Stonewall council news in brief
Stonewall council is considering a request from Flamingo Vape Shop to set up an age-restricted cannabis retail store in town.
The proposed shop would be located at Unit 3-493 4th St. East, which is part of the existing commercial building with businesses including Subway and Pizza Hut. Red River Co-op Gas Bar is to the north and Stonewall Foods is to the west. The land is vacant to the south and the east.
Flamingo Vape Shop launched in 2014 and initially started off as an age-restricted vape shop in Winnipeg specializing in electronic cigarettes.
In 2021, the business converted to sell age-restricted cannabis after obtaining the necessary licences.
Today, the business operates seven Manitoba-based cannabis retail locations in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Winkler. In 2024, they also opened their first age-restricted vape shop and cannabis shop in Calgary.
This year, they’re looking to expand into three new strategic locations in Manitoba, starting with Stonewall. They also hope to expand further in Alberta.
The plan is to operate the Stonewall shop Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. They intend to have two people working together for most of the day.
The applicant’s letter of intent states that over the past 10 years, Flamingo has became an industry leader in the age-restricted retail space while following municipal, provincial and federal laws and regulations.
“Our intentions with expanding into the community of Stonewall is to continue providing exceptional customer service and product selection for customers over the age of 19 living in Stonewall and the surrounding regions,” states the letter.
“Our commitment is to continue serving the good people of Manitoba with respect and honesty as we have all these years. The team at this location will be hired from Stonewall and surrounding areas as well as receive support and training from existing supervisors and very hands-on district management team.”
Non-medical cannabis was legalized in Canada in October 2018. Businesses looking to open a new retail cannabis store need to obtain a cannabis store retailer agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, as well as licensing from the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. The federal government also shares responsibility for regulating non-medical cannabis products, packaging and advertising.
In December 2018, Stonewall council conditionally approved the opening and conditional use of a different cannabis retail store in units 2 and 3 of 493 4th St. East, but the store never opened.
The South Interlake Planning District had no significant concerns with the proposal. Council approved the request.
Expanding public transit for rural communities
The Government of Canada recently shared a news release indicating that increased transit services are coming to Manitoba thanks to a $3.9-million federal investment.
Funding will support the purchase of two electric buses, six charging platforms, 12 chargers and garage upgrades in the Interlake region. These upgrades will ensure door-to-door transportation services for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, improving accessibility and service reliability.
Teulon, Rockwood and Woodlands will also benefit from funding to purchase a new mini-bus and an accessible van to replace aging vehicles. These upgrades will ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable transit services, while enhancing accessibility and sustainability in the region.
“The Town of Stonewall and its Stonewall and Area Mobility Service (SAMS) partners were thrilled to receive this funding and are deeply grateful for the support from the federal government,” said Coun. Walter Badger in the release.
“The investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure will not only enable us to bolster and expand SAMS but also improve accessibility and sustainability for our residents and neighbouring communities. This funding will make a significant difference in helping us to continue providing reliable, door-to-door transportation for those who need it most in the Interlake district.”
Cherise Griffin, chair of the Teulon and District Handivan Service, said this Rural Transit Solutions Funding has allowed the local service to replace two of its aging vehicles. This allows them to stay on the road, transporting individuals who are mobility disadvantaged, including seniors and people with various disabilities in Teulon and surrounding areas.
“This funding is vital for many handivan services throughout Canada to be able to replace aging vehicles,” Griffin said in the news release, “and we are grateful for the federal government’s dedication towards the multiple intakes they have offered through the Rural Transit Solution Fund.”
She added that they recently submitted another application to the Rural Transit Solutions Fund for an additional large handivan to add to the fleet.
In other council news:
• The Town of Stonewall is approved to receive provincial funding up to $136,500 for the Quarry Park accessibility additions and enhancements project. The funding falls under the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities program through the Department of Municipal and Northern Relations.
• The Town of Stonewall will also receive a final $15,000 operating grant for the 2024 Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program through the provincial government. The operating grant is determined on the basis of 37.5 per cent of eligible gross operating costs to a maximum of $20,000 for communities operating one paratransit (handivan) vehicle, and $30,000 for communities operating more than one vehicle. An interim payment was provided earlier this fiscal year.
• The 2024 public water system report is now available on the Town of Stonewall’s website at www.stonewall.ca. All Manitoba communities with more than 1,000 people need to produce an annual report about the operation of their water system. In 2024, there were two boil water advisories due to a loss of water pressure in a portion of the distribution system. In addition, scheduled maintenance led to boil water advisories on four more occasions. A small rate adjustment took place in 2024. The 2023 rate was $1.83 per cubic metre, and the 2024 rate was $1.89 per cubic metre.
• The Town of Stonewall is providing the Quarry Days committee with a letter of support for its application to the Manitoba Community Festivals and Events Program.
• The town will purchase an eighth-page ad in the Courageous Companions Canada’s Courageous K9 magazine for $419 plus tax. The organization trains and certifies service dogs for veterans and first responders across the country.
• Council provided amended conditional approval for a subdivision request from Global Homes Ltd.
• Council accepted a $592,082.40 bid from Bayview Construction for Limestone Bay road upgrades and the 3rd Avenue North sidewalk extension.
• The Town of Stonewall will hold a public hearing to present the 2025 financial plan on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at town hall. More information is available on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca.
• The Town of Stonewall will raise the Terry Fox flag at town hall on Friday, April 11 at 2 p.m. in honour of the 45th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. All are welcome.
