The Town of Carman approved several projects and received updates on municipal initiatives during its May 5 council meeting, including approval of the Carman Minor Soccer Phase 1 project proposal, a pathways project and updates to the trestle bridge project.
Council approved a new Urban Tree Policy intended to establish guidelines for urban tree management within the community.
CAO Susan Stein said the policy was developed to provide a consistent approach to managing the town’s tree inventory while addressing infrastructure considerations and resident concerns.
“It was promoted by a few things. The intent is to provide clear and consistent guidelines for managing the Towns trees. The policy will help address resident concerns and requests, support infrastructure planning so as not to affect water and sewer lines and establish best practices for replacing tress as they are removed. By taking a proactive approach, the Council hopes to preserve the benefits of our community’s trees,” Stein said.
Stein noted residents have already seen some of the results of the town’s efforts.
“Residents have seen some of the effects already. Since 2024 the Town has planted over 500 trees.”
The Habitat for Humanity Carman Chapter was selected as the recipient of the municipality’s Manitoba Waste Management recycling cart charitable donation program for the January to June 2026 period.
Council also approved the disbursement of Carman Area Foundation affiliate grants for 2026.
Stein said the affiliate program helps organizations that are not registered charities access funding opportunities.
“Organizations that are not registered as charities are able to apply for funding through the affiliate programs. This allows groups such as Carman Minor Ball, Carman Community Pathway, Boyne River Keepers, Carman Cardinals Baseball Club and more to apply for funding.”
The Carman Minor Soccer Phase 1 project proposal received council approval and will proceed subject to council approval of water supply and drainage requirements.
Council approved a pathways quote to complete work associated with a 2025 GRO grant project.
Stein said the work is connected to the town’s trestle bridge project, which is nearing completion.
“The trestle bridge is nearly complete. Lighting has been installed, signage is being made right now, the approaches have been completed. There is additional work yet to be done with the pathway on the west side of the bridge. The project should be completed before August.”
The Carman Dufferin Planning District also presented final drafts of its development plan and zoning bylaw for review.
Public works matters were discussed through the superintendent’s report, including potential sidewalk removals and future road and sidewalk improvements.
Stein said the town is in the early stages of planning for future active transportation and sidewalk improvements.
“Currently we are working on where we need to improve sidewalks and pathways and if it is feasible to add a bike lane in town. We are just in the beginning stages of planning for long term improvements.”
Council also reviewed the municipality’s 2026 Municipal Operating Grant notification from the province and received a number of community and organizational reports, including updates from Protective Services, the Boyne Regional Library, the Dufferin Agricultural Society, Communities in Bloom and the Carman Handi-Van.
A letter of support for a Carman Wellness Connection Inc. funding application was also presented to council.
