Stonewall’s mayor reflected on the impactful contributions that Something Beautiful has made to the community.
The café and gift shop closed its doors on Sept. 26 after operating for more than a decade as a social enterprise through Community Living Interlake.
“We are deeply grateful to Community Living Interlake for their vision and commitment,” Mayor Sandra Smith said. “Something Beautiful truly lived up to its name, enriching lives and strengthening our community through compassion, creativity, and inclusion. We applaud their continued service as they focus on core programs that support individuals and families more directly.”
Something Beautiful and Community Living Interlake will also not be running the canteen as planned at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex for the 2025-26 season. As a result, the town is current looking at alternative options for canteen operations.
In other council news:
• Council authorized a Thunder Hill Drive resident to keep three dogs for companionship through an excess animal permit for a one-year period. After that, the permit will need to be renewed.
The applicant moved to Stonewall from Winnipeg in January and wasn’t aware that a maximum of two dogs are allowed per household in town. She recently got a puppy through her job at a veterinary clinic, which works closely Manitoba Underdogs Rescue.
“The idea was a slow transition because we have an 11.5-year-old and a 7.5-year-old who are very, very bonded together,” she said in reference to her dogs.
Mayor Sandra Smith welcomed her to Stonewall and thanked her for following proper procedures by obtaining the permit.
• The Town of Stonewall continues to work with the property owner who purchased the former Texaco gas station site across from The Kiln. The property owner’s plan is to put a Dairy Queen on the site.
• Construction is underway at Archie Gray Park to install new base material around the play structure for accessibility.
“By changing out the pea gravel we will improve the accessibility for those with physical barriers,” said CAO Wally Melnyk.
• Council gave second and third readings to a bylaw related to the borrowing and spending of funds for a roadwork project to upgrade about 560 metres of Limestone Bay from gravel to asphalt. The town is looking to borrow $500,000 at an estimated 5.5 per cent per year from 2026 to 2035. The total estimated cost of the project is $600,000 and the remainder would be covered through the town’s Canada community building reserve fund.
“To pay the debenture, the funds will be generated from the increased assessment that has occurred due to the recent investments made by a number of businesses in the industrial park,” Melnyk said.
• The town will be participating in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge.
“It’s free. It’s an awesome thing to do,” said Coun. Kimberly Newman, who is putting up posters around town. “As a homeowner, it gives you that peace of mind.”
• Council also gave first reading to a bylaw to establish new water and wastewater rates and to regulate fees for licensing septic haulers. They plan to resubmit the request to the Public Utilities Board due to the recent change in the PUB linking rate increases to the Bank of Canada rate.
• The Town of Stonewall is applying for funding through the provincial government’s Growth, Renewal and Opportunities program, which aims to address critical infrastructure needs under the themes of renewal, innovation and climate resiliency. The town will apply for 50 per cent funding of a project to expand its multi-use active transportation infrastructure in an effort to improve safety, climate resiliency and accessibility while also fostering physical activity. The other half of the funding would come from the town’s Canada community building reserve.
• Stonewall’s mayor, councillors and CAO are authorized to attend the annual Association of Manitoba Municipalities fall convention from Nov. 25 to 27 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
• The Town of Stonewall will enter into a licence renewal agreement as well as a lease and easement with Rogers Communications Canada.
• Council conditionally approved a request from the Stonewall Kinsmen to hold a Christmas food drive in support of the Stonewall food bank using a truck, trailer, inflatables and music.
• The town supports an annual increase to the Manitoba Water Services Board’s capital budget to $100,000 million from its current $24 million.
“This is a request from the Manitoba municipal administrators and they’re looking for support,” Smith said.
• Council had previously approved a change in plan for the kiln project, which involves demolishing the two kilns that haven’t been restored. The project will also create public space and develop an amphitheatre. The town will accept a $74,000 proposal from Scatliff + Miller + Murray to provide architectural advisory services and to complete design work for the public space and amphitheatre portion of the kiln redevelopment project.
“Over the course of the winter, they’ll do the rest of the design work for the amphitheatre, walkway, green space … and then hopefully we’ll be able to go to tender in spring and the work can be done as part of the 2026 construction season,” Melnyk said, adding that a provincial grant will help to cover the costs.
In addition, the town will accept a $22,100 quote from Crosier Kilgour for consulting engineering services related to removing the two unrestored north kilns. Council also approved an application for a municipal heritage permit for the Quarry Park interpretive area and kilns.
• The town will accept a proposal from Parkka for professional services supporting the capital campaign for the Stonewall and district personal care home.
• Council accepted a $182,268 quote plus taxes from Prairie Heart Mobility for hybrid minivans for SAMS. The cost of the vans will be covered by a grant.
• The Oct. 15 committee of the whole meeting was cancelled.
• Council accepted a quote from Global Electric Ltd. for Phase 2 electrical work in Quarry Park Campground. Melnyk noted that the cost will not be covered by taxpayers. Instead, it will be covered through increased seasonal camping fees.
• Unlimited yard waste will be picked up until Nov. 5. After Nov. 5, only three bags of yard waste are allowed each week at residences until snow or freezing weather.
• The Stonewall-Rockwood Fire Department is seeking volunteer fire fighters. Applicants must be age 18 or older. More information, including other requirements, is available on the Town of Stonewall website at stonewall.ca. Applications can also be downloaded on the town’s website or picked up at town hall. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.
