Local parents aim to keep the memory alive through a proposed project on the Brant-Argyle School property.
McKenna Riley attended the school from kindergarten to Grade 8 and spent her life in the community. She died in December 2020 at the age of 20.
Her parents propose installing a sign with an LED message display. Messages could inform community members about events and more.
“We thought it would be fitting to provide something the whole community could use and enjoy,” wrote Kevin and Lisa Riley in their letter of intent. “The sign will be for the benefit and use of the community of Argyle.”
They propose locating the sign west of the school exit lane, and they requested approval from council to vary the minimum front yard to 10 feet from the required 25 feet.
“We have been working with the Interlake School Division and the administration of Brant-Argyle School and various community members on the design and placement of the sign,” the family wrote.
Postime Signs is working on the design, which would be low maintenance and esthetically appealing with two flagpoles on either side. The proposed sign would have a concrete base, which would also include a community library in McKenna’s memory as well as benches made of recycled materials.
South Interlake Planning District did not have any significant concerns with the proposal. Council approved the request.
In other council news:
• A Rockwood resident requested permission to place a 1,216-square-foot temporary mobile home on a five-acre property near Teulon. She intends to live in the mobile home near the main home where her daughter and son-in-law live. This arrangement will allow her to help with their childcare needs, share expenses and provide mutual support. The daughter and son-in-law would also be able to help with more physically demanding tasks such as lawn care and snow removal. South Interlake Planning District did not have any significant concerns with the proposal. Council approved the request.
• A Rockwood resident is requesting conditional use approval to build an 850-square-foot secondary suite so they could care for their parents as they age. Located just north of Teulon, the resident’s single-family home spans 2,100 square feet, and the secondary suite would be within a proposed addition to this home. South Interlake Planning District had no significant concerns with the proposal. However, a variance is needed since the proposed front yard setback is less than the minimum requirement. Council conditionally approved the request.
• Council and South Interlake Planning District board previously granted conditional approval for a subdivision to create a lot for an existing residence and for a cell tower on Road 92N. Council approved the request to vary the minimum site required for the proposed subdivision lot to 25.22 acres from the required 80 acres. The variance is part of the conditions that must be met.
• Another Rockwood resident requested to vary the minimum site required for a proposed subdivision lot to 10.001 acres from the required 80 acres. The 10-acre site on Road 85N would be for an existing dwelling and the 70 acres would be for an agricultural parcel. In the summer, council and South Interlake Planning District board conditionally approved a subdivision to create a lot for an existing residence. The variance is part of the conditions that must be met. Council approved the request.
• Interac debit is now being offered at the Winfield transfer station and the Rockwood waste disposal grounds. Debit will be the only form of payment accepted starting Jan. 1, 2024.
• Council supports the RM of Rockwood forming part of the West Interlake Watershed District and the Redboine Watershed District, which support watershed-based management in Manitoba.
• Council authorized a contract for a preventative maintenance program annual service and inspection with Air Unlimited Inc. for emergency backup generators at multiple locations in the municipality.
• Rockwood council authorized a $1,000 donation to the Teulon daycare nature playground initiative.
• Council gave second and third readings to a bylaw that provides payment of expenses and mileage to citizen members on municipal-appointed boards. Council also gave second and third readings to a bylaw to provide payment of indemnities, mileage and expenses to the reeve and council members.
• Council passed third reading of a bylaw to regulate the operation of all-terrain vehicles. Coun. Lyle Willis was absent from the vote.
• Council passed first reading of a bylaw to regulate the Balmoral utility system and establish new water rates.
• The RM of Rockwood will be improving Road 75N, also known as Propellant Plan Road. Funding for the project will come from the community enhancement fund ($100,000), the Canada Community Building Fund ($200,000) and private developers ($700,000).
• Unlimited leaf and yard waste will be picked up with Thursday curbside collection until Oct. 26.
