Stein said. “We think it is important to test ourselves and ensure we are doing the most to keep information secure. Password vulnerabilities were found and addressed immediately. The Town plans to review their security and IT policy as well, which includes training sessions for staff to identify possible concerns and phishing scams.”
Stein reported that the town’s From the Ground Up grant application for 2025 was not approved. The application covered repairs to the pool shed roof and construction of a walkway. “Part of the project was completed,” she said. “The roof was done as it was in need of repair. The remainder of the project will go to the Recreation Committee for review to determine if they wish to reapply or apply for a new project or want to budget the expense as part of the 2026 Recreation Budget.”
Both the 2025 tax sale and 2026 board of revision have been cancelled.
In other council news:
Council congratulated Carman Cougars basketball player Sidney Last, who sank a half-court shot during a Winnipeg Sea Bears game earlier this fall.
The Boyne Regional Library Board presented a quote for upcoming roof repairs and shared recent updates.
