The new year marked new growth for the Town of Stonewall, which expanded by five quarter-sections on Jan. 1.
The annexation of 777 acres from the RM of Rockwood to the Town of Stonewall went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. In total, 29 homes are located on the annexed lands, and there was no appropriation of private property through the annexation process.
The Town of Stonewall had originally submitted a proposal to the provincial government to annex eight quarter-sections from the RM of Rockwood, for a total of about 1,250 acres. In April, the minister of Municipal Relations advised that the province approved a smaller area with a commitment to support further annexation as growth occurs.
The changed boundaries will provide the Town of Stonewall with more developable land to support residential and commercial development into the future.
Looking ahead, the Town of Stonewall will need to modify its zoning bylaw and a consultant will develop a secondary plan to provide guidance for community development. Throughout 2024, residents will have multiple opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed new zoning and secondary plan.
More information is posted on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca under “Town Hall” and then “Documents” and “Annexation Documents & Reports.”
In other council news:
- During the last regular council meeting of 2023, Stonewall council provided and update for meetings in the new year. The Jan. 3 regular council meeting was rescheduled to Jan. 10, and the Jan. 10 committee of the whole meeting is cancelled. Also, the April 10 committee of the whole meeting will be cancelled.
- Council gave first reading to an amended bylaw regarding the licensing and regulating of a raffle lottery.
- Council gave second and third reading to an amended bylaw for traffic regulation.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw the provides for the regulation and control of animals within town limits.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw regarding the prevention and control of fires within the town.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw regarding the parking and storing of derelict vehicles.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw regarding the regulation and control of firearms in town.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw to establish and maintain proper lot grades in town.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw to regulate and prohibit noise nuisance.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw for the purpose of controlling, regulating or prohibition the removal of topsoil from lands within the town. The bylaw also prescribes measures to be taken for land that has topsoil removed.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw to maintain properties and regulate nuisances, abandoned or unsightly properties.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw that establishes criteria and guidelines for the installation or construction of residential driveways onto public streets.
- Council gave first reading to a bylaw to establish a policy and standards for the construction of private approaches and installation of culverts in the annexed areas of the town.
- Council conditionally approved a request to subdivide a strip of land off a residential lot and consolidate it with an adjacent property on 2nd Avenue North.
- Council accepted and adopted the 2023-28 strategic plan prepared by Scatliff + Miller + Murray.
- Council agreed to extend the Heart of Our Town Incentive Program for three more years.
- Council adopted the updated Town of Stonewall’s emergency plan.
- Council accepted a proposal for a new secondary plan and zoning bylaw review.
- Council accepted a settlement of $10,565.25 from Manitoba Public Insurance for a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT that was involved in an incident that rendered it unsafe for use.
- Stonewall’s Christmas tree recycling program runs until Jan. 14. Residents can drop off their tree for recycling at the public yard located at 147 5th St. W. All decorations, tinsel, stands and plastic tree bags must be removed before bringing the tree to the yard.
- The outdoor rink at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex and the pond at Quarry Park are both ready for skating.
- Prior to the pandemic, the Town of Stonewall was exploring the possibility of a full renovation of the town hall. However, the project became fiscally unfeasible at that time due to supply chain issues, construction price increases and other factors. The main focus of the project was accessibility, which continues to be an important consideration. Council is now looking at options to add bathroom facilities on the main floor of town hall to improve accessibility. A consultant is working with the town to find a cost-effective way to achieve this goal while still maintaining the character of the building.
