RM of Gimli council has implemented a series of temporary parking and traffic improvements in the beach area and downtown core to enhance safety and accessibility during the busy summer tourist season.
Visually impactful enhancements include more visible crosswalks along Centre Street and painted curbs on Centre Street, First Avenue and Seventh Avenue to indicate where parking is permitted. The RM also created a permanent four-way stop at First Avenue and Amisk Drive.
Overflow parking along Second Avenue between Goldfield Drive and Barney Thomas Drive is available to the public, according to an accompanying map. The parking area fronts Dr. George Johnson School and adjacent green space.
The one-way lane along Gimli Beach includes three loading and unloading zones, along with parking near the north end of the beach at Barney Thomas Drive.
The changes were informed by a parking and mobility survey in which more than 260 residents provided the municipality with insight into where adjustments were needed.
“At a high level, the survey confirmed strong support for improving pedestrian safety, with crosswalks, traffic control and clearer street design rated positively; ongoing parking challenges during peak resort season, particularly around space availability and congestion; and interest in maintaining some seasonal measures while refining others to better balance access, safety and neighbourhood impacts,” states a post on the RM’s website.
The seasonal parking and traffic changes are in effect from June 1 to Sept. 30.
Other news:
An application for a home-based business in the Pelican Beach neighbourhood was withdrawn before it went to a public hearing.
The business owner planned to sell and repair electric vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters and three- and four-wheeled mobility devices commonly used by seniors. The RM posted several letters of objection and support for the proposed business on its website.
“The applicant has withdrawn the conditional use application for the proposed home occupation (sale and repair of e-vehicles) in the Pelican Beach area. As a result, council did not consider or approve the application,” said council spokesperson Christine Payne.
When asked whether council would consider e-bike or scooter bylaws — concerns were raised a year ago about electric vehicles on Gimli sidewalks and roads — Payne said the RM is “not actively considering a bylaw specific to e-bikes or scooters” at this time.
Chris Stienke, the RM’s bylaw officer, issued a report for May indicating a focus on unsightly properties, parking violations, long-grass violations, short-term rental investigations, business licensing compliance, and noise- and fire-related complaints.
Thirty-one incidents were investigated, with parking complaints topping the list, followed by unsightly property complaints.
The Gimli Community Development Corporation’s board meeting minutes from March 23 provided little information on what the CDC is working on. The board reviewed and signed annual resolutions and held in-camera discussions.
The board consists of Kurt Reichert, Thora Palson, Kelly Cosgrove and Cheryl Buhler, recorder.
