Carman council advanced several recreation, infrastructure and governance initiatives during two January meetings, including plans for a new basketball court, water system upgrades and continued bylaw enforcement services.
At its Jan. 6 meeting, council approved a request from the Volunteer Basketball Committee to proceed with plans for a basketball court at Kings Park, with the proposed site located at the current skate park.
Chief administrative officer Susan Stein said the project will move ahead once fundraising is complete.
“The committee is in the process of fundraising for the new court. Once they have reached their goal, the project would be started. Eric Smith is in charge of the project,” she said.
Council also authorized surveying work at the Carman-Dufferin Campground, approving an estimated $4,500 to $5,500 for the project, plus disbursements and applicable taxes, to support future planning and development.
Support for municipal facilities continued with approval for an accessory storage building at the Carman-Dufferin Historical Museum, subject to council approval of exterior finishes.
Stein said the project is being led by the museum committee.
Equipment purchases were also approved, including an $8,500 box blade to assist public works operations.
At its Jan. 15 meeting, council heard a presentation from the Carman Pickleball Club, which requested additional access to community hall space. The matter was referred to the recreation and cultural services committee for further review.
Council also approved a two-year agreement for bylaw enforcement services for 2026 and 2027, supporting enforcement of animal control, parking and other municipal bylaws.
Water and sewer infrastructure planning was a key focus, with council confirming several projects for submission to the Manitoba Water Services Board’s capital funding program. These include lagoon expansion and rehabilitation, replacement of water lines from Second Avenue SE under the river to First Street SE, and water main upgrades in the northwest area.
Stein said lagoon expansion would be the town’s first priority for Manitoba Water Services Board funding.
“We have to annually submit a list. We are already working on a lift station in the NW corner of Town to allow for residential growth. The first priority for funding with the MWSB, would be lagoon expansion, we are okay right now but would need to expand if we see any significant growth and we would want to be prepared,” she said.
Council also approved an agreement with the RM of Dufferin to extend sewer servicing connections east and south of the existing line to support future development.
Stein said the agreement will help facilitate regional economic growth.
“It will allow for additional businesses to grow or expand to the east. Any growth in Carman or Dufferin is good for each other and the region,” she said.
Other business included approval of wage step increases for two municipal coordinators, effective Jan. 18, and the appointment of Coun. Richard Dyck to a further two-year term on the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation board.
Several additional community matters remain under review and are expected to be discussed further at a joint planning meeting in February.
